A Meal for Mom

You might be thinking about Mother’s Day—what to do for that special woman, the one who fed (or feeds) you, bandaged the skinned knees, laughed at the goofy jokes and attended every one of the many soccer games, dance recitals and even the screechy grade-school band concerts (cheering supportively, every step of the way).  This is the woman who tucked you in at night, and perhaps wanted to, even after you’d outgrown the cozy ritual. And who always had a hug ready, when words alone just weren’t enough.

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In the Kitchen, Head South

Our youngest loves Mexican food. “Cado” was one of her first words—for the smooth Hass fruit. Along with refried beans, this was her go-to toddler snack.  She believes that the preference traces its origin to a pregnant mother’s obsessive, daily burrito fix—nine months of tortilla-wrapped cravings. Powerful stuff.  I can attest.  When I recall the irresistible allure of the flavors, it seems possible that the intoxicating power of Mexican food might extend into the womb. At least one 12-year-old is convinced.

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Resuscitating the Salad

Everyone knows we should eat salad.  It’s the perfect vehicle for getting loads of healthy produce into our bodies.  Salad can translate to fewer calories and saturated fat, plus more fiber, vitamins and minerals.

The down side is when it becomes too ordinary and everyday, a boring flavor-void, pushed aside or picked at, rather than enjoyed.  We know we should eat it, but how about tomorrow? Perking up a worn-out salad routine calls for creativity—a fresh approach with fresh ingredients. Here are a few tips to change it up.

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Taking Care of Mother

This week is a perfect time to think about Mom.  It’s her day on Sunday, April 22.  No, I’m not talking about the ladies that raised us.  I’m talking about the big, round one.  The one whose back we straddle, and whose precious resources fuel our lives.  Unfortunately this is the same grande dame that suffers silently at our hands — buried in our copious piles of trash and indelibly altered by our ever-accumulating greenhouse-gas emissions.

With Earth Day just around the corner, it’s an appropriate time to think about how we care for our Mother planet. And how we can do better. It might feel as if our personal role is miniscule in the face of a world riddled with bad habits, but each green step, no matter what size, moves us in the right direction.  Our food habits matter.  Here is some food for thought for Earth Day.

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Tools in the Kitchen

I often remind my electronics-appreciating husband that I’m not a gadget person. Strategically stated, as he’s poised on the brink of another early-adoptive purchase. If I’m not careful, there’ll be a brown shipping box waiting on the doorstep in short order. It’s true, I’m not much into TVs or iPads, but I do confess to adoring a toy or two of another sort. The kitchen variety. My toys, by contrast, are rather ordinary, low-tech — even ancient in design. The favorites fit in a single drawer with room to spare (though the second and third string require more space). I justify my indulgence by pointing out the food they enable. And the strategy works. Every time. After all, a TV only whets the appetite, while a kitchen tool delivers.

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