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Write it Down

2011-10-05T20:13:05Z

The compulsion to write is strong. For some, very strong, which is why those people - true writers - eventually reach their goals. Writing is a craft, of course, but it's just as important to remember it's a job, and hopefully, a career. The goal is to have your work in print, whether that be a literary or consumer magazine, a book or even an e-book. The options are endless, really, especially now that most writers have blogs, twitter-feeds and facebook fan pages. Getting work out there isn't a problem. Getting paid for that work can be.

When I wrote my first article, I was literally shaking with excitement. But I worried about whether I was good enough. I worried that other people wouldn't like it. I worried I wasn't really a writer.

I'm not sure you ever completely surmount all those fears, but as Dr. Oz says, "Put it out there." Your work, that is. Each time you write something, you learn more about the craft.

You'll get rejected. It's possible you'll get rejected quite a lot. One writer told me she received over 80 rejection letters before she found an agent. She's gone on to write multiple New York Times bestsellers. Sometimes, people simply don't see the genius, but some times, the timing is off. It's hard to get both right; that's why you have to keep writing, keep querying, and above all, remember you are a writer. That doesn't mean it'll be easy or simple, it doesn't make success a given, but it does mean you have something worthwhile to say.

So say it, on paper or on your screen. Write them down, and feel their power.

Rosenblum Cellars

2011-02-08T23:02:00Z

My bottle was the 2008 Sonoma County Zinfandel. The color was simply gorgeous: maroon with hints of cherry. The wine was lovely as well. Rosenblum says of this wine, "Red fruit that flares around a rich,
brambly berry core touched by toasted oak and cloves. Dark fruit lingers with a nice grip on the finish, leaving a lasting impression." Yes, I agree with the lasting impression. And I get a mouthful of blackberries when I sip this one.

The winery is located in Alameda, California and is a highly recommended stop. Veterinarian Kent Rosenblum founded the vineyard with his wife Kathy back in 1978. Zinfandel is their specialty - and it is special. Part of that may be because the Rosenblums pick their grapes very ripe, which helps to manage the potential bitterness of the tannins.

I also have to say that the $9.99 I paid at Trader Joe's is the least I've seen this bottle anywhere. PIck up a few bottles: it's fabulous with anything grilled.

Feminine Mystique Mistake

2011-02-04T16:23:00Z

I heard an interview yesterday about a new book that's tackling some of the issues in Betty Friedan's The Feminine Mystique.

Great. Let me tell you, we women still have issues.

I agree that many of the issues are different from those felt by Friedan and her contemporaries nearly 50 years ago. But for some reason, we women don't seem capable of true contentment. As one phone caller said, "My mother told me to live my life before I get married and have a family." Her point was that once she started down married-with-children road, she as an individual ceased to exist.

That's so wrong.

My husband's point was that no man wants to get married and discover he's destroyed the life of the woman he loves. I can say the same in reverse.

And it's not that our lives are destroyed. They're...more complicated. Women feel the need to be completely involved as mothers but also have identities separate from our families. Many women are able to carry this load with grace and ease. Others struggle to find a balance.

I think that's the key: balance. No person can't be everything to everyone all the time. There have been many, many articles written about how to take time for oneself; by refreshing that inner core, one is much more able to be there for loved ones. While that makes sense, it also goes to show that we - as women - need to have a frank discussion about what it means to be a wife, a mother and an individual.

Note I didn't say professional. Not all women want to work (nor do all men). And you know what, that's great - as long as you can afford to do so. Perhaps if we assessed our individual goals, we'd not let the "prevailing wisdom" of the day make us feel less good about our choices.

We aren't going to be happy all the time. No one is. But we can at last be content with our decisions. After all, regrets really aren't useful. Or healthy.

The Huck Finn Makeover

2011-01-06T21:14:00Z

Publishers Weekly posted an article by Marc Schultz today titled, "Upcoming NewSouth 'Huck Finn' Eliminates the 'N' Word". The reason? Teachers aren't reading it in classes anymore even though it is one of the definitive works of American literature. Should publishers and editors be allowed to change writers' words? And would Twain want the word changed if it meant another generation of children read his story? I don't know the answers to these questions, but I think the choice to "update" Finn and make him politically correct is an intriguing and controversial idea. Perhaps that's the point.

Below are excerpts from Schultz's article. You may read the entire piece here .

