A large share of the food produced in the US is never eaten, and households are one of the biggest sources of that waste. The EPA has practical tips on preventing wasted food at home. Wasting less saves money and is also the simplest way to make your kitchen more sustainable. Plan before you shop … Read more
Soup is forgiving, cheap and a great way to use up vegetables. Almost every good soup follows the same pattern, so once you understand it, you can cook without a recipe. 1. Start with aromatics Gently cook onion, carrot and celery (a mirepoix) in olive oil or butter until soft and sweet, about 8 to … Read more
Sooner or later you will cook for someone who cannot or does not eat certain foods. Some restrictions are a matter of preference; others, like food allergies or celiac disease, can make someone seriously ill. The aim is a meal everyone can enjoy safely, without cooking five different dinners. Ask clear questions Ask guests in … Read more
Mindful eating means paying attention to what and how you eat, without judgment. It is not a diet and it has no forbidden foods. Its aim is to reconnect with hunger, fullness and taste, which many of us lose when eating in front of a screen or on the run. Notice hunger and fullness Before … Read more
Cooking for one has a reputation for being a hassle: recipes serve four, produce goes bad and eating the same dish four days in a row gets old. A few strategies make it easy and even enjoyable. Shop for one Cook once, eat differently Rather than four identical dinners, make a base and transform it: … Read more
Cooking for a family means feeding different ages, tastes and schedules every day. The goal is a routine that is sustainable for the cook, not perfect meals. Plan the week Spending 15 minutes on a weekly plan saves time and money. A simple structure helps: a pasta night, a soup night, a “tacos or wraps” … Read more
Cooking for 15 or 30 people is a logistics project as much as a cooking one. Choosing the right dishes and planning ahead make it relaxed instead of stressful. Plan the menu How much food? Rough guidelines for a buffet-style meal per adult: When offering several dishes, people eat less of each. Leftovers are better … Read more
Protein helps build and repair muscle, keeps you full and supports many functions in the body. Most Americans eat enough protein overall, but many eat little at breakfast and a lot at dinner, and older adults and very active people may need more. How much do you need? The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for adults … Read more
