div img class=”category-img” src=”http://ftper.newsusa.com/Thumbnail/EasySalad.jpg” alt=”Five words or less” width=”180″ //divdiv class=”category-listcontent”div class=”category-body” id=”ArticleBody” style=”display: block” (a href=”http://www.newsusa.com”NewsUSA/a) – The best thing about summer is more family time. With impromptu trips to the beach, picnics outside and grilling in the backyard, summer …/div/div
Get a Healthy Dinner on the Table in Minutes
Chances are, you’ve heard words and phrases like “omega-3s,” “lean protein” and “heart health” associated with fish. And yet, when you come home from work, cooking fish just sounds like too much effort. But U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish can change that thought.
Catfish is actually one of the quickest meals you can prepare. The following recipe, for example, only involves nine minutes of active cooking time. For the same amount of time it takes to mix up a box of mac ’n’cheese, you can eat a nutritious dinner that looks and tastes like it took great skill to prepare.
U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish, which are sustainably raised, are low in saturated fat, high in protein and a moderate source of omega-3 fatty acids. Combining the fish with almonds makes for an especially beneficial meal, as almonds contain healthy fats, antioxidants, and vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, magnesium and potassium. And the almonds in Catfish Almondine offer loads of additional protein.
Tips to Arrange a Romantic Dinner for Two
Between work and family obligations, many couples struggle to find time together. But finding time to enjoy your partner’s company is important, so why not have fun with it? Planning a romantic dinner might be easier than you think.
Here are some tips for couples looking to plan a special dinner with their partner:
1. Arrange “alone” time. If you have kids, see if they can spend the night at a friend’s or relative’s home. If not, hire a sitter to entertain your children outside of the home.
2. If the dinner’s a surprise, make sure that your partner isn’t going to be busy with other plans. If you want to let your partner know about your plans, leave an invitation on his or her pillow.
3. Set the scene. Make sure that your home looks romantic when your partner arrives. Candles and roses let your partner know that you have arranged something special. Set the table with china, lovely stemware and your favorite linens.
4. Choose a delicious wine. Conversation over a wonderful wine is one of life’s simplest pleasures, so indulge in something light and refreshing. The 2007 Clos du Bois Rosé (closdubois.com) is a delicate, floral wine with hints of wild strawberries and ripe watermelon. It’s bright acidity and rosy color make it a wonderful choice for romantic nights in. Better yet, dry rosés work with most food pairings, whether you’re planning an all-chocolate menu, ethnic food or your partner’s favorite dish.
5. When it comes to food, play it safe. If you’ve never rolled your own gnocchi before, now is not the time to give pasta-making a try. Choose a recipe that you know well, or order carry-out from a favorite restaurant. If you do order food, transfer it to attractive dishes before serving. Don’t forget appetizers. Go to a local cheese shop for help putting together an elegant cheese plate that pairs with your wine.
6. Dress up. A cous cous with spicy vegetables looks much less elegant if you’re wearing a ratty T-shirt and worn jeans. You don’t need to make yourself uncomfortable, but do put some effort into your appearance.
A festive bottle of wine, a pretty table and a few hours alone together can make any simple dinner romantic.
Six Tips to Prepare Your Kitchen for Entertaining
Nothing brings people together like a dinner party, potluck or barbecue – but entertaining can put strain on the kitchen as well as the host.
As you clean your home, consider giving your appliances tune-ups to keep them running more efficiently. The home economists at Whirlpool Corporation offer several quick tips and tricks to prepare the kitchen for entertaining:
1. Change the water filter. Be sure to change the refrigerator water filter every six months to keep water fresh and free of contaminants.
2. Use the dishwasher. According to ENERGY STAR, the U.S. government program that certifies energy-efficient appliances, washing dishes by hand uses much more water than using a dishwasher. Using an ENERGY STAR-qualified dishwasher instead of hand washing will save 5,000 gallons of water, $40 in utility costs and 230 hours of your time each year.
3. Stop pre-rinsing dishes. When you pre-rinse dishes, the detergent doesn’t have any grease or grime to stick to. As a result, the detergent will attack dishes, making them appear cloudy, scratched or etched.
4. Get rid of dust bunnies. Use a slender vacuum attachment or hosiery wrapped around a yardstick to clear out dust and debris from behind and underneath the refrigerator. Dusting will help the fridge run more efficiently.
5. Switch to electric. Electric cooktops are about twice as energy-efficient as gas. Electric elements have high-efficiency insulation surrounding the element, and the close proximity to the pot or pan allows efficient heat transfer.
6. Do a clean sweep. Cleaning appliances on a regular basis can keep unwanted odors at bay, since it has the tendency to exist anywhere moisture is present in a closed environment. Dishwashers and garbage disposals fit the bill — clean them every 30 days to prevent odors from leftover food particles and residue.
To help make this chore a little easier, Whirlpool Corporation developed affresh Dishwasher and Disposal Cleaner, the only two-in-one product on the market that removes unwanted odors in dishwashers and garbage disposals. Recommended for monthly use, consumers simply drop the tablets into the dishwasher and disposal for a convenient and affordable solution to unpleasant odors.
For additional information and product availability, please visit www.affresh.com.
U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish Liven Up Dip
 NewsUSA) – Spinach and artichoke dip has become a staple of social gatherings. And while its tastiness can’t be denied, it’s too common to truly impress guests. Wouldn’t it be fun to liven up the party with more unique offerings?
