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Stacey Moore's Articles in Recipes

  • Keeping Food Safe During Cookout Season
    Summer is the ideal time to enjoy cookouts and backyard feasts. Unfortunately, hot weather combined with eating outdoors can be a breeding ground for food-borne illness. Every year, an estimated 76 million cases of food-borne illness and 5,000 associated deaths occur in the United States.

    It's easy to avoid food poisoning if you take some simple precautions. Here are some ways to keep yourself safe:
  • Almond, Almonds Everywhere
    More people are calling almonds their favorite nut-and they are putting their almonds where their mouths are. Over the past six years, American almond consumption has increased by 11 percent per year.

    From roasted and seasoned almonds in creative, portable packaging to almond granola bars, energy bars and breakfast bars to entrees and vegetable dishes, almonds are found in a variety of new food products.
  • Taking Dinner Outdoors? Americans Get Their Grills On
    While nearly everyone in America grills, not everyone is comfortable barbecuing more than the basics. Here's an approach to grilling you can "steak" your reputation on:

    Neighborhood grocery stores can help make the outdoor cooking experience easier by providing everything a griller needs under one roof. The Great Grilling program at Safeway features recipes, tools and high-quality ingredients for families that want to create delicious meals on the grill, and their Rancher's Reserve beef is guaranteed tender. The recipes were developed in the test kitchens of Sunset magazine to make it easier for shoppers to grill up a meal on the spur of the moment.
  • Stir, Bake And Mix Up Memorable Moments In The Kitchen
    No matter the cooking task at hand-whether it's rolling dough or mixing ingredients-getting children more involved in the kitchen is a great way to begin new traditions and spend good, quality time as a family.

    From baking cookies to stirring up pudding, introducing children to the joys of cooking begins with exciting, simple recipes.
  • Mojitos Offer A Taste Of Sophistication
    When you're entertaining, say sophisticates, Mojitos should be on your list. This refreshing cocktail of lime, mint and rum, which hails from Cuba, is the rage from coast to coast and everywhere in between. The mojito has been called the new cosmo.

    "Of course, being a Latina, I am familiar with the mojito," said Carolina Buia, co-author, "Latin Chic: Entertaining with Style and Sass" (HarperCollins). "It is a favorite among socialites and designers," she continued. "When we went to shoot our photos for 'Latin Chic,' the mojito was the 'it' cocktail everywhere."
  • Multi-grain Pastas Provide Delicious Ways To Add Whole Grains To Your Diet
    Say good-bye to grit. Replacing regular pasta with a whole grain variety no longer means sacrificing great taste. The new generation of multi-grain pastas offers whole grain nutrition with delicious taste and texture.

    "Whole grains are critical to a balanced, healthy diet, as evidenced by the FDA's new dietary guidelines," said Lisa Sasson, a clinical assistant professor at New York University's Department of Nutrition, Food Studies and Public Health. "The good news is that health-conscious parents have more ways to incorporate whole grains into their families' diets. Multi-grain pasta, which is versatile and economical, is ideal for consumers who want to prepare quick and nutritious meals that even kids will love."
  • Drink In The Sweet Tastes Of The Season-and Still Fit Into Your Clothes
    It's time to break out your umbrellas-the paper kind, that is! No beach, barbecue or backyard party is complete without a cool, refreshing beverage. Fun and fruity drinks are delicious but can be loaded with empty calories from sugar. To slim down these libations, Sweet'N Low®, America's original zero-calorie sweetener, suggests tasty new beverages that can be dressed up with spirits and mixers, or served as is for family-friendly occasions.

    Berry Special Sparkler
  • Nutritious, Delicious Wine Country Cooking
    Wine country is known for its beautiful scenery and fresh vibrant flavors. Now this celebration of healthy food and joyful dining can be easily re-created on your table thanks to the guidance of dietician Dr. Connie Guttersen's book, "The Sonoma Diet."

    Dr. Guttersen draws on her clinical knowledge and her experience as a nutrition instructor at the world-famous chef college, the Culinary Institute of America, to pre-sent recipes and dieting advice that are based on the wine country style of eating. This includes plenty of fresh vegetables, fruits, wine and California Black Ripe Olives, which have healthy monounsaturated fat, no cholesterol and no trans fats. She has been writing about California Black Ripe Olives for years and appreciates their ability to add flavor, color and texture to dishes.
  • Say Cheesecake! A Light And Easy Dessert
    Small changes can make a big difference for a healthier lifestyle. Take the venerable cheesecake, a guilty indulgence usually made with high-cholesterol ingredients and a lot of time in the kitchen. When it comes to tradition, a few smart substitutes turns out a guest-worthy dessert rich with natural ingredients and a citrus-infused, no-bake center.

    By adding in flavor and taking out fat, the modern cheesecake has a lot going for it. Yogurt and fat-free cream cheese provide the creaminess, and the eggs are replaced by gelatin. Raisins and walnuts chopped together create a sweet, crunchy crust with no sugar added, a novel idea developed by the Sun-Maid Growers. A serving of this cheesecake is low in cholesterol, too.
  • Fruit And Nut Snack Bars Are An Easy-to-make Treat That Contain Whole Grains.
    If you're looking for some easy and wholesome snacks to make for your kids, think inside the box-the cereal box.

    A number of cereals contain whole grains that are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fiber. The grains help keep bodies healthy, help maintain a healthy heart and can even help manage weight.
  • Pomegranate: A Stylish New Flavor Meets An Old Tradition
    An ancient and enduring symbol of passion and vitality, the pomegranate has been shown to be good for the heart in modern times. In fact, the "love apple," as it is known to many, is now one of the most talked-about and sought-after fruits and flavorings for everything from tea to ice cream. Packed with potassium, vitamin C and folic acid, this traditional symbol of Hera, the Olympic goddess of marriage and relationships, is now revving up today's lifestyle as a healthy and flavorful addition to food and drink.

    Now, one company is adding the goodness of the pomegranate flavor to its line of award-winning, all-natural flavored schnapps and liqueurs. Schnapps enjoy an honorable history, first distilled by brewmasters and perfected by the legendary Hiram Walker more than a century ago. Today, Hiram Walker™ is introducing the world's first Pomegranate Schnapps to offer new flavor seekers a chance to infuse the traditional martini, margarita and champagne cocktail with color, taste and style.
  • Add Mangos To A Traditional Favorite
    One of the best ways to complete an excellent family meal is to include something flavorful, warm and sweet in your dish. Take a traditional Mexican favorite-the tamale-and sweeten with delicious mangos, one of the world's most popular fruits.

