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(ARA) Healthy eating for moms-to-be Did you know more babies are born in August than any other month of the year? According to data from the CDC, there is a "baby boom" from July to September -- meaning most women become pregnant during the cooler nine months prior. For all moms who are pregnant or thinking about getting pregnant, it's important to have a healthy diet of nutrient-rich foods. By following clear advice from health experts, moms-to-be can ensure their health and boost their baby's growth. (ARA) - Did you know more women conceive during the cooler nine months of the year than at any other time? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the baby boom that occurs from July to September explains this timing. For all moms who are pregnant, or thinking about getting pregnant, it's important to have a healthy diet of nutrient-rich foods. By following clear advice from health experts, moms-to-be can ensure their health and boost their baby's growth. Experts recommend fish for expecting mothers Contrary to what you may have heard, eating two to three servings of seafood a week during pregnancy is healthy and safe for you and your baby. A fish-rich diet not only protects your heart but may prevent pre-term labor and depression during and after pregnancy. A single serving of seafood provides almost one-third of the daily protein moms-to-be need in just 100 calories. The nutrients in seafood are also important for your little one. Fish is full of the healthy fat omega-3 DHA which helps babies' eyes and brains develop. In fact, seafood, such as salmon and canned tuna, is the only naturally-rich source of omega-3 DHA. Unfortunately, pregnant women do not eat as much seafood as they should. On average, expecting moms in the U.S. only eat two ounces of seafood a week, less than a fourth of the amount they need. Most women should not only double or triple but quadruple the amount of fish they eat to meet the recommendation. The expert advice is clear. During your pregnancy: * Eat seafood two to three times each week. * Eat a variety of fish. As much as half (6 ounces) of fish consumed each week can be albacore tuna. * The only fish to avoid during pregnancy are four uncommon species: shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish. Easy meal ideas for busy moms-to-be So how does a woman get more fish in her diet? One way is to savor the tastes of autumn with these delicious and nutritious seafood dishes: *Halibut with red pepper sauce *Nutty shrimp pasta *Hickory smoked tuna quesadilla (recipe below) Round out your meal with vitamin-rich seasonal vegetables like carrots, cauliflower and zucchini. "For pregnant women strapped for time, look to your pantry for quick and easy seafood meal solutions," says Dr. Mary Harris, a professor in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at Colorado State University. "Many popular types of fish like salmon, tuna and crab are all available in shelf-stable cans or pouches-and they are high in omega-3 DHA." More expert information and recipes "A Seafood Lover's Guide to Eating during Pregnancy" was created with registered dietitians and doctors for expecting and new moms to explain why eating seafood is important, how much to eat and how to eat it. The guide is full of delicious and nutritious recipes and snack ideas, including the dishes mentioned earlier, to help you and your family enjoy seafood two to three times a week. Download a free copy at www.healthytuna.com. Hickory Smoked Tuna Quesadilla Source: StarKist This quick and easy recipe combines smoky hickory flavors and crisp peppers and onions for a delicious dinner or family appetizer. Quesadillas are easy to reheat and make for a nutritious lunch, too. Serves two to eight. Ingredients: 1 pouch StarKist Hickory Smoked Tuna 1/2 cup Colby-jack cheese blend, shredded 1/8 cup green onions, thinly slice 1 1/2 ounces cream cheese, softened 1/8 cup roasted red pepper cut into small strips 2 flour tortillas, burrito size Directions: In a small bowl, mix tuna, cream cheese, shredded cheese, pepper strips and sliced onions until blended. Spread tuna mixture on one tortilla shell, to the edges. Top with the other tortilla shell. Spray a large skillet, lightly, with vegetable spray and heat. Brown the shell in the skillet until golden brown on each side, approximately two to three minutes each side. Cut shell into eight wedges and serve. ARA Content - Free Online Content False (ARA) How to maintain healthy weight during the holidaysAs thoughts turn to the holiday season, visions of special cakes and cookies take shape and plans for celebrations begin. This time of year, though, can become every bit as stressful as it is fun. As you make lists and start your baking, it is important to keep good health in mind. (ARA) - As thoughts turn to the holiday season, visions of special cakes and cookies take shape and