focus on

squash: a how to

January 17, 2012

Pin it(source*) Squash can be an over-whelming vegetable. It is hard to chop, hard to peel and then you have to figure out how you are going to eat it! I received a request for a post on squash last week so I thought I’d put together a few tips that I’ve learned over the [...]

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kitchen gadget: return of the crock pot

October 19, 2010

Pin it A few years ago my brother, who always gave me “funny” Christmas presents, gave me a camouflage crock pot. I believe my response included something along the lines of, “I don’t hunt squirrels in my back yard like you, why would I ever use a crock pot?” and promptly returned that present, most likely by [...]

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focus on: parsnips

August 20, 2010

Pin it Parsnips. The less-vibrant (in color, not flavor) cousin of the carrot. Purchased from an incredibly adorable young girl at the Farmer’s Market. I think the taster and I both wanted to bring her home with us more so than the actual parsnips, although he probably won’t admit to that. Nutrition: Given their dull [...]

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focus on: cherimoya fruit

April 21, 2010

Pin it Always on the lookout for new and interesting fruits and vegetables and not always as aware of the prices that go along with it – does anyone else have trouble estimating prices by pound? – I came across the cherimoya, a hybrid fruit of sorts with flavors reminiscent of papaya, pineapple and guava. [...]

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focus on: chez panisse

June 16, 2009

Pin it I have never had the pleasure of eating at this iconic restaurant but I vow to get there someday soon!  Chez Panisse opened in Berkley in 1971 by Alice Waters and some of her like-minded friends. Chez Panisse was founded on the thoughts that the best-tasting food is organically grown and harvested ecologically. [...]

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focus on: artichokes

March 30, 2009

Pin it picture by MatthewA Artichokes are one of my favorite vegetables.  I love artichoke dip, steamed artichokes, marinated artichokes, artichokes in salads……    What makes them such a great veggie?   provides lots of antioxidants  excellent source of fiber  high in magnesium (which helps control blood pressure)  filled with folate (prevents birth defects)  good source [...]

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