|
Seven tips for making your outdoor event a sizzling success |
|
Warm weather and longer days mean people are spending more time outdoors. Why not use the beauty of nature to your advantage and choose to entertain outside this season? Between the grill, the bugs and the heat, entertaining outdoors can prove a tricky proposition, so follow these easy steps to ensure that this summer your outdoor entertaining efforts go off without a hitch. |
|
|
|
|
Achieve better health while fighting hunger in your local community |
|
Surprisingly hunger and obesity can be linked. The same communities can suffer from both epidemics. There are nearly 2 billion overweight people in the world, while 1 billion people in the world are underfed, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United States. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Food and wine: How to create a perfect marriage |
|
Weddings are one of life's most celebrated occasions. For brides- and grooms-to-be and their families, an incredible amount of creativity and planning is poured into this all-important day: from the wedding gown to the ceremony, from the invitations and flowers to the wedding cake itself. One of the most-remembered details is what guests are served, so the wedding menu should reflect the couple-to-be's unique style and personality. |
|
|
|
|
Need a healthy meal idea? Just open the cupboard |
|
Even on busy nights, when you may be tempted to hit the drive-through, cooking at home with simple ingredients from your pantry is a more nutritious, cost-effective and quicker solution when dinnertime rolls around. |
|
|
|
|
Cook what you love, only healthier |
|
With obesity rates on the rise, there is no better time than now for families to build healthier habits. While selecting the right foods is the first step, how they are prepared is equally as important. Cooking healthfully includes choosing the right ingredients as well as implementing techniques such as baking, grilling, broiling, roasting and stir frying. |
|
|
|
|
Tempting summer meals that are healthy and easy to make |
|
Once the warm weather arrives, we are all searching for ways to make our meals not only healthy, but refreshing and delicious. And we all want quick meal options - so that we can spend more time outside enjoying the weather with friends and family and less time in the kitchen. |
|
|
|
|
Creatively cut the fat: substitute with apples |
|
Looking to eat better? Tried low-fat and reduced-sodium products, but they just don't taste the same? If you want to modify your diet without giving up the tastes you love, substituting natural ingredients, rather than modified versions of unhealthy ingredients, could do the trick. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
S'mores is the right activity for more than just camping |
|
Americans have a love affair with that classic campfire treat, S'mores. The good news - S'mores are no longer reserved just for campfire cooking. Did you know you can enjoy the chocolate, marshmallow and graham cracker goodness every day, inside and out? |
|
|
|
|
Choose happy foods, not foods that make you sad |
|
"Grab the ice cream and bring on the chocolate!" While this may be a typical response to a bad mood for many, studies have shown that eating junk food can actually make you feel even worse. In fact, there are both physical and emotional side effects of chowing down on unhealthy foods that may make you want to rethink your decision to overindulge. |
|
|
|
|
Entertaining at home made simple and fun |
|
For the average person, hostessing does not mean setting out your finest table cloth and most prized dinnerware. One of the keys to being a good hostess is to create a warm home environment that's ready to welcome guests at any time. |
|
|
|
|
Jump start this school year with the perfect recipe for success |
|
After a summer filled with sunny beach days and sleepovers, getting kids motivated to head back to school and adjust to a new routine is often a challenge. To make the transition a little easier for kids and parents, here are some tips and fun ideas to get creativity flowing and wake-up brains for learning. |
|
|
|
|
Five tips for the perfect holiday party |
|
With each holiday season comes the tradition of family reunions, school celebrations and parties with friends. During this hectic time, the idea of throwing your own party can be overwhelming, however, with these five tips, your holiday party will be simple to plan and an affair to remember. |
|
|
|
|
How to host a family reunion potluck |
|
A family reunion can be one of your extended family's most memorable shared experiences, providing new family stories and deepening bonds for years to come. If you are in the coordinator's seat, it can also be a daunting amount of work. With a bit of advice from the experts on planning, delegation and, the centerpiece of any family gathering, food and drink, it can be a bit easier. |
|
|
|
|
Learn to pair wine with dessert |
|
The art of learning to pair wine with dessert is something that you will find helpful throughout your life. There are even culinary courses, pastry classes and various books and websites devoted to the topic, which simply highlight the importance of knowing your wine when you dine. |
