Professional grilling tips for the perfect backyard barbecue

Grilling season has arrived. The unique flavors of sizzling meat on a hot grill are loved by Americans young and old. Whether you're an enthusiastic foodie or a simple family chef, it's time to get outside and perfect the art of the barbecue. If you're new to grilling, it's easy to make some wrong turns. No one wants to end up with dried out chicken, burnt steak or flavorless ribs. When you're cooking, keep in mind a few tips from the pros. Read More

Don't let garden insects destroy the fruits of your labor

Gardeners are familiar with the joy of planting and nurturing flowers, fruits and vegetables to maturity and the bliss of harvesting nature's bounty. One of the few things that can make that bliss turn into annoyance is an infestation of bugs. While many insects are beneficial to the garden, others can be very destructive. Arm yourself with the facts for handling insects in your garden this growing season. Read More

All-weather barbecuing: A guide to getting great smokehouse flavor

It's barbecue season, and no one's ever going to complain about a delicious cut of meat cooked over a hot flame, no matter how you slice it. But do you want to merely satisfy your guests' hunger, or have them talking for the rest of the season about that perfectly juicy and tender smoked pork they had at your house - and secretly wondering how to replicate it? Read More

Set the scene - and the table - for a perfect summer party

Simply put, summer is entertaining season. Patio parties come together at the last minute and long-planned events fill up the calendar months in advance. But no matter whether you're having an impromptu gathering or an invitation-only celebration, focusing on the flavors and sensory delights of summer will make your party a success, without demanding too much of your time. Read More

Celebrate the springtime stress free

Nothing helps celebrate springtime more than a gathering with loved ones. With the season's longer days and warmer weather, hosts and hostesses alike are looking for ways to increase the fun as family and friends get together and cut down on stress. You can do a variety of things in advance to make sure you're prepared for spring holidays, graduation parties and the start of barbecue season. Read More

Insider tips from party pros

As temperatures increase, so do the activities on your social calendar. From family reunions to graduations and weddings, warm weather means prime event season. If you're throwing a party of any kind, you likely need a few supplies. But you don't want to invest a lot of money in items you will only use once. So how do you host the party you envision without buying items you'll just have to store and maintain later? Read More

Top tasty food trends that can benefit your family's health

A visit to your local grocer provides thousands of food options, and it's likely you've recently noticed an increase in the number of healthier choices, including organic offerings and expanded produce selections. But what are the next big things when it comes to healthy food? Here are some healthy food trends to look for the next time you're at your local grocery store. Read More

Three delicious reasons to fire up the grill this summer

Baseball and apple pie, the Fourth of July and fireworks - summer is the season of great, all-American pairings, and few shout "summer" more effectively than the combination of grilling and fun. You know summer has truly arrived when friends and family gather in the backyard to share some grilled goodness. Read More

How food safety knowledge can affect your health

Whether you're feeding yourself or feeding your family, it's important to know that the food you're eating is safe and nutritious. But perceptions about finding a balance between those two essential factors have become muddled in recent years. While there is an increased effort to promote the consumption of healthy foods, particularly fruits and vegetables, there are also conflicting messages about their safety. Read More

Comfort foods plus good health? Yes

Comfort foods remind us of home, warmth and family; they are often simple, everyday foods we had as children. They tend to be hearty, cold-weather dishes based on meats, cheeses and carbohydrates - all of which can pack on the pounds. But even if you're trying to reduce that holiday bulge, you can still enjoy your favorite comfort foods. Just make them healthier. Read More

Up in smoke: Don't let a grilling mishap ruin your cookout

Grilling is an American tradition and summertime staple. Most of the time, grilling cookouts go off without a hitch but accidents can and do happen. Each year, grilling related accidents send an estimated 20,000 people to the emergency room and cause a reported $75 million in property damage. It's smart to know these basic tips for safe grilling. Read More

Where can you find the best barbecue this Memorial Day?

Memorial Day marks the first long weekend of summer, and it is the perfect opportunity to kick off the season with a trip. Weekend getaways and barbecue are practically synonymous with summer, so why not combine the two? Here are some of the best areas around the country to discover whether you like your barbecue pulled, sliced, shredded, wet or dry. Read More

Spring time is grilltime

As the evenings start to linger a little longer and winter's chill becomes a more distant memory each day, there's no better way to celebrate spring time than by getting out of the house and enjoying it. Firing up the grill, whether you're cooking for friends or family, is, without doubt, the best way to get your outdoor entertaining started. Read More

Bulk bin bargains: How to make cents of buying in bulk

Does the phrase "buying in bulk" make you think of club stores, duffel-bag-sized packages of potato chips and 5-gallon jars of mayo? Think again. Buying in bulk isn't just for big families or those with a lot of storage space. It's for anyone who wants to save money. What's the secret? "Bulk" refers to how the store offers the product, not how much you have to buy. You can purchase a pinch or a pound - however much you need - and save yourself money while reducing packaging waste. Read More

Ham: The perfect choice for the summer barbecue

Summer is upon us, and so is the aroma of delicious home-cooked meals prepared for family and friends out on the grill. To keep dishes interesting and to serve something to please a crowd, you'll need just the right recipe and ingredients. Ham is a versatile protein that can be ideal for many meal occasions. Read More

How to make your salad the life of the summer party

As summer approaches, you're more inclined to opt for fresher foods and simpler meals. But lighter fare doesn't mean a boring bed of lettuce. There are plenty of delicious ways to get creative with your leafy greens, making your salad the star of the cookout. Read More

The little professional tips that make a huge difference in your desserts

Ever wonder why your meticulously crafted, measured and rolled cookies are just slightly off - whether it's the way the texture feels in your mouth or the buttery taste that is yearning for a little something more. It could be that your desserts are rebelling against the ordinary ingredients you are using. Read More

