Food & Drink

When shepherd’s pie loses the lamb

For most Americans, the word “pie” brings up images of apples (or some other fruit) encased in pastry and baked, cut into wedges and served for dessert, sometimes with a scoop of ice cream or a bit of whipped cream.

Food & Drink

Three tips to ditch junk food for a healthier diet

The steady stream of holiday cookies and treats may have slowed, but for millions of Americans, the appetite for high-fat, sodium-laden sweets continues. Making the switch from highly processed junk food to healthier whole foods can be challenging. Kate Zeratsky, a Mayo Clinic registered dietitian nutritionist, says making changes in your eating habits can help.

Food & Drink

Trader Joe’s bagel seasoning amps up easy chicken sausage appetizer

Our favorite new appetizer recipe is one that relies on puff pastry, chicken sausage and Trader Joe’s Everything But the Bagel Seasoning. Check it out.

Food & Drink

Eggplant Parmesan for 2 only takes 20 minutes

When I see large, beautiful eggplants in the market, I think of one of my husband’s favorite dishes, Eggplant Parmesan. It usually takes time to prepare. I created this quick version so we could have it more often. Cutting the eggplant into small pieces helps it to cook and absorb the sauce flavor in only 20 minutes.

Food & Drink

Make the most of your muffin tin with these savory dishes

Sometimes, you just don’t want to bother with pots and pans.

Food & Drink

Longtime Charlotte wine business is closing with a big sale

After 35 years and locations all over central Charlotte, the Wine Shop Dilworth is closing. The store will close after a deep sale to clear out the merchandise.

Food & Drink

Shutdown means some are running short of food. Here’s where you can get or give help.

As the federal government shutdown begins its second month, food banks and pantries could use some help feeding employees. Charlotte restaurants are stepping up too.

Food & Drink

How to solve Charlotte’s Cuban sandwich problem

If you are having trouble finding a solid Cuban sandwich option in Charlotte, here is a solution. Kathleen Purvis shows you how to make the perfect Cuban sandwich with the right ingredients.

Food & Drink

Keep healthy resolutions with this pesto, bean soup

Thinking of trimming the budget and waistline after the holidays? This pesto and bean soup is quick, easy on the pocketbook, healthful and delicious. A simple pesto sauce adds body and flavor to this Italian soup.

Food & Drink

A purposeful grain bowl full of delights

Most of the grain bowls that happen in my house are serendipitous.

Food & Drink

Chicken and vegetables offer healthy start to 2019

With the arrival of 2019, so too comes a flood of resolutions to improve oneself. From increase in exercise to spending more time with family, almost everyone has a goal to pursue.

Food & Drink

5 ideas for cooking with chickpeas, including salad and cocktails

The humble chickpea is one of those ingredients that can work in lots of different ways. Mash it, and you’ve got the basis for falafel or a veggie patty. Roast it, and the legume becomes a crunchy snack. Canned chickpeas are convenient and healthy, or you can buy them in their raw state and soak them overnight before using for a fresher, more textural component to a dish. You can even use the liquid left over in canned chickpeas to make a frothy foam similar to egg whites, for use in vegan baked goods and the like.

Food & Drink

Uptown Charlotte hot spot’s health rating falls to C for food handling

Food & Drink

Here’s how to eat and still spend time with your friends

I had always maintained that I’d be the kind of person who makes time for cooking, regardless of how busy I became. It is, after all, my job, my hobby, my creative outlet and how I connect with people.