Winter fruit salads

Fresh fruit salads are more than just a cool summer treat. Winter fruits, such as apples, pomegranates, pears, blood oranges, grapefruits and persimmons, can make a sweet and light breakfast, snack or dessert.

Fruit salads

This delicious medley of fresh winter fruit salads will help keep those cool-weather days bright.

Just because the weather's turned cold doesn't mean you should skip your daily doses of vitamins A, C and E. While fruit salad is traditionally associated with summer picnics by the lake, these three salads, featuring fruits available during the winter, will give you that extra boost you need on a dreary day.

Simple winter fruit salad recipe

Serves 8

Ingredients: 4 oranges (any kind), peeled, white pith removed, sectioned3 grapefruits (pink or white), peeled, white pith removed, sectioned1 pineapple, peeled, quartered, cored, sliced2 star fruit, sliced1 pomegranate, cut in half and seeds removedDirections:

Combine all fruit in a large bowl and gently toss.Top with yogurt or whipped cream if desired.

Vanilla bean winter fruit salad recipe

Serves 6

Ingredients:4 cups water3/4 cup granulated sugar3 star anise1/2 plump vanilla bean, split in half lengthwise4 (2 inch) pieces lemon zest8 dried apricots, cut in half4 dried figs, quartered3 pears, peeled, cored, sliced1 apple, peeled, cored, slicedJuice of 1 lemonSeeds from half a pomegranateDirections:

Add water, sugar, star anise, vanilla bean and lemon zest to a medium-sized saucepot and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.Continuing boiling until all the sugar is dissolved, stirring occasionally.Let it cool a few minutes and stir in apricots and figs before allowing to fully cool.Toss apples and pears with lemon juice.Pour the syrupy dried fruit mixture over the apples and pears.Cover well and chill overnight.When you're ready to serve, using a slotted spoon, ladle the fruit into a bowl and top with pomegranate seeds.

Lemon poppy seed winter fruit salad recipe

Serves 12

Ingredients:1/2 cup granulated sugar1/2 cup lemon juice2 teaspoons diced onion1 teaspoon Dijon-style prepared mustard1/2 teaspoon salt2/3 cup vegetable oil1 tablespoon poppy seeds1 head romaine lettuce, torn into bite-sized pieces4 ounces Swiss cheese, shredded1 cup cashews1/4 cup dried cranberries1 apple, peeled, cored, diced1 pear, peeled, cored, slicedDirections:

To create the dressing, combine sugar, lemon juice, onion, mustard and salt in a blender or food processor. While blending, slowly drizzle in oil until fully combined. Add poppy seeds and pulse a few times.Combine lettuce, cheese, cashews, cranberries, apples and pears in a large bowl and drizzle the dressing over the salad, toss and serve.

More healthy eating

10 Superfoods for your holiday health
Jewels of winter: Pomegranates, pears and figs
Kid-friendly fruit recipes

Get the strongest body of your whole life

Your guide
to a stronger body

Achieving a strong body takes more than just lifting a few free weights or taking a kettlebell class here and there. There are many factors that go into toning and building muscle, and we’re sharing our best tips on getting the strongest body of your life.

To learn more, we asked Travis Steffen, a certified strength and conditioning specialist with a master’s degree in exercise science, and creator of WorkoutBox.com, for his best advice on building a stronger body.

Benefits of strength training

You may jog every morning, you may have the best form in your cardio kickboxing class, but if you're not including strength training in your workout routine, you're never going to be as strong as you can be. "Regardless of your gender or your goal, strength training should never be absent from your routine,” says Steffen. “There are very few, if any, things that it won't help you improve upon.”

Not only will you see an increased metabolic rate when you build a stronger body, which can help you burn more body fat at rest, there are a whole host of other benefits to regular strength training. “You'll see increases in bone, joint and connective tissue strength and resistance to injury, you'll be able to reduce lower back pain by strengthening your abdominals and hamstrings via resistance training, you'll improve your quality and ease of sleep, and you'll improve performance in nearly everything you do,” Steffen says.

Strong body essentials"Regardless of your gender or your goal, strength training should never be absent from your routine."

