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These Pumpkin Pie Recipes Will Have You Reaching for Seconds

November 20, 2014 by

Warm soups are great and Thanksgiving turkey is tasty, but when it comes to favorite fall foods, pumpkin pie is typically at the top of the list. There’s just nothing better than this rich, flavorful pie come autumn, whether you prefer to top it with whipped cream or to eat it warm out of the oven. Here are three of our favorite recipes for pumpkin pie.

Libby’s Famous Pumpkin Pie [verybestbaking.com]
Since it requires only 15 minutes of prep time, this pie will be emitting a delicious scent from the oven with plenty of time to spare before the arrival of your last-minute guests. Canned pumpkin, evaporated milk, and a pre-made pie crust make this one of the easiest pumpkin pie recipes you’ll find.

The Ultimate Pumpkin Pie [epicurious.com]
This elaborate recipe from Epicurious is ideal for the experienced baker who wants to add a bit more spice to the usual pumpkin pie. Whipping cream and sour cream make it extra thick and creamy, while the generous helpings of spices add major flavor in every bite.

Homemade Pumpkin Pie [pickyourown.org]
Pick Your Own’s homemade pumpkin pie uses real pumpkin instead of canned to offer the freshest taste possible in your seasonal dessert. Although it may seem intimidating, the results are more than worth it.

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Check Out These Surprising Health Benefits of Autumn’s Favorite Crop, Apples!

October 24, 2014 by

Apples are some of the most delicious types of fall produce, but they’re also packed with vitamins and nutrients that do your body some good. If you needed another reason to justify that second (or third) piece of apple pie, you’ll love this list of the many health benefits of apples.

  1. Cardiovascular health. The beneficial phytonutrients found in apples function as antioxidants and decrease the oxidation of cell membranes in the cardiovascular system. Quercetin, which is found mainly in the apple’s skin, is its main phytonutrient, but apples also contain chlorogenic acid, kaempferol and myricetin.
  2. Blood sugar regulation. The polyphenols in apples are also thought to help regulate blood sugar because they influence digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, reduce glucose absorption and stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin.
  3. Cancer prevention. Amazingly, apples have also been shown to prevent several types of cancers. They are even the only fruit or vegetable that’s been shown to prevent lung cancer.
  4. Asthma treatment. If you suffer from asthma, you may want to reach for an apple before your inhaler from now on. Apples contain a number of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients that work wonders on human lungs and have even been shown to decrease asthma symptoms.

What's New and Beneficial About Apples [The World’s Healthiest Foods]
5 Health Benefits of an Apple [Eating Well]
10 Reasons to Eat an Apple a Day [Care2]

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Fete the Fall Season With These Cranberry Bread Recipes

October 3, 2014 by

It’s never too early to start incorporating cranberries into your baking, and these tart fruits taste just as delicious in the fall as they do during the cold winter months. Here are three recipes to motivate you to give your usual pumpkin a rest and mix things up with a sweet cranberry bread this autumn season.

Cranberry Orange Loaf [allrecipes.com]
Cranberry and orange flavors go together like a bit more sophisticated version of peanut butter and jelly. This zesty loaf is filled with holiday charm, and it even makes a deliciously sweet breakfast when paired with your morning coffee.

Classic Cranberry Nut Bread [oceanspray.com]
For a heartier take on cranberry bread, this recipe uses your choice of chopped nuts to add a delicious crunch to the flavorful cranberries. The taste is rustic and classic, and it’s sure to be a hit at your next family gathering.

Orange Glazed Cranberry Bread [sallysbakingaddiction.com]
Adding a sweet glaze to cranberry bread gives it a boost of flavor that feels a bit more like a dessert. This recipe involves making a simple, homemade orange glaze that has the added advantage of giving your bread a truly gourmet look. But that’s not all: It also includes a cinnamon streusel topping that makes it even more decadent and delicious.

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School’s Out! How to Keep Your Kids Entertained This Summer

July 25, 2014 by

Now that school’s out for summer and the kids have nowhere to be all day, it can feel overwhelming to keep your little ones entertained. You want them to have fun and make the most of their summer off, and these four activities are sure to help.

  1. Make outdoor art. Take their usual arts and crafts outside into the sun with this creative idea. Spread an old, light colored bed sheet on the ground and let the kids go wild with colorful paints. There’s virtually no cleanup involved, except on the kids themselves!
  2. Bake gingerbread cookies. If you think that gingerbread men are just for the holidays, think again. When you let the kids decorate gingerbread cookies with summer-themed outfits, these bathing beauties become a fun summertime treat as well.
  3. Create your own obstacle course. When you want the kids to have fun while also getting in some physical activity, try creating your own obstacle course in the backyard. Lay down a wooden ladder for them to run through, tie a rope swing to a tree, and even make your own balance beam using a simple two-by-four beam.
  4. Visit the farmers market. Teach your children about the value of good nutrition by taking them with you to pick up fresh produce at the farmers market.

