Overnight Raw Muesli Recipe

I recently returned from a trip to central Brazil, far from the rain forest, and days from the beach, in a savannah-like region known for its national park, hundreds of waterfalls and quartz crystal deposits. There’s nothing like escaping the cold of winter to a warm climate! Though it was challenging to leave behind the sun, waterfalls, fresh mangos and papayas, I was able to bring back something that is as easy to enjoy here as it is in Brazil; a recipe called Muesli Viva, or “raw muesli”. It’s a combination of rolled oats, soaked nuts and seeds, rehydrated dried fruit, and whatever seasonal fruits are available. Muesli Viva makes a wonderful breakfast, hearty snack, or healthy dessert. I’ve been enjoying this treat in the mornings and whenever I need a nutritional boost.

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Tahini with Love

Just over two weeks ago, my mother cooked a delicious Middle Eastern supper for our entire immediate family. We were so excited to be together as my older brother and his husband had just returned from a couple months of summer travel. The menu included yogurt marinated lamb kabobs, hummus, tabouli, and tzatziki.   Eager to contribute, I offered to make babaganoush with a bulbous eggplant I had recently purchased at Easton’s Sport Hill Farm.

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What is Acupuncture?

Healing through acupuncture at Arogya in Westport, Connecticut.

Acupuncture is an effective form of medical treatment that has evolved into a complete holistic health care system. Practitioners of acupuncture and Chinese Medicine have used this non-invasive healing method to help millions of people around the world.

Acupuncture promotes natural healing ability and it can enhance the recuperative immune system, support physical and mental health, and improve overall well-being.

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Green Tea 101

I will always remember those misty Shanghai mornings as a young girl, when I entered our little kitchen after getting out of bed, and seeing my father make his ritual cup of Long Jing Dragon Well Green Tea. He carefully dropped a large pinch of thick emerald green tea leaves into the belly of his Gaiwan (traditional Chinese teacup), before meditatively pouring steaming hot water over them.

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Art of Tisane

Having grown up in China, I was exposed to a wide array of medicinal and culinary herbs on a regular daily basis. As I think back to my childhood, I am flooded with memories of “Ba Bao Cha”, reverently known as the “eight treasure tea”, my mom made for me each morning. This delightful and uplifting concoction is a blend of eight common ingredients found within Chinese cuisine and herbal medicine: Chrysanthemum, Goji Berry, Honeysuckle, Licorice, Red Date, Hawthorn Berry, Dried Tangerine Rind, and Brown Sugar.

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