plans for celebrations begin. This time of year, though, can become every bit as stressful as it is fun. As you make lists and start your baking, it is important to keep good health in mind. If not kept in check, traditional sweets of the season can contribute to weight gain in children and adults alike. Well-documented health risks of being overweight include high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and liver, gallbladder and coronary heart disease. To help you keep your family fit, Lori Callahan, nursing administrator at Brown Mackie College - Greenville, offers practical tips on maintaining a healthy weight during the holidays. "Nutrition is integrated throughout our nursing program," she says. "The holidays provide a good opportunity for students to learn the ability to properly assess potential health issues because celebrations often tempt us into the risky behaviors of eating poorly and drinking too much." "Preparing for celebrations can be stressful," Callahan adds. "We're bound to feed our soul by snacking. It can be a vicious cycle. We run short on time and head for a fast food restaurant." Eating fast food, however, doesn't necessarily mean you will get a high-calorie meal. "Restaurants offer choices," she says. "You can ask for a fruit cup instead of fries, and forego the soda in favor of milk or juice. If you must have the burger, choose the kids' meal with smaller portions." Substitution tricks can come in handy in the kitchen, too. Callahan shares practices recommended to patients who are placed on restricted diets. "When a recipe calls for sour cream, try using plain yogurt instead. Prepare dishes with low-fat or non-fat cheese. You may not even notice the difference," she says. When a cake recipe calls for three eggs, Callahan suggests using one whole egg and just the whites of the other two. This is a good time to open your mind to new experiences. Make a meatloaf with half turkey and half beef. Or try tacos with skinless chicken or grilled fish instead of beef. "Half of something good is better than a full serving of something that's not so good for you," Callahan says. Holiday parties always offer a wide variety of foods that won't benefit your waistline. "Don't show up hungry," Callahan advises. "Graze on healthy snacks before digging into the fats. And don't pay attention to the old rule about eating everything on your plate. What we think of as a normal serving size is three to four times the amount of an actual normal serving size. If you read labels, serving sizes will alarm you. It's OK to leave food on your plate." In addition to extra sweets, the holidays expose us to more alcohol, which is high in calories. "Go ahead and drink a glass of wine," Callahan says, "but follow it up with juice or water. Drinking to excess can cause immediate discomfort, and often results in a fatigue factor the next day." Every nursing student learns that exercise can go a long way in staying healthy. "Raising your heart rate a bit decreases stress levels. Weather permitting, I recommend walking every day during your lunch hour," Callahan says. "Find someone to go with you. We tend to go further and walk longer if we have someone to chat with. Thirty minutes of breaking a sweat every day is an ideal exercise regimen. But even 15 minutes a day is good." With an eye toward good health for her own family, Callahan keeps ingredients on hand for smoothie drinks. "They're easy to make," she says. "Throw some frozen strawberries into the blender and add yogurt or even cottage cheese and some lemonade or orange juice. It's a good way to get your morning going. Or pour the mixture into ice trays and pop one out for snack." Consult with a physician before beginning any exercise or dieting regimen. In general, maintaining a healthy weight during the holidays comes down to scrutinizing food choices, exercising and decreasing high-risk behaviors. When the decorations come down and you step on the scale, you won't necessarily want to cry. ARA Content - Free Online Content False (ARA) Is your dinnerware ready for holiday entertaining?Your holiday party date is set - and the pressure is on to make sure everything is perfect. But what do you see when you pull out your tableware? Is your silver as shiny as you remember? Does your crystal sparkle like new? With the holiday season and other festive gatherings approaching, now is the time to make sure your dinnerware glitters. (ARA) - Your holiday party date is set - and the pressure is on to make sure everything is perfect. But what do you see when you pull out your tableware? Is your silver as shiny as you remember? Does your crystal sparkle like new? With the holiday season and other festive gatherings approaching, now is the time to make sure your dinnerware glitters. "China, crystal and silver are made to be used regularly and, if cared for properly, these pieces can last for generations," says china/crystal restoration