Thanksgiving meal

Try Something New for your Thanksgiving Meal

While a table filled with turkey, stuffing, gravy, sweet cranberry sauce and an assortment of vegetables is the traditional “Thanksgiving meal,” there’s plenty of reasons why you may not want to go with the standard group of recipes this year. The responsibility of cooking a turkey is daunting and not something you see as fun…. Read more

Barbecue Food Safety

Late summer brings many opportunities for eating outdoors–camping, cookouts and picnics. Be sure to follow these barbecue food safety rules while enjoying the weather! Clean your hands. Ideally, you’d wash with soap and water, but an alcohol-based sanitizer will do in a pinch. If you are traveling with food, pack uncooked meats separately from ready… Read more

salad dressing

Salad Dressing Basics

Summer is in full swing here in New England. Markets are bursting with ripe fruits and vegetables, and salads are becoming a regular side dish or main meal on warm nights. Making a tasty side salad is a simple way to get a few servings of vegetables into your day. Only 2 cups of leafy… Read more

summer produce

What’s in Season: Summer Produce

July and August bring peak temperatures, peak sun, and peak summer produce availability! Fan-favorite produce is not only available during the summer, it is usually at the height of flavor and nutritional value. Plus, it’s a little less expensive. Take advantage of the season by revisiting some of your favorites: Apples Blueberries Cantaloupe Peaches Raspberries… Read more

culinary vocabulary

Culinary Vocabulary

Cooking has its own terminology, and understanding the various words commonly found in cook books will guide you through any recipe. Whether you’ve been cooking for years or are just starting out, a good grasp on culinary vocabulary can go a long way. AL DENTE: An Italian term describing cooked pasta that has a slight… Read more

fiber

Favorite Fiber Filled Foods

Dietary fiber helps us feel and stay full after a meal. It can help reduce cholesterol, prevent constipation, and regulate our blood sugar. Many of us are already aware of these benefits but still aren’t getting enough fiber. Women should aim for 25 grams, and men for 38 grams per day. Over age 51, women… Read more

Frozen Produce

Sometimes Frozen Produce is Better!

Open your freezer and what do you see? A frozen pizza? Maybe some ice cream? How about frozen fruits and vegetables? During the winter and early spring months, fresh produce is more expensive, less flavorful, and less nutrient-dense than it is in the summer. But, don’t worry. It’s easy to get a wide variety of “off-season”,… Read more

Heart Health

Top 10 Ways to Become Heart Healthy

February is American Heart Month, and heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Lower your risk of heart disease, hypertension and high cholesterol by following these 10 simple heart healthy steps: Eat a variety of whole fruits and vegetables. Fresh, frozen and canned are good options; choose items without added… Read more

Healthy Baking Substitutes

Healthy Baking Substitues

Baking can be a fun and rewarding way to spend a cold afternoon. While baked goods tend to contain added sugars and fat, you can make your favorite treats a little healthier with some simple ingredient substitutions. Just swapping one ingredient in the recipe can help improve the nutrition content while maintaining a great taste…. Read more