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Slow cooker corn and shrimp chowder recipe

Rachel Dreskin — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 14:00:00 -0700

Hearty, comforting chowder takes on a decidedly summer twist when created using fresh, sweet corn and succulent shrimp. Chowders that highlight fresh shellfish, corn and potatoes are a staple among charming Northeast coastal towns. Try out your own version, made simple with the use of a slow cooker, and serve it up with oyster crackers or in a sourdough bread bowl.

Slow cooker yellow lentil dahl

Rachel Dreskin — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 11:00:00 -0700

There is no doubt about it. Home-cooked, bean-focused vegetarian meals are a healthy and nourishing way to feed your family. But coming up with tasty and filling meat-free meals can seem daunting and time consuming. When you have the help of a handy slow cooker that allows you to prep your meals well ahead of crunch time, serving up a healthy, balanced meal seems that much more feasible.

Quinoa stuffed peppers recipe

Rachel Dreskin — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 15:00:00 -0700

August is the month of bright, fiery-hued vegetables like peppers. Bell peppers are one of the sweetest varieties of peppers and can be enjoyed raw or cooked until tender and mellow. If you're looking for a fun way to cook these bell-shaped beauties without adding any extra heat during the steamy summer months, we have a nutritious slow cooker recipe that the whole family is sure to love.

Ultimate blueberry ricotta pancake recipe

Rachel Dreskin — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 11:00:00 -0700

Blueberries are one of nature's most antioxidant rich foods and, especially now that they are in season, we should eat them as much as possible. Toss them in your salad, in some yogurt for breakfast or an afternoon snack, or in these heavenly blueberry ricotta pancakes.

Homemade essential oil air fresheners

Rachel Dreskin — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 13:30:00 -0700

The number of home fragrance products available today is staggering. There are scented candles, potpourri, scented sprays, oil diffusers, incense and plug-in room deodorizers. But before shelling out for products that contain a host of potentially harmful toxins and chemicals, consider making your own air fresheners. A few drops of highly concentrated essential oils can add a lovely dose of natural fragrance to your home.

Zucchini blossoms stuffed with ricotta and basil recipe

Rachel Dreskin — Wed, 04 Jul 2012 14:00:00 -0700

Edible flowers are undeniably fun. What makes them even more exciting is when they are versatile and delicious as well. Zucchini blossoms, which are the flowering part of the zucchini plant, are in season during the summer months and can be used in a variety of your favorite summer recipes.

Radish recipes for summer

Rachel Dreskin — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 14:00:00 -0700

They are not exactly a stop-in-your-tracks kind of produce item. They don't have the "wow" factor of, say, a gorgeous heirloom tomato or an eye-catching head of purple cauliflower. But their pleasant crunchiness and uniquely spicy flavor make them a vegetable worth revisiting.

Add some pizzazz to your beer this summer

Rachel Dreskin — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 09:00:00 -0700

There is not much that is more refreshing on a hot summer day than a cold beer. Unless, that is, it is a cold beer cocktail. These jazzed-up beer cocktails are sure to add some variety and pizzazz to your icy cold one.

Antibacterial soap: Healthy or harmful?

Rachel Dreskin — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 06:00:00 -0700

Is antibacterial soap the best choice for our homes and families? The more germs and bacteria we kill, the better, right? But new research shows that antibacterial soap is not any more effective than regular soap in preventing illness. Plus, it may harm our health and the environment.

Dangers of nonstick cookware

Rachel Dreskin — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 10:00:00 -0700

Nonstick pans make cooking delicate foods like fish and eggs an easy task and cleaning them is a breeze. But many of these pans may pose serious health risks that may make you rethink how you cook tonight's dinner.

4 Creative savory strawberry recipes

Rachel Dreskin — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 08:30:00 -0700

Kiss goodbye those extra-jumbo mealy strawberries that are available year-round in the supermarkets. The season for sweet summer strawberries has begun! In addition to making fruit salads and summer pies delectable, strawberries can be used in savory applications. Here are four fun savory strawberry recipes to try.

3 Apricot cocktail recipes

Rachel Dreskin — Thu, 31 May 2012 09:00:00 -0700

When this sweet, velvety and luscious fruit comes into season, stock up! Not only are apricots great for snacking and baking, but they can also add a fresh and fragrant flair to these perfectly seasonal summer cocktails.

Spring pea and mint soup

Rachel Dreskin — Thu, 17 May 2012 09:30:00 -0700

Peas may not seem like much of a seasonal treat. We can buy them year-round by the pound in the freezer section, and they adorn casseroles, no matter the season. They add a pop of color to what would otherwise be drab dishes, but beyond that aesthetic quality, no one seems to care for them very much.

Vegan is love? A new children's book sparks controversy

Rachel Dreskin — Fri, 11 May 2012 09:30:00 -0700

"Vegan diets are healthier." "Vegan lifestyles are more ethical." We all hear and can understand that there is meaning behind these statements. But the new children's book boldly titled Vegan Is Love, by Ruby Roth, has people all riled up.

3 Soft-shell crab recipes

Rachel Dreskin — Sat, 05 May 2012 07:00:00 -0700

When soft-shell crabs come into season, we just can't make them too many times. Whether we're pan-frying them, serving them in a sandwich or on top of pasta, they are always a special treat. And they are only in season for a short time, so indulge while you can!

Elegant asparagus salad with prosciutto and poached egg recipe

Rachel Dreskin — Wed, 02 May 2012 07:30:00 -0700

Blogs, Twitter accounts and Pinterest boards are just starting to fill up with mentions of this spring staple. One of the surest signs that spring has arrived is when the first stalks appear at farmers markets and on seasonal restaurant menus.

How your food choices can reduce your carbon footprint

Rachel Dreskin — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 10:00:00 -0700

Our modern food system has made obtaining food, and a wide variety of foods, undeniably more convenient. But is the environment suffering from the globalization of the food industry?

Celebrate spring with fava beans

Rachel Dreskin — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 13:00:00 -0700

They are nutty. They are creamy. They are so different from any other bean out there. And they are in season right now. They are lovely when simply sautéed or when used in risottos, dips or pastas. Gather the family 'round and let's get to shelling!

How to make your own exfoliating scrub

Rachel Dreskin — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 17:00:00 -0700

Face and body exfoliators can set us back more money than we might like, and they're often filled with laboratory-concocted ingredients. Making your own natural exfoliators is easy and can save you a ton of money. Here are four easy exfoliator "recipes" to try.

Kick off the growing season by joining a CSA

Rachel Dreskin — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 13:00:00 -0700

Joining a CSA is one of the easiest ways to obtain fresh, local and in-season produce. But what exactly are CSAs and what are the benefits of joining one? Also, learn how to choose a CSA that is right for you.