Why Dry Brine? Merriam-Webster defines the noun brine as “water saturated or strongly impregnated with common salt.” Dry, of course, means that no water is involved, which by the way, is why I prefer a dry brine — but more on that in a second. Read More

The book Fire Cider! was created in part as an attempt to keep the origin story of fire cider alive and well and also to help ensure that traditional herbal formulas, those recipes and remedies that have a long history of … Read More

Nearly every culture around the world has a long history of blending spices together. Common culinary spice combinations — like the simple Seed Blend below — are dynamic and often more palatable than one ingredient alone. That doesn’t mean you can’t use a single spice … Read More

Carrots come in many colors and their sweet, earthy flavor and crisp texture make them a delicious addition to all kinds of dishes, whether roasted, pickled, or straight from the garden. Discover all the ways you can make the most of these long-lasting, nutritious vegetables … Read More

Pestos, pastes, and purées are ancient recipes made around the world with greens and herbs, garlic and spices, seeds and nuts, oils, and other ingredients depending on a country’s agriculture and cuisine. One of the most familiar pestos originated in Genoa, Italy, in the province … Read More

Having an Instant Pot is like having your own mini dairy facility at home. After all, it provides a sturdy, stainless steel, temperature-controlled, insulated environment. Some of the issues that beginners may come across — such as inconsistent heat when making yogurt, milk boiling over … Read More

In my work as a certified foot and hand reflexologist and licensed esthetician, my clients often ask me about what they can do to improve the texture of their skin. They wonder in particular about the skin on their arms, legs, hands, and feet, which … Read More

Yes, you can make frozen desserts at home with the tangy, fresh flavor of premium frozen yogurts. Great frozen yogurt starts with delicious yogurt, so you should always choose a brand that has a flavor you like. Alternatively, you can make your own yogurt and … Read More

For almost all of my adult years I have made yogurt for my family, mostly from store-purchased milk and later from our own goat’s milk. It’s always been for a trifecta of reasons: to save money, to reduce plastic waste, and (the best reason) for … Read More

The more we learn about the medicinal powers of spices, the more possibilities come into focus regarding use of spices for health. Abundant evidence supports the use of spices in our food for the prevention, and even possible treatment, of some of our most common … Read More