50 Outdoor Summer Activities for Kids [Six Sisters’ Stuff]
Summer Activities for Kids [Martha Stewart Crafts]
101 Things to Do with Kids This Summer [Care.com]
100 Summer Fun Ideas for Kids and Parents [Work-at-Home Moms]
Free (or Almost Free) Summer Fun Ideas [Camp PBS Parents]

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Avoid the Itch: How to Identify Poison Ivy

June 27, 2014 by

"Leaves of three, let them be." It's sage advice when it comes to poison ivy prevention, but it doesn't really help to take the guesswork out of differentiating the plant from other, harmless varieties. If you're unsure exactly which three-leafed plants are off-limits, memorize these identifying traits:

1) Poison ivy has compound leaves.
Each compound leaf consists of three leaflets that share a stem, with the center leaflet always having the longest stem. The leaflets are usually jagged around the edges, but you might come across smooth-edged poison ivy leaflets from time to time. All poison ivy leaflets taper to a narrow point.

2) Poison ivy is usually glossy.
The leaves typically sport a waxy appearance. In the spring and summer, the leaves are bright green, while in the fall, they turn red—but they are always poisonous. The plant forms flowers in the spring and berries in the fall. The itchy blisters caused by poison ivy are an example of contact dermatitis; the reaction is due to urushiol oil present within all parts of the plant.

3) Poison ivy takes many shapes.
Shrub, bush, or vine, poison ivy takes on many forms, and it's not picky about where it grows. You might find it crawling up or tree or a fence or snaking across the dirt as a ground cover. Also note that poison ivy is found commonly all over the U.S.!

Do you have tips for identifying poison ivy or for treating the rash? Share them below!

How to Identify Poison Ivy [About]
The Mighty Poison Ivy Plant [Mayo Clinic]
How to Identify Poison Ivy [WikiHow]

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How to Treat the Itch and Burn Caused by Poison Ivy

June 20, 2014 by

You've likely heard the saying "leaves of three, leave them be," but accidental brushes with poison ivy, oak, and sumac happen to even the most careful of outdoors enthusiasts. An example of contact dermatitis, the rash is caused by an allergic reaction to urushiol, an oily resin present in all parts of the offending plants. If you find yourself afflicted with the telltale itch and blisters of poison ivy, keep these treatment tips in mind:

1) Wash it off.
As soon as possible after exposure, soap up in the shower using lukewarm water. This will help remove any remaining oil that might be present on your skin. Before you hop in the shower, though, toss your clothing into the washing machine. If you don't, the oil poses the threat of infecting you—or someone else—upon contact later on.

2) Ease the itch.
Popping an antihistamine can help alleviate your symptoms. Cold compresses and oatmeal baths are also known to reduce the itch, especially when followed by an application of calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream. As tempting as it might be, resist the urge to itch, as aggressive scratching can cause infection!

3) Call your doctor.
If your rash becomes infected, you have a fever, or if your rash affects a large area of your body, seek the advice of a medical professional.

Poison ivy: Tips for treating and preventing [American Academy of Dermatology]
Poison ivy rash [Mayo Clinic]
Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac [MedicineNet]

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3 Tips to Simplify Your Spring Cleaning Routine

March 21, 2014 by

Spring has sprung! It’s time to open the windows wide, scrub the floors, and replace your heavy, winter down comforter with something light and fresh. These three tips will help you plan your spring cleaning attack.

  1. Stock your cleaning supply kit. There’s nothing more frustrating than going to polish your furniture and realizing that you’re out of wood oil. Before you begin your spring cleaning, make sure that you have new bottles of window cleaner, bathroom scrub, oven cleaner, white vinegar, baking soda and all of the brushes, towels, and sponges that go along with them.
  2. Begin by de-cluttering. Throw away or donate anything that you no longer use, and pack away heavy winter coats or large blankets that you won’t need for the next few months. This will give you an open surface for your deeper cleaning.
  3. Get the whole family on board. Spring cleaning is a task that’s much too large for one person, so plan a day when the whole family can help. Plan it in advance to ensure that everyone can take part in the action, and assign tasks to stay on track with your plan.

Top 10 Spring Cleaning Tips [HowStuffWorks]
Ultimate Spring Cleaning Guide [BHG]

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Summer Staycation Ideas

July 25, 2013 by

If money’s tight and you can’t swing airfare to a beautiful beach or other tropical destination, why not consider a staycation? These at-home holidays are more and more popular in recent years, and here are some fun ideas for your own.

Research Your Town
Chances are your town has an interesting history, but it may not be something you've ever really considered! Why not take some time this summer to learn about its past history, its buildings, and what your neighborhood was like years ago?

International Cuisine Potluck
Spend some time reasearching the food of another country, then have a potluck where guests each bring a unique dish. Indian cuisine, Thai cuisine, and other national cuisines offer some enjoyable new tastes to experience together.

Game Tournament
Each night, play a different board or card game with your family members. Record the winner every night and have an awards ceremony at the end of the “season” giving prizes for various things.

Geocaching
This popular hobby can be enjoyed just about anywhere. People hide waterproof containers with logbooks in various locations all over the world, and anybody with a GPS and a sense of adventure can follow clues to find them.

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