Up until now and welcome 2013! “Rock bottom became a solid foundation upon which I built my life.” J.K. Rowling’s Someone recently accused me of being impractical. The comment was fairly spat at me, so naturally I was puzzled and hurt, but the more I thought about it, the more I was able to put… Read More

In the brain, tryptophan is converted to serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that has the effect of reducing pain and decreasing appetite, and producing a sense of calm-always good for improving your mood. Complex carbohydrates stimulate the production of serotonin so consume oatmeal, brown rice and other whole grains. There is an association between low… Read More

Simple ways to create elegant dishes You can envision yourself standing at the table explaining the meal to your family or guests; dishes with the words ‘caramelized’ or ‘scented’ or ‘toasted’ in them. Lots of ‘with this or that’s’ always impress. I will help with all the adjectives and meal accoutrements and all you have… Read More

Cranberry Pear Relish: Ingredients: 8 ounces fresh cranberries 2 firm pears 1/2 lemon seeded 2 tablespoons honey 1/3 cup sugar such as Sucanat or Rapadura dash sea salt Preparation: Wash cranberries. Peel and core pears. Grind or process the cranberries and pears with the  lemon half; stir in the honey, sugar and salt. Cover and… Read More

Tangerines You all know that tangerines are rich sources of vitamin C, but did you know they contain a myriad of other antioxidants, phytonutrients, as well as soluble and insoluble fiber? All this and they are delicious and make for a very healthy snack. Besides any one in your kid’s lunchboxes or in a bowl… Read More