SEASONED THOUGHTS

After previously recommending Chosen mayo and with the avocado oil controversy still unresolved, here’s my reliable homemade olive oil mayo recipe. Seed oil free, creamy, and ready in minutes with an immersion blender. On August 10, 2026 I published a post explaining why I chose Chosen Foods mayo over other avocado oil brands. At the time it seemed like one of the cleaner, more trustworthy options available. Since then, independent testing has raised questions about the puri

Avocado oil has become a kitchen staple for good reason. It offers a high smoke point (around 500°F), a neutral flavor that works for almost any cooking method, and healthy monounsaturated fats. But here’s the hard truth most labels won’t tell you: a large percentage of the “avocado oil” on store shelves isn’t pure—or fresh. The Landmark UC Davis Study That Exposed the Problem In 2020, researchers at the University of California, Davis conducted the first extensive study of c

A great vinaigrette should feel balanced, smooth, and effortless. My Champagne Vinaigrette Mix™ was created to make that easy—bringing together clean, thoughtfully selected ingredients that pair beautifully with olive oil and vinegar to create a fresh, flavorful dressing at home. This creamy version—made with a touch of honey and Dijon—has become a favorite for its soft, rounded texture and clean, bright flavor. From that foundation, you can keep it classic—or elevate it. Thi

There are seasons in life when we are asked to slow down. After having hardware removed from my ankle — metal that had been in place for 26 years — I entered one of those seasons. What I expected to be a straightforward recovery became something quieter and more reflective. Healing required patience. Muscles recalibrated. Nerves reawakened. Progress came slowly and intentionally. And in that slower rhythm, I found myself returning to the basics. Returning to Simple Nourishmen

Shopping for groceries definitely feels like it takes longer these days, and a big reason for that is the need to read ingredient labels. It’s not just about picking up whatever looks good anymore—now we have to take the time to check what’s actually inside everything. Here’s why: 1. Health Concerns Are Top of Mind People are way more focused on health now. Whether it’s trying to avoid processed sugar, checking for trans fats, or steering clear of anything artificial, we’ve a