My neighbor Jenn sent over the most wonderful gift two weeks ago. Among other special treats, it included a ball jar filled with a vanilla bean, a handful of cardamom pods, a variety of dehydrated citrus slices, large chunks of candied ginger, a few cloves, and a couple of cinnamon sticks. The instructions said to empty into a pot of water and allow to simmer so as to fill the house with amazing smells. I am still planning on doing that, but first I screwed off the top and ate all the ginger. Continue reading
Author Archives: Dr. Sukol
YOUR HEALTHY NEW YEAR: Black-Eyed Peas
According to Southern tradition, black-eyed peas and collard greens bring good luck in the year ahead. I’m thinking that we can use all the help we can get. Praying for good health, vaccines, and masks. Happy new year!
YOUR HEALTHY PANDEMIC: Walnut Brownies
Some of my friends think I never eat treats, sweets, or anything fun AT ALL. They are so wrong. It is true that I don’t eat what I would categorize as “food-like” products or manufactured calories like corn syrup, white flour, and maltodextrin. But I definitely enjoy my share of desserts, especially this year. Continue reading
Sometimes You’ve Gotta Go Slow
A while back I learned that race car drivers have a saying: “Sometimes you’ve gotta go slow to go fast.” If you want to shave seconds off your time, in other words, you need to slow down as you head into the curve. If you want to keep up, sometimes you need to back off a little. It’s especially true right now. We can see the light at the end of the tunnel, but we’re actually headed into the roughest part of the pandemic. I had no idea that this whole year was just a dress rehearsal for the real thing. Continue reading
YOUR HEALTHY PANDEMIC: Oatmeal Pancakes
Can’t bring yourself to actually make a meal? Almost nothing in the house to eat but oatmeal? Try this comfy, cozy pancake recipe. Not only are they vegan and gluten-free (if you care) but they’re simple to make and easy to clean up after.
YOUR HEALTHY PLATE: Thanksgiving Weekend Squash Heaven
Here’s another recipe to share around. Even after you’ve eaten all the turkey and stuffing and gravy and mashed potatoes and cranberries and Brussels sprouts and mac+cheese and pumpkin pie and whatever else your family always makes for Thanksgiving, there is often a squash or two left on the counter. Here is something very special that you can do with that squash, a breathtaking way to elevate it to an honored spot at the table.
YOUR HEALTHY PLATE: Thanksgiving Green Beans and Potatoes
This year is the first time in 40 years that my family will not be joining our friends Duane and Connie for Thanksgiving. Yes, you read that right. We are doing this so as to increase the likelihood that we will be together next year. Connie’s annual feast includes a number of very special, tried and true recipes, and this one for Green Beans and Potatoes is one of the ones that I think about most in the between times. Continue reading
YOUR HEALTHY PLATE: Walnut Brownies
I have a wonderful recipe for you to make for your kids, your friends, yourself. This might be good for Thanksgiving, too. No big groups this year, of course, so you may end up having to eat it all yourself. Go for it. It will make an amazing breakfast, too, with or without a cup of very good and fragrant black coffee. Continue reading
YOUR HEALTHY PLATE: Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Our recent seasonal recipes have left us with a large amount of pumpkin seeds. This is my favorite recipe for what to do with them. Apropos of nothing, seeds are a great idea for families with nut allergies. But they’re really delicious no matter what. And they’re a great treat for when you’re on the couch watching a movie, or for sprinkling on salad, soup, or even roasted squash. Continue reading
Set an Intention
These are not easy days, to say the least. But one thing that really helps me is to start each day by setting an intention.
What does that mean? Well, I might say to myself, “Today, I will take a few deep breaths.” Or, “I will keep my eyes on the road.” Or, “I will be kind to myself.” Intentions can be abstract or concrete. They can help you study, close your eyes, or stretch your arms to the ceiling a couple of times a day. They can let you stay in bed, ask for a back rub, take a long bath. Intentions are multi-purpose, which is an essential part of their charm. I weave them into the fabric of my days, and they make my weeks more interesting, resilient, even productive. The possibilities are endless. Continue reading