As we move from the holidays into the New Year, you may be feeling the residual effects of endless grazing on holiday fare now. That feeling of bloating, slow digestion and low energy can be a sign of accumulated toxins, known as ama. As a result of rich ingredients, poor food combining, lack of sleep and stress, we weaken our digestive system and in turn our immune system. But …

One of the greatest parts of food blogging is being able to connect with incredible artisans, makers and culinary creators from around the world.  And if there’s one thing I’ve seen in this community – there are some seriously talented women out there shaping the way we eat, think, and feel about food!  This year, I decided to launch a new series on the Vidya blog to highlight some of the kitchen goddesses out …

This colder weather outside (read: sleeting rain+ice storms!) has signaled a shift for me to head inside and start finding little creative projects to fill my weekends. Lately, it’s been a mixture of watercolor painting, podcast listening, making my way through that giant stack of books by my bed, and well, of course, fall inspired-baking. This weekend, my house has been filled with the smell of fresh roasted pumpkin, maple …

For the past three years, I’ve cooked a giant feast for friends days before Thanksgiving just so I could test recipes and create a menu guide for the blog. It’s always been a great excuse to gather friends together and share a good meal before the actual big event.  I always love this time of year because of its collective energy around connection and slowing down. And …

One of the greatest parts of food blogging is being able to connect with incredible artisans, makers and culinary creators from around the world.  And if there’s one thing I’ve seen in this community – there are some seriously talented women out there shaping the way we eat, think, and feel about food!  This year, I decided to launch a new series on the Vidya blog to highlight some of the kitchen goddesses out …

One of the greatest parts of food blogging is being able to connect with incredible artisans, makers and culinary creators from around the world.  And if there’s one thing I’ve seen in this community – there are some seriously talented women out there shaping the way we eat, think, and feel about food!  This year, I decided to launch a new series on the Vidya blog to highlight some of the kitchen goddesses out …

It’s been quiet on the blog front lately! Between launching a new website, hosting two retreats, guiding the fall group cleanses, completing my prenatal/postpartum yoga teacher training and studying for my upcoming birth doula training, I’ve been one busy (and blessed!) lady over here. It hasn’t left me much time for recipe testing and exploration in the kitchen. In fact, these days I’ve been coming back to the meals that are tried-and-true …

There’s a delicate art to making a red sauce. I know so because I watched my Italian father and aunt spend years refining and perfecting the process of our family recipe. A good sauce takes a minimum of 8-10 hours, beginning with the slow process of sweating the onions on a low heat. Of bringing the garlic to the perfect light golden caramel color. Of balancing the tomatoes vs. herbs …

I’m writing you with a mug of chai in hand, wrapped cozy in a blanket while a fierce rain falls outside. We’re going on day 4 of April showers here in the great plains of Oklahoma, and while the land dearly needs this water, my body is swimming in what we Ayurvedic yogis call Kapha energy (ie. lethargic, heavy, slow, sleepy).

Ayurveda, which translates to the science of life, is the …