When it comes to developing a strong, healthy body, many factors contribute to results, and having the right plan and being consistent are two of the most important, says Steffen. “The right plan is one that's been scientifically designed by a highly qualified professional for your goal, ability level and the equipment you have available,” he explains. “This needs to factor in both your training plan and your nutrition plan. I'd say nutrition is arguably more effective than the training itself, and the two combined are extremely powerful.”

Consistency essentially means following that plan outlined for you on an ongoing basis. If you do, Steffen says that you can expect fairly rapid results. But be reasonable: “Don't expect those results will be you looking like a cover model. That can take years of consistency, but you can start seeing results right away if you consistently do the right things.”

Mistakes to avoid

If you really want to see results and know your hard work is paying off, there are some mistakes you need to avoid and bad habits to steer clear of. One of the most common strength training mistakes is placing too much focus on single-joint upper-body movements like curls, explains Steffen. “If you want to get stronger in an overall sense, prioritize multi-joint weight bearing movements,” he advises. These include full barbell squats and deadlifts, which he refers to as “go-to movements.” With these exercises you get what Steffen describes as “maximal fiber recruitment and increased hormone release,” which will boost the effectiveness of all of the other movements you're performing.

Another major mistake Steffen points out is trying to spot-target. “Many people want bigger arms or a bigger chest or a slimmer waist and decide to only focus their efforts on that one area, but this isn't really how it works,” he explains. “You'll get far better results in that one area by focusing on building a better physique overall. Spot-targeting is not only ineffective, but it can lead to muscular imbalances that can increase your risk of injury.”

Other factors to consider

Building the strongest body of your life isn’t just about pumping iron. There are other things that contribute to building strength. “Nutrition is definitely the major factor,” says Steffen. “You need to be eating the right things in the right amounts at the right times and with the right frequency, and you need to do this consistently.” Talk to a dietitian or nutritionist who can help you come up with a meal plan based on your training goals.

Incorporating different types of training is also important. Don't just stick to the weight room. “Go do some yoga. Go do some body-weight training. Get out and play some organized sports and use your body in various other ways,” Steffen advises. “Not only will you work your muscles in a variety of different ways, but you'll also increase your ability to stick to your plan, as the variety keeps things interesting for you.”

Cardio can also play a role when it comes to building a stronger body. “Decreasing your rest periods between sets, increasing your rep count and performing more sets per movement can help integrate a cardiovascular component into your resistance training,” Steffen explains. “Performing compound sets, super sets, drop sets and circuits can also help combine the two.”

Book a session or two with a personal trainer at your gym to get a better sense of what you need to improve overall strength and muscle tone.

More strength and fitness tips

Unique workouts that get results
The 12-day fitness challenge
Kick-butt kettlebell workout for women

Fresh Greek islands pastry

A Refreshingly Easy Summer MealTake your taste buds to the Mediterranean with this fresh Greek islands-inspired recipe. Puff pastry is the base, then baked and topped with a creamy feta spread, a variety of local vegetables and finished with a hint of lemon zest. This is perfect as a starter for a fun gathering or as a light dinner.

This is one delicious way to use puff pastry. Puff pastry is very light, flaky and delicate, which is why we love it in this dish. Once baked, it creates an airy texture perfect for a light topping. Don't like feta? No problem. You can use almost anything such as a garlic aioli or even your favorite ranch dressing.

Fresh Greek islands pastry recipe

Lightly adapted from the pampered chef

Serves 4-6

Ingredients:1 sheet puff pastry, thawed4 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature4 ounces crumbled feta cheese1 large garlic clove, finely minced1 lemon, zested and juiced1 cup fresh baby spinach, finely chopped1/2 cup canned artichoke hearts, drained and finely chopped1/2 cup diced cucumber1/4 cup sliced black olives1 tablespoon Italian seasoning1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halvedFresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional) Directions:

Prepare the puff pastry as directed on the package. Once baked remove and allow to cool.In a bowl combine the cream cheese, feta, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest and chopped spinach mixing well.Spread the mixture evenly over the cooled puff pastry. Top with the remaining ingredients and garnish with fresh herbs. Cut into wedges or squares and serve immediately.

More Greek inspired dishes

5 layer Greek dip
No bake hummus pizza
Grilled Greek chicken pitas

Thanksgiving prep, party and clean-up tips

Enjoy Your Holiday Without The Stress!If you've ever hosted Thanksgiving at your place, you know how stressful it can be to prepare, host and clean up! From prepping all the food, to decorating and doing endless amounts of dishes, it's easy to see why people have pre- and post-Thanksgiving Day meltdowns. Leave the stress at the door this year with these easy tips to help you host!