    The mango is a versatile and delicious ingredient that can be added to a variety of traditional dishes and can be part of a healthy lifestyle. Perfect for any occasion or meal-from a hearty breakfast to the perfect side dish-mangos are available year-round.
  • Handfuls Of Your Favorite Snacks Top Rich Stadium Bar Brownies
    The best bite at the bake sale, the perfect snack for a potluck and the MVP of the game, Stadium Bars are loved by everyone. These rich brownies have all-star extras that totally wow snack fans-peanuts, kettle corn and chocolate chips. And they are so delicious and easy to eat that you really can take them anywhere.

    What's the secret? The sweetness of the chocolate, the salty peanuts, the tenderness of the brownie base and the crunch of the popcorn play with salty and sweet flavors and will keep everyone reaching for more.
  • Cookies Get Healthier With Whole Grains
    Whole grains are an important part of any healthy diet but often they're not the most tasty item on your daily menu. Once you've made the decision to add whole grains to your diet, the easiest place to start might be-perhaps surprisingly-with cookies. After all, who doesn't indulge in cookies? According to the new cookbook King Arthur Flour Whole Grain Baking, "Studies show that when American bakers turn on the oven, they're more likely to bake cookies than anything else."

    Cookies are sweet and flavorful, full of chips and nuts, candy and dried fruit. And that's why they're so easy to convert to whole grain. Exchange whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour in a cookie laden with dark-brown sugar, butter, toasted pecans and chocolate chips and no one will be the wiser.
  • Catch The Wave-delicious Seafood Dishes
    Anytime is the perfect time to plan quality family meals from the comfort of home. And as the pace of life speeds up, it is more important than ever to make informed food choices for you and your family. When time is short, quick and easy recipes are the key. So is good nutrition, making seafood a perfect fit for any family's menu.

    Seafood is praised as an excellent source of lean protein that is also low in total and saturated fat. But you might not know that these tasty fruits of the sea are also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it an ideal nutrient-packed dish. Minerals such as iron, selenium and calcium and vitamins A and D are found in various types of seafood, and these are all nutrients our bodies need for good health.
  • Cajun-fried Turkey Wraps For Your Next Football Party
    According to a new LouAna Peanut Oil/Cajun Injector Marinade survey taken by Opinion Research, 38 percent of the people polled plan on getting together with friends or relatives to watch college or NFL football on TV this season. And many say the quality of the food is as important as the game.

    "Football fans want great-tasting food that allows you to fill up your plate quickly and get back in front of the TV so you don't miss a great play," says LouAna Peanut Oil spokesman Patrick Mould, chef/owner of Louisiana Culinary Enterprises and author of "Recipes from a Chef."
  • A New Reason For Snacking On Raisins
    Here's sweet news for anyone who loves raisins but is concerned about keeping teeth healthy.

    Recent research has shown that compounds found in California raisins fight the bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease.
  • Satisfying Snacks For All Occasions
    When you're at work and looking for a mid-morning boost, or at the grocery store looking for a pre-dinner nosh, you can easily find a smart, satisfying snack: look for almonds. With toasty flavor, crunch and essential nutrients, they're a nutritious alternative to potato chips or pretzels.

    According to Keith Ayoob, Ed.D., R.D., F.A.D.A., author of "The Uncle Sam Diet: The Four Week Eating Plan for a Thinner, Healthier America," the ideal snack is high in protein, fiber and heart-healthy monounsaturated fat, which together help you feel fuller longer. Almonds are packed with all of the ingredients necessary to help you stay satisfied in between meals. In fact, researchers have discovered that people who snack on almonds consume fewer calories at later meals-the almonds help you feel full.
  • Bring A Touch Of China To Your Kitchen
    Chinese food is perennially popular among Americans. Whether it's a casual dinner or a large celebration, the Chinese restaurant is likely to be a dining destination.

    Every region of the United States has Chinese restaurants, and some well-known dishes were in fact invented in this country, such as chop suey and fortune cookies.
  • Figs, Barley And Bow-tie Pasta-a Tasty Trio
    Figs, the new darling of the culinary world, partner well with a wide variety of foods because they offer a sweet, delicate taste, an enviable nutrition profile and year-round availability. Both varieties-Golden Figs, with their light nutty flavor, and Black Mission Figs, with their sweet, subtle taste-are at home in desserts, entrées and side dishes.

    In Barley and Bow-Tie Pilaf, figs join whole grain barley and pasta for a fiber-rich side dish that can also be served as an entrée or next-day lunch. Both figs and barley contain soluble fiber, a compound that may help reduce the risk of heart disease. This easy recipe provides 6 grams of dietary fiber in a three-quarter-cup serving-a significant amount. Adults 50 years old and younger should consume 38 grams (men) and 25 grams (women) of fiber per day; adults over 50 should consume 30 (men) and 21 (women) grams per day. Many of the diseases of public health significance-obesity, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes-could be prevented or treated by increasing the amount and varieties of fiber-containing foods. You can enjoy dried figs as a nutritious, convenient snack or recipe ingredient.
  • Any Time Can Be The Right Time For Cherries
    Canned, frozen and dried tart cherries are a welcome ingredient in just about any pantry. This versatile, nutritious fruit can play a tasty role in a wide variety of meals.

    For example, when the weather turns crisp, here is a fun variation on traditional cherry pie. It can be a great addition to family get-togethers, school gatherings, even for a fall picnic. It's quick and easy to prepare, and the ingredients are easy to have on hand.
  • Fresh California Avocados Transform Ordinary Meals Into Gourmet
    Adding one well-chosen ingredient can turn an ordinary meal into an extraordinary one. So why not add a casual sense of elegance to your next meal by incorporating creamy, fresh California avocados? The nutty, creamy flavor of avocados is a delicious complement to many everyday foods, such as salads, sandwiches and pasta.

