Teach your kids to cook

Kiddie ChefsYears ago, it was a family tradition to pass down the secrets to treasured recipes and spend hours in the kitchen teaching children to cook. Somewhere between the addiction to video games and the overactive schedules of parents and children, cooking lessons have been neglected.

While there are many reasons for teaching kids to cook -- less expensive than eating out, preserves family heritage, etc. -- the most important reason is that by teaching your child to cook, you're giving him a better chance to be a healthy grown-up. Enabling your child with the ability to appreciate freshness and to transform ingredients into tasty foods opens their eyes to making wiser choices about what to eat.

Cooking is perfect for children. They enjoy assembling, measuring and chopping tasks. It offers them an opportunity to be proud of their accomplishments and to share them with others. Cooking has activities for all ages. Here are some age-appropriate activities that can you get your started:

Activities for children 3-6 years old:
Washing fruits and veggies
Cleaning the tables and counters
Rolling things up on a baking sheet
Making shapes with cookie cutters

Activities for children 6-10 years old:
Reading recipes
Writing the shopping list when told the ingredients
Using measuring cups for dry and liquid ingredients
Stirring ingredients in a bowl
Using a dull knife to spread
Prepping fruits and veggies without a knife (i.e. snapping beans, husking corn, etc.)

Activities for 10-13 year olds:
Following steps and preparing simple recipes with little adult intervention
Using a microwave, oven and stove.
Using a hand grater
Using a knife with supervision
Operating a hand electric mixer

Activities for teens:
Planning a balanced meal, party menu or special event
Reading a recipe and creating a shopping list
Operating a food processor and blender
Making multiple ingredient recipes without supervision

When you begin to teach your child to cook it is important to teach appropriate kitchen safety and cleanliness practices. Introduce new safety and cleanliness concepts as your child progresses in his or her skill level. You can never review the basics of safety and cleanliness enough. And most of all -- have fun!

10 Kid-friendly breakfasts on the go

Simple And Tasty
Breakfasts In A HurryDon't let the morning rush get in the way of making breakfast for your kids! We have 10 kid-friendly breakfast ideas that are perfect for the Mom on-the-go. Easy, fast, and simple to make, you'll be out the door in no time.

Ham and cheese english muffins

This quick and easy breakfast recipe packs the protein so your kids will be ready for a productive day at school. Breakfasts high in protein jumpstart your day and keep you focused throughout your daily activities.

Slice an English muffin in half and top 1/2 with a cracked egg; microwave that half for 1 minute on a microwavable plate; top with a slice of cheese and deli ham; cover with the other half of the English muffin. Microwave for 15 to 30 seconds to melt the cheese. Enjoy! Really in a hurry? Wrap in a napkin and go!

Spiced-up instant oatmeal

Plain instant oatmeal may sound drab to the kids, but mix in a tablespoon of their favorite jam and it's an "instant" hit! Also try 1 tablespoon of peanut butter for extra protein, 1 tablespoon of nutella chocolate hazelnut spread, 1/4 cup granola for crunch, 1/2 banana (sliced), or 2 tablespoons of raisins. The possibilities are endless for instant oatmeal.

Breakfast trail mix

Fill a sandwich-sized ziplock bag with 1/4 cup sliced almonds, 1/4 cup raisins, 1 tablespoon semi-sweet chocolate chips, and 1/2 cup granola for a quick and easy breakfast on the go that will satisfy your kid's sweet tooth! Almonds pack a protein punch and the granola will help keep them energized. Switch things up and try yogurt-covered raisins or 2 tablespoons of sweet coconut. Make these the night before so all you have to do is grab and go!

Simple strawberry smoothie

Blenders can be your best friend when you're in a hurry to get the kids out the door! Try a breakfast smoothie by adding 1/2 cup ice, 1/4 cup milk, and 1/2 cup strawberries for a simple strawberry smoothie. Mix things up by adding a banana, frozen blueberries, or even chocolate milk for a sweet treat. Prepare liquid ingredients the night before so all you have to do is add the ice, blend, and pour! Check out some more fresh fruit smoothie recipes here.

