As we gather at the table or video call/dine with those far away this holiday season, it’s the perfect moment to share warm wishes and express our gratitude to friends, family and co-workers. The main dish served may be a different source of protein or plant-based recipe. This year we anticipate seeing more roast beef/prime rib, seafood, holiday hams and a variety of baked dishes, with the potential of turkeys not being available. After turkey prices reached record highs last year, a … [Read more...] about Gathering at the Table
Goods from the Garden
Summertime Camp Cooking
There is no better time than camping in the tall pines or near a lake during the summertime. How wonderful it is to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily activities and select your favorite camping spot under the stars. Whether you are camping with the family, friends, church group or going on a solo trip, food is often the best part of the journey. I recall great memories of camping with my family during summertime. We traveled a lot to Lake Shafer in Monticello Indiana, which is … [Read more...] about Summertime Camp Cooking
Preparing a Joyful, Immune-Boosting Cup
Who doesn’t feel warm and peaceful while sipping a cup of steaming hot cocoa with marshmallows on top, or a double espresso peppermint latte made with almond milk, extra froth and a candy cane, or smelling the sweet scent of an herbal tea with a drizzle of honey added to it? Recently, we celebrated my friend, Melanie, and had a fundraiser to help her with her wellness and medical needs, for she has cancer. It was a lovely event where her family, friends, community members and perfect … [Read more...] about Preparing a Joyful, Immune-Boosting Cup
Celebrate Celery
While growing up, my best memories of celery were spread with cream cheese on a veggie platter. Peanut butter and raisins on top of celery was always a fun treat. That would be called “Ants on a Log.” My mother would also attach the food grinder to the table and begin placing multiple stalks of celery into the unit grinder for our Thanksgiving stuffing. I loved helping her with this project. As an adult and culinary specialist, I include celery in many of our recipes. I especially like … [Read more...] about Celebrate Celery
Eating During Stressful Times
Stress can be found in the faces of family, friends, neighbors and coworkers. I have seen perfect strangers with frantic looks on their faces. My heart goes out to them. I can share that I, too, have experienced forms of stress. As a local business owner, wife, mother and grandmother, I have stress points throughout the day. My overall health has been affected. You may have read in the past two articles that I have Hashimoto’s Disease, an autoimmune disease that specifically attacks my … [Read more...] about Eating During Stressful Times
Eating Lighter in the Summertime
Do you naturally shift your mindset to lighter and cooler meals during the summertime? During the heat of the summer, our bodies are geared to receive lighter meals. In turn, this allows us the energy needed to move through a hot day. Hiking, gardening, outside chores and sharing backyard get-togethers are shifting to lighter, cooler and refreshing foods and beverages. When it is hot outside, give your body a break by replacing your meat dishes with delectable vegetables. Meat is heavy and … [Read more...] about Eating Lighter in the Summertime
Let Food Be Thy Medicine
I was feeling a bit fatigued, sluggish, perimenopausal and experiencing some stress. My adrenals were in overload. I believed these feelings were caused by a busy catering season and some of life’s stresses. I knew I needed some guidance and nurturing. I scheduled an appointment at the Mobile Health Doc with Dr. Rebecca Chatfield. I went in for a consultation and exam. My next step was bloodwork. I sat relaxed, squeezing a little stress ball and the medical staff member drew five vials of … [Read more...] about Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Spring Up with Culinary Herbs
Spring is near and it is time to celebrate the season. I recall when I lived in Phoenix, springtime memories were the desert blooming with magical colors of wildflowers and cactus bearing fruit. We would attend Spring Training baseball games and celebrate with the fans and players. Spring Break was also a time for celebration when our children would be off from school and we would take road trips. For many of us, we do spring cleaning in our homes, closets and office spaces. Perhaps your … [Read more...] about Spring Up with Culinary Herbs
Where There is Love, There is Food
It is no surprise that through the years of my culinary journey, I have thrived to share food in multiple ways. Food has always been a tool to express my love and compassion. As a local caterer, we create menus for some of the most amazing clients and guests. A few weeks ago, I was having a conversation with another like-minded female friend. The topic came up that we are both nurturers. We love sharing and celebrating with food. We are passionate about gathering around the table with family … [Read more...] about Where There is Love, There is Food
Eating Healthy Food is Part of Self-Care
When you hear the term “self-care,” what comes to mind? For many years, I have thought that self-care involved getting a massage, receiving a luxurious facial, hiking in our beautiful forests, attending a fancy retreat, relaxing in a bubble bath, reading a good book and listening to jazz music with some lighted candles. Through the years, I have found that self-care was holding my grandsons and rocking them to sleep after storytime or sitting on the porch and watching deer walk through the … [Read more...] about Eating Healthy Food is Part of Self-Care
