Category: Winter

Winter and Kidney Health

Each of us is blessed with two kidneys located in the upper abdomen; they sit against the back muscles on either side of the spine and are about the size of a closed fist. Some of their responsibilities include: removing waste products from the body balancing fluid levels releasing hormones controlling the production of red…


A Recipe for Wanderlust: North African Lamb Stew With Figs and Chickpeas

It’s wanderlust time, and this year it’s a doozy. Thanks to the seasonal convergence of cabin fever, post-holiday decompression, and (elephant in the room) pent-up travel cravings, the urge to flee to a far-flung destination is all-consuming. Dreams of leaving the careful confines of our homes and the comfort of our fleece jammies (which we…


Environment Canada Warns Winter Storms Headed for Southern Ontario and Quebec

OTTAWA—Environment Canada is warning residents of southern Ontario and Quebec to brace for a winter storm, prompting some school boards to revisit their plans to reopen classrooms Monday. The federal forecaster says a low-pressure system around the Great Lakes could dump snow on parts of Ontario starting Sunday night, while a storm brewing in the…


Lemon Risotto

Bright, creamy, and flavorful, this lemon risotto is all about showing off the citrus. Risotto takes a bit of time to make, but really it is a sensational dish and one that is always impressive to serve. It’s one of those classic recipes that turns simple, mundane ingredients, like rice and lemons, into an elegant…


Better Than Lemonade: How to Cook With Lemons, In Season Now

Sunny citrus fruits are in season during the winter months—just when we need them to cheer us up—so now is the perfect time to make the most of them. Consider the lemon. This humble kitchen powerhouse adds acidity and brightness to myriad dishes, from sweet to savory, often helping balance other flavors or providing some…


Use Pet-Safe De-Icer Instead of Rock Salt This Winter

Q: Icy sidewalk season is here. I’ve heard rock salt is hard on dogs’ feet, but I’m not sure what to use in its place. Can you suggest a de-icer that won’t harm my dogs? A: Look for de-icers labeled as safe for pets. These products are also safe to use around children. Rock salt…


Créme Brûlée With a Citrusy Surprise

It’s citrus season, and there’s no better way to embrace it than with blood oranges. Despite their graphic name, blood oranges are sweet, delectable, and unique. They are smaller than standard oranges, with mottled orange and rose-hued rinds. When peeled, their interior reveals segments streaked in brilliant crimson, ruby, and port wine colors—hence their name….


Illinois Landlord Gives House to Longtime Elderly Lady Tenant for the Second Year in a Row

It wasn’t last Christmas but the one the year before when Illinois resident Chad Baker, 45, gave a house to the woman who was renting from him. Just a few months ago, Baker was at it again. The home remodeler, from Decatur, has now given his second of two rental properties to his 84-year-old former…


Flooding Hits Western US, Winter Storm in the East

WASHINGTON—Floods hit parts of the Northwestern United States on Friday after heavy rains, while a winter storm brought more than a half a foot (15 cm) in snow in the eastern parts of the country, closing schools, offices, and busy roads. Flood and gale warnings are in place across many coastal areas in the Pacific…


An Efficient Way to Slash Home Heating Bills

Just as I was knee-deep in researching, testing, and learning all I could about electric space heaters, this letter popped up in my inbox. Dear Mary: I need your help to figure out how we can reduce our home heating bills. It’s killing us to pay so much to keep our house warm in the…