What’s the biggest barrier to healthier eating? Certainly, willpower and determination are factors. But according to Isabel Maples, a registered dietitian practicing in Virginia, the biggest challenge for many is planning. “The biggest barrier to getting a healthier meal on the table is the thinking ahead,” Maples said. “I can’t tell you the number of … Continue reading "Appliances break down barriers to healthy eating"
If you’re preparing for a major storm, stocking up on enough food and water should be part of your plan. You also need to have a plan to keep your food safe to eat during and in the wake of the storm, especially if you lose power. Eating food that hasn’t been stored properly can … Continue reading "Storm Prep: How to keep frozen and refrigerated food safe"
If you are getting ready to host a big holiday meal, your freezer can make the job a lot easier. Beyond their obvious advantage for food storage, freezers can help you stay ahead of the clock as you prepare for the big feast. Preparing certain dishes and freezing them in advance can be great for … Continue reading "Holiday Cooking: What to Freeze and What to Prepare Fresh"
While inflation is beginning to ease a bit, Americans are still feeling the pinch of higher grocery prices. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), food prices rose 4.9 percent between July 2022 and July 2023, with groceries landing at 3.6 percent higher year-over-year. In the year prior, grocery prices were a whopping … Continue reading "Easy Ways to Reduce Food Waste at Home"
Are you thinking more about the indoor air you breathe? If you are, you aren’t alone. Awareness of indoor air quality has surged over the past few years, though for very different reasons. Most recently, millions in the Northeast U.S. looked for indoor air solutions as smoke from Canadian wildfires blanketed the region and led … Continue reading "How to Improve Indoor Air Quality While Cooking, Even Without a Range Hood"
The recent proposal by the U.S. Department of Energy for extremely stringent energy standards that would effectively eliminate most existing models of gas ranges has many home cooks up in arms at the thought of losing their favorite cooking method. But it has also drawn more attention to a newer alternative: induction cooking. Once … Continue reading "Induction Cooking is Heating Up"
Rice is an easy to make, easy-to-store dish that compliments just about any main course or forms the base of any number of creative dishes. And while the word “rice” usually is associated with plain white rice first, there are numerous varieties available—brown, black, wild rice (which is not truly rice), basmati, yellow and others. … Continue reading "3 Quick Tips for Using a Rice Cooker"
Jerky. It’s that time-honored, protein packed snack synonymous with hikers, hunters and the great outdoors. But, it’s also a go-to everyday snack for many who are looking for a filling, flavorful protein boost and by people looking for easily stored, quick snacks while saving on freezer, counter and refrigerator space. Whether your taste leans more … Continue reading "Craving jerky? Here’s how to make your own"
Few things make you feel as cozy and at home as coming in from the cold to find a steaming mug of hot chocolate, already prepared, waiting to warm you from the inside out. Or, perhaps you prefer a spiced holiday drink, or a sip with a peppermint kick. Hot beverages are a wonderful way … Continue reading "Warm up your winter with these slow cooker holiday beverages"
They whip up healthy shakes and smoothies and decadent milkshakes, crush ice and puree fruit. Blenders are equally handy at every meal and if you’re craving a snack. They are among the most versatile of kitchen appliances. If you have a kitchen, chances are you have a blender. More than 90% of households report owning … Continue reading "Facts about blenders, a kitchen staple"
