Today, I started my day doing one of my favorite activities- riding my bike. As I was cruising down Willamette Drive here is Portland, I saw many people filling buckets with the fresh blackberries that were growing on the side of the road. The sight of all those fresh berries gave me the idea to […]
Rocket Greens
Yesterday, I was gifted with a whole bag full of yummy, peppery arugula from my friend’s garden. I was so excited to receive such an unexpected tasty present. Arugula, also called rocket greens, is a vegetable from the cruciferous family with many amazing health benefits. Arugula is loaded with antioxidants to fight against free radical […]
For the Love of Rhubarb
Until a visit to the Bainbridge Island Farmer’s Market a few years ago, I had never experienced rhubarb. A booth there was selling the beautiful red stalks of rhubarb and sampling a delicious strawberry rhubarb crisp. I was immediately hooked and set about trying to create my own version of the crisp that night. (The […]
Why You Need Fat in Your Life
Why You Need Fat In Your Life Over the years, fat has become a dirty word because it has been blamed for obesity, diabetes and a whole host of other health problems. This bad rap is unfortunate because you need to consume healthy fats for your body to survive. Fat, along with protein and carbohydrates, […]
Spring Greens
This week has been absolutely beautiful in Portland- sunny, warmish, with trees and flowers beginning to bloom. I love this time of year when we get a break from the relentless rain and we begin to get a peek of the summer to come. Along with the gorgeous flowers, I love exploring all the different […]
Four Fabulous Fruits and Veggies for Fall
Fall is definitely in the air this weekend in Portland. I love the cool, crisp air and the occasional rain. It is a welcome change from the heat of summer. For many, the change of seasons brings some regrets with the perceived loss of the abundance of fresh produce. However, in the Willamette Valley, we […]
Focus on Blueberries
Berry season is in full swing here in Portland and I am loving it! There is nothing better than fresh berries off the bush or vine to make you feel like summer is here. Last year, I planted two small blueberry bushes in my back yard and I am anxiously waiting for the berries to […]
Focus on Cabbage
Next weekend is St. Patrick’s Day with all the craziness of green beer, leprechauns and pinches for forgetting to wear green. Luckily, even with all the celebrating, you can still do something good for your body. The traditional Irish meal of corned beef and cabbage offers an amazing opportunity to fill your body with nutritional […]
Blackberry Bonanza
I just rolled into town from a last hooray camping/fishing trip with my youngest son before he leaves for college. He is an avid fly fisherman so we traveled Oregon rivers looking for the best catch. Today, by the side of the Rogue River, while I watched him hook fish after fish, I discovered a […]
Four Spring Foods to Add to Your Life
Spring has sprung here in Portland and the glorious sunshine seems to be lightening everyone’s mood. As the weather begins to turn warmer, our bodies start to shift from a focus on the heavy, warming foods of winter to a craving for light, healthy fare. This short transition time between winter and summer offers us […]
Focus on Brussels Sprouts
Now is the season for the fabulousness of Brussels Sprouts. I love seeing the huge stalks of tiny cabbage looking yumminess in the grocery story. Brussels sprouts are part of the crucifers family including radishes, kale, cabbage, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. They are a cool weather crop with a nutty, earthy taste and the appearance of […]
Focus on Rhubarb
Rhubarb is a perennial vegetable that grows well in most of the United States. It’s beautiful red stalks are sold at farmers’ markets and grocery stores by the stalk, like celery. It’s harvested in the spring, with a short peak season from April to June. The stalks are the only edible part of the plant […]
