Special Sauce
If these two words fill you with visions of Big Macs, you're excused. Here's a better vision: Michelin 3-star chef Daniel Boulud's Sauce Diable. Made from ketchup, mustard, A1, Worcestershire and Tabasco. Really. Tasting is believing.
Garlic. Beans. Corn. Bake a cake.
Roasted Garlic-Bean Spread on Polenta Cake. Looks beautiful. Smells fantastic. Great texture and flavor. $3 for a delicious, satisfying meal for two. Packed with complete protein, calcium, fiber, Vitamins B and C and iron. Zero cholesterol.
Don’t Just Sit There. Stretch that wrist
Even if you exercise vigorously for an hour every day - too much sitting significantly increases your risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity. So when you're in front of your TV or computer, do this - or something like it - for a minute, every hour or two.
The Walk That Ate Towers
Great views from the tops. Actually, great views from the bottom, too. In Sienna. And in San Gimignano. Five miles. Three towers. 1,000 stairs. 1,500 calories. And you get to eat in Italy.
Spring Watch, Amaryllis edition
Not much to look at yet, but it's encouraging. Five or six weeks to the first flowers. Weeks of flowers. Bright red and white. Living color on the windowsill of the window that looks out on three months of dormant black & white sensory deprivation.
Don’t Just Sit There. Flex your chest.
Even if you exercise vigorously for an hour every day - too much sitting significantly increases your risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity. So when you're in front of your TV or computer, do this - or something like it - for a minute every hour or two.
Slower Sunday: Steamy
For 20 minutes, which is really how long you should let this steep. The lemon and honey and ginger. Takes a while to get really good. Lean right over the pot and inhale. Steam your face. Nice to share your pot with somebody. Good way to start the year. Sharing. Steamy. Slower.
Think In Years
Because most things happen in years. Let's say you're carrying around an extra 10 or 20 pounds. Probably didn't pick that up last week. Probably worked on it for years. Think you might be alive a year from today? Good. You have a whole year to do something about it.
First Morning Polenta Pizza
New Year's Number One reason to have leftover polenta in the fridge: breakfast. Whether you're feeling leftover or good as new, this is a wonderful winter meal. Rich and comforting. Not heavy. Great way to start the New Year.
Hot Lemon?
That's the question at breakfast every morning ... if you're in Nepal. It's the hot morning beverage you drink with everything. It's really hot lemon and honey. Maybe ginger. No tea. Easily habit-forming. A very good habit at this time of year.