Raw wood needs to be treated or cured before use to prevent bacteria growth, and to enable wooden utensils to repel liquids. An extremely knowledgeable mountain-climbing friend of mine in the wood business, shared this formula with me. I was unable to verify the origins of the formula, but I can attest that the process works.

Quinoa is able to grow in high altitudes and withstand frost and intense sun. It was first imported to the United States in the 1970s, and has grown in popularity due to its superior nutritional qualities and versatility. Quinoa is considered a complete protein, as it includes all nine essential amino acids.

The colorful yolks are caused by iron in the yolks that reacts with hydrogen sulfide from the whites, according to the American Egg Board. While the discoloration is harmless, we have included a foolproof recipe for hard boiling eggs, just in case green isn’t your favorite color.

In times past, we would pick up a whole, already roasted chicken from the grocery store for a quick, tasty meal. The crisp skin and seasonings were delicious, but often had ingredients we’d rather not eat or simply could not have.

Spaghetti squash is a seasonal vegetable, harvested in the fall, and available through fall, winter, and early spring in grocery stores. An uncut squash will keep for up to a month in a cool dry place.

The texture and taste of rice makes it a versatile side dish, or part of a main course. Long grain brown or white rice will give you rice that separates after cooking. Short grain rice comes in either brown or white, and will give you a sticky rice when cooked.