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Community News for Lyme and Old Lyme, CT

Simple, Real Food

Simple, Real Food: A Favorite New Year’s Eve Feast

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The holidays are upon us and winter is now in full swing. Time for entertaining and planning what to make for New Year's. I for one, do not love New Year's Eve (does anyone over a certain age?) but my husband and I often make a gourmet meal and have a really good bottle of champagne (Veuve Clicquot, anyone?) and enjoy a quiet, cozy evening at home. I have many entertaining … [Read more...] about Simple, Real Food: A Favorite New Year’s Eve Feast

Simple, Real Food: The Flavors of Jamaica

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I lived in Jamaica for a few months back in the early nineties having always had a fantasy about living Caribbean style.  I moved to Negril and opened a Jamaican restaurant at a yoga retreat in town.  It was a short-lived experiment due to Hurricane Gilbert, which wiped out the entire island and I returned to NYC to start over once again. Lately the weather here has reminded … [Read more...] about Simple, Real Food: The Flavors of Jamaica

Simple, Real Food: Organic or Not, That is the Question

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We all are aware of the issues about pesticide use, GMO’s and the whole idea of sustainable food production but with so much information, it’s overwhelming to figure out what is best for you and your family. I for one, do organic produce, wild fish and organic poultry and here are the reasons why I think it is something to consider. For one thing eating organic means you … [Read more...] about Simple, Real Food: Organic or Not, That is the Question

Simple, Real Food: Eating Light, But Still Tasty

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I have always been a fan of lighter food even at the height of my catering career in NYC when I would cook for hundreds, at the end of the day I love to eat clean, simple meals.  Simple doesn’t mean boring or dull mind you, but can be the best if you chose quality ingredients. People often ask me where I shop since we are not exactly in the middle of it all here and I must … [Read more...] about Simple, Real Food: Eating Light, But Still Tasty

Simple, Real Food: Stews and Entrée Soups

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Winter is now in full swing as we have witnessed the past few weeks.  With freezing cold temperatures, snowfall, ice and the like, it’s a great time to turn to warming foods such as stews and entrée soups. Some of my favorite meals are slow cooked in my large Le Creuset Dutch oven or, if you have a crock pot, these recipes are perfect. I find with a one-pot-meal, the day … [Read more...] about Simple, Real Food: Stews and Entrée Soups

Simple, Real Food: Comfort Food for Cold Days

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With the winter now in full swing, it is time for pulling out the stew and soup recipes and serving warm comfort foods.  I love a big bowl of soup with a salad and some crusty bread for dinner on almost any night and find nothing easier to make.  Since most soups can be frozen, it’s another meal that can be made ahead. which is my kind of cooking. When you are ready to take … [Read more...] about Simple, Real Food: Comfort Food for Cold Days

Simple, Real Food: Tasty Thanksgiving Veggie Recipes

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The holidays are just around the corner and I know many of us become overwhelmed and stressed by the amount of preparation it takes to put Thanksgiving dinner on the table.  No matter what holiday you celebrate or how many people you gather, there are some helpful tips on how to take the stress out of the meal. First of all plan your menus ahead, the sooner the better. … [Read more...] about Simple, Real Food: Tasty Thanksgiving Veggie Recipes

Simple, Real Food: Fall Cooking

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Fall is definitely here and so I am getting out the sweaters and flannel sheets.  It’s also time for making stews, soups and comfort foods. I turn to braising for my favorite meal and last night cooked a delicious Indian curried lamb stew.  Served with steamed basmati rice and roasted cauliflower, we were very satisfied at our house. Braising is a very popular method of … [Read more...] about Simple, Real Food: Fall Cooking

A Great Time to Grill

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Summer is here in full swing and what a great time of year to cook outside and enjoy healthy, easy meals prepared on the grill. I have always been a fan of grilling no matter the season due to the ease of preparation, healthy low-fat method of cooking and of course, the delicious results. I have a class on grilling coming up in July and it’s almost sold out, so clearly … [Read more...] about A Great Time to Grill

Sourcing Out Unusual Ingredients

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We are delighted to welcome a new columnist to LymeLine today.  She is Amanda Cushman of Simple Real Food Inc., a culinary educator who has cooked professionally for over 30 years.  She teaches privately for groups of two to 20 students in their home as well as having been taught in venues such as Sur La Table, ICE, The New School, Williams Sonoma and Let’s Get Cooking. Chef … [Read more...] about Sourcing Out Unusual Ingredients