Mark Twain's Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a classic by most any measure—T.S. Eliot called it a masterpiece, and Ernest Hemingway pronounced it the source of "all modern American literature." Yet, for decades, it has been disappearing from grade school curricula across the country, relegated to optional reading lists, or banned outright, appearing again and again on lists of the nation's most challenged books, and all for its repeated use of a single, singularly offensive word: "nigger."

Rather than see Twain's most important work succumb to that fate, Twain scholar Alan Gribben and NewSouth Books plan to release a version of Huckleberry Finn, in a single volume with The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, that does away with the "n" word (as well as the "in" word, "Injun") by replacing it with the word "slave."

"This is not an effort to render Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn colorblind," said Gribben, speaking from his office at Auburn University at Montgomery, where he's spent most of the past 20 years heading the English department. "Race matters in these books. It's a matter of how you express that in the 21st century."

Congress, hard at work

2011-01-06T19:21:00Z

The headlines for the past couple days show how hard the US House of Representatives is working: Reading the Constitution, Cutting its budget by 5 percent.

I call it showboating. These people have one of the cushiest jobs in the country. The average pay is $174,000 a year, roughly three and a half times higher than the median income in this country (which the census claims to be $52,029). On top of that inflated salary - which gets a cost of living raise each year - congress also gets health benefits and a retirement pension.

That 5% budget cut did slash $35 million from our deficit; that is a great step. But what the headline doesn't state is that the House of Representatives have seen a 14 percent increase in spending since 2008, the same year so many Americans began to lose their jobs. So Congress has given itself raises and more money while bemoaning the huge deficits and the lack of jobs for the average American.

Is it any wonder why the average American feels so much disdain for our politicians? Here are some simple ideas for improving those abysmal approval ratings:

Cut your salaries by 10 percent or more. Most teachers and other workers have taken bigger pay cuts over the past few years. So should you.

Reduce your staff and answer your own emails and letter - it's called increased efficiency.

Cut all pork-barrel spending. Period.

Enact some - and preferably all - of the spending cuts put forth in this recent Esquire article.

Stop spending time on TV shows and fighting over bills; spend those hours working together to actually legislate. Even if its a compromise.

And most importantly, stop telling us you are working for us. You aren't. You are working to keep your cushy job and big salary. We know this. And we don't like it.

Running in the Red

2011-01-04T19:14:00Z

I know that everyone makes mistakes. I do all the time, much to my frustration. Mistakes can be a great learning tool. But Texas - the state I spent 30 years in - seems to do mistakes bigger than everyone else, too.

Here's a perfect example from today's headlines:

Texan declared innocent after 30 years in prison

That is really sad for Dupree, the man wrongly accused of the crime. But it's costing the state a boatload of money. Here's what the article goes on to state:

Under Texas compensation laws for the wrongly imprisoned, Dupree is eligible for $80,000 for each year he was behind bars, plus a lifetime annuity. He could receive $2.4 million in a lump sum that is not subject to federal income tax.

The compensation law, the nation's most generous, was passed in 2009 by the Texas Legislature after dozens of wrongly convicted men were released from prison. Texas has freed 41 wrongly convicted inmates through DNA since 2001 — more than any other state.

I believe that Dupree does deserve compensation. The man spent 30 years in jail for a crime he didn't commit! And he can never have those years back. That's horrible.

But 41 wrongly accused people in the last 10 years? Come on, Texas. That's a lot of money and wasted man power. More importantly, that means a lot of actual criminals are running around outside bars because of the mistakes.

One way to shore up the state's budget is to stop convicting the wrong person. It would save time and a whole lot of money, money the state doesn't have to spend right now. So, Texas, I hope you've learned from your mistakes. And I really, really hope we don't see another headline like today's.

Un-United States of America

2010-12-10T16:17:00Z

For the past ten years, I've been waiting for politicians and political pundits to stop acting like three-year-old protecting a toy in the sandbox.

It hasn't happened.

Yes, I know we're not supposed to talk about politics. Nor are we supposed to talk about religion, but I'm noticing we're talking about both - slyly, for our own agendas - quite a bit.

I've been studying the history of Santa Fe, NM. The Spanish - for all their faults (which were many!) - were able to intermarry and coexist relatively peacefully with the natives, Africans and other groups that were either already in the territory or came to it. That is part of our legacy as Americans. Unfortunately, I still do not see this as the mainstream course of action. People seem to like to fight. Often and loudly.

