Month: November 2018

2018-11-02T12:01:01

(BPT) – ‘Tis the season for cookies, cakes, candies and more! Those delectable treats are an iconic part of celebrations big and small. Whether you want to cozy up by the fire with your favorite confection or bring a few batches to the school bake sale, you’re bound to be baking like crazy this time of year.

With visions of holiday cookies dancing in your head, you know that means you’ll have to carve out time to make all those goodies. Don’t stress at the thought of a packed schedule and the temptation of too many unhealthy treats. Registered dietitian Dawn Jackson Blatner shares some smart tips to save time while also creating better baking that provides rich flavors and higher quality nutrients.

Streamline by planning ahead

First, consider designating a part of your cabinet or pantry to your holiday baking supplies and let family members know it’s off limits. There’s nothing worse than starting a recipe only to realize an ingredient you need became a snack two days prior. Those nuts, dried fruit and chocolate can be tempting! So, stock up on high-quality ingredients and add a note to deter tempted snackers if necessary.

Another tip: Bake what you can ahead of time. “There are many holiday cookies that freeze beautifully,” says Blatner. “That means you can start your baking weeks ahead of time and be ready for celebrations of all kinds. Just remember to thaw the day prior so that your baked goods are ready to go.”

Get better results with better eggs

“Fresh ingredients are the key to superior baking and eggs are the perfect example,” says Blatner. She recommends Eggland’s Best eggs because they are the only eggs that have double the omega-3s compared to ordinary eggs. Omega-3s are classified as “essential” fatty acids because they are important for maintaining good health and the body cannot make them on its own. Omega-3s also enhance baking as they improve emulsifying qualities.

More than just Omega-3s, Eggland’s Best eggs have 25 percent less saturated fat, six times more vitamin D, 10 times more vitamin E and more than double the amount of vitamin B12. That means no matter what recipe you use them in, you’ll be improving the nutritional profile of your holiday treats.

Use simple swaps for healthier results

Making more nutritious cookies can be as simple as swapping out a few key ingredients. Consider chocolate, a popular ingredient in holiday desserts. Instead of buying milk or white chocolate, use dark chocolate in recipes. “Dark chocolate is lower in sugar content and contains important antioxidants that are good for your heart,” Blatner says.

Another smart swap is to switch out some or all of your recipe’s white all-purpose flour for whole-wheat alternatives. This pumps up the fiber content of your recipes. “Whole-wheat flour is a good option to keep on hand in the pantry,” says Blatner. “For cookies with a more delicate texture, consider using a finely milled whole-wheat pastry flour.”

Find recipes with low prep time or prep-ahead qualities

Holiday baking is a fun tradition whether you do it solo or plan a cookie day with the kids. To save time and reduce stress, look for simpler recipes or ones that offer you the ability to do steps ahead of time. With this Eggland’s Best recipe for classic cut-out sugar cookies, you can make the dough the day before so you’re ready to dive into the fun the day of, baking and decorating the cookies.

Holiday Cut-out Sugar Cookies

Ingredients:

Cookies:

3/4 cup butter (softened)

3/4 cup vegetable oil

1 cup white sugar

2 Eggland’s Best Eggs (large)

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/2 cup sour cream

6 cups white flour

4 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

Frosting:

1/2 cup vegetable shortening

3 1/2 cups powdered sugar

pinch of salt

1/3 cup Eggland’s Best Liquid Egg Whites

1 teaspoon vanilla

small squeeze of lemon juice

Directions:

Cookies:

In a large mixing bowl with a hand mixer or in a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, cream together the butter, shortening and sugar until fluffy and pale in color.

Add in the eggs, vanilla and sour cream and mix until combined.

Add the baking powder, salt and flour (one cup at a time), mixing until everything is evenly incorporated.

Cover and chill the dough, preferably overnight for best results.

Preheat the oven to 350 F. On a lightly floured surface roll the dough out to a 1/4- or 1/2-inch thickness.

Cut into holiday shapes with a cookie cutter.

