Easy Meals

The Comeback of Fonio The Comeback of Fonio (image credits: unsplash) Fonio, a tiny grain native to West Africa, is suddenly appearing in health food stores and on trendy restaurant menus across the globe. Though cultivated for more than 5,000 years, fonio nearly vanished from international consciousness until recently. According to a 2024 report by the Food and Agriculture Organization, fonio production in Africa has increased by 18% since 2022, as farmers respond to rising demand. This surge is partly fueled by consumers searching for gluten-free, climate-resilient foods. Fonio’s quick cooking time and nutty flavor are winning over chefs and … Read more

Spinach: The Pesticide Powerhouse Spinach: The Pesticide Powerhouse (image credits: pixabay) Spinach topped the 2025 Dirty Dozen list, with more pesticide residue by weight than any other produce tested. This leafy green has consistently ranked as one of the most contaminated vegetables in America, making it a prime candidate for your organic shopping cart. The problem with spinach isn’t just the amount of pesticides—it’s the variety. Testing reveals spinach samples can contain residues from numerous different chemicals, creating a cocktail effect that researchers are still trying to understand. Think of it this way: if you’re going to splurge on organic … Read more

The Stark Reality of Prison Calories The Stark Reality of Prison Calories (image credits: unsplash) Walking into the chow hall for the first time, I was hit with the reality that prison meals offer just enough calories to keep you on your feet, but rarely more. The average daily intake ranges from 2,500 to 2,800 calories, depending on the institution and the inmate’s work assignments, according to the Bureau of Prisons Food Service Manual. Yet, many inmates report feeling constant hunger, as the calories often come from low-nutrition, high-carb foods—think white bread, starchy potatoes, and sugary drinks. This taught me … Read more

Chi-Chi’s Returns After 20 Years with a Family Legacy Chi-Chi’s Returns After 20 Years with a Family Legacy (image credits: flickr) Some comebacks are more shocking than others, and Chi-Chi’s resurrection tops that list. Chi Chi’s Mexican restaurant chain is making a comeback after closing 20 years ago. New locations are expected to open in 2025, and the story behind this return is deeply personal. A Chi-Chi’s source confirmed to PEOPLE that they will open two restaurants in Minnesota in 2025. Michael McDermott, whose father Marno McDermott opened Chi-Chi’s in 1975 with Green Bay Packers alum Max McGee, signed an … Read more

Howard Johnson’s: The Pioneer That Started It All Howard Johnson’s: The Pioneer That Started It All (image credits: unsplash) Picture this: it’s 1925, and a young entrepreneur named Howard Johnson decides to buy a small pharmacy’s soda fountain in Massachusetts. What happened next would literally change how America ate forever. Howard Johnson’s didn’t just serve food—it created the entire concept of standardized roadside dining that every chain restaurant still follows today. With their iconic orange roofs and 28 flavors of ice cream, HoJo’s became the McDonald’s before McDonald’s even existed. At their peak in the 1970s, they had over 1,000 … Read more

Greek Yogurt with Berries: The Protein Powerhouse That Keeps You Satisfied Greek Yogurt with Berries: The Protein Powerhouse That Keeps You Satisfied (image credits: pixabay) Greek yogurt is a protein powerhouse, offering double the protein of regular yogurt. A study in the Journal of Nutrition found that individuals who included Greek yogurt in their diet lost more fat compared to those who didn’t, making it one of the smartest snack choices for weight management. Low in calories but high in antioxidants and fiber, berries are perfect for those looking for low calorie snacks for weight loss. The fiber content in … Read more

Alfredo and Cream-Based Sauces: The Dairy Danger Zone Alfredo and Cream-Based Sauces: The Dairy Danger Zone (image credits: pixabay) Other jarred sauces, like Alfredo and cream sauces, should be used in three to four days after opening. But here’s what blows most people’s minds – even unopened Alfredo sauce has a shorter pantry life than tomato-based varieties. The dairy components in these rich, creamy sauces make them prime candidates for bacterial growth once exposed to temperature fluctuations in your pantry. Specifically, three to four days is the most common guideline for an open jar’s longevity. The rule pertains not only … Read more

Afghanistan: Where Kabuli Pulao Reigns Supreme Afghanistan: Where Kabuli Pulao Reigns Supreme (image credits: wikimedia) Afghanistan’s turbulent political landscape has made it impossible for McDonald’s to establish a foothold since their last restaurant closed in 2002. Instead of burgers and fries, Afghans feast on something far more elaborate: Kabuli pulao, their crown jewel of cuisine. This rice dish looks like a work of art, with each grain perfectly steamed and mixed with sweet raisins, crunchy almonds, and tender lamb or beef. The dish gets its signature golden color from saffron, and the caramelized carrots add a touch of sweetness that … Read more

Black Plastic Kitchen Utensils: The Hidden Flame Retardant Crisis Black Plastic Kitchen Utensils: The Hidden Flame Retardant Crisis (image credits: flickr) You’re probably looking at your kitchen right now, noticing that familiar black plastic spatula sitting in your utensil holder. What you can’t see is the alarming truth behind these everyday tools. A recent peer-reviewed analysis of black plastic household products found that 17 out of 20 items tested (or 85 percent) contained brominated and organophosphate flame retardants, with decaBDE found in 70 percent of the black plastic products tested at levels significantly exceeding safety limits. These chemicals weren’t supposed … Read more

Sunflower Oil – The Quick Spoiler That Deceives Many Sunflower Oil – The Quick Spoiler That Deceives Many (image credits: unsplash) Sunflower oil might seem harmless sitting in your pantry, but this popular cooking oil has a sneaky habit of turning rancid faster than you’d expect. Exposure to air leads to oxidation, which can make the oil go rancid. Keeping sunflower oil at a consistent, cool temperature can extend its lifespan. Fluctuations in temperature can accelerate spoilage. Sunflower oil is rich in polyunsaturated fats, which break down more quickly over time when exposed to elements like light, oxygen, and heat. … Read more