To die for.
If the holiday season's left you stretched too thin, don't rule out making edible gifts; simply look for a recipe that'll take less energy and labor. Drop-and-bake cookies are one answer for the time-strapped. What could be more cheery and Christmassy than double-chocolate cranberry cookies? The large, chewy, baked goods take little time to make, and I've found the dough chills well for future Read more
Did you know that granola is really easy to make? All you do is toss together a bunch of ingredients, stir, and bake. An hour later you'll have a healthy and delicious homemade breakfast or snack. It's so effortless that I've stopped buying granola at the store. Another thing that's great about making it yourself is that you get to select the ingredients. Doesn't it always seem like there's one Read more
Just because it's the middle of the week doesn't mean you can't enjoy a delicious steak dinner. Steak is actually an excellent option for a last minute meal because it cooks quickly and can be easily seasoned with a simple sauce or, as in tonight's recipe, a scrumptious chutney. Chunks of sweet potato are mixed with a chunky, mango chutney and sweet, dried cranberries. The final result is a Read more
Here's the scenario: you are at home and hungry for food. You have to cook up something scrumptious for you and your boyfriend/girlfriend/spouse/child/friend, but the ingredients you have on hand are limited. You have leftover turkey breast from Sunday's dinner, a bag full of dried cranberries, and a couple stalks of fresh celery. Using these products, along with whatever you currently have on Read more
I'm sure everyone and their mother has had ants on a log, but I thought I'd share a little twist on the recipe. Mine is called Red Ants on a Log or Crants on a Log. Here's what you'll need: Washed celery stalks (trim off the end bits) Peanut butter or Almond butter Dried Cranberries This is really complicated so pay close attention: Spread some nut butter on the celery stalks. Carefully Read more
In the summertime, my mom would never bake anything. She said it was hot enough outside, and she didn't need a hot oven adding to it. Now that I'm a mom, I see her point, so before it becomes full-on summer weather out there, why not bake some cookies? You can always freeze some to eat on those super hot days. I learned this recipe for Cranberry and Walnut Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies from Read more
With high blood pressure in my family, I try to avoid foods that contain high amounts of sodium. But it's tough to find pre-packaged crunchy snacks that fit that bill. The people over at Bear Naked, the same ones who make that amazing all natural granola have salt-free snackers in mind. Check out their Organic Trail Mix (it's so new - it's not even on their website yet). The packaging is clear Read more
For many who have stuck to their healthy ways all week long, the weekend is a time to loosen up the reigns a little, ignore weight-loss rules, and indulge in some high-calorie Cinco de Mayo goodness. If you're not careful though, an entire weekend of living it up could make you gain the pounds you've worked so hard to keep off all week. Here are some ways to splurge a little this weekend and not Read more
Hosting a cocktail party out of your home is intimate and charming but can sometimes be a source of great stress. The truth is that a little bit of planning and preparation can go a long way. Who wants to spend the party worrying about things like running to get more ice or salvaging burnt hors d'oeuvres? We've got five tips to help you host a smooth soiree. Make sure to have enough ice. The Read more
A good trail mix can be the perfect snack; no matter what you're craving, whether it's salty or sweet, a few handfuls can keep you satisfied and full. But there's a right way and a wrong way to make trail mix if you want it to be good for your body. Here are four additions to make your trail mix tasty and healthy. Chocolate: Eat chocolate — lose weight? That's what some people are saying, Read more
