FitSugar

Strike a Yoga Pose: Sage

FitSugar — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 03:30:00 -0700

There are so many variations of Sage pose - Beginner's Sage, the tougher Sage Tree, and the even more difficult Half Bound Lotus Sage. Now you're ready for this challenging full variation known simply as Sage. It requires extreme balance as well as flexibility in the hips and hamstrings.

Sanskrit Name: Vasisthasana
English Translation: Most Excellent Pose
Also Called: Sage, Side Plank, or Split Sage

To learn how to do this advanced pose read more.

Begin in Downward Facing Dog pose. Step both feet together so your big toes are touching.
Now move your right hand over to the left six or so inches so it's at the upper center of your mat.
Step your right foot forward two inches, and plant the sole of your right foot firmly on the mat so your toes are pointing to the left.
Then roll over to your right side and lift your left hand off the mat, coming into a side plank. Lift your left leg up bending your left knee and hold on to your big toe with the first two fingers and thumb of your left hand.
Stay here balancing, or work on straightening your left leg completely. Try to keep your shoulders, spine, and hips in one straight line, and gaze toward your right toes. Engage your right fingertips to take some pressure out of your wrists. Stay here for five deep breaths, trying to keep your core strong and the pose steady.
Release hold of your left foot and place your left hand back on the mat. Move your right hand back where it was near the top right corner of your mat. Separate your feet so you are in a top of a push-up position (what I call Plank). Now take a vinyasa and come back to Downward Facing Dog. Then do this pose on the other side.

Strike a Yoga Pose: Sage Half Bound Lotus

FitSugar — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 08:00:00 -0700

Balancing poses are really fun to try and they also perfect your posture and muscle control. After trying Beginner's Sage and Sage Tree, I think you're ready for a more challenging variation: Sage Half Bound Lotus. If the name makes it sound challenging, that's because it is. The challenge is part of the fun.

Sanskrit Name: Vasistha Ardha Bada Padmasana
English Translation: Sage Half Bound Lotus Pose

To learn how to do this pose read more.

Begin in Downward Facing Dog pose. Step both feet together so your big toes are touching.
Now move your right hand over to the left so it's at the upper center of your mat.
Step your right foot forward two inches, and plant the sole of your right foot firmly on the mat so your toes are pointing to the left.
Then roll over to your right side and lift your left hand off the mat, coming into a side plank. Lift your left leg up bending your left knee and use your left hand to pull your heel in front of your right hip so it's in Half Lotus. Reach your left arm around your lower back and hold onto your left big toe. Gaze toward the ceiling. Engage your right fingertips so you can take some pressure out of your wrists. Stay here for five deep breaths, trying to keep your core strong and the pose steady.
Release your left hand back to the mat and move your right hand back where it was near the top right corner of your mat. Separate your feet so you are in a top of a push-up position (what I call Plank). Now take a vinyasa and come back to Downward Facing Dog. Then do this pose on the other side.

Strike a Yoga Pose: Sage Tree

FitSugar — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 08:00:00 -0800

If you're looking for a new balancing pose to try, how about Sage Tree? This is one of my favorites because it targets your upper body, core, and hips all at the same time.

Sanskrit Name: Vasistha Vrksasana
English Translation: Sage Tree Pose
Also Called: Sage with Bent Knee

Want to know how to get into this pose? Then read more.

Begin in Downward Facing Dog pose. Step both feet together so your big toes are touching.
Now move your right hand over to the left so it's at the center of your mat (still at the top of your mat).
Roll over to your right side and plant your right heel down so you are balancing on the outside edge of your right foot. You want your left foot to be stacked on top of your left foot with both feet flexed, coming into Beginner's Sage.
Now bend your left knee and use your left hand to pull your heel as high up on your inner thigh as possible, so it's in Tree position. Plant the sole of your right foot completely on the floor to help you stay balanced.
Once you're stable, reach your left arm up above you and if you can, gaze up at your palm. Engage your right fingertips so you can take some pressure out of your wrists. Stay here for five or more deep breaths, trying to keep your core strong and the pose steady.
Now drop your left hand back down and place your right hand back where it was near the top right corner of your mat. Separate your feet so you are in a top of a push-up position (what I call Plank). Now take a vinyasa and come back to Downward Facing Dog. Then do the other side.

