After studies emerged linking synthetics in our food to hyperactive behavior in children, everyone said “Huh. I guess that figures.” Now, Europe taking a second look at chemical dyes, and pending legislation would have products with any of six artificial colors come with a health warning. That said, “it’s...

  You’ll Need 1 tbsp olive oil 4 minced clove garlic 1/2 cup onion, chopped 8 large plum tomatoes, peeled/seeded/chopped juice from 2 lemons hot sauce to taste 1 1/2 lbs sea scallops 2 tbsp fresh basil, minced 1 tbsp fresh oregano, minced   Directions: In a large skillet...

Everything is so confusing. What does “natural” or “artificial” mean? For example, elderberry ice cream has added color from anthocyanins that were isolated from elderberries. THAT makes sense. The added color is considered natural since the elderberry color would be expected in an elderberry ice cream. Now it gets...

In 2007, a late frost decimated European elderberry crops. Although this crop, and so the natural coloring it produced, were grown in other areas of the world, it drove the cost up significantly. This kind of cost craziness that can vary from year to year, makes the industry and...

Here is an indication of the change we are in the middle of. Back in 2005, Nestle promised to remove all artificial coloring from its products. They vowed to switch to only natural alternatives, but had a real issue finding a replacement for their Brilliant Blue (used in Smarties)....

Food companies LOVE artificial colors. They are consistent, you can make them in industrial sized tanker truck loads, and because it has nothing to do with living things, it is not subject to changes in the environment or any messy crop fluctuations. Made to eat, but unrelated to food....

Think back. Did you purchase ground beef at Whole Foods, between June 2 and August 6? If so, Whole Foods will not have had a chance to recall that burger in time, you should toss it out, and ask for a refund. Just last month, this company, Nebraska Beef...

Get ready for controversy. The FDA has blocked Stevia. Advocates cry foul, saying they are held to an unrealistic standard, given that this plant has been used indiginously for centuries. It’s a plant. But the FDA cites 1968 research conducted by Joseph Kuc, that showed a contraceptive effect on...

  Excellent at any time of the year, but especially as a thin sliver to enjoy in the summer when the berries are the freshest!     You’ll Need: 1 cup graham cracker crumbs 2 tablespoons white sugar 1/4 cup melted butter 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened...

I can’t wait to grow this. Andrew Weil pointed out that he grows this naturally occurring herb on his ranch. A place called directgardening.com sells them on the internet. And actually, I’ve read that Stevia will grow in almost any climate, if it is given good soil, fertilizer, and...

These are the real deal. Easy to put together and a forever favorite. You’ll Need: 1/2 cup butter 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/4 cups white sugar 2 eggs 1/2 cup milk 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries First Preheat oven to 350...

For centuries, the Guaraní tribes of Paraguay and Brazil used a plant tthey called ka’a he’ê (“sweet herb”), to sweeten medicinal teas for treating heartburn and other ailments. The leaves of the stevia plant have 30–45 times the sweetness of sucrose (ordinary table sugar). To prepare it in the...