Southern Living gives nod to fried chicken in Houston

Southern Living gives nod to fried chicken in Houston



As you’re flipping through the A-Z guide in Southern Living’s June issue, make sure you pause in the “best fried chicken” section. What am I saying? How could you look at photos of crispy, golden fried chicken and not think about what you ought to have for dinner tonight.

Three Houston restaurants — Max’s Wine Dive (Best New Classic), Barbecue Inn (Best Down-Home Classic) and Al Aseel Grill and Cafe (Best International) — made the list of 14 restaurants throughout the South. An addendum to the list rates fast food and supermarket fried chicken, giving a nod to Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen (tender and juicy) and KFC’s extra crispy version (original recipe was chided for being too greasy.)

The fried chicken at Max’s Wine Dive earned kudos from Southern Living magazineOf Barbecue Inn, the Southern Living writers said the restaurant’s “fryers trump its barbecue pits.” The chicken was described as having a greaseless crust that “flakes off in rippling shards.” Max’s chicken — also available in Austin, San Antonio and Dallas — was lauded as retooled comfort food with a jalapeno kick. Even more fun, waitstaff will urge you to cleanse your palate with a coupe of champagne. “Why the hell not?” asks the T-shirts they wear.

Pet Supplies Plus chain to enter Houston market

Pet Supplies Plus will open its first five stores in the Houston area by the end of the year, according to the company.

The Livonia, Mich.-based company has signed three franchise agreements for the Houston area, said Pet Supplies Plus  director of franchise development Larry Flaherty.

Pet Supplies Plus stores are typically 5,000 to 10,000 square feet, compared to chains like Petco and PetSmart, which have spaces often around 20,000 square feet, Flaherty said. Pet Supplies Plus stores also are more likely to be in neighborhood strip centers.

After the first five Houston area stores open, the company plans to build 10 more in the area over the next year and a half or so, Flaherty said.

The first stores may likely be in The Woodlands, Katy and Sugar Land areas, he said.

Founded in 1988, Pet Supplies Plus has almost 300 locations, mostly in eastern states.

Urban district under way in Springwoods Village

This rendering shows the first two buildings planned in the 60-acre commercial and high-density residential district slated for the Springwoods Village master-planned community north of Houston.

Developers released further details Thursday about the project called CityPlace. It was formerly known as Springwoods Village Town Center.

The first buildings, designed by Gensler, will total 440,000 square feet of space with shops and restaurants on the first floors. They will go up on the eastern end of CityPlace near a hotel, public plaza, lake and park system to be developed.

Patrinely Group, CDC Houston and USAA Real Estate Co. are developing the project, which also will include luxury apartments and hotel rooms.

In all, more than 4 million square feet of office space with ground-floor retail is planned for the site, where Interstate 45,  the Grand Parkway and the Hardy Toll Road come together.

The first building is expected to be completed by the end of next year. Harvey Builders is the general contractor. JLL will lease the office space, and Transwestern Retail will lease the shop space.

Houston multifamily developer Martin Fein will build a 268-unit apartment complex with first-floor retail in the project. And Woodbine Development Corp. is developing a full-service hotel with meeting space, as well as a Residence Inn by Marriott, located on the western end of CityPlace.

CDC Houston is developing Springwoods Village, an 1,800-acre planned community west of Interstate 45 in northern Harris County. It has attracted major energy companies, including Exxon Mobil Corp. and Southwestern Energy Co., and national development groups to build in the area.

By 2015, the development is expected to have some 11,000 people working in the community and 500 residents living there.

Where you need to go: ER vs. Urgent Care

Where you need to go: ER vs. Urgent Care
There are more than 10,000 medical clinics that have sprouted up around the nation. These offer the possibility of a shorter wait and a cheaper bill. The only hitch: Not all clinics are created equal. They range from nurse-staffed facilities to freestanding ERs. Hobble into the first type, and you may be out a co-pay before being sent elsewhere to get an X-ray; the second type could be as costly as a hospital ER, even if your problem is relatively minor. Here's how to make the right choice for your health and your wallet.

First: Call your doctor.
If you're not facing a life-threatening emergency, give your own doctor a call: You may be surprised at the hours your primary care physician keeps. In a survey of family physicians, 72% of them offered same-day appointments for urgent matters, and 45% had extended hours outside the standard 9 to 5.

If you can't reach your doctor and you're worried the situation might be dire, you have three choices beyond the hospital ER:

1. For life-threatening problems...
Freestanding emergency centers are open 24/7, so they are a boon in a true crisis when there's no nearby hospital or you want to avoid a long wait. The ER physicians on staff can deal with serious fractures and life-threatening problems such as uncontrolled bleeding, heart attacks, strokes, and poisonings. They'll even help deliver a child. (And if they can't handle your issue, they can transfer you to a hospital.) While co-pays have been changing, they've been about $75 to $100, although your total bill may be much higher; you wouldn't want to go to one of these centers for conditions that could be treated elsewhere. They usually accept insurance, but check to make sure the one you're headed for takes your particular plan. One caveat: While almost all freestanding ERs — like hospital ERs — will treat everyone regardless of coverage, some may turn away the uninsured.

2. For serious injuries...
Urgent care clinics are usually staffed by a combination of M.D.'s, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners, and they can handle serious — but not life-threatening — problems like sprains, strains, and minor fractures (most have imaging equipment). The staff on hand can also manage mild allergic or asthmatic reactions, infections and animal bites; stitch up cuts; and prescribe any medication you might need. These clinics are open at least 10 to 12 hours a day, six to seven days a week; co-pays have been around $35 to $75 (though again, you'll want to verify that the clinic accepts your insurance).

