Category: Featured

Pineapple Upside Down Cake (Brown Sugar Bessy Version)

The pineapple upside down cake became popular when Dole hosted a pineapple recipe contest in the mid 1920s and received 2,500 recipes for this unique cake with a tropical star. This version of the beloved retro recipe relies on brown sugar throughout the cake for a standout maple flavor. Use either light or dark brown …

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How to Protect Wetlands: 10 Practical Ways to Help

Wetlands are easy to overlook because they do not always look dramatic. Some are broad marshes filled with reeds and waterbirds. Others are wooded swamps, wet meadows, bogs, floodplain forests, prairie potholes, or seasonal pools that may appear dry for part of the year. What they have in common is water. Wetlands occur where water …

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More Gnocchi Please! Italian Food, Facts & Fun

With roots dating back to the Roman Empire, it is no wonder why Italian cuisine is highly desirable around the world. Today, Italian influenced restaurants are commonplace in cities such as New York, Moscow and Beijing. The foundation of Italian cuisine dates back to the fourth century B.C., where ancient Greek, Arabic, Byzantine and Etruscan …

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Christmas Drinks Around the World: 6 Festive Recipes

Christmas drinks have a way of making the season feel warmer, even when the weather outside is freezing. Across the world, holiday celebrations are accompanied by steaming mugs of spiced wine, fragrant fruit punch, creamy egg drinks, strong coffee, and recipes flavored with cinnamon, cloves, citrus, vanilla, and nutmeg. Some are meant to simmer on …

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Happy Winter Solstice!

It’s officially winter today, and I hope everyone has a happy, warm, and enchanted winter holiday season! The winter solstice, also referred to as “midwinter” and “the longest night,” is the day of the year with the least amount of sunlight and the longest night for those on the Northern Hemisphere. Astronomically, it marks the …

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Butternut Squash Tart with Fried Sage, Prosciutto and Pecorino Cheese

Easily impress with seasonal flavors and scrumptious recipes this holiday The holidays are here and that means it’s the season for parties, events and get-togethers. Put your best dish forward with seasonally inspired recipes guaranteed to tempt your guests’ taste buds. Packed with flavors that embody the hearty and warm tastes of the season, Butternut …

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The Perfect Gingersnap Cookie Recipe for Every Occasion

Looking to add a touch of warmth and spice to your baking repertoire? Look no further than the humble gingersnap cookie. With its crackly surface, chewy center, and delightful blend of aromatic spices, it’s no wonder that this classic treat has stood the test of time. But what is the secret to achieving the perfect …

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Artist Spotlight: Charley Harper

Today’s artist spotlight is on the American Modern artist, Charley Harper. He was born on the family farm in Frenchton, West Virginia, on August 4, 1922. Growing up, he not only had the farm to explore, but also the Appalachian hills, where he spent time wandering the land and observing the wildlife. This upbringing suited …

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American Thanksgiving: Why Do We Celebrate It?

A few weeks ago, my 7 year old was sitting at the kitchen table and working on his homework.  He looked up at me, confusion crossing his face as he said, “I’m supposed to write three sentences on why we celebrate Thanksgiving but I don’t know why we do.” This statement led me to really …

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Marking Time: How Thanksgiving Day Became the 4th Thursday of November

Have you ever wondered why Thanksgiving Day always falls on the 4th Thursday of every year? Why was it a Thursday? Why not a Friday so we could have a three day weekend? Was it so the stores could have a Black Friday? Okay, the last one doesn’t actually matter since stores had not coined …

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