|
|
|
|
Healthy alternatives for after-school snack time |
|
The new school year is just around the corner, and with childhood obesity on the rise and an increased national focus on sensible eating, it's more important than ever to offer healthy food alternatives to kids. And not just for school lunch. Afternoon snack time is often overlooked when parents are planning meals, making it easy for families to stray away from making smart food choices. |
|
|
|
|
How to make your family room into a personal theater |
|
Until now, there's been nothing quite like the experience of catching your favorite flick in the theater, but today's technology makes it possible to bring the magic of the theater experience to your home. Each year, home theater equipment becomes more sophisticated and affordable, allowing more homeowners to turn their family rooms into screening rooms. |
|
|
|
|
Think you might be gluten intolerant? How to know and what to do about it |
|
Does the thought of a big bowl of pasta fill you with dread? Not because of the calories, but because of the digestive discomfort you might experience after eating it? If so, you may be one of the millions of Americans who unknowingly live with gluten intolerance. Following a gluten-free diet may stop the symptoms and promote healing. |
|
|
|
|
Your fridge can help you stay on track with healthy eating this summer |
|
Summer is here, and the key to making the most of the season is to ensure you feel your best. Although there are many tempting, calorie-laden foods at your disposal during the season, it can be easy to fill your diet with foods that are tasty and healthy. A good place to start is in your refrigerator. The contents of your fridge can either sandbag or support your healthy eating habits. |
|
|
|
|
The sweetest season: delicious and easy summer desserts |
|
Summer is a time of traditions - people travel to the same resorts year after year, host annual barbeques, and go back time and time again to enjoy their favorite summer treats. It's hard to think of summer without thinking of favorite food traditions - such as grandma's strawberry pie or a s'more around a campfire. |
|
|
|
|
How you can shape up your summer snacking |
|
Summer is here, and that means barbecues, get-togethers and outdoor parties with friends and family. With so many tempting treats, it can be hard to snack smartly, but some easy substitutions here and there can keep the whole family on track all summer long. |
|
|
|
|
Backyard grilling: Sliding into summer with savory sliders |
|
The backyard barbecue grilling season is in full swing and hamburgers continue to reign supreme as one of America's favorite grilled foods. Whether you cook with gas or charcoal, nothing beats the flavor of a juicy burger right off the grill. And, whether you're into bold flavors or basic toppings, nothing tops off a burger better than a great glass of wine. |
|
|
|
|
Five tips to build a better salad |
|
While all greens are low in calories, many people sabotage what could be a light, nutritious meal with heavy toppings like fried chicken, croutons and the wrong kind of cheese. Tasty toppers don't have to be loaded with calories and fat. With a few new ideas and simple switches, a salad can be a revitalized and turned into a healthy meal. |
|
|
|
|
Five creative tips for packing healthier school lunches |
|
It's that time of year again: back-to-school season. Amidst the jam-packed schedule of a child's school day, it's nice to know there is one area where parents make a difference - lunchtime. The mission is to create a nutritious lunch that your hungry kids will look forward to eating. |
|
|
|
|
Tips to make the most out of everyday family fun |
|
If you thought a day of family fun would bust your budget and take a lot of time to plan, think again. Contrary to common belief, it is possible to plan fun, family-friendly activities without breaking the bank. Here are some valuable tips to get you on the road to celebrating, saving and offering your family more throughout the year. |
|
|
|
|
Create your own relaxing outdoor oasis this summer |
|
It's summer time again and the living is easy - at least it's supposed to be. But when mosquitos invade your yard, it's tough to enjoy fun in the sun. Lasting summer memories often begin with a pleasant environment in your own backyard. But the first step is keeping the mosquitoes at bay. |
|
|
|
|
How to get the full NASCAR experience in your living room |
|
As NASCAR hits its peak in the midst of the 2010 Sprint Cup Series, masses of fans will make their way to the races. But if you can't score tickets and sitting in traffic isn't quite your speed, why not try living the race experience away from the speedway with a group of friends? |
|
|
|
|
Bored with water? Try a new and refreshing drink to cool off |
|
The hot days of summer and even early fall can leave you parched for a refreshing drink. By cold brewing tea leaves, the resulting drink not only can quench thirst and eliminate grease from your system, but also retains the caffeine and tannic acid found in the tea leaves. |
|
|
|
|
Cooking more at home? 4 easy ways to spice things up |
|