    Adding a gourmet touch to your meals doesn't have to mean that you will be stuck in the kitchen all night. Fresh California avocados are easy to work with and require very little preparation. Most recipes simply call for fresh diced or mashed avocados.
  • A Time-saver And Dinner On The Table
    We Americans, on average, work more hours out of the day than the majority of the rest of the world. So while we still enjoy a well-prepared gourmet meal, sitting down with a good book, good company or spending time outdoors, we don't always have time for it.

    In today's get-up-and-go atmosphere, timesaving tips can make our days go much smoother, and simple steps can allow us to make the most out of the small pleasures. For example, picking out our outfits the night before, setting our coffee- makers to auto brew, keeping chopped veggies and fruits in the fridge and packing up the kids' lunches or lunch money in the evening are just a few easy tips to save us time and subtract some stress out of our daily morning routines.
  • Braces-friendly Recipes Can Keep Kids Smiling
    Most parents would agree that cooking for kids can be difficult, but when children have braces, the task can seem especially daunting. From sore teeth to picky eating habits, finding something that suits everyone in the family can become a real challenge.

    "Comfort" is key when preparing holiday goodies, special treats and everyday meals.
  • Easy-does-it Entertaining
    The recipe for stress-free holiday entertaining always includes some baking shortcuts. Tasty, ready-made ingredients can save cooks enough time to actually celebrate the season. For example, this satisfying confection is simple enough to make even time-starved cooks merry.

    Cup O' Cappuccino
  • Pecans And Cranberries Are Expected To Be A Favorite Treat This Year
    The next time you're searching for the "superstar" cookie for holiday cookie exchanges, family get-togethers and parties, here's food for thought. The standout winner may well be a delicious Pecan & Cranberry Orange Bar. Full of crunchy pecans and sweet bites of cranberry, this cookie plays up the brightest, cheeriest flavors of the season and stands out in the usual crowd of shortbread regulars. Plus, it looks absolutely dazzling on a cookie tray.

    Just minutes to make, the recipe starts with a delicious pecan bar mix. You simply add dried cranberries and some orange juice and zest, then bake and take. It's quick, delicious and stunning, and you can see why it's a number-one favorite everywhere-few can resist it.
  • Cooking With America's Ultimate Tailgater
    Avid tailgaters are often more passionate about the tailgating itself than the events at which they celebrate. This is certainly the case for Cathy Phillips, a resident of Chincoteague Island, Virginia, who was named "America's Ultimate Tailgater" at The Tailgate of a Lifetime Tailgating Championship.

    Having gone head to head with four other finalists, Phillips' three-course meal and over-the-top decorations led to her being awarded $10,000 cash and an ultimate tailgating prize pack by event sponsor Lifetime Products. Here are just a few of the tailgating tips that aided her on the road to victory:
  • A New Kind Of Holiday Toast-dark Sweet Cherries, Served Over Cake In A Martini Glass, Bring A Tasty Twist To Your Holiday Table
    Forget the dancing sugar plums. Here's a way to create an elegant and memorable holiday dessert in a snap using cherries. Some may appreciate the fact that while this dessert is full of holiday cheer, it can be made just as easily without the alcohol.

    This one-of-a-kind martini-inspired dessert is made with frozen, dark sweet cherries that are grown and harvested in summer. Freezing captures the cherries' height of flavor and juiciness, making the sweet taste of summer available all year. Try substituting cherries-fresh or frozen-for raspberries, strawberries and other fruits in your favorite recipes.
  • Football Fans Score A Touchdown With Simple Avocado Dishes
    Tailgating season is here and now is the time to plan your game day menu. Tired of the same old party foods and looking to make a splash in the parking lot? With bragging rights on the line, delicious food is the most important element of any tailgating event.

    Preparing a party in a parking lot doesn't have to mean limited game day snacks. The new must-have item at tailgating parties across the country is the Hass avocado. Fans are learning that this fruit is so much more than guacamole. It adds a creamy and delicious flavor that will transform ordinary tailgating snacks into tantalizing meals.
  • Peanut Butter: Think Out Of The Sandwich
    Peanut butter has been a pantry and sandwich staple in households for generations. However, this beloved American icon is more than a spread destined to partner with jelly. Peanut butter is also a nutrient-dense food that is sometimes overlooked as part of a healthy lifestyle. Incorporating peanut butter into a variety of dishes and snacks can help add important nutrients to one's diet.

    One serving of peanut butter-just two tablespoons-provides eight grams of protein, two grams of fiber, 10 percent of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI) of vitamin E and 12 percent of the RDI of magnesium. Additionally, the USDA's new MyPyramid recognizes the importance of varying dietary protein sources and suggests that peanut butter, along with nuts and other nut butters, may be substituted for meat or poultry in meals. Additionally, peanut butter is cholesterol free and contains zero grams of trans fats per serving.
  • Plenty Of Reasons (and Recipes) To Party
    Special occasions can make it difficult for even a faithful dieter to stick to a weight-loss regimen. Fortunately, for the millions of Americans who want to avoid those holiday and party pitfalls, a new cookbook offers delicious and nutritious ways to take part in the festivities without compromising your weight-loss plan.

    "The South Beach Diet Parties & Holidays Cookbook" (Rodale Books, $25) offers up more than 20 menus and 150 all-new recipes, along with practical entertaining tips and cooking techniques, that don't compromise texture, color, flavor or presentation, so you can enjoy any party or holiday deliciously and nutritiously.
  • Whipping Up Nutritious Protein-packed Breakfasts
    It may not be that cup of coffee giving you your morning pick-me-up. It could be your breakfast. Nutritionists say a breakfast that includes lean protein could actually double your metabolic rate, providing a healthy morning boost.

    So how do you get that protein kick? One way is through liquid eggs, which are a terrific low-fat source of protein. Combined with fresh fruit and a whole grain muffin, toast or bagel, they provide a healthy morning start, and can help sustain energy and blood sugar levels-and control hunger-throughout the day.
  • A Surprising Lower-calorie Thanksgiving Dinner
    That annual Thanksgiving dinner can run as high as 4,000 calories, but there are some surprisingly simple ways to cut calories.

    According to a recent LouAna Oil/Cajun Injector Marinade survey, 40 percent of adults say they consume more than 2,000 calories during their annual dinner and 8 percent say they consume more than 4,000 calories. Most of those surveyed say they plan to keep a closer watch on their calories this year.
  • Dish Up A Delicious Ham And Cheese Scramble
    Family dinner is important. But sometimes finding a delicious meal that everyone in the family will enjoy is even harder than getting them to the table. And even harder is putting a little variety into that dull, weekly menu. A new product from Betty Crocker is making it easier to prepare a variety of delicious home-cooked meals that will please the entire family.

