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NASA Astronaut John Glenn and the first meal eaten in space

John Glenn was a true American hero in more ways than we might recognize. The small-town Midwesterner grew up to marry his childhood sweetheart, Anna Margaret Castor. He flew more than 150 combat mission as a fighter pilot during World War II and the Korean War. He served as senator to Ohio for 24 years and later tried to parlay that experience into a presidential nomination. And, of course, in 1959, he was chosen as one of America’s first astronauts and went on to become the first American to orbit Earth (circling the plant three times in 4 hours and 56 minutes, traveling at speeds over 17,000 miles per hour). All of these things and more continue to make John Glenn a household name, even after his death in 2016. But what most people don’t remember about his illustrious career, was that John Glenn was also the first person to…

Strawberry oatmeal muffins

This time of year, I just can’t get enough fruit. I like eating it fresh most of all, but I also find it impossible to pass on delicious, fruity baked goods. Last week, I came across a killer deal on strawberries at the market, so I was inspired to use some of my stash to make this super summery strawberry muffin recipe. These strawberry oatmeal muffins have tons of texture thanks to the quick-cook oatmeal. And the brown sugar gives just enough sweetness. You’ll love these for breakfast, brunch, or an anytime snack. Since strawberries can sink to the bottom of batter, coating them in flour first will help them float throughout. It also helps distribute their moisture throughout the muffin leaving you with something tender and tasty. Strawberry Oatmeal Muffins Ingredients 1 cup quick-cooking oats, uncooked 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed 1 cup Greek yogurt 1/3 cup vegetable oil…

25 tasty facts about ice cream you never knew

In 1984 summers got a little sweeter. Then President Ronald Reagan designated July as National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday of July as National Ice Cream Day. Reagan’s proclamation declared that all people of the United States observe the holiday with “appropriate ceremonies and activities.” Challenge accepted. This year National Ice Cream Day falls on July 21, and while we don’t really need a special reminder to eat loads of ice cream, it sure is nice to have an excuse. In celebration of this most important of food holidays, add an extra scoop to your cone and settle in for 25 tasty facts you never knew about ice cream. 1. About 87% of Americans have ice cream in their freezer right now On any given day, it’s estimated, nearly 9 out of 10 Americans have a tub of ice cream in their freezer. What can we say? When…

10 benefits of drinking water

Drinking more water lately? Even if you’re not trying, chances are the hot weather has you reaching for a few extra cups of something cool. And that’s great news for your body considering nearly all of our major organ systems rely on it. But how exactly do we benefit from from drinking water? Here are 10 ways water benefits our bodies: 1. It boosts skin health and beauty Not drinking enough water can lead to dehydration, making the skin more vulnerable to premature wrinkling and even some skin disorders. If you don’t like the taste of water, try slicing up from strawberry or cucumber slices to give it a little flavor. 2. It regulates body temperature Water is stored in the middle layers of your skin. This water appears as sweat when your body heats up, and then evaporates to help keep you cool. Science suggests that without enough water…

12 foods you should definitely not serve at your cookout

What’s a backyard cookout without burgers, dogs, and fresh fruit salad? While we welcome these summer staples, there are a few dishes that just don’t belong outside for long periods of time. If you’re planning an outdoor feast or the 4th or any other hot summer day, you should probably skip these 15 foods: Fried Foods Enjoy your burger and fry combo another day. Outdoor cookouts are no place for fried foods like French fries, onion rings, or mozzarella sticks. They’re all delicious finger foods, but they’re best eaten hot and fresh. Let them sit outside on the buffet table, and they’ll just get cold and soggy. Chocolate There is really no way around this one. Anything chocolate is going to melt and make a mess. Cheese plate Cheese plates are an elegant appetizer for a dinner party, so save it for that type of event. Your summer barbecue is…

