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winter

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Some states are switching to beet juice and beer to ‘salt’ icy roads, sidewalks

Most snowy places around the country throw salt on the roads to eliminate ice and improve road conditions. According to New Herald, experts fear all this road salt tossed onto sidewalks and scattered on highways, is having an alarming impact on the environment. Conscious of this fact, some cities are turning to less conventional materials to get the job done: beet juice, molasses, cheese brine, and beer. Researchers on the subject cite mounting evidence that the 20 million tons of sodium chloride crystals used each year is increasing the salinity of hundreds of lakes — particularly in the Midwest and Northeast. In the past 50 years, chloride concentrates in some of the sampled lakes have quadrupled, and in a few cases, even increased a hundredfold. If the problem is not corrected, they warn, the runoff could threaten freshwater ecosystems and put everything from frogs to microscopic zooplankton at risk. As the negative effects are…

This is why your nose runs when it’s cold outside

Ever notice that your nose gets a bit runny when temperatures drop outside? There’s a reason for that. For many, a runny nose is an unfortunate part of winter. About 50 to 90 percent of people get a runny nose when it’s cold outside. But it’s not a sign that you’re getting sick, it’s just a side effect of your body warming up cold, outside air before passing it on into your lungs. It’s called “cold-induced rhinitis”, or “skier nose”, and it’s a completely healthy — albeit annoying — part of your body’s ability to regulate the humidity of the you breath. It’s the job of your nose to make sure that the air you breath is warm and humid so that it doesn’t irritate your lungs. When breathing in freezing temperatures, the air in the back of the nose always hovers around 79ºF (and as high as 86ºF), while the humidity is usually 100 percent,…

Kale, Butternut Squash salad with sliced almonds

This filling, savory salad is just what you need to stick to your healthy diet. It’s loaded with flavor, but also packs a punch with tons of heart-healthy kale. One cup of kale contains contains a mere 33 calories, but 206 percent of your daily recommend vitamin A (healthy hair and skin), 134 percent of your vitamin C (immune system), and a whopping 680 percent of your vitamin K. Yes, that much! It’s one of the best foods around for fighting inflammation and maintaining healthy bone density. And kale is packed with fiber which will keep you fuller longer, while also aiding in lowering cholesterol. Enjoy kale in this salad and all your salads and feel your best. Kale, Butternut Squash salad with almonds Serves 2-3 Ingredients 1 1/2 cups cubed butternut squash 1 tbsp cinnamon 1 tsp light brown sugar 1 bunch kale, stems removed 6 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 3…

Can you still eat freezer burned foods?

The freezer can be a lifesaver when it comes to food prep. Whether it’s that container of frozen mashed potatoes, a homemade pie or that slow cooker starter, frozen foods can be a lifesaver, but there’s always the risk of dreaded freezer burn. So what exactly is this icy crust composed of, and is the food still safe to eat? Freezer burn occurs when foods dry out in cold temperatures. Those icy crystals are a result of moisture escaping your pint of ice cream or bag of chicken breasts and turning to ice on the outside of the food. This means either the food wasn’t stored properly, or it has been frozen for too long — everything dries out eventually. But fear not, a little freezer burn never hurt anyone. It’s entirely safe to eat foods that have a little burn, though they might not be as tasty. Texture of freezer burnt foods…

Celebrate National Sangria Day, Wine not?

The holidays can be a stressful time of year, so it’s no coincidence National Sangria Day, December 20, 2017, falls right in the middle of them. Forget shopping, forgetting complicated cooking recipes, forget awkward family functions. Put some relaxation back into your month with a little sangria. A little splash of history The name sangria comes from the word sangre, or blood, and refers to the drink’s often dark color. The first sangrias were likely dark wine, watered down with mixes of water, wine, herbs and spices. Since water was often unfit for consumption because of bacteria, the ancient Romans probably added anything they could to help kill off the germs and disguise the taste of mediocre table wine. Thus, sangria was born. Though Spain and Portugal can claim its origins, today sangria is enjoyed all over the world. Whether you drink it on a patio in the summer to cool off, or…

12 Fun facts you didn’t know about candy canes

Candy canes are one of the most recognizable symbols (and foods) of the entire holiday season. While most people wouldn’t consider a Christmas complete with the red and white striped sticks, few people know much about their long history. Whether you use one to stir your hot chocolate or just hang them on your tree, here are 10 fun facts about this iconic candy. 1. They are very old The first reference to candy canes in America dates back to 1847 when a German immigrant from Wooster, Ohio decorated his Christmas tree with the festive candy. Candy canes weren’t commonly hung on trees until 1882, but the first candy canes predate these events by a few hundred years… 2. origins Folklore says that in Cologne, Germany in 1670, a choirmaster at the Cologne Cathedral, wishing to keep the local children quiet during the Living Creche tradition of Christmas Eve, asked a candy maker to form…