Having your family, friends and neighbors over for the big dinner? Let us help you survive (and even enjoy yourself a little) with these super-easy tips for preparation, decorating and clean-up!

Don't overthink it

Don't think you need to pull a Martha to make your home beautiful for guests. Just a few simple touches and statement pieces are all you need for a gorgeous tablescape! Make the centerpiece the focal of your table with this pumpkin centerpiece or this stunning collection of dried roses. If you have some time, make these simple and adorable DIY pumpkin candles and use them as place cards for your guests! Gourds and leaves also make great additions to your table.

Plan a buffet

Who said Thanksgiving has to be formal? Host a buffet! If you don't want to buy a buffet table, simply use the top of a long dresser or cabinet. Then, place your food on the cabinet alongside some plates, napkins and utensils and let your guests help themselves! If you're really informal, use paper plates, napkins and plastic utensils to save on the clean-up.

Prepare food in advance

Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate and relax, so don't spend your entire holiday slaving over the stove. Bake your turkey the day before and simply carve the day of. Side dishes -- like soups, stuffing and mashed potatoes -- can be made up to three days ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Pies can also be made a few days in advance and frozen.

Fake it, don't bake it

If you don't like baking (or aren't very good at it), don't do it! Stock up on store-bought pies and pastries and serve them on cake plates to give the illusion you made them. Also, make your own toppings -- like whipped cream, caramel sauce or ice cream -- for a semi-homemade dessert.

Use cooking spray or foil

Who wants to spend Thanksgiving evening doing anything but lying in sweat pants and drinking wine? Save yourself hours of clean-up by lining all of your pans with cooking spray or foil. Cooking spray prevents food from sticking to the surface of your pans, pots and roasters so all you have to do is wipe down with soap! Foil can be easily removed and thrown away without the need for washing at all!

Clean as you go

Don't leave all the dishes for the night or morning after -- instead, do them as you go. Have guests clear their plates after each course. As you wait for the next serving to be ready, load the dishwasher and turn it on. Same goes for food: Once the dinner is served, put away all the appetizers. By taking care of dishes and clean-up while the party is happening, you'll be left with less mess when it's over.

More simple party tips

Holiday entertaining survival guide
Choose your dinner party
Party prep guide: What to make ahead

5 Fun ways to get kids to eat healthy foods

Healthy Foods,
Healthy Kids Encouraging kids to eat healthy foods can be a struggle, especially when it comes to vegetables. Forget about the end result, and focus on making healthy eating fun and educational each day. The goal is to eat foods that naturally represent all of the colors of the rainbow (Fruit Loops don’t count!), and foods that come from a plant (the green kind, not the manufacturing kind).

Shop together

Have your kids pick the vegetables they are willing to try. Discover their likes/dislikes and get some quality time together. Make sure to let your children be your guide through the produce section. The sky's the limit as long as your cart reflects the rainbow!

Serve family style

Let your kids serve themselves. As a mother, it is hard to resist large servings for your little ones. Even if they only take a one-bite serving, kids will be more likely to eat it and return for more if they're in control of their own choices.

Tip: Bring home healthy food and leave the indulgences behind. Make the hard choices at the grocery store so that you aren't faced with making them each time you open your cupboard. Don't worry: You'll always find an opportunity for a treat!Wrap it up

Trying new veggies can be fun when you serve them in a novel way. Try tacos, burritos and summer-roll wrappers, each of which is a creative way to make mealtime simple, fun and nutritious. Put everything out on the table and let them make their own.

Incorporate new vegetables into the foods they already love

Adding one new vegetable to a soup, lasagna or salad is a great way to introduce new tastes without overwhelming your kids. A little kale added to a spinach lasagna, grated broccoli stem tossed in with coleslaw or chopped bok choy tossed in with your salad greens can yield nutritious and delicious results!

Plant a family garden

Not only is it a good way to spend time together, but gardening teaches kids first-hand about clean food that's minimally processed and has maximum nutrition. From selecting and planting the seeds, to watering, weeding and eventually harvesting, gardens make us invested and connected to our food -- and kids are more likely to at least taste the fruits of their labor!

