One of the most recognized symbols of the Fourth of July celebration is the American flag. The American flag began with 13 stars, and today, 50 stars are displayed to represent the number of states now in the union. This number has followed the growth of our country since its infancy. The 13…
During stressful times like these, I've grown to have an added appreciation for the two men who have been pillars of love and support in my life, my dad, Howard, and my husband, Michael. I was blessed to be raised in a home with my diligent, book-loving father and my wonderful mother.
We're all starting to slowly ease back into our former home, work and social routines guided by new health and safety restrictions. Many of us also are dealing with new challenges to our family budget and loss of income. If your pantry and freezer are stocked with canned or frozen goods, you…
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused disruptions in almost every aspect of our lives, including how we receive our food supply. Because of the large-scale closing of restaurants, farmers and ranchers have an over-abundance of meats, dairy and vegetables, but few customers left to buy their goods…
The unrelenting barrage of bad news and stress can have a negative impact on both your body and your mind. Need a boost? According to recent research, some foods have the same effect on your body as taking a prescription mood-enhancing drug.
Memorial Day is a federal holiday created to remember those who died while serving our country. Because of the battle we are currently waging against COVID-19, I think it also would be fitting to recognize all of the front-line medical personnel, health workers and essential workers who are …
What I have always loved about being an American is that through it all, we somehow manage to keep the faith, persevere and stand together.
During these uncertain times when so many are ill, have lost their jobs and are frightened about what the future may hold, it's easy to feel hopeless or become depressed. Remember, even though things may look bleak, have faith that this too shall pass, that you're not alone, and that help is…
I've always been a firm believer in the power of a well-stocked pantry, and one of the main staples in my pantry has always been a variety of canned beans. Although researchers haven't come up with a foolproof way to avoid the more "musical" and indelicate side effect of beans, they have fou…
Whether you've been hit with lockdowns and quarantines, work and school closures, bad weather or power outages, or you just need to stock your pantry for the times you're unable to shop, here are some ways to create an emergency pantry using canned goods as staples.
Like many families, we've been trying to process all of the information about the coronavirus outbreak and stay in good health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website (www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html) contains guidelines and information to help your family thro…
My late husband, Ted sr. was a meat cutter for over 25 years. Believe it or not, he wore the same work boots for all those years.
The first time I got on an airplane was when I left Hong Kong for the United States; goodness, that was 50-some years ago.
If you’re planning to celebrate the St. Patrick’s Day holiday at home, you are part of growing number of Americans who like to commemorate the day with a family dinner. A national St. Patrick’s Day survey found that regardless of family roots or Irish heritage, the holiday is more about food…
When it comes to making healthy eating choices, there is a constant barrage of information. Fueled by a multi-billion-dollar industry, marketers try to convince us that their products are just what we need to feel good and be healthy. When it comes to probiotics, for example, what do consume…
For several days now, my mind has been on dogs.
Animal protein staples in America have traditionally been beef, pork and poultry. Until now, that is! American consumers are warming up to goat meat. It’s a healthy protein choice that 75% of the world has been enjoying for a very long time.
I can’t imagine who doesn’t know what Murphy’s Law is. But my niece didn’t know what a hand-held can opener was. I’d better review Murphy’s Law.
February is a celebration of matters of the heart. Love is in the air this month, so remember to love yourself and take good care of your health. Avoid overeating or going hungry between meals by eating nutritious meals and snacks. Eating three small, well-balanced meals and two or three nut…
Mr. Palmer was my literature instructor at junior college. But honestly, there were times when he sounded more like a philosophy guru. In those times he reached heart and soul and challenged us to think.
For some strange reason, most folks that I know here were born in Wisconsin and have lived in Wisconsin their whole life. Maybe they have moved to other cities in the state in their younger years; or heaven forbid, outside Wisconsin. However, after graduation or after getting married, they m…
When we were in Atlanta, we lived in a cul-de-sac that housed 10 families. Except for one family who was originally born and raised in Georgia, all others were transients. Yes, they were from all over, Kentucky, Texas, California, Arkansas … strange, not one from Wisconsin.
I wanted to be a figure skater. Ever since I saw Sonia Heine in the movies and in person, my dream was to skim across the ice in a fur-trimmed skating skirt with matching jacket and hat. She was a beautiful blonde from Norway who won Olympics before I was born.
February is National Heart Month, so it's a great time to make a change for better heart health. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, with stroke coming in fifth, according to the American Heart Association. Both of these conditions result when blood flow is redu…
I have a question for you: Do you think it is un-American not to watch the impeachment hearings and the trial?
