Expert tips for brewing great-tasting coffee at home
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 | (ARA) - Have you ever brewed a cup of coffee at home and wished it tasted as good as the cup you get from your favorite cafe? A lot of steps go into making the perfect cup of coffee, but they are all simple ones you can follow at home.
"Baristas use a set of quality standards to handcraft the bes... More >>
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Serve up spuds for a healthy meal in minutes
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 | (ARA) - Cheryl Koompin knows a thing or two about getting dinner on the table for her family after a long day of work. She and her husband raised two boys while maintaining the family's potato farm in American Falls, Idaho. That meant years of early mornings, long days in the field and making s... More >>
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Tempting summer meals that are healthy and easy to make
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 | (ARA) - Once the warm weather arrives, we are all searching for ways to make our meals not only healthy, but refreshing and delicious. And we all want quick meal options - so that we can spend more time outside enjoying the weather with friends and family and less time in the kitchen.
Seafood is a... More >>
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The sweetest season: delicious and easy summer desserts
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 | (ARA) - Summer is a time of traditions - people travel to the same resorts year after year, host annual barbeques, and go back time and time again to enjoy their favorite summer treats. It's hard to think of summer without thinking of favorite food traditions - such as grandma's strawberry ... More >>
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Easy cherry recipes are a sweet start to summer
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 | (ARA) - The pleasures of summer -- its warm temperatures, its long days, its holidays and its bounty of fresh foods -- make it an infinitely lovable season. It's no wonder we look forward to it throughout the rest of the year. Many people plant fruits and vegetables in late spring, after the la... More >>
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Planning a road trip? Here are 5 tips for packing food to bring along
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Planning a road trip this summer to see a part of the great U.S.A. you've never been to before? If so, there's a lot of planning to do. You need to figure out which route to take, what attractions you want to visit along the way and where you'll spend each night away from home -- not to... More >>
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Create your own relaxing outdoor oasis this summer
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 | (ARA) - It's summer time again and the living is easy - at least it's supposed to be. But when mosquitos invade your yard, it's tough to enjoy fun in the sun.
Lasting summer memories often begin with a pleasant environment in your own backyard. But the first step is keeping the mosquit... More >>
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Your fridge can help you stay on track with healthy eating this summer
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 | (ARA) - Summer is here, and the key to making the most of the season is to ensure you feel your best. Although there are many tempting, calorie-laden foods at your disposal during the season, it can be easy to fill your diet with foods that are tasty and healthy.
A good place to start is in your r... More >>
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Sweet or savory? With apples, you can do both
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 | (ARA) - You've heard the phrase, "As American as apple pie." While apples provide the fabric for some of our most basic, familiar and comfortable foods, they can be used in more versatile ways than you might have imagined. While you can't go wrong with staples like apple pie, caramel apples... More >>
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Think you might be gluten intolerant? How to know and what to do about it
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 | (ARA) - Does the thought of a big bowl of pasta fill you with dread? Not because of the calories, but because of the digestive discomfort you might experience after eating it? If so, you may be one of the millions of Americans who unknowingly live with gluten intolerance.
Simply put, gluten intole... More >>
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Learn to pair wine with dessert
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 | The art of learning to pair wine with dessert is something that you will find helpful throughout your life. There are even culinary courses, pastry classes and various books and websites devoted to the topic, which simply highlight the importance of knowing your wine when you dine. Whether you are ... More >>
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Jump start this school year with the perfect recipe for success
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 | (ARA) - After a summer filled with sunny beach days and sleepovers, getting kids motivated to head back to school and adjust to a new routine is often a challenge. To make the transition a little easier for kids and parents, here are some tips and fun ideas to get creativity flowing and wake-up bra... More >>
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Taking heartburn off the menu this barbecue season
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 | (ARA) - With summer just around the corner, calendars will be filling up with barbecues, picnics and trips to the beach. Unfortunately, these warm-weather activities may go hand-in-hand with heartburn. And with more than 50 million Americans suffering from frequent heartburn (symptoms occurring twi... More >>
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Food and wine: How to create a perfect marriage
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 | (ARA) - Weddings are one of life's most celebrated occasions. For brides- and grooms-to-be and their families, an incredible amount of creativity and planning is poured into this all-important day: from the wedding gown to the ceremony, from the invitations and flowers to the wedding cake itsel... More >>
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Bored with water? Try a new and refreshing drink to cool off
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 | (ARA) - The hot days of summer and even early fall can leave you parched for a refreshing drink. Sure, water is a great hydrator, but there are times when you thirst for a different taste and maybe a little caffeine to give your energy levels a boost.