manager Sara Vestal of Replacements, Ltd., billed as the world's largest retailer of old and new china crystal, silver and collectibles. "What's unfortunate is the fact we see so much damage that can actually be prevented by avoiding some very common mistakes." One of the biggest culprits Vestal sees is dishwasher damage. "The dishwasher is a huge enemy of fine dinnerware. Prongs on the racks may scratch the surface, while heat from the drying cycle can loosen gold or platinum trim on china, causing it to wear away. That cloudy or milky look you sometimes see on crystal is caused by the high heat actually baking lime, rust and other minerals from the dish water into the pores of the crystal. Plus, the heat can loosen the adhesive in knife handles, potentially causing the handle to separate from the blade." Replacements' experts recommend washing your pieces by hand, even if labeled "dishwasher safe." Avoid citrus-scented detergents - these contain acids that may damage the finish of china and silver. Also avoid detergents containing bleach; chlorine in these products may seep into the pores of china and crystal, causing damage even after rinsing. Experts say these china tableware care tips can help extend the life of your china: * Storing china in areas that are not temperature or humidity controlled can cause the glaze to become brittle and crack. If you don't use your china regularly, wash it at least once each year to keep impurities from impregnating the finish. This keeps the glaze strong. * Fine china can develop rust spots when washed with silver, so it is important to clean the two separately. To remove rust spots from china, rub a small amount of a Soft Scrub Without Bleach type cleaning product on the spot. If this doesn't work, put a small amount of rubbing compound on a paper towel and apply in a circular motion. * To get rid of nicotine stains on china, make a paste out of baking soda - scrub and let it stand for 30 minutes before rinsing. Repeat this process until the stain disappears. * Storage is extremely important when protecting your china. Put a cushioned layer such as a coffee filter, napkin or flannel square between pieces to prevent scratching. * Avoid setting heavier bowls on plates and do not stack handled pieces, such as cups. Stacking weight can create tiny stress fractures which, over time, may cause plates to crack or handles to break off cups. Don't forget your crystal. Keep pieces sparkling with these simple steps: * Wash crystal in lukewarm water and remember to remove jewelry that might scratch the delicate surface. * One insider's tip - add a small amount of vinegar to the rinse water to help prevent water spots. * Immediately dry your crystal with a lint-free cloth. * Avoid twisting glasses from the base -- this motion may create enough torque to break the stem. * To remove the milky tint caused by dishwasher cleaning, use a small amount of CLR cleaner to each piece of cloudy crystal. Let this stand for several hours and rinse by hand. (This treatment is not recommended for pieces with gold or platinum trim, as the cleanser may remove the metal gild). * Store crystal pieces with the base down to protect the delicate rim. Remember to leave plenty of space between pieces. Glass expands in hot temperatures, so you want to make sure there's enough breathing room so crystal items don't touch. To restore your silver's luster, follow these helpful tips: "A lot of people don't realize that the finish of sterling silver actually improves with daily use," says Rory Richmond, who oversees Replacements' team of silversmiths. "Silver that is used regularly develops a rich patina, which is actually the blending of thousands of tiny scratches. This patina is what gives silver its beautiful satin finish." * Wash silver immediately after a meal. Food left on silver for as little as one hour can permanently stain sterling and damage silver-plated pieces. Be particularly wary of mayonnaise, vinegar and eggs. * Experts recommend washing silver in a plastic container or putting a rubber mat in your sink to prevent contact between the silver and any metal surfaces. * Dry immediately with a soft cloth to prevent water spots. One helpful hint - use a blow dryer on a low setting to dry hard to reach places. * Silver needs to breathe. When storing, avoid using plastic or airtight containers that may trap moisture and cause tarnish. * Any moisture on your hands can leave fingerprints, which also promotes tarnish. Wear soft cotton gloves when handling silver pieces. While the company's vast inventory includes more than 335,000 patterns for consumers who want to add or replace damaged pieces, Vestal says many people are so emotionally attached to family heirlooms that they prefer to have their sentimental treasures restored, especially for holiday entertaining. For advice on repairing extensive damage, contact Replacements' experts at (800) 737-5223. You can also find additional dinnerware care tips at www.replacements.com. ARA Content - Free Online Content False (ARA) Entertaining at home made simple and funFor the average person, hostessing does not mean setting out your finest table cloth and most prized dinnerware. One of the keys to being a good hostess is to create a warm home environment that's ready to welcome guests at any time. (ARA) - For the average person, hostessing does not mean setting out your finest table cloth and most prized dinnerware. One of the keys to being a good hostess is to create a warm home environment that's ready to welcome guests at any time. Planning a grand dinner party or an over-the-top outdoor soiree can be a blast, but more often than not, you'll find yourself playing host to your family and friends with little advanced notice. By keeping your house stocked with a few simple items, and having some go-to ideas for quick snacks, drinks and decor, you'll keep your home ever-ready for guests. "For great entertaining on the fly, it's best to keep things simple," says Sandra Lee, Food Network host and home decorating expert. "You're not planning an extravagant dinner party, so it's best to work with what you have and have fun doing it." Lee also recommends keeping a few simple design or entertaining solutions around the house to make hosting comfortable and effortless. Here are a few of her recommendations: * Keep colorful napkins or festive paper cups on hand. If you have extra items left from a previous party, the perfect occasion to use them is when unexpected guests drop in. Handing them an everyday drink in a fancy glass will make them feel as if their visit is a special occasion. * Always keep your home smelling fresh. A great way to do this is by using Febreze Set & Refresh air fresheners, which don't use electricity or batteries and slowly diffuse aromas by releasing scented oils. Febreze Set & Refresh is available in Linen & Sky, Spring & Renewal, Meadows & Rain, Hawaiian Aloha, Thai Dragon Fruit and Apple Spice & Delight scents. When your guests are greeted by a refreshing home scent, they'll immediately feel comfortable and welcome in your home. * Stock up on desert mixes so you can whip up treats in a matter of minutes. Lee recommends frozen cookies or cake batter for a quick and tasty treat. * When guests drop by, don't worry about painstakingly whipping up your famous made-from-scratch margaritas, which take time and effort to make perfectly. Instead, keep simple beverage ingredients on hand for a cool and refreshing drink. Even a cold glass of water with a lime on the rim of the glass will be a welcome refresher for your guests. * If you and your guests have your kids in tow, have the children help you with hosting by offering a fun food-related activity. Keep ingredients for s'mores on hand (which will stay fresh for a long time) and let the kids make their own. You can either heat them up in the microwave, or make a small fire in the backyard fire pit-just remember to use fire safety precautions. See the kettle corn recipe below for a quick and easy recipe that children will love to help you with. "A fresh scent is one of the first things your guest will notice when they enter your home," says Lee. "Keeping your rooms odor-free will make your guests feel comfortable, and since so much of our sense of taste involves smell, it will only make their food and drinks taste that much better." Visit www.youtube.com/febreze or check out Febreze's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/febreze for more of Lee's hosting tips. Sandra Lee's Cinnamon Kettle Corn Ingredients: 2 packages (3 ounces each) microwave popcorn 4 tablespoons butter 3 tablespoons water 3/4 cup sugar 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon Directions: First, simply prepare popcorn according to the package directions. Then, pour popcorn into one or two large bowls remembering to allow plenty of room in your bowls to toss popcorn with the hot sugar mixture. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt your butter and then, add water and sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Now stir in some cinnamon. Next, remove the mixture from the heat (be careful, it will be very hot). Pour half the mixture over your popcorn and carefully toss with wooden spoons. Add remaining sugar mixture and combine. ARA Content - Free Online Content False (ARA) Entertain with ease with these 8 tips'Tis the season to be jolly. Hang the mistletoe, deck the halls and let the party planning begin. To help make your holiday gatherings a stress-free experience, here are some tips for easy entertaining from Deborah Locke, product manager and test kitchen director for RiceSelect, makers of Texmati rice. (ARA) - 'Tis the season to be jolly. Hang the mistletoe, deck the halls and let the party planning begin. To help make your holiday gatherings a stress-free experience, here are some tips for easy entertaining from Deborah Locke, product manager and test kitchen director for RiceSelect, makers of Texmati rice. * When entertaining family and friends, make plans to cook the entree and let your guests bring sides, salads and desserts. * Save time in the kitchen by purchasing breads and desserts from your favorite bakery. * Keep your pantry stocked with specialty rice, couscous or orzo products as the base for quick go-to dishes to boost your menu when last-minute guests show up for holiday meals. * Choose a menu with foods that can be partially or completely prepared in advance. Save as little as possible to prep at last minute. * Shop for non-perishables as far ahead as possible. * When entertaining holiday guests, everyone typically ends up in the kitchen, so assign kitchen duties and let them help. * Make a list of everything you may need help with. When guests call to offer their assistance, don't hesitate to give them something to do. * With the multitude of dishes served at holiday gatherings, it's easy to run out of serving dishes if you don't plan ahead. Determine in advance which dishes you will use. Set these out with sticky notes reminding you what goes in each dish. "Shopping, parties and the general hustle and bustle leave many families short on time and ideas for everyday family meals," says Locke. "To get you through those days, count on serving hearty one-dish meals that can be made in advance, like soups, hearty salads and casseroles." Locke offers the following award-winning and simple-to-make dishes from RiceSelect's repertoire: Cranberry Pecan Texmati Rice Pilaf Makes 6 to 8 servings Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter or margarine 1 cup uncooked Texmati white or light brown rice 1 (14 1/2-ounce) can chicken broth 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 cup dried cranberries 1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted 1/4 cup sliced green onions Salt and ground black pepper, to taste Directions: Melt butter in 2-quart saucepan over medium heat. Add rice; cook and stir two to three minutes. Add broth and heat to boiling; stir once or twice. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat. Stir in cheese, cranberries, pecans and onions. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Note: To toast pecans, spread nuts on small baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees five to eight minutes, or until golden brown, stirring frequently. Cremini Mushroom & Roasted Garlic Rice Soup Makes 8 to 12 servings Ingredients: 1/3 cup butter 1 pound cremini mushrooms, sliced 1 large sweet mild onion, finely chopped 3 cups cooked Texmati brown rice, divided 1 (6 1/2-ounce) container garlic and herbs spreadable cheese 2 (14-ounce) cans roasted garlic seasoned chicken broth, divided 2 cups water, additional if desired 8 slices smoked bacon, cooked and chopped for garnish Salt and pepper to taste Directions: Melt butter in a large non-stick stockpot over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and onion; cook about 10 minutes, stirring periodically. Let mixture cool slightly. In food processor or blender, combine mushroom mixture, 1 1/2 cups rice, cheese and 1 cup broth. Pulse mixture until mushrooms are finely chopped, but not pureed and mixture is thoroughly combined. Return mixture to stockpot; stir in remaining rice, broth and water. Bring to a boil; cook uncovered over medium heat for five minutes. Chop bacon and set aside. Add salt and pepper to soup to taste. To serve, ladle soup into bowls; sprinkle with bacon bits. Note: Serving suggestions: Garnish with additional sauteed mushrooms and chives, sliced green onions, or other fresh herbs, such as sage or thyme. For more quick and easy recipes prepared with rice, couscous or orzo, along with cooking tips and much more, visit www.riceselect.com or become a Facebook fan at http://www.facebook.com/RiceSelect. ARA Content - Free Online Content False (ARA) Get on your game: a guide to hosting a great tailgating partySporting events provide fans with an excuse to bond with friends over food, drink and their favorite teams. Jake Dickson, artisanal meat purveyor and owner of Dickson's Farmstand Meats in New York City's Chelsea Market, shares some easy tips for a winning tailgate party, regardless of the game's score. (ARA) - Sporting events provide fans with an excuse to bond with friends over food, drink and their favorite teams. Jake Dickson, artisanal meat purveyor and owner of Dickson's Farmstand Meats in New York City's Chelsea Market, shares some easy tips for a winning tailgate party, regardless of the game's score: * Drink it in. What's a tailgate without beer? While enjoying an all-American pastime like football, be sure to reach for an all-American craft beer like Samuel Adams. The upfront malt flavor of Samuel Adams Boston Lager matches the caramelized flavors of grilled beef, and its hoppy finish prepares the palate for the next