Incorporating catfish can be a welcome variation to party foods. U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish possesses a light, mild flavor that lends itself to any kind of dish, ranging from spicy curries to Southern fish frys to, you guessed it, spinach and artichoke dip. Not only does catfish provide an interesting new twist on that old standby, it also adds a sustainable source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. For your next gathering of friends or family, try Spinach and Artichoke Dip With Catfish. Spinach and Artichoke Dip With Catfish Serves Four Ingredients: 3 U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish Fillets, baked and flaked 1 pound frozen chopped spinach, defrosted and drained 1 8.5 ounce can artichokes, drained 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated and divided 1/2 cup green onions, diced 1 cup mayonnaise 2 tablespoons garlic, chopped 1 teaspoon hot sauce Salt and pepper to taste Directions: 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. 2. Squeeze excess moisture out of spinach and artichokes. 3. Combine 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese and all remaining ingredients in a large bowl. Transfer the mixture to a glass baking dish and top it with the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese. 4. Bake for 40 minutes or until the dip is hot in the middle and looks golden brown. 5. Serve warm with your favorite crackers. For more information and recipes, visit www.UScatfish.com. |
Tips to Plan a Fun Family Reunion
div img class=”category-img” src=”http://ftper.newsusa.com/Thumbnail/Reunion.jpg” alt=”Five words or less” width=”180″ //divdiv class=”category-listcontent”div class=”category-body” id=”ArticleBody” style=”display: block” (a href=”http://www.newsusa.com”NewsUSA/a) – As extended families spread out throughout the country, it becomes more difficult to get everyone together. Holding a family reunion, then, gives …/div/div
Tips for Planning a Wine Tour For Your Next Special Event
 NewsUSA) – If you’re looking for a unique way to mark an occasion, spend time with friends and family or even host a work event, consider a wine tour. Most wineries are open year round and cater to groups of all sizes. Consider the following to help you plan:
* Choose a theme: Many wineries have theme weekends throughout the year that celebrate changing seasons, holidays, local happenings and new vintages. Start with an invitation and then plan everything from food to music around your theme. * Location, location, location: Make it convenient and choose your tour destination based on the number of wineries and hotels in one area. The Finger Lakes Region in New York is home to more than 200 wineries spread along five organized wine trails that make touring easy. Travel resources such as www.tourcayuga.com can help visitors map out their route, learn more about a specific trail or find things to see and do along the way — even point you to wineries off the beaten path. Other growing wine regions such as Napa and Sonoma Valley, Calif., and the Niagara region found between Western New York State and Southern Ontario offer more than 50 wineries for visitors to choose from. * Leave it to the professionals: If you don’t know the area, schedule a guided tour. Many Inns and bed and breakfasts, for example, provide overnight packages that include private, luxury wine excursions (as well as picnic lunches and other “wine themed” surprises). Check out Aurora Inn’s “Wine Country Getaway” package at www.aurora-inn.com or 10 Fitch’s “Spoiled Girl’s Getaway Package” at www.10fitch.com. * Get in on the action: Don’t just taste the wine, be part of the process. Call the wineries you plan to visit in advance to see how you can roll up your sleeves and get involved in everything from the picking to the stomping. For example, Heart & Hands Wine Company on the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail in Union Springs, New York, offers an annual “Crush Camp.” Work alongside the winemaking team by picking fruit, sorting and pressing grapes, performing lab analysis and even the cleaning! * Make it a lasting memory: Take a photo of your group, and turn it into a unique wine label for your favorite wine bottles, or hand them out as inexpensive souvenirs. Photo coasters are another fun, affordable way to remember your tour. Host a tasting event at your own home, and ask friends to share their favorites. Wine touring can be a fun, unique and inexpensive way to spend a day with friends, loved ones or a large group. Don’t wait until the last minute to book your tour or overnight reservations, particularly in the peak months of June through October. Try to plan midweek to avoid big crowds. Saturday is the busiest day at most wineries. |
Always the Bridesmaid? You Can Wear the Dresses Again
div img class=”category-img” src=”http://ftper.newsusa.com/Thumbnail/BridesmaidDress.jpg” alt=”Five words or less” width=”180″ //divdiv class=”category-listcontent”div class=”category-body” id=”ArticleBody” style=”display: block” (a href=”http://www.newsusa.com”NewsUSA/a) – “And you’ll be able to wear it again!” is a phrase often used around bridesmaids’ dresses. Because a ridiculously expensive lime-green taffeta …/div/div
Reward Children’s Accomplishments With Effective Incentives
div img class=”category-img” src=”http://ftper.newsusa.com/Thumbnail/KidsAccomplish.jpg” alt=”Five words or less” width=”180″ //divdiv class=”category-listcontent”div class=”category-body” id=”ArticleBody” style=”display: block” (a href=”http://www.newsusa.com”NewsUSA/a) – Celebrating a child’s milestones does wonders for building character and self-esteem, but parents aren’t always sure how to acknowledge their …/div/div
Video Games Can Teach, If Kids Will Play
div img class=”category-img” src=”http://ftper.newsusa.com/Thumbnail/EcoVideoGames.jpg” alt=”Five words or less” width=”180″ //divdiv class=”category-listcontent”div class=”category-body” id=”ArticleBody” style=”display: block” (a href=”http://www.newsusa.com”NewsUSA/a) – While it’s not unusual to see books or movies taking plots from the headlines, hot topics now show up in unexpected places — including video …/div/div