15 holiday recipes to make with eggnog, beyond the glass

Make the holidays extra happy with these fun eggnog-inspired recipes. From oatmeal to fudge, you’ll love combining your favorite holiday flavors into these delicious sweet treats. Eggnog makes the perfect base flavor for cakes, pies, cookies, muffins and more, so celebrate the official ingredient of the season with one of these delicious desserts this year. See also molasses cookies with eggnog buttercream frosting.  1. Melt-in-your-mouth Eggnog cookies Your favorite eggnog in cookie form! https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246994360793667807/ 2. Eggnog Cranberry cheesecake Two holiday flavors unite to make Christmas miracles in the kitchen. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/371124825528219458/ 3. Eggnog Overnight Oats Make eggnog acceptable for breakfast. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/56787645280149816/ 4. Eggnog bread You had me at “rum glaze.” https://www.pinterest.com/pin/567735096761687109/ 5. Eggnog Biscotti Perfect for dunking in your coffee… or in your eggnog. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/25755029099580353/ 6. Eggnog Gooey Butter Bars Butter bars packed with creamy eggnog flavor. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/129056345552210786/ 7. Eggnog Rice pudding A decadent dessert option. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/176273772899388110/ 8. Eggnog Pancakes Light, fluffy and…

Molasses sandwich cookies with eggnog buttercream

Molasses cookies are a holiday must-have, and for most households, so is eggnog. Combine these two classic Christmas season flavors into one delicious sandwich cookie. The sweet, creamy frosting pairs perfectly with the dark molasses and warm winter spices. If you’re looking for a cookie everyone knows and loves, but you want to add a unique twist, this might just be your winner. Plus, who doesn’t love a cookie where you technically get two! Molasses cookies with eggnog buttercream Makes about 24 sandwiches Cookie Ingredients  2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour 2 tsp baking soda 1/2 tbsp cinnamon 1/2 tsp salt 2 tsp ground ginger 1/4 allspice 1/2 tsp ground cloves 1/4 tsp fresh ground black pepper 1 1/2 sticks of butter, room temperature 1 cup packed brown sugar 1/2 cup molasses, non-blackstrap 1 egg 1/2 cup white sugar for rolling cookies, in small bowl Icing Ingredients  6 tbsp butter, room temperature 2…

Vegetarian carrot, ginger soup with lemon

There is no such thing as too many soups when the weather get cold. And an quick and easy soup with minimal ingredients that’s also full of flavor? I’d eat a big bowl every week. This carrot ginger soup with lemon is perfect on it’s own or sprinkled with croutons. It’s also the perfect accompaniment to a brie grilled cheese topped with banana pepper rings or smeared with pepper jelly. Okay, mouth watering. Let’s get to it!… CARROT GINGER SOUP with Lemon Makes about 4 bowls Ingredients 1/2 stick salted butter 2 medium onions, chopped 1 1/2 pounds carrots (6-7 large carrots), sliced thin 2 medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped 1 1/2 inches of fresh ginger, minced (plus more if desired) 3 cups vegetable stock (or chicken stock for non-vegetarians) 1 cups water 1/2 lemon Salt and pepper Directions Melt butter over medium heat in large pot. Add onion and sauté about 5 to 8 minutes. Stir occasionally until the onions…

10 Naughty hot chocolate recipes for adults

When winter arrives, it’s time for thick socks, cozy blankets and nights cuddled up on the couch with giant mugs of spiked hot chocolate. Almost all of these recipes are pretty simple to make, and yours don’t have to look Pinterest perfect. They just have to taste great and help you smile a little more through the coming cold months. The key is to making them taste fantastic is starting with quality chocolate in the first place. Drop that processed supermarket pouch with mini marshmallows right there! It’s full of brown powder, but that’s hardly the rich chocolate you crave when the temperatures dip. Treat your self to the real deal. After all, why use kid hot chocolate mix for these delicious adult drinks? You pay your bills. You’re an adult. You’ve earned it. Red Wine Hot Chocolate Rich red wine. Devilishly dark chocolate. It’s the ultimate decadent hot chocolate. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/72057662768436582/ Tequila spiked…