3. For minor concerns...
Retail clinics can often be found in pharmacies and big-box stores such as Walmart, and they're usually staffed by nurse practitioners and physician assistants who are overseen by an off-site M.D. The clinics offer wellness care such as vaccinations, physicals, and blood tests, but they can also come in handy when you can't get in to see a doctor for a worrisome rash, a questionable cut, a minor burn, an earache, or persistent cold or flu symptoms. You'll find that the hours vary, but the clinics are typically open 10 to 12 hours a day. Co-pays have been in the $15 to $30 range — but be sure to confirm that your insurance is accepted.

Go directly to an ER if you have:
Any serious injury to life or limb — especially one that triggers a sense of dread or doom, say physicians. The body releases substances such as stress chemicals after you've suffered serious trauma, so don't ignore that feeling. Problems that can trigger this sense include:
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• A severe allergic reaction
• A high fever with a stiff neck
• Sudden, severe abdominal pain

Is it an emergency?
Sometimes you face a condition that's neither minor (i.e., treatable at a retail clinic) nor an obvious emergency. The chart below can help you decide if you need urgent care or the ER:

10 Healthiest Greens

10 Healthiest Greens You Can Eat For The Least Amount Of Calories

Put down the kale. Breaking out of your vegetable rut may be the smartest way to reduce your risk of chronic disease, according to new research from the CDC. They analyzed and ranked 47 different types of produce known to reduce chronic disease, giving the ones with the most nutrients per calorie top billing as “powerhouse” fruits and vegetables. Meet the winners’ circle:

Watercress, 4 calories per cupEach serving of the salad-ready succulent delivers a quarter of your recommended daily dose of vitamin A and vitamin C, and 1 gram of protein.
Chinese cabbage, 9 calories per cupAlso known as bok choy, it’s an all-around goodie, with plenty of iron, calcium, vitamin A, vitamin c, protein, fiber, and a couple carbs to power you up.
Chard, 7 calories per cup
Each serving of the ribbed green has 1 gram of protein, 1 gram of fiber, and vitamins A, E, and K—pair with a little healthy fat (avocadoes, almonds, olives, etc.) to get the most from those fat-soluble vitamins.
Beet greens, 8 calories per cupOne cup of the root toppers contain about 5% of the iron and calcium you need for the day, and a little power, too, with 2 carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber, and 1 gram of protein.
Spinach, 7 calories per cupClassic spinach leaves have more than half your daily vitamin A and is also a good source of fiber and key minerals like iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and copper.
Chicory greens, 7 calories per cup
A serving of this herbaceous green provides a third of your daily vitamin A needs, as well as a gram of fiber and key B vitamins like riboflavin, B6, folate, and pantothenic acid.
Leaf lettuce, 1 calorie per cupThis salad-and-sandwich standby has trace amounts of vitamins A, C, K, and the B vitamins—but only a single calorie.
Parsley, 22 calories per cup
Each cup of the herb packs in two grams of protein and fiber, all the vitamin A and C you need in a day, and almost a quarter of the iron.
Romaine lettuce, 1 calorie per cupCup for cup, the dark salad favorite edges regular lettuce in terms of vitamin A content and has a much higher mineral content, with phosphorus, copper, magnesium, iron, and potassium.
Collard greens, 11 calories per cup
This southern green is high in calcium, vitamin C, A, E, K, and B, and does pretty well for itself in terms of protein and fiber, with 1 gram of each.

Tricks That Can Help Prevent Overeating

Tricks That Can Help Prevent Overeating

Food comas get old real quick. If you struggle with overeating and portion control, it's time to rethink old habits and redesign your relationship with meals. Start with these 11 straightforward tips:

Know your needs: When your diet doesn't feel like a guessing game, you're more likely to make smart decisions at meals. Check out this Mayo Clinic calorie calculator to learn your numbers and make educated decisions about what you're eating.

Measure things out: You can't be exactly sure of what you're eating unless you measure out portions properly. Instead of eyeballing everything, pick up some portion-control products so you can be precise.

Never show up too hungry: When you arrive at a meal feeling famished, you're much more likely to overdo it. Enjoy quality snacks during the day to keep your hunger in check for meals.

Cook one serving: Take temptation out of the picture by cooking single-size servings of your favorite foods. This way, you won't have to struggle with saying no to the extras lurking in your fridge.

Choose smaller plates: Serve your meal on a salad or dessert plate. Studies show that using a smaller plate helps with weight loss and portion control. 

Sit down to eat: Turn off outside distractions, sit at the table, and focus on your food. You'll be able to slow down, enjoy your meal, and feel more satisfied from what's on your plate.

Tips for Living Green

Tips for Living Green
Remember when "environmentalist" meant… recycling?

It's not so simple anymore. Being an environmentalist today calls for a whole new level of greener thinking—from what you choose at the grocery store to how you commute to work every day.

Going green all at once is too much for almost anyone to accomplish. Instead, try making just one new change or adding one new habit or resolve each week. You'll be surprised at how it adds up after just a year.

Here are a few to get you started:

• A laptop uses just a quarter of the power required by a desktop computer.
  
• Contaminants are tracked into homes on the soles of shoes. Consider becoming a shoe-free household. Clever designs for shoe storage near the front door can keep entries clutter-free and indoor air cleaner at the same time.
  
• Generating enough electricity to cook for an hour in a standard electric oven creates 2.7 pounds of carbon dioxide. Here's a list of what can do it for less: toaster oven, 1.3 pounds over 50 minutes; slow cooker, 0.9 pounds over seven hours; and microwave, 0.5 pounds over 15 minutes.
  
