Fruitcake Season Has Arrived!

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fruitcake
Emeril’s Creole Christmas Fruitcake

The scene: Playing in the background is my favorite Christmas music compilation with “Merry Christmas, Baby” specifically being belted out at the moment (an amazing rendition sung by me and B.B. King); Soon-to-be-in-my-oven: a dozen individual fruitcakes!

December has arrived!

Welcome to the holiday season and all the stress, anxiety, eating, and fun that comes with it! Once you throw in a spritz of Cousin Joe’s dysfunctional family you are now ready to set up your January therapy appointments!!

This is the time of year I often pass along home-baked goodies to my friends and family. Some of my favorite handouts Continue reading →

Stocking Up for the Holidays – Stock Two Ways

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vegetables for stock
The vegetables for my vegetable stock pre dicing and slicing

On Monday my entire house smelled like Thanksgiving! There were not one, but two  stocks simmering away on my stove for much of the day. I prepared a vegetable version and a turkey version. I bought turkey thighs and legs and roasted them in the oven for the base of my turkey stock…that alone was enough to send Turkey Day aromas wafting throughout. While I waited Continue reading →

Turkey Day Approaches: Beginning Preparations

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turkey
Roasted Turkey fresh from the oven!

It’s a bit dreary here at home today. It’s raining; the temperatures are finally a tad cooler, though not as low as I’d prefer. However, it is closer to boot-wearing weather than sandal-wearing weather so you won’t hear me complain (too much!).

We have been traveling a lot the past few weeks. It was a refreshing change of pace to spend time in two of my favorite cities: Washington DC and New York City (seriously, who doesn’t love NY??). We also Continue reading →

Depression: A Journey from Weakness to Illness

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*October is Depression Awareness Month. I have mentioned that one of the things which drew me to wholesome foods was the potential healing properties they offer. I eliminated the processed, chemically laden items in my pantry, replacing them with grass-fed meats, pastured eggs, organic, responsibly grown fruits and vegetables.  But sometimes food isn’t the whole answer. Sometimes it’s only a small part. This was the case for me with Depression. The following is something I wrote some time ago but have not had the courage to post. But this is such an important issue and keeping quiet does nothing to bring change. And change is desperately needed. 

Depression is not a weakness

Depression: AN ILLNESS

If I am having a heart attack and doubled over in pain, what would you suggest I do? Would you help me? If so, how? Perhaps you’d call 9-1-1 or rush me to the hospital. I might need a dose of aspirin or even nitroglycerin under the tongue…a stent…bypass surgery…at the very least I would need to see a doctor. Continue reading →