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Ingredient Spotlight: Zucchini

There are so many ways to eat zucchini. Its mild sweetness makes it a versatile ingredient in any kitchen.   It can be diced up and thrown into stews or soups, steamed as a simple side dish, roasted for a flavorful accompaniment at any meal.  It can be spiralized into noodles, sliced into planks, even shredded… Continue reading Ingredient Spotlight: Zucchini

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Ingredient Spotlight: Avocado

The creamy, buttery, decadent avocado.  It sure is versatile.  It can be used as a garnish or the main event; it can be mashed into a dip, blended into a drink, or sliced into a snack.  This mighty fruit sure can be delicious, and that deliciousness has been enjoyed for several thousand years.   The… Continue reading Ingredient Spotlight: Avocado

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How to Prepare More Meals at Home

What comes to mind when you think about your kitchen?  For me it is peaceful, tranquil, a stress reliever.  It brings me joy: where creativity is housed.   It is the place where both my belly and soul are nourished.  Not everyone shares those same emotions though. Not everyone sees a kitchen as a happy place. … Continue reading How to Prepare More Meals at Home

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Ingredient Spotlight: Shrimp

Cooking shrimp may seem a little daunting or scary at first.  They can be delicate to handle – temperature wise, overcooking can happen pretty quickly, and lets face: shrimp is not the cheapest source of protein.  Yet, once you become familiar with it, a shrimp dish becomes easy to execute (not to mention tasty).  Most… Continue reading Ingredient Spotlight: Shrimp

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Ingredient Spotlight: Coconut

The mighty coconut.  It harbors many uses in the kitchen.  The meat has been used in both sweet and savory preparations all over the world.  The milk and cream make for wonderful additions to just about any sauce, soup base, or dessert imaginable.  Its oil was the go-to cooking oil up to the invention of… Continue reading Ingredient Spotlight: Coconut

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Ingredient Spotlight: Raw Cacao

Although, nowadays many who think of chocolate tend to associate it with Belgium or Switzerland, the origin story of the mighty cacao bean is traced back to Mesoamerica.  The cacao most likely originated in Southern Mexico, where the Olmecs ground the beans with water to create a beverage.  Very little sweetener was used in those… Continue reading Ingredient Spotlight: Raw Cacao

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Southwest Chicken

There nothing new about chicken in a cream sauce.  Tale as old as time.  Chicken smothered in cream of mushroom or gravy has been happening for generations. However, it can be challenging to find recipes that involve creamy sauces made for dairy freers because, obviously most sauces include cream.  Mimicking that mouth feel can be… Continue reading Southwest Chicken

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Ingredient Spotlight: Cauliflower

Cauliflower is part of the cruciferous family.  Named after the shape of the petals (the four petals resemble a cross or crucifix), cruciferous vegetables are known for the nutrient-dense properties (yay!).  A native of the Middle East, cauliflower made its way to Europe from Cyprus in the 16th century before being found in North America… Continue reading Ingredient Spotlight: Cauliflower

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Nutrient Spotlight: Sodium

Sodium is probably the most controversial nutrient.  For decades it has been closely associated with table salt (sodium chloride) and used interchangeably in everyday conversations.  Often vilified, sodium is usually portrayed as harmful and bad for human health.   However, sodium is a necessary part of a balanced diet.  It is needed for survival, and in… Continue reading Nutrient Spotlight: Sodium

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Immune-Boosting Breakfast Bowl

Weekday breakfast is known for its quick grab and go mentality.  Pop something into a toaster, nuke food in the microwave, perhaps cold fare that requires no cooking.  It is rarely about sitting down and enjoying a stick-to-your ribs meal.  Yes, it may be challenging to think of preparing breakfast when so many competing obligations… Continue reading Immune-Boosting Breakfast Bowl