Chukar Cherries
More than 25 years ago, Pam Montgomery bought a 100 acre, 8,000-tree cherry orchard in Washington’s Yakima Valley (in the south-central part of the state). After the first harvest, Pam noticed that many cherries went unpicked which allowed the natural sugars to develop while the fruit dried on the branches. Read more 
Chia Seeds: The Super Seeds
For years, the word “chia” was synonymous with the kitsch product known as the “chia pet” – a tabletop figurine in which chia seeds are spread like a paste across the top so that when watered, the seeds sprout and the figurine appears to grow hair. Times are changing as consumers realize this tiny little seed is a nutritional powerhouse with a higher and better use as a food. Packed with Omega 3’s and vitamins, one tablespoon of chia seeds also contains 3 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber which causes the seed to expand to 9 times its size when combined with a liquid. Chia seeds are also a good source of calcium, phosphorus, and manganese. Read more
Whole Spice
Grocery store-bought spices were always a staple in my cabinet until I discovered Whole Spice – a California company that offers a wide selection of very fresh, all-natural herbs and spices without artificial colors, flavors or additives. Whole Spice offers more than 400 herbs, spices, seeds, blends, mixes, rubs, nuts, teas, fruits, vegetables, sugars, and seasonings in a variety of ways: whole, ground, powder, seed, granules, flakes, nibs, diced, sliced, granulated, crushed and more. Read more
Red Cabbage Slaw
On a recent trip to Boston, my daughter and I had lunch at Veggie Galaxy – a vegetarian/vegan diner – where we indulged in veggie burgers and Red Cabbage Slaw. The slaw was so good – tangy with a very slight spiciness – that I asked the server about it and she volunteered to write down the ingredients. When we finished lunch, she gave us the check and a “guest check” that listed the ingredients so all I had to do was figure out the quantities. Read more
Snapz
Snapz are an award-winning (Best New British Product), great tasting snack made from slices of fruit and vegetables with no added salt, sugar, or fat and no artificial colorings, flavorings, or additives. Gluten-free, made from non-GMO ingredients in a nut-free facility, Snapz are also low-calorie (30-50 calories per single serving packet), a good source of fiber (1-2 grams of fiber per single serving packet), and suitable for vegetarians, vegans, and anyone who wants a healthy snack. Read more
The Taco Bowl Reconsidered
Taco night has always been a family favorite but every once in a while, the menu needs to be shaken up a bit which is how I came to add Taco Bowl night to mealtime. When I first decided to try taco bowls, the pre-made shells were on my shopping list but after reading labels and not caring for some of the ingredients, I decided to try to make my own. Organic corn tortillas usually contain corn, water, and a trace of lime but finding 9-10 inch organic corn tortillas (most grocery stores carry the 6-7 inch size) is very difficult unless there is a Latin market close by. So, I started thinking about alternatives which is how I considered Ezekiel 4:9 Sprouted Grain Tortillas. Read more
Fruit Vinegars by Mangé
For years, people have expounded on the health benefits of vinegar and although I was never able to bring myself to drink vinegar straight up, I often used vinegar to dress foods and make salad dressings. Balsamic vinegar has been front and center on my counter top but there’s a new vinegar that now warrants counter top space: Fruit Vinegars by Mangé. Different from balsamic, rice, apple cider, and white vinegar, Mangé fruit vinegars are smooth (really), slightly sweet vinegars that have been flavored with natural fresh fruits. Each vinegar is special in its own way and conducive to making sauces, marinades and dressings more flavorful. Read more
Vegan Banana Bread
Banana Bread is one of those recipes that I turn to when the fruit bowl is full of spotted overripe bananas. Delicious with morning coffee, as an afternoon snack, or as a dessert, banana bread is usually made with oil, eggs, and dairy products which is what makes the bread taste so good. So, the challenge is how to make a satisfying banana bread without oil, eggs, and dairy based products. For inspiration, I turned to The Happy Herbivore whose recipe for banana bread is very good but I wanted a banana bread that was a bit less sweet and one that had a crunch that only nuts could provide. Read more
Artisana Nut Butters
Fresh peanut butter and almond butter have permanent shelf space in our cabinets because we love to spread it on crackers, toast, crisp apples, and even on California dates. With no added sweeteners or salt, these natural butters are delicious on their own and from time to time, we’ve been known to take a spoonful and enjoy the butter au natural. Read more
Going to Boston? Go to Veggie Galaxy!
What is it that makes a diner a diner? Is it the feisty, but warm waitresses, quick with a cup of coffee and assumed familiarity? Is it the curved ceiling, the tiled floors, the classic stainless steel exterior? The cozy booths, the counter with stools that puts you right near the action at the grill? The reassuringly familiar menu? Breakfast-all-day? The wide range of customers, who mirror the diversity of America itself? Adam, Founder of Veggie Galaxy Read more
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