Yogurt and granola

The grocery stores have dozens of options for yogurt on the go. Small, individual-sized portions are perfect for a quick breakfast. Grab some kid-friendly flavors such as strawberry and banana; pair with 1/3 cup granola in a ziplock bag with a plastic spoon. Ready in less than a minute and nutritious, your kid will love this mix-and-eat breakfast!

Banana breakfast wrap

Tortilla wraps make for an easy on-the-go breakfast treat with endless possibilities. We love slicing a banana and adding it to 2 tablespoons of peanut butter inside the tortilla, or try cream cheese and sliced strawberries. Wrap the tortilla and go!

Cheesy breakfast burrito

For a savory twist, fill a tortilla wrap with scrambled eggs, diced ham, and cheese. Zap in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds and you're out the door! You'll be happy that your kids are enjoying a protein-packed breakfast, and the kids will love this cheesy burrito!

Fresh fruit

Fruit is quite possibly the fastest and easiest on-the-go breakfast. Kids love the sweet taste of fruit and Moms know their nutritional powerhouses for energy, focus, and mental stamina. Bananas pack potassium while apples are filled with fiber that keeps kids full until lunch. Pack a serving of peanut butter or vanilla yogurt in a small plastic container for dipping if your kids get tired of this on-the-go breakfast.

Cheesy tomato breakfast pizza

Who says you can't have pizza for breakfast? Toast a bagel or English muffin; top with 2 tablespoons of low fat mozzarella cheese; layer thin slices of tomato and top with diced onion. Microwave for 20 seconds, or until cheese is melted. Other topping ideas: diced ham, scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese, etc.

Pita omelet

Omelets aren't a Saturday morning luxury anymore. Fill a pita pocket with scrambled eggs, crumbled feta or other cheese, diced tomatoes, and spinach for a quick and healthy pita omelet. Try a "sweet" pita pocket filled with sliced strawberries and cream cheese!

Try these kid-friendly on-the-go breakfast ideas and tell us your favorite! You'll not only be enjoying the benefits of eating breakfast, but it won't take more than a couple of minutes to prepare these tasty dishes!

More healthy breakfast ideas

6 Simple swaps for a healthier school breakfast
5 Breakfast recipes both Mom and kids will love
5 Easy, on-the-go breakfasts

Cherry-almond biscotti

Cherry-Almond
Biscotti These flavorful Italian cookies are packed with almonds and cherries and the perfect addition to your morning coffee. Make these biscotti your own by substituting in your favorite nuts and dried fruits. Cherry-Almond Biscotti

Yields about 30 servings

Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup chopped almonds 1 tablespoon grated lemon peel 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 4 eggs 1 1/3 cups sugar 1/2 cup vegetable oil 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 teaspoon almond extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup dried cherries; chopped

For Garnish

1 cup white chocolate; melted

Directions

In a large bowl, combine flour, almonds, lemon peel, baking powder and salt until thoroughly incorporated. In another bowl, whisk the eggs; add the sugar, oil, lemon juice, almond extract and vanilla. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just until combined. Fold in cherries. Divide dough in half. On parchment-lined baking sheet, shape each portion into 12-in x 3-in. rectangle. Bake at 325 degrees F for 30-35 minutes or until lightly browned. Carefully remove to wire racks; cool for 5 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 300 degrees F. Transfer biscotti to a cutting board; cut diagonally with a serrated knife into 3/4-in. slices. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake for 25-35 minutes or until firm, turning after 15 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool. If desired, drizzle cooled biscotti with melted white chocolate. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

 

4 Steps to cleanse negativity and how it really helped one woman

Blogging from Anderson Live!Change your attitude

During today's episode of Anderson Live, one woman found success in helping her sister turn her life around with the help of motivational speaker and guru Gabrielle Bernstein. SheKnows snagged a few happy, healthy tips that you can use to evaluate your own attitude in 2013, while witnessing the heartfelt details of a strong sisterly bond.

"Right now she seems more negative than ever," said Karen's sister. After a divorce in the mid-2000s and losing the job she loved at a bookstore she held close to her heart, Karen admits that she just isn't where she thought she would be.

"Everything that might allow me to take a chance and do something that I love, I find a reason to not do it," said Karen.