In the southern states, sweet tea is an item o... More >>
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Backyard grilling: Sliding into summer with savory sliders
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 | (ARA) - The backyard barbecue grilling season is in full swing and hamburgers continue to reign supreme as one of America's favorite grilled foods. Whether you cook with gas or charcoal, nothing beats the flavor of a juicy burger right off the grill. And, whether you're into bold flavors or... More >>
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Tips to make indoor entertaining sizzle this summer
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 | (ARA) - Sure, summer is suited to barbecues, picnics and all sorts of al fresco fun. But indoor entertaining has appeal during the warmer months as well. When temperatures turn too sultry to sit outside, or you just crave a more elegantly prepared meal shared with good friends and no mosquitoes, yo... More >>
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Tips to make the most out of everyday family fun
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 | (ARA) - If you thought a day of family fun would bust your budget and take a lot of time to plan, think again. Contrary to common belief, it is possible to plan fun, family-friendly activities without breaking the bank. Here are some valuable tips to get you on the road to celebrating, saving and o... More >>
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Want to get kids into the kitchen? Start simple, encourage creativity
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 | (ARA) - There's a reason that the old adage "if you can't stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen" is so popular - cooking is a great metaphor for life. And, when it comes to teaching kids both practical and philosophical life skills, the kitchen is a wonderful classroom.
Experts agree tha... More >>
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Five superfoods for heart health
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 | (ARA) - When you're paying attention to good nutrition, it's easy to spend a lot of time focusing on what not to eat - all the stuff that clogs your arteries and expands your waistline. Now's a good time to look at the things that you should eat and the things you can do to keep your ar... More >>
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How to host a family reunion potluck
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 | (ARA) - A family reunion can be one of your extended family's most memorable shared experiences, providing new family stories and deepening bonds for years to come. If you are in the coordinator's seat, it can also be a daunting amount of work.
With advice from the experts on planning, del... More >>
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Whole grains offer a world of new taste to familiar foods
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 | (ARA) - Sometimes a small change in your diet can lead to big results. Americans are continuing to recognize that maintaining a healthy lifestyle includes making smart food choices. A good place to start is making whole grains a staple of your diet, as they provide many nutrients that are fundament... More >>
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Five creative tips for packing healthier school lunches
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 | (ARA) - It's that time of year again: back-to-school season. Amidst the jam-packed schedule of a child's school day, it's nice to know there is one area where parents make a difference - lunchtime.
The mission is to create a nutritious lunch that your hungry kids will look forward to e... More >>
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S'mores is the right activity for more than just camping
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 | (ARA) - Americans have a love affair with that classic campfire treat, S'mores. The good news - S'mores are no longer reserved just for campfire cooking. Did you know you can enjoy the chocolate, marshmallow and graham cracker goodness every day, inside and out?
S'mores have been helpi... More >>
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Easy entertaining tips to shape up your home for any occasion
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 | (ARA) -Do you love the idea of entertaining, but feel like getting your home ready for a social event requires too much time and attention? Not to worry, there are a few easy things you can do to make sure your home is always ready to host guests and they may not be as difficult to accomplish as yo... More >>
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Creatively cut the fat: substitute with apples
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 | (ARA) - Looking to eat better? Tried low-fat and reduced-sodium products, but they just don't taste the same? If you want to modify your diet without giving up the tastes you love, substituting natural ingredients, rather than modified versions of unhealthy ingredients, could do the trick.
Wit... More >>
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Need a healthy meal idea? Just open the cupboard
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 | (ARA) - Putting healthy, nutritious meals on the table for your family every day often feels daunting, but it can be as easy as opening your pantry. Even on busy nights, when you may be tempted to hit the drive-through, cooking at home with simple ingredients from your pantry is a more nutritious, ... More >>
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Seven tips for making your outdoor event a sizzling success
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 | Warm weather and longer days mean people are spending more time outdoors. Why not use the beauty of nature to your advantage and choose to entertain outside this season? Between the grill, the bugs and the heat, entertaining outdoors can prove a tricky proposition, so follow these easy steps to ens... More >>
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Turn a gourmet kitchen into a chef's studio
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 | (ARA) - Does your kitchen feel more like Julie's than Julia's? No need to be concerned ... if Julie could learn to master the art of cooking in less than a year, you can design your own chef's studio in a fraction of that time. Follow Julie's footsteps and take your lead from those ... More >>
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Entertaining at home made simple and fun
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 | (ARA) - For the average person, hostessing does not mean setting out your finest table cloth and most prized dinnerware. One of the keys to being a good hostess is to create a warm home environment that's ready to welcome guests at any time.