• If a vehicle's tires have less than recommended air pressure, gas mileage will suffer. Determine the correct pressure level from the small plaque likely found just inside the driver's-side door, but possibly on a rear doorpost, in the trunk/latch area, the glove box, or even on the sun visor.
  
• Wrapping a water heater with insulation can keep as many as 1,000 pounds of global-warming CO2 a year out of the upper atmosphere.
  
• Using cold water can save up to 80 percent of the energy required to wash clothes.
  
• Use safeclimate.net/calculator/ to determine how much your travel by car or plane fouls up the environment by spewing CO2 into the atmosphere.
  
• Some commercial air fresheners use chemicals that can be harmful to a baby's development. Instead, lightly spritz the place with vinegar.
  
• Vinegar will clean out deposits clogging a steam iron or coffeemaker.
  
• A cup of vinegar will clean a washing machine. Run it through a regular cycle -- but not with clothes.
• Install a programmable thermostat that lets you automatically lower the temperature when no one is home or when the family is asleep.
• The average American home contains two televisions, a VCR and/or DVD player and three phones. These home electronics can use more energy than you think. As you replace existing equipment, look for Energy Star models that help reduce carbon emissions.

Money Saving Tips

Money Saving Tips

The simplest way of saving is to spend less money than you earn but this is simpler said than done. You really must work out a budget to ensure you know exactly how much money is coming in and how much is going out. ( here is one from Money Help which offers online or excel based budget )

Have a money box. Obvious you say? But do you actually have one? If you took a money box and just started putting in spare coppers you could easily save up a good few pounds in just a month or so.

Pay yourself. Huh? Think about it. If you could get a cleaner for 10$ an hour I bet you would be interest. If you do 6 hours cleaning a week this would add up to 60$. Get a pot and pay yourself wages each week for chores around the house. You set the level of your wage. Save this money up and then use it to buy something for you for all your hard work. This is an incredibly easy yet fulfilling way of rewarding yourself for looking after the home.

Once every few months go through coat pockets and handbags and take out all the loose change that has been gathering there. You might just be surprised at how much you find. As this money has been sitting idle, put it straight into your savings pot—you won’t miss it.

If you are saving for something in particular, get a picture of that item and put in your purse or wallet. Every time you are tempted to take money out to pay for something have a look at your desired item and see which is more important. This can really help keep you focused on staying on track for what you really want and not wasting money on impulse buys.

Household Tips

Household Tips


Cleaning. Booo. What do you mean that I have to do more than one big spring cleaning?! The good news it that I found a great roundup to help out. There are some wonderful tips to help make cleaning easier, better, and get it over with more quickly. I will do anything to get back to relaxing in the summer sun.


Living Room
When cleaning start with jobs that need dry cleaning, such as dusting and sweeping. Then move on to ‘wet’ cleaning such as using glass cleaner and polish. This ensures that less dirt will float around in the air and then cling to the wet surfaces.

Ditch the polish and just use a damp cloth for the furniture. A damp cloth also holds the dust rather than just spreading it around.

Remove marks from wooden furniture by cutting a walnut in two and rubbing its raw edge along the grain of the wood.

Use a banana skin to dust plants – the dust clings to the skin and the juice nourishes the leaves.

Clean the inside of a dirty vase by filling it with vinegar and a handful of dry rice and give it a good swirl around


Stop static electricity on your TV by wiping with a tumble dryer sheet.

Make your wood shine by polishing it with a solution of two parts olive oil to one part lemon juice.


Bathroom Room


Place an opened box of bicarbonate of soda behind the toilet to absorb nasty odours.

To organize clutter in the bathroom, purchase an attractive storage container with a handle on top. Place all of your accessories such as hair spray and lotion, in the container and place under the sink. Take the container out when you are ready to use it and then put it back under the sink when you are finished with it.

Unblock a sink by putting a handful of bicarbonate of soda down the drain followed by a cup of vinegar, wait a few hours then pour in a kettle full of boiling water.

If your shower doors are looking a bit dull, use a fabric softener sheet to get them gleaming again. The sheets contain ingredients that soften up water deposit build ups allowing you to wipe them off easily. Wipe down your shower doors a good wipe down with a few sheets and it will leave them looking terrific (and smelling lovely).

Freshen sinks by popping two fizzy indigestion tablets and 250ml of vinegar down the plug hole.

After a shower, quickly give the doors and tiles a quick rinse off. This will help prevent the build-up of soap scum.

To keep shower tiles cleaner for longer wax them with car polish after giving them a good clean. This will help stop the grime from sticking to them.

Shine up your bathroom taps with a dab of white toothpaste. Rub with a cloth and then rinse off.

Use flat cola to clean your toilet. Yes, really. Pour a can of flat cola into the toilet pan and leave for half an hour. When you then flush the lime-scale will have dissolved and your toilet will come up lovely and shiny. (Makes me rather concerned about what cola does to our insides when we drink it!!)

When cleaning, little and often is so much less stressful than having to spend a whole day at the weekend going through the house. Clean the bathroom after your shower in the morning. A quick spray around with some cleaner whilst everything is coated in hot steam helps the cleaning and it only takes a few minutes. The bathroom is then always bright and shiny and clean

For a clean, fresh smell in your bathroom, place a dryer/fabric softener sheet in your bathroom’s bin.

How to Cut and Onion

How to Cut and Onion



Cutting and onion in the correct shape for cooking can be difficult. when our sobbing like you just broke up with your sweetheart. luckily these are some good tips that you can use to cut an onion the right way to produce a beautiful product.