If you like to cook, there's a pretty good chance you're doing more of it now. With the economy slowly recovering and families rediscovering the value of gathering around the dinner table, more people are skipping restaurants and honing their skills as home chefs. |
|
|
|
|
Easy entertaining tips to shape up your home for any occasion |
|
Do you love the idea of entertaining, but feel like getting your home ready for a social event requires too much time and attention? Not to worry, there are a few easy things you can do to make sure your home is always ready to host guests and they may not be as difficult to accomplish as you think. |
|
|
|
|
Turn a gourmet kitchen into a chef's studio |
|
Does your kitchen feel more like Julie's than Julia's? No need to be concerned ... if Julie could learn to master the art of cooking in less than a year, you can design your own chef's studio in a fraction of that time. Follow Julie's footsteps and take your lead from those who know kitchens best - professional chefs. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Creating great food memories |
|
Your memory of real, flavorful, fresh food is a key tool for losing weight. At least that's one of the intriguing claims in Bruce Weinstein and Mark Scarbrough's new book, "Real Food Has Curves: How to Get off Processed Food, Lose Weight, and Love What You Eat." |
|
|
|
|
Thanksgiving: Make a big splash on little cash |
|
You scaled back the family summer vacation and expect to curtail spending on holiday gifts this year. Still, you would like to do something special for the holidays, even if your budget isn't as grand as it once was. Thanksgiving is one holiday when you can make a big splash without spending a lot of cash. |
|
|
|
|
Make summer super with potluck-perfect recipes |
|
From block parties to backyard barbecues, summer is when people get together and enjoy the delectable tastes of the season. The classic American potluck is always a favorite gathering, especially when friends, family and neighbors bring out their best dishes for everyone to enjoy. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Planning a road trip? Here are 5 tips for packing food to bring along |
|
Planning a road trip this summer to see a part of the great U.S.A. you've never been to before? If so, there's a lot of planning to do. You need to figure out which route to take, what attractions you want to visit along the way and where you'll spend each night away from home -- not to mention what to bring. |
|
|
|
|
Grilling tips to keep home fires burning safely |
|
Summer is here and so is grilling season. Before firing up the grills, however, weekend warriors should observe a few simple precautions to ensure that backyard barbecue bashes don't go up in flames. |
|
|
|
|
Lower cholesterol naturally with food first |
|
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States. The cornerstones of managing heart disease are healthy lifestyle behaviors: a heart-healthy diet, exercise, smoking cessation and stress management. However, with so much information available, it's often confusing where to begin. |
|
|
|
|
Expert tips for brewing great-tasting coffee at home |
|
Have you ever brewed a cup of coffee at home and wished it tasted as good as the cup you get from your favorite cafe? A lot of steps go into making the perfect cup of coffee, but they are all simple ones you can follow at home. |
|
|
|
|
Sweet or savory? With apples, you can do both |
|
You've heard the phrase, "As American as apple pie." While apples provide the fabric for some of our most basic, familiar and comfortable foods, they can be used in more versatile ways than you might have imagined. While you can't go wrong with staples like apple pie, caramel apples and apple fritters, there's plenty more to explore in the world of cooking with apples. |
|
|
|
|
Gifts people love to open again and again |
|
Looking for a gift for the person who has everything? Don't succumb to gift cards, baseball hats, and t-shirts. Instead, be creative and try a gift like a 1- to 12-month wine club gift or even wine-related accessory to round out your shopping, and the recipient will surely be impressed. |
|
|
|
|
Five superfoods for heart health |
|
Some foods pack more punch than others. Here are five foods that have a lot of disease-fighting power, and it's a good idea to regularly make room for them in your meals. |
|
|
|
|
Healthy fall eating for moms-to-be |
|
Did you know more babies are born in August than any other month of the year? According to data from the CDC, there is a "baby boom" from July to September -- meaning most women become pregnant during the cooler nine months prior. For all moms who are pregnant or thinking about getting pregnant, it's important to have a healthy diet of nutrient-rich foods. By following clear advice from health experts, moms-to-be can ensure their health and boost their baby's growth. |
|
|
|
|
Simple tips to take the fear out of Halloween planning |
|
Does it seem like the kids start talking about Halloween as soon as school starts again? Fun costumes, spooky decor and heaps of candy - no wonder kids love Halloween. And for adults, having a happy Halloween can help set an upbeat tone for all the end-of-year holidays. With that much love of the holiday floating around, it makes sense to seek out unique Halloween ideas before the big day arrives. |
