ArcaMax

These no-bake peanut butter–oat energy cups are the perfect bite-size snack, offering a delicious balance of salty-sweet perfection. They’re packed with chunky peanut butter, fiber-rich oats and just the right touch of chocolaty sweetness for a boost of lasting energy. Feel free to substitute smooth peanut butter for the crunchy, and use ...Read more

Caffeine is a naturally occurring stimulant often found in coffee, tea, chocolate and various energy drinks and medications. But how does caffeine impact the body? Let’s take a system- by-system look at what caffeine really does when it enters your bloodstream.

Central nervous system

Caffeine’s most noticeable effect is on...Read more

Preparing stew can be a long process. I like to have everything prepped ready to go, which cuts down on cooking time. It’s so worth the extra time for this soul-satisfying beef stew. I usually look at the weather report; and if it is cold and damp, I plan a morning to put this together. This stew has a double dose of tomato flavor with tomato ...Read more

February proves a great time to step away from the protein shakes and render beef protein into a bowl of goodness. A simmering kettle warms up the house and nourishes the recipients.

Our local market offers a remarkable array of beef perfect for long, slow simmers — cuts such as beef shanks, cheeks, short ribs and oxtails. Less expensive than...Read more

Some viral food trends aren’t built to last, but that’s just not true with date bark. The first time I saw it I thought, “Wow, I need to make that immediately.” The first time I actually made it, I knew instantly it would become a staple in...Read more

Chicken pot pie has been and always will be the ultimate comfort food. But what if I told you I found a simpler recipe that’s even more delicious?

A few days ago, during my allotted one hour of TikTok screen time a day (I’m trying to cut back on...Read more

The guy on TV was surprised.

The guy on TV is the host of several cooking shows. He's British, so I think of him as Alistair Wordsworth-Shelleykeats, but that probably isn't his real name.

The shows he hosts are on something called Recipe.TV, which I have recently discovered after changing my cable provider.

Yes, I still have cable. I also ...Read more

When you've got a family member with a severe gluten allergy, it can be slim pickings when it comes to baked goods and other dishes made with grains like wheat, barley and rye.

Not only are menu choices often limited when planning dinner or dessert, but even a mild sensitivity can wreak havoc on a loved one's tummy if you don't use distinct ...Read more

Inspired by Chinese New Year celebrations, this easy steak stir-fry quickly came to mind. It takes just a few minutes to assemble and prep the ingredients, and only minutes more to cook, making it perfect for a busy day.

I use a ready-made stir fry sauce from the market for convenience, but if you prefer, I’ve included a simple homemade ...Read more

CHICAGO -- Last month, a national shutdown swept the country, urging people to observe a day without school, work or shopping as a way to demand changes to federal immigration enforcement. At Chicago’s Daley Plaza in the Loop, hundreds gathered despite the cold. Dozens of businesses closed shop. Many others, however, stayed open. But not ...Read more

Noodles are a key part of Chinese New Year celebrations because they symbolize long life. This recipe is perfect for the tradition because it's super-customizable based on your tastes. Try swapping in chicken for the steak. Can’t find Chinese broccoli? Use broccolini instead. Or swap out the mushrooms and broccoli altogether for...Read more

Plantains look like bananas but are bigger, with a neutral flavor and starchy texture similar to a potato. They’re typically cooked, steamed, boiled, and fried, rather than eaten raw.

The folklore

Plantains are thought to have originated in Southeast Asia, traced as far back as 500 B.C. Plantains are less common in American ...Read more