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Fat Tuesday The Whole Foods Way

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 13:08:11 +0000

This day of "sinfully rich" eating before Lent doesn't have to be totally over the top. You can have a great feast, leave room for dessert, and spare yourself a bellyache. Start with Artichoke Spread and Oysters Rockefeller. Follow with Crab Salad over a nice bed of greens, Wallace's Louisiana Style Vegan Red Beans, or Garlic Sauteed Shrimp and a pot of rice.

Liver-Loving Recipes for Every Day Living

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 21:14:21 +0000

Taking care of our livers should be part of our general commitment to self care. Our modern day lifestyle with its stresses, toxins and excesses can place a heavy burden on what the Chinese refer to as the "General" of the body. Nourishing liver energy in five element cooking is quite easy, and the recipes in Liver Loving Recipes: Nourishing the Wood Element in Five Element Cooking will give you some great ideas for supporting and caring for this hard-working organ.

How to Focus When Your Energy is Scattered

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 06:58:03 +0000

A remarkable number of my clients have commented that they are having trouble getting -or staying- focused these days, and they are asking for help to re-balance their energy. The general state of tension about 2012, global politics, and pervasive sense of uncertainty surrounding so many of us, all contribute to a dispersing of vital energy. The lack of focus and centering is impacting food choices as well.
While there may be other physical causes to an unfocused, low energy condition, there are a few simple recommendations I make across the board.

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Following the Ethnic Trail: India

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 15:58:12 +0000

Chick peas (garbanzos) have more iron than other beans, and are rich in unsaturated fats. They are strengthening for the pancreas, stomach, and heart.

Watercress is a powerful blood cleanser and blood builder. It is a diuretic plant, is soothing to the lungs, and stimulates bile formation. Watercress is rich in chlorophyll, sulfur and calcium, and strengthens qi (vital life force) energy.

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Eating Better-And Cheaper-In 2012

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 10:38:48 +0000

A few years ago I made a commitment to eat at home more. Eating out is one of the ways I spend money that can be put to better use. And with the exception of a very few restaurants, I feel better when I eat my own cooking. I know what's in it, I know it's made with care, and it keeps me slim because it's not full of hidden fats.

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Love au Chocolat

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:32:35 +0000

Butter? Check. Eggs? Check. Chocolate? Check. Gluten? Not a bit. Rich, delicious, dark and sexy? Absolutely.
This recipe for Gluten Free Chocolate Hazelnut Torte can be made with almond, chestnut or coconut flour if you aren't fond of hazelnuts, and can be dressed up or down as you please. It is a dessert for a special day -or night- that is easy to make and can be prepared the day before.

Cherry, Berry and Citrus Kanten

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:24:48 +0000

Ruby red and lusciously smooth, Cherry, Berry and Orange Kanten is a sensual and healthy treat. Star-crossed between pudding and Jell-O, it has a silky texture and as many incarnations as you can think of fruit variations. Give your honey some cherries in love this V-Day, and if you're doing Anti Valentine's Day, this works too! No traditional chocolate here, just a yummy treat.
Photo by GK Hart Courtesy of Getty Images

Be Mine

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:35:03 +0000

Valentine's Day is coming up, and so are the recipes for fun aphrodisiac cooking. By the time we are done you'll have the makings of a complete, sexy meal that won't break the bank and will have you feeling warm and yummy all over. We have a few surprises in the mix, like almonds and fennel, arugula and broccoli rabe (yes, this is supposed to get the juices flowing), and lots more that is simply sexy and delicious. I'm In the Mood For Love gives you recipes to create a multiple-course meal with all the trimmings.

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Dinner in 15 Minutes: A One-Pot Meal

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 14:49:10 +0000

Some nights I just don't feel like cooking, but am loath to order take-out. Having an arsenal of quick, easy nutritious meals that can be prepared quickly is a great antidote to the lure of delivery. This one-pot recipe for Pasta with Broccoli, Greens and Sun Dried Tomato Pesto...

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Alchemical Healing and the The Wood Element: Love Your Liver

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 14:20:38 +0000

Our liver energy is governed by Hun, or the ethereal soul. Anyone familiar with 5 element theory knows that the liver connects with anger. What is often not known is that a healthy and relaxed liver connects us to hope, vision, social justice and self-responsibility. An unbalanced wood element can lead to physical symptoms ranging from hormonal issues to migraines and sinus problems, joint aches and rashes. The 5 Elements: The Wood or Liver Element is an exploration of the physical, spiritual and alchemical attributes of this powerful and extraordinary energy.