Slice

• Turn the onion so that the tapered end (top side) sites on your right
• Chop off the right end and left ends (this is a vertical cut)
• Set the Onion on one of the flat side and cut in half
• Take one half and set on the big side so that it arches upward. make cuts about 1/4 inch apart starting from the right then repeat on the other half
• Separate the layers into slices

Mince

• Cut the root end of the onion off
• From the top cut the onion in half
• Remove the outer skin
• With the pointed end of the knife towards you slice as finely as possible
• Turn the pointed end of your knife to your left and slice cross ways.

Dice

• Cut the onion in half lengthwise so that the knife cuts through the tip and the root not across the middle
• Cut off the tip and root ends and discard
• Peel the onion so that the outer skin if completely removed
• place the onion flat side down
• Using a large sharp knife cut the onion lengthwise. Make several parallel cuts along one axis. You will be cutting in the same direction you originally cut the onion in half. If you want the dice to be smaller make more cuts, for larger dice make fewer cuts
• In the same direction cut the onion in half, instead of cutting in and up/down motion, turn the knife on its side and cut from right to left
• now cutting from the top of the onion down cut into small squares.
• Now repeat these steps on the other half of the onion

Mistakes You're Making with Your Chili

There are handfuls of ways to make chili: some people like it with ground beef and beans, some like it Texas-style with big chunks of meat, and plenty go vegetarian. Whatever your pleasure, there are many mistakes made when cooking this football favorite. 

1. Browning doesn’t matter

 Just kidding! Browning ALWAYS matters. Searing your meat first will get you a deep, umami-packed flavor that will permeate your chili. Plus, you don’t want your beef or pork to become grayish lumps in your stew, do you? No. So make sure you’ve got a nice sear—this goes for both diced and ground meat.

2. Vegetables? Throw them in raw

 Wrong. Sautéing onions, garlic, and other veggies first coaxes maximum flavor out of them. So make sure your onions, for example, are soft and translucent before you add your liquid.

3. Use a pre-mixed chili powder

 Take a look on the back of your chili powder bottle. Often times, it’s a blend of spices: ancho chile, cumin, garlic powder usually. We recommend using all these spices, but use them separately to build layers of flavor. Garlic? Use fresh chopped cloves. Get a bottle of ancho chile powder instead of a blend. Buy whole cumin seeds, then toast and grind them yourself. Small changes like that will make your chili so much better.

4. Season with spices just before serving

 Do the opposite. Like with your veggies, heat and fat draw out the flavor in ground spices. If you add them when the stew is almost finished, all you’ll taste is raw spice—not the deep, rich, spicy flavor that you love about chili.

5. Quick is okay

 Let that chili cooooook. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. In fact, chili is just the kind of thing you want to make a day ahead: it gets better with a night in the fridge.

For the record, we always say yes to toppings: onions, scallions, cheese, sour cream, and avocado. And we recommend that you serve your chili with sturdy chips, in case you want to forgo spoons.

Shrimp Cocktail Recipe

Good to Eat Shrimp Cocktail



You'll Need:
1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 Tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/2 cup ketchup
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1 Tbsp prepared horseradish
1 tsp sriracha or other hot sauce

How to Make It:
*Preheat the oven to 400°F. On a baking sheet, toss the shrimp with the olive oil, Old Bay (if using), and salt and pepper. Bake for about 5 minutes, until the shrimp are pink and just firm.
*While the shrimp cook, combine the ketchup, lemon juice, horseradish, and sriracha. Taste and adjust the spice level to your preference. Serve with the shrimp.

Microwave Hacks

Microwaves get a bad rap for making everything taste like cardboard, zapping all nutrition from your food, and emitting dangerous energy waves, but let's be fair. “Any preparation or cooking of food can decrease the level of nutrients, whether it be microwaving, steaming, boiling, frying, or roasting,” says Michelle Dudash, R.D.N., chef, and author of Clean Eating for Busy Families. 

In some cases, nuking your food can even be healthier: Studies have shown that microwaving vegetables preserves certain nutrients better than boiling, since fewer vitamins get lost in the water. And no one can argue that it’s a hell of a lot easier to heat something for 2 minutes than bake it for 2 hours.

The catch? Most of the time reheating in an oven or cooking on the stove tastes better. But that’s about to change: Use these nine tricks to keep your microwaved food healthy and tastier than ever before.

Choose your dish wisely.
The “do-not-microwave” bowls are obviously out. But you also shouldn’t zap Styrofoam, aluminum foil, or cold-storage containers like those for margarine or Greek yogurt, because they either get hot too quickly or can leach chemicals into your food, says Dudash. Your best bet: glass or microwave-safe ceramic dishes. And if you don’t have a glass lid, opt for a wet paper towel, which will help keep moisture locked in, advises Eric Stein, R.D., a Chicago-based wellness chef.

2. Opt for shallow over tall.
Microwave heat only penetrates, at most, 1.5 inches into food, says Dudash. Leftovers in a shallow dish will reheat more evenly than food packed into a tall and narrow container. And stir it halfway through—this brings the cold, bottom grains up to the top, she adds.

3. Steam your vegetables.
Instead of submerging your greens in water like when you boil, add only a couple of tablespoons of H2O to a vegetable-filled glass dish, says Dudash. The higher the water content—like in zucchini, cauliflower, eggplant, or peppers—the less you need. Covering the dish with a lid will help keep the vegetables moist and cook evenly as well. And for green vegetables, which are more acidic, leave the lid slightly ajar so the compounds can escape, keeping your vegetables bright rather than overcooked army green.

4. Zap meats on a low level.
Lower power levels allow heat to reach the center of the food without overcooking the outside, explains Dudash. This is good for reheating eggs, cheese, and solid meat since they can toughen on high heat. With most microwaves, you can enter the time and then instead of hitting start, press the button that says “power level.” Most run levels 1-10, so choose around 4-5 for a good setting.

