New Home Cooking
WHAT IT IS: As today’s budget-focused American families cut back on dining out, they are rediscovering the joys of home cooking. But instead of sticking to classic comfort foods, they’re finding ways to reinvent dishes of the past with healthy swaps and substitutions.
HOW IT WORKS: Start by spending time with an older family member,
going through their recipe boxes and cookbooks. You could also do an Internet search for “old-fashioned recipes.” Or pick up a few inexpensive cookbooks at an antiques store, used bookstore or your local library. Choose recipes that look the most fun and tasty, then imagine how they can be made healthier.
LIVE IT OUT: With a little research you can find all sorts of ways to up
the nutrition value of almost any traditional recipe. Incorporate more fruits and vegetables into dishes. If the recipe calls for canned produce, give fresh a try, and consider using low-sodium soups, broths and seasonings in place of regular versions. Let whole-wheat flour stand in for white flour, and yogurt for sour cream. If you or your family members don’t like an ingredient, don’t be afraid to give it your own spin by substituting something completely different!
Gluten-Free Diet WHAT IT IS: When people with celiac disease ingest gluten—which is
typically found in pasta, bread and other products containing wheat, barley or rye—their immune systems attacks their small intestines, keeping them from absorbing nutrients. Celiac disease can be successfully managed with a gluten-free diet. Many people who do not suffer from the disease also have found they feel better following a gluten-free diet.
HOW IT WORKS: Eating gluten-free can help you avoid processed, fried and
fat-laden foods, since those options frequently contain gluten. Steering clear of gluten can help you focus on clean, fresh eating. Tis includes gluten-free whole grains such as quinoa and brown rice, as well as fruits, vegetables and unprocessed proteins.
LIVE IT OUT: Tanks to a wave of new products in recent years, eating gluten-free is easier than ever. Gluten-free flours and baking mixes
make terrific substitutes for your favorite baked goods. Many stores now carry gluten-free breads, and pizza dough as well. Aside from the obvious culprits, there are hidden sources of gluten in items such as beer, soy sauce and cosmetic products. Be sure to consult a reliable online resource, such as TeMayo Clinic (
mayoclinic.com/health/gluten- free-diet/MY01140), when cooking for anyone who has a serious gluten allergy or to accommodate friends and family who follow gluten- free diets.
WHAT IT IS
Community Supported Agriculture, or CSA, is a way to get farm-fresh vegetables straight from the source. Here’s how it works: For each farming season, consumers pay a certain amount for a “subscription” to a farm. In return they receive a box of seasonal produce from that farm every week. The box is usually full of vegetables but can include other farm products such as cheeses, breads or flowers.
Participating in a CSA is a great way to expose yourself to new produce, save money and get to know the farmers who grow your food. Farmers get to know their consumers as well, and, because they receive payment for their products up front, they are assured compensation for the farming season.
GET INVOLVED
With over 2,500 CSAs throughout the United States, it’s easy to get in on the action. For a list of CSAs, visit
localharvest.org/csa/ and search for participating farms by zip code or state.
SUPPORT LOCAL
PRODUCERS
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