Year: 2022
Dec 2022

What Exactly is “Zero Waste”at the Debra’s Refillery? …and is it Really, Literally “ZERO”? Let’s start with the simple answer: NO.    Not even when you roll up to the Refillery on your fixed gear bike, and ride away with Maine-grown pesticide-free oats in your grandpa’s hemp fiber saddlebags.  There’s still waste in the system.    The farmers probably use a tractor. 

Dec
2022
Dec 2022

My mother’s cassoulet recipe (originally published in these pages 2017) is a delight, and a revelation. Lots of beans and meat. Rich and warming. Fatty and delicious. Creamy on the bottom; melt-in-your mouth crispy on top. The perfect Sunday dinner for family, and a holiday table centerpiece.

Dec
2022
Nov 2022

These are first of all the nicest people! AND — their pecans are genuinely special. To begin with, they’re native pecans – the heirloom variety that has been growing wild in North America since forever. They have small tender, flavorful meats that are wonderful to snack on, and make delightful pies. But you almost never

Nov
2022
salad
Nov 2022

radicchio | citrus | shaved fennel | toasted hazelnuts I was in Italy early October, on Lake Bolsena, with my father and brothers and sister, and all the children.  They rented a big house.  Every day, we went somewhere, walked around, and ate lunch out.  Every evening, we came home and made a big family

Nov
2022
vitamins
Nov 2022

(See part 1 here) Multivitamin technologies fall into four basic categories. I have my favorite! And I’ll tell you what it is — eventually. In the meantime, as I go through the four options, bear in mind two things. First, not everyone uses these terms the same way I do. You need to get past

Nov
2022
butternut soup
Oct 2022

My wife makes a pot of this probably 3-4 times a month all during the cold seasons. It is simple, dependable, and nourishing. And, if you use frozen or pre-cubed squash, the whole thing is about 5 minutes of prep. We tend to use butternut, but you can use any winter squash, really – including

Oct
2022
vitamins
Oct 2022

So… do we really need a multivitamin? Well, “need” is a strong word… Okay, should we take a multivitamin? Some of us definitely should! You definitely want to consider a multi if you don’t eat a balanced diet. Or you’ve got some malabsorption issue – think celiac, inflammatory bowel disease, etc. Or you’re on severe

Oct
2022
Sep 2022

A subset of people have always suffered from diverse, chronic symptoms following viral infections — although they haven’t always been taken seriously. Long COVID may be worse, or more prevalent. But it’s not unprecedented.

Sep
2022
Aug 2022

In the fall of 2000, I wrote my first article ever for the Debra’s newsletter, an ode to and an appreciation for whey protein. Obviously, it was a favorite! 20 years later, and I still like whey. But some things have changed

Aug
2022
Aug 2022

Easy, breezy, backyard casual — with Levantine flair. Your squash comes off the grill flavorful and tender. It has grill marks. It’s vegan. Everyone is happy.

Aug
2022
Aug 2022

Here we use Shichimi Togarishi, a Japanese 7-spice blend of chilis, citrus, seaweed and sesame. If you haven’t tried it… try it! Lovely on plain boiled rice, and just like za’atar, it makes a phenomenal avocado toast.

Aug
2022
Jul 2022

So, it’s finally spring!  As a pretty unseasoned grower, I’m unapologetically enthusiastic, to the point I want to squeal with delight at all the varieties of organic tomato seedlings at my local garden center. I’ve prepped my plot, raking last year’s leaves, adding compost and manure, and turning the soil.   I don’t just rake the

Jul
2022
Jun 2022

This is Part 1: What it Is, What to Do. (Find Part 2: Herbs and Supplements HERE) Asthma is a condition effecting the lungs. People who “have” asthma can go days, weeks, and months without having an attack. During an attack, the microscopic airways of the lungs become inflamed, limiting airflow.  The airways constrict, and

Jun
2022
tonic medicine chest
Apr 2022

Want to optimize health and vigor — subjective and objective wellbeing? We’ll talk about ginseng, shizandra berries, deer antler velvet, cordyceps and reishi mushrooms. How they work, and how to use them.

Apr
2022
Apr 2022

We are saddened to report the death of our founder, namesake, and soul, Debra Stark. She suffered a heart attack on Saturday April 16, and passed peacefully on Monday April 18 at Emerson Hospital, surrounded by family. We believe she died aware of the love and support that flowed towards her, from family, friends, and

Apr
2022
Market-Scene-Pieter-Anderson
Apr 2022

Through more then 50 years of trial and error gardening at the Hugh Cargill Community Gardens in Concord, I have been delighted and thrilled at the discoveries that still amaze me to this day. Companion planting is the most fun. Here are some easy ideas for your 2022 garden. Combine rows of beans and carrots.

Apr
2022
healthy food salad bowl
Apr 2022

Most of us are just tired.  It’s the times and more. Many of us grab a cup of coffee for breakfast. A donut if willpower is weak. Many of us live on fast foods. We get up each morning, go to work, come home, go to bed. We manage, but never feel great. And while coffee, sugar and other stimulant

Apr
2022
Apr 2022

Incan grain, Spanish flavors. Sort of. This protein-rich pilaf is reminiscent of paella, but a lot easier, and made from 100% plants.

Apr
2022