What happened to respect thy neighbor? What happened to offering someone the dignity of listening to their opinion without talking over them? While I may like my ideas better, they are mine, not yours. And it's relatively rare that I will be able to change anyone's views, whether it be on something as trivial as cereal brands or as major as the environmental legislation that has stalled in D.C. That's OK as long as we can recognize a common goal: leaving our country better than we found it.

I am quickly moving from frustration to fear. Our country is polarizing on two opposite ends of the political spectrum; each feels its camp has all the right answers. This is the exact fiasco Abraham Lincoln warned against: "Nearly all men can withstand adversity; If you want to test a man's character, give him power."

But perhaps the most apropos quote is the one by Gore Vidal: "Politics is made up of two words. 'Poli' which is Greek for 'many,' and 'tics,' which are bloodsucking insects."

Enough Already: End-of-Life Medical Treatment

2010-12-09T20:15:00Z

I can't say that I was shocked by the numbers in this Huffington Post article. What does leave me aghast is the fact that so many people are undergoing painful treatments that do not prolong life but incur incredibly large debts. I can't say how I'd react in this situation: I think I'd want to explore every option to save my husband and kids, but would I want them to do the same for me? I can't be so sure. I don't like the idea of leaving my family with massive debt. And I probably want to have some peace and comfort in my last days on earth -- to spend with those I love.

Articles like these shows the need for better education. If Americans were well-versed on their choices I think the ratios listed might be very different.

Check the facts

2010-10-14T14:50:00Z

I have one major, huge pet peeve about political campaigns: candidates exaggerate the truth. Why? To makes the candidate look good and the opponent look bad, of course. It's also called mudslinging. Whatever you want to call it, it can make finding the truth about a candidate difficult.

That's why I spend time on factcheck.org . I can research what candidates have said and compare their statements to the actual facts. It's not affiliated with any political party that I can tell, and it gives a (relatively) neutral view of the races based on the facts.

That's the key for me: I want to know the real story. Politicans can - and do - spin all they want. Hey, they have an election to win. I want to know what they actually stand for and if I think that's a good match for my family and my community. I really don't care what they say. Campaign promises are just that - part of a campaign.

Where do you get your primary information on politics?

Engaged in education

2010-10-06T20:09:00Z

I'm a child of public schools. Texas, California and New South Wales, Australia. To help pay for college, I took a position as a math tutor for TAAS (what Texas then called its standardized testing program).

I think the public school system doesn't get it right.

Now, let me also say that I'm a HUGE proponent of public schools. They do a very good job of teaching children basic concepts upon which the kids can build. Many - if not most - of the teachers who work there daily are excellent and truly care about providing each child with these basic skills.

But the testing that we as a nation have set as the benchmark for our educational system is ridiculous. Passing a standardized test does not tell me a child is capable of learning to read, understand basic math or science or has any level of creativity. Passing a standardized test means simply the child got more multiple choice bubbles right on the ScanTron. For some kids, that's simply good guessing.

For some children, testing of any kind causes them to freeze. That results in very poor performance on that test. Other students are great at memorization and can remember the answers long enough to take the test. Still others stumble over certain concepts because of a question they don't understand. Quite frankly, I think none of these actually helps kids learn. I mean really, truly learn and apply that knowledge to other disciplines and moments in life.

And isn't that what we're supposed to be teaching? I want my children to want to learn - I want them to ask difficult questions and miss obvious answers. I want them to be engaged in the learning process. Because then they will take something intangible away from each lesson: they will take curiosity. They will want to come back and learn something new. They will apply that knowledge and build from it.

I understand that some aspects of learning will always be rote: sight words like "a" and "the" are best learned through memorization. Same goes with the multiplication table. It's a boring way to learn, but it's necessary. What I don't get is why we need to teach our kids history, science and even math that way. Wouldn't it be more interesting to show just how much math there is in music and art? What about a re-creating a court of law for high school students instead of having them read about the procedures in a government textbook?

We know kids do better when they explore the outdoors, so take more field trips to a local garden to teach botany and horticulture. The best case scenario would be for the kids to walk to that garden and get some exercise along with a lesson.