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5 Foods That Boost Your Metabolism

5 Foods That Boost Your Metabolism

If the warm days of spring are motivating you to shed some weight, you’ll want to know about foods like these that can help give your metabolism an extra boost:

Citrus fruits
Foods like oranges, grapefruit, lemons and limes contain vitamin C that helps metabolize fat faster, which make them helpful for weight loss. You only need 60 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C a day to meet your body’s basic needs, but increasing your daily intake to 500 mg can boost your fat-burning potential during exercise by 39%. Researchers at Scripps Clinic found that participants who ate half a grapefruit with each meal in a 12-week period lost an average of 3.6 pounds. NOTE: If you take medication check with your doctor about possible adverse interactions with grapefruit.

Berries
Berries are high in dietary fiber. The body cannot digest fiber, but it tries anyway and burns calories in the process. Just one cup of raspberries contains a whopping 8g of fiber and only 60 calories. Strawberries, blackberries and blueberries are all good sources of fiber, too. Another plus: Fiber makes fat and calories from a meal or snack “disappear” by soaking them up and removing them through the digestive tract before the body can absorb them.

High-fiber cereals
A study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that women who ate cereal were 30% less likely to be overweight than those who ate other breakfast foods. High-fiber cereals not only rev up the metabolism, they also digest slowly so you feel full and energized for hours. Also, fiber helps keep insulin levels steady, which helps prevent fat storage.

Lean proteins
Lean meats like lean beef, chicken and turkey help to speed up the metabolism and burn more fat simply because they require so much energy for complete digestion. Studies have shown that people who follow a high-protein diet burn twice as many calories after a meal as people who follow a high-carbohydrate diet. In addition, eating protein helps to preserve muscle mass during weight loss, keeping metabolism running at full speed. A 3-ounce serving of boneless, skinless lean turkey breast weighs in at 120 calories and provides 26 grams of appetite-curbing protein, 1 gram of fat and 0 grams of saturated fat.  

Garlic
This nutritional powerhouse offers a host of health benefits, from boosting immunity to fighting aging and disease, and much more. Adding garlic to your diet, even in amounts you cannot detect, may help you shed weight, too. A study published in The Journal of Nutrition found that garlic may increase the number of calories burned during daily activities while decreasing the body's production of fat.
For delicious high fiber meal plans, recipes and tips on healthy eating, drinking and losing weight, check out my latest book, The Miracle Carb Diet: Make Calories and Fat Disappear – with Fiber!

Ultimate Father's Day Steaks to Grill Up This Sunday

Ultimate Father's Day Steaks to Grill Up This Sunday

Give Dad a break from the grill this Sunday and treat him to an extra special cookout with the best hunks of meat you can find. We're talking ultra juicy rib eyes, T-bones, strip steaks, and more. Here are some great  grilled steak recipes.

Rib-Eye, T-Bone, and Strip Steaks Cut Over One Inch

Grilled Rib-Eye Steaks with Roasted-Pepper Salsa

Salt-and-Pepper Rib Eye

9 Guilt-Free Candies That Won’t Derail Your Diet

9 Guilt-Free Candies That Won’t Derail Your Diet

 As the new year arrives, we make tons of promises to ourselves: This is the year we quit that job, find that dream apartment, and lose all of that holiday weight. The latter is perhaps one of the more universal resolutions made in the first month of the new year. And it is probably fair to say that it is also the resolution abandoned most often.


When it comes to dieting we operate in extremes, going from zero to healthy in two minutes flat. But denying yourself all the joys of sweets may not be the best plan. So that you don’t have to completely avoid candy, we found some of the best sweet options for you to indulge in while staying on track. While you are rooting through that candy dish, there are certain candies you should be on the lookout for that are the healthiest choices for a little sweet indulgence.

For instance, a handful of Reese’s Pieces can satisfy a sweet tooth craving for less than 100 calories. If you’re looking for a sugar rush, you can help yourself to an entire roll of Smarties for only 25 calories. Need a chocolate fix? Try savoring a single Hershey’s Kiss for 22 calories.
Of course, all of these should be enjoyed in moderation. We aren’t suggesting you eat only sweets, but dieting doesn’t have to be excruciating. Break up the monotony and indulge intelligently with these semi-healthy sweet options!

Haribo Gummy Bears

Sweet and nostalgic, gummy bears can be a surprisingly filling snack that won’t cost you dozens of calories. There are about 70 calories in half of a 5-ounce bag, so portion the bag out and you could have a ton of sweet, small snacks!

Sugar-Free Jelly Belly Jelly Beans

Sometimes we all get a craving for a little sugar rush, but just because we want it doesn’t mean we need it. Fret not, there is a compromise. Jelly beans come in at only 80 calories and are a great way to get your sweet tooth fix without killing your diet!

Reese’s Pieces

Chocolate, peanut butter, and hard-shelled candy probably sound like heaven if you’ve been on a diet. These are easy to eat and super satisfying, and you can enjoy about 25 tiny pieces for 100 calories

Dark Chocolate Raisinets

Both decadent and savory, Dark Chocolate Raisinets are the perfect way to satisfy a craving without the sin. The candy claims to have 30 percent less fat than the leading chocolate brands and offers a half-serving of fruit in every ¼-cup serving. If you’re looking to treat yourself to something sweet, this little candy is a delicious option.

Life Savers

If your hankering for sweets is slightly insatiable, hard candy can both satisfy your hunger and distract you from eating calorie-laden options. And for this option, you don’t even have to go sugar-free! The regular pack of five flavors contains only 45 calories per serving and a sugar count of about 9 grams.