Transfer cookies to a lightly greased cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and move cookies to a rack to cool.

Frosting:

In a large mixing bowl with a hand mixer or in a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, cream the butter until fluffy.

Add the confectioners’ sugar, 1 cup at a time, and mix until combined.

Add the salt, egg whites, vanilla and lemon juice and beat until ingredients are incorporated.

Spread over cooled cookies, sprinkle with colored sugar and serve immediately.

 

2018-11-02T14:01:00

(BPT) – It’s 6 a.m. in Bell County, Texas. The sun is yet to peek over the horizon on what will become a steamy summer day, but Darrell Glaser is already strolling through his turkey houses to ensure the birds on his family farm are comfortable. The farm has been in Glaser’s family for nearly 100 years, and Darrell and his family have spent nearly every day tending to their turkeys.

The Glaser family is one of more than 700 family farmers that raise turkeys for Honeysuckle White(R). Shoppers in select markets can trace where their Honeysuckle White turkey was raised by texting or entering an on-package code on the Honeysuckle White website (www.HoneysuckleWhite.com). They can learn about the farmer who raised the turkey and see the farm where it was raised.

Honeysuckle White turkeys raised by family farmers can be found in local retailers across the country and on Amazon.com. Those who want an entire Thanksgiving meal can purchase it through HelloFresh.

Whether in stores, online or via meal kit, these turkeys are handled with care. At Bar G Farms, the Glasers — Darrell, his four sons and his mother — focus on raising healthy, happy birds. From monitoring and protecting them during a raucous Texas thunderstorm to checking air and water quality, the family does everything possible to ensure the well-being of their turkeys.

“Animal welfare is very important to all of us at Bar G Ranch,” Darrell said. “The happier and more comfortable the animal, the healthier they are going to be.”

A Honeysuckle White November 2017 survey revealed that 80 percent of consumers agree that at Thanksgiving, it is important for their turkey to be raised by a family farmer. Providing traceable food to consumers builds trust and increases transparency in the food supply chain, and gives them confidence in the food they purchase and eat.

In Central Missouri, Glenn and Kathy Robertson have been raising Honeysuckle White turkeys for 45 years on their family farm, with plenty of helping hands.

“On our farm, it has always been a family event,” Glenn said. “Kathy and our four children have always helped from getting ready for new poults to cleaning the building when they go to market. Now, my son, Ryan, is going to take over with help from our 15 grandchildren who all live on the farm.”

The Robertson family is very active at church and in the local community. When the Robertson family gathers for Thanksgiving dinner, they will be thinking about those who are spending time together enjoying a turkey raised on their farm.

Quality time together is also the favorite part of Thanksgiving for the Shepherd family in Coryell County, Texas. In 2012, Jordan and Megan Shepherd started raising turkeys on Spurrin’S Farms.

“We were looking for a great place to raise a family where we could live and work together, where we could be a part of each other’s lives and help to make a difference for the better,” Jordan said. “Here we have found all of that and more.”

Jordan and Megan have two children, Jaxon and Emma Rae, and Megan’s dad, Gene, joined them on the farm. The Shepherd family raises turkeys with care and compassion, and best of all, they get to be a part of each other’s lives on a day-to-day basis.

These family farmers are thriving raising Thanksgiving turkeys. They have a passion for the time they spend together, the well-being of their animals and the work they do.

“We put our heart and soul into what we do. We work long and odd hours to make sure our turkeys are healthy and safe,” Darrell Glaser said. “Farming is what we do, and we love it.”

2018-11-02T11:01:00

(BPT) – For people with chronic illnesses, nutrition is important — but some nutrients present risks for certain patients. Potassium, for example, has many benefits, but can be fatal for people with kidney disease if the level of potassium in their blood spikes. In the United States, there are more than three million patients who are living with hyperkalemia — a condition that refers to having abnormally high blood potassium levels. As the number of people with these diseases is expected to climb, so too are the number of people at risk for hyperkalemia.