My point is that there are better, more engaged methods for teaching concepts. Ones that kids would be pretty open to exploring. And I think teachers would appreciate not being stymied by the unreachable goal of improving standardized test scores year after year (do we really, honestly think 100 percent of students will pass these tests)?

I want my kids to want to learn. Let's have a discussion about how make that happen. My guess is that most schools would improve their overall scores if we engaged the students in the learning process. It's the kids' education, after all. Shouldn't they have some say in how they're being taught?

Mediterranean in the Texas hills

2010-09-20T02:07:00Z

The Texas Hill Country used to be known for its dude ranches and cattle drives. It still is – along with Blue Bell ice cream. (Thank you, Brenham!)

The warm, Mediterranean climate has piqued the interest of a new industry: winemaking. Over the last few years, Texas Hill Country wine has been featured on menus at the White House, won some impressive awards and praised highly by celebrity sommelier Andrea Immer Robinson. The area is also one of the fast-growing wine regions in the country. Interestingly, many of the vacationing cowpokes and hunters are sipping viognier – my favorite white – and sampling cheese instead of tossing back an ice-cold Shiner Bock.

In fact, Becker Vineyards Viognier ($14.95) was just named one of the “100 Wine Bottles to Drink Now” in the October 2010 issue of Food & Wine magazine. Located near Stonewall, TX, the vineyard is also home to The Homestead Bed and Breakfast ($125 per night, including a bottle ofwine and baked goods for breakfast). Behind the vineyard is three acres of lavender fields, totaling 10,000 plants. While the vineyard doesn't have a distributor outside of Texas, the company does ship to a large portion of the country. As a bonus, there is a dozen-bottle discount. Be sure to purchase the 2008 Syrah and the 2007 Claret, which picked up big honors at the 2009 San Francisco Wine Competition.

Field Work

2010-09-19T14:18:00Z

Yesterday my family made its (fairly) regular trek to Salman Ranch to pick raspberries. Three hours of harvesting yielded four-and-a-half pounds of small though juicy organic fruit. This wasn't our best crop, but it's still worth the time and energy required. And no, it's not for the relatively inexpensive cost of picking ourselves. I like the fact that we are re-connecting with our food supply, seeing how the fruit is grown, nurtured and harvested.

The bees buzzed through the field while the moths and butterflies flitted out of the leaves. The sun - relentless and way too hot for mid-September - beat down from the clear, cerulean sky. And the only sounds you heard were people calling to each other from the rows and the sound of leaves rustling as you reached in to delicately nab another delicate berry. This may not be a realistic view of what harvest time used to be - I doubt the men and women working the fields chose to spend their Saturday afternoons hunched over thorny bushes. And I seriously doubt the farmers allowed them to take home their bounty (even if we did pay for it).

But that wasn't really the point of our trip: As a suburban family, we are unconnected from our food supply. It's rare that we see the trees and plants upon which our produce is grown. While we do make a point to talk to some of the farmers at the local farmers' market, we don't see the day-to-day operations necessarily to bring the prettily-packaged eggs or honey. I want my kids to understand that growing food is hard work. In fact, growing food using sustainable, eco-friendly practices can be back-breaking. Yet people do it every day.

Thank you.

Consumer Supported Agriculture

2010-07-16T14:40:00Z

This year I made the commitment: we're buying local and we're buying fresh. As a wonderfully healthy added benefit, that means were also buying pesticide- and antibiotic- free produce, eggs and meat. We've been purchasing our grass-fed beef this way for a few years, but I upped the anti and went all out with the poultry and eggs as well as with the fruits and veggies.

I have to admit one downside to the produce CSA I joined: I don't always like the vegetables. This week we're getting both beets and turnips. I really do not like beets. Turnips are OK, I guess. Oh, and I'm also getting kale and collards. Now, I like cooking greens, especially sauteed in garlic and finished with a little bacon and extra virgin olive oil. But I do not like them EVERY week. This makes the produce CSA a delicate balance. I want to support local farmers so badly; I want to eat ripe, nutrient-filled organic fruits and vegetables. I just want to eat the ones I, well, want. Still, knowing we're eating foods free of chemicals and pesticides makes up for the slight disappointment. And I still have to supplement with what's available at the grocery store. Armed with my Environmental Working Group's pesticide list, I can shop for the best prices and the best nutrition.That's something I really appreciate.