Planning a grand dinner party or an over-the-top out... More >>
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Fall grilling spices up family mealtime
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 | (ARA) - The end of summer doesn't mean you need to head indoors to cook your meals. The ease of operating gas grills ensures that grilling is a great way to prepare a meal any time of year, and seasonal food can inspire grillers to try new recipes.
"Each grilling season offers new ingredients ... More >>
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How to make your family room into a personal theater
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 | (ARA) - Until now, there's been nothing quite like the experience of catching your favorite flick in the theater, but today's technology makes it possible to bring the magic of the theater experience to your home.
Each year, home theater equipment becomes more sophisticated and affordable,... More >>
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Five tips for the perfect holiday party
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With each holiday season comes the tradition of family reunions, school celebrations and parties with friends. During this hectic time, the idea of throwing your own party can be overwhelming, however, with these five tips, your holiday party will be simple to plan and an affair to remember.
* Sen... More >>
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Grilling tips to keep home fires burning safely
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 | (ARA) - Summer is here and so is grilling season. Before firing up the grills, however, weekend warriors should observe a few simple precautions to ensure that backyard barbecue bashes don't go up in flames.
Casual cookouts can turn dangerous - and sometimes deadly - if safety is ignored, acco... More >>
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Get the most out of breakfast
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 | (ARA) - You've heard for years that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Although eating in the morning is a step in the right direction, what people eat appears to be just as important as simply eating.
A balanced breakfast that includes protein, as well as low-fat dairy, whole g... More >>
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Put a little personality in your outdoor entertaining
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 | (ARA) - Warm sun-drenched days and cool starry evenings can inspire the host or hostess in us all. It's the perfect time of year for easy outdoor entertaining - to reconnect with family and friends at a backyard barbecue, neighborhood block party or rooftop soiree. It's also a time to show ... More >>
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Great dishes for a carefree, casual feast
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 | (ARA) - Casual, laid back dining with family and friends is definitely a must for outdoor gatherings and what's more relaxed than a utensil-free feast? Think beyond burgers, and serve up some party favorites that work well without a fork and knife. Great tasting finger foods, like bruschetta, d... More >>
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How to shop smart for your health and your wallet
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 | (ARA) - With a dizzying array of choices in the supermarket, finding the best foods for your family can be a challenge, particularly in the dairy aisle. Every shopping trip is an opportunity to re-evaluate your family's grocery store habits and make changes for a happy wallet and a healthy body... More >>
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Make summer super with potluck-perfect recipes
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 | (ARA) - From block parties to backyard barbecues, summer is when people get together and enjoy the delectable tastes of the season. The classic American potluck is always a favorite gathering, especially when friends, family and neighbors bring out their best dishes for everyone to enjoy.
The perf... More >>
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Simple tips to take the fear out of Halloween planning
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 | Does it seem like the kids start talking about Halloween as soon as school starts again? Fun costumes, spooky decor and heaps of candy - no wonder kids love Halloween. And for adults, having a happy Halloween can help set an upbeat tone for all the end-of-year holidays.
About 58 million children a... More >>
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How you can shape up your summer snacking
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 | (ARA) - Summer is here, and that means barbecues, get-togethers and outdoor parties with friends and family. With so many tempting treats, it can be hard to snack smartly, but some easy substitutions here and there can keep the whole family on track all summer long.
"The secret to healthy eating i... More >>
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Gifts people love to open again and again
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 | Looking for a gift for the person who has everything? Don't succumb to gift cards, baseball hats, and t-shirts. Instead, be creative and try a gift like a 1- to 12-month wine club gift or even wine-related accessory to round out your shopping, and the recipient will surely be impressed.
Wine m... More >>
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Simple, sophisticated snacks and drinks for summer
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 | (ARA) - Summer is the season for entertaining, but there isn't any reason you have to slave away in a hot kitchen in order to throw a sophisticated summer party.
Opt for simplicity, sophistication and seasonality, and it will be easy to host smashing summer soirees with less time and work invo... More >>
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The importance of eating seafood - especially for pregnant women
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 | (ARA) - Americans eat too little seafood and should eat more for better brain development in babies and heart health in adults, according to the final report of the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee.