I love preparing a romantic dinner for Valentine's Day. Cooking is one of the ways I show my love for my sweet husband, Michael. We've been married for 45 years, so I've had plenty of opportunities to create romantic meals, from breakfast in bed to late-night fireside suppers.
The Reader’s Digest has a feature titled, “Laughter, the Best Medicine.” And have you heard the saying, “Laugh and the world laughs with you. Cry and you cry alone.”
For the past few years, we've gone to our friends' home to watch the Super Bowl. Since they live an hour away, I like to take along snacks that are simple to make, travel well, and best of all, are easy for guests to serve themselves. The cheering, jeering and excitement can create a hearty …
Maybe you're one of those people who can't stomach the thought of a meal the first thing in the morning, or maybe you've become accustomed to running on vats of coffee instead of a healthy breakfast. Sometimes traditional breakfast foods sound kind of blah. Who made the rules on breakfast fo…
How many of us are “on a diet” these days? I crack up when I notice that someone who is on a diet and supposed to be eating something healthy and nutritious, are actually ruining their health by eating something labeled “healthy alternatives.”
Hot pot dinner is one of my most favorite meals. Now that the weather is getting cold(er), it is time! What makes cooking hot pot exciting is not just about the gathering and feasting, but it is an event indeed.
Some of us have had different types of flu, bronchitis, what acts like whooping cough, pneumonia, senior croup, infant croup and any number of illnesses that knock the wind out of your sails and brings you to your knees.
A new year brings about a desire for change, so let's start with your health! When it comes to our daily meal routine, change can sometimes be challenging. Studies have shown that it takes from two to eight months to form a new habit. You can create a positive eating "habit" by making small …
After a surprisingly warm Christmas, it seems we’ve gotten back to true winter weather. Brrrr! It seems like just a few weeks ago I was bragging how good it felt basking in the 60-degree weather. Oh, how time flies!
The start of a new year means that many students are headed back to college. One of the downsides of college life is the dreaded "freshman 15" -- the extra pounds that many students gain from poor eating habits. Establishing good eating habits as a college student may help form the basis for…
This is the time of year when many people start diets. But after a few weeks of not getting enough to eat or eating food that does not taste good, most dieters give up, having "failed" once again. The truth is, though, it is the diets that are the failures, not the people who try them.
I love the holiday season. It is time for sharing, caring and giving. I wish the season would come more often.
And here it is: 2020. The years, they fly by. They seem to go faster every year. The first new year after I was born, I don’t remember because my birthday is in July. I was just a babe that December of 1937.
December 26 has become one of my favorite days. For some years now, my daughter Tracy, who lives on Lake Koshkonong, has hosted Christmas Eve. There is the traditional food: kielbasa and sauerkraut, deviled eggs, shrimp and many other goodies.
It's that time of year when we think about changes we want to make in our lives. For many people, those resolutions include a vow to eat healthy, exercise and/or lose weight.
Spring roll or egg roll? I have been teaching cooking classes all over the place. What a great way to make new friends.
I can tell you about the old biddy because it was me. (You notice I said was).
For a semi-retired guy, I can’t believe just how busy I’m getting. I expected to sit on the porch, sipping tea or beer, depending on what time of the day it is, and watch the sunrise or sunset. Does beer go with sunrise or sunset? I’m still deciding.
My mother made a fruitcake every Christmas to give as a gift for my paternal grandmother. The cake was stored in a corner of the refrigerator for weeks, marinating in an alcohol-infused mixture. Even though I'm well known for my love of sweets, that green and red candied fruit-studded, boozy…
The girls now keep the tradition going. Kelly is the hostess. She makes the turkey, her signature taco chip dip and corn pudding.
I love cookies all year-round, but I especially love all the wonderful varieties of holiday cookies at Christmastime! Hosting family and friends for a cookie exchange party is a wonderful way to start or continue a holiday tradition. A cookie exchange is a great way to host a party and get a…
As the evenings get colder, it’s time to share six stories that can warm your heart. And if that doesn’t do the trick, try my turkey curry soup recipe at the bottom.
I was making another go at organizing the desk. Part of the problem about organizing is I don’t want to toss anything out. I hate to get rid of books and especially notes and letters written in longhand.
Last week, we went over the basic ingredients to keep in your kitchen for making Chinese food. This week, we’re making steamed rice, and Cantonese beef and broccoli.
November 2020 is a year away. The presidential election is less than a year away, Nov. 3.
So, your counter is cleaned, your knives are sharpened, and your apron is crisp, with a matching towel resting on your shoulder. You are ready to Wok & Roll.
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