Autumn invites us to celebrate the foods that create savor and spice. That’s because when we begin a new season, our bodies make a shift and we sometimes have to help them along a little bit. Hot foods and spices trigger the release of endorphins—the natural chemicals that trigger feelings of euphoria and well-being. I have personally experienced well-being through eating different chilis, curries, soups and warm beverages that include easy-to-find spices and herbs. Roasted, Cooked … [Read more...] about Autumn Cooking with Comfort
Goods from the Garden
Eating During Stressful Times
Stress can be found on the faces of family, friends, neighbors and coworkers. I have seen perfect strangers with frantic looks on their faces. My heart goes out to them. The last several months have been a roller coaster, and with all the uncertainty in our world, many are experiencing stressful times. I can share that I, too, have experienced forms of stress since mid-March and am grateful that our team of “essential” workers has the ability and passion to create delicious and fresh foods … [Read more...] about Eating During Stressful Times
Relax, Reset and Repair
Life can be hectic, crazy and downright out of control. We live in a world surrounded by chatter and noise, whether it is someone talking on a cell phone in front of you at the grocery store or sirens roaring past you. We have TVs, computers, cell phones, iPads, even phones on our wristwatches. Technology puts us in an incredible position to be more efficient than any generation before us, but I challenge you to define the cost of all of this. How do we determine if we are at risk and what … [Read more...] about Relax, Reset and Repair
Practicing Self-Care
Today, I am reminded to open my heart and let in the light. We have been hit with information by the government and news media that could be rather daunting. I have learned from a few mentors and professionals that we must take our own health and environments into our own hands. Of course, we need air, water, food, shelter and love to make it through the day. During these uncertain times, our community is doing so much to live differently. We are encouraged to stay home as much as … [Read more...] about Practicing Self-Care
Nurturing the Community with Goods from the Garden
From business meetings and award ceremonies to weddings and similar personal festivities, Prescott’s Goods from the Garden caters to the culinary tastes of area businesses and families. Named Best of Business-Catering in 2019 by QCBN readers, the firm boasts 24 professionals with collectively more than 188 years of culinary experience and “amazing” serving skills, according to co-owner Debbie Maranville. Championing “the pillars of healthy living and eating,” Maranville and her husband, … [Read more...] about Nurturing the Community with Goods from the Garden
Choosing Healthy Foods for Times of Grief
I am writing this article to help assist and be present for some of the most amazing people in my community. Recent announcements of some of the most sad and unwelcoming news can hit us hard. Whether it’s the death or a tragic diagnosis of illness of a friend, family or neighbor, food can be used as comfort in many healthy and unhealthy ways. We have heard of folks reaching out for quick comfort foods, alcohol and even drugs to assist with coping with sadness, grief and trauma. However, what … [Read more...] about Choosing Healthy Foods for Times of Grief
How to Avoid Feeling Overstressed, Overworked
I sit here chuckling as I consider to how to: be a better wife, mother, daughter; run our two businesses; balance my volunteer hours; plan time for exercising, meal preparation, playing with my grandsons, praying and honoring God, staying on top of social media, writing out Christmas cards, shopping locally for gifts, recognizing and praise my staff and spreading holiday cheer. That list doesn’t even include time for my own reflection and well-being. I became overwhelmed with exhaustion and … [Read more...] about How to Avoid Feeling Overstressed, Overworked
Making Holiday Meals Special
Celebrating the holidays with family and friends is a special time of year. I can recall so many food memories. My Grandma, Betty Scardine, would make homemade pasta and hang it over pipes in the basement. She called it “macaroni!” The lingering aroma of fresh sauce stills stays with me to this day. We would also have calamari. We would go to the local Jewel [grocery store] and order several pounds of the fresh squid. Sitting alongside her and cleaning it was fun. Then we breaded it and fried … [Read more...] about Making Holiday Meals Special