A survey from the National Kidney Foundation found that 50 percent of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients — who are at risk for hyperkalemia — said that high potassium was their most important health concern. However, while some respondents were aware of the condition, the same survey found that 80 percent of respondents did not know what their potassium level was.

The importance of potassium levels

Potassium is an electrolyte that is necessary for the heart to function. In normal cases, the potassium level in a person’s blood is maintained via diet and any excess potassium is removed through the kidneys. However, when the kidneys are not functioning properly, and excess potassium is not removed as normal, this additional potassium can cause abnormal heart rhythms and, in some cases, even sudden death.

Controlling potassium through diet and other solutions

For patients with hyperkalemia, controlling potassium levels requires special attention to one’s diet. While most people do not require a complete overhaul of their diets, some popular foods such as bananas, melons, oranges and other high-potassium foods may need to be replaced with low-potassium foods such as apples, grapes and berries. Limiting milk and/or yogurt intake is also commonplace, as both are high in potassium. Such dietary changes are an important component of managing chronic conditions. If you think you might need a change, it is always best to consult a doctor who can help develop a plan that’s right for you. Here are some other ways to lower potassium intake and potentially lower potassium levels:

*Be wary of salt substitutes. While salt substitutes have their appeal, some have very high levels of potassium. Before using such a substitute in meal preparation, it is important to thoroughly read the label.

*Various treatment options exist. Doctors can speak with you about potential treatments for hyperkalemia, which include water pills and medicines known as potassium binders. Only your doctor will know the best choice for you.

*Avoid supplements and remedies. Many herbal remedies or supplements can actually create more problems because of their high potassium content. Patients should consult their doctor before taking any supplement or remedy to learn more about how it could impact their potassium levels.

*Never stop learning. Whether you have lived with hyperkalemia for years, or you’re concerned because you have a chronic condition, monitoring potassium levels is an important part of keeping yourself healthy. It’s a big task, but fortunately you don’t have to face it alone. Healthy choices and consistent communication with healthcare professionals can help you keep track of potassium levels and maintain a healthy life. Be proactive and take charge of your health — talk to your doctor today.

The National Kidney Foundation Survey was funded and completed in collaboration with Relypsa Inc., a Vifor Pharma Group company.

2018-11-02T10:01:00

(BPT) – This holiday season, checking off items on your gift list can also help provide jobs for adults with developmental disabilities.

1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. has introduced a special collection of eight holiday gifts to benefit Smile Farms^SM, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing meaningful employment to people with developmental disabilities in agricultural settings. This is the first year the leading provider of gifts for all celebratory occasions has offered a seasonal gift collection to support Smile Farms, its signature philanthropic partner. From now until Christmas Eve, 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. will donate 20 percent of the net proceeds from each gift purchased from the collection to the organization. Baked goods, popcorn tins and holiday roses are among the gifts featured in the collection.

More than just a job

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, roughly 80 percent of adults in the U.S. with a developmental disability are unemployed. The McCann family of 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. established Smile Farms in 2015 to help close the significant employment gap that affects many adults with differing abilities.

Smile Farms partners with nonprofit organizations that serve the developmentally disabled population to create a unique revenue-generating business — a Smile Farms campus. The small farms financially support their developmentally disabled clients’ employment while also providing an alternative funding stream for the partnering organizations.

Organizers of Smile Farms say the work opportunities at local farms, urban gardens, greenhouses and farm stands provide people with developmental disabilities an opportunity to fully participate in the communities where they live. Smile Farms currently employs developmentally disabled adults through its seven locations in the U.S. — and counting.

Fundraising initiatives, such as this one, are essential to growing Smile Farms and contribute to the organization’s goal to open more farms and employ even more individuals within this underserved population.

How you can help

By purchasing items from this holiday collection available through 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc., gift givers can share smiles and help Smile Farms provide employment to people with differing abilities — one job at a time. If you would like to donate directly to Smile Farms, you can visit their website, www.smilefarms.org.