Luckily, two weeks away from her 50th birthday with an attitude her sister described as "why bother," Karen finally set out to discover what has been holding her back and banish it. Cue Gabrielle Bernstein. Gabrielle has just put out her third book, May Cause Miracles, which speaks from experience about what it's like to tackle the fear that holds you back in life.

"I cry every day," admits Karen who previously used laughing as a coping mechanism. "I had a job that I loved and I lost it. I had a home that I loved and I lost it and a marriage that I lost. Lately, I don't feel like joking."

Anderson chimed in sympathizing with Karen, "I tend not to look on the bright side of things. I tend to plan for the worst. I look at what is the worst that may happen and I like to prepare."

So, here's how Gabrielle cleansed Karen's negativity and how you can do yourself the same favor.

Realize that the cause is fear

"Fear is the operative word here because underneath all of the stuff that's coming up — the 'I feel I can't get a relationship' or 'I can't get the job that I want' — all of those limiting beliefs are really backed with fear. Fear is blocking you. It's holding you back and it's creating more negativity in your life."

"There is nobody who does not have fears. It's a question of whether you're able to move forward in spite of the fears you have."Get honest about fears

Now, write or type down your fears. With ink. On paper. Yes, print it out. "It's really imperative that we get honest, that we witness our fear-based behavior, because if we're unwilling to look at it, we can't change it.

This will probably be easier said than done because you have to accept the snowball effect that will be allowing yourself to admit what you're afraid of and say it out loud. One thought will lead to another and you may discover more than you expected. As Karen says, "It was painful to type those things and acknowledge them... but it helped and I learned about myself."

Rip it up

You write it down for a reason, and that's to destroy it. As Gabrielle says, you can burn it, you can put it in your toilet, just get rid of it. "That's the commitment."

Anderson added, "There is nobody who does not have fears. It's a question of whether you're able to move forward in spite of the fears you have."

Advice from Anderson:

On facing fear: "I do think fear is such a crippling thing and I'm a believer in plunging head first into the things that scare us most."

On New Year's resolutions: "If you can't figure out what you do want to do, figuring out what you don't want to do is the next best thing."

On health: Get a flu shot! "Nobody told me I needed a flu shot!" So, he's telling us.

Get in touch with gratitude

Gabrielle reminds us, "When we focus on what we do have, you create more of a want. Whereas when we're focusing on the fear, the lack and the negativity, we are creating more fear and more lack and negativity."

So, just like you created a list of your fears, create a gratitude list and keep it in your phone. Don't rip this one up. "These simple shifts can create radical, radical change," said Bernstein.

Take your gratitude list a step further by turning to Pinterest to create a vision board filled with images that represent what you want to achieve. Visualize it.

"I love seeing all these things that I pinned about books and about art and about love," said Karen.

Believe it or not, Pinterest helped save Karen.

More advice for happy living

The Alpha Woman Issue
Real story: 2 Women jump out of a plane to prove a point
5 Ways to pamper your pregnant self

What to eat when you're hung over

Hello, hangover. We fight the morning-after beast with everything from greasy breakfasts to bloody marys, but does any of it really work?

Food & drinks that ease the morning-after pain

The truth is, water and time are the only things that will get rid of a hangover. Still, when we're hurting after a night of one too many, we turn to rumored remedies — anything to take the edge off. While nothing we eat can erase those last few drinks that got you here, some foods and drinks will help ease the symptoms of a hangover.

Drink up! Water this time

More on that in a minute. First, a quick primer on hangovers: Alcohol dehydrates the body and leaves it craving nutrients. Dehydration is the problem to tackle. It is at the root of most symptoms that we associate with hangovers, including headaches, dry mouth and fatigue.

Dr. John Brick, the alcohol research scientist who wrote The Doctor's Hangover Handbook, offers this morning-after plan: Rehydrate and eat light.

That means drinking water and lots of it. You might be craving a variety of foods, but it's best to keep things simple. Toast with honey or jam, Brick says. Simple sugars are easily broken down by the body and help to replenish energy-hungry cells, Brick says.

