Many foods that are commonly eaten in savory dishes are referred to as vegetables but are actually fruits. Fruits are classified by the presence of seeds. Tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplants, strawberries, oranges and apples are all part of the fruit family.

Peanut butter is a favorite of kids and adults, but be sure to look for organic peanut butter on your supermarket shelf. U.S. peanut crops are often rotated with cotton, which is treated with many toxic pesticides. These chemical residues remain in the soil and affect peanut crops. Those who are allergic to commercial peanuts often find that they can eat organic products.

 If you're missing fruit this winter don't be tempted by those flavorless supermarket strawberries shipped from south of the equator. American citrus is in season all winter. Look for delicious tangelos, blood oranges, grapefruits, Meyer lemons and kumquats to get your fruit fix!

Raspberries and tea made from red raspberry leaves strengthen the kidneys and vision. Raspberry leaf tea also strengthens the female system, eases childbirth and reduces menstrual cramps.

The pumpkin, commonly used in holiday pies, is a member of the gourd family which also includes watermelon and squash. It is a good source of vitamin A and can also be used in savory dishes. The flesh from small pumpkins is more tender and succulent.

The brightly colored outer part of citrus rind (called zest) is a valuable flavoring agent, containing essential oils that can add a bright, fresh flavor to dishes.

Many of us who cringe at the mention of lima beans grew up on the canned, pre cooked variety. Fresh lima beans are in season late summer and are delicious sauteed with fresh corn and red pepper to make a succotash.

If you're craving sweets put down that candy and give dried fruits a try. You'll find dried figs, berries and orchard fruits are delicious, sweet and pleasantly chewy. My favorite are big, juicy Medjool dates stuffed with almonds or peanut butter. Yum!

Bitter and spicy greens are a delicious addition to salads which also offer health benefits. Try radicchio, dandelion, frisee, endive and arugula along with lettuce and mildly sweet dressing to spice up your salads.

Mire poix is a French term used by chefs to refer to a mixture of diced carrot, celery and onions.  Mire poix sauted in oil or butter is a fundamental part of many soups, stocks and sauces and is also used to braise meats.

Raspberries and tea made from red raspberry leaves strengthen the kidneys and vision. Raspberry leaf tea also strengthens the female system, eases childbirth and reduces menstrual cramps.