    One food moms can always count on is potatoes. Delicious and simple, potatoes are a food everyone loves. But unfortunately, they can also take a long time to prepare. In just a fraction of the time it takes to cook raw potatoes, the first skillet-style, brown-and-serve potato dish, Seasoned Skillets Potatoes, will give consumers a variety of perfectly seasoned, crispy potatoes. Simply add water, heat, mix in the seasoning, brown and you can serve great-tasting, crispy potatoes without all the hassle.
  • How To Host A Tailgating Party In Your Backyard
    Tailgating and football go hand in hand, but everyone is not fortunate enough to make it to the stadium for every game.

    To help bring the stadium experience home, Sara Lee Executive Chef Laura Piper, along with celebrity football commentators Lee Corso and Kirk Herbstreit, offer fans the following simple tips on hosting an unforgettable tailgate party right in their own backyard:
  • Warming Up The Holidays With Ice Cream
    Ice cream is not just for summer anymore. More often, Americans are enjoying their frozen treats year-round, even when it feels like an icebox outside.

    According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. produces more than 1.6 billion gallons of ice cream and related frozen desserts per year, averaging out to about 21.5 quarts per person.
  • A Pancake Breakfast To Flip Over
    Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but not all breakfast foods are created equal. Smart ingredient substitutions can make a profound impact on your meal's nutritional value. If you're looking for a pancake dish to flip over, here's one made of healthy whole grains and a delicious fruit topping that includes a zero-calorie sweetener.

    Whole Wheat Pancakes (16 pancakes)
  • Discover "delish" Dishes With Minimal Prep Time
    Here's good news for time-starved cooks who day after day have to dig up a delicious meal idea to feed their family.

    Many home cooks seek out something new to serve for dinner that's not only delicious, but also fast (20 minutes) and easy to prepare. The Fleischmann's Yeast test kitchens have developed two tasty and simple 1-Dish meals that will soon become your own family's favorites-and yours, too.
  • Legendary Dish Simplified
    For many, New York City's "21" Club is the most glamorous dining spot. Since its colorful early days as an elegant "speakeasy"-the dimly lit bar's ceiling is still crammed with those distinctive hanging toy cars-"21" has attracted the rich, powerful and celebrated from around the world. The restaurant has also made the reputations of many chefs who have, in turn, altered its menu to suit the times. A handful of dishes, however, remain essentially unchanged (so as not to risk incurring the wrath of regulars, including not a few Wall Street titans)...among them, "21" Club Chicken Hash.

    The original recipe-which appears in "21"'s cookbook and online-is rather complicated and high in fat. This streamlined version, while still luscious and a dinner party treat, was adapted by the chef de cuisine and is simple enough for even novice cooks-for example, brides just beginning to entertain-to prepare without a hassle.
  • Recipe For Apple Pie Offers A Scrumptious Surprise
    The apple is a symbol of health, of wisdom and of simplicity. These are just a few reasons people say "as American as Mom and apple pie."

    Apple Crumb Pie is a tribute to American ingenuity. Firm, fresh, juicy apple slices bake in a sweet and creamy suspense-a corn syrup and cinnamon-sauce made thick with corn starch. They're topped with just the right amount of rich, buttery "crumblies" that add a sweet, tasty crunch.
  • Quick Ways To Give Dinner A Deliciously Creative Spin
    It's easier than you might imagine to add some excitement to your family's favorite dishes such as grilled-cheese sandwiches, mac and cheese, and pizza.

    You can give your family's favorite foods a new spin-and save time in the process with Shred Medleys™ from the makers of Borden® Cheese.
  • Buttery Garlic Bread Offers Taste Of California
    When it comes to a great-tasting accompaniment to pasta and salads, many like to reach for the garlic bread. After all, what could be more delicious or easy to prepare? But this is a case in which the name does not tell the whole story.

    Many good cooks know that if you want garlic bread to be really flavorful, you add butter. The butter adds a richness that works especially well with the flavor of lightly toasted fresh garlic.
  • Perfect Pear: Simply Delicious Meals In A Snap
    The hubbub of the holidays shouldn't mean taking a break from healthful eating. Fortunately, no matter how hectic your schedule becomes, there's always time for working some delicious fruit into your diet.

    Pears can be a great place to start. Besides being delicious, they're wonderfully nutritious-an excellent source of dietary fiber that contains vitamin C and is also a source of potassium, with only about 100 calories per serving.
  • Simple Ways To Celebrate The Holidays
    Whether you call it a "soiree," "bash" or "get-together," holiday festivities usually require a level of organization and planning. From creating the guest list to preparing the menu, the steps to hosting a holiday party can seem daunting.

    Keep in mind, though, that this planning effort doesn't have to be difficult or require weeks of work. In fact, a memorable evening can be organized in just a few days. The trick is to keep things simple and stress-free so that both you and your guests can enjoy the party.
  • Spreading The Good News About Cookies With A Secret Ingredient
    A plate of fresh, warm, homemade Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies with a tall glass of cold milk is a delicious way to welcome weary students who just stepped off the school bus. It's also a great light dessert, with piping hot coffee or homemade latte or cappuccino.

    What makes this cookie extra special? It's a twist on two traditional cookies-Chocolate Chip and Shortbread-combining the best of all that is great with these two family favorites. They are buttery, crisp, and crumbly like shortbread cookies, yet with a rich and tender goodness that helps distinguish chocolate chip cookies.
  • The Little Wonderberry Adds Big Flavor To Seasonal Recipes
    The cranberry's beautiful deep-red color and tangy taste makes this "wonderberry" one of the most versatile ingredients for kitchen creations, from sweet Halloween treats to savory turkeys.