Women: Life-changing tips for better health and energy

Moms, career women, singles enjoying life with close friends and family, and even women approaching their retirement years - women at every life stage can benefit from adding simple activities to improve their happiness and health. Read More

Unscrambling the myths behind eggs and cholesterol

When it comes to eggs, dietary cholesterol and heart health, what you think you know may be a bit scrambled. Concerns over dietary cholesterol and its impact on heart disease keeps many people from eating eggs, despite their nutritional benefits. However, more than 40 years of research shows healthy adults can enjoy an egg every day without significantly impacting their risk of heart disease. Read More

Add a dash of creativity in the kitchen

Teaching kids how to find their way around the kitchen is a good way to encourage them to think creatively and get excited about eating well. In addition to imparting practical culinary knowledge to children - including math skills by teaching them about measurements - parents can help foster creativity by letting them "mix it up" a bit. Read More

Say 'opa' to a better you with a Mediterranean-flavored lifestyle

For many, adopting a healthier lifestyle can be a huge challenge, especially with everyone's unique body shape, personalities and likes and dislikes. A program that works for one person, may not work for you. The good news is many healthy activities found in a Mediterranean lifestyle can help you say "opa" - a Greek exclamation of joy -- to a better you. Read More

Food: Where does it come from? Straight answers to consumers' questions

Is the food we're eating healthy long-term? Is the planet able to sustain the amount of food we're producing? Americans are asking questions and thinking more critically when it comes to the food they eat. They want to know where it comes from, how it's grown and produced, and what effects this process has on our health as well as the health of the planet. Read More

Healthy children's options are now appearing on restaurant menus

Today's youth might be the first generation of American children to be less healthy than their parents, with childhood obesity more than tripling in the past 30 years. What's encouraging, however, is that this is a time of increased national focus on healthy eating - and it is going to take all stakeholders to make a true and sustained difference. With physical activity initiatives popping up in communities across the country and recently announced new U.S. Department of Agriculture guidelines on school lunches, there are more opportunities for children to thrive. Read More

DIY your way to a fairytale wedding

You've dreamed of this day your entire life - from the vows to the dress to the reception decor. But often, it can take a king's ransom to make the fairytale wedding of your dreams a reality. Fortunately, cost-conscious brides have discovered they can plan a wedding that's fit for a queen - even on a shoestring budget. All it takes is a little creativity and know-how. Read More

A man's guide to making high-impact, low-fuss romantic meals

It's time to banish that old stereotype that the only guys who can cook are professional chefs. Men, even if your culinary expertise starts with boiling water and ends at the microwave, you can serve a dazzling one-pot meal for your significant other, your best buds or just yourself. Read More

Mexican food pairings inspired by today's hot flavor trends

The summer party season has officially begun, meaning it's time to plan fun get-togethers with family and friends. Food is central to any great celebration, but you don't need to spend hours in the kitchen to create a unique and tasty menu. You simply need some great tips and easy tricks for pairing tasty food with refreshing drinks and party success will come naturally. Read More

Spring celebrations: Host a bite-sized brunch

Sweep away the gray days of winter and invite sunshine and friends inside. This year, open the door to spring with a bite-sized brunch. Whether entertaining a house full of guests or enjoying a casual meal with friends, put a fun, fresh twist on any celebration with a collection of easy, yet scrumptious, recipes. These recipes feature fresh eggs - a breakfast staple and a sure sign of spring. Read More

School lunch fuels success for spring sports

Springtime packs a punch for students. Between tests, papers, school trips, extracurricular performances and jobs, finding the energy for spring's after-school sports is often a challenge. Time and energy are at a premium. Eating well can help ease the crush. What makes a good lunch? Here are some tasty and healthy suggestions. Read More

Keeping snacks light

Hunger pangs between breakfast, lunch and dinner can strike even those with the most nutritious meal regimens. In fact, snacking recently has become popular; 97 percent of Americans snack daily, up from 71 percent four decades ago, according to a new study from the Journal of Nutrition. Read More

Breakfast can be exciting: The proof is in the pudding

Pancake sandwiches, chicken and waffles, egg casseroles -- breakfast seems to be inspiring creativity and breaking barriers morning, noon and night. The only challenge the most important meal of the day has is its designated time slot. Read More

Weeknight meals made easy

For most busy Americans, cooking weeknight dinners can be challenging. Hectic schedules and weariness from the day's activities often prompt many to reach for the takeout menu instead of opting for quick and convenient meal solutions prepared right in their own kitchen. Read More

Smart snacking that can boost your fitness routine

Eating right and exercising are the two most important elements of a healthy lifestyle. We hear it time and again that these simple principles hold more power than the latest fad diet, and for those who heed the advice, the proof is in the results. However, it's not always easy to figure out what's really good for you in the process of building - or maintaining - a healthy body. Read More

Don't miss a beat in 2012: Get the facts about fats and heart health

With heart disease the leading cause of death in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it's time to listen to your heart and get the right kinds of fats into your daily diet. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends consuming polyunsaturated fats, specifically omega-3 fatty acids, for heart health. But what are these "good fats" and how do you make them a part of your daily nutrition program? Read More

How to get farm fresh eggs straight from your backyard

Fresh, healthy eggs. Natural fertilizer and pest control. A chance to teach your kids the value of growing their own food. These are just some of the reasons backyard chickens have moved from a novelty to a mainstream trend. Whether you're a home chef, a gardener or a parent who believes in providing enriching experiences for your children, now might be the perfect time to consider jumping on the backyard chicken bandwagon. Read More