In Season: Cherries

With more than 900 (yes 900!) cherry varieties available around the world, there is no excuse not to dig into these sweet little morsels now that they’re coming into season.

With more than 900 (yes 900!) cherry varieties available around the world, there is no excuse not to dig into these sweet little morsels now that they’re coming into season.
You can’t go wrong with cool, sweet drinks on those dog days. Last week, I shared two classics: Berry Spritzer and Refrigerator Tea. Here’s another favorite to toast summer’s arrival. Made from two fruits that are coming into season, this “slush” is perfect for a party (you’ll want to up the portions) or an afternoon snack with the family.

Grocery delivery services offer point-and-click convenience and door-to-door service, but are they the smartest and safest way to buy your food? Here are some things to keep in mind before you place an order.

Pep up your next fiesta with this dip made with a bunch of healthy trimmings — beans, cheese, corn, tomatoes, avocados and a touch of spice. With a half-cup of dip per 140 calorie serving, you’ll be able to indulge without much worry. Offer a colorful display of veggies or baked tortilla chips for dipping. If you — or your guests — need the real deal, remember 15 tortilla chips (about an ounce) is our recommended maximum serving.

When it comes to healthy foods, yogurt makes most folks’ favorite lists. It’s a great source of calcium, good for a healthy snack or a star ingredient in many dishes all around the world. I was disappointed to see my market was stocking its cold case with yogurts filled with artificial sweeteners or sugar. Then, in the sea of fake ingredients and sugar overload, Greek yogurt appeared!

What dad doesn’t enjoy his grill and a great sandwich? Tomorrow, celebrate the fathers (and grandfathers) in your life with these cookout-friendly sandwiches – one for the meat eater, the other for the veggie eater and both a good alternative to a fatty hamburger or hot dog. Be sure to ask Dad what his favorite side is, or consider prepping a few of these salads.
From this week’s headlines: the lack of physical education in schools, answers to common food mysteries and how to eat a healthier “deskfast.”

I love cheese! Unfortunately, my husband’s family has a history of high cholesterol (and cheese can be high in cholesterol, fat and calories). Not wanting to put him at risk, I’ve had to come up with some creative ways for us to enjoy cheese without adding worry or resorting to tasteless, non-fat varieties.

Did you know combining rice and beans creates a perfect protein? Problem is, many folks sabotage this healthy dish by adding too much fat. Done right, rice and beans can be flavor-packed, quick-and-easy choice. Here is how we do it.
I made cream braised cabbage. But instead of using a lot of cream, I only used about 1-2 tablespoons, and added another tablespoon of horseradish. And that was for a whole head of cabbage. I got that creamy texture, and a great punch of flavor! And it goes great along side my mustard roasted potatoes!