Children will learn much more about healthy eating from what we do than what we say.

In the end, children will learn much more about healthy eating from what we do than what we say. Model the choices you'd like them to make and keep an abundance of healthy food in your refrigerator and pantry so there are not a lot of unhealthy traps and temptations. Then enjoy sharing your meals and mealtime.

Keep it fun, and always honor their likes and dislikes. Involve your kids in the process so that they're learning about good nutrition and are empowered to make healthy choices.

Discover kid-friendly recipes

Kid-friendly recipes from A to Z
Meals kids can make
Fun finger food ideas for family night

Tonight's Dinner Ziti with pesto and green beans

Pesto Makes Veggies Kid FriendlyPesto goes well with any kind of pasta. But when that pasta is mixed with green vegetables, it turns a kid no-no into a big kid yes!

Pasta is one of those great dinners that's quick and easy and always a crowd pleaser. It doesn't matter if you choose tomato, Alfredo or pesto sauce, everyone is always going to clean their plates. So since pasta's always a guarantee with little mouths, why not sneak some veggies in there while you're at it. The sauce that you use, no matter which type, will hide those icky green vegetables while thrilling big and small mouths alike.

Ziti with pesto and green beansIngredients:2 cups fresh basil leaves1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided1/2 cup olive oil3 garlic cloves, mincedSalt and pepper to taste3/4 pound penne pasta1/3 pound green beans, trimmed and cut into thirdsDirections:

To make the pesto: Combine the basil and the garlic in the food processor and pulse a few times. Slowly pour in the olive oil while the processor is running. Add a 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan and pulse until combined. Add salt and pepper to taste.Meanwhile cook the penne according to the package directions. Add the green beans to the boiling pasta water about five minutes before the pasta is done cooking. Drain the pasta and beans, reserving 1/3 cup of the cooking water.In a serving bowl, mix together a few tablespoons of the cooking water with the pesto. Add the pasta and beans and toss to combine. Top with remaining Parmesan cheese and serve.

More Tonight's Dinner recipes >>Other Pesto Recipes

Chicken cutlets with pesto cream sauce

Gourmet mushroom & pesto pizza

Grilled salmon with pecan pesto

Gluten-free Friday Classic Israeli salad

Fresh, Colorful
And HeartyIf you're looking for a salad that's perfect for any meal, toss together a classic Israeli salad for a gluten-free Friday dish.

Does it get any fresher than this classic Israeli salad? We don't think so! This is a traditional breakfast dish, but it's great for any meal. Tossed with lots and lots of parsley, you'll also love the combination of flavors when you add tomato, bell pepper and cucumber.

The dressing is simple, but you could add a few other ingredients to the mix: olives, feta cheese, a side of hummus and any other favorite veggies. Not only fresh in taste, this salad is bright and beautiful!

Note: Gluten can be found in many different foods and products, from ketchup to soy sauce to candy and seasonings. While SheKnows.com tries to ensure these recipes are gluten-free, carefully read the ingredient labels of all food and food products you use for these recipes to ensure they are also gluten-free. Dig in to this recipe for flatbread with rosemary and sea salt >>Classic Israeli salad

Serves 4

Ingredients:2 cups cherry tomatoes, sliced in half2/3 cup Italian parsley, chopped1/2 English cucumber (1-1/2 cups), diced1/2 orange bell pepper, seeded and diced2 green onions, chopped2 tablespoons olive oil2 tablespoons lemon juice1/4 teaspoon salt1/4 teaspoon ground black pepperDirections:

Toss all the vegetables in a medium-sized bowl.Add the olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper and mix well to coat.

Fresh and colorful makes for a great meal, any time of day!

More gluten-free Friday recipes

Artichoke-spinach frittata
Breakfast bagels with mascarpone
Chicken and curried quinoa salad

5 Unique uses for pumpkin

Who Said Pumpkins
Were Just For Carving?When October rolls around, many people rush to their nearest pumpkin patch to pick the largest, most voluptuous fruit in all the land. Then, they rush home, giddy with excitement, with thoughts dancing in their head of exactly how they are going to carve it. However, pumpkins aren't just for carving anymore, friends. This big orange fruit can be used in all facets of cooking, baking and decorating. So put that knife down and get crazy with these fun (and delicious) uses for pumpkin!