The poultry CSA is much more flexible. I can pick up whatever cuts of chicken and eggs (two varieties: American or French) at the farmers' markets around town. I really like this arrangement because there are weeks I do not need either.

So while there are some drawbacks to the eat local campaign, on the whole, we're making it work well for us. And I feel good about supporting local, small businesses. We're keeping more of our money within our community, which means we're strengthening our tax-base and indirectly helping schools and other community programs. All because we joined a couple of CSAs.

You are what you eat

2010-07-12T14:50:00Z

I'm concerned. I mean really concerned. I read a blog post this morning about rocket fuel contaminants in infant formula. Yes, infant formula is regulated by the FDA. So why did the CDC find that 15 brands of powdered formula (which account for a whopping 87 percent of sales) contain this thyroid-affecting chemical?

This is one place we desperately need more government regulation and more oversight. Infants' systems are simply not mature enough to cope with such toxicity. And more importantly, babies should not have to be processing pollution. What is going on here?

The Environmental Working Group put together a small study last year called Minority Cord Blood Report, which claims that up to 232 chemicals were found in newborn babies. And nine out of 10 of the infants' blood sampled contained BPA. According to the report, "BPA has been implicated in a lengthening list of serious chronic disorders, including cancer, cognitive and behavioral impairments, endocrine system disruption, reproductive and cardiovascular system abnormalities, diabetes, asthma and obesity." And babies are being exposed in utero, something that was previously considered unlikely.

The August issue of Parents magazine contains a special report on BPA, phthalates and PBDEs (flame retardants) that are way too common and currently not well regulated by the government. The article does list some easy ways to limit exposure: buy and use stainless steel water bottles (Sigg makes one that's completely BPA-free), use only unscented body and hair care products and purchase kids' pajamas and bedding made without PBDEs. All those choices will reduce the toxic burden in your home, but that doesn't limit their exposure to millions of other people: in this case, we need reform. And we need it now.

I'd like to see a study put together in which children consume foods and toiletries completely free of these toxins (like our grandparents did just two generations ago). What would the level of autism, ADD, asthma and eczema be in kids free of these pollutants? Would we see as many food and outdoor allergies? Are our bodies telling us they are simply too overloaded with chemicals to deal with what used to be considered minor ailments? Is this why cancer levels are increasing? I don't know the answers to these questions, and the unfortunate reality is neither do corporations or the government. That's why these products should be banned from use. If companies didn't need them to make products 50 to 60 years ago, they do not need them now. Period. (And a side benefit may be reduced health care costs because fewer people are getting ill.)

In the mean time, the best course of action is to limit exposure.

Do use stainless steel water bottles.

Don't heat food in plastic containers; purchase glass or stainless food containers instead.

Buy natural flame-retardant clothing like wool or purchase PBDE-free clothes.

Buy as much organic meat, dairy and produce as possible (the Environmental Working Group's Dirty Dozen is the top 12 fruits and vegetables with the largest pesticide residue - buy the organic version whenever you can). Better yet, buy from a local CSA or farmers' market where your money stays within your community and you can talk directly with the farmer or rancher to ensure you're getting high-quality, low-pesticide and low-antibiotic food.

Do check the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep Database before purchasing new skin or hair care products.

Do Avoid Keys Soap's Dirty Dozen chemicals:
Sodium/Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
Parabens
Propylene Glycol
Phthalates
Petrolatum
Cocamide DEA/Lauramide DEA
Diazolidinyl Hydroxytoluene
Ethyl Acetate
Toluene
Triethanolamine

This is an area of great concern for me, and I'm sure I'll touch on it again. Let me know what you think about the current state of toxicity. What do you want to know about reducing your exposure? It's time to tackle this issue.

Five New Mexico "ghost towns" worth visiting

2010-06-21T20:45:00Z

New Mexico - like many parts of the Southwest - has more than its fair share of abandoned settlements. With literally hundreds to choose from, it's next to impossible to choose just five. But I did. In a very unscientific manner, I might add.

Madrid

Drive the historic Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway to stop in this quaint town. About 400 residents live here year-round, and the art scene is booming.

Dawson

Home to some of the world’s worst mining disasters, this was once a bustling metropolis of nearly 9,000. The town, originally owned by Phelps Dodge, boasted schools, an opera and even a bowling alley.

