Cherry Noodle Kugel is an outstanding rendition of a wonderful classic. Surprisingly easy to make, this festive dessert kugel makes a stunning presentation.

Creamy puddings, custards and pie fillings have one thing in common, dairy products. However, these are the ingredients that contribute unnecessary fat, saturated fat, calories and cholesterol to the nutritional bottom line.

Prepared in the traditional fashion, a simple pudding can add an unhealthy level of fat and calories to the menu.  However, if you think that steering clear of dairy means giving up your favorite dishes, you’re in for a delicious surprise.

In my kitchen, delectably dairy-free rich tasting desserts rarely exceed one gram of fat per serving and contain absolutely no cholesterol. …read more of Cherry Noodle Kugel – Luscious Low Fat and Vegan here

Sukkot is a harvest festival variously celebrated in late September or early October commemorating the mandated Biblical pilgrimage to the Temple of Jerusalem.

During the week long festival a temporary hut is built in backyards, porches and outside synagogues called a sukkah. This booth like structure has 3 walls topped with branches and is decorated with autumnal, harvest themes.

Sukkot is a joyous holiday and it is common for Jews to eat, sleep and otherwise spend time in the sukkah. …read more of Harvest Festival Fare: Stuffed Acorn Squash here

Tofu, along with soymilk are the best known and most widely used of all soyfoods, having become an important part of the health conscious consumer’s dietary regimen. Less known, but very versatile, tempeh is a nourishing and very satisfying soy alternative that can be used in a variety of ways.

Tempeh (tem-pay) is a traditional soyfood with a chewy texture and hearty consistency made using a controlled fermenting process that binds whole soybeans into a rich cake with a nutty, smoky flavor.

Many people who may have digestibility issues with tofu or soymilk find that they can tolerate tempeh quite well. It is thought that the fermentation process increases digestibility and nutrient absorption, not only of protein and minerals like calcium, but also health supporting phytonutrients like genistein and daidzein for which soy is so well known. …read more of Tasty Tempeh – The Other Soyfood here

Labor Day marks the last official holiday weekend of the summer. More than three-quarters of American families own at least one barbecue grill and most summers-end celebrations this weekend will include an outdoor get together.

Fruits, vegetables and legumes are some of the most luscious and colorful of foods and certainly the most healthful.

Every plant-based meal you eat will reduce toxic emissions into the air and ground water as well as the level of saturated fat and cholesterol in your bloodstream.

Grilling is a great way to entertain and an opportunity to grill fresh vegetables and fruits that are bursting with flavor this time of year. Thick slices of eggplant, zucchini and ears of corn brushed with olive oil and fresh herbs are enticing and easy. …read more of Fire up the Grill and Celebrate the Planet this Labor Day here

Industrialized animal production has had a dramatic impact on society, human health and the environment.

Modern animal husbandry is a major factor in water pollution, contributing animal waste, antibiotics, hormones and a witch’s brew of chemicals from tanneries, fertilizers and pesticides from feed crops.

In the final decades of the twentieth century, almost five million family farms were replaced by large-scale manufacturing operations.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency these concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFO) confine thousands of animals in a single facility and generate a staggering 300 million tons of waste annually. …read more of Factory Farming, Unnatural, Unhealthy and Unsustainable here