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A squirrel got into my sun tea. Twice. I hate squirrels
Squirrels are cute and furry and absolutely adorable. But my wife calls them “little turds.”
Actually, my wife is a former newspaperwoman and she does not use as mild a word as “turds,” but it is as close as I can get in a family newspaper.
Our neighborhood squirrels dig up the dirt of all of our potted plants. They slurp up the sugar ...Read more
4 easy dinners for a new school year
PITTSBURGH -- No one likes to say goodbye to summer, but there's no denying a new school year can be pretty exciting.
After chilling by the pool, sleeping in late and traveling with family on vacation, it's fun for kids to be back with their friends. And what parent or caregiver doesn't like the predictability of returning to weekday routines? ...Read more
Quick Fix: Japanese Style Butter Shoyu Chicken with Rice and Peas
I noticed Japanese Butter Shoyu Chicken on a restaurant menu recently and decided to learn more about it. Shoyu means soy in Japanese. Adding butter to the soy sauce adds a rich and creamy flavor and texture.
Here’s a quick and easy recipe. I flattened boneless, skinless chicken thighs to about 1/2 inch thick, so the dish takes less than 10 ...Read more
Best Bites: Kit Kat Chocolate Frosted Donut
Kit Kats are one of my favorite treats. Who doesn’t like those crispy wafer bars coated in milk chocolate?
Lately, the folks at Hershey’s have been introducing new flavors. I am a huge fan of the birthday cake flavor, which coats the wafers in a white chocolate. This new iteration, Chocolate Frosted Donut, isn’t as good as that, but it�...Read more
Gretchen's table: Peach and granola parfait is breakfast and dessert
PITTSBURGH -- In the mood for a quick and easy dessert that ushers summer sweetly into fall?
The end of August and beginning of September are typically when peaches shine the brightest at Pennsylvania farmers markets and in local groceries. Georgia may call itself "The Peach State," but Pennsylvania grows a lot of the fruit, too — nearly 40 ...Read more
Diabetes Quick Fix: Pasta Primavera
This is a light meal of pasta and fresh vegetables.
Substitute any fresh vegetables you might have on hand and use this recipe as a blueprint for quantities.
HELPFUL HINTS:
Any type of whole wheat pasta can be used.
2 crushed garlic cloves can be used instead of minced garlic.
COUNTDOWN:
Place water for pasta onto boil.
Saute vegetables ...Read more
EatingWell: Cobb-inspired salad is deliciously rich in protein
Cubed deli turkey takes the place of chicken, while cheddar replaces blue cheese in this easy Cobb-inspired salad. The protein-rich turkey and cheese, plus eggs and bacon, gives the salad staying power, so you won't get hungry an hour after you eat. Feel free to swap out the turkey for cooked chicken or chickpeas to mix things up. Serve the ...Read more
Environmental Nutrition: Catching up with carob
A health food darling of the ’70s, carob fell out of favor and virtually vanished from the mainstream. The good news is, it’s back!
The folklore
Carob dates back about 4,000 years to the Mediterranean region. Carob pods were used by ancient Egyptians to feed livestock (a practice still used today), and the gum made from ...Read more
Seriously Simple: Almond streusel peach snack bread is delicious any time of day
Who doesn’t love a slice of summer fruit bread? As late summer fruit begins to disappear, try making this when peaches are still in season.
The best part of this recipe is that this can be enjoyed any time of day. For breakfast, a coffee break, an afternoon snack, teatime, or dessert after lunch or dinner, this peachy bread will satisfy all ...Read more
JeanMarie Brownson: Basil helps bridge the gap between summer and fall cooking
Aromatic fresh basil motivates dinner many a night all year long. Shredded over pasta, pureed into vegetable soups, torn on a steak sandwich, chopped in fish salad and raw in tomato salads. I never get enough. We grow so much basil in the garden that I can use it like lettuce. Never mind the containers of pesto stocked in the freezer.
When the ...Read more
The Kitchn: This chocolate cream pie is so delicious, I’ve already made it six times
If you’re searching for a dessert that’s indulgent, sophisticated, and utterly comforting, then you’ve come to the right place. This chocolate cream pie is the answer you’re been looking for. Made with dark chocolate, cream cheese, and a hint of ...Read more
The Kitchn: This underrated pantry ingredient is key to the best applesauce muffins
There are two types of muffins in the world: cupcakes masquerading as muffins, and those that are hearty, wholesome, and not overly sweet. Any ...Read more
Creamed Orzo with Leeks and Parmesan
Enjoy this previously published Zola classic
Have you heard about the spotless giraffe!
Yep, that’s right. She was born a couple of months ago in Limestone, TN. She’s already 6’ tall of gorgeous. I was on my North Carolina mountain vacation when we heard about her. She made the NY Times, The Today Show, and about every other news ...Read more
Flashy Fruit Salad
This quick fruit salad is a refreshing and healthy dessert. Loaded with fresh flavors and done in no time, it's a perfect end to any meal.
Ingredients: 1 cup chopped fruits of your choice 1/2 cup yogurt HoneyInstructions: Combine the chopped fruits in a bowl.
Top with yogurt and a drizzle of honey before serving....Read more
Your favorite wine regions will feel the heat
What’s the first industry to fall victim to climate change? There’s a decent argument that it already happened — more than 600 years ago.
When the Norman Conquest in 1066 installed a French feudal aristocracy in the British Isles, the invaders brought with them a love of winemaking. Those skills flourished in the conditions of the ...Read more
Blissful Banana Bread
Bananas turned into a moist, sweet loaf? That's the magic of Blissful Banana Bread.
Ingredients Bananas Sugar FlourInstructions Mash bananas, mix with sugar and flour, then bake until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let cool, then slice.
Blissful Banana Bread is like a warm hug from an old friend. It's ...Read more
Zippy Zucchini Pasta
This light and flavorful pasta dish is perfect for a quick meal that doesn't compromise on taste. Fresh zucchini and zesty lemon make this a delightful, speedy Italian treat.
Ingredients: 200g spaghetti 2 zucchinis 1 lemon 2 cloves garlic 1/4 cup olive oil Salt and pepper to taste Grated Parmesan for servingInstruct...Read more
Astonishing Açai Bowl
Jumpstart your day with a nutrient-packed breakfast. The Astonishing Açai Bowl is a Brazilian treasure that will infuse your morning with energy.
Ingredients Açai berries Banana GranolaInstructions Blend the açai berries and banana until smooth.
Top with a sprinkle of granola for added crunch.
Every ...Read more
Winter's Whisper Hot Chocolate
Cozy up to the crackling fireplace with a mug of Winter's Whisper Hot Chocolate. This creamy, decadent hot chocolate, made from real chocolate and milk, is a comforting hug in a mug, perfect for those cold winter nights.
Ingredients 100g of dark chocolate 2 cups of milk 2 tablespoons of sugar Whipped cream for ...Read more
Labor Day grilling should include this quick, easy pork dish
Looking for something different to cook for a holiday weekend get-together? Grilled pork tenderloin is a wonderful choice. We pound the pork tenderloins into thin, uniform steaks for exceptionally fast cooking, so you’ll have plenty of time to prepare the meal and mingle with your guests.
Grilled Pork Tenderloin and Summer Squash with ...Read more