Hershey's Kisses

In need of a quick chocolate fix? One Hershey’s Kiss will help do the trick! One milk chocolate Hershey’s Kiss comes out to about 22 calories, but be careful you don’t overdo it with these little bites. If you end up eating nine of them, you’d be up to 23 grams of sugar and 200 calories!

Tootsie Pop
A lollipop that lasts and has a delicious chocolate center? Sign us up — especially because they only account for 60 calories and last a long time, forcing you to enjoy them slowly and make you less hungry.

Smarties

Sort of sweet and sort of tart, these retro candies are perfect for a sweet tooth fix. One entire roll of this candy is only 25 calories and has only 6 grams of sugar.

York Peppermint Patties (Snack Size)

Refreshing, minty and all-around delicious, this candy will help make your dessert dreams come true. With only 60 calories per serving, this snack will make your taste buds tingle.

 

Money Saving Tips

Money Saving Tips

Turn the last bit of nut butter or chocolate sauce into a delicious drink

Add milk to the jar and give it a stir for a tasty treat that uses up every last bit.

Turn your last bit of mayo into salad dressing

Add olive oil, spices, and fresh herbs to the jar and give it a shake. Instant salad dressing!

Make banana bread using overripe bananas

You can even pop your overripe bananas in the freezer until you have enough for your favorite recipe.

Coat measuring cups with oil before measuring sticky substances

Stop wasting maple syrup and honey! Use this simple trick to get the most out of your sticky syrups.

Rinse berries in vinegar to prevent mold

Your berries will keep for longer, and don't worry, they won't taste like vinegar!

Secret Ingredient to Better Tuna Salad

Secret Ingredient to Better Tuna Salad

One spoonful of this and you’ll upgrade the flavor of the protein-packed combo

As far as quick, muscle-building meals go, it’s tough to best tuna fish salad. Six ounces of canned tuna, packed in water, contain 40 grams of protein for about 220 calories. Add a large hardboiled egg and you’ve contributed 6 more grams of protein for 78 calories. A little mayo will up the creaminess, but still keep you under a 500-calorie meal—all while providing a powerhouse of workout recovery fuel.

The strong taste of tuna is great for carrying add-ins, too. Grated carrots, sesame seeds, cilantro, lime juice, Sriracha, onion—most ingredients only enhance the flavor of the fish.

Yet there’s one tuna fish ingredient that reigns over all—and it’s probably one you

’ve never thought of. After this, your taste buds will never be the same.

The sweet heat of pickled jalapeno juice gives tuna fish salad a bite and a burn. Plus, combined with mayo, the juice helps make the mixture creamier without having to pile in more calories.

Soothe a Savage Sunburn

Flew too close to the sun, eh, Icarus? Use these tips to survive the scorch

Maybe you skipped the sunscreen completely. Maybe you simply have the complexion of Casper and got scorched on your way to the mailbox. Regardless, the sun has struck and done damage. Now what do you do? Save your seared hide with these pro tips.

The science
The key thing here is ultraviolet damage. “When you start to peel, you are witnessing cells which have been killed by the ultraviolet light making a cleft in the epidermis, or outer layer of the skin,” says Richard Glogau, MD, clinical professor of dermatology at University of California San Francisco. “This disintegration causes the cells above them to come off in sheets very similar to what happens with the roof of a blister. The dead layer literally peels off.”

The consequences
If blistering has happened, the peel is coming, and no amount of lotion will prevent it. “Moisturizing may temporarily delay the reaction, but once those epidermal cells are zapped, they are doomed to peel off,” Glogau says. Do your best to keep your hands away from the burn—no scratching, itching, picking, or peeling away. Moisturizing might help your skin itch less, thereby reducing your inclination to mess with it.

The pain
If a blister is present, leave it intact to allow the new skin underneath the blister to mature and heal, says Elizabeth Martin, MD, of Pure Dermatology & Aesthetics. “If you pick at peeling skin or blisters you can increase your risk of developing a skin infection,” she says. Using compresses or baths with colloidal oatmeal (such as Aveeno) can soothe the rawness of the blistered skin. Or try this DIY trick: “Compressing with ice-cold whole milk for a minute or two will also take the severe burn sensation down a notch or two,” Glogau says. Frequent application of a neutral emollient, like Aquaphor ointment or Eucerin Calming Cream, can soothe the skin. Repeat the oatmeal or milk soaks/compresses every hour as needed.

The fixes
Fortunately, there are many strategies for further alleviating this nastiness. In terms of general pain, start with an anti-inflammatory. “Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen taken according to directions in the first 24 hours can significantly reduce discomfort from sunburn,” Glogau says. The biggest takeaway? Take them right away. “To be useful, these drugs must be taken within hours of the first appearance of the pain or redness of the sunburn,” Glogau says.

For topical treatment, aloe is the obvious choice. “Aloe kept chilled in the refrigerator can be particularly soothing to sunburned skin,” Martin says. She also suggests products that contain soy, as well as over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream.  But beware of certain ingredients: “I do not recommend using any products that contain ingredients with ‘-caine’ in the name,” Martin notes. “These can irritate the skin or even cause an allergic reaction.”

The reminders
Once you have gotten a sunburn, keep a few things in mind. First, hydration: “When you are sunburned, fluid is drawn to the skin's surface and away from the rest of the body, so drink extra water when you are sunburned to help avoid dehydration,” Martin says.

Also, keep that sunburned skin out of the sun. If you have to go outdoors, wear tightly woven fabrics (loose fitting, of course) to protect your skin. If you have blistering that covers a large area, such as your entire back, or if you have chills, fever, or a headache, see your doctor immediately, Martin says.