Challenge Your Sense of Balance

FitSugar — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 09:30:00 -0700

Many people take up Yoga as a way to relax, reduce stress and bring a sense of inner calmness. For me, balancing poses are the most effective at reducing the stresses of life because they require all my attention and focus, that I am forced to forget about everything else. Staying in the pose and not falling requires all your effort and concentration. Once you release the pose, you feel an amazing wave of relief and contentment.

Here are some of my favorite balancing poses. Some of them solely challenge your sense of balance, and others also challenge your strength and flexibility. Just click on the name of the pose to learn how to get into them.

Sanskrit Name: Bakasana English Translation: Crane Pose Also Called: Crow
Sanskrit Name: (beginner's) Vasisthasana English Translation: Sage Pose Also Called: Side Plank

Want to see the others? Then read more

Sanskrit Name: Bakasana English Translation: Half Moon Pose Also Called:
Sanskrit Name: Upavishta Konasana English Translation: Seated Angle Pose Also Called: Balancing Wide Legs
Sanskrit Name: Baddha Hasta Sirsasana B English Translation: Bound Hands Headstand Pose Also Called: Double Arm Headstand

Sanskrit Name: Pincha Mayurasana English Translation: Feathered Peacock Pose Also Called: Forearm Stand
Sanskrit Name: Garudasana English Translation: Eagle Pose Also Called: Eagle
Sanskrit name: Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana A English translation: Extended Hand to Big Toe Pose Also called: Standing Hand to Big Toe A

Strike a Yoga Pose: Beginner's Sage

FitSugar — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 04:00:00 -0700

I'm sure you all have your favorite yoga poses. We love ones that help you stretch out and increase your flexibility. Or the ones that help us heal or rehabilitate injured muscles. We also love the ones that relieve tension and stress.

Then there are the poses are all about strength. They're challenging to do, so when you finally get into them, you feel confident, safe, and stable. Sage is one of those poses for me.

Sanskrit Name: (beginner's) Vasisthasana
English Translation: Sage
Also Called: Side Plank

Want to know how to get into this pose? Then read more

Begin in Downward Facing Dog pose. Step both feet together so your big toes are touching.
Now move your right hand over to the left so it's at the center of your mat (still at the top of your mat).

Roll over to your right side and plant your right heel down so you are balancing on the outside edge of your right foot. You want your left foot to be stacked on top of your left foot with both feet flexed. If this is too hard, bend your left knee and place your left foot flat on the ground in front of your right leg for support.
Reach your left arm up above you and if you can, gaze up at your palm. Engage your right fingertips so you can take some pressure out of your wrists. Stay here for 5 or more deep breaths, trying to keep your core strong and the pose steady.
Now drop your left hand back down and place your right hand back where it was near the top right corner of your mat. Separate your feet so you are in a "top of a push-up" position (what I call Plank). Now take a vinyasa and come back to Downward Facing Dog. Then do the other side.

Source

Pants and Tank courtesy of be present

Relax Already: At Home Smudge

FitSugar — Wed, 06 Dec 2006 17:30:00 -0800

Smudge your way to happiness.

Sage is one of the most sacred herbs among indigenous North American plants. The broad leaf sage, which is prized for its strong aromatic and clean burning properties, is used in the energy cleansing ritual known as smudging (or purification). Smudging basically means the smoke would attach itself to the negative energy of the area and cleanse it. And with the holidays rapidly approaching, who couldn't use a little help getting rid of extra negative energy?

Buy yourself a mini-bundle ($1.95) here.

Fit's Tip: When playing with smoke and fire, please be careful. To be sure that you even like the scent of white sage, you may want to test it outside first.

Herpes simplex virus

FitSugar — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 17:34:55 -0700

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections are very common worldwide. HSV-1 (usually known as a cold sore) is transmitted through kissing or sharing drinking utensils, and HSV-2 (usually known as genital herpes) through sexual contact. You may be infected and not show symptoms for a long time. Often symptoms are triggered by exposure to the sun, fever, menstruation, emotional stress, a weakened immune system, or an illness.

There is not cure for herpes, and once you have it, it is likely to recur; however, some people may have one outbreak and then never have another one. In between herpes outbreaks, the virus lies dormant (as if it is hibernating or sleeping) in nerve cells.

