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Woman drinking a bottle of water

The many faces of water

Water is pretty straightforward. That is until you realize that you can not only drink tap water, filtered water, spring water or natural mineral water, but you can also buy sparkling water, seltzer water, tonic water or club soda. Are you confused by the differences? You're not the only one!...
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plate of different cheeses

It ain't easy being cheesy

Who doesn't love cheese? Grilled cheese sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, baked lasagna with ooey gooey cheese melted all over it are common cheesy dishes. But with over 2,000 varieties to choose from, it's time to put a little more thought into your cheese choices.Cheese is formed from milk. Milk...
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Burgers on a grill

Making the better burger

Burgers are the quintessential all-American grilling favorite. Nothing beats biting into a juicy burger with all the fixings. But when it's dry and under seasoned, it can be a disappointment. Just how do you get the perfect burger?It starts with the right kind of beef. Most grilling experts will...
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Sweet Ways to Savor Peach Season

It’s peach season here in Illinois and if you get your hands on a fresh juicy peach, you’ll be tempted to grab another. Peaches are categorized as either freestones or clingstones. The flesh of a freestone peach will not stick to the pit, while the flesh of the clingstone pit is…well, clingy. While...
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Five Simple Steps to Meal Planning

Some people believe that they hate to cook, but often find that what they actually hate is the decision process: What should I fix? What will the whole family eat? What's quick? It's much easier to make those decisions when the plan is already in place. In fact, you may decide that you actually...
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Why Basil Might Just Be the Best Herb

When asked what my favorite herb is, I'd have to go with basil. Not only is it fragrant and flavorful, but it's also a beautiful plant. Basil is an annual herb belonging to the mint family. It's so easy to grow that even I, a wannabe gardener with a black thumb, cannot kill it.If you grow your own...
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A Diet Rich in Protein

Protein is an important macronutrient for building up our bodies. While many people meet or even exceed their protein needs, some groups often fall short, such as adolescents (ages 9-18) and older adults (60+). Generally, people need around 5-7 oz. of protein per day. When most people think of...
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Bone broth: Hype or healthy?

There’s all kinds of buzz words in the weight loss industry and one that has had its share of the spotlight is bone broth. What is bone broth and how does it differ from regular broth or stock? All three are very similar and thus, can be used interchangeably. First, regular broth is made by...
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The truth about seed oils

Seed oils have gotten some bad press lately, but there is no evidence that they are harmful, and in fact, they might even be helpful. Seed oils are the fats extracted from the seeds of various plants, like corn and soybeans. Coined the “Hateful Eight” by social media influencers, they include corn...
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The ultimate onion guide

Many recipes will call for an onion, but when you get to the store and see all the different types of onions, which one do you buy? Not all onions are alike, so understanding the differences can help you choose the right one for your recipe. Onions are a member of the allium family, along with...
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