Other than breastmilk, I can honestly say I have never stored milk in the freezer…until now. This is the time to put that freezer to good use. Freezing is one of the easiest ways to store food for longer periods of time. Before you go to the store, check your freezer(s) to make sure you have the...

As my household has been stocking up on canned foods like never before, I had to laugh when my husband brought home a can of fruit cocktail. It’s been years since I had fruit cocktail, and it immediately made me think of my dad and his fruit cocktail cookies that he used to make. While I would...

Some of you may have noticed a new milk on the market, known as “A2 milk.” This is not one of those alternative milks, such as almond, rice, or soy, but rather it is an alternative type of cow’s milk. The claim is that A2 milk is “easier on digestion.” A2 milk supporters recommend it for those who...

As the weather is growing warmer and more and more people are itching to get out of the house, picnic meals may be the answer to those craving a change in scenery. Whether it’s a picnic in your backyard or at an open park, keep both food safety and fun in mind when planning. Unless the picnic...

An estimated 30-50 million American adults experience lactose intolerance, many of which completely avoid all dairy products. However, is abstinence from dairy products necessary? Lactose intolerance is characterized by a group of symptoms that occur after the consumption of dairy; it is due to...

This blog post is written by Illinois State University graduate student and dietetic intern, Jessica Schultz.  One of the greatest life skills you can teach kids is how to cook. It is something they will need to use every day, since we need to eat to survive! Getting them in the kitchen...

This blog post is written by Illinois State University graduate student and dietetic intern, Jessica Schultz.  During times of crisis and change, some foods may be a little harder to find in the store, and if you are lucky enough to find them, there may be a limit on how much you can...

This blog post is written by Illinois State University graduate student and dietetic intern, Alyssa Laing. We’re all guilty when it comes to throwing away uneaten food that we’ve let spoil or sit in the fridge past its prime time. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (...

This blog post is written by Illinois State University graduate student and dietetic intern, Alyssa Laing. Whether you’re cooking for a family or just yourself, you’ve probably come across the challenge of deciding how much food to make. We often overestimate what we will eat and end up...

It looks like a burger. It tastes like a burger. It even “bleeds” like a burger. However, this burger is not made of meat. Plant-based burgers and meat alternatives are the trendy new food that have hit the market in response to consumer’s eco-friendly demands.   What’s in a plant-based burger?...

This blog post is written by Illinois State University graduate student and dietetic intern, Alyssa Laing. Whether you’re celebrating this season of Lent for religious purposes, or you just simply enjoy “Fish Friday’s”, incorporating weekly seafood into your diet is a great habit. Not...

Paprika is the dash of red color that usually tops deviled eggs. It’s a spice that some cooks would consider more of a garnish than a powerful flavoring agent. However, paprika comes in three different types, each with its own tasty purpose. Paprika is made from grinding varieties of dried mild...

Puff pastry and phyllo (or filo) dough produce amazing appetizers, breakfast pastries, and decadent desserts. While you can get out your French rolling pin and make them yourself, you can also settle for the convenience of grabbing a package from the frozen food aisle. Both doughs are flaky and...

As Valentine’s Day approaches, you may find yourself reflecting on relationships. Positive relationships, whether with a partner, child, parent or friend, can be strengthened by doing activities together. This holiday, consider cooking a meal with your loved one, which can be just as nourishing for...

Brown sugar can give a rich caramel flavor to sweeten so many foods. As it sits in your pantry next to the canister of white granulated sugar, you may have wondered, “What makes brown sugar brown?” Molasses is the answer. While the processing of white sugar creates molasses, it is processed...

While a persimmon will probably never be as popular as an apple in the U.S., this lesser known fruit packs a punch of sweet flavor. If you’ve ever seen a persimmon, you may have mistaken it for an unripe tomato, as they look and feel somewhat similar. A ripe persimmon is dense with waxy skin and...

If you enjoy Asian cuisine, you likely are a fan of soy sauce. This condiment originated in China over 2,000 years ago and is a staple ingredient in many Asian countries. This salty liquid is made from fermented soybeans, roasted wheat, and of course, lots of salt. There are many varieties of soy...

Elderberries have been used in folk medicine for centuries as a remedy for influenza and colds, but only recently have they become popular in the United States. The common elderberry (Sambucus var. canadensis) is a beautiful native shrub with white flowers and dark purple berries. It can be planted...

The New Year has many people thinking about change, and more often than not, it’s a change in eating habits that pursue. Intermittent fasting has become a popular way to lose weight, as many celebrities have taken it to the stage with the media in the front-row seat. The question you may be asking...