2018-11-01T15:29:00

(BPT) – According to AARP, more than 40 million people in the United States are providing care for an older or aging loved one — and 7 million of us are Latinos. That doesn’t come as any surprise to members of our community. It’s simply what we do for family. For many, caregiving starts with simple errands and to-do items, like scheduling a doctor’s appointment or helping out with grocery shopping, and then expands to more responsibilities over time. It’s a beautiful thing to do what we can for the people we love, but there are also moments when we can feel worn out or stretched too thin.

When you look at the numbers, it’s clear how hard we’re working. Nearly 7 in 10 Latino caregivers work outside the home. One in three provide more than 40 hours of care to loved ones each week. You do the math. It doesn’t add up to much time for the “life” side of a caregiver’s work-life balance.

That’s why AARP and the Ad Council started a Caregiver Assistance campaign to offer information and free online resources for caregivers. On AARP’s Family Caregiving site, there are wellness tips, planning resources, financial guidance and Care Guides tailored to specific topics and challenges, such as caring for a loved one with dementia. It also includes self-care tips and advice for caregivers.

Throughout my own caregiving experience, here are some helpful tips I’ve learned along the way:

Care for yourself. You cannot care for your loved ones unless you care for yourself. It’s important, not only to your mental well-being, but your physical well-being, too. Caregivers have a higher-than-normal rate of getting sick, and are oftentimes so depleted that they can’t care for either their loved one or themselves. Look after your own health by eating well-balanced meals, exercising, getting enough sleep and taking time off.

Stay organized with handy tools. You’re probably already an expert at organizing documents and medical cards, insurance papers and everything else. Make your life a little easier by leaning on free resources that can help you keep everything together! There are a ton available for your needs on AARP’s Family Caregiving site.

Remember to laugh. Caring for someone with significant impairments or illness can be difficult emotionally, but laughter and lightness can exist there, too. Joke with your loved one — he or she is still the same person inside — and try to be amused by the little things.

Make future plans. When a loved one you’ve been caring for passes away, it can come as a shock. You might feel like your purpose is gone and this can exacerbate the grieving process. Planning for the future will help relieve that shock for you, even if the plans aren’t concrete. Dream about the exciting roads ahead, and keep in mind all the incredible ways you’ve learned and grown through caregiving.

Accept help. Whether it’s from other family members or outside sources, help is critical to caregivers. Start with the free resources that AARP can offer you at aarp.org/cuidar (Spanish) and aarp.org/caregiving (English) or feel free to call the hotline: 1-888-971-2013 (Spanish) or 1-877-333-5885 (English).

Elluz Peraza is the community specialist and radio show host and producer for CV Global. She provides care for her 100-year-old mother, who lives with her. Peraza is a former actress and was Miss Venezuela 1976.

2018-11-01T12:01:00

(BPT) – The preparation of a good meal can be about much more than satisfying your family’s hunger. Not only can the process be fun, creative and rewarding, but it can be a meaningful way to share and learn about different cultures.

The opportunity to share heritage is one reason celebrity chef and restaurateur Roy Yamaguchi takes great pride in one of his recent accomplishments — creating his first restaurants at sea on board MSC Cruises’ MSC Seaside and MSC Seaview. Roy was personally involved in designing every aspect of Asian Market Kitchen from the authentic pan-Asian menus to the design, décor and other elements of the space. Much of his inspiration for key dishes came from memories of his childhood.

“My father was very passionate about cooking, and he’s the one who always used to take us to different parts of Japan for us to experience food in many different ways,” he said. “We both shared the same passion … that food is life.”

Yamaguchi is far from alone in his passion for authentic cuisine, which is one reason why MSC Cruises chose to partner with the pan-Asian pioneer.

“I was excited about taking on this new venture and bringing my cooking to a completely new space,” Yamaguchi explained. “And, it felt like the perfect fit since MSC Cruises and I share a passion for authenticity, but I was able to bring something totally unique to the table.”

Interested in following Yamaguchi’s lead by recreating some of your favorite Asian flavors at home? Consider the following suggestions for whipping up tasty and satisfying Asian-inspired dishes that are sure to please.