    When Halloween season creeps in, send your little goblins and princesses off to their haunted house parties with some festive Craisins® Halloween treats in hand, such as Ooglie Eyeballs brownie desserts. Or serve refreshing Ghoulishly Grape Punch, made with Ocean Spray® Cran•Grape®, after a long night of trick-or-treating. For the Halloween party hostess, bring a festive tray of Cranberry Nut Bars.
  • Avocados Add A Surprising Twist To Holiday Dishes
    Since the holiday season can be a busy time, cooking that is quick and easy, yet elegant enough to make an impression, is a gift in itself. This year, try using avocados to add an unexpected and delicious touch to favorite holiday dishes. Thanks to great-tasting imports from Chile, Hass avocados are available during the fall and winter months, and can transform popular holiday recipes into sophisticated appetizers, snacks and entrees.

    Hass avocados can add creamy texture, vibrant color and a surprising twist to a variety of traditional holiday dishes like stuffing, salads and cranberry dressing.
  • licious Brunches Made Easy
    Whether it's to celebrate the holidays because guests are in town or simply because you're in the mood for a family meal to please everyone, just about any time can be brunch time.

    There are a number of simple and inexpensive ways to save time while pulling a great brunch together. Try these tips:
  • Warm Up And Wind Down With Comforting Hot Milk Drinks
    We all loved hot cocoa as children and for many it is still a favorite when stealing a few minutes to relax, especially during the cold winter months. Here are two steaming milk drinks that go beyond hot cocoa to offer rich flavors inspired by two classic cakes-Molten Chocolate Cake and Strawberry Shortcake.

    Easy to prepare, these drinks delight children and adults equally. And they are a great way to enjoy all the healthy benefits of milk, including calcium. Molten Chocolate Cake Hot Milk Drink conjures up the deep richness of a warm chocolate cake with layer upon layer of chocolate flavor. Strawberry Shortcake Hot Milk Drink brings to mind the fruit flavors of strawberries paired with a just-baked, almond-scented sponge cake. With these two hot milk drinks you truly can have your cake and sip it too.
  • Pomegranate And Chocolate Combine To Create Tempting Cupcakes
    Whether dressed up for after dinner or casual for after school, cupcakes are everywhere these days. This season, combine two luxurious flavors-pomegranate and chocolate-which complement each other for a memorable treat.

    Pom Chocolate
  • Any Way You Slice It, This Is The Rebirth Of A Legend
    Any way you slice it, a knife that was developed in close cooperation with a renowned professional chef is bound to be sought after in the kitchen.

    The new knife line from the well-known J.A. Henckels, Twin™ Four Star II, is the rebirth of the Classic Four Star series first introduced in 1976. The original Four Star series went on to become the most popular upscale knife in the world. The new Twin Four Star II knives are manufactured using a newly improved process from a single piece of exclusive-formula, high-carbon, no-stain steel. Today, these Sigmaforge knives bring an all-new level of quality and performance to upscale cutlery.
  • Making The Most Of Holiday Leftovers
    Holiday time means turkey, and turkey usually means leftovers. Now you can jazz up roast turkey and watch it disappear.

    The Reuben Tortilla offers another opportunity to savor the holiday leftovers. It's easy to make, and thanks to sauerkraut, it's healthy.
  • How To Enjoy The Restaurant Experience At Home
    When spending time with loved ones or friends, a night on the town often includes a meal at a favorite restaurant. Tablecloths, candles, music-these details and more-combine to make dining out more memorable.

    Fortunately, you don't have to spend lots of money or time, brave traffic or venture out in the elements to have a restaurant-quality experience. Whether you're planning a date night or entertaining friends, consider "dining out" at home.
  • Holiday Appetizers Made Easy
    The busyness of the holiday season can be felt in crowded shopping malls and post offices, and all around town. Adding to the hustle and bustle is the often time-consuming demand of holiday meal preparation- something that, according to culinary expert Lena Cutler, doesn't have to be as complicated as you may think.

    "Feeling time-crunched during the holidays is typical, especially if you are in charge of hosting a party for family or friends, or tasked with bringing an appetizer to a holiday shindig," said Cutler. "But there are many simple solutions that not only taste wonderful and will have people thinking you spent hours in the kitchen, but are also quick and easy to prepare."
  • Healthy Treats, Crackling With Good Taste
    Crackers are a staple in most households, equally good for everyday snacks and informal get-togethers. They're versatile and convenient and, when you shop smart, anything but ordinary.

    One great brand to look for is Sesmark, which makes a wide variety of healthful crackers that happen to taste delicious.
  • Cook Like A Five-star Chef This Holiday Season
    From television shows that teach you to make a meal in less than 30 minutes to classes led by professionally trained chefs, Americans are hooked on learning how to cook. However, for all the passion and interest so many have in this craft, it's not often we have enough time to work on refining it. With the holiday season just around the corner, there is no better time to channel your inner chef and try your hand at creating a variety of easy-to-make gourmet dishes.

    Make this a holiday to remember with a little help from Pepperidge Farm and original recipes from world-renowned chefs at The Culinary Institute of America.
  • Cooking Wines Uncork The Flavor Of Any Dish
    The right cooking wine makes a splash at most any meal. Whether you're using it to add tang to a beef dish, add sweetness to chicken or simply to make dips for dumplings, good cooking wines help turn everyday dishes into meals worth remembering.

    Cooking wines such as Holland House Cooking Wines can be used with a variety of entrees, including chicken, beef and seafood dishes, but can also be added to dressings and glazes.
  • Pumpkin Pie Is Even More Pleasing When You Add Corn Syrup
    If pumpkin pie is an important part of your holiday meals, then you may be interested in ways to make this perennial favorite even better.

    With the right ingredients, you can achieve a richer, deeper flavor for the filling and serve your guests their own personal single serving.
  • Holiday Crunch Time: Impress With Duck
    We've all been there -working late at the office in preparation for the holidays with zero time to plan (let alone cook) for those seasonal soirees. The U.S. Duck Council has recently launched -an online resource that provides time-starved cooks with delicious, easy-to-cook recipes that feature White Pekin duck. These recipes have been tested and perfected so you can impress your guests with ease.
  • Deliciously Creative Gift Giving Ideas
    Make the holiday season unforgettable for family and friends this year by giving the gift that everyone loves-food.

    Whether it's preparing a batch of cookies, or even a home-cooked meal, the most memorable gifts are those that come from the heart.
  • Savvy Tips To Savor The Season
    For many, this time of year is filled with social gatherings, which often celebrate food as much as family and friendships.

