The tastes of the season - savory, sweet, traditional and scrumptious
The holiday season is fast approaching - and this year there are some new tastes joining traditional favorites to tempt even the most temperamental palates. |
Entertaining tips that keep your guests coming back
Entertaining, even for the most seasoned host or hostess, can be nerve racking and stress inducing, but let's face it, we continue to entertain. However, there are tips and tricks that anyone can have in their arsenal to make their gathering a good time, followed up with requests for an encore performance. |
Tips for easy, fun holiday entertaining
Entertaining friends and family during the holiday season is as customary as drinking eggnog and opening presents. These gatherings usually involve investigating new - and delicious - recipes, decorating the house to the hilt, building the perfect collection of holiday tunes to play and finding fun activities to keep everyone engaged throughout. The key to successful entertaining over the holidays is preparation. |
Garden accents for the holidays
As autumn fades and winter draws near, homes begin to reflect the approaching holiday season. For many of us, the cooler weather also signifies a lifestyle change. |
Five reasons to ring in the new year with potatoes
2012 will be the year of the potato, according to Restaurant Hospitality magazine. While the restaurant industry experiments with make-your-own mashers and custom-cut chips, the at-home cook can celebrate the spud for all its many nutritional benefits. |
Ease the stress of grocery shopping during busy winter months
Hectic schedules, combined with unpredictable winter weather, often make meal-related decisions a chore. Affordable and simpler shopping routines could help you start savoring family meal time again. |
Dinner club tips: Mussel up your menu
Dinner clubs have been a popular activity for many Americans for decades. And why not? Combining the best of fabulous food and good friends with whom to share it, dinner clubs (or supper clubs as they are sometimes known) provide a regular opportunity for group members to get together and enjoy delicious meals together.
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Impress your guests with holiday etiquette 101
You've spent the entire day in the kitchen cooking the perfect holiday meal. But it's an hour before your guests arrive and you find yourself standing in front of the table listening to that little nagging voice inside your head asking questions about how to set the table. Here are tips from an etiquette expert. |
Don't miss a beat in 2012: Get the facts about fats and heart health
With heart disease the leading cause of death in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it's time to listen to your heart and get the right kinds of fats into your daily diet. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends consuming polyunsaturated fats, specifically omega-3 fatty acids, for heart health. But what are these "good fats" and how do you make them a part of your daily nutrition program? |
Transforming holiday leftovers into mouthwatering meals
Gathering with friends and family for special meals is a beloved part of the fall and winter holidays. Spending time preparing dishes that everyone looks forward to somehow feels less like a chore and more like a tradition during this time of year. And, of course, you don't want anyone to go away hungry, so the amount of food that comes out of your kitchen is usually nothing short of monumental. |
Tips for creating meaningful new holiday traditions
Holidays are a great time to celebrate traditions with family and friends, and every family has unique activities they love to observe year after year. You can incorporate new traditions into the holidays to bring more memorable fun to your gatherings. |
More Americans looking to food as a source for everyday wellness
It was about 60 years ago that processed foods and fast-food outlets started to become mainstays of the American lifestyle. The fast-food culture that developed tended to view eating as an inconvenience, providing basic fuel for the day and not much else. More than half a century later, many Americans are more particular about the foods they choose for themselves and their families. In fact, people are seeking out the added health benefits that can be provided by functional or "super" foods. |
How to make your holiday event stand out
When you open your home to family and friends this holiday season, you want to give your guests the best impression possible. Here are a few things you can do to make your holiday event one to remember. |
