As this year’s brides eagerly anticipate upcoming nuptials, ‘tis the season to shower them with festive attention. If it’s your turn to host a bridal shower, make a streamlined plan so you can join in the fun. Casual gatherings are more popular today than over-orchestrated events, so keep your shower plans focused on celebrating the bride and giving her a fun time to treasure. Serve some lemon desserts or beverages, which are refreshing, not-too-sweet and highlight a tongue-in-cheek reflection of the sweet ‘n’ sour mix of married life. Make it delicious, memorable and fun! Sweet, stress-free tips for a fun shower: • Determine your menu and ask a couple guests’ help with making punch or treats. • Invite guests that know each other or that know at least a few people at the party. • Have a few close friends arrive early to help with last minute details and to bring the party to life. • Designate an area...
Recipes
An abundance of cooking tips, family meal ideas, and recipes.
Cool Down & Power Up Smoothies
Satisfying smoothies can do more than just cool you down on a hot summer day. They can power you up, too. Whether for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or as a lunchtime refresher, smoothies are a refreshing way to get powerful nutrition. And as a busy mom looking for convenient and tasty ways to boost my family’s nutrition, I’m cheering about how easy it is to do it. * Fruit juices-orange, cranberry, other favorites–provide antioxidants and essential vitamins we need daily. * Milk-especially fat-free evaporated milk-delivers essential calcium and protein. * Add-ins provide an extra punch of super-nutrition: o Just a half cup of pumpkin, from the can, delivers great fiber and more than a day’s worth of the antioxidant Vitamin A; o fresh fruit like banana, berries, peach, nectarine or mango add fiber and antioxidants; o a spoonful of peanut butter adds protein and kid-approved flavor. If you’ve got teens or other family members who like to make their...
Tea and Pears Make a Merry Combination
Spicy Ginger-Poached Pears Pear Lavender-Mint Spritz Some things just go together, especially for the holidays – hot cocoa and marshmallows … turkey and stuffing … and a fresh new holiday duo, tea and pears. “Combining flavorful ingredients such as tea and pears in holiday recipes can bring your holiday party a depth of flavors that ranges from crisp and clean to sweet and spicy,” says Kathy Casey, celebrity chef, mixologist and author of “Sips & Apps.” “Tea and pears are both affordable ingredients that add a great flavor combination to dishes and drinks.” With this duo, elegant holiday entertaining is as simple as stopping by your local grocer. Several gorgeous varieties of pears are in season throughout the holidays – including the Anjou, Comice, Bosc, Concorde, Starkrimson, and Bartlett. Pears come in a wide range of colors and flavors that easily suit any festive menu. They also make a delicious dessert alternative to heavy sweets and pastries. With varieties...
Plum Delicious!
Healthy cooking that tastes great There’s fruit, and then there’s superfruit. What’s the difference? A superfruit has unique phytochemicals not found in other fruits – and that translates to unique health benefits. As more and more information emerges about the power of superfruits – from açai to goji berries – an American favorite that’s been here all along is stepping into the spotlight: California Dried Plums. Dried plums are packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber. And they’re loaded with surprises. Today’s dried plums are sweet, moist and tasty. Compared with other fruits, they’re surprisingly affordable, conveniently portable and always available. California Dried Plums are the easy way to enjoy superfruit nutrition every day in cooking, baking, salads or as a quick snack anytime. Find delicious recipes at www.californiadriedplums.org. Dried plums. What’s in ‘em for you? -Improved digestion: A single serving (four to five dried plums) has three grams of fiber, to help you maintain good digestive health. -Tasty...
Smart Meal Ideas
Smart Meal Ideas A Winning Combination of Taste and Value These days, people are looking for simple ways to stretch their dollar in all facets of life, and mealtime is no exception. Dining at home is a great alternative to pricey take-out or restaurant visits and doesn’t have to require long hours in the kitchen or complicated ingredients. For more than 60 years, Campbell’s Kitchen has been a trusted resource for recipes that are quick, delicious and affordable too. Campbell Soup Company recently introduced a “Recipes Under $10 Collection” featuring family-favorite recipes designed to feed a family of four on a budget. From Hearty Lasagna Soup to Easy Chicken and Cheese Enchiladas, each of the recipes in the collection demonstrates that cutting costs does not mean sacrificing great taste. Visit www.campbellskitchen.com for additional budget friendly meal ideas. Recommend on Facebook Share on FriendFeed Buzz it up Share on Linkedin share via Reddit Share with Stumblers Share on technorati Tweet...
Great Grilling, Y’all
Great Grilling, Y’all As an Emmy-award winning host of two Food Network cooking shows, the author of seven cookbooks, and owner of two successful restaurants, Paula Deen knows a little something about grilling. And to take grilling from good to great, Paula likes to go beyond the usual hamburgers, hot dogs and chips and serve up more sophisticated flavors. “My new smoked chops by Smithfield have great smokehouse flavor and can be ready to eat in just a few minutes,” she says. “And grilled pork tenderloins are so delicious and so easy!” Some cuts of pork, including pork cutlets, tenderloins and center-cut pork chops, are as lean or leaner than chicken. And many chefs and food critics recommend pork for its delicious flavor and versatility, as long as it isn’t overcooked. Paula has a few tips and some recipes to help you take your next cookout from good to great. Grilling Do’s and Don’ts -Do: Have two sets of...
Sophisticated Entertaining Made Simple
Sophisticated Entertaining Made Simple To add an effortless note of elegance to your next get-together, select a special hors d’oeuvre. Chef Bradford Thompson of Lever House in New York City has created some surprisingly simple recipes for a sophisticated party. He chose Carr’s(r) Table Water(r) Crackers as the perfect complement to his recipes’ robust flavors. You can also try a new twist on traditional favorites by revving up the relish tray with these new olive recipes from Lindsay Olives(r) – delectable bites and an easy fresh vegetable dip are a delicious part of a fun evening with friends and family. With minimal preparation, each new olive ensemble is sure to impress as a prelude to a dinner party or impromptu gathering. For more sophisticated entertaining recipes and nutritional information, visit www.carrscrackers.com. For more tips and quick olive recipes, visit www.lindsayolives.com. information, visit www.carrscrackers.com. For more tips and quick olive recipes, visit www.lindsayolives.com. Recommend on Facebook Share on FriendFeed Buzz...
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