Made up of the country's top nutrition experts, the committee spent two years reviewing th... More >>
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Light eating for families: Experts suggest seafood
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 | (ARA) - Health experts recommend young families, especially expecting moms, should aim to eat a variety of nutrient-rich foods -- those that are bursting with vitamins and minerals in every bite. A serving of seafood, for instance, packs nutrients like protein and omega-3s into only about 100 calor... More >>
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Choose happy foods, not foods that make you sad
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 | "Grab the ice cream and bring on the chocolate!" While this may be a typical response to a bad mood for many, studies have shown that eating junk food can actually make you feel even worse. In fact, there are both physical and emotional side effects of chowing down on unhealthy foods that may make ... More >>
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Cook what you love, only healthier
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 | (ARA) - With obesity rates on the rise, there is no better time than now for families to build healthier habits. This includes getting more exercise and eating healthier. Nutritionists recommend eating more whole grains, lean proteins and increasing the amount of vegetables and fruit in their daily... More >>
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Thanksgiving: Make a big splash on little cash
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 | You scaled back the family summer vacation and expect to curtail spending on holiday gifts this year. Still, you would like to do something special for the holidays, even if your budget isn't as grand as it once was.
Thanksgiving is one holiday when you can make a big splash without spending a... More >>
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Chocolate connoisseur? Become a sophisticated sampler of dark chocolate
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 | (ARA) - Of course you know how to eat chocolate - who doesn't? But as you indulge on your dark chocolate bar, are you really getting the most enjoyment out of it? Are you really tasting it, or just devouring it at warp speed?
Chocolate is a wonderful indulgence, and can be a great way to take ... More >>
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Five tips to build a better salad
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 | (ARA) - Salads are a staple for people trying to eat well or save on fat and calories, but not all salads are created equal. While all greens are low in calories, many people sabotage what could be a nutritious dish by adding heavy toppings like fried chicken, croutons or a higher fat cheese. Tasty... More >>
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Healthy fall eating for moms-to-be
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 | (ARA) - Did you know more babies are born in August than any other month of the year? According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there is a "baby boom" from July to September -- meaning most women become pregnant during the cooler nine months prior. For all moms wh... More >>
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Cooking more at home? 4 easy ways to spice things up
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 | (ARA) - If you like to cook, there's a pretty good chance you're doing more of it now. With the economy slowly recovering and families rediscovering the value of gathering around the dinner table, more people are skipping restaurants and honing their skills as home chefs.
In fact, 84 perce... More >>
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Sweeten the grilling season with fresh corn
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 | When the weather's warm, you don't need a special occasion to cook out, picnic or throw a patio party. Any fine day is a good reason to scrub down the grill and heat up your inner outdoor cook.
As you stock up on burgers and buns at the supermarket, gather your own crop of sweet, fresh cor... More >>
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Do your kids need a fresh lunch box makeover?
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 | (ARA) - The start of a new school year is an exciting time for children. Each fall begins with a new teacher, different classmates and a fresh start, making it the perfect time for you and your kids to get back into a daily routine.
A good place to start is the school lunch. The contents of your c... More >>
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How to get the full NASCAR experience in your living room
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 | As NASCAR hits its peak in the midst of the 2010 Sprint Cup Series, masses of fans will make their way to the races. But if you can't score tickets and sitting in traffic isn't quite your speed, why not try living the race experience away from the speedway with a group of friends? While you... More >>
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Lower cholesterol naturally with food first
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Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States. The cornerstones of managing heart disease are healthy lifestyle behaviors: a heart-healthy diet, exercise, smoking cessation and stress management. However, with so much information available, it's often confusing where to ... More >>
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Creating great food memories
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 | (ARA) - Your memory of real, flavorful, fresh food is a key tool for losing weight. At least that's one of the intriguing claims in Bruce Weinstein and Mark Scarbrough's new book, "Real Food Has Curves: How to Get off Processed Food, Lose Weight, and Love What You Eat."
We find pleasure i... More >>
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Achieve better health while fighting hunger in your local community
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(ARA) - Surprisingly hunger and obesity can be linked. The same communities can suffer from both epidemics. There are nearly 2 billion overweight people in the world, while 1 billion people in the world are underfed, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United States.
In... More >>
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Before you plan your next summer BBQ - find out how take it from drab to fab
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(ARA) - Summer is in full swing and it's really heating up out there. Many people are finding themselves in the thick of planning barbecues for family and friends.
While most of us can plan and host a summer barbecue with our eyes closed, it's easy to fall into a rut of whipping up the ... More >>
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