Here's a look at the merits and myths behind the foods we turn to when we're hung over.Greasy breakfast

Sometimes when you're battling a hangover, nothing sounds better than the kind of breakfast food that sticks to your ribs (and thighs and chin…). You know the type: a fried egg-and-bacon sandwich, a two-handed breakfast burrito, biscuits and gravy. And hash browns. Lots of hash browns.

Breakfasts that are loaded with calories and carbs seem like the best thing to soak up the alcohol and coat the stomach. Brick says that's not the case, and in fact, the side effects of a gut-busting breakfast can be worse than the hangover itself.

"If it is not what you usually eat, you may get some GI distress" — that's gastrointestinal distress, like bloating, nausea, indigestion and diarrhea — "not what you want if you are also dealing with a hangover."

Instead, stick with Brick's simple plan: toast and jam or honey, plus water and a sports drink like Gatorade.

Bananas

Some weekend warriors swear by bananas, which are said to restore the potassium lost during a binge and supply the body with natural sugars for a shot of energy. In short, it's not a cure-all, but it can't hurt either.

Even Dole, one of the largest banana producers in the world, stands by bananas as a hangover helper. The fruit might help make hangovers more bearable because bananas rehydrate the body and replenish vitamins B6 and C.

Try blending a banana into a smoothie — check out SheKnows recipes for a coconut banana smoothie and a banana and blueberry smoothie with flax seed — or just peel and eat.

Bloody mary

Pick your poison — mimosa, beer, bloody mary — it might take you back to your happy place for a bit, but booze won't work as a recovery drink.

Remember, alcohol dehydrates the body, so morning-after cocktails just create a vicious cycle. Brick says that drinking alcohol to relieve a hangover is at best a temporary solution that will probably make your hangover even worse later on.

Not the advice you were looking for? Belly up to a bar, and the person behind it is likely to offer his or her favorite hair-of-the-dog drink. This New York Magazine story rounds up bartenders' suggestions — Luc Carl of the Lower East Side club Ludlow Manor recommends the Midwestern Michelada: Beer, topped off with tomato juice and a splash of Tabasco.

Gatorade

Sports drinks like Gatorade replenish electrolytes and hydrate the body, making it one of your best choices for fighting a hangover, Brick says. Of course, it's not the only thing you need to drink. Make sure you get plenty of water, too.

Others vouch for similar electrolyte drinks like coconut water and Pedialyte.

Brick says to drink Gatorade (and water) before going to sleep, if you can remember and when you wake up for the best results.

Some recipes that may just make you think you feel better

Super spicy bloody mary recipe
Breakfast burrito recipe
Buffalo chicken nachos recipe

Expert tips to manage allergies at home

Healthy Home Tips
To Manage AllergiesIf anyone knows how to turn a home space from drab into fab, it’s designer, TV personality and real estate agent Sabrina Soto from HGTV’s Get It Sold and Real Estate Intervention. As a longtime allergy sufferer, Soto is also an expert on managing allergies in the home. Here are the designer’s tips to reducing allergens in your home.

Allergies impact quality of life

Sniffling, sneezing, itchy eyes – these symptoms are bad enough when you have a short-term cold, but when they hit you every day because of allergies, your quality of life is bound to suffer. Soto, who is in and out of people's homes as part of her career, exposing herself to allergens on all fronts, recently partnered with Claritin to not only get a grip on her own allergy symptoms, but to also help allergy sufferers defeat common allergens so they don't wreak havoc on a family's homelife.

"As a designer, I visit all types of homes and gardens where I'm surrounded by allergy triggers like dust, pet dander and pollen," the designer says. "I can't be at my best if I'm sneezing and rubbing my itchy, watery eyes." Claritin makes a non-drowsy formula that helps Soto power through her day.

Home tips to defeat common allergens
Prevent mold and mildew

Mold has gotten a lot of attention in the past few years because of the health problems it can create. Soto suggests keeping up on repairs in key rooms in your home, especially in the bathroom, to prevent mold from growing. "Mold and mildew are major triggers for allergies, and leaky pipes are ideal breeding grounds for these fast-growing allergens," the HGTV star explains. "If you live in humid climates where mildew is especially bad, be sure to wipe down your shower and tub after each use."

