Tag

november

Browsing

Does pumpkin pie have to be refrigerated?

If you only eat pumpkin pie in the fall, it’s easy to forget the rules of safely storing them. You may wonder if pumpkin and other custard-style pies can be left on the counter overnight or if you need to clear space in your fridge. And now that we’re on the topic, can pumpkin pie be frozen? Here are the answers to all your pumpkin pie problems: How to store pumpkin pie from a store This time of year you’re likely to see pumpkin pies at the grocery store sitting out on a table, rather than stacked in the fridge or freezer sections. Store-bought pumpkin pies are loaded with enough shelf-stable preservatives that they can sit out. Rule of thumb: if you purchased a pie that’s been sitting out, it can continue to sit out on your kitchen counter for a few days (or until its expiration date, if it…

How to pick the best butternut squash

Fall has finally arrived and winter squash are stocked on the shelves — acorn, spaghetti, and of course, butternut. Butternut squash a must-have fall vegetable that dates back nearly 10,000 years ago.  It’s true. Archaeological evidence suggests that squash was first cultivated in what is now known as the Isthmus of Panama. Squash was one of the three main crops (known as the “Three Sisters” — maize, beans, and squash) planted by Native Americans. If you’re looking for authentic North American fall foods for your Thanksgiving feast, squash certainly qualifies. (Read more at: How Americans Became so Obsess with Pumpkins) The most noticeable difference between winter squash and summer squash, like zucchini and yellow squash, is the exterior skin. Summer squash have thin, flavorful skin you leave on and eat, while winter squash have a tough, inedible outer shell. It’s because of this shell, however, that winter squash can be…

What is the difference between white and dark turkey meat?

It seems at Thanksgiving there are two distinct teams — those who dig deep on the serving platter for the white meat, and those who fight for the drumstick. It’s really a battle of white meat versus dark meat. But aside from the color, what really is the difference? It all comes down to what a particular muscle, aka meat, is used for. Turkeys aren’t known for their flying abilities. They typically only take off for short distances — say, from the ground to a perch (Fun fact: Wild turkeys spend the night in trees, preferably oak trees). This means they rely on their legs to get them around all day. All of that walking and running means the muscles in their legs and thighs are full of blood vessels. These blood vessels contain myoglobin (or muscle hemoglobin), which delivers tons of rich oxygen to the muscles. The more myoglobin…

How many calories will you consume at Thanksgiving dinner?

We’re not here to burst your Thanksgiving Day Parade balloon, but if you’re concerned about calories on Turkey Day, you might want to take note. According to the Calorie Control Council, most Americans will consume around 4,500 calories next Thursday — and that’s during dinner alone! As if that’s not bad enough, most of us are in denial. According to a Basis Science survey, most Turkey Day diners expect to consume just 1,780 calories, and 75 percent of diners estimate their meal will clock in under 2,000 calories. While ignorance can be bliss, your pants will always know better. And you should, too. From appetizers to dessert, we took a look the calories in a traditional Thanksgiving holiday menu. Too scared to read on? No need. We won’t ask you give up gravy — or pie.  You can have an enjoyable holiday feast without depriving yourself. Just be mindful of what…

A handy guide to helping you plan Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is the biggest feast of the year. There’s so much to think about and plan for, you’re going to want a guide going in so you don’t forget anything. What to do right now The guest list. It’s likely to change, but getting an idea of how many people are going to come can help you start to estimate what and how much you’ll need. Order a turkey. Don’t leave this one up to chance at the grocery store. If you wait too long to pick up a bird, you might be scrambling. Plus, ordering ahead gives you a chance to order the right size and type of turkey you want. And you know it will be fresh. Check your housewares. Go through your linens and dishes and make sure you have everything you need, from baking dishes to napkins, salads bowls, silverware, and even towels, sheets and toiletries if…

November produce: What’s in season?

Summer might seem like the time for the tastiest fruits and the vegetables, but there is plenty of produce that grows in colder weather or even in neighboring tropical climates. Fruits and veggies tastes best when you eat them in season, so while you might be bummed your favorite berries are bitter this time of year, there are still tons of great options for eating in season items that are ripe right now. Here is what will give you peak flavor in November: Apples Apples are the perfect fall ingredients, adding flavor to foods both sweet and savory. Plus, they’re delicious all on their own. Chop fresh apples in your oatmeal, bread, or yogurt for a healthy dose of fiber, vitamin B-6, and vitamin C. Artichokes Artichokes are delicious and fun to eat. They make an appearance at many holiday tables because they are ripe and ready this time of year.…

Get free pizza delivered while you wait in line to vote

What’s worse than waiting in line? Waiting in line while hungry. Pizza To The Polls has a solution. The quirky nonprofit will deliver you and your fellow Americans FREE pizzas as you wait in line at your local polling station. Pizza To The Polls was founded in 2016, and has raised nearly $75,000 and delivered nearly 3,000 pizzas, as of November 4. The concept is simple, if you’re stuck in line, you can go to the organization’s website, enter a link to your social media post (like a Tweet or Instagram post) showing evidence of long lines. Enter the address of the polling place, then your phone number or email address if you want updates on the status of your pizza delivery. Pizza To The Polls will promptly receive your requests and act quickly to place an order for a local pizza shop to deliver your pie, pronto. It’s that simple. https://www.instagram.com/p/BeNtj0vA49u/…

Tips for adjusting to Daylight Savings Time

Whether you love or hate Daylight Savings Time, you’re probably at least looking forward to getting an extra hour of sleep on Sunday. The National Sleep Foundation reports that about 20 percent of Americans get less than six hours of sleep. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has linked lack of sleep with other issues like vehicle crashes and on-the-job injuries. While, gaining an hour of sleep in thae fall is typically easier for people than the loss-of-sleep in the spring, it can still mess with your body’s rhythm and cause you to miss your body’s natural shut-eye cues. Adjusting to time changes is different for everyone, but there are a few tips you can take to help ease into the new schedule. Start preparing today. Sometimes, make the hour move in one day is too much, especially for families with kids. Begin pushing your daily routine a little…

Where vets can eat for free this Veterans Day

It’s become a tradition for many in the military family — loosen your belt buckle on Veterans Day and get ready to gorge on lots of free food. Here is a list of restaurants that want to say “thank you” to active and retired military personnel this week by offering free or discounted meal deals. Most are dine-in only and will require proof of service. And be sure to call ahead to make sure your local eatery is participating. Sunday, November 5, 2017 McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant McCormick is reaching out to military veterans as well as Gold Star family members. “Gold Star” refers to family members who have lost a loved one in service to the military. Reservations are encouraged. All eligible personnel will receive a free lunch or dinner entrée on Sunday, November 5. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2017 Chipotle U.S. military and veterans can head to Chipotle on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2017 from…

Cranberry, apple, orange, cinnamon sauce spices up the holidays

This lightly-spiced cranberry sauce is a fresh take on a common holiday classic. It’s easy to prepare and bursting with fruit flavor thanks to the addition of crunchy apples and sweet orange juice — It’s chunky texture makes it really more like a relish than a sauce. And its natural sugar content means that this cranberry sauce freezes well, too, so you can make this recipe up to a month in advance. Just seal in an airtight container. Allow 24 hours to defrost before serving. I spring for Granny Smith apples in this recipe, but any fresh, firm apple will do. The whole recipe only takes about 20 minutes to prepare. It goes great on top of turkey or as a side dish to pretty much anything. Cranberry, apple, orange sauce recipe Makes about 3 cups/6 servings Ingredients 12 oz bag of fresh cranberries 2 medium oranges, squeezed (about 1/2 cup) 1 large apple,…