Bugs In Your Frappucino?

by Miraingredients, vegetarian

cochineal bugs | photo: Zyance Starbucks has recently come under fire by vegetarians. It turns out their strawberry flavored drinks have been changed. They’re using a new ingredient…cochineal extract. That picture on the left is cochineal bugs. They’re used to make food coloring. Only pregnant females are used; their outer casings are crushed and processed into […]

Making Maple Syrup

by Mirasweeteners

This is a guest post from my friend Becky S. who lives in the northeast. One day she happened to mention making maple syrup with the kids. Definitely a cool learning experience for anyone but especially exciting when it comes from your very own trees. She and her kids had a great time and she […]

Pink Slime Clarified

by Miraingredients, questions, unhealthy, USDA

ground beef | photo: Rainer Zenz One reader contacted me asking, “What cafeteria food is made with this pink slime stuff? I’ve never heard about this and [my son] is now eating in the cafeteria at public school. He took his lunch every day for four years but not this year. I was just worried […]

Eating More

by Mirafruit, habits, health, produce, questions, snacks, vegetables

I recently got asked the question, “How do I eat more fruit and veggies, I don’t think I’m eating enough?” That’s a good question. And one that’s faced by a lot of people. Especially parents who are trying to encourage their children to eat a healthier diet. One of the best ways I have found […]

Travel Food

by Miravacation

Just back from a trip to Washington DC I enjoyed great weather and beautiful scenery and exhibits. I really had a great time there and part of the fun was exploring the food in a different location. As you all know I love food and I love to eat. I find it incomprehensible that some […]

We Have A Winner

by MiraUncategorized

Using the Random Number Generator we have a winner for the Leap Day Giveaway. I tried a totally new system this time and used a service where folks could earn points toward the giveaway. Unfortunately it doesn’t seem to give a link directly to the entrant. So, drumroll, Donna, if you’re reading this — and […]

Leap Day Giveaway

by Miraingredients

Whoo hoo! We love free stuff. And there’s a great gift on the way to one lucky winner. The nice folks over at PurelyGreat are offering up a F-R-E-E 50 gram container of Women’s Citrus Deodorant. Made with only four natural ingredients this deodorant contains no aluminum and is vegan friendly. According to the Environmental […]

Eating In The Woods

by Miralocavore, vegetables

Merriweather | photo: miradessy My husband and I were fortunate enough to be able to take a Wild Edibles Foraging Tour with Merriweather today. He’s always interesting and engaging, offering an amazing depth and breadth of information about edible, non-edible, and medicinal plants. The ground was very wet and muddy at the Spring Creek […]

"natural" Doesn’t Mean Appetizing

by Miraadditives

dictionary | photo: Alex756 And the word of the day? Castoreum What’s castoreum? I’m so glad you asked. It’s a food additive that appears in many of our favorite foods but especially in ice cream. It is used particularly in the following flavors: vanilla, strawberry and raspberry. Sounds yummy right? I mean who doesn’t like […]

The Dangers Of Excessive Caffeine Consumption

by Miraadditives, healthcaffaine, coffee

Yet another caffeinated product has made it’s way onto the shelves. Mostly found in coffee, caffeine can also be sourced from tea and cocoa. It is often consumed as a beverage. There is a new caffeinated product which is available as an inhalant.Seriously? I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again. How much caffeine […]