Have you ever made homemade vanilla ice cream? The ingredients are pretty basic: cream, milk, sugar, egg yolks and natural vanilla flavor. But if you want that same taste without having to make it yourself, we've found that Trader Joe's version tastes like homemade versions. In fact, it has all the same ingredients plus two preservatives and that's it -- no long list of unpronounceable colorings and chemicals. more ›

As you may have guessed, we're focussed on breakfast this month. And this February is a chilly one. Last week we were cycling through storms like planes landing at LAX. When it's like this, you need a little something extra for breakfast in the morning to keep you warm. And, since having different kinds of grains is good for you, oatmeal is just the ticket. Everyone likes theirs different -- some people like it instant, others like to go old school and cook it up in a pot. Some people like bananas, or chocolate chips, flavored cinnamon, or even vanilla. Even instant, where you can get it flavored with all manner of things right in the packet -- peaches, pears, blueberries. These days I make mine with nonfat milk (extra protein, extra calcium!) with brown sugar, sliced almonds (more proteins! Good fats!) and dried cherries. Which seems kinda weird, but it's great, they taste tart, a little appley. It's a real treat. more ›