Minimize dust

Dust is a common allergen that quickly collects on all the surfaces in your home. "To help keep dust from gathering, install easy-to-clean shades or machine-washable panels, and clean regularly," says Soto. "If you have curtains, take them down once every two months and have them dry-cleaned." The designer also recommends regular cleaning with a HEPA filter vacuum, which will help capture the allergy-inducing particles you can't see that collect in upholstery and carpets.

Eradicate dust mites

Cleaning your bedding is essential in defeating allergens – think of all the hours you spend in your bed and bedroom every day. "I'm especially sensitive to dust and dust mites, so I always use allergen-proof covers on my pillows and mattress and wash those weekly, along with all of my other bedding, in hot water to kill the dust mites," says Soto. She also recommends that you steam-clean your rugs and upholstered furniture every three to six months.

Change your filters

Filters are made to collect dust and other air particles. However, dirty filters can't do their job. Change your heating/air conditioning filters regularly (and never run your unit without filters). In addition, frequently clean or replace your vacuum filter so it can effectively catch allergens and not kick them back into the air.

Go bright in the garden

You don't need to cover your yard in rocks to manage your allergies -- simply plant low-pollen plants. "Stick with bright, colorful flowers as they rely on insects rather than wind to transport their pollen," says Soto. "Because of this, brighter flowers tend to produce less pollen." Gladiolas and peonies are low-allergen plants.

Keep pollen out of the house

Soto recommends planting flowers with higher pollen counts as far away from doors and windows as possible to discourage pollen from drifting indoors. In addition, take your shoes off outside before entering your house to prevent pollen and allergens from being tracked in from the outdoors.

Do outdoor activities later in the day

Pollen counts tend to be high in the morning, so plan your outdoor activities for the afternoon. This will reduce your exposure to outdoor allergens as well as reduce the level of allergens that might catch a ride with you back into your home.

Be sure to catch Soto later this year in her brand new HGTV series The High Low Project. You can also find more allergen-free home and garden tips at www.facebook.com/Claritin.

More on managing your allergies

Tips to take control of your allergies
Coping with pet allergies
What causes nasal allergies?

Meatless Monday Sautéed cauliflower with olives and orange zest

Got the main dish ready for your Meatless Monday meal? Partner it up with a side dish that pairs well with just about anything. Sautéed cauliflower with olives and orange zest adds a dash of sunshine (and vitamin C) to your mealtime.

A side dish like sunshineA little sunshine for your plate

It's still winter, so a tasty recipe that brings a dose of vitamin C with it? Well, that's just a bonus! Cauliflower is a versatile veggie that even comes in a bunch of colors. Along with the familiar white, you can find cauliflower in green, purple and orange.

Are you sick of those lingering winter colds? You might be able to eat your way to better health! Low in calories and high in fiber, cauliflower is a great source of vitamin C (one serving has 40 percent of your daily dose). It's loaded with antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. Sounds good, right?

It's good (and easy) to eat meat-free meals

Eliminating meat from your diet even one day a week can help keep your weight down, fight diseases, reduce pollution and even help you avoid the risk of food-borne illnesses. Cutting back on meat is good for the environment, too. Something to think about: Anywhere from 1,800-2,500 gallons of water go into producing a pound of beef vs. 220 gallons of water for a pound of tofu. Learn more about going meatless on Mondays.

If you think you're at a loss for what to serve as part of a meatless meal plan, think again -- your options are limitless! Sautéed cauliflower with olives and orange zest is a great side dish recipe that you can serve just about any time of year.

Sautéed cauliflower recipe with olives and orange zest

Serves 2

Ingredients:4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided1 small cauliflower, trimmed and cut into florets2 large garlic cloves, minced1/3 cup halved and pitted Kalamata olives2 teaspoons orange zest2 tablespoons pine nuts2 tablespoons parsley, chopped1 tablespoon cilantro, choppedJuice from one lemon2 tablespoons soy sauceDirections:

Use a large sauté pan and add to it, two tablespoons of the olive oil over medium-high heat.When the oil is hot, add the cauliflower and sauté for about five minutes.Add the garlic to the pan and cook for one minute, and then add the pine nuts and continue to sauté the mixture until the nuts turn lightly golden.Add the olives to the pan along with the orange zest. Add the soy sauce and lemon juice, and mix everything well.Sprinkle the parsley and cilantro to the pan and drizzle the remaining olive oil over the mixture.