Five ways to make entertaining easy
Whether hosting a meal for the family or an open house for the neighborhood, entertaining can be stressful. Here are some simple tips on how to make entertaining more enjoyable for all involved. |
Jingle shells: How PEI mussels feed the holiday crowd
The holidays are upon us once more and along with office parties and caroling, the season also brings the joy of entertaining and feeding a crowd at home. While it may sometimes seem daunting to feed larger numbers of friends and family that may grace your home, try these delicious meal ideas for serving to all of your loved ones this season. |
How to stay heartburn-free
For heartburn sufferers, rich food and drink at can be trouble. To help fight discomfort, follow these tips. |
Holiday recipes with a twist
The invitations are arriving. Office parties, family parties, school parties and the list goes on; it's a sign the holiday season is fast approaching. Here are some tips to make your season a little less stressful. |
How to turn your house into the finest steakhouse
Colder winter weather causes hungry appetites to develop for big, hearty flavors that warm the soul. Imagine a fireside table topped with a succulent steak and a robust red wine. Think you need to make a reservation at the swankiest steakhouse in town? Think again. With a little effort, it's easy to recreate a savory steakhouse experience at home. |
Five tips to make snack time easier for moms and kids
What's the first thing kids are looking for when they get home from school? More times than not, it's a snack. However, finding something that is easy to make and can be eaten on the go is also important. Here are a few tips for moms trying to find the perfect snack for the occasion. |
Put a healthier spin on favorite comfort foods
As the cool temperatures of fall and winter arrive, many people find themselves gravitating toward warming, rich foods. Many of those dishes are fondly remembered childhood favorites or even part of a longstanding family tradition. While those cozy comfort foods warm you, body and soul, it's no secret that many of them aren't the healthiest foods you could eat. But with a bit of creative cooking, you can put a more nutritious spin on beloved dishes - and still enjoy the comfort they bring. |
How you can make staying home just like going out
When the weekend arrives, going out to a local establishment to meet up with your friends to relax and enjoy your time off is a time-honored tradition. But going out involves a lot of planning and coordination - not to mention the money you'll inevitably drop on food, bar tabs and transportation. The good news is with the right modifications to your home, you can make a night in seem just like a night on the town. |
Healthy eating advice for people with diabetes
Social gatherings, comfort food and even plans to just cook for yourself can be difficult for people watching their diet. For those with health issues such as diabetes, the dietary minefield of temptations can be especially troublesome. |
A guide for festivities, family and food this holiday season
As you prepare to stock up for the busy holiday season, remember to put a case of the funnies at the top of your list to keep you going all season long. With 46 million parties planned this holiday season, preparation and a sense of humor are key. With a few simple steps you can make the most of your time with family and friends as you run the party gauntlet. |
Authentic Tuscan tastes bring big holiday flavor
When Janelle Maiocco learned she was traveling to Italy last summer on an all-expenses paid trip through Tuscany, it was as though the chef and blogger were really just coming home. |
Simple ways to make dinner at home a special night
Dining at home has many advantages, from saving money to affording family members more time together. But it's easy for those at-home meals to become routine and boring - unless you take some simple steps to make dinner time a special time for everyone. |
Tips for taking care of your wine collection
Your wine collection is growing and probably so is its value. Based on the results of a recent wine auction, held in Hong Kong in early October, the price of collectible wines is breaking records. Whether your collection includes the six 2000 Chateau Lafite-Rothschilds that recently sold for $14,500 in the fall auction at Zachy's, or bottles from your favorite wine club, your wine needs to be protected not only to retain your investment value but also to ensure quality. |
What's up in the workplace this holiday season?
