Food & Dining Resources

Reheating refrigerated bread To warm biscuits, pancakes, or muffins that were refrigerated, place them in a microwave with a cup of water. The increased moisture will keep the food moist and help it reheat faster

Here are some things I found out from a friend that I bet you didn't know. Peel a banana from the bottom and you won't have to pick the little "stringy things" off of it. That's how the primates

I always end up making recipes that call for 1 tablespoon of tomato paste.  Even when you buy a small can, that leaves you with a lot extra. I just scoop the rest into an ice cube tray and freeze it. 

These "superfoods" on Oprah's website are geared to slowing the aging process- including wrinkles and obesity, but their benefits go well beyond just that.  There is an explanation of

It's a fun and easy way to get GREAT OFFERS, NEWS and even FREE GIFTS. Fill out our sign-up form to join the P.I.G. (Pretty Important Guest) Club and I'll send you certificates good for FREE GIFTS, offers

You can find out what you're really drinking each day. The website compares different types of drinks. You can see how many calories you're getting from beverages (compared to your recommended daily

When the budget is tight, but you still want to take the entire family out for dinner, I find it very helpful to find restaurants that offer free kid meals.  Champs Sports Bar and Grill offers free kids meals

My young daughters think pizza is the best food ever. So we frequented many pizza buffets. I am conscious about wastefulness,  and it bothers me when my childen pile on more pizza than they actually eat

This article tells you how to put together a fun, informal and kid friendly New Year's Eve celebration the whole family will enjoy. From great party food, to fun activities like a fashion show and karaoke

Here is an award winning list of adaptive measures you need while baking with special needs kids.  The whole list can be used with typical children, too.  It's an excellent resource for educators

Eleni’s in New York makes the most beautiful cookies and ships all over the U.S.  Gifts sets include cookies for new baby, weddings, birthdays, sport events, and holidays, including Valentine’s

My husband's doctor told him to eat a few almonds or cashews each day for the good cholesterol and good fat. Unfortunately, it's hard to each just a handful. They're too yummy, and they're very fattening

I have fallen in love with PhillySwirls Italian Ice cups and sticks, and when I looked on the website, I found they were gluten-free and celiac disease-friendly.  I don't have those issues, so I just know

This guide from Real Simple tells how long you can keep 77 different food items, household chemicals and beauty items. You probably knew that you can keep honey forever, but did you know that tea bags should be

This is so obvious, you'd think we'd all have one already, but since I didn't have one until recently, I guess some of you don't either! I'm talking about a take-out menu binder. I've seen

Are you looking forward to dining out but don't want the guilt of feeding your family an unhealthy meal?  Check out the Healthy Dining Finder . This site allows you to search for healthy dining choices

I find so many cool things at Trader Joe's.  My latest must-have find is their black and red insulated grocery bag.  For just $4.99 this thing will keep frozen items frozen for hours - which is super! 

One year I forgot to buy Advent Calendars - and then they were all gone. (Or they were way too fancy and $20...) Then one year I found out about Trader Joe's Chocolate Advent Calendars. They are perfect for young

So it turns out that a lot of restaurants and fast-food joints have special things you can order that aren't on their menu. This website breaks down these secret menu items, based on reader suggestions. 

Waist Watchers brand Chocolate Soda is absolutely yummy, and tastes like a rich, fattening treat when you are dieting (or not), but it has zero calories, zero fat. If you really want a treat, drop in some low fat

Need to find some gluten-free eateries?  Check out this database of gluten-free restaurants, pizzerias, bakeries & hotels.  The directory covers over 3500 eateries in the US, Canada, France

Epicurious has a terrific website with generous recipes for all styles, and a signup option for a virtual recipe box, allowing you to save your favorites.  The attached link opens to a page of articles with

My husband and I go out on a date night every other Friday night and then I write about it in my blog: Boston Food & Whine  I talk about whether or not it's "date night worthy", any funny

Put together your Thanksgiving fruit bowl for appeal and healthy treats for your friends and family. A fruit bowl can also double as a nice centerpiece for your table. It's a good idea to visit international

If you buy a container of cake frosting from the store, whip it with your mixer for a few minutes. You can double it in size. You get to frost more cake/cupcakes with the same amount. You also eat less sugar/calories

When you have leftover pizza, heat it up in a non-stick skillet on top of the stove.  Set heat to med-low and heat till warm. This keeps the crust crispy. No more soggy microwave pizza.  I saw this

Ever get part way through a recipe only to discover you're out of an ingredient you thought you had?  I just found a great resource for the occasional recipe rescue!  Joyofbaking.com has a list of

FoodieView.com is a search engine for recipes all over the web, but it also has a new restaurant guide. It collects reviews from newspapers, magazines, review sites and food bloggers, so you can find information

This cute pot clip hangs on the rim of your pot and holds your spoon, so the spoon doesn't drip all over your stove. Even with a spoonrest on my stove, there's usually a big mess, or at least, a gooey spoonrest

My husband and I drink a LOT of coffee, and nothing beats Dunkin' Donuts if you're out. But for home, we buy several flavors of Melitta ground coffee from the supermarket. It is absolutely delicious, and

I love these containers from Harriet Carter. The kids can dip their veggies in ranch dressing or dip their crackers in peanut butter at school or on the go. All my kids want their own sets of two.  Each square

I am a true convert. I rarely go to supermarkets anymore. Because of Peapod. I can get virtually anything that a Super Stop & Shop has via Peapod. I can: Food shop in my pjs And peek in my fridge while

If you are vegetarian and "on the road", here are some sure bets for  (inexpensive) fare your kids will eat. Friendