Jon Barron, Baseline of Health Foundation - Over the last year couple of years, and notably just a few days ago, a series of studies have hit the media touting the virtues of whole grains as opposed to refined grains. Not wanting to miss a hot marketing trend, the mainstream food companies and supermarkets have roled out a plethora of brand new whole grain options -- or announced their intentions to do so. My goodness, even Count Chocula cereal now comes in a whole grain version. So, are whole grains really better? Yes, that's obviously a dumb question. Of course they are, but…

Patricia DiGiacomo, Fit Fare - Kale is a leafy green. It’s actually in the same family as cabbage and brussels sprouts. There are two varieties of kale that we typically find at the farmers markets: purple and green. I like the purple just because it looks so pretty. Kale’s beauty hides a wonderful secret - a healthy mix of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.  So how can you enjoy this nutritional powerhouse? Well, I have a favorite recipe to share with you. I’ll give you a hint in photo form...

My passion for warm and bold flavors has found its way into most of my favorite main dishes ... I suppose it was only a matter of time before my taste buds started clammering for a little more spice to dessert as well.  However, I am timid in the kitchen, tinkering only slightly with tried and true recipes since I seem to be less than instinctual when it comes to pairing flavors.  So when my cravings for those crystalized cubes of sweet yet  potent ginger set in, I conservatively reached for two favorite recipe ideas, Molasses Cookies and good ol' Tollhouse Cookies (with the dairy-free conversion, of course) ...

(Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Soy-Free) - Dense and “fudgy,” Namaste’s Blondies were unlike any bar I had ever tasted.  The soft and thick interior melted in my mouth like warm cookie dough.  An intense sweetness and warm vanilla flavor sparked my taste buds as they shouted “dessert, a real dessert!”  Had I gone to heaven, or returned to the depths of sugar addiction?  Either way, I didn’t care … I needed more.  Going back for a second square, and a third, it seemed I wasn’t alone as the sizable pan was further and further receded each time I returned ... Read Full Blondies Review

The Friends of Animals organization has just released free Vegan Restaurant Guides for major cities.  If you live in, or plan to visit, New York City, San Francisco, Washington DC, Southern California, Portland, or Seattle, these restaurant lists are a must have.  Each guide is availalbe to view online or download for free.  If you prefer, you can purchase a print copy of the Vegan Restaurant Guide for just 25¢ via their online store.  Even if you aren't vegan, a good vegan selection guarantees wonderful options for dairy-free and/or egg-free consumers too!  Plus, alongside the guides on the Friends of Animals website is a growing list of elaborate vegan restaurant reviews for your reading pleasure.