The wonderful thing about pumpkins is that they come in all shapes, sizes and colors! Many only recognize pumpkins as being the large, orange, circular squashes they see on neighbor's stoops and in their windowsills. When you are using pumpkins to bake, cook or decorate, experiment with all of the different varieties and colors to add new flavors to your favorite fall dishes or exciting color to your dining room table!

Use in your tablescape

While picking pumpkins at your local orchard or patch, grab a few little ones to use in your fall tablescape! Smaller pumpkins and gourds are perfect to group around large candles, fruits and flowers in the center of your table! In addition, you can prop place cards in front or on top of them when you are hosting your next fall harvest dinner party! Another easy way to use this mini fruit is to pile them in a hurricane glass with fall leaves for an easy, elegant centerpiece.

Hollow N' stuff

As you prepare your hearty fall stuffings and thick stews, think outside the box in terms of presentation. Instead of serving these comfort food favorites in a standard serving bowl, use a hollowed pumpkin to create a statement! All you do is hollow out your pumpkin as you would if you were carving! Pour soup, stew, stuffings, potatoes or polenta into the hollowed out pumpkin for an easy, organic way to serve! Trust me, it'll have your guests talking and praising your Martha Stewart ingenuity.

Chop and puree into soup

There's nothing better than a warm bowl of soup on a chilly, autumn evening. For an easy and delicious autumn soup, add pumpkin! All you need to do is chop the pumpkin into bite size chunks, roast and puree. If the pumpkin is too hard to chop to begin with, boil or roast for 10-15 minutes until softened. For an easy and delicious Thai pumpkin soup, check out this one!

Make pumpkin stock

You've heard of chicken stock, beef stock and vegetable stock, but what about pumpkin? Pumpkin stock is a great use for those slimy, icky guts you get when you clean out your pumpkin. For an easy, flavorful stock, just separate the seeds from the guts and then place the guts in a pot filled with water and boil. Add celery, carrots and a bay leaf for extra flavor. Then boil for about 30 minutes or until the water begins to change color. Strain and use in your favorite soups, stews or freeze for later!

Turn into candles

Looking for an easy, cheap, DIY fall project? Buy a few mini pumpkins, some small votive candle holders and matching votives. Place the votive holders over the top of the pumpkin and trace the circle. Carve with a sharp knife just deep enough to fit the candle holder and the votive. Then place around your dinner table, living room or in a bowl of water for a floating candle effect! It's an easy and decorative way to spruce up your kitchen for fall. Plus, did I mention cheap?

DIY mini pumpkin craft >>

However, if carving is more your thing, challenge yourself this year and replicate this incredibly intricate pumpkin design! For more fun designs, check out this collection!

Watch: Fun fall activities

The Daily Dish brings you affordable activities that will get everyone into the autumn season.

More fun with pumpkins

Pumpkin carving templates
Pumpkin-inspired recipes
Decorate your front porch for fall

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What is bacterial meningitis

Everything You
Need To KnowImagine the worst migraine you’ve ever had. Now add achy muscles, a stiff neck, vomiting and a fever. While this sounds like a bad case of the flu, it could be more -- much more. Bacterial meningitis comes on quickly and fools most people into thinking they have the flu.

What is bacterial meningitis?

The brain and spinal cord are protected by several layers of tissue called the meninges. Bacterial meningitis occurs when bacteria infect the meninges. Three nasty bacteria that are transmitted via nose or throat secretion -- Haemophilus influenzae type B, Neisseria menintidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae -- are the leading causes of bacterial meningitis today.

A quick-acting enemy

When bacterial meningitis hits, it comes on strong, attacking the system at a rapid pace. Infected patients can experience flu-like symptoms that result in permanent brain damage, paralysis, blindness, hearing loss, shock or even death within a couple of hours of onset. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms and they appear to be getting worse, seek treatment immediately.

DIAGNOSING meningitis

Bacterial meningitis requires fast-acting medical attention and can be diagnosed for certain only by analyzing spinal fluid. Spinal fluid is acquired through a spinal tap, a painful but necessary procedure in which a hypodermic needle extracts fluid from the spinal column. The fluid is then sent to a lab for analysis.

Treatment

Once the frightening disease is diagnosed, an intense series of antibiotics is administered and normally stops the disease in its tracks. Some patients are left with whatever damage the bacteria managed to wreak before treatment -- such as memory loss or partial paralysis -- while others recover completely. Fast treatment, then, is crucial.

