Spring is in the air and that means Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are upon us. Skip the fancy restaurant this year - it’s time for brunch entertaining and connecting with one another in your home. Your table is your stage so let’s bring on the main attraction – Creating Ambience. We will focus on the table top while creating a warm, engaging atmosphere. It’s all about connecting – when people feel comfortable they are relaxed and readily available for easy conversation. (Use these ideas for any brunch you host.) Read the rest »

Since 1998, the USDA has mandated enriched grain products be fortified with 140ug of folic acid/100g of the food. Why? Because FOLATE or FOLIC ACID is involved in cell division, DNA (genetic expression) and amino acid synthesis. Available folate is critical in the first trimester and even prior to conception to prevent neural tube defects which are birth defects where the brain, spinal cord and their protective membranes do not develop properly, resulting in disability or even death. Folate also supports a healthy placental lining and helps to lower risk for preeclampsia and high blood pressure. Read the rest »

This easy spin on chicken tacos from the April issue of Every Day with Rachael Ray will please kids and parents alike!

Chicken Taco Patties
Servings: 4

It’s easy to control the heat on these babies – just serve the jalapenos, taco sauce and extra onion on the side! Read the rest »

Question: I love soup on a chilly day, but I’d like to try something new that I can make for myself that’s also impressive enough to prepare for guests. Any ideas?

Answer: Soup is indeed a supreme comfort food and is a very versatile food. It can be served as a first course or entrée. Following is a soup recipe that should please your palate and those of your friends.

Gazpacho is a traditional chilled Spanish soup but can be heated in the winter and served chilled during warmer weather. In addition to tasting delicious, it’s a good way to hydrate the body with fluid and nutrients. Using beautiful ripe tomatoes (organically-grown are the best) will give your soup luscious color and flavor. Read the rest »

Life is hectic and busy for all of us.

No matter where we work or what we do it can feel, at times, like a balancing act.

As a result, I thought that this time we’d break it all down into easy, bite sized portions.

Things that we can all do *starting today* but which wont take forever to read (I know. I can get verbose) or to understand.

The basics which we all may know but all need reminding of as well. Read the rest »

Make a quiche for your pooch - and save some for yourself!

Real Dogs Eat Quiche
Servings: 4

Ingredients
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO)
½ pound uncooked turkey breakfast sausage links, casings removed
One 9-inch frozen piecrust, partially baked
½ cup cheddar cheese, crumbled
4 large eggs
½ cup half-and-half
2 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
Salt and pepper, for serving (people’s portions only)
Chili sauce or green salsa, for serving (people’s portions only) Read the rest »

Granola can be great tasting hippie food, but buyer beware. On one side, some of the packaged brands cram a lot of unfamiliar flavors in the mix. While these ingredients are often healthy, the flavors can be tough to swallow for kids. On the flip side, the more mainstream brands cram a lot sugar and artificial ingredients into their products which put them on par with the nutritional value of a candy bar. Sticking to basic ingredients is the trick.

Simple flavors - oatmeal, pecans and cranberries baked with natural goodness. This recipe is so simple, that homemade granola may soon become a staple in your house for breakfasts and snacks! Best Granola Ever is perfect for family members 3-99 years old. Read the rest »