Orange Wellness Elixir

お元気ですか？(O-genki desu ka?) Vous allez bien? Dje si? Shnoo ahwalak? Wherever I travel, I like to think about linguistic nuances that reveal something about a culture, and sometimes even about human nature. While every place has its own version of “How are you?” and other common greetings, there are some places that add a distinct and interesting twist. In Japan, “O-genki desu ka?” asks not only how you are, but also whether you have good health, energy and spirit. The French likewise often eschew the open-ended “How are you?” for the more to-the-point “Are you well?”

Refresh: Watermelon, Blackberry & Lime Sparklers

What’s not to love about a refreshing drink that’s bubbly, fruity, deep red and zesty? I love these sparklers for their flavor, but the health benefits give them even more appeal. With watermelon, blackberries, lime and mint, you’re getting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits that support a healthy cardiovascular and digestive system, plus loads of nutrients, including Vitamins A and C.

Rhubarb Bellinis, To Love and To Cherish

My husband and I got married during rhubarb season, and as our anniversary approaches, rhubarb seems a fitting ingredient to celebrate our marriage. The rhubarb plant is a hardy one, but requires space, patience, and a cooler climate to flourish. Awaiting harvest season can seem like an eternity, but given time to grow roots throughout the colder months and extend its reach under ample direct sunshine, the harvest is often abundant. The subtle sweetness and tenderness of rhubarb reveals itself over time and effort, through slow cooking to melt the fibrous stalks into a soft and delectable richness. Combine rhubarb with extra doses of sweetness, and it achieves an even more delightful balance of flavor. Get a little bubbly with it, and it sparkles. Here’s a toast to our marriage, which gets sweeter and richer and more tender over time.

Green Grape & Strawberry Elderflower Sparklers

We all know that staying hydrated is essential to good health, and this is especially so as the days get longer and warmer and we’re more active. Are we all getting eight glasses of water a day? I know that I, for one, struggle to get this minimum recommended amount of water on a daily basis. So, here’s a refreshing, hydrating drink that makes it all easier: fruity elderflower sparklers! Consider this less a recipe and more of a little tickler to spark your creative ideas on how to stay hydrated and enjoy some refreshing drinks! What’s your favorite way to hydrate?

Come check out Fiesta Friday #10 (it’s an especially rocking party this week) and Happy Friday, everyone!

Tea Time with a Chuther

A little story and a recipe

Morning Sunshine Parfait & Smoothies

Brighten your winter mornings with fresh, colorful, and vibrant breakfasts. With energy boosts from muesli and chia seeds, these will power you through until lunchtime. Morning, Sunshine!

Spiced Coconut Cream & Banana Smoothie

I am on a coconut kick lately. While there is still debate over the extent of health benefits that coconuts provide, I think studies linking coconuts and improved cardiovascular health, thyroid function, and disease-fighting properties are promising. I have just begun to incorporate coconut oil into my baking and other cooking, swapping out less nutritious fats and oils for this omega-3 rich oil. This smoothie has a double dose of coconut in creamy coconut milk and coconut oil. Sweetened with maple syrup, thickened with blended frozen banana, and seasoned with warming spices, it’s a delicious way to start a healthy week after Thanksgiving. Enjoy!

Citrus & Mint Hibiscus Iced Tea

I was lucky enough to spend a rainy afternoon in good company sampling teas from all over the world at Steven Smith Teamaker in Portland, Oregon, a couple years ago. I came away with a clear favorite — Big Hibiscus — for its ruby red color, its slight tartness, its unexpected splash of fruity flavor, and the way it made me feel at peace while I sipped it.

Summer Fruit & Herb Smoothies

I’ve been thinking lately about fruits and herbs, and their compatibility, after reading the intro to The Flavor Bible. The book describes how scientists can now analyze the cell structure of foods and determine whether they pair well together. It turns out that popular pairings like tomato and basil, or lamb and rosemary, have similar cell structures. Funny how science just confirms what the human palette intuited.

Jordan Mint Lemonade

Summers in Amman are lovely. The evenings almost always cool off to a comfortable temperature, and there are plenty of beautiful outdoor cafes and restaurants where you can sit and eat and talk with friends while the stars begin to glimmer above. Jordan’s mint lemonade – the most refreshing lemonade I’ve ever tasted – brings me back to those wonderful summer evenings when I lived there. It’s tart and flavorful, and is just fine any time of day.