Fresh Food in Winter

'For those who want to eat local and in-season food, winter is the time of year that creativity in the kitchen is most valuable. This winter, get excited about the foods that are in season, which include some tasty fruits, savory greens, nourishing veggies and hearty meats. Winter is upon us — time to slow down, stay in and conserve energy. And just as it’s a great time to take stock of another passing year, it’s also the perfect time to take stock of your pantry reserves.

Turn to the comfort of foods you’ve put by and the convenience of pantry staples, such as beans, grains and pasta. And, as always, get excited about the foods that are in season, which include some tasty fruits, savory greens, nourishing veggies, hearty meats and an abundance of fresh mushrooms.' 


Read more...

Read more »

10 Ways to Use Gourds & Winter Squash

'I think it’s a shame that pumpkins get hijacked by Halloween. 

Although they make a brief comeback for Thanksgiving in pie form, their curtain call comes much too early in the season. So what’s a pumpkin-loving girl supposed to do? This one makes a quick shift to other members of the Cucurbitaceae family: gourds and various winter squash. They don’t put me in a dizzy swoon quite the same way pumpkins do, but they’ll suffice. Gourds are great for cool-weather crafts, and winter squash will supply the awesome fodder for delicious dishes all the way until strawberry time (known by some as “spring”).' 

Read more...

Read more »

Support Your Digestion this Holiday Season

'With Thanksgiving just past you've probably already rushed full speed ahead into your favorite holiday foods, right? Perhaps, but our digestive systems could really use some extra support, now more than ever. Fall and winter seasons are times when our bodies tend to crave those high fat, calorie rich comfort foods that can provide us with the extra energy to keep the body warm in these colder months.' 

Read more...

Read more »

Tis the Season for Hot Apple Cider

 

 'Actually, the season is almost over. That’s why we have to enjoy every second left of apple season, and with it, apple cider both cold and hot. Here in Pennsylvania the leaves have already fallen, and the frost has killed off everything in the garden except for the kale, garlic, and celery (which, honestly, I did not plant—I think my husband snuck it in—but it’s looking really good). Looking to stretch your food budget? (...) All my kids (and my niece Shelbi, too!) love my hot cider. And it’s so easy to make. The key is starting with real cider, preferably organic. Here is the recipe.' 

Read more...

Read more »