Ingredients: Instructions: Tip: Add a few mint leaves for a garden-fresh touch. Stephanie Westbrook

Taste and adjust sweetness.
Stir in rum or brandy if using.
Strain if desired.

The holidays are a time when a lot of rich and high-carb food tends to be eaten, leaving us feeling tired and sluggish. These eating plans focus on cutting back on sugars and refined carbs while increasing healthy fats and proteins, while keeping the taste of the holidays!

When autumn settles in, the world seems to slow. The air carries a crisp bite, leaves crunch underfoot, and the evenings arrive earlier than we expect. It’s a season that asks us to linger indoors, to gather close, and to savor the small comforts of warmth.

Ingredients 6 cups vegetable or chicken stock (1.4 liters)1 cup uncooked wild rice (190 g)8 oz baby bella mushrooms, sliced (225 g)4 garlic cloves, minced2

1 medium butternut squash (about 2 lbs), peeled and diced
1 medium onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
1 cup full-fat coconut milk
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

As temperatures rise and sunny days stretch long into the evening, there’s no better way to stay cool and hydrated than with a delicious summer mocktail in hand. Whether you’re hosting a garden party, lounging by the pool, or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon on the porch, these alcohol-free concoctions offer all the flair of cocktails—minus the buzz.

Watermelon Mint Cooler

A sweet and invigorating mix, perfect for hot afternoons.

Ingredients: Fresh watermelon juice, lime juice, mint leaves, sparkling water
Instructions: Muddle mint in a glass, add watermelon and lime juice, top with sparkling water, and serve over ice.

Dandelion cupcakes are a fun and unique way to use wild-foraged dandelion flowers — they add a mild honey-like flavor and a beautiful golden hue. Here’s a simple and tasty Dandelion Cupcake recipe.

Rosemary is a versatile herb known for its aromatic flavor and numerous health benefits. From enhancing dishes in the kitchen to offering natural remedies for beauty and home care, this fragrant herb is a must-have for every house. Here are some creative ways to harness the power of this fantastic herb.

The use of flowers in food dates back thousands of years. In Ancient China, India, Egypt, and Rome, flowers such as roses, violets, and chrysanthemums were regularly included in teas, desserts, and ceremonial meals. Medieval monks used marigolds for both medicinal and culinary purposes, while Victorian-era cooks crystallized violets and roses to decorate pastries and confections.

Lilac tea is a delicate floral infusion made from the blossoms of the common lilac (Syringa vulgaris). Known for its calming aroma and slightly citrusy, floral flavor, lilac tea is often enjoyed for its soothing properties and gentle taste. Traditionally used in folk remedies, it’s believed to help with relaxation and digestion.