Blueberries Will Travel

Finally, blueberries are ready for the road.   A sample of Naturipe® blueberry packets arrived on my doorstep just in time. We’re entering the fall frenzy when over-tasked schedules challenge healthy eating efforts.   Ideal for back-to-school lunches and snacks, I tried an “extended usage” of these ready-to-eat blueberries. Into my blender went an entire […]

Preserved Lemons for a Burst of Flavor

 Preserved Lemon Tapenade   I first tasted preserved lemons as a teenager, cooking my way through the world of Moroccan foods and flavors with Couscous and Other Good Food From Morocco by Paula Wolfert, © 1973.  At the time, harissa paste, bisteeya, tajines, couscous and the pungent condiment “preserved lemons” were very exotic.   Today […]

Brownie Taste Test: Mix, Scratch or Light?

Is it worth the trouble to make brownies from scratch? If so, should you bother with a “lighter” brownie? I decided to find out.   Brownies are an all-American favorite, perfect for the 4th of July party I was headed to the day of my tests. I set aside the morning of the party to test […]

Summer=Salmon

White or Red? I simply can’t get enough of wild Alaskan salmon.  On a recent shopping excursion I faced two choices, typical rose-colored filets and ghost-white filets called “Ivory” salmon. I lunged for the Ivory, a rare find with unique buttery flavor.  When another shopper asked about my choice, I assured her it was succulent […]

Sweet Signs of Spring

Roasted Spiced Rhubarb with Fresh Strawberries A display of rhubarb at the farmer’s market in Carnation, Washington triggered fond memories of my Nana’s stewed rhubarb; she canned every spring and served as a breakfast treat.  Nana grew up on a farm in Minnesota where a hearty breakfast, including a fruit dessert, was the norm.  Far […]

Chew On This!

Spring Herb Risotto with Toasted Grains What I love about the gluten-free trend is it has brought more grains and flours to our fingertips.  I’ve got red, black, brown jasmine and brown basmati rice in my pantry along with amaranth, millet, bulgur, farro, freekeh and a rainbow of quinoa. Grain choices don’t stop there  I […]

Foods for Recovery

Recovery eating is a hot topic with athletes looking for an edge and recreational athletes who want to feel and perform their best.   Note: Recovery nutrition is most important for work-outs that are of high intensity, frequency and long duration.   It benefits competitive athletes, endurance cyclists, runners and those doing heavy weight lifting. Recreational […]

Radish Leaf Pesto

  Radishes are moving beyond the relish tray.    More and more home cooks and chefs use them as a vegetable – steamed, sautéed, stir-fried and more. Last night I dined at Artusi in Seattle and this extraordinary fresh sturgeon with a garlic confit sauce was served with lightly cooked French breakfast radishes.   In […]

Fuel for Peak Performance

Test Your Knowledge   Every spring I get questions about what to eat and drink when preparing for marathons, “fun runs” and endurance events.  Here’s a quiz to get you thinking about optimizing fuel and hydration choices to help you feel and perform your best.            QUIZ YOURSELF ON “FUEL FOR […]

Get Spicy! Seasoning with Health Benefits

Indian Spice-Crusted Fish with Mint, Cilantro and Ginger Sauce     It’s spring and that means a wider availability of fresh fish.  Looking for a little culinary excitement I created this crust of Indian seasonings.  The crust brings a little spicy personality to mild-mannered white fish filets. Toast and grind your own spices for a […]