Is it ever really too early to start considering your corporate gift giving? It’s smart to make notes of what your clients and coworkers (as well as friends and family) like throughout the year to make the process easier when it’s time to start buying for the holidays. If you […]

Whether they are packed in a lunchbox or easy to grab when kids get home from school, stocking your kitchen with healthy snacks for kids can turn an unhealthy afternoon treat into something good for their growing brains and bodies. During this crucial time of development, kids require lean sources […]

Chocolate is a rich, luscious, tasty treat, but it is also a rich source of antioxidants and the flavonoids have been found to have a positive effect on cardiovascular health. Wine is a beverage to enjoy while socializing and with dinner, yet it has also been found help reduce the […]

Pistachios ripen in the month of September almost exclusively around the world except for Australia which harvests in February. In exceptionally hot summers, harvest may be early (last week of August). The hull of the pistachio is called the epicarp. It is about 1/16 of an inch thick and adheres […]

Wine grapes are not native to New Mexico. They were brought to the state in the 1600’s by Monks needing wine for Catholic ceremonies. They grew well, but endured a difficult journey through rough winters, Pueblo revolts, Prohibition and major flooding, essentially demolishing wine making in the region. A resurgence […]

Merlot, in French, means “the little blackbird”. In America, it is the second most popular red grape, just behind Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot is known for being soft, ripe and elegant. Most are easy drinking reds that pair well with foods and are pleasurable to enjoy on their own. Merlot is […]

Hangry is a newer term we see tossed around, the combination of being hungry and grumpy. We have all suffered from this. Imagine being a kid that is a metabolic machine that uses carbohydrates faster than your minivan goes through a tank of gas. No wonder they throw fits! Becci […]

The 4th of July, also known as Independence Day, is filled with parades, flags flying, barbecues, fireworks, and impromptu baseball games. Families, friends, and neighbors often get together to enjoy eating, talking, and lighting colorful fireworks. But where did it all start? History of Independence Day Celebrations: The holiday was […]

Pistachio ice cream is always a favorite in the Heart of the Desert Alamogordo store. If you can’t make it to Alamogordo, New Mexico to pick some up, this recipe would be a terrific addition to any warm evening this summer. Servings: 6 Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 20 […]

Father’s Day didn’t become a national holiday until 1972 when President Nixon made it so. 1972! Most of the readers of this blog were probably alive then. The writer certainly was. That’s fascinating, considering Mother’s Day became official in 1914. History of Father’s Day There are two stories regarding when […]