Cauliflower is a versatile and nutritious veggie (just look at the colors you can choose from). Give it a try!

More Meatless Monday meals to try

Meatless Monday Mediterranean style
For the love of lentils
Don't be troubled by tofu

Octopus and penguin-shaped bread bowls

Fill their tummies
and yours!

Soup's on! And it's super fun when you serve it in penguin or octopus-shaped bread bowls. The best part is there's no bread-making experience necessary — just shape and bake!

There's still plenty of soup weather left before the warm days of summer are here. For your next soup night, surprise the kids by serving it in these adorable bread bowls.

Octopus bread bowl recipe

Yields 2, 6 or 12 octopus bread bowls, depending on size of rolls package

Ingredients:

1 package frozen Traditional White Rhodes Dinner Rolls (available in packages of 12, 36 or 72 rolls)Melted butterBlack olivesCream cheeseDirections:1Thaw rolls

Thaw the Rhodes Dinner Rolls according to the directions on the package.

2Cut out octopus arms

Combine the dough from 3 thawed rolls and roll into a flat circle, approximately 9 inches wide. Cut 8 dough triangles for the arms.

3Form octopus arms

Twist each dough arm and arrange in a circle on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

4Form octopus body and bake

Combine 3 more thawed rolls into a ball and place in the center of the twisted dough arms to make the octopus body. Cover with a dish towel and let the dough rest and rise for 15-20 minutes. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Bake at for 20-25 minutes.

5Brush baked bread with butter

Remove from oven and brush with butter.

6Hollow out bread and make eyes

Slice the top of the octopus body off and hollow out the center area for soup. To make the eyes, cut small holes into the bread and insert two black olives. Pipe a circle of cream cheese onto each eye.

7Fill it up and enjoy!

Fill octopus bread bowl with desired soup.

Up next: Penguin bread bowl recipe >>

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Heart-shaped crepes recipe

This Valentine's Day, give your special someone the best start to the day by serving him or her adorable heart-shaped crepes.

Beautiful way to start Valentine's Day!

These mini crepes are light, fresh and airy and are perfectly paired with low-fat cherry cream cheese topping (or any topping you choose!). Leave the dinner reservations for other people and enjoy your Valentine's Day in bed with crepes.

A great thing about crepes is that they are naturally lighter and lower in fat than their American counterpart -- pancakes. So pile your plate with three or more crepes for an airy breakfast that is not only delicious but won't weigh you down. Plus, these crepes are blank slates, so you can pair them with whatever tickles your fancy. Chocolate, fruit, jams or sugar, crepes are the perfect complement to just about anything.

Heart-shaped crepes recipe

Serves 4

Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour2 eggs1/2 cup water1/2 cup skim milk1/4 teaspoon salt1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract2 tablespoons melted butterDirections: 

Grease a nonstick skillet with a little bit of cooking spray.In a large bowl, whisk flour and eggs together. Add milk and water, gradually, whisking in between each addition. Whisk in vanilla and salt; then add melted butter.Using a 1/4 cup measuring cup, pour batter onto the skillet, swish it around so it covers the base. Cook on medium-high heat for 1-1/2 minutes, and then flip, cooking an additional minute. Place crepes on a hard surface to cool. Repeat until all the batter has been used.Using different size heart cookie cutters, cut out heart shapes. Serve with cream cheese icing, fresh fruit or whipped cream!

More Valentine's Day recipes

Mini heart whoopie pie recipe
Healthy Valentine's Day treats
Fun Valentine's Day trivia and recipes

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Sunday Dinner Roasted carrot and cauliflower soup

Sing The Praises
Of SoupReady to brighten up a cold, winter day? Roasted carrot and cauliflower soup is perfect for Sunday Dinner since it’s easy to put together and makes a filling meal.

Some kids don’t like carrots, but roasted carrot and cauliflower soup might change their minds. It’s creamy, full of fresh flavor and makes a great addition to any meal. Serve it with half a sandwich for a light lunch or for dinner along with a fresh green salad.

