The Scoop On Ice Cream
From Our KitchenJuly is National Ice Cream Month, and when it's this hot outside, few sources of refreshment are as appealing. Ice cream is also well-suited for the relaxed, often celebratory mood of the season. We've worked hard all these months, and ice cream - like the pool, the hammock or the beach vacation - is our reward. [caption id="attachment_24324" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Boston College High School"][/caption] Best of all, ice cream is an affordable treat for the whole family. Each year, on...
Fresh Herbs Perk Up Green Salads
From Our Kitchen, GardensMany of us enjoy growing fresh herbs, but sometimes we can't use them up fast enough. They grow better if trimmed frequently, but since we might not do as much cooking during the summer months, our plants can get a bit leggy. One solution is to add the herbs to salads. Some snips of fresh parsley, basil, tarragon and cilantro can really brighten a run-of-the-mill green salad. Avoid using strong-tasting herbs like rosemary, marjoram and oregano, which can overwhelm the...
Food Safety Tips for Your Home
From Our KitchenFood poisoning happens more often than we like to believe. The nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps we attribute to the “flu” may actually be caused by foodborne illness. You can minimize the risk of foodborne illness by following these basic safety tips: Keep things clean. Wash your hands with hot soapy water before touching food, and wash them again before you begin working with the next ingredient. Wash cutting boards, knives, bowls and utensils as well. Keep hot foods...
It's OK to Enjoy Okra
Nutrition, From Our KitchenOkra might not be the most exciting food you've ever encountered, but it has its devotees. A staple of Cajun and Creole cooking, it's also found in many North African and Middle Eastern dishes. The Centers for Disease Control has given this humble little veggie its due by proclaiming it Vegetable of the Month for June. Okra has a long growing season, but it reaches its peak in summer, so you may start seeing it soon at your local farmers'...
Discover Your Green Thumb
Nutrition, From Our Kitchen, GardensSpring is quickly turning into summer across the country. As the warm temperatures grow, now is the time for parents to get their children excited about eating fresh fruits and vegetables. A great way to do get them excited is to pique their interest before sitting down at the dinner table. Try this green thumb challenge: plant a garden with your kids and grow some of your own food! Get started with these tips: Decide on a container garden or...
The Big 8 Allergens
From Our KitchenEight common foods account for nearly 90% of all food allergies in the United States. They are: eggs, fish, milk, peanuts, shellfish, soy, tree nuts and wheat. Check out the list below to review a sampling of what foods contain these allergens. Some may surprise you. Eggs - Found in Baked Goods, Pasta, Mayonnaise, Cream Sauces, Marshmallows and French Toast! Milk - It's found in Butter, Cheese, Ice Cream, Yogurt and Sour Cream. Peanuts - Found in Granola, Grain Breads...
Making the World a Safer Place
Nutrition, From Our KitchenEven if you don't have food allergies, odds are you will come into contact with someone who does. Knowledge and resources can help you become an ally to the 15 million people living with food allergies in the United States. One step you can take to make the world a safer place for those with food allergies is to wash your hands! According to FARE, Food Allergy Research & Education proper hand-washing defends against germs and is also effective at...
Support Food Allergy Awareness
From Our KitchenIt's food allergy awareness week. For parents of children with food allergies, food safety is something to constantly worry about. Going to school, meeting friends at a restaurant or attending a birthday party are just some of the events met with reservation. Greater food allergy awareness and education among the allergy-free crowd is appreciated and should include children. Here are a few tips to increase your awareness: Educate. One in 13 children has a food allergy. With numbers like that...