|
|
|
|
Taking heartburn off the menu this barbecue season |
|
While a little burning is expected when you fire up the grill, a leading gastroenterologist says that if you follow some simple, at-home guidelines, you may be able to avoid the burning sensation in your chest. |
|
|
|
|
Whole grains offer a world of new taste to familiar foods |
|
Sometimes a small change in your diet can lead to big results. Americans are continuing to recognize that maintaining a healthy lifestyle includes making smart food choices. A good place to start is making whole grains a staple of your diet, as they provide many nutrients that are fundamental to the health and preservation of our bodies. |
|
|
|
|
Sweeten the grilling season with fresh corn |
|
When the weather's warm, you don't need a special occasion to cook out, picnic or throw a patio party. Any fine day is a good reason to scrub down the grill and heat up your inner outdoor cook. As you stock up on burgers and buns at the supermarket, gather your own crop of sweet, fresh corn too. |
|
|
|
|
Get the most out of breakfast |
|
You've heard for years that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Although eating in the morning is a step in the right direction, what people eat appears to be just as important as simply eating. |
|
|
|
|
Fall grilling spices up family mealtime |
|
The end of summer doesn't mean you need to head indoors to cook your meals. The ease of operating gas grills ensures that grilling is a great way to prepare a meal any time of year, and seasonal food can inspire grillers to try new recipes. |
|
|
|
|
Want to get kids into the kitchen? Start simple, encourage creativity |
|
Experts agree that getting children involved with cooking has many benefits - from getting them to try new foods and learning about nutrition, to providing bonding time with other family members. No matter what age you begin introducing your child to culinary skills, keep in mind it's best to start simple and with foods that are already familiar to them. |
|
|
|
|
Light eating for families: Experts suggest seafood |
|
Health experts recommend young families, especially expecting moms, should aim to eat a variety of nutrient-rich foods -- those that, like seafood, are bursting with vitamins and minerals in every bite. Warm weather is the perfect time to learn light, delicious ways to make fish your family's new favorite. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Do your kids need a fresh lunch box makeover? |
|
The start of a new school year is an exciting time for children. Each fall begins with a new teacher, different classmates and a fresh start, making it the perfect time for you and your kids to get back into a daily routine. A good place to start is the school lunch. To avoid falling into a rut and preparing the same lackluster foods, here are a few tips to help make over any lunch box this school year. |
|
|
|
|
Tips to make indoor entertaining sizzle this summer |
|
Sure, summer is suited to barbecues, picnics and all sorts of al fresco fun. But indoor entertaining has appeal during the warmer months as well. When temperatures turn too sultry to sit outside, or you just crave a more elegantly prepared meal shared with good friends and no mosquitoes, you'll be grateful for your kitchen and indoor entertainment spaces. |
|
|
|
|
Great dishes for a carefree, casual feast |
|
Casual, laid back dining with family and friends is definitely a must for outdoor gatherings and what's more relaxed than a utensil-free feast? Think beyond burgers, and serve up some party favorites that work well without a fork and knife. Great tasting finger foods, like bruschetta, dips and quesadillas, can make backyard bashes easy, fun and flavorful. |
|
|
|
|
How to shop smart for your health and your wallet |
|
With a dizzying array of choices in the supermarket, finding the best foods for your family can be a challenge, particularly in the dairy aisle. Every shopping trip is an opportunity to re-evaluate your family's grocery store habits and make changes for a happy wallet and a healthy body. |
|
|
|
|
Put a little personality in your outdoor entertaining |
|
Warm sun-drenched days and cool starry evenings can inspire the host or hostess in us all. It's the perfect time of year for easy outdoor entertaining - to reconnect with family and friends at a backyard barbecue, neighborhood block party or rooftop soiree. It's also a time to show off your unique style and personality without the pressure of planning an elaborate sit-down dinner. |
|
|
|
|
Easy cherry recipes are a sweet start to summer |
|
The pleasures of summer -- its warm temperatures, its long days, its holidays and its bounty of fresh foods -- make it an infinitely lovable season. It's no wonder we look forward to it throughout the rest of the year. Many people plant fruits and vegetables in late spring, after the last danger of frost has passed, but the wait to harvest those treats can be long. Luckily, a bounty of fruit is ready at the start of summer, in the form of sweet Bing cherries. |
|
|
|