It is time for the most food festive holiday of the year – THANKSGIVING! All over social media, I see questions like: “what is the best way to cook a turkey?” “should I stuff my turkey?’ “should I brine my turkey?” I have baked, fried and smoked turkey for many, many Thanksgiving feasts. Regardless of which cooking method you chose, you must, must, BRINE your turkey. Now, let’s discuss proper prepping and cooking the traditional, centerpiece of your holiday meal. What is a Brine? Brining is a technique whereby meat is soaked in salt water, which tenderizes, moisturizes, and flavors the bird, as well as reduces the cooking time. Brining…
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4 Kitchen Tips for Holiday Entertaining
***this post contains affiliate links Tis the season for holiday entertaining and for us home cooks, that means wonderful aromas being concocted in our kitchens. But don’t be stressed out! In a previous post, 5 Non-Food Thanksgiving Dinner Tips, I mentioned a few things to remember, when hosting a large crowd for a meal. I also created a free strategic dinner party planner, which includes step-by-step, day-by-day how to plan ahead and be prepared for any group dinner event, at your home. However, this post is going to discuss a few items essential to cooking top-quality dishes your guest will love. Follow these tips to relieve yourself of some of…
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Food and Health Adjustments for Middle-Aged Adults
Yes, this year I turned the big 50 and no – my body does not act like it used to. As our years begin to add up, maintaining a healthy weight is more difficult – believe me I know! I can remember being 140 lbs on my wedding day – that was 20 years ago – and boy, I am nowhere near that now. Unhealthy habits, having a sedentary job, and metabolic changes (which are beyond our control) can contribute to weight gain after 50. However, recently, I discussed some adjustments with my family doctor, which I want to share with you, that can help us get back in better…
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Apples: 10 Things Home Cooks Need to Know
Fall is the season for apples, despite the year-round availability, they are at their best when newly harvested. More specific harvest times are strongly influenced by weather conditions; most are picked in September – October. Whether shopping at your local grocery store, or buying from an orchard, buy firm, well-colored apples with a fresh fragrance. Apples should not smell musty. The skin should be smooth and free of bruises. Choose apples by how you intend to use them, for eating raw or cooking. What else you should know about apples… 10. Apple varieties now number well into the thousands and can range in color from lemony yellow to green to…
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How To Battle Food Waste At Home
Food waste is the #1 item thrown away in the United States! A family of four, on average, spends $1,800 each year on food that is thrown away, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council. Fruits and vegetables are the TOP TWO items thrown away. I could go on and on with statistics, but I would rather focus on Barilla’s efforts to reduce food waste and support sustainability. Barilla’s Center for Food and Nutrition Established in 1877, Barilla is an Italian food company distributing pasta, sauces, and other products to over 100 countries worldwide. Exemplifying diversity in food production, Barilla offers pasta for different types of dietary needs. High Protein…
