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Eating well

Short but sweet: Cherries are in season

While modern growing methods mean we have cherries year round, the summer months are typically still thought of as cherry season in the United States. The Northwest Horticultural Council records Washington state, California and Oregon as the top cherry-producing states. The Northwest cherry crop was worth more than $697 million in 2023, and cherry industries in Washington and Oregon together provide more than 20,000 jobs. Stone Fruit? A stone fruit, also called a “drupe,” has a large pit or “stone” in the middle. Many familiar fruits are in this category: peaches, plums, ...

Sweet bell peppers can enhance a dish

Checking out my little container garden the other day I noticed there were a few tiny bell peppers on the vines, cute but not promising. However, at the local farm stands the peppers are large, abundant and being sold for much less than in supermarkets. It’s the perfect time to buy peppers ...

Salt before or after? Seven cooking techniques that chefs can’t agree on

Have you been using salt wrong all your life? Are you marinating too long, thinking that it’s necessary for flavoring? Find out which cooking techniques are the subject of heated debates among seasoned chefs and which side of the table you’re on. Should you salt before or after cooking? There’s no doubt that salt is essential for seasoning but chefs may disagree about the best time to use it. For meats, some strongly recommend salting before cooking — known as dry brining - to give the salt more time to season the meat and tenderize the texture. Other chefs oppose this ...

Aim for healthier hydration with a habit-building beverage

FAMILY FEATURES — Begin building tiny, healthier practices into routines you already have to help make it easier to establish habits you can stick to. This concept is called “habit stacking,” and it can help you improve habits from morning to night. Consider those busy mornings when you need an on-the-go solution — rather than opting for sugary foods and drinks, turn to Green Tea Berry Banana Smoothies that include unsweetened green tea. When incorporated as part of an overall healthy diet, unsweetened tea can support heart health. This no-sugar-added recipe from Lipton, a ...

Surprising things to make in your waffle maker

Dust off that waffle iron hiding in the back of your cabinet, the one you only bring out for Mother’s Day. With National Waffle Day approaching on Aug. 24, it’s time to celebrate this small appliance’s flexibility and special place in our culinary heritage. From savory snacks to sweet ...