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What’s in season in February?

Nothing tastes better than fresh-picked fruits and veggies. If you too prefer your produce when it’s freshest from the farm, here’s what you should be buying in February. Fresh produce is tastier and cheaper since there is plenty of it—simple supply and demand here! So stock up, save money, and enjoy these fruits and vegetables grown this time of year right here in the U.S. Oranges Oranges show up every year right when we need their powerful vitamin C the most. Cold, grey days tend to be synonymous with sickness, but a healthy dose of OJ or a fresh orange a day can help keep the doctor away. Grapefruits Grapefruits also offer a pop of bright color and cheery flavor when we need it most. Grapefruits are perfectly ripe and juicy in February so enjoy them this month in fresh-squeeze juice, salads, or all on their own. Try this grapefruit…

Immunity boosting orange carrot turmeric ginger juice

It’s official. It’s sickness season in the North East. There is no denying winter is here. Once the winter gloom sets in and you’re cooped up inside, it doesn’t take long to start feeling the sniffles set in. But food is your first line of defense against that expensive, unwanted trip to the doctor’s office. What you eat REALLY matters! Staying on top of your health and eating a generally healthy diet full of immunity-boosting foods can be the difference between floating through February and laying in bed for weeks managing a raw, red nose. There are lots of immunity boosting foods, including yogurt, green tea, almonds, garlic, and broccoli, but it’s probably citrus that most people turn to after they’ve caught a cold. And for a good reason! Citrus is full of vitamin C, which is through to increase the production of white blood cells—you body’s way of fighting…

10 ways to instantly upgrade your hot chocolate

Winter has arrived and that means it’s time to break out your fuzziest slippers, coziest sweater, and snuggle up to a piping hot mug of hot chocolate for a few guilt-free hours of Netflix and chill. But no matter whether you use a homemade recipe or open a packet of the powdery stuff, basic hot chocolate can be pretty boring—especially as the winter wears on. Upgrade your old, uninspired recipe with one of these exciting, delicious hot chocolate additions. Also try this Winter White Hot Chocolate with Cinnamon. What to add to hot cocoa Add-in any of these ingredients for a brand new hot chocolate experience: Cinnamon brown sugar  Sprinkle in a bit of cinnamon and brown sugar for a decadent hot chocolate you only thought possible in your winter dreams. Freshly-brewed espresso or coffee The coffee/hot chocolate classic combo never disappoints. Go for freshly made espresso or coffee if…

How Americans became so obsessed with pumpkins

Halloween and Thanksgiving are quickly approaching, but the spirit of the season has already been here for weeks. By early August, retailers were stocking shelves with pumpkin-flavored foods. Starbucks began selling it’s famous Pumpkin Spice Latte back on Aug. 27, and pumpkin beer has been available in bars for just as long. People associate pumpkins with fall, and as they look forward to the season, the demand for pumpkin everything increases. According to Nielsen data, sales of pumpkin and pumpkin spice-flavored items skyrocketed in 2017 $488.7 million – up from $286 million in 2013. But this hasn’t always been the case. There was a time when pumpkins weren’t celebrated as they are today — with products bearing their beloved image and contests cheering on their gigantic size. “American colonists were less than enthusiastic about pumpkins,” said Cindy Ott, author of Pumpkin: The Curious History of an American Icon. The colonists were accustomed to eating a diet of domesticated meats and…

A Healthy Copycat of the famous Orange Julius Smoothie

My take on copycat recipes is this — if I want the real deal, I’ll go buy it. If I want to make it at home and eat it all the time, I have to find a way to make it healthier. Thus began my quest for a copycat Orange Julius recipe. Turns out, my recipe is not just as good as the “real thing,” I think it’s actually better. This may be because I’m aware of the gross amounts of miles on the treadmill I’m saving myself by leaving out the juice concentrate and the added sugar.  But either way, it’s a pretty darn good recipe. So what is an Orange Julius? If you’re not familiar, you’re in for a treat. An Orange Julius kind of tastes like a Creamsicle. It’s not as thick as as smoothie or as milky as a shake. It’s slightly frothy. Chances are, if…

