Dinner Diva: Eating Like a Leprechaun

An attractive meal with a variety of colors makes for a better appetite. Think about what a meal of white fish, cauliflower, and mashed potatoes would like on a white plate if you don’t get what I’m talking about versus a steak, asparagus, and broiled tomato halves would look like on that same plate. I’m […]

Gold Stars

Dinner Diva Gold Stars By Leanne Ely, CNC Have you noticed how much easier it is to get something done when there is a tangible reward attached? Everyone likes to be acknowledged for his or her efforts, don’t they? I sure do! When I make dinner, one of the favorite parts is hearing my family […]

Nutty About Nut Butters

Dinner Diva Nutty About Nut Butters By Leanne Ely, CNC One of the great joys of life is nut butter: peanut butter maybe, but almond butter, cashew butter, and macadamia butter are dreams come true. It’s great on top of almost everything. On toast or whole grain waffles in the morning, on sandwiches or celery […]

Is Brown Better?

Dinner Diva Is Brown Better? By Leanne Ely, CNC   I remember eating Weber white sandwich bread when I was a kid. I’d come home from school, grab a slice, yank out the middle and squish it into a small, firm white “bread” cube and eat it with relish. I think back now on those […]

Most Common Grilling Mistakes

Dinner Diva Most Common Grilling Mistakes by Leanne Ely, CNC   Summer is here! Obviously, I’m a big fan of the grill and I feel as though I’ve spoken at length about it in that regard, so this isn’t another article expressing my unwavering love for this cooking marvel, rather, it’s a cautionary tale. Though […]

Taking the Edge Off Nutrition

Dinner Diva Taking the Edge Off Nutrition By Leanne Ely, CNC   It seems that the geometric triangle we’ve all associated with food has smoothed itself out into a more organic shape. We no longer have a food pyramid, but a food plate. The USDA has revamped that intimidating pyramid into a plate, dividing said […]

Farmers Market 101

Dinner Diva Farmers Market 101 by Leanne Ely, CNC   If you’ve never experienced the summer and fall privilege of a farmer’s market, you’re missing out, Big Time. Here are some reasons you need to get yourself there– 1. Better Flavor and Better for You. The produce you can find at farmer’s markets have incredible […]

Healthy Snacks for Hungry Kids – Part 2

Last week I shared some ideas for feeding those hungry munchkins that are home for the summer. Need more ideas? These snack ideas came in from moms – tried and true snacks that are healthy and keep kids (and adults!) happy. Try these out for yourself and see what you think. Our favorite is celery […]

Healthy Snacks for Hungry Kids – Part 1

It’s summer. They’re home. They’re whining and, most of all, they’re constantly hungry. So what’s a mom to do? Feed ’em! Kids need snacks, but not constant grazing. You need to make sure the snacks are healthy and are going to do them some good, nutritionally. Just giving them the junk that they clamor for […]