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You Just Have to Try This Recipe for Strawberry Shortcake This Summer

June 16, 2016 by

If you're only going to make one strawberry shortcake recipe this summer, let this be the one! It's a recipe for classic strawberry shortcake that's deliciously old-fashioned—because why mess with a good thing? We love the recipe because it's easy to put together in a pinch, and it highlights one of summer's sweetest crops: strawberries! Here's how it's done:

1) Cut strawberries (32 ounces' worth) into quarters, then toss them in 1/2 cup white sugar and set aside.
2) Beat one cup of whipping cream at high speed, gradually adding 2 tbs of sugar. Chill the whipped cream once soft peaks form.
3) Make the shortcakes using 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 4 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/4 cup sugar. Cut in 3/4 cup cold butter.

Get the full recipe on Myrecipes.com!

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Delicious Holiday Gifts You Can Make Yourself

December 17, 2015 by

Forget a present for someone on your gift list this year? Not to worry; with some DIY skills and bit of imagination, you can make your own holiday gifts that your friends and family will appreciate—as long as they love tasty treats, that is! Here are just a few great ideas.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix in a Jar [verybestbaking.com]
Gift that avid baker friend of yours this cute cookie mix in a jar. Simply fill an attractive glass jar with all of the ingredients for homemade chocolate cookies, measured out in portions so that all he or she will have to do is dump and mix. On the tag, hand write the recipe and a sweet, personalized note to go along with it.

Easy Cinnamon Chip Scones [hersheys.com]
You don’t have to be a skilled baker to make these deliciously wintery cinnamon chip scones. When you’re pressed for a gift for a friend or loved one, whip up a batch of these to make all of their post-holiday breakfasts a bit easier.

Peanut Brittle [foodnetwork.com]
Everyone loves candy, and this tried-and-true classic is always a hit. It has a rich, nutty flavor that’s accented by the chewy texture, and because of its hard texture, it is also made to last for weeks on end.

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How to Make This Year’s Halloween Party Your Best Ever

October 22, 2015 by

So you’ve decided to throw a Halloween party at your home, but where do you start? Luckily, a spooky Halloween theme offers an almost endless list of decoration and refreshment ideas to make your party a ghoulish good time. Here’s just a bit of inspiration.

Severed Finger Invitation [marthastewart.com]
Give your guests a fright before the party even starts by sending them a severed "finger" in a box as a party invitation!

Spiked Witch’s Brew [celebrations.com]
For refreshments, serve a black cauldron filled with a spiked punch that looks like witch’s brew. You can even make it “smoke” by adding dry ice to the cauldron.

Monster Face Paint [marthastewart.com]
Entertain the little ones at a Halloween party by setting up a face painting station. Even if the party isn’t a costume party, they’ll love to wear their new monster face around all night.

Mad Scientist Party [rachaelraymag.com]
If you prefer to go all-out with a unique theme, a mad scientist party is one that your guests probably haven’t seen before. Decorate with beakers and test tubes, don a white lab coat and a wild wig, and turn your kitchen into a laboratory filled with experimental refreshments.

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Heading to a Picnic? Keep These Food Storage Safety Guidelines in Mind!

July 23, 2015 by

The only thing that can spoil a picnic more than rain is spoilage in another area: the food! You might be so concerned about mastering your mom’s potato salad recipe that you forget to properly protect it from the hot sun, and that will put quite a damper on your fun day outdoors. Follow these safety tips for properly storing and serving picnic food:

  • Keep cold foods cold. This may seem obvious, but you’ll need to thoroughly line a cooler with ice or frozen gel packs to ensure that your food stays cold even as the temperatures rise. This includes things like creamy salads, meats, and cheeses.
  • Use a thermometer. Perishable foods should be stored at a temperature of 40°F or below, so use a thermometer to make sure that you maintain that temperature all day long.
  • Keep the cooler closed. Store water and soft drinks in a separate cooler from the perishable food to minimize the how often the cooler is opened throughout the day.
  • Prevent cross-contamination. If you’re grilling meats at your picnic, be sure to thoroughly wrap them in plastic wrap or store them in plastic containers. Always wash your hands after handling raw meat, and don’t let meats touch fruit, veggies, or other foods.

Eating Outdoors, Handling Food Safely [FDA]
Perfect Food Safe Picnics! [FoodSafety.gov]
Picnic Food Kids Will Love: Pack A Safe & Healthy Basket [Parents]

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How to Adapt Your Fitness Routine to the Fall Season

October 16, 2014 by

Once the weather gets chilly and you don’t have the luxury of slipping on your running shorts and going for a morning jog, it can be difficult to stay active. That doesn’t mean that your workout routine should grind to a halt, however. Here are a few smart ways to switch up your exercise routine for autumn weather.

  1. Work around changing schedules. Not only does the weather change in the fall season, so does your schedule. If you have to transport the kids to and from school, arrange to work out in the afternoons when you can expect to have some time to yourself.
  2. Keep indoor workouts on hand. Although the fall provides beautiful backdrops for running outdoors, its unpredictable weather can also bring cold temperatures or even rainfall. Be sure to research a few indoor workouts so that your routine stays on track.
  3. Prepare for the weather. If you live in an area that gets very cold come fall, stock up on thermal leggings, long-sleeve shirts, and even gloves to wear while running. It’s also smart to wear reflectors on your clothing if you like to work out outside, since the sun goes down earlier during the autumn season.

Adapting Your Outdoor Exercise Routine for the Fall Season [Fitness Together]
Adapt Your Workout for Cooler Weather [F&W News]
Fall Fitness: Stay Healthy This Autumn With These Health Tips [YMCA]

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Hosting a Summer Cookout? Read These Food Safety Tips!

August 21, 2014 by

Barbecues and cookouts are very popular in the summertime, but the warmer temperature can be dangerous when it comes to keeping food fresh. Here are a few tips that will help you safely handle food at your next outdoor gathering.

  1. Wash your hands. This may go without saying, but many people don’t wash their hands as often as they should when it comes to handling food. Be sure to wash up before preparing food, after handling raw meat, and any time you’re serving guests.
  2. Beware of cross-contamination. Raw meat, eggs, and other bacteria-prone food items are the most common culprits of cross-contamination. Prevent the spread of bacteria by using separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meat and vegetables.
  3. Cook meat thoroughly. Even if you’re cooking over the open flame of a barbecue, it’s important to make sure that the meat cooks entirely through. Hamburgers should reach at least 160°F, while poultry should be 180°F or higher.
  4. Keep foods cold. If you’re serving potato salad or other dishes with dairy in them, make sure that they stay cold all day long. This means packing them in ice, using a well-insulated cooler, and even keeping them in the air conditioned car during transportation.

Seasonal Food Safety – Selections for Spring and Summer [USDA]
Food Safety for Summertime [MDH]
Picnic Eating and Outdoor Dining [Home Food Safety]

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