This recipe is definitely a great way to use up those extra carrots that might be hanging out, untouched, in your fridge!

Roasted carrot and cauliflower soup

Serves 4

Ingredients:1/2 pound carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks, with larger pieces sliced in half1/2 head cauliflower, trimmed into florets1/2 cup yellow onion, diced3-1/2 cups vegetable broth1 tablespoon olive oil2 tablespoons fresh thyme2 teaspoons salt, divided2 teaspoons ground black pepper, divided1/2 cup heavy cream1/4 cup slivered almonds for garnish (you could also use fresh parsley)Directions:

Preheat oven to 410 degrees F.Add the carrots and cauliflower to a medium-sized bowl. Add the olive oil and 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper. Toss to coat.Place the carrots and cauliflower on a baking sheet and roast for about 20 minutes, turning once or twice during roasting.Add the broth to a large pot, and then add the roasted carrots, cauliflower, onion, thyme and remaining salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, and then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for about 20 minutes.Remove the soup from the heat. Use an immersion blender and carefully blend the ingredients until smooth (you could also use a regular blender, adding the soup in small batches and blending).Add the cream, a little at a time, and continue to blend until incorporated.Serve in individual bowls, garnished with the slivered almonds or fresh parsley.

Soup to the rescue for a great Sunday dinner!

More Sunday dinner recipes

Butternut squash, spinach and mushroom quesadillas
Croque Monsieur sandwiches
Thai beef stir-fry

How to bring joy to ill relatives during the holidays

Give Holiday
Comfort And JoyThe holidays are certainly meant to be a time of making merry and good cheer, but when a loved one is terminally ill, finding joy can seem an unattainable feat. Joni James Aldrich, author of The Saving of Gordon: Lifelines to W-I-N Against Cancer, shares five ways to find purpose and compassion during the holiday season and show your ill relatives you care.Is there no merry in your Christmas?

Whether you're facing an older relative, like your father, who is bed-ridden from a stroke, or garnering strength to support a child who is battling a terminal illness, kindling your holiday spirit can be hard and even seem inappropriate.

"When the harshness of reality assaults your everyday existence, there are bigger concerns than how to decorate your tree or which wrapping paper to buy," says Joni James Aldrich, whose husband lost a two-year battle with cancer in 2006, inspiring her to write The Saving of Gordon as a way to help other families going through similar situations. "The thing is -- unless you move to a cave! -- the holiday season will impact your life, whether you want it to or not. But if you step back and think about the true reasons for the season -- mercy, caring, and humanity -- the holidays that seem so difficult can also hold invaluable gifts."

5 Ways you can bring joy to ill relatives this holiday season

Think about how your ill relative must view the holidays. She may feel like a family burden; he may be feeling scared that this is the last holiday he'll have to spend with family. Aldrich urges, "If you lend your support to help your loved one through these difficult times -- even though it may be hard -- you will give and receive special blessings to cherish."

1. Don't wait for the "right time"—just go

Aldrich says there will never be a "convenient" time to visit a family member or friend who is battling a serious illness. Even good days are filled with difficulties and discomfort. Furthermore, you might not feel the same level of ease that you once did. Ultimately, though, you will both be thankful that you spent time together. "Visiting an ill loved one is going to be hard. Know that, and choose to move forward anyway," instructs Aldrich. "When you do visit, consider the needs of the patient…and err on the side of caution when choosing to visit. If you are under the weather yourself -- even if it's just a sniffle or a cough -- consider a phone conversation instead, or wear a mask."

2. Visit the patient and the caregivers

If the ill relative is not an immediate family member, be considerate of those who care for her. Remember, your ill loved one is not the only person whose daily life has been affected by her illness. The routines and priorities of family members and/or caregivers have changed drastically as well. Be sure to also focus attention on them -- they need it. "Whatever you do, don't avoid the family because you are uncertain of how to approach them in a difficult situation," urges Aldrich. "Call often, bring food, and offer prayers. These 'gifts' will be appreciated by the patient and by his or her family. It is very painful when the family expects that support, and ultimately doesn't receive it."

