This month marks 10 years since I moved to Charlotte. I love it here more and more with each passing year. I am always exploring what is new, continuing my patronage at my favorite places, and really, expansion of all kinds has taken place over the last decade. I try not to think of the [...]

Frozen figs are a great option for sweetening up a smoothie when I am looking for a change from bananas or dried dates. They are rather large and contain a lot of flavor so although there are not many in the bag, one is enough for two servings of a smoothie. Most of my weekday [...]

(Polenta cakes served with goat cheese, roasted veggies and hot sauce.) Polenta, which originated in Europe, is similar to grits as both are made from stoneground corn. The type of corn for each varies as does the coarser texture of the cornmeal used to make polenta. I consider polenta to be a great vessel for [...]