When you hear the term “self-care,” what comes to mind? For many years, I have thought that self-care involved getting a massage, receiving a luxurious facial, hiking in our beautiful forests, attending a fancy retreat, relaxing in a bubble bath, reading a good book and listening to jazz music with some lighted candles. Through the years, I have found that self-care was holding my grandsons and rocking them to sleep after storytime or sitting on the porch and watching deer walk through the … [Read more...] about Eating Healthy Food is Part of Self-Care
Debbie Maranville
Savoring Holiday Traditions
We all celebrate our individual cultures and family food traditions as a major part of the holidays. Growing up, Grandma Scardine would prepare fresh pasta and Brajoile (pronounced Brajole) with the Thanksgiving bird. The tenderness and flavor of the meat with the fresh sauce was amazing! Garlic and parsley would get stuck in our teeth. At Christmastime, we would have fried calamari and the sauce would include “the rings of calamari also.” I remember watching Grandma while the onion and … [Read more...] about Savoring Holiday Traditions
Cozy Soup for Fall
It’s about to be soup season. The leaves are changing to beautiful and vibrant colors. The crispness in the air invites us to curl up with a comfy blanket and enjoy our favorite bowl of soup. Healthy and nutritious, soup is a natural and healthy option that can be prepared in various ways: with vegetables, meat, chicken, or even legumes and rice. The vegetables added to your soups contain lots of vitamins, minerals and fiber. The broth and water added help keep you hydrated. For detoxing, … [Read more...] about Cozy Soup for Fall
Let There Be Quiche
My Grandma Betty Scardine was my family cooking instructor. I would watch her every move as she would shift from the upstairs and basement kitchens. I loved how she took the simplest ingredients and created wonderful dishes and culinary memories. I can recall watching Julia Child, the famous American cooking teacher from France. I loved how she created the most amazing dishes and introduced the French cooking techniques as I watched her on the family television. Her skillful and often comical … [Read more...] about Let There Be Quiche
Defining Culinary Teamwork
Growing up in our family, there were roles we each took as meals were being prepared. Opening cans of tomatoes and cream of mushroom soup was exciting for me, for my mom was going to make “Goulash,” a common casserole with ground beef, elbow macaroni and other fine ingredients we had in the refrigerator. Our family called it “Shitabowla!” Pronounced Sheetabowla. I am chuckling as I am writing this. Growing up, I wanted to take on roles in the kitchen to help with the family meals. I also … [Read more...] about Defining Culinary Teamwork
Memorable Camp Meals
It’s summer and time to get your camping on. The North Central corridor of Arizona becomes a destination for families, friends, church groups and community organizations to enjoy the tall pines as they experience camping under the stars. I have great memories of camping with my family as a young girl. I was able to experience family camping at Lake Shafer and Twin Mills Campground in Indiana as well as many hidden spots in Arizona. Firepits, lakes, creeks, hiking trails and boating are my … [Read more...] about Memorable Camp Meals
Using Summertime Herbs
'Tis the season to create the culinary celebration of summertime herbs. Enjoy the season of all your favorite herbs while you are out shopping at the Prescott Farmer’s Market, Watters Garden Center and local markets. Herbs bring a delightful flavor as well as medicinal properties. Some of my favorites include dill, tarragon and thyme. Please do not disregard mint, basil and cilantro. I have spoken to those in the past. Dill A unique herb that loves the summer sun, dill has a similar … [Read more...] about Using Summertime Herbs
Mother’s Day Herb Garden
[/perfectpullquote]I am a wife, mom, daughter, sister, “grammy” aunt, cousin, friend and boss. I am also a trustworthy friend, passionate about God and a strong leader. I am a Culinary Specialist, a Certified Herbalist and have a passion for herbs and nature. I am also on a “hormonal journey.” Yes, I just turned 56 years young! Balancing the roles and responsibilities of marriage, motherhood and business has been overwhelming. I have loved sharing with fellow moms, friends and mentors to … [Read more...] about Mother’s Day Herb Garden
Experiencing Culinary Delight
Culinary Delight: Noun. Definition: Any food dish that is simply delicious. As a young girl in the ‘70s, I had so many wonderful food experiences. I remember going to restaurants in North Chicago with my Nana and Poppy. One restaurant that always created culinary delights was “Scotty’s,” a fine dining establishment with a beautiful banquet room. I was able to order anything off the menu. The New York strip steak and salad bar experience was my true culinary delight. Another culinary … [Read more...] about Experiencing Culinary Delight
Harnessing the Power to Not Give Up
Have you ever heard someone say that they grew up with strong family values? I have to say that I did. They were a bit unusual, however. My father, a blue-collar man, always instilled the power in my siblings and me to press on and give it our best. Whether it was with school, sports or jobs, my father always demonstrated a can-do mindset and that neither giving up nor failure was an option. Thankfully, I have found that as an adult, I am grateful for his leadership in our family. Now, we … [Read more...] about Harnessing the Power to Not Give Up