Prevention THROUGH VACCINATION

Before paranoia consumes you, know the facts. Bacterial meningitis can't be transmitted simply by breathing the same air as someone who's infected, nor can it be spread in swimming pools or by touch. It is far less contagious than the common cold and can be transmitted only via direct contact with an infected person's oral or respiratory secretions through, for example, kissing an infected person, or breathing near the person as he sneezes or coughs.

The risk of bacterial meningitis can be reduced greatly by staying current on one of two preventative meningitis vaccines -- meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine or the more common meningococcal conjugate vaccine. As of 2005, most patients received the latter.

The scary truth is that anyone of any age can be infected with bacterial meningitis. Getting the meningitis vaccine and knowing the signs are the best steps you can take to ensure safety for yourself and your family.

More articles on meningitis

What is meningitis?
Bacterial vs. viral meningitis
Understanding the meningitis vaccine

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Gluten-free Goodie of the Week Cinnamon graham crackers

Enjoy A Classic Treat!Do you dunk them in milk, enjoy them as s'mores or top them with peanut butter? No matter how you eat them, you're sure to enjoy this gluten-free cinnamon graham crackers recipe!

Everyone has a favorite way to enjoy graham crackers! What's yours? This Gluten-free Goodie of the Week cinnamon graham crackers recipe is easy to make, doesn't require too many ingredients (brown rice flour is the main ingredient) and yields a special treat! We've added cinnamon and sugar to the mix to give these favorites another pop of flavor. No matter what you pair with your cinnamon graham crackers, you'll enjoy these!

Gluten can be found in many different foods and products, from ketchup to soy sauce to candy and seasonings. While SheKnows.com tries to ensure these recipes are gluten-free, carefully read the ingredient labels of all food and food products you use for these recipes to ensure they are also gluten-free.

Gluten-free cinnamon graham crackers recipe

Adapted slightly from Gluten Free Baking

Yields about 1 dozen crackers

Ingredients:1-1/2 cups brown rice flour1/2 cup cornstarch1/3 cup brown sugar1 teaspoon baking powder1/2 teaspoon salt1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon5 tablespoons cold butter, cubed6 tablespoons milk3 tablespoons honey1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, for topping1 tablespoon sugar, for toppingParchment paperDirections:

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Mix the 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon and 1 tablespoon sugar in a small bowl and set aside.In a large bowl, whisk together the brown rice flour, cornstarch, brown sugar, baking powder, salt and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon.Add the cubed butter to the mixture. Use a pastry cutter to mix in the butter until the mixture is coarse. There should be no chunks of butter left behind.Add the milk and honey to the mixture, and stir it together to form a dough.Cut a piece of parchment paper, sized about 12 inches by 16 inches. Dust it lightly with a bit of brown rice flour.Place the dough onto the parchment paper and pat it into a rectangle.Cut another piece of parchment paper, also sized 12 x 16 inches, and put it on top of the dough. Use a rolling pin to roll out the dough so it's about 1/8-inch thick.Remove the top piece of parchment paper and place the dough (along with the bottom piece of parchment paper) onto a baking sheet.Carefully score the dough into rectangles, about 6 inches by 3 inches in size, or smaller squares.Sprinkle the rectangles with the cinnamon-sugar mixture, then use a fork to prick the dough.Chill the dough for about 10 minutes, then bake for 15 minutes, or until the crackers are lightly browned.Cool the crackers on a wire rack (carefully slide the sheet of parchment, with the crackers remaining, off the baking sheet and onto the rack).When completely cool, carefully break the crackers apart and serve.

These goodies are a classic treat!

More Gluten-free Goodie recipes

Chocolate truffle cakes
Citrus-sugar cookies
Raspberry scones with lemon drizzle icing

Tonight's Dinner Broccoli pasta with sausage recipe

Chicken Stock Makes Delicious PastaPasta's usually cooked in salted water. But cooking it in chicken or vegetable stock adds a whole new flavor that guarantees dinner will be a hit.

