What's in season now? Fields of vegetables are growing strong in Monterey County's Salinas Valley of California right now. It is a sight to see -- spinach, lettuces, fennel, artichokes, carrots and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower stretch for miles on end. Why is seasonal a smart choice? Seasonal produce is a great choice for satisfying flavors and top-notch nutrition. Shop for the abundance from California as well as the local region of North Carolina. It's a wonderful way to appreciate what America's agricultural areas are doing for us every single day. … [Read more...] about Seasonal Vegetables = Smart Choices
New US Dietary Guidelines – Try more green veggies for starters
New 2010 US Dietary Guidelines Challenge Us All Last Monday, the USDA revealed new advice for all healthy Americans over the age of 2 ~ the 2010 US Dietary Guidelines. This sort of advice comes to us every 5 years after a large investment in human and financial resources by the government. In the most positive sense, it serves as a challenge for us to make healthier choices at the supermarket and on our meal plates, all with the aim of better health and quality of life. This time, there is a slew of advice directed at reducing obesity since it underlies so many chronic and serious health … [Read more...] about New US Dietary Guidelines – Try more green veggies for starters
Home Cooking is Easy, Cheap and Tasty!
What's so great about home cooking? Trying to do more home-based cooking is a smart decision. By doing this, you and your family will enjoy more flavor and richer nutrition. Not only that -- you will feel a powerful sense of pride in what you serve on the breakfast, lunch and dinner table. Everyone does, including the kids! How can I get started? Getting started in your kitchen is easy. You will need a few pots/pans, utensils, an apron and simple menu planning and recipe resources. Now, take a deep breath and give it a try! Here's one easy, cheap, tasty recipe to try Homemade … [Read more...] about Home Cooking is Easy, Cheap and Tasty!
It’s Pumpkin Time!
Fall, Pumpkins & Kids! There's nothing more fun than carving a beautiful, orange pumpkin into a fun jack-o-lantern. Kids love the funny faces while watchful parents guard the sharp knife. Everyone enjoys pumpkin season ~ picking one out ~carving it ~ cooking with it in the kitchen! Pumpkins Offer Great Nutrition! If you're looking for a vegetable that's low in calories and high in health-promoting antioxidants like vitamin A, then pumpkin is the answer. Pumpkins are a hard, Fall squash that offers powerful nutrition with tasty flavor. In seasons of the year when fresh pumpkins are … [Read more...] about It’s Pumpkin Time!
Need an Easy, Fall Dinner? Chili Works!
Colorful Peppers Add Flavor I have become a believer in colorful peppers this summer-into-fall. Not only are they a feast for the eyes, but they also add a sweet, rich flavor to your kitchen recipes. In the last month, I've chopped up colorful peppers for cold salads, cooked them in a stew, sauteed them for a side item, and made them into black bean chili. Beautiful, versatile, nutritious, delicious is what you can discover with peppers! Making Fall Chili with Peppers Making chili starts with a favorite recipe and there are plenty of them in cookbooks, online and in your family … [Read more...] about Need an Easy, Fall Dinner? Chili Works!
Breakfast is Better with Pumpkin!
Bright Orange is Here! The leaves are changing and funny/scary costumes are on the horizon. Better yet, fall brings meals and snacks that overlap beautifully with the season of bright orange pumpkins for a "perfect storm" of good nutrition. Good Nutrition News! Pumpkin falls near the top of a list of the healthiest vegetables for everyone. It has fewer than 50 calories in 1 cup cooked and over 250% of the RDA (recommended daily allowance) for vitamin A for adults. In addition, pumpkin is mildly anti-inflammatory which means it is 'kind' to the body's cells and physiology in … [Read more...] about Breakfast is Better with Pumpkin!