Traditional Cookery
Lets Talk Plastic and Plastic
Published January 25th, 2020
by Tammera J. Karr
The first synthetic polymer was invented in 1869 by John Wesley Hyatt as a substitute for ivory. By treating cellulose, derived from cotton fiber, with camphor (both naturally occurring substances), Hyatt discovered a plastic that could be crafted into a variety of shapes and made to imitate natural materials like tortoiseshell, [...]
What You May Not Know~Lead and dishes
Published January 20th, 2020
While doing research over the Christmas Holiday, I came across some disconcerting information on lead. My investigation was prompted by a love of vintage kitchen stuff and a question from a client on safe dinnerware for her RV. Many folks have opinions on what are the best dishes and glassware for RVs and homes. Often [...]
Rhetoric and Food
Published January 10th, 2020
by Tammera J. Karr, PhD
For those of us who have lived around agriculture, we know the problems with the modern food system is not with the farm or the volume being produced. The waste, cruelty, and denaturing of our food happens after the farm when it enters the mega-industrial machine of Big Food. Sustainability [...]
The Benefits of Time
Published December 12th, 2019
by Tammera J. Karr, PhD
Every once in awhile, someone will say to me – “it must be nice having all the time in the world to do whatever you want?” Now that I am older, I reply with less sarcasm when I say, “It has its benefits.”
The old saying about “time flys,” [...]
Box of Crayons
Published December 5th, 2019
by Tammera J. Karr, PhD
Nature is filled with color, and as I watch the vibrant changed to trees and plants, my thought turn to crayons, which lead to making choices. Do you remember when you got that first box of crayons? The first box of crayons came out in 1903 and contained eight [...]
Learning from History
Published November 28th, 2019
by Tammera J. Karr, PhD
This past month I have added two rare books from the late 1800s to my collection. One, of course, is a cookbook; the other is an original copy of Dr. John H. Kellogg’s “Plain Facts for Old and Young: Embracing the Natural History and Hygiene of Organic Life,” circ [...]
The Great Purge of 2019
Published November 14th, 2019
by Tammera J. Karr, PhD
It all began with my normal fall clearing out, note I didn’t say cleaning, that would imply the dust and cobwebs are also gone. Every year we go through our clothes and household items and bag up what we no longer like, need or ware for a local charity. [...]
New Season and New Foods for Health
Published November 14th, 2019
Fall surprised us all with a venture into winter earlier than anticipated, not only are the trees turning a crayon box of colors, the farm stands, and markets are bursting with hearty calorie-dense foods and savory immune-supporting roots. Fall is often our favorite time of year, and it [...]
History as Old as Bees’
Published April 30th, 2019
By Tammera J. Karr, PhD
It is difficult to appreciate in today’s world the value of honey and bees. Honey is a by-product of flower nectar and the upper aerodigestive tract of the honey bee, which is concentrated through a dehydration process inside the beehive. Honey has a very complex chemical composition that varies depending [...]
Time Change and Spring Fatigue
Published March 23rd, 2019
by Tammera J. Karr, PhD
Over the two weeks, I have heard countless clients complain over the time change. The following days have been the land of zombies in some folks minds. Additionally, spring is upon us and with that; tree, grass and flower pollen. Spring is a time of rebirth, and rebounding energy, or [...]