In our neighborhood, a casual Middle Eastern place sells the classics: falafel, shawarma, shish kebab, etc. We used to have a regular lunch of the spreads—baba ghannouj and hummus—plus grape leaves and tabouli. Then, one day, we decided to order something new. Looking at the menu, we chose fattoush. Fattoush (alternatively spelled fattush, fatush, fattoosh […]

Diet Tips

[1] Canned tomatoes are typically plum tomatoes (photo © Hunt’s). [2] First Place: Bianco di Napoli canned tomatoes (photo © Instacart). [3] Second Place: Market Pantry canned tomatoes (photo © Target). [4] Third Place: San Merican canned tomatoes (photo © Whole Foods).   Many of us used canned tomatoes for tomato sauce, chili, enchiladas, meatloaf […]

Diet Tips

We love this idea from Ardor Restaurant, located in the West Hollywood Edition hotel in Los Angeles. This vegetable-forward restaurant uses organic ingredients, prepared simply but (as you can tell from the photo), impressively. We’d also like to give a shout out to Chef John Fraser, a California native whose cuisine enthralled us when he […]

Diet Tips

[1] Spring Panzanella Salad, an Italian classic (photos #1 and #2 © Tending The Table | California Olive Ranch). [2] Close-up on the salad. [3] Radicchio (this variety is Trevisol; photo © Good Eggs). [3] Arbequina EVOO (photo © California Olive Ranch).   We love all kinds of bread, and that includes biscuits, pizza crusts, […]

Diets To Lose Weight

We are big fans of the turkey products from Diestel Family Ranch, a premier breeder of whole turkeys and other turkey treats. There are: Conventional whole turkeys plus Non-GMO and organic options. Boneless turkey breast that’s 100% breast, no patched-up pieces. Turkey burgers, chorizo, franks, ground turkey and sandwich slices including turkey pastrami, sausage.   […]

Diet Tips

This upside-down beer glass caught our eye. We wanted a set, but couldn’t justify the expenditure (not to mention, no room in our cabinet). The double-walled glass keeps your beer colder, for longer. There’s no condensation on the outside, either. Plan ahead for Mother’s Day or Father’s Day and take a further look at the […]

Diet Tips

[1] Braised chicken thighs atop creamy polenta (photo © Good Eggs). [2] Large chicken thighs (photo © Good Eggs) [3] Use a braising dish or a casserole dish. A Dutch oven also works (photo of casserole dish © Lodge Cast Iron). [4] A wedge of Parmigiano-Reggiano, ready to grate (photo © YinYang iStock Photo).   […]

Diets To Lose Weight

Polenta, made from ground cornmeal, is a porridge that dates to ancient times. It is gluten free, although not a whole grain*. This traditional Italian cornmeal style originated in Umbria in northern Italy, where it was a simple, hearty peasant food. In the U.S. and U.K., cooked polenta is known as as cornmeal mush. Polenta […]

Diet Tips