Cranberry, orange, almond smoothie

You may think of cranberries as a fruit option only between Thanksgiving and Christmas when popular dishes like cranberry sauce and cranberry baked goods prevail. But there are plenty of reasons to eat the fresh, ruby red fruit all year long. Cranberries have long been known to help reduce the likelihood of urinary tract infections. They also contain important vitamins such as C, E, K, manganese, fiber, and loads of antioxidants. Antioxidants are known to limit the damage caused by free radicals in your body, and help reduce signs of aging as well as helping to fight cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Cranberries may also reduce bad cholesterol, help fight gum disease, and boost your immune system. Get the picture yet? Eat more cranberries! You can add fresh or dried cranberries to any number of salads, salsas, smoothies, or dishes, but eating them fresh delivers the most health benefits. This…

Sweet and spicy glazed bourbon carrots

These carrots are simple to make but pack tons of flavor. All you need is a stove top and five easy ingredients (plus salt and pepper), and you have yourself a delicious side dish for any holiday meal. I like to use baby carrots because they save time and always look pretty, but feel free to clean and chop whatever else you have in the fridge. The whole dish can be ready in under 30 minutes. You’ll love this glaze so much, you’ll start imagining what else you can smother in it — salmon? Chicken? Swedish meatballs? Ice cream? But you’ll have to make more, but there is no way you won’t want to lick the bowl clean. Make sure you choose a liquor you like, because the flavor combo comes across pretty strong — in a good way. The sweetness from the sugar and the heat from the cayenne…

Watermelon orange carrot ginger turmeric juice

Blending fresh watermelon with other ingredients makes for a refreshing, fruity beverage. This glowing orange recipe will keep you hydrated while helping you sneak in a few servings of fruits and veggies — what’s better than that? Plus, while researchers are still discovering the benefits of turmeric, it’s widely accepted that it has major benefits to your body and brain including such health heavy hitters as lowering risk of heart disease, cancer and even Alzheimer’s disease. Five simple ingredients make this a truly delicious, super healthy recipe to whip up and enjoy any time of year. Watermelon Carrot Orange Ginger Turmeric Juice Serves 4 Ingredients 6 oranges About 1/4 of a large seedless watermelon 2 large carrots About 3 inches of fresh ginger root 1 tsp ground turmeric Directions Set juicer to citrus setting (or soft fruit setting), and juice the oranges and watermelon. Set juice to medium and juice…

Earthy orange, date power smoothie

The simplicity of smoothies is what makes them the most perfect anytime food ever; All you really need to do is throw a few fruits in the blender and you have something delicious. But sometimes it’s nice to mix up something that has a little more depth. This power smoothie has a great earthiness from the hemp seeds, dates, and cinnamon but the lemon and orange juices keep it light and bright. The carrots add a warm welcoming color, and the Greek yogurt will help keep you full for longer. Best yet, it’s not an overly sweet blend, so you’ll love making this one time and time again as a replacement for any meal of the day. Earthy Orange, Date power smoothie Ingredients 1 small banana 1 apple, roughly chopped 2 carrots, scrubbed 5.3-ounce Greek yogurt 1/4 cup fresh squeeze orange juice 1/2 of a lemon squeezed 1/4 cup filtered water 1…

Mandarin orange Jell-O pretzel salad is refreshing and fun

If you’re a fan of foods that are crunchy, salty and sweet, there’s no way you’re not going to love this mandarin orange Jell-O pretzel salad recipe. The irresistible dish makes many appearances at many Midwest potlucks, but it’s just as easy to make for a backyard weeknight dinner with family or neighbors. Strawberry is the most common fruit used on this classic dish, but the cool, citrusy combination of mandarin and pineapple makes for a delicious update. Notes: I probably make this dish about once a year — not because I don’t love it, but because I can’t be trusted. I will eat the whole pan by myself if left without supervision. It’s just THAT GOOD. In no way is this a healthy recipe, but I do what I can to cut out unnecessary calories if possible. That said, if you like a creamier salad, add a full three or four cups of whipped…