Keeping the season fun and festive at work can take on a lot of different forms. Staples.com recently surveyed close to 400 people through social media to find out what was going in their office this holiday season. Here's what people found to be the most important to them this year. |
Make over your boring breakfast with these tempting turkey recipes
re you starting off your day with a bagel and a coffee ... again? It's easy for a breakfast routine to quickly turn into a breakfast rut. People often sacrifice a well-rounded breakfast that helps fuel morning activities and stave off hunger for a quick breakfast loaded with refined carbohydrates and sugar. The goal is to strike a balance: find quick and easy recipes that balance carbohydrates - derived from whole grains, fruits and vegetables - with a lean protein. |
Budget-friendly tips and tricks for easy entertaining
Whether entertaining throughout the season or inviting your closest friends and family over for an evening of fun, every host strives to impress their guests. But sometimes the stress and steep costs of shopping, cooking and entertaining can derail plans of being the hostess with the mostess. This year, use a few simple tips and tricks to make your gatherings special, memorable and affordable. |
Gut check: Digestive health tips from nutrition expert Keri Glassman
Why is digestive health so important? For starters, the digestive system is where vitamins, nutrients and minerals are absorbed, so it's important to take good care of it. In addition, a healthy and well-functioning digestive system can lead to better overall well-being. The good news is, there are many steps we can take to improve our digestive health, including easy changes to the foods we buy and eat. |
Eat, drink and be merry: Top holiday getaways for a foodie
Many individuals and families devote the holidays to visiting with friends and families or slipping away from the hustle and bustle for a little R and R, but the festive season is also known for eating. And lots of it. Turkey, hams, pies, pumpkins, stuffing, latkes, candy canes, chocolates, you name it, it is being consumed. So whether traveling far or near, here is a list of the top towns to get your eat on over the holidays. |
Customize your coffee: Create personalized beverages at home
Consumers are brewing up personalized specialty coffee drinks on par with those in high-end restaurants and coffee shops. Whatever your taste preference, it's easy to create personalized beverages for yourself, your family and guests to enjoy all winter long. |
Blend up a no-fuss, festive recipe for holiday entertaining
The holidays are here. For many that means it's time to pull out the best serving platters and the tastiest recipes for entertaining special holiday guests. Does contemplating your holiday party or dinner menu make you anxious? Don't fret. Today's technology is making it easier for you to quickly and easily prepare festive recipes that will bring good cheer to your guests. |
The secret ingredient to unforgettable holiday get-togethers
As holidays line up and families draw together, the age-old question is how to make these special gatherings unforgettable for all. The answer is so simple, we often don't realize how truly powerful it is: food. |
Chic holiday entertaining for less
A beautiful holiday table can be the centerpiece of any celebration. However, many hostesses are discouraged by the idea and potential cost of fancy linens, expensive serving ware and a perfect centerpiece. Here are some tips for creating a festive, yet affordable holiday setting. |
How smart shopping can help transform your lifestyle
Eating right and exercising is something we all know we should do, but the follow-through can be harder than we think. You don't need to take part in an expensive or radical health program to improve your life. Thinking long term and making small changes like shopping smarter and taking a closer look at what we eat can help improve our lives. |
Give an international flair to traditional holiday meals
As the holidays near, you may be wondering how to add a different touch to traditional recipes such as the tried-and-true turkey and those staple side dishes of green beans or mashed potatoes. An easy way to spice up your meals is to explore international flavors and serve unexpected recipes to go alongside your family's favorite traditions. |
Make Halloween frightfully easy and affordable
Halloween decorations and costumes are meant to be frightfully fun, but the price tag for pulling together the big night doesn't have to be scary. Here are three fun and unexpected ways to keep costs low and let the creativity shine with enchanting accessories, do-it-yourself decorations and devilishly simple party planning. |
Shopping advice: knowing what's in your food
How do you protect strawberries from an early frost? Some scientists choose to insert a gene from an arctic flounder so the strawberries tolerate the cold, just like the fish. That may sound a bit strange to you, and mounting evidence indicates that tinkering with nature like this might even prove harmful. |
How to use Prosciutto di Parma to make holiday entertaining easy
When the holidays leave you short on time and high on stress, entertaining can be daunting. With the right ingredients and a little planning, you can reduce the work load and free up time to spend with loved ones. |
Out-of-the-chocolate-box ideas for Valentine's Day treats
Valentine's Day usually brings to mind a box of chocolates for your sweetheart. As delicious as solid milk chocolate hearts and raspberry creams are, how about something a little different this year? |
Give a gift that goes beyond the ordinary
