Category: Winter

Why Cold Weather Causes Colds

It’s the season for fuzzy sweaters and heavy coats, as well as colds and flu. But what does cold weather have to do with catching a cold? For generations, mothers worldwide have advised bundling up to avoid getting sick. Yet medical experts call the association an old wives’ tale. Despite the prevalence of coughs and runny…


The Best Winter Produce to Eat Right Now

The weather outside might be freezing, but that doesn’t mean your fruit and vegetable options aren’t sizzling. If you take a closer look at the produce aisle right now, you’ll find some standout cold-loving options that will surely increase your appetite for winter and also the nutritional value of your diet. “When in season, fruits…


7 Things to Add to Your Routine to Combat the Winter Blues

Winter can be a great time filled with crisp air, different outdoor sports, and comfy clothes. It can also be a season where you might feel cooped up and uninspired. Too many days like that can lead to a case of the winter blues. You may not feel like doing anything. Don’t sink into the…


This Is the Perfect Dish to Round Out Your Comfort Meal

These dreary months of cold, damp weather is reason enough to cook up something full of comfort and deep, rich flavors. That’s why I love this dish. It can be the sidekick to many main entrees. Recently, I roasted a goose and served this alongside to rave reviews. A savory and comforting winter dish, this…


‘Puppetry’: Use of Uyghur Skier in Opening Winter Olympics Ceremony Draws Criticism

The Winter Olympics in Beijing, already off to an awkward start thanks to a local guard’s widely reported mishandling of a Dutch reporter, took a controversial turn when a skier representing the persecuted Uyghur minority of western China took part in the flame-carrying ritual that marked the official opening of the Games on Friday. The…


‘Puppetry’: Use of Uyghur Skier in Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony Draws Criticism

The Winter Olympics in Beijing, already off to an awkward start thanks to a local guard’s widely reported mishandling of a Dutch reporter, took a controversial turn when a skier representing the persecuted Uyghur minority of western China took part in the flame-carrying ritual that marked the official opening of the Games on Friday. The…


Chili con Chocolate

Classic chili gains an extra depth of flavor with a couple tablespoons of cocoa added to the pot. The texture is rich and thick, and the flavor is deeply savory, just a bit sweet, and a touch spicy. Do dice all the vegetables to the same size, not only for better presentation, but also for…


Treat Your Valentine to Fresh Pasta With a Rich, Velvety Mushroom Sauce

Valentine’s Day can sometimes be a challenge for the cook. Do I do a three-course dinner with a rich chocolate dessert or a one-dish favorite that respects the season and feels celebratory? This year, I will be reintroducing a former tradition: fresh pasta in a rich, velvety, mushroom sauce. I love that it’s full of…


French Onion Soup

It will take a while to caramelize the onions for the base of this soup, but the result is a deeply flavored dish that will warm your soul. Beef broth is also an essential part of the recipe. If you’re using store-bought broth, as I do here, please taste it before using it to see…


It’s All About the Onion

Oh, the mighty onion! This humble allium adds essential flavor, character, and substance to so much of our food. Onions have been part of our diets for thousands of years, appearing in ancient Egyptian drawings, early Roman cookbooks, and medieval medicinal texts. They were both harvested from the wild and cultivated for their many culinary…