February is American Heart Month

Parchment-Baked Chicken with Caramelized Onions and California Figs Good nutrition is key to the prevention of heart disease, which remains the top cause of death in the United States (1).  Want to learn more? Check your knowledge of heart disease with the Center for Disease Control Quiz (2). Assess your risk by taking the My […]

Halloween – How Sweet!

We all know Halloween is not just about costumes, haunted forests and bobbing for apples – it’s the candy.  Perfect timing to talk about sugar. In August, the American Heart Association (AHA) came out with new recommendations to limit added sugar for children over the age of 2 to no more than 6 teaspoons (25 […]

Coffee – Grounds for Concern?

A client recently asked, “Are there health risks to drinking coffee?” The question comes up often. Nearly 2/3 of Americans (64%) have at least one cup of coffee daily according to 2015 Gallup research (1).  Does it cause dehydration? No, the slight diuretic effect is offset by the fluids.  Ulcers?  Coffee doesn’t cause ulcers although […]

Cooking – Whose Got Time for That?

 Salmon Salad for Summer It’s no secret. I love to cook. But like most people, I don’t always have time for it. The popularity of processed food is evidence that many struggle with getting a home-cooked meal on the table. Half of Americans say they value processed foods because they’re convenient, stay fresh longer and […]

Celebrate Watermelon Day

California Fig, Feta and Watermelon Salad Today, August 3, is Watermelon Day. Good timing.  There’s nothing more refreshing on a scorching August day than biting into a wedge of watermelon and letting those juices dribble down your chin. No wonder watermelon is so satisfying – it contains 92% water. But it offers more than hydration. […]

Baking with Summer Berries

Berry Buckle with Cinnamon Figs Summer in the Pacific Northwest brings a bounty of berries, including blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, marionberries, loganberries, boysenberries and strawberries. Summer also brings visitors to enjoy our (mostly) glorious summer weather, trails and lakes.  I like to serve guests visiting my home the best of local in-season foods. This Buckle recipe, […]

Savor the Flavor

Za’atar & Sumac Spiced Salmon with Pomegranate Molasses Glaze March is National Nutrition Month and this year’s theme, “Savor the Flavor of Eating Right,” matches my passion – marrying good taste and good health. One “flavor family” that’s captivated the palates of food enthusiasts in recent years hails from the Middle East and North Africa. […]

Curry For Comfort

Curry-Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Figs & Vegetables Winter is in full swing and I embrace it by turning on the oven for a simple sheet-pan supper. I crave curry in cold weather and the fragrance of roasting richly-spiced vegetables warms the body and soul. So easy: curry and spice-rubbed pork tenderloin, winter squash and cauliflower florets […]

Chocolate Mousse for Just About Everyone

Chocolate Mousse Stress and eating often go hand-in-hand – and there are a lot of both during in the holiday season. What do people eat when stressed? Chocolate tops the list for many people.  It’s a popular celebration food, too, starring in cookies, desserts and gifts. There’s science behind the soothing effects.  Cocoa contains dopamine, […]

A Golden Twist on Hummus for Fall

Pumpkin Hummus with Fig Olive Gremolata   Hummus is hot.  Sales reached 695.5 million in 2014, a number that has doubled since 2009 (Reference 1,2).   It’s become a staple in many homes, including mine. Not only is hummus scooped onto pita bread and chips,  it is replacing butter and mayonnaise in wraps, sandwiches and more.   Arabic for “chickpeas” […]