Food, Recipes & Entertaining

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This year, creating holiday family fun is simple with these easy-to-follow recipes and some ready-made mixes that provide shortcuts in the kitchen.

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The holiday season just wouldn’t be the same without the decadent treats and extravagant meals that mark the season. While these treats are tempting, they can wreak havoc on your health in the long term. But swearing off some of the season’s best assets will only turn you into a Grinch.

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(NAPSI)—As any shopper knows, sometimes it’s easy to buy gifts for a specific person—just hunt for what’s on his or her wish list and check it off. But this holiday season many people are looking for gifts that the entire family can enjoy—at an affordable price.

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(Family Features) Nothing says home for the holidays like the smell of treats baking in the oven and a crowded kitchen filled with loved ones. Whether making decades-old family favorites or starting new holiday baking traditions, you can create homemade holiday goodies in a (ginger) snap.

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(Family Features) Put a twist on holiday fare with delectable treats that offer sweetness along with an unexpected, savory twist.

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(Family Features) Even though the cooler weather has arrived, you can still enjoy mouth-watering peaches, juicy tomatoes and sweet corn — all your summer favorites — thanks to the can. Fruits and vegetables are picked at the peak of their ripeness, when they’re at their best, and canned just hours after picking. The canning process, therefore, locks in their nutrients, freshness and flavor naturally, without the need for preservatives. So, they’re available and in-season all year long.

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(Family Features) What can a camel teach you about grilled cheese? Camels like the Sahara desert because it is dry. Grilled cheese sandwiches also like a hot and dry environment - the pan. Put the butter or oil on the outside of the bread, not in the pan.

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Not that there's anything wrong with traditional recipes - but let's face it, many of them could use a reboot. The foods that are expected to be on many of our tables at this time of year - turkey, green beans, stuffing and pie - are waiting for you to take them up a notch. Swap out that tired, gooey green bean casserole for sesame ginger green beans. Update that ho-hum roast turkey and roll out honey smoked turkey with black and cayenne pepper instead. The spice experts at Simply Organic have created an infographic to show you some of the possibilities for re-mixing holiday classics. For more ideas and full recipes, visit www.simplyorganic.com/holidays.

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People wait all year to enjoy the distinctive holiday flavors -- so, when you’re planning a holiday menu, be sure to weave them throughout the meal to create a memorable feast that your guests will talk about for years to come.

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(Family Features) One of the most memorable moments at any holiday dinner is when a moist, delicious turkey is brought to the table. Everyone grabs their forks at the sight of a perfectly brown bird glistening with juicy flavor.

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(Family Features) Everyone loves the flavor sage brings to turkey and stuffing - yet there are so many great ways to enjoy this holiday flavor beyond its traditional use.

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(Family Features) Real California Milk wants you to score big with your tailgating fare. Check out this tailgating infographic for popular regional foods and cheese and beer pairings.

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(NAPSI)—As Americans strive to eat healthier and add more fruits and vegetables to their diets, a recently concluded “market basket” study has a simple message for consumers: think frozen.

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(NAPSI)—There’s good news for those who are looking for ways to include avocados in their meal plans, as part of a healthy diet.

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(NAPSI)—For most parents, the holiday season means school’s out and you’re on. Winter vacation can be a great time to find entertaining, even educational things for your kids to do. Here are a few ideas to consider that won’t interfere with the festivities:

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As you plan your holiday menu this season, you may not realize that even your favorite traditional recipes can be easily updated to include more nutritious ingredients. And because vision plays such a critical role not only in enjoying your favorite meals but also in making memories with family and loved ones throughout the holiday season, including foods with benefits specific to eye health can help ensure you can see your best so you don’t miss a thing.

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Different kinds of cinnamon offer different flavor profiles, aromas and uses. Whether ground or in cinnamon stick form, the quality of the cinnamon you choose also has a lot to do with the degree of cinnamon zing you're bringing to a dish, dessert or drink. Here's a handy chart of what you should know about cinnamon from the spice experts at Frontier Natural Products Co-op.

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(Family Features) For many families, the holidays are all about getting together to share old traditions that take place in the kitchen.

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(Family Features) Holiday entertaining is all about food, wine and quality time with family and friends. This year, try a new approach to holiday get-togethers by hosting an hors d’oeuvres party.

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(Family Features) This holiday season, Safeway is making it easier to find the value and assortment you need - whether you're a bake-it-from-scratch baker or love decorating ready-to-bake treats. Because we all know the holidays are always full of gatherings, entertaining, and lots and lots of baking.

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(NAPSI)—An increasing number of Americans are finding that a holiday tradition long popular in the South gets a warm welcome from family and friends everywhere: a succulent turkey, deep-fried in 100 percent peanut oil—the second most popular way to cook the bird.

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(NAPSI)—Here’s a quick tip for a delicious dish: Slow cook your mashed potatoes. Slow cookers save time, energy and space in the kitchen. They’re particularly helpful during holidays, when extra stove top and oven space are in high demand. Slow cookers actually save you time because there’s no need for constant attention or frequent stirring and there’s minimal cleanup.

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(StatePoint) The holidays are all about hearty and delicious meals shared with friends and family. And while those big afternoon and evening meals may get most of the attention, there are many ways to make breakfast more festive without added stress.

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(Family Features) Whether you're hosting a family dinner or making a dessert for a friend's party, bring something special to the holiday table with these amazing dessert recipes. Each delicious bite stars the unique flavor only found in figs.