    "The average weight gain for most of us during the holiday season is only one pound, the simple result of eating an additional extra 100 calories a day," explains Nancy Bennett, MS, RD, CDE, a leading nutritionist with premium poultry brand Foster Farms. "Unfortunately, most of us don't lose that pound and will end up wearing the weight around our waists," says Bennett.
  • Edible Gifts For Thanksgiving
    Whether you're planning your own Thanksgiving get-together or you've been invited somewhere special and you're wondering what to bring, a delicious cranberry pecan pie can be the answer. This remarkable blend of two traditional favorites is a match made in heaven.

    2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
  • Pure Taste: The Simplicity And Convenience Of Cooking Spray
    Consumers looking for great taste, performance and convenience are giving thanks for a "mist" opportunity.

    That's because an innovative line of cooking sprays now provides home chefs with delicious flavor and a light touch in the kitchen, without common spray ingredients such as alcohol and silicone.
  • Sophisticated Cooking Made Simple
    For many, the cornerstone of any gathering is the food. People often begin to crave the flavors and aromas of the holiday as soon as the weather begins to cool. While some dishes show up at every table, it's fun to surprise guests with something new. Special dishes don't have to be fancy or over the top. Simply pairing unexpected flavors and presenting them in a unique way can delight even the pickiest of company. For an upscale feel that won't leave novice chefs stressed while cooking, try mixing fancy ingredients with ones that are likely already in the kitchen, such as canned Bartlett pears. With a long shelf life, canned pears are convenient, delicious and always ready to eat. You may care to try these simple-chic recipes for your next gathering:

    Pear Steak Roll-Up
  • Recipes For Busy Moms
    If you've ever found yourself scrambling to pull together a family meal at the end of a hectic day, a new book may provide the recipes for success.

    The folks from the celebrated Chicken Soup series are now serving up some deliciously simple recipes in "Chicken Soup for the Soul: Recipes for Busy Moms" (HCI Books, $19.95).
  • Enjoying An All-american Food
    "Next to jazz music," trumpet player Harry James once said, "there is nothing that lifts the spirit and strengthens the soul more than a good bowl of chili." Indeed, chili has been called the all-American dish, a food invented in this country and, some would say, embodying the American spirit.

    That may be why the competition for the title of the best chili is so fierce. Recently, 400 top chili chefs from across the United States and around the world met in battle at the 40th Annual World Championship Chili Cookoff sanctioned by the International Chili Society and presented by ConAgra Foods.
  • Yummy Easy Recipes From The Yamster
    Eating right is important for lifelong health, and one way that children can learn just how delicious nutritious foods can be is for children to help parents prepare simple recipes.

    I'm happiest when I get to eat sweet potatoes, which are also called yams. A yummy way to get vitamins A and C, yams can be baked with marshmallows, fried until they are crispy like chips and even made into desserts or pancakes.
  • Delicious Desserts: Simple Minty Treats
    When the weather outside is frightful there's nothing more delightful than delicious peppermint treats. Following a day of playing in the snow or during a family gathering, a dessert-making activity can be a fun way to get the whole family involved.

    With easy recipes such as the Make-Your-Own Sundaes and Coconut Snowballs, both made with Dreyer's/Edy's Slow Churned® Ice Cream, there is sure to be a peppermint delight everyone will enjoy. And with half the fat and one-third fewer calories than regular ice cream, no one has to leave feeling guilty.
  • Cooking Up Family Fun
    A new entertainment package is sure to satisfy a girl's craving for some berry-licious fun.

    A new DVD, "Strawberry Shortcake: Cooking Up Fun," comes with a 12-page cookbook filled with recipes, activities and special memories that can help bring moms and daughters together for fun activities.
  • Easy And Delicious Fiesta Fare
    Here's food for thought: Smooth and creamy Hass avocados from Mexico are great when you want to create simple--yet innovative--fiesta fare. Easy and delicious twists on two of the most popular dishes in the country--the BLT (a perennial favorite) and deviled eggs (one of the most popular hors d'oeuvres in America) can mean you spend less time in the kitchen and more time with friends and family.

    Mexican Mini BLTs
  • Entertaining With Red And White Wine; How To Please Everyone At The Dinner Table
    One guest likes white wine, while one prefers red. But some meals pair better with white, while others match up better with red. It's the red vs. white wine dilemma and it's a classic dinner party challenge. So what's a host to do?

    One solution is to prepare a single dish, such as roast chicken breast, and serve it with two sauces. The recipes below are delicious, easy to prepare and pair nicely with wines from Alice White.
  • Turn Your Home Into Santa's Workshop
    Whether you're decking the halls, gathering around a festively set table for a fabulous holiday feast or putting thoughtfully creative presents under the tree, "The Betty Crocker Christmas Cookbook" (Wiley; $25.95) can be a complete resource. This inspiring and practical all-in-one guide is chock-full of fresh ideas, 250 recipes to serve and to give, oodles of holiday crafts for gift giving and decorating, plus special Holiday Survival and Countdown Calendars. Let Betty Crocker show you how to add zest to the season with plenty of time to relax and bask in the holiday glow with friends and family.

    Among the great food gift ideas, here is a recipe that is ideal for parties and when packaged with an excellent blue cheese, a bottled vinaigrette dressing and fresh pears is the start of a spectacular salad. All that's needed is the greens.
  • This Holiday, Give A Gift Friends And Family Are Sure To Eat Up
    One thing is certain, as a nation we are not very good at picking holiday gifts.

    According to a survey conducted by August Partners, a national research organization, nearly half of recipients typically return the holiday gifts they receive.
  • Healthy Snacking Advice For Moms On The Go
    Alarm clock rings. Family up, ready, fed, out-the-door. Race to work. Race home. Americans' lives are getting more and more hurried.

    Especially during this hectic time of year, many busy parents find it tempting to scale back on the necessities of their own good health. But, now is when simple, everyday wise choices matter the most. Celebrity fitness trainer Valerie Waters is reminding all of us that the best way to take care of our families is to take good care of ourselves.
  • Shaking Up The Cosmo
    Ever since "Sex and the City" made Cosmo all the rage, mixologists have been vying to create the newest, hippest, most ingenious twist on the drink.