3. Avoid preconceived expectations

Imagine this: you've scheduled a visit with an ill relative, and you have grand plans for watching a favorite holiday movie and chuckling over the characters' foibles. But when you arrive, she more urgently wants to talk about her memories, fears and uncertainties. You're thrown completely for a loop and don't know how to respond. "Always gauge the patient's mood as acutely as you can," Aldrich says. "It's helpful if she is forthcoming about what would give her the most comfort, but she may not be able to express her feelings and needs that easily. Make the visit about the patient, whether that means that you end up laughing, crying, reminiscing or even leaving until a more convenient time."

4. Be sensitive to changes in the holiday routine

Chances are, you're feeling less festive than in years past -- and the same goes for your ill relative and other family members. Remember that not only their enthusiasm but also their finances are likely to be impacted. Be prepared for the possibility that you might not receive a Christmas card or gift this year, and check with the family beforehand regarding gift exchanges and get-togethers. "If a holiday party does take place, take extra care not to go off into a corner to whisper with other friends and acquaintances," Aldrich shares. "The last thing your ill loved one needs or wants is to feel like he is the cause of speculation or sadness. Similarly, there will be tears, so let them come. Sometimes the patient won't want to see them, so you may have to steal some private time. Whatever you do, don't shut yourself off completely from the patient or from your feelings."

5. Remember that the best gifts can't be wrapped

It's trite but true -- the most valuable things in life aren't things. Your care and support will mean more to an ill relative than any amount of material presents. And when it does come time to break out the wrapping paper and bows, think about what might be truly needed. Blankets, shawls, a baby monitor, a sensible gift basket, or a heating pad and warm socks will be greatly appreciated, perhaps more so than traditional holiday trinkets. Keep in mind that flowers, including poinsettias, should be avoided due to their smell and the care that they require. "Don't forget that a hug is one of the most powerful gifts that can be exchanged," says Aldrich. She also encourages prayer. "Prayer is the most blessed gift of all -- pray together, pray separately and pray often."

"Ultimately, you will be blessed because of the comfort and love you have given to a family who needs it," promises Aldrich. "You will have experienced the true meaning of Christmas -- giving a gift to others that is much more valuable than anything you could ever wrap in a box."

More on caring for ill loved onesThe Sandwich GenerationGive and take to find happinessTalking about a family illness with your kids

In a pickle How to prevent freezer burn

We've all experienced freezer burn: Those unpleasant, crystallized or dull spots that pop up on all kinds of items in our freezer, from ice cream to meat. Here's what causes it and how to prevent it.

Keep frozen foods at their freshest

Although freezer burn doesn't technically ruin your frozen food, it does make it unpleasant to eat. With a few simple steps, you can prevent it and keep frozen foods at their freshest.

Learn the ins and outs of freezing in this freezing primer >>Why it happens

Freezer burn occurs when the food item in question is exposed to air so the water molecules evaporate (well, technically, sublimate), and the food dries out and oxidizes.

What it looks like

Sometimes freezer burn takes the form of clumps of ice crystals on the surface of a food (think ice cream that's been in the fridge too long). Alternately, most often with red meat, it can change the color of the surface and dry it out.

What it means

Although unpleasant, freezer burn does not mean the food is unsafe to eat. For ice cream, just scrape those top crystals off, and you're good as new. It can change the flavor and texture of meat, so cut off the affected area if it's small enough and defrost as usual.

Learn how to freeze meat without freezer burn >>

How to prevent it

There are a number of simple ways to prevent freezer burn:

Tightly seal all items to be frozen in airtight containers. These can be heavy duty freezer bags or plastic containers. Be sure to leave a little extra room in the container to allow for the item to expand when frozen. Otherwise, it could break the seal of the bag or container and allow freezer burn to happen.If you are freezing leftovers, make sure that they are fully cooled before wrapping them and putting them in the freezer.Make sure the freezer is set to 0 degrees F or lower. Keep the freezer temperature as consistent as possible by opening the freezer door only when necessary and not leaving it open for long (don't stick your head in there to cool down!).Label everything in the freezer with the date that you put it in there. Check out the guidelines at FoodSafety.gov to see how long different food items will safely keep in the freezer.More food storage tips

How to freeze anything
How to keep food fresh for as long as possible
Refrigerator refresher course