Whole grains are cereal grains that retain the bran and germ as well as the endosperm, in contrast to refined grains, which retain only the endosperm. Whole-meal products are made from whole-grain flour.Common whole-grain products include oatmeal, popcorn, brown rice, whole-wheat flour, sprouted grains, and whole-wheat bread. Common refined-grain products include white rice (raw rice; parboiled rice however retains some of the "wholeness"), white bread, hominy, and pasta (although whole-grain varieties of pasta are available).

See what happens when bored people in Marin County California tell everyone about their storm related problems! My favorite:"Volvo XC with peace bumper stickers cuts off Volkswagen bus in whole foods parking lot. Volvo driver desperate for organic wheat grass smoothie and aromatherapy candle."

As winter drags on, it is becoming more and more difficult to find the wonderful bounty of fresh produce associated with warmer months. The cold weather brings thoughts of comfort food – mac and cheese, chicken pot pie, and beef stew – not fresh strawberries and salads of spring greens. See Whole Wheat Blueberry Pancakes Recipe.

As a result of heavy monsoon rains, South Asia has a sever shortage of rice and wheat - their main staple, and has to import the food. Is this just an example of what awaits the whole world in the (not so) distant future, thanks to climate change?

the "cereal combines the crunch of whole grain goodness, the smooth creaminess of yogurt and the sweet taste of berries...." Yet there is more refined rice than whole grain wheat, no berries (just dyed apple pieces), and no yogurt (just yogurt powder that is usually heat treated, killing any beneficial bacteria) in the cereal.

A New England Twist on the Mediterranean DietFlavorful cheeses give fall comfort foods a satisfying tang.Recipes include Warm Chicory with Eggs and Pecorino Romano and Whole Wheat Linguini with Lemony Leeks and Parmigiano-Reggiano