    They may have finally found the answer. It's called the "Constant Comment" Cosmo and it's quickly becoming the toast of trendy bars, holiday parties and more. The cocktail is made with Bigelow® "Constant Comment" tea, sugar, orange juice and vodka.
  • Celebrating The Season With Seafood
    Seafood is a wonderful holiday food. In addition to being delicious and healthy, many varieties of fish can be made in a flash. However, while more than 85 percent of Americans say they currently eat seafood, only 20 percent meet government recommendations of two servings of fish or seafood each week.

    To help your family and friends enjoy the great taste and health benefits of seafood, try adding some shellfish, such as oysters and shrimp, to holiday recipes. Shellfish offers a sweet and distinct flavor and it provides excellent nutritional benefits. Shellfish is high in protein, low in fat, and rich in vitamins and minerals such as iron. The heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids are also found in shellfish.
  • Entertaining Made Easy
    There are a host of easy entertaining solutions that can make throwing a party easier and more fun.

    Whether you focus on the multitude of food preparation shortcuts offered in food magazines and by experts, or select timesaving prepared foods from local grocery stores, you can look like a pro without the work. Try these tips:
  • Jazzing Up Traditional Holiday Baking Favorites
    It is the time of year for holiday baking-the time of year when friends and family gather in the kitchen to share recipes, treats and laughter. Whether painting smiles on freshly baked gingerbread men or enjoying cocoa and cookies, families gather around the kitchen table to share their holiday traditions and treats.

    You can create some taste-tempting new traditions this holiday with easy variations on favorite family recipes. With a splash of seasonal color and a twist of winter's mint, Hershey's holiday candies turn cookies, cakes and other treats into flavor-filled delights that neither Santa nor his elves will be able to resist.
  • Breakfast For Dinner Can Be A Delicious. Start To Making Memorable Meals
    Rather than making another boring meal of turkey pot- pie or chicken surprise or ordering an unhealthy calorie-filled pizza, why not consider having breakfast for dinner?

    Breakfast foods are easy to prepare and help provide the much-needed nutritional benefits your family needs. Eggs are already a popular breakfast ingredient, and using better-tasting, healthier eggs, such as Eggland's Best (EB), can spruce up your dinner menu and help gather everyone around the table.
  • Shrimp Stuffing Adds Flair To Holiday Dining
    One of the most anticipated items on many holiday menus is that special stuffing to complement the main entrée.

    For a stuffing recipe with a delicious difference, more and more cooks are turning to shrimp. Shrimp is special and is often served to add flair to a holiday feast or gathering, whether as an appetizer, in a salad or as an entrée. Those who reside near the coast have long included seafood as part of their holiday celebrations. Others enjoy seafood as a lighter, nutritious alternative to more traditional holiday fare.
  • Figs Add Sweet Inspiration To Mediterranean Stew
    The Mediterranean diet, heralded as one of the healthiest diets on earth, emphasizes fruits, vegetables, grains and legumes, along with lean meats and fish. Mediterranean Beef Stew with Figs, Red Wine and Olives captures the flavors, aromas and healthfulness of the Mediterranean while making use of a slow cooker to ease kitchen time.

    According to Lorelle Del Matto, registered dietitian and a mom, she was inspired to create this savory recipe after spending time in Italy. She chose ingredients and flavors reminiscent of the Mediterranean kitchen yet readily available in America. Then she added the convenience of a slow cooker. Toss the ingredients together in the morning and come home after a full day of work and children's activities to a delicious Mediterranean meal. Dark purple Mission or light Golden figs work equally well in the stew and contribute a significant amount of fiber. With less than 30 percent of calories from fat and 29 grams of protein, it's a recipe to enjoy throughout the year.
  • Home-cooked Comfort Food In A Matter Of Minutes
    Chilly weather calls for the warm comfort of a home-cooked meal--and finding the time to prepare comfort foods on weeknights does not have to be a challenge.

    Here's a quick entrée that satisfies, and best of all, it is ready for the table in about 20 minutes.
  • Finding A Wedding Gift That Newlyweds Will Really Use
    Buying wedding gifts is no longer a seasonal endeavor--ceremonies take place in December, September and April, as well as June. In fact, October is almost as popular as June, with May following close behind. December is now the most popular month for engagements, with September and August tied for second place.

    But whatever month couples choose to tie the knot or announce impending nuptials, one thing remains constant: Ninety-five percent of brides who register list their first gift preference as cookware and bakeware, according to a recent Condé Nast Bridal Group survey. Cookware/bakeware tops a list of popular registry items such as appliances, stemware, casual dinnerware, flatware and fine china.
  • Build A Better Burger
    The traditional hamburger will always have a special place on America's plate, but as people seek new flavor options and continue to discover the nutritional benefits of veggie patties, taste buds are embracing a whole new definition of "burger."

    Many restaurants that offer burgers on their menus now also offer veggie alternatives, and the frozen food aisles in grocery stores are stocked with an increasing array of options. From black bean burgers to cheddar burgers, these veggie creations come in a variety of flavors and can be conveniently cooked in the microwave, conventional oven or toaster oven.
  • Home Baking Projects: A Great Way To Spend Time Together
    When the weather is cold or wet outside, find fun things to do inside, like taking your children or grandchildren on a trip to the zoo--the baking zoo.

    Together you can create treats fashioned after animals, such as elephant-ear crisps, teddy bears and monkey bread. The time you spend together helps kids and families become stronger and teaches ideas, concepts and values. Here are some handy tips for grown-ups to keep in mind when working with budding chefs:
  • Choosing Healthful Fruit Snacks In Winter Easier Than Ever
    Craving the bright flavors of fresh fruit when it's blustery and bleak outside? Head to your nearest supermarket and hit the produce aisle. All the sweetness of summer awaits you in berries, plums, peaches, nectarines and grapes direct from balmy Chile. With upside down seasons, farmers in Chile harvest favorite summer fruits while North American orchards rest.

    Running along the western side of South America, this long narrow country spans from arid desert in the north to chilling glaciers in the south. Mountain ranges create valleys with an ideal climate for producing high-quality fresh fruits. With over half a million acres of fruit-producing land and one of the world's more sophisticated packing infrastructures (including cold storage facilities and packing stations throughout the fruit-growing regions), Chile is able to send high-quality fresh fruit to the United States by both air and sea. That's terrific news for everyone interested in healthful fruit snacks all year long.
  • Citrus Fruit Sweetens The Deal
    If the saying is true, then everything is bigger in Texas. But does that include the health benefits of eating the state's citrus fruit?