All the produce in season in July

Welcome to July, the first official full month of summer! By now you’re probably swimming in summer produce. Ninety degree temperatures and lots of sunlight bring tons of vibrant, colorful food options this month, particularly more fruit. Eat what’s in season, and you’ll save money and enjoy tastier foods. It’s a win/win. Summer produce doesn’t change a whole lot each month, but here’s what’s new for July: Apples Apples are thought of as a fall fruit, but many are actually ripe and ready right now. Apples have a nice, long run, so enjoy your juices, apples, dumplings, and pies, now through November. Apricots Apricots are rich in fiber and bring a healthy dose of vitamin A. Kids love their sweet flavor and smaller size. Eat them fresh, blend them in smoothies, make apricot cookies, or add to salads like this Apricot Arugula Summertime salad. Basil Celebrate the return of fresh,…

The very best way to freeze peaches

Is there anything as delicious as a fresh peach? Peaches on ice cream, peach sangria, peach barbecue sauce — my mouth is already watering. Some summers the crop is extra delicious, juicy and fragrant. It’s these flavors I want to capture and savor all year long. When you come across a crop like this, you’ll be tempted to buy the whole bushel, and that’s what I say go for it! Delicious fresh peaches make for delicious frozen peaches, too. What good are frozen peaches? Well, you can pretty much do just about anything with them that you would have done when they were fresh: savory dishes like peach topped pork chops, kebabs, cobblers, pies, jams, sangria, smoothies. Or use them as ice cubes in your iced tea or lemonade for a fruity treat when you reach the bottom of your glass. So what’s the best way to freeze peaches? The…

Krispy Kreme lets “Freedom Ring” with new patriotic donuts

Extra burnt hot dogs, burgers dripping in ketchup, and fresh corn on the cob likely conjure images of the 4th of July — but donuts? Krispy Kreme is hoping their new line of super-patriotic donuts will be invited to your backyard barbecue. Krispy Kreme announced that it will serve its “Let Freedom Ring” donuts now through July 4 at locations across the country. The collection includes three different designs, per the press release: Freedom Ring Doughnut: This doughnut is inspired by the American flag. It’s decorated with red, white, and blue icing and topped with patriotic sprinkles. Sprinkled Ring Doughnut: The patriotic doughnut features Krispy Kreme’s Original Glazed doughnut dipped in white icing and topped with red, white, and blue sprinkles. Firework Ring Doughnut: A delicious representation of the flag, this doughnut is dipped in blue icing and decorated with red and white stripes. Krispy Kreme Reward members are also eligible…

10 foods you’ve probably never grilled before

You’ve uncovered your grill for the season and have already eaten more chicken and burgers than you can count. You’ve even grilled some peppers and veggies as extra sides. But besides these basics, does the lack of diversity have you wondering what else can you make on the grill? Get the most out of your grill this summer by whipping up these unexpected recipes. 1. Mussels Cooking mussels might be the easiest item to cook in the history of grilling. Just heat up the grill and set the mussels onto of the grill to cook. You know they’re done when they open (about 5 to 10 minutes). Garnish with a bit of parsley and black pepper. Serve with melted butter. 2. Oysters Bring that vacation beach vibe to your backyard with grilled oysters. They take on a light, smoky flavor that’s sure to be your new favorite way of eating oysters.…

You might be storing your ice cream all wrong

It’s extra hot outside, but that doesn’t have to bother you — mostly because it’s the perfect excuse to enjoy an extra scoop of ice cream. (Is there really anything better than ice cream on a hot summer day?) But before you go and load your freezer full of pints of your favorite flavors, you may want to consider how you’re handling that frozen treat. Ice cream is a perishable product, and it needs to be treated with care. Whether ice cream lasts in your house a few days or a few months (who are these people?), you should pay attention to how you’re storing and handling it. Of course the easiest way to deal with ice cream is buying it and eating it in one sitting. (You may take this as your permission to do so — after all, food waste is a huge concern nowadays.) But, if you’re…