The lecture
In the future, use sunblock, ‘kay?

6 Common Mistakes People Make when Baking Brownies

When it comes to comfort food and our favorite desserts, brownies rank way up there. They’re rich, decadent, sweet, and come with the added bonus of nostalgia: Who doesn’t have fond memories of an after-school brownie and a tall, icy glass of milk? But these chocolatey treats are trickier to nail than they seem—there are a good many mistakes to be made along the way, from using the wrong recipe to digging in too soon. Never botch your brownies again with these essential tips.

1. Pick a Recipe, any recipe
The recipe you use matters, and here’s why: Most people fall into two brownie-related categories: Those who prefer cake-like brownies, and those who want them on the fudgier side. To make the brownies of your dreams, you’ve got to first know which type of brownie you prefer. If you’re into cakey brownies, go for a recipe that is reminiscent of, well, cake: For example, if your instructions include the act of creaming together butter and sugar, you’re probably going to be making a cake-like brownie. Which is great, if you’re into that. If you prefer fudgey brownies, look for a recipe that has a higher chocolate and butter-to-dry ingredient ratio.


2. Chocolate is chocolate is chocolate
Brownies don’t require a lot of ingredients—so the ones you use should be really great. Instead of purchasing ubiquitous “baking chocolate,” just grab chocolate that you’d want to eat on its own. Go for the good stuff—this isn’t the time for cutting corners or making due with an inferior product. And what about cocoa powder? While you can use it, but we warn against doing so casually—its flour-like properties make for a cakey batter which, although super chocolatey, is definitely drier than the dense, gooey brownies many people aim for.
Since we’re talking chocolate, it’s time to lose the miniature chips: They contain stabilizers, Saffitz explains, which don’t melt well, and also add things into your batter that just don’t need to be there. Instead, use bar chocolate and chop it into big chunks; it’ll melt slowly, making rich, ultra-chocolatey brownies.

3. Bring on the Heat
Yes, you’re going to need to melt your chocolate. But don’t combine screaming-hot-just-melted Guittard to your eggs, butter and sugar—it’ll cook and scramble the eggs, not to mention potentially burn the chocolate. Speaking of temperature, make sure to bring the rest of your ingredients to room temperature before combining. Does it take a little planning to remove those eggs and butter from the fridge an hour in advance? Sure, but they’ll combine much better than when chilly, yielding a smoother, creamier batter. Here’s a cheat: If you forgot to take your ingredients out of the fridge before beginning, stick them in warm (NOT hot!) water for about 15 minutes.

4. Get flavor crazy
We’ve all seen brownies with intricate flavor combinations, but honestly, are you ever really craving a chocolate-chipotle-raspberry-lime brownie? Pick one “extra” flavor or add-in, like chocolate, cream cheese, or nuts, and stick with it. The point here, is to enhance the chocolate’s flavor—not mask it.  “No one is going to mind if you fold in some Reese’s peanut butter cups.”

5. Underbaked brownies = fudgy brownies
Underbaking makes for gooey, melty brownies, right? Wrong! Underbaking your pan of brownies means you’ll be eating, well, underbaked brownies. Always follow your recipe’s baking time (toothpick test doesn’t work here!) and bake your brownies until they’re done. The right texture is all in the right recipe; it’s not about the cooking time.

To make sure you don’t overbake your brownies, it’s worthwhile investing in a clear Pyrex pan—that way, you can keep an eye on how things are looking. What size and shape should you use? The test kitchen overwhelmingly recommends an 8X8 straight-sided square pan. It’s all about the crispy corners. Besides, says Perry, “There is just something magical about that square pan of brownies.”

6. Get 'em while they're hot!
Restrain yourself! The brownies will continue to set as they cool down, as well as develop flavor. Plus, they slice and come out of the pan much easier when properly cooled. But, if presentation doesn’t matter and your appetite can’t wait, then go for it!

How Summer Destroys Your Skin

 

Summer is here, and the heat is on. Finally, you can shed your wool suit and unveil your tanned, toned body . . . or not. This season can be especially hard on your skin and cause issues that can quickly send you back into hibernation. Here’s what you need to know to safely sport your summer skin all season long.

SUNBURN
By now it should be a no-brainer: Bare skin + sun = sunburn. Wear SPF of 30 or higher with UVA and UVB protection every single day and reapply after swimming or sweating. Now that we’ve got that out of the way, be sure to check your medicine cabinet before stepping outside. “Many people don’t realize that certain medications can increase their photosensitivity and put them at greater risk for sunburns,” says Clifford Perlis, M.D., a dermatologist at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia. The antibiotic doxycycline and blood pressure medication hydrochlorothiazide are especially powerful photosensitizers. “If you know you’re going to be at the beach, pool, or on vacation, talk to your doctor about the medications you’re taking and whether they increase your risk of sunburn,” he says. “Discuss whether you can switch medications to one that won’t boost your sensitivity.” Otherwise, be extra vigilant about protection to minimize the risk of sunburn, skin damage, and skin cancer.

FUNGAL INFECTIONS
First, the good news: Sunlight can decrease certain conditions like acne, psoriasis, and eczema. In fact, light therapy is one of the treatments for some of these issues because the UV rays may suppress overactive immune system cells that cause skin inflammation. However, heat and humidity may up your risk for other topical troubles such as fungal infections. Certain areas, such as your feet, underarms, and genitals, tend to stay warm and moist, which allows fungi to thrive and can lead to infections, Dr. Perlis says. He recommends using an antifungal powder like Tinactin in those hot spots every day, or every other day after showering. “The powder helps dry out the area, and the antifungal medication makes it no longer hospitable for fungus to grow,” he adds.