    It just might. Texas Grapefruit and Texas Oranges are both fat-free, cholesterol-free and sodium-free. They're also around 60 to 80 calories per medium half, high in vitamin C and contain dietary fiber.
  • Unique Flavors Inspire Recipes From Entrées To Desserts
    While Americans' love affair with chocolate is easily expressed in desserts, the delicacy contains fruit, spice and wood notes that can enhance entrées as well. One way to try this taste sensation is with Switzerland's number-one chocolate brand-just arrived on U.S. shores.

    Fresh from the world's chocolate capital, Chocolat Frey AG offers a unique opportunity for personal indulgence. The company's confections also inspire a range of recipes for chocolate-themed meals-everything from entrées to beverages to desserts.
  • Carve Out Family Time With Sunday Sit-down Meals
    It can be easier than many realize to stay connected over sit-down family meals. Slow- roasted American Lamb can make for a great Sunday meal. Gather the family and start the week off with a hearty Family Favorite Lamb Leg with Roasted Potatoes.

    Spice and the sweet tang of orange make this juicy dish likely to satisfy the entire family and one they'll want to enjoy again. Roasting requires little preparation and lets you take your time cooking.
  • Texas Grapefruit: A Well-traveled Culinary Tradition
    A food that was once known as "the forbidden fruit" has become a staple at many tables.

    Though first found in the 1750s, it wasn't until the 1800s that the grapefruit lost its risqué title of forbidden fruit. A Jamaican farmer called the fruit "grapefruit" for the grapelike clusters in which it grows on the tree. Shortly after, grapefruit made its way to the United States in the form of seeds brought by either Spanish or French settlers to Florida. Eventually, in the early 1800s, the first grapefruit seeds were brought to south Texas, most likely by visiting Spanish missionaries.
  • Sweet Onion Salad Is The New Salsa
    The latest sweet take on salad has a surprise star-the onion.

    It's a crunchy burger topper, a savory side to roast chicken or steak and a salsa-like slaw that takes seconds to prepare. It's healthy, sweet, savory and in season all year long.
  • Score Big With Game Day Chili
    As temperatures cool down and rivalries heat up, game day get-togethers require a menu as big and bold as the players. Chili is a fan favorite that's easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time. In fact, chili tastes better after it sits for a few hours because the flavors have time to mingle.

    Game Day Chili is an excellent addition to your menu. This mouthwatering recipe combines traditional Southwestern ingredients such as red kidney beans, ground beef, tomatoes and corn, with a healthy splash of original Tabasco® brand pepper sauce that makes this a victory both sides can celebrate.
  • Going Bananas Over Quick And Easy Treats
    No matter how pressed you are for time, it's important to you to include fresh ingredients in your menu planning. Fortunately, it's easy to find quick, wholesome, delicious recipes the whole family can enjoy.

    Until now, yeast recipes typically called for carefully timed activation of the yeast, mixing the yeast and warm liquid with a minimum of dry ingredients, then slowly adding reserved dry ingredients. Now with 1-Dish recipes from Fleischmann's Yeast, the task is far less time consuming, as all dry ingredients are mixed in the same bowl at the same time. You don't even need to preheat the oven.
  • Enlighten Mealtime With Asian Flavors And Traditions
    Looking for delicious, fun and healthy ways to spice up mealtime that are also as easy as 1-2-3? Families can turn to Asian cuisine with meal ideas from La Choy to add variety to dinner, get the kids involved and please even the pickiest of palates.

    "Asian recipes are versatile and easy to prepare, resulting in a delicious and healthy meal that the entire family can enjoy. And involving children in mealtime preparation is a great way to teach them about Asian customs and traditions," said Corinne Trang, an expert on Asian cuisines and author of "Curry Cuisine" (Dorling Kindersley, 2006) and "The Asian Grill" (Chronicle Books, 2006).
  • Wild American Shrimp Pack Nutritional Punch
    Cooking healthy does not mean giving up on great taste. That's one reason healthful food options, such as certified Wild American™ Shrimp, have become so popular.

    Harvested in their own natural environment from U.S. waters, certified Wild American Shrimp are low in fat and a source of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
  • Peanut Lovers Are Coming Out Of Their Shells All Across The Country
    If you love peanuts, try visiting these fun spots while on your next trip. Many offer unique photo opportunities.

    Peanut Destinations
  • Pairings Make Flavor Twice As Nice
    Chefs have long recognized the value of similar and contrasting flavors in their cooking. Now, as home cooks continue to be more adventurous with food, they are developing an appreciation of this concept, too. Spanning sweet, hot, tangy, salty, bitter, sour and more, flavor pairings take taste to a whole new level.

    The flavor experts at McCormick recently released the Flavor Forecast 2007, a glimpse at the trendy, tantalizing and downright tempting combinations that will shape the way we eat in the coming year and beyond. The top 10 flavor pairings for 2007 are:
  • Resolve To Renew With The Fresh Taste Of Grapefruit
    Rediscover the other citrus-the refreshingly healthy grapefruit. A well-balanced diet should embrace variety and incorporate an assortment of healthier food items such as grapefruit.

    Sweet, juicy and fresh grapefruit invigorates your taste buds while offering all the health benefits one is looking for. Naturally loaded with the antioxidant vitamin C, grapefruit juice helps boost the immune system during these winter months when colds and flu are at their peak. Lycopene, a powerful antioxidant in pink and red grapefruit juice, may help prevent certain types of cancer, heart disease and stroke.
  • Pecan Pie...a Dessert For Any Occasion
    Pecan pie doesn't have to be just for special occasions. Try a twist on a favorite and serve it anytime. The next time you're entertaining or just want a comforting dessert that your family and friends will enjoy, try this recipe. This version is made with a sweet potato crust that should get people talking around the table.

    Pecan Pie With Sweet Potato Crust
  • Hotcakes At Home: Build A Better Hotcake (with The Kids)
    Hotcakes are a favorite comfort food. Satisfying and easy to make, they're perfect for any meal. And children can help, creating an opportunity for family bonding.

    "My family and the company I work for love hotcakes," says Brian Murphy, senior development chef for Bob Evans Restaurants and creator of their new Stacked and Stuffed Hotcakes. "At home, my son helps me make the batter and watches to make sure they're done just right."

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