Pump up Nutrition with Whole Fats

Plant-based oils, each about 120 calories per tablespoon, contain varying levels of beneficial monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Some contain hard-to-find Vitamin E, but no other nutrients. But what about the sources of these oils, the whole fats?
Just as whole grain brown rice retains fiber and nutrients that are stripped to make it white, [...]

Preparing Fresh Water Chestnuts

Traveling presents a unique opportunity to investigate cultural neighborhoods. On my recent trip to San Francisco, I made my way down the hill to Chinatown. The morning sidewalk markets, with their colorful produce and odd-looking fish, buzzed with activity.

I watched a wrinkled woman sort through the fresh water chestnuts, accepting or [...]

Really Good Cheese Helps Cut the Fat

I love cheese. Whether oozing lava-like on pizza, crumbled in salad, or forming the structural basis of quiche, it’s one of my favorite indulgences. This love affair makes keeping my fat intake to 25-30% of calories a challenge.
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Photos of Ingredients for Unique Thai Flavors

Last week in a restaurant review, I wrote about Tom Ka, Thai hot and sour soup. A couple of key Thai ingredients float freely in a well-prepared Tom Ka, so you can taste their unique savory contributions. I thought I’d post photos and descriptions of them here.
The first is the Kaffir Lime Leaf. It is [...]