Simply Nutritious, Quick and Delicious 2014

Basil leaves on a wooden table.

Perk up your dinner with pesto

Pesto isn’t just for the fine dining of the rich and famous. Rather, it can be a part of the regular ol' American family dinner. While it may seem like a fancy and unnecessary addition to an otherwise tasty meal, its bold taste can elevate a food to a whole new level. Take a simple grilled chicken...
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Making Your Own Baby Food

As my son is nearing the age of starting solid foods, I've began to contemplate whether or not to make my own baby food. I want my child to receive fresh food with no additives. However, I'm a little daunted just thinking about the work it may involve! Let's think about this a little more… Some...
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Comfort Food Makeover

Tis the season of cooler weather and comfort foods. Nothing warms up the heart better than savory dishes, such as macaroni and cheese, potato soup, meatloaf, or fried chicken. But while these all-star fare are certainly delicious, they're also heavy and high calorie. Lightening up your favorites...
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Is the Perfect Burger Possible?

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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Frozen Pops, Too Good to Stop!

A hot summer day often calls for an icy cold treat. While ice cream and popsicles are both adult and kid favorites, they're typically loaded with added sugars and sometimes fat. Luckily, there are numerous frozen snacks that are kid-friendly, healthy, and so simple to make! Stock your fridge and...
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Consider Health Advantages of Spaghetti Squash

The oblong, pale yellow winter squash that you may have seen at the grocery store or farmers market is known as spaghetti squash. It acquired its name for a reason. Once cooked, the flesh is scraped out with a fork into long thin strands that resemble spaghetti noodles. And because spaghetti...
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Spaghetti Squash-A Different Kind of Noodle

Have you ever tried spaghetti squash before? This oblong, yellow winter squash is a fun vegetable the kids will love. Once cooked, the flesh is scraped out with a fork into long thin strands that resemble spaghetti noodles. And because spaghetti squash is not as sweet as its winter squash...
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How Hot is Your Jalapeno?

My husband and I grew jalapeno peppers in our garden this year and made bowl after bowl of fresh salsa. After making a perfectly medium salsa and then a "so fiery hot you want to dip your whole head in a glass of milk" salsa, it made me realize how one type of pepper can have quite a long range in...
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A Label Shocker! The Truth About Hazelnut Spread

A couple of weeks ago, I received a coupon in the mail for hazelnut spread. I've always wanted to try it so I sent my husband on a grocery run and instructed him to pick some up. I was shocked when I took a look at the nutrition facts label and found out how unhealthy this stuff actually is! A few...
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Does an Anti-Inflammatory Diet Help Arthritis?

Much controversy exists about whether the foods you eat or do not eat affect symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. No evidence has shown particular foods will stop rheumatoid arthritis from getting worse. However, some studies have shown short term improvement in symptoms with certain foods. These...
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How to Make the Perfect Quiche

Quiche. The word alone sounds fancy-shmancy, but don't let the tart pan or the perfect egg to cream ratio scare you. It's doesn't have to be fancy, and it doesn't have to be heavy and high-calorie. Quiche is popular in French cuisine. It's an open face pie filled with a custard made of egg, cheese...
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Understanding Differences in Hams

Ham tends to be a traditional entrée for the Easter holiday meal, and because of its ease, you don’t need a professional chef to cook one. However, you do need to know what to look for when purchasing a ham. Ham comes from the hind leg of a hog. There are many different varieties of ham to...
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Lunchbox Lessons

Now that the kids are back in school, and you suddenly have to get everything prepared for the day, your nights and weekday mornings are probably a little more hectic. But keeping your child's lunch safe should never be compromised. A poorly packed lunch could lead to foodborne illness, which is...
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Invite Kohlrabi to Dinner

Many of us tend to get stuck in a rut when it comes to eating the same vegetables over and over. It's easy to pass up the unfamiliar and sometimes odd looking produce at the market when you have no idea what to do with them. Kohlrabi may be one of those foods, but if so, you're missing out!...
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What Cooks Better in a Microwave?

The microwave oven is generally used for leftovers and TV dinners, but have you ever thought about making cakes or omelets in the microwave? These foods may actually cook better in the microwave than by other heating methods. Microwave ovens cook food by converting electrical energy into...
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Make Your Own Nut Butter

Ever since I saw the grind your own nut butter machines at Fresh Market, I wanted to make my own peanut butter. It's simple in its truest form. What are the ingredients? Peanuts. That's it. No hydrogenated vegetable oil, no sugar, no molasses, no mono and diglycerides and no salt. Making your own...
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Keeping the Thanksgiving Meal Safe

Although it is the season of giving, foodborne illness is a gift nobody wants! Many of the favorite holiday foods pose a potential health risk if not stored, prepared and handled properly. Two of the most important rules to remember are: 1) keep hot food hot and cold food cold...
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Slow Cooker Rice

Not long ago, I discovered yet another use for the slow cooker: use it as a rice cooker! After making soups, stews, dips, ciders, oatmeal and even cakes in the slow cooker, I have realized how much I truly love this appliance. Cooking rice in a slow cooker is a cinch. Simply grease the crock...
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Top Canned Food Picks

While some might turn up their nose at canned produce or canned meats, they do have their advantages. They're inexpensive and convenient, making them an easy pick to stock your pantry. And while some foods lose nutrients during the canning process, there are others that actually increase in healthy...
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