Hagan

Coal was the moneymaker behind this Sandoval County town. Built around the turn of the century, it was deserted by the end of WWII.

Shakespeare

Located off I-10 near the Arizona border, this was once Billy the Kid’s stomping ground. You can walk along the Butterfield Trail and see Billy’s Old West.

Steins

Within miles of the Arizona border, this privately owned ghost town offers guided tours through the ten refurbished buildings.

New babies and parental mental health

2010-06-14T16:17:00Z

Having children is a huge physiological step for most parents. Not only does a woman's body change to accommodate the baby, parents need to prepare for the mental challenges of kids. And they can be daunting: with every child you are adding a new personality to the family. An unknown personality that needs constant attention and love (as will any other children you currently have).

But there really isn't much written about parents' prenatal mental health. If you consider Planned Parenthood's numbers that up to half of all pregnancies in the United States are not planned, well, is it any wonder that the soon-to-be-parents are not mentally prepared for the upcoming challenges? This is an area where we need more research and more resources. If moms- and dads-to-be are not mentally healthy at the time of their child's birth, then how can we expect the new family to get off to the best start possible?

Fess Parker's Santa Barbara County label

2010-06-08T23:34:00Z

This year, the United States is expected to become the number one wine market in the world. Americans simply can’t get enough of wine - the quality, the color, the bouquet and, of course, the first delightful sip. And when you think American wine, most people still think Napa Valley. But I want to mention a lovely label from Santa Barbara.

Actor Fess Parker’s eponymous label is best known for its lovely Viognier, which runs about $22 a bottle (the 2006 vintage scored 90 points in Wine Spectator).

The Pinot Noir ($26.99) is also highly regarded by wine critics and home chefs alike.

As a big, full-bodied red fan, I appreciate the Santa Barbara County Syrah's ($19.49) juicy blackberries that make the vintage just right for sipping with a nice steak. The bright Chardonnay ($17.99) finishes with a creamy hint of honey and oak, which I like with a green salad but others may appreciate more with a lean fish. The Frontier Red ($11.49) offers bold black cherry and hints of pepper that make it a wonderful choice for your next summer barbecue.

If you can get them, these wines are definitely worth the price -- and show just how much depth there is to the California wine market. More wines worth drinking are coming from outside Sonoma or Napa; while those two counties definitely have a well-earned reputation, the state's Mediterranean climate makes it ideal for grape growing. I expect more gorgeous wines to pop up from the the Santa Barbara region. And I'm really looking forward to popping that next cork.

Gluten-free, allergen-free chocolate chip cookie

2010-06-07T21:35:00Z

I like a good cookie now and then. OK, so more now. Or always. Whatever. Cookies are yummy. And I love the way they make the house smell as they bake. Divine.

Our problem isn't so much the gluten in a normal cookie recipe, though I do try to watch out for high-volume wheat consumption (and hold true to my motto of most things in moderation). Whole wheat can be an excellent source of fiber and other nutrients, but I don't think it should be my only whole grain source, which is why I came up with this lovely recipe. Hopefully, you'll enjoy, too. And yes, I'll try very soon to get some pictures to go with the food. The cookies have been - ahem - disappearing a bit too quickly for photo ops.

1 cup whole spelt flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, heaping
1/4 teaspoon salt
10 tablespoons (1 1/4 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup (packed) golden brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup dark chocolate chunks (from Whole Foods)
1/2 cup allergen-free chocolate chips (Food for Life from Whole Foods)
1/2 cup dried tart cherries or cranberries (I like these better with cherries) - optional
1/2 cup walnuts - optional

Note: When I double the recipe (pretty much always!) I do 2 c. whole spelt, 1 c. oats and 1 c. oat bran because the cookies stay moister.

Position racks in center and bottom of oven and preheat to 350°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Using electric mixer, beat butter and both sugars in large bowl until smooth. Add egg and vanilla. Add baking soda, cinnamon, and salt with mixer on low. Add flour(s) and oats and stir until blended. Stir in all chocolate chips and cherries and walnuts, if using.

Drop batter in tablespoonfuls onto prepared sheets, 2 inches apart. Place first cookie sheet on bottom rack. Prepare second baking sheet. Place on middle rack. Bake 5 more minutes then switch racks. Continue baking until edges are light brown, about 9 minutes more. Cool on sheets 5 minutes. Transfer to rack; cool completely. Store in airtight container for three or four days. If you still have cookies after this, well, I don't know what to tell you.

