Milk Your Coconut Milk

By Katie Barreira

Well, I’ve done it. Here we are, week four of the pantry clean out, and not only have I cleared a swath of space in my cupboard, I’ve actually managed to keep a New Year’s resolution for the first time in memory (lord knows last year’s pledge of twice daily flossing didn’t pan out.) So cheers to this blog, without which, I may have never resolved a resolution.

This week I came upon a Spinach, Grape and Coconut Smoothie recipe that piqued my interest. The sweet, tangy and refreshing blend was a delicious discovery and an excellent use for an aging can of coconut milk.

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How to Eat Healthy: Secrets from a Former Biggest Loser Nutritionist

By Sandy Hu

As the nutritionist on the NBC-TV’s Biggest Loser reality TV show, Cheryl Forberg helped contestants shed thousands of pounds a year over the past 12 years. She left the show after this season to concentrate on her private practice in the San Francisco Bay Area and on building a studio kitchen for her TV cooking demos. I’ve known Cheryl for many years as a fellow member of Les Dames d’Escoffier International.

While we are still feeling virtuous about our New Year diet resolutions, I asked my dietitian friend for advice on staying on track to ensure a lifetime of healthy – and tasty – eating.

Cheryl is the perfect advisor, with impressive culinary and nutrition credentials. She graduated from the California Culinary Academy and apprenticed at top restaurants in France. Having earned a degree in Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics and an RD (registered dietitian) credential from the University of California at Berkeley, she became a research dietitian at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. Cheryl’s career also includes being on the opening team of Wolfgang Puck’s Postrio in San Francisco and serving as the private chef for Lucasfilm, Ltd., in Northern California.

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Pizza Pronto!

By Sandy Hu

Special Fork is all about solving the dinnertime dilemma: what to cook now, at 4 p.m., when everyone is struggling for an answer. Our daily blogs and our database of recipes feature dishes that take no more than 30 minutes of prep time.

From Monday through Friday, I tweet what-to-cook ideas as dinnertime approaches (@specialforksndy.) One of my favorite tips is to use flatbread, such as naan and pita, or even corn tortillas, to turn into pizzas. Store the breads or tortillas in the freezer in airtight wrapping to have on hand when you don’t know what else to make for dinner. Thaw, top and bake for a quick meal.

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Traveling by Fork

By Marilyn Hunter

“A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.” – Lao Tzu

I also believe a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single bite. There are so many ways to travel. My family taught me the joy of a journey through books, movies and food. I like to think of our dinner table as a place to gather together for sustenance and adventure – a way to explore and discover. Eating together and trying new foods is such a great way to learn about different cultures, traditions and customs.

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Welcome the Morning with Blueberry Sour Cream Pancakes

By Lori Powell

Finally snow! Yes, I welcome the white stuff but have to say part of the excitement is because I have a new snow blower. This storm only left us with about three inches, so it wasn’t exactly snow blower worthy. I got my exercise the old-fashioned way, with a snow shovel.

Having finished the deed leaves you invigorated and hungry. I felt I earned an all-American breakfast consisting of my own chickens’ eggs (scrambled) with a couple of slices of Applegate Farms Organic Sunday Bacon (my fave) and some fresh blueberry pancakes.

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