Beverages

Be Active Everyday

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Farro Yogurt Muffins with Be Active Tea

Maybe it’s a bit neurotic to drink a cup of The Republic of Tea’s Be Active tea made for each phase of my exercise or daily routine. Since the set of teas is a caffeine-free, herbal blend made with green rooibos–that is full of antioxidants–the benefit exceeds my neurosis. Besides, drinking a few cups is a global benefit (good karma), because the tea is sustainably and economically helping the rainforest and a community in Zeekoevlei Farm in South Africa. It’s why this set of teas are Rainforest Alliance certified.  Read more →

Spice Up Your African Diaspora Culinary Knowledge

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Hot Spiced Coconut Chocolate Milk

February is a joyous month honoring leadership, celebrating love and praising our culture. Starting the month of festivities is African Heritage & Health week. A week long celebration encouraging African-Americans to return to their roots and rediscover cooking techniques and ingredients their ancestors ate before the age of processed food.

In 2011, Oldways, an organization dedicated to teaching nutrition and good food via culture and heritage, introduced the African Heritage Diet Pyramid. It was created by experts in African American history, cuisine, nutrition, and public health. The ingredients listed are commonly found in recipes from North America, Africa, the Caribbean and South America. Dishes made with African Diaspora ingredients are generally healthier than some soul food dishes ‘invented’ or ‘revised’ within the last 60 years. Read more →

Bed-Vyne Wine’s Thanksgiving Tasting

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Bed-Vyne Wine Shop Postcard

There’s a new wine store in my Brooklyn neighborhood. The shop, Bed-Vyne Wine, is located on the corner Tompkins and Putnam. In their small, specially designed space, their selection of wines is organized by taste: Earthy, Floral, Sweet, Port, Sparkling and so forth. It makes searching for wine quite easy for burgeoning oenophiles (myself included that category). Read more →

An Intimate Panel Discussion by The Meaning of Tea

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Loose-Leaf Tea Leaves by TheMeaningofTea.com

An audience member told the story of a Chinese philosopher seeking to learn all medicinal 10,000 herbs. Towards the end of his life, the philosopher had learned 5,000 of the 10,000 herbs. Upon his deathbed, a student boldly asked about the other 5,000 herbs and where to find the information. The Philosopher shared the instructions of where to find his research with the inquisitive student. After his death, the student followed the philosopher’s directions to find the information about the last 5,000 medicinal herbs. Opening the drawer, the student only found Camellia Sinensis, the leaf used for tea. Read more →

Lemon Ginger Tea

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Lemon Ginger Tea

It’s that time of year when everyone or someone is not quite feeling well with colds, sore throats, body aches and headaches. As much as we try to avoid becoming ill, eventually the cold catches up to most of us at least once per year, and it’s usually when we’re most stressed. Medications temporarily offer relief from annoying dry coughs, nasal drippings, and pounding headaches; vitamins promise over night cures; and a wise visit to a doctor for practical treatment are one of the many ways to seek relief from minor colds. Occasionally, I patiently wait for a soothing cup of Ginger Lemon Tea, a classic homestyle treat. Read more →