Are you looking for gift ideas this holiday season that are more than just a gift? How about enhancing a tasteful gift with culture and knowledge to enhance your loved one's stature? |
Five ways to eat local throughout the year
Fresh food is harder to come by once the last leaves fall and the frost sets in, but there are still a number of ways you can keep your commitment to eating locally alive year-round. |
Football analyst Jesse Palmer offers sweet tailgating tips
With football season in full swing, fans across the country are arriving early to show their team spirit before kick-off. In fact, Tailgating.com reports that 46 percent of fans will tailgate at least six times this year. Use these tips to have a successful tailgate this season. |
Dreaming of a stress-free holiday party
The holidays are the perfect time to reconnect and mingle with family and friends. However, the stress of hosting holiday get-togethers can sometimes be discouraging. This year, avoid a festivity fiasco by keeping in mind these five preparation tips. |
Five ways to enhance entertaining with a California cheese course
Whether it's preparing for a holiday gathering, watching the big game or planning a dinner party with friends and family, it can be difficult to decide what food to serve. A cheese course is a simple, elegant solution that also saves much-needed kitchen prep time. |
Go ahead, be an egghead: fortified eggs benefit the brain
Egg consumption is on the rise, and not just at Easter. According to the American Egg Board, each American eats about 250 eggs annually - 20 eggs more per person every year than people were eating two decades ago. And there are many ways to enjoy eggs of all kinds of varieties, from colors to sizes to omega-3 fortified eggs. |
Five tricks for celebrating the holidays with smart and satisfying choices
Just because the holidays include decadent indulgences, it doesn't mean you have to sacrifice the celebrations and treats you love. Here are five tips and tricks to keep your taste buds rejoicing and your holidays delightful. |
Don't wait until the holidays to start planning your annual cookie exchange
'Tis the season for delicious treats and festive gatherings. The fun of baking, sharing recipes and getting together for holiday parties, such as a cookie exchange, are what make the season extra special. For those looking to create the ultimate cookie exchange, here are some expert tips to turn any party into a sweet success. |
Give the gift of personalized wine
A new trend is emerging with more people developing interest in a carefully cultivated wine and food lifestyle. People are creating their very own vintage - making it a great holiday gift idea. |
Try adding a twist to your holiday staples this year
We look forward to the holidays for many reasons, and the food is often near the top of the list. But while traditional holiday dishes are a familiar comfort that everyone in the family can look forward to, there's no harm in adding a slight twist to your staples to give them a gourmet touch. |
What's in store at your supermarket: Top 10 food trends for 2012
Last year's high grocery prices had many Americans looking for ways to save at the supermarket. The upswing in prices over the past 12 months may have you wondering what will happen this year at your local grocery store. Here are 10 trends to watch in 2012. |
Got holiday leftovers? Tips for safely savoring foods a second time around
When it comes to holiday leftovers, many of us secretly relish that slice of cold turkey or ham the next morning, and savor how reheating just enriches the flavor of those candied yams. Before you take that first bite, it's important to remember that proper care can help ensure the leftovers you love stay safe, edible and bacteria-free. |
Creative ways to preserve family recipes and traditions
Whether families are around the corner or across the country, special memories and cherished traditions bring them together. From cooking favorite dishes to re-telling classic family stories, it's important to keep those traditions alive. |
Escape boredom and add some fun to winter break
Winter break is upon us and students of all ages have cast aside their textbooks, pencils and laptops for several weeks of homework and classroom-free fun. Though the break is a welcome change from the routine of classes and exams, it is all too easy to waste away the precious time off glued to the couch watching "Family Guy" reruns. Here are some fun and active ways to add some adventure to this year's winter break. |
Easing the stress of hosting guests
Whether it's for the holidays or another big occasion, hosting people in your home can be both gratifying and stressful. It can be especially tricky when you're entertaining out of town guests for days at a time. By planning ahead, you can avoid some of the common pitfalls that can cause a gathering to go south in a hurry and ensure that both you and your guests have such a great time that everyone will be looking forward to the next get-together once it's all over. |
Eight savvy ways to upgrade your finances and lifestyle in 2012
People always look forward to a new year, whether it's a chance to start over from a tough year, or an opportunity to build on something great that happened the last year. Either way, upgrading from one year to the next is an important start. |
Surefire recipe for picking the perfect holiday side dishes and dessert
Just as the right shoes and handbag can make a good outfit look great, the right side dishes and dessert can turn a mere meal into a memorable experience. And while the rules of fashion accessorizing may fluctuate with changing seasons and trends, choosing the right side dish or dessert follows some time-honored, trusted guidelines. |
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