* Assemble appropriate tools. Your basics will likely include a wok, a sharp set of knives, a few bamboo steamers and a Chinese cleaver that features a sharp edge for cutting and a blunt edge for pounding and tenderizing meat.

* Seek the freshest, most authentic ingredients you can find in your region. Fortunately, many U.S. supermarket chains now cater to consumer demand by offering entire departments devoted to packaged Asian foods and ensuring their meat and produce sections are stocked with common ingredients.

* Wash, dry and diagonally chop vegetables ahead of time. When cooking, start with dense varieties such as broccoli, carrots and cabbage that take longer to cook than items like bok choy, snow peas or bean sprouts.

* Asian cooking is largely about combining meats, veggies and seasonings that appeal to your personal palate. Yamaguchi said, for example, that he likes to substitute watermelon for fish or tuna in a poké appetizer served by MSC Cruises.

* Follow cooking directions for different rice varieties, since the shape, texture and starch content will dictate technique. For example, Japanese medium grain rice for sushi must be washed before steaming to remove dust and extra starch, and sticky rice should be pre-soaked overnight prior to steaming. Fried rice may be tastier if you start with cooked, cold, day-old rice.

* Avoid over-seasoning. Err on the side of caution with unfamiliar ingredients, since many Asian flavorings can overpower when used too liberally.

You can find Roy Yamaguchi’s Asian Market Kitchen restaurants on board MSC Seaside and MSC Seaview. Learn more at MSCCruises.com.

 

2018-11-01T10:31:00

(BPT) – Play is a child’s work, and it comes naturally to kids. While we often focus on how a child’s intellectual abilities are coming along, the role of imaginative play in childhood development is often overlooked.

Imaginative play comes in many forms, whether playing house during a play date or pretending a cardboard box is a magic portal to the dinosaur age. Whatever a child chooses, imaginative play expands creativity, problem-solving skills and cognitive thinking. That is why for children in the 3- to 5-year age range, it is crucial they are given access to time, space and playthings to fully experience it, says Laurie Schacht, publisher of The Toy Insider.

“Imaginative play enables young children to navigate their new and growing emotional thoughts, as well as boundaries within their own social and family group settings,” says Schacht. “A simple doll can create a new world or environment for a child to role play, as they interact with their toy and learn the importance and responsibilities of caring for something.”

While children need little prompting to play and pretend, there are many things parents and caregivers can do to encourage and support imaginative play. Here are a few ideas and tips to get started.

* Build a dress-up station: With a dress-up station, kids can take their pretend games to the next level of fun — and perhaps even stage a play to entertain the entire family. Include hats, funny glasses, fake beards, wigs and shoes. Tip: Yard sales and thrift shops are a gold mine for inexpensive, gently used costumes and accessories.

* Imitation is good: Kids like to mimic real life situations in their play, helping them make sense of their world. That makes kitchen sets, play tools and even a play shaving set so much more than simple amusements. So if they want to cook a pretend dinner, be sure and arrive “hungry!”

* Cardboard boxes are magic: With the help of a few simple, everyday objects around the house, kids can make their own playthings — and put their creative spin on it. Penne pasta, a little food coloring and string lets them make and design their own colorful beaded necklaces. And don’t forget, to a kid, nothing holds more possibilities than a large empty box!

* It’s OK to pretend in public: Just about any outing gives kids the perfect backdrop and inspiration for imaginative play — and lets them burn off energy! You can kick things off with a simple “what if” statement such as, “What if the playset was a ship at sea?” And just watch as the kids take over and do the rest!

* Say hello to their imaginary friends: As they talk, listen to and have adventures with a doll, stuffed animal or action figure, they’re developing their understanding of relationships. They’re also learning something about expressing emotion and connecting with others. So when they ask you to say good night to Teddy, just go with it!

