I write to help others, so that we may collectively cook, eat, and live better.
Celebrating the Holidays with Health and Heritage
At Season Health, we know that dietician-recommended meal plans and recipes are not one-size-fits-all, and we believe that engaging with culturally-familiar food is essential for better health outcomes. We know that we need better representation and culinary expertise to represent the Black and LatinX communities that make up a significant portion of our patients. That’s why we work with a diverse group of chefs to make sure our food and recipes are culturally relevant to all members of Season.
In Defense of Tinned Fish
With so many choices, both domestic and imported, where to start? From humble to luxurious, there are tinned fish from all over the world to choose from, all varying in flavor and cost. You don’t have to splurge on a $12 can of Portuguese sardines to have a good time, but if you do you won’t be disappointed.
The Prep Chef at Home
Let’s go back to basics. Many have been thrust into the kitchen preparing more meals than usual without some of the building blocks that make prep work a quick and thoughtful act, rather than a laborious chore. The base of a fluid cooking experience is the setup, which begins with knowing your equipment and how to use it to your advantage.
Get to Know Our Head of Culinary, Chef Araminta
Tell us a little bit about you! Where are you from and what are some of your favorite things to do – besides cooking of course?
I was born and raised in Denver, Colorado, where I studied Culinary Arts and Nutrition. For several years I worked as a private chef, cooking for people with various health conditions, with a special focus on seasonal plant-based foods.
Knife Skills 101
Having proper knife skills improves the appearance of finished meals and ensures that food cooks evenly. Most importantly, handling a kitchen knife correctly leads to safer and quicker cooking. Before diving in, it's essential to learn about the various types of knives, their different parts, and how to create a safe workstation. Understanding the distinctions between dicing, slicing, and mincing will help decipher any recipe and result in a successful final dish.
“Tomayto, Tomahto” – The Differences Between Canned Tomatoes and How to Use Them
Canned tomatoes are a versatile and convenient ingredient that can elevate the flavors of countless dishes. From sauces and soups, to stews and pasta dishes, canned tomatoes offer a burst of rich tomato flavor even when fresh tomatoes are out of season. Let’s explore the different types of canned tomatoes available and the best ways to use them.
All the Delicious Ways to Season Your Food Without Salt
Reaching for the salt shaker is often the go-to solution to add flavor to a dish. When reducing salt intake becomes a priority however, a little creativity is called for so you don’t have to compromise on flavor. The key is to amplify other tastes like acidity, spiciness, and earthiness, using a combination of herbs, spices, vinegars, and juices. Salt? What salt?
How to Make the Most of Leftover Ingredients
When cooking up a recipe, it’s not uncommon to find yourself with leftover ingredients, or having a surplus of what’s required. Maybe a dish will only call for half an onion, or only a few handfuls of spinach from an entire packet. Here’s how to put the extras to good use - don’t let them go to waste!
Kitchen Essentials: Organizing Your Freezer
Your freezer is one of the most valuable tools in the kitchen. It allows you to prolong the life of seasonal produce, stock up on bulk ingredients and prepared food, and safely press pause on what might otherwise be thrown out. Without the proper attention however, freezers can easily grow out of control - becoming more of a black hole instead of a powerful kitchen time machine.
Low-Prep, Diabetes-Friendly Desserts to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
Single-Ingredient Ideas
Dark chocolate - low in sugar, high in decadence. Look for at least 70% cocoa and stick to 1 ounce at a time.
Dates - dip them in almond butter for an extra kick!
Banana ice cream - blend frozen bananas until it reaches a smooth, soft-serve consistency. It can be re-frozen or eaten right away.
Frozen grapes - freeze individual grapes in a zip-lock bag, and enjoy whenever a sugar craving strikes.
How to Make the Perfect Soup
Soups often have a reputation for being bland and boring, but the reality is, they’re anything but. Cooked well, soups are nourishing, hearty, and full of flavor - making for a comforting meal-time staple, especially in the colder months.
The best soups are all about the process: allowing various building blocks to come together slowly. So, next time you’re in the kitchen, follow these simple principles for your next bowl to pay off big time.
Make Mealtime Easier with Shortcut Cooking
Semi-homemade cooking is a delightful and time-saving approach to preparing delicious meals. It strikes a balance between convenience and homemade flavor, making it an ideal choice for busy people who still want to enjoy home-cooked dishes. Whether you're a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned cook looking to save time without compromising on taste, semi-homemade recipes are the way to go.
Editor of “Food Shapers” - A four-volume book by the Future Food Institute uncovering insights and exploring ideas for positive change in our food system. 2019