DRY SKIN
Getting wet could lead to feeling dry. Chlorine strips the layer of oil on the surface of your skin, which locks in water. While you can’t control what happens to your dermis while taking a dip, what you do afterward can make a big difference. Hit the shower and strip off your suit. Thoroughly clean your skin with soap and water, then smear on lotion—like Cetaphil DailyAdvance—while your skin is still damp to help replace the moisture-locking barrier.
MILLARIA
Also known as heat rash or prickly heat, you may see tiny red painless bumps that are plugged-up pores. Usually due to heat, humidity, and sweat, the bumps are totally benign—but can be annoyingly itchy. The best way to avoid heat rash is to minimize sweating. It often clears up once your skin cools down, too. Keep your air conditioner running throughout the warm months to cool your home, and wear lightweight clothing so moisture can escape when you sweat.

BUG BITES
“You may develop itching and inflammation around the area of a bite, either due to a toxin from the insect’s bite or your reaction to the toxin,” Dr. Perlis says. Smear on a low-dose topical steroid like Cordisone 10, or a cream with lidocaine to help reduce inflammation and pain. If you have more severe symptoms such as fever, nausea, hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling, call 911 or see a doctor right away. You could be having an allergic reaction.

5 Foods That Can Help Reduce Stress

5 Foods That Can Help Reduce Stress

If you ever feel more stressed out at home than you do at work, you're not alone. Last week, a new study by Penn State researchers confirmed that most people go through the same thing.

Coping with stress by heading to the fridge for a snack can actually be good idea because some foods may help you feel better, according to Sarah-Jane Bedwell, R.D., L.D.N., a nutrition expert and author of Schedule Me Skinny. Here, Bedwell reveals five foods that help reduce stress.

Red Bell Peppers: "When we experience stress, our body releases increased levels of stress hormones, such as cortisol. Getting plenty of vitamin C helps to stop the secretion of stress hormones. But before you reach for the O.J. or a bottle of Vitamin C pills, try a red bell pepper. With three times the amount of vitamin C as an orange, the red bell pepper has the highest Vitamin C content of any one food."

Yogurt with Nuts: "Studies have shown that the combination of lysine, an amino acid found in yogurt, and arginine, an amino acid found in nuts, will help to decrease stress hormones in the brain."

Peppermint Tea and Vanilla Tea: "What better way to calm your nerves when you are feeling stressed than a cup of hot tea? Studies have shown that peppermint and vanilla scents help you to feel less anxious, more alert, and enable you to focus and boost your concentration on the task at hand."

Raw Carrots: Another healthy crunchy food Bedwell recommends.

Popcorn: "The crunching will help relieve muscle tension in your face and jaw, and the carbohydrates will release serotonin, which will make you relax." 

Cajun Spice Rub Seasoning

This salt-free spicy Cajun rub is delicious on grilled shrimp! You can also use it to give your jambalaya an extra kick.

 Ingredients1/4 cup chili powder
1/4 cup Spanish paprika
2 tablespoons onion powder
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (to suit your spice preferences)
2 tablespoons dried thyme
2 tablespoons dried basil
2 tablespoons dried oregano
2 tablespoons ground coriander
1/2 tsp white pepper

Salt and pepper to taste if desired.

Directions

Mix all ingredients in a jar with a tight-fitting lid.
Taste and adjust the seasonings to suit your palate.
Store for up to three months.
Use one tablespoon at a time in recipes.

Marinade's

Jerk Marinade

Enough to marinate 2 pounds of chicken (skin-on thighs, legs, or wings) or pork (chops, loin, or boneless shoulder)

Ingredients

6 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
4 scallions, coarsely chopped
4 Scotch bonnet or habanero chiles, stemmed, seeded, coarsely chopped
3 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
2 tablespoons fresh thyme
1 tablespoon minced peeled fresh ginger
1 tablespoon (packed) dark brown sugar
2 teaspoons allspice berries
1 teaspoon kosher salt plus more
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar

Ingredient Info: Habaneros and Scotch bonnets—extremely hot chiles—are available at better supermarkets and at Latin markets

Preparation

Purée 4 tablespoons oil and the next 10 ingredients in a food processor until smooth. Transfer 1/4 cup marinade to a small bowl and make sauce: Whisk in vinegar and remaining 2 tablespoons oil and season to taste with salt. Refrigerate sauce. Put meat in a glass, stainless-steel, or ceramic dish. Toss with remaining marinade. Cover and chill for at least 3 hours or overnight.
Remove meat from marinade, pat dry, and grill.

The finish:
Spoon reserved sauce over grilled meat. 

Chimichurri Marinade

This colorful sauce doubles as a marinade and as an accompaniment to all cuts of beef, including Skirt Steak with Chimichurri Sauce.

Ingredients

1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon kosher salt plus more
3–4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced or minced
1 shallot, finely chopped
1 Fresno chile or red jalapeño, finely chopped
2 cups minced fresh cilantro
1 cup minced fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/3 cup finely chopped fresh oregano
3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Preparation

Combine vinegar, 1 teaspoon salt, garlic, shallot, and chile in a medium bowl and let stand for 10 minutes. Stir in cilantro, parsley, and oregano. Using a fork, whisk in oil. Remove 1/2 cup chimichurri to a small bowl, season with salt to taste, and reserve as sauce. Put meat in a glass, stainless-steel, or ceramic dish. Toss with remaining marinade. Cover and chill for at least 3 hours or overnight.
Remove meat from marinade, pat dry, and grill.