Unseasonable Michigan Weather Means Imported Cherries

Michigan is the leading grower of cherries in the United States. It won't be this year, however. Unseasonably high temperatures coupled with late, heavy frosts have damaged much of the state's cherry crop. Michigan retailers are importing cherries from other countries, says Michigan Radio. Anyone who's ever tasted a delicious Michigan sweet cherry knows how devastating this loss will be for consumers, growers and retailers. Here are details.  Unseasonable Michigan Weather Means Imported Cherries 

How to Host a Murder Mystery Madness Movie Marathon--Recipes, Serving, Costumes

I'm a self-avowed vintage murder mystery literati and film-ophile. Of particular favorites are Agatha Christie and Alfred Hitchcock. Here's a cracking-good party planner that features a retro-themed murder mystery movie marathon of 1930s and 1940s era films. I call ours' "Sir Albert and Dame Marilisa's New Year's Eve Soiree." I've included a menu, recipes, serving tips, decor ideas, costumes, activities and several faboo murder mystery movie favorites. This was written for New Year's party, but why wait? You can enjoy a murder mystery party in any season. Here's how...New Year's Eve Murder Mystery Madness Movie Marathon

Diet and Weight Loss Tips--The Importance of Eating Six Small Nutritious Meals Daily

Dieting and weight loss are two of the most oft-searched Internet topics. There are as many myths about diet as there are truths. One big factor that people often overlook in weight loss is the importance of eating. The term 'calorie' has become anathema, but what is a calorie? Simply, calories are units of energy measurement. Energy is fuel; we need fuel to perform all bodily functions. Therefore we need calories and food.
The trick with dieting and weight loss is to reorganize eating habits. Here are tips to do that at  Diet and Weight Loss Tips; The Importance of Eating Six Small Nutritious Meals Daily 

Jewish Passover, Seder meal activities for families

Passover, or Pesach, is a seven-day Jewish holiday observance. It generally falls in April in the western calendar. In 2012, Passover will be celebrated beginning at sundown Saturday, April 6 and lasting through Friday, April 14. On the Hebrew lunisolar calendar (which is based on both moon phases and solar cycles), Passover is celebrated on Nissan 15-22. Here are resources for Jewish kids and parents to explore and celebrate Passover more fully. These activities can help non-Jewish families understand and experience Hebrew traditions, too. I'm not Jewish, but we've done our own Seder meal. The links provided can help any family recreate a worshipful Seder. It's a great way to teach kids about other cultures, religions and traditions. A Passover Seder is a perfect compliment to religious Easter celebrations. Read more at Jewish Passover lessons and activities for families - Yahoo! Shine

'Pink Slime' Beef Concerns Should Lead to Vegetarian Diet

"Pink slime," a food additive used in hamburger, is generating a lot of controversy. To combat salmonella, E.coli and other food-borne pathogens, meat producers are adding a thick pink porridge made of beef scraps and ammonium hydroxide. The Huffington Post says 70 percent of supermarket beef contains this spurious substitute.
What I'm surprised about is that anyone is surprised about this. Our foods are full of chemicals. Our soil is sodden with decades of chemicals. Even non-GMO, organic food producers have to contend with that, says Help Guide. Read more at 'Pink Slime' Beef Concerns Should Lead to Vegetarian Diet

How To Choose a Flatware Set

I have used, purchased, broken, cherished, tried and discarded many different styles and types of flatware in my lifetime. And I have learned a secret: 'Not all flatware is created equal.' Even comparably priced flatware varies in several important ways. And nowhere is it so evident as it is in flatware options, that you get what you pay for. Here are some considerations for anyone planning to begin a bridal registry, set up housekeeping, purchase new flatware or replace flatware. Read more at How To Choose a Flatware Set

Michigan E. Coli Cases Linked to Sprouts at Jimmy John's

Two of seven cases of food-borne illness in Michigan have been identified as E. coli, and in the other five cases, E. coli is highly suspected. The source of the bacterial contamination is said to be from clover sprouts used at Jimmy John's restaurants, Michigan Radio reports. Here are details about the outbreak. Read more at Michigan E. Coli Cases Linked to Sprouts at Jimmy John's

How to Make Vegan Veggie Burgers for Lent, Diet

During Lent, many observe meatless Fridays or give up eating meat for the season. Veggie burgers make a great alternative protein sources, but they're pricey. $4 for 9 ounces of veggie burger is pretty steep. How about whipping up some delicious veggie burgers from scratch? They're so good that even the omnivores will be demanding seconds. Here are some optional ingredients. Read more at How to Make Your Own Veggie Burgers

Vegan and Vegetarian Recipes for Lent

During lent, much of the world practices fasting. Whether we choose a physical fast, such as food or drink or a spiritual fast, such as refraining from gossip or internet use, our goal is improved spiritual health and closeness with our Heavenly Father. Most Catholic individuals and households observe some sort of lenten food fast. In the old church, Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday was known as Shrove Tuesday. All sweeteners, dairy products, oil and eggs were used up and made into pancakes and during lent, not only was no meat eaten, but also no dairy products. The closest diet to this kind of fasting is a vegan diet, except that the vegan eats no fish. Read more at The Lenten Kitchen.Vegan and Vegetarian Recipes

Five Quick, Easy Valentine's Day Desserts

Need a great Valentine's Day treat for a get-together, potluck, school party or family dinner? Although I am the family cook, I always seem to be the last one to be told when we are expected to bring a dessert to a get-together. I don't know how many times I've heard, 'oh by the way, you know that party? Well I said we'd bring something...' Consequently, I've developed an arsenal of last minute rescue recipes for just such an emergency. Here are five basic rescue recipes for goodies that you can whip up and have ready to walk out the door to any get together. Written for New Year's Eve, these treats are yummy year-round. The grasshopper pie recipe would make a "creme de la creme" dessert (pardon the pun) for St. Patrick's Day, too. These are mostly frozen desserts: peanut butter, banana split, peppermint stick, grasshopper, turtle and toffee. I don't know about you, but I never need an excuse to enjoy dessert. And thank you. Now I'm hungry! :0 Read more at Five Quick, Easy New Year's Eve Desserts