My whole family loves pasta. It doesn't matter if it's covered in sauce or just tossed with some fresh vegetables. If it's pasta, it's going to be devoured. But in all the times I've made spaghetti or penne or ravioli, I've never cooked it in stock. I always follow the directions on the box and cook it in salted, boiling water. But then Parents magazine suggested cooking the pasta in chicken or vegetable stock instead. It was a revelation. Not only did the noodles get cooked, they took on the flavor of the stock, making them even more delectable and bringing the dish to a whole new and unexpected height. I'm definitely doing it again and next time I'll try a beef or vegetable stock.

Broccoli pasta with sausage

Serves 4

Ingredients:3 cups chicken stock2 cups water10 ounces penne1 (1 pound) bag frozen chopped broccoli1 tablespoon olive oil2 links sausage, sliced1 teaspoon lemon zestJuice of 1 lemonSalt and pepper to taste1/2  cup shredded Parmesan cheeseDirections:

Bring the chicken stock and water to a boil in a large saucepan over high heat. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions. About six minutes before the pasta is done, add the broccoli and continue cooking for another four or five minutes. Drain, reserving one-half cup of the cooking liquid and return the pasta and broccoli to the pot.While the pasta and broccoli cook, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the sausage three to four minutes or until browned.Add the sausage and any oil from the pan to the pasta mixture. Stir in the zest, lemon juice, salt, pepper and reserved pasta liquid. Transfer the pasta mixture to a large baking dish, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve.

More Tonight's Dinner recipes >>Other broccoli recipes

Baked broccoli casserole
Broccoli and ham strata
Creamy broccoli soup

Leap Year cocktail recipes

2012 is a Leap Year. What exactly does that mean, other than an extra day in February? Cocktails, of course! On Wednesday, Feb. 29, get your guy to say "I do" to drinks with one of these fantastic Leap Year-inspired cocktails.

When "Will you marry me?" is too extreme

Maybe it's because I just came back from Vegas and still have all of the scantily clad casino servers' voices ringing in my ears: "Cocktails? Cocktails?" (Yes, please.) Or maybe it's just because I love a good excuse for adult beverages, but it looks like Leap Year presents us with yet another occasion for cocktails.

(P.S. Thank you February for National Drink Wine Day, Mardi Gras, National Margarita Day and now Leap Day!)

Leap Year basics

Not that you need to know what Leap Year is all about to celebrate the occasion with drinks, but just in case you want a refresher, here's the quick version. Most years that are divisible by four are Leap Years. In those years, February has one additional day, so there are 29 days in the month versus 28.

However, it's not quite that simple. If the year is also divisible by 100, it's not a leap year -- unless the year is also divisible by 400, and then it is a Leap year. If all of this math is making you thirsty, you're not alone.

Leap Day for ladies

Tradition dictates that Leap Day is the time when women are supposed to switch it up and propose to their men, versus sitting around and waiting for the guys to pop the question.

Um, we can probably hold the "Will you marry me?" line, but we're happy to offer up a "Will you join me for a fabulous cocktail?" question. On Leap Day -- Wednesday, February 29th -- get your guy to say "I do" to adult beverages with one of these fantastic Leap Year-inspired cocktail recipes.

Leaptini recipeIngredients:2 ounces Blue Ice Vodka1/2 ounce agave nectar1/2 ounce lime juiceFresh basilDirections:

Combine and muddle all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice.Shake to blend and chill.Strain into a martini glass.

Also try this lemon drop martini recipe >>Lovers Leap recipeIngredients:2 ounces Camarena Reposado Tequila1/4 ounce grenadine1/4 ounce lime juice1/2 ounce Tawny PortDirections:

Place grenadine in bottom of large rocks glass and set aside.Place remaining liquids in cocktail shaker with ice.Shake to blend.Strain into rocks glass over grenadine and fresh ice.Garnish with a lime wheel.

Old Fashioned No More recipeIngredients:2 ounces Camarena Reposado Tequila1/4 ounce spiced orange syrup*2 dashes Classic BittersOrange twist garnishDirections:

Combine liquids in rocks glass over fresh ice.That's it! Enjoy!

* Spiced orange syrup

Ingredients:

Zest of 1 orange10 to 12 whole cloves1 heaping tablespoon whole allspice3/4 cup water1-1/2 cups cane sugarAlso try this maple syrup Old Fashioned recipe >>More on Leap Year

Recipes inspired by Leap Day
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Recipes and images courtesy of Camarena Tequila