The Essential Round Food Molding Set
Several months ago, I was in a restaurant (Levél Veggie Bistro) by Retiro Park in Madrid when I was blown away by a dish called “Timbal Fresco de Quinoa” which means “Fresh Quinoa Timbale.” This beautiful plate of layered quinoa, sliced avocado, and chopped tomatoes with sprouts and ground black peppercorns on top was served with basil leaves along with a lemon squeezer and olive oil. I simply sprinkled the fresh lemon juice over the top with a sprinkle of salt and the flavor was magnificent. Read more 
Consider Brandless™
Brandless™ is a relatively new company launched in July, 2017 that focuses on better access to better quality (i.e. Non-GMO, organic) goods at a more competitive price.
Instead of relying on grocery stores for common household goods (i.e. beans, ketchup, mustard, maple syrup, tomato sauce, jam, dried fruits and nuts, grains, rice, peanut butter, and more), consumers can buy directly from Brandless™ – a company that sources their goods directly from suppliers.
There are no distribution costs, wholesale to retail markups, shelf stocking fees, breakage and settlement costs, and no retail marketing costs because the supplier is linked directly with Brandless™ who delivers the goods directly to the consumer, for free (orders over $39 are shipped free, otherwise shipping is a flat rate of $6). Read more
Food For Life® English Muffins
An english muffin’s most defining characteristics are its nooks and crannies but the ingredients to make this breakfast favorite are even more important because most of these round fork-split yeast-leavened breads are made with enriched white flour, sugar, oil, dairy products, and scary sounding ingredients (mono and diglycerides) which from a nutrition standpoint is not optimal. Read more
Sunflower Seed Whole Grain Bread by Sant Ambroeus
Rarely am I impressed with bread served in a restaurant so when a friend who hails from New York City insisted I try the Sunflower Seed Whole Grain Bread at Sant (St.) Ambroeus, my expectations were low. For me, the most excellent of breads must have aroma – that yeasty smell that is indisputably comforting, a crunch on the outside, a soft, chewy texture on the inside and most important of all: flavor. There are many loaves of bread that look good but very few that look and taste incredible. Just like men, right? Just kidding. Read more
Anson Mills Sweet Flint Popping Corn
When was the last time you experienced perfect light crackle and trace tenderness in a tiny white explosion?
Anson Mills of Columbia, South Carolina grows Appalachian Sweet Flint Popping Corn in the southern United States where an extended growing season allows the corn plants to grow and slowly develop cobs that hold tear-shaped kernels with a deep golden color at harvest. Read more
Twelve Superstars
Today is Election Day. Many of us will flock to the polls and cast our votes for the candidates we want to represent us. Although the really big election day is a year away, the essence of leadership is heavy on many people’s minds with all the presidential debates. As we make our choices today and in the future, let us not forget about the people who are making a difference by making this world a better, healthier, and more compassionate place. Read more
Paul’s Grains
Paul’s Grains is a hidden gem in a land of few jewels. Most farmers in Iowa grown genetically modified corn and soybeans but Paul’s Grains has been growing a variety of grains (spelt, barley, buckwheat, oats, corn, soybeans, millet, flax seed,quinoa, and more) without chemical fertilizers since 1964.
Going against the grain, Wayne and Betty Paul purchased 160 acres of land in a small town in central Iowa called Laurel. After graduating from Iowa State University with a degree in agriculture, Wayne was introduced to chemical-free farming using healthy, natural fertilizers for weed and insect control, which is how it’s been done for 51 years. Read more
Harvest Grains Summer Salad
Harvest Grains Blend from Trader Joe’s is a quick cooking blend of couscous, orzo pasta, baby garbanzo beans, and red quinoa. Combined with fresh vegetables, sweet Marzano plum tomatoes, avocado, a bit of olive oil, lemon juice, and dill, the cooked grain blend is the perfect base for a light and refreshing side dish for summertime meals. From stove to table in 20 minutes, the Harvest Grains Summer Salad is a delicious blend of textures and flavors that goes with nearly any dish placed on the table. Read more
Flattza®
Pizza or Flatbread…Blah, Blah, Blah……
Flatzza® is a wickedly wholesome and divinely delicious cross between a pizza crust and flatbread. Cover a 12-inch round Flatzza® with tomato or pesto sauce and your favorite toppings and bake until the crust turns a golden brown or bake/grill the Flatzza® (with or without a spray of olive oil) until golden brown and then add toppings, or slice into triangles and serve with hummus or your favorite dip. The options are endless. Read more
Sprouted Grain vs. Whole Grain Breads
Bread seems to be constantly evolving with changes on the horizon. Sixty years ago, bread was usually purchased from the neighborhood bakery or made at home but with the growth of processed foods in the 1960’s and 1970’s, large-scale production of bread made with refined flour soared and took over grocery store shelves. Although commercial loaves full of processed and enriched flours, chemicals, and preservatives still dominate the market, the most recent trend has been towards breads made with sprouted or whole grains, both of which offer a more nutritious and tasty alternative to white bread. Read more