bite. * What's your beef? When entertaining this tailgate season, keep it simple with classics like beef and a great craft beer. To wow your guests, be sure your meat selection is top notch. Go with the perfect beef and beer pairing -- the Samuel Adams Boston Lager Cut and a Boston Lager. You can get this special cut by asking your butcher for a three-quarter inch cut from the cap to the top sirloin, keeping the "fat cap" intact to aid in proper cooking. Entertaining a large group? Try making a mixed grill. Buy a small amount of a premium cut for everyone to taste, then fill them up with less expensive cuts, like burgers and sausages. * Plan ahead: Don't want to miss a moment of the game? Prepare a pot of chili in advance, and let people help themselves. For new twist on this classic, try using cubed beef as opposed to ground beef for more dimension. Brown the meat first to achieve the best texture and flavor. You can even add a little craft beer to the recipe; it will bring out the savory flavors of the meat and round out the spiciness of the sauce. * Focus on quality over quantity. Don't try to cook a smorgasbord of fancy items; just strive to make one or two simple dishes well. Your guests won't be overwhelmed by the options, and you'll actually get to enjoy the game. ARA Content - Free Online Content False (ARA) New twists on everyday spices for the holidaysAs Americans increasingly seek healthier holiday eating habits while dealing with tighter budgets, cooking and eating at home become more attractive than ever. If you're an at-home cook looking for an easy way to expand your culinary horizons for a holiday get-together or gathering, try creating some new taste sensations in familiar dishes by using new versions of your favorite spices to liven up family favorites. (ARA) - As Americans increasingly seek healthier holiday eating habits while dealing with tighter budgets, cooking and eating at home become more attractive than ever. If you're an at-home cook looking for an easy way to expand your culinary horizons for a holiday get-together or gathering, try creating some new taste sensations in familiar dishes by using new versions of your favorite spices to liven up family favorites. Here are some ideas from the spice experts at Frontier Natural Products Co-op for more flavorful and interesting versions to everyday spices: Cinnamon is an especially popular spice that comes from the bark of an evergreen tree. For an even sweeter seasoning, try Vietnamese cinnamon. Compared to the more familiar Indonesian types, Vietnamese cinnamon has a distinctly sweet flavor and exceptionally high volatile oil content, the key flavor component. Gourmet cooks rate it as the highest-quality cinnamon in the world. Try using it in everything from oatmeal and baked goods to desserts, beverages and savory dishes. If you're a daring lover of heat in your food, you've learned the ways of cayenne. Cayenne adds color and flavor to Southwestern salsas, Indian chutneys, Thai curries, Mexican enchiladas, Chinese stir-fries, Texan chili con carne, Cajun hot sauce and many other recipes. But for a smokier flavor, try chipotle peppers, which are actually dried, smoked jalapeno peppers. Their smoky-sweet flavor is often used in Southwestern and Mexican dishes. Add a dash to liven up everything from chili to barbecued fare. Freshly ground black pepper is popular in a wide variety of foods, works well in combination with other herbs and spices and is commonly found in spice blends. To change things up, try using Sichuan (Szechuan) pepper instead of black pepper to add an exotic twist to recipes. Gourmet Sichuan pepper is grown in China and offers an unusual, pungent flavor that begins as warm and lemon-like with woodsy overtones and finishes with a more intense bite. It intensifies the flavor of fish, poultry, cheese and vegetables. You've probably been using vanilla extract to flavor all kinds of desserts, beverages and other dishes. One way to ramp up the flavor is to switch to vanilla beans instead of using the liquid extract. Simply substitute one vanilla bean for each teaspoon of extract, cooking it with the liquid used in the recipe and then removing it. The most common type of vanilla, Bourbon vanilla beans, are grown in Madagascar and are very aromatic with a full, rich taste. But to bump up the flavor, try Papua New Guinea vanilla beans, cultivated in the lowlands of the Pacific Basin. They have a fruitier taste than that of the Bourbon beans, with some notes of cherry that add a deep, long-lasting flavor to ice creams, frosting and many beverages. Nutmeg is the dried seed of the fruit of an evergreen tree, which most often comes in ground form. However, nutmeg, like many spices, loses both flavor and aroma after it is ground. Instead, buy whole nutmeg and grind it yourself using a special nutmeg grater or a fine grater, producing a more robust and fresh flavor. Warm and sweet, nutmeg adds |