Also helpful in the development of imaginative play are playsets that encourage open-ended, interactive experiences. Calico Critters, featuring a focus on “Nature, Family and Love,” offers a variety of detailed environments, complete with a cast of all kinds of critters to engage children to explore their imaginations. The new Town Series Grand Department Store introduces a new character, Stella Hopscotch Rabbit, who works as a dress designer. It features elegant, sophisticated styling and a unified design for even more freedom with the layout. With finely sculpted areas and exquisite attention to detail, it draws children in and enhances imaginative play.

“Calico Critters delivers a rich play experience for kids,” says Chris Byrne, aka The Toy Guy, who specializes in following and analyzing current toy trends and promoting the benefits of toys and play. “The scope of the world and the various characters are brought to life in the imagination, giving kids a chance to contextualize their experiences, explore their personalities, and engage in the sheer fun of storytelling and creativity. It’s the kind of active, engaged play that supports healthy intellectual and emotional development.”

To learn more about Calico Critters, visit calicocritters.com.

2018-11-01T10:01:00

(BPT) – The holiday season is here, which means less time to cook but more time to make merry! And nothing makes people smile more than a dish made with one of America’s favorites: meatballs.

“Meatballs are awesome,” says Catherine Lamb on international foodie website Food52.com. “And they are excellent every which way, whether swimming in a brothy soup, broiled with cheese and sauce in a meatball sub, set on a plate for a hearty party appetizer and, of course, over spaghetti.”

Whether you’re looking for easy, crowd-pleasing dishes to put out for guests, or a quick and tasty meal you know the kids will devour, here are five ways to spread more meatball love this season.

1. Jolly meatball skewers:

Let the kids have their hands in helping with party prep (or a festive after-school snack) by tasking them with assembling Cheese and Meatballs Skewers from Mommy Hates Cooking. Simply grab a holiday-themed toothpick, slide on a cooked meatball along with a slice of Colby jack cheese and this dish is done!

2. Sheet pan simplicity:

For one of the tastiest and simplest appetizers possible, buy and bake up a sheet of new Farm Rich Sweet Onion Jam Sauced Meatballs with Bacon. The tantalizing, sweet-and-savory tidbits feature hints of smoky bacon in a tangy jam sauce, all for only $6.98 for a 32-ounce, 42-meatball bag. Serve them on their own, with crackers or crostinis, or for a Sheet Pan Supper idea, throw some of your favorite vegetables like butternut squash, carrots and potatoes on the pan and cook them up. You can stock up on these limited edition meatballs at Walmart and other stores now.

3. Meatballs that “sleigh”:

Think beyond pasta when pairing meatballs with other foods. Using pre-made meatballs in soups like this No-Time Turkey Meatball Soup can cut down on some of the holiday crazy and add zing and a boost of protein to unique dishes. Other serving ideas include roasted vegetables, stews, rice, corn, baked beans, stuffed peppers, pizza, baked or mashed potatoes and lots of other options.

4. More tasty than tacky:

Whip up crowd favorite “Tacky Tacky Meatballs” in a slow cooker by combining five pounds of store-bought frozen cocktail meatballs, 32 ounces of grape jelly, 24 ounces of tomato-based chili sauce and a pinch of cayenne pepper (also available in an all-in-one bag in the grocery store). “These have been one of my simple entertaining secret weapons for years,” notes TODAY Show Food Contributor Elizabeth Heiskell, author of “The New Southern Living Party Cookbook” and “What Can I Bring?”

5. Hoagie Buffet:

For an informal gathering, offer up a hearty make-your-own-meatball hoagie buffet. The stars of your show can be kept warm in a crock pot next to slices of crusty artisan bread, marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella, olive oil, grated Parmesan, chopped onion, minced jalapeno, fresh spinach leaves and plenty of napkins. Or if the game’s on, there’s nothing like a Buffalo Ranch Meatball Sub (from Lemons for Lulu) to get everyone in the zone.

Comfort qualities aside, meatballs are one of the most versatile foods around and can please a crowd or your family however you serve them. To find lots of other holiday recipes and ideas this season, head to FarmRich.com.