Dairy-free Chocolate Pudding

2010-05-26T20:34:00Z

I'm a firm believer in the occasional treat. Otherwise deprivation sets in and that causes nasty binge episodes. Oh, you've done that, too? So treats are a good thing. As long as they aren't every day.

This is one of my favorites, in part because my kids eat it with strawberries. Yes! More fruit in 'em anyway I can...But I digress. I'm not usually a big soy fan; I worry about the increases in estrogen levels and the overly processed quality of many soy products. And many people have soy allergies, meaning not everyone can partake.

Tofu is the exception to my soy concerns. And it's necessary for the right consistency.

Ingredients
1 package firm tofu, drained
1/3 cup rice milk (the whole grain version adds a bit of fiber and protein)
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup local honey
2-6 oz. bars dark 73% chocolate, melted
1 tablespoon Earth Balance butter

Melt chocolate and butter in a double boiler. (Yes, you can use the microwave but watch the chocolate carefully as it can burn). Blend all other ingredients on high in blender for about 30 seconds or until smooth. Working in small batches, fold the tofu mixture into warm chocolate. Mix until the pudding is all the same color - a rich, dark brown. Refrigerate for four to six hours. Enjoy!

Why I HAVE to cook

2010-05-25T14:40:00Z

I was in a grocery store the other day. It was one of those health-oriented markets that I frequent in the hope that I am actually taking charge of my family's food intake. I wanted some granola to add to my other cereals in the morning (I'm up to three in one bowl - it's getting ridiculous). The first box I picked up had 16 grams of sugar per serving. Gross. The next only had nine grams - a definite improvement - but also contained whey. Crap. We don't eat milk. I went through the other four types on the shelf with less hope of finding anything that met my needs: low in sugar, dairy- and gluten- free. None of the brands fit the requirements.

I used to love to cook - in fact, learning a new technique or recipe was one of my favorite past times. When we saw Julie and Julia, my husband remarked that the movie was made for me. True. Sort of. I don't enjoy cooking as much anymore. And it's not that I don't want to put an incredible meal together. It's the constant re-invention of recipes to suit our food sensitivities that makes the entire process less appealing.

I know many of you out there struggle with similar issues. Yes, it's great when Family Circle does a gluten-free recipe section. But, hello, most people are not sensitive or allergic to only one food. Usually, many foods cause issues. So why do recipes usually only remove one of the known allergens? I've never understood this.

Then there are vegan recipes - many are great for my cow's milk intolerant family. But we like meat. And honey. And eggs. Sorry, true vegans. We have to get fat and protein from lots of sources - nuts, a staple in our house - don't always fill us up. And legumes are frowned upon by many of my dinner companions.

So where to turn for easy, family-friendly recipes? Yeah, I wish I knew the answer. I've trolled the Internet for perfect sites and have yet to find a go-to option. What I have learned over the years is this:

Read the label on whatever you are buying EVERY TIME. Why? Companies change their products and ingredient lists. What was safe last month may not be safe today.
Learn to substitute. We can eat sheep's milk, so I use Pecorino Romano in place of Parmesan. Sheep's milk yogurt can fill in for regular yogurt and sour cream. Rice milk works in place of low fat cow's milk. And Earth Balance makes "butter" in sticks and containers, which I use in place of the real stuff (or, if I can get it and afford it, I prefer buffalo milk butter - tastes thick and creamy - kind of like mozzarella).
Eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Most of these are safe, though strawberries are the main exception. But for the most part, raw, braised, sauteed, baked or grilled, these foods are healthy, nourishing and low in fat. As one friend put it, "Fruit is nature's fast food." Sure is. The best part is it tastes good, too.
Stick with what you know works for you. Got a favorite marinara recipe? Always make double and stick half in the freezer. That way when you're too tired or busy to cook, you can simply reheat and have a meal on the table in under 20 minutes. Same goes for soups, meat dishes and anything that doesn't have pasta in it. Pasta does not freeze well.

Over the next few weeks, I plan to add some recipes to this site. My hope is that it will help some of you who are searching for new ways to feed your family. I know cooking can - and often is - a chore. But it's the best way to ensure your family is getting foods they can eat safely. So let's explore together. We may just find out it's easier than we thought.