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squash: a how to

January 17, 2012

(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 years. [...]

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kitchen gadget: return of the crock pot

October 19, 2010

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 December 26th. [...]

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focus on: parsnips

August 20, 2010

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 color, you [...]

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focus on: cherimoya fruit

April 21, 2010

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. Cherimoya’s are native [...]

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focus on: chez panisse

June 16, 2009

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. Instead of [...]

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focus on: artichokes

March 30, 2009

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 of Vitamin [...]

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