While exposure to HSV-1 is extremely common – as many as 90% of American adults have been exposed to the virus – and there is no stigma to having a cold sore, HSV-2 or genital herpes can cause embarrassment. Although there is no cure for genital herpes, an infected person can take steps to preventing spreading the disease and can continue to have a sex life.

While most herpes infections do not cause serious complications, infections in infants and in people with weakened immune systems or herpes infections that affect the eyes can be life-threatening.

Signs and Symptoms

HSV-1

Small, painful blisters filled with fluid around the lips or edge of the mouth
Tingling or burning around the mouth or nose (often a few days before blisters appear)
Fever
Sore throat
Swollen lymph nodes in neck

HSV-2

Small red blisters or open sores on genitals or inner thighs; in women, often occur inside the vagina
May be painful or not
In women, vaginal discharge
Fever, muscle aches
Headache Painful urination
Swollen lymph glands in the groin

Causes

HSV-1 is transmitted through saliva. Kissing, using the same eating utensils, sharing personal items (such as a razor), and receiving oral sex from someone who has HSV-1 can cause you to contract the virus.

HSV-2 is a sexually transmitted disease.

Both herpes viruses can be contagious even if the infected person does not have active symptoms or visible blisters.

Also, a mother can pass the infection to her baby during vaginal birth, especially if there are active blisters around the vagina at the time of delivery.

Risk Factors

Oral herpes (cold sores)

Everyone is at risk for oral herpes from HSV-1. In fact, studies suggest that by adolescence 62% of Americans are infected with HSV-1 and by the time people are in their 40s, 90% have been infected.

Genital herpes

All sexually active people are at risk for genital herpes. Having multiple sexual partners puts you at even greater risk. Women have a greater risk of being infected after sex with an unprotected partner than men do. Estimates of how many Americans are infected range from 20% to 30%.

Other factors

People with weakened immune systems, such as people with HIV/AIDS or those who take immunosuppressant drugs to treat an autoimmune disease or because of organ transplant, are at increased risk for severe cases of herpes.

Diagnosis

In many instances, your doctor is able to make the diagnosis of herpes from examining you and no tests are required. If your doctor is not 100% certain, however, then he or she make take a sample from the blisters to test for the virus. Finally, there is a blood test that may be helpful for making a diagnosis, especially if your doctor suspects herpes but you don't have an active infection.

Preventive Care

HSV-1

Avoiding kissing people with visible core sores
Don't share personal items
Wash your hands frequently
If you have HSV-1, be careful touching your eyes and genitals; don't perform oral sex on your partner
Use sunscreen
Reduce stress

HSV-2

Avoid having sex if you or your partner has an outbreak (active infection) of herpes. Herpes outbreaks are not always obvious and your partner may be contagious without you knowing it. Anyone involved in an ongoing sexual relationship with a partner infected with HSV-2 should get counseling from a healthcare practitioner on how to best keep yourself safe.
Avoid touching the sores
Use or have your partner use a latex condom (even when sores are not visible)
Limit the number of sex partners

Treatment Approach

Herpes cannot be cured, so the goals of treatment are to reduce the number of outbreaks and to lessen symptoms when you do have an outbreak.

Cold sores usually go away by themselves in no more than 1 to 2 weeks. Using medications may shorten the outbreak and decrease discomfort.

Antiviral medications for genital herpes can reduce outbreaks and help speed recovery when an outbreak does occur. They can also lessen the chances of spreading the virus.

Coping with the emotional and social aspects of having genital herpes is part of treatment. Relaxation techniques and support groups can help.

Lifestyle

For cold sores, applying either heat or cold to blisters may help relieve pain. Try ice or warm compresses.

For genital herpes, wear cotton underwear and avoid tight fitting clothes as they can restrict air circulation and slow the healing of lesions.

Be sure to tell your partner or potential partner that you have herpes.

Medications

Antiviral medicines - may help shorten the duration of a herpes outbreak and suppress recurring outbreaks. For genital herpes, there are two types of therapy: episodic and suppressive. With episodic therapy, you take medication at the first sign of an outbreak and for several days to shorten the duration or prevent a full outbreak. With suppressive therapy, you may take medication daily to keep outbreaks from occurring. Antiviral medications include:

Acyclovir (Zovirax)
Famciclovir (Famvir)
Valacyclovir (Valtrex)

Topical medications (for oral herpes) - include the antiviral cream Penciclovir (Denavir) and an over-the-counter cream, docosanol (Abreva).

Nutrition and Dietary Supplements

Because supplements may have side effects or interact with medications, they should be taken only under the supervision of a knowledgeable healthcare provider.

Lysine (1 to 3 g per day) - Although not all studies agree, several studies suggest that lysine may help reduce the number of recurring outbreaks of cold sores and possibly genital herpes. Most of the studies have involved people with cold sores or with both cold sores and genital herpes. A few studies also suggest that lysine may help shorten the duration of an outbreak. The evidence is somewhat stronger for cold sores: the research to date is not entirely conclusive, lysine supplements have been used to help treat or prevent mouth and genital lesions caused by herpes. Taking lysine supplements or increasing lysine in your diet (from foods like fish, chicken, eggs, and potatoes) may speed recovery time and reduce the chance of recurrent breakouts of the herpes infection. If you have high cholesterol, heart disease, or high triglycerides (type of fatty material in the blood, generally measured when you have your cholesterol checked), it is best, at this point, not to use lysine because animal studies suggest that this supplement may raise cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Propolis - A resin made by bees, propolis is loaded with flavonoids (antioxidants that help fight infection and boost immune function). Test tube studies show it can stop HSV-1 and HSV-2 from reproducing. One small study of people with genital herpes compared an ointment made from propolis to Zovirax ointment. People using propolis saw the lesions heal faster than those using topical Zovirax. More studies are needed to say for sure whether propolis works.
Zinc - In test tubes, zinc is effective against HSV-1 and HSV-2. In one small study in people, those who applied zinc oxide cream to cold sores saw them heal faster than those who applied a placebo cream.

Herbs

The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. Herbs, however, can trigger side effects and can interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, herbs should be taken with care, under the supervision of a healthcare practitioner.

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) - Several studies suggest that topical ointments containing lemon balm may help heal cold sores. In one study, for example, those who applied lemon balm cream to their lip sores saw a reduction in redness and swelling after two days.
Aloe (Aloe vera) - Preliminary evidence suggests that aloe gel used topically may improve the symptoms of genital herpes in men. In two studies, men who used the aloe vera cream (0.5% aloe) saw lesions heal faster than those who used a placebo cream. It isn't know whether aloe vera would also help heal cold sores.
Rhubarb cream (Rheum palmatum) - In one Swiss study, a cream made from sage (Salvia officinalis) and rhubarb was as effective as Zovirax in healing cold sores. Sage by itself was not beneficial. More research is needed.
Eleutherococcus or Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus/Acanthopanax senticosus) -Although not all studies agree, one 6-month study of 93 people with genital herpes found that Siberian ginseng reduced the frequency, severity, and duration of outbreaks. This herb should not be taken if you have high blood pressure, obstructive sleep apnea (repeated, prolonged periods when breathing stops while sleeping), narcolepsy (frequent day time sleeping), are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Peppermint oil (Mentha x piperita ) - In test tubes, peppermint oil has stopped a number of viruses from reproducing, including herpes. However, it isn't known whether peppermint oil would have any effect on the herpes virus in humans.

Homeopathy

Although few studies have examined the effectiveness of specific homeopathic therapies, professional homeopaths may consider the remedies described below for the treatment of herpes based on their knowledge and experience. One study of 53 people with genital herpes did show that the majority had improvement in their symptoms and were less likely to have recurrent outbreaks when treated with homeopathy. Participants in this study were followed for up to 4 years.

Before prescribing a remedy, homeopaths take into account a person's constitutional type. A constitutional type is defined as a person's physical, emotional, and psychological makeup. An experienced homeopath assesses all of these factors when determining the most appropriate remedy for each individual.

For cold sores:

Natrum muriaticum - for eruptions at the corners of the mouth that occur during periods of emotional stress and tend to worsen in the daytime
Rhus toxicodendron - for eruptions consisting of many small blisters that itch intensely at night
Mercurius - for children who drool and may have a fever
Sepia - for outbreaks that do not improve with other homeopathic remedies; this remedy is most appropriate for individuals who tend to have a lack of energy and don't tolerate cold weather

For genital lesions:

Graphites - for large, itchy lesions in individuals who are overweight
Natrum muriaticum - for eruptions that occur during periods of emotional stress and symptoms that tend to worsen in the daytime
Petroleum - for lesions that spread to anus and thighs; symptoms tend to worsen in winter and improve in summer
Sepia - for outbreaks that do not improve with other homeopathic remedies; this remedy is most appropriate for individuals who tend to have a lack of energy and don't tolerate cold weather

Mind/Body Medicine

Support groups - Having genital herpes can impact your social and emotional life. In fact, if you have herpes, it is quite common to feel depressed, angry, and even guilty. Worrying about possible rejection by someone with whom you are hoping to become intimate is also typical. Joining a support group where members share experiences and problems can help relieve the stresses associated with having genital herpes. If you are in a committed relationship, seeing a couples' therapist with your partner may also be helpful.
Relaxation techniques - Using relaxation techniques, such as yoga, guided imagery, and meditation, on a daily basis may help you feel better overall and cope with stresses related to having herpes.
Self-hypnosis - Self-hypnosis using guided imagery may also help relieve stress. In one 6-week training program, participants with frequently recurring genital herpes were able to reduce outbreaks by nearly 50% and improve their mood, including reducing feelings of depression and anxiety.
Other - Individual therapy with a psychiatrist, psychologist, or social worker; and techniques such as biofeedback can help reduce emotional symptoms associated with herpes.

Other Considerations

Pregnancy

Herpes viruses can be transmitted to a newborn during vaginal delivery, especially if the mother has active lesions in the vagina at the time of delivery. Herpes infections in newborns can be life-threatening or cause disability. Delivery by cesarean section (C-section) will be recommended to avoid infecting the baby.

Special Populations

Newborns – herpes infections contracted during delivery from the mother can lead to meningitis, herpes infection in the blood, chronic skin infection, and may even be fatal.

You are more likely to have severe, frequent outbreaks and to experience complications from herpes if your immune system is suppressed from:

HIV or AIDS
Chemotherapy for cancer
Long-term use of high doses of corticosteroids
Medications that intentionally suppress the immune system

Warnings and Precautions

If you are diagnosed with genital herpes, you should be tested for other sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia and gonorrhea.

Prognosis and Complications

Herpes is a chronic, recurrent infection. The initial symptoms usually appear within 1 to 3 weeks of exposure to the virus and last 7 to 10 days (for cold sores) or 7 to 14 days (for genital lesions). Usually the number of outbreaks is greatest in the first year and higher for HSV-2 genital lesions than HSV-1 cold sores. Each year after that, the number of outbreaks usually goes down and they become less severe. But you can never completely get rid of the virus.

Complications of herpes include:

Herpetic keratitis – herpes infection of the eye leading to scaring within the cornea and possible blindness
Persistent herpes infection, without lesion-free periods
Herpes infection in the esophagus
Herpes infection of the liver which can lead to cirrhosis (liver failure)
Encephalitis and/or meningitis (serious brain infections)
Lung infection
Eczema herpetiform – widespread herpes across the skin

Supporting Research

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Brennan P. Homeopathic remedies in prenatal care. J Nurse Midwifery. 1999;44(3):291-299.

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Review Date:
12/23/2007
Reviewed By:
Steven D. Ehrlich, N.M.D., private practice specializing in complementary and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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Review: Hall Naturals Cough Drops With Honey

FitSugar — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 15:00:00 -0800

I came down with a bad cold over the holidays, that targeted my throat and left me with out a voice for three days. I think my young daughters loved having a mom the could barely speak, but that is an issue to take up with my fellow sugar mamas over at lilsugar. Unfortunately, my sore throat coincided with my ski trip. When I was able to, I drank lots of tea with honey but needed cough drops to keep me going on the slopes.

Intrigued by the the "vapor action" of added menthol combined a soothing honey center found in Mountain Berry Naturals by Halls, I picked up a bag to try. Honey is a natural humectant, meaning it helps retain moisture, and it is also considered a natural cough suppressant.

To see what I thought of these drops read more.

The berry flavor and the menthol battle for dominance when the cough drop hits your tongue. Luckily the berry flavor wins, though tinged with mild herb flavoring. These cough drops did not taste like candy, which meant my daughters stopped pestering me for them. The honey center allowed the soothing effect to linger after the lozenge completely gone. They did help my cough and soothe my throat. They were not as tasty as a Ricola cough drop, but they didn't taste overly sweet or fruity like other kinds of throat lozenges by Halls. As for the word "natural" in the name. All the ingredients looks familiar except MCT oil, which stand for oil medium-chain triglycerides. I have no idea what that is doing in a cough drop.

Here is a list of ingredients: Active ingredient -Menthol 2.5 mg, inactive ingredients - citric acid, cottonseed oil, elderberry juice, flavors, ginger, glucose syrup, glycerin, honey, lemon grass, MCT oil, sage, soy lecithin, sucrose, water, white thyme.

Even with the mysterious MCT oil, I would buy Naturals cough drops again. A bag of 20 retails for $1.99.

Strike a Yoga Pose: Scissor Legs Side Crow

FitSugar — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 08:00:22 -0800

After practicing Side Crow and Straight Legs Crow, you're ready to give this pose called Scissor Legs Side Crow a try. It's similar to One-Legged Arm Balance, but it's a twist instead of a hamstring stretch. As with all arm-balancing poses, it'll take practice, strength, and stability to achieve this pose, so keep trying until you master it.

Sanskrit Name: Koundinyasana B
English Translation: Pose dedicated to the Sage Koundinya
Also Called: Scissor Legs Side Crow

To learn how to get into this acrobatic-looking pose, read more.

Begin squatting down on your mat with your knees and feet together. Rotate your torso to the left and place both palms flat on the ground, shoulder width apart. They should be perpendicular to your thighs.
Spread your fingers as wide as you can and begin to shift to the left, putting some of your weight into your hands. Your outer left knee is going to rest on your right elbow, and your outer left thigh (close to your hip) is going to rest on your left elbow. Think of your arms as the legs of a table, and your left thigh is the tabletop.
Try to keep your knees together as you shift all your weight into your hands and slowly lift your feet off the floor. Then straighten your legs out to the side, coming into Straight Legs Crow
Keep your left leg in contact with both elbows. Then slowly straighten your right leg behind you so it's parallel with your torso. Hold this pose for five even breaths.
Then bring your right leg back on top of your left, bend your knees and lower your feet back to the floor. Rotate your torso over to the right, place your palms on the ground, and try this pose on the right side.

Healthy Recipe: Apple, Leek, and Butternut Squash Gratin

FitSugar — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 03:30:00 -0800

Nothing says Autumn like butternut squash, so I had to incorporate the vegetable into one of my healthy pre-Thanksgiving experimental side dishes. This time I whipped up a vegetarian gratin that is unexpected in its lack of potatoes - layered squash and apple slices take the place of potatoes in this Parmesan cheese-topped side dish. The leeks are simmered in sherry to create a rich flavor, and while the recipe calls for sage I used thyme because that's what I had on-hand.

My dinner guests admitted they had been skeptical about the success of the dish, but everybody cleaned their plates and expressed how much they thoroughly enjoyed the healthy meal. I served it with slices of artisan wheat bread and it's a good thing that I picked some up at the farmers market, because while this dish is delicious, it probably isn't filling enough to stand alone. The colorful gratin now has some followers, including me. To get the recipe, read more.

Apple, Leek, and Butternut Squash Gratin
Martha Stewart's Whole Living

Ingredients

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 medium leeks, white part only, trimmed of roots and tough outer leaves, thinly sliced crosswise, well washed and dried
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1/2 cup dry sherry
1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage, plus leaves for garnish
1 pound butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and sliced 1/8-inch thick
1 pound apples, such as Gala, Cortland, Baldwin, or Macoun, peeled, halved, cored, and cut into 1/8-inch thick slices
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a 10-inch skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add leeks and 2 tablespoons water; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to brown, about 10 minutes. Add sherry and sage and cook until liquid is reduced to a glaze, about 3 minutes; set aside.

2. In a 2-quart shallow baking dish, arrange squash in overlapping layers; season with salt and pepper. Spread leeks evenly over the squash.
3. Arrange apples in an overlapping layer over the leeks. Brush apples with remaining tablespoon oil. Cover tightly with aluminum foil. Bake 45 minutes.
4. Uncover and sprinkle cheese over the top. Raise the oven temperature to 450 degrees and bake 10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is golden brown. The tip of a paring knife should easily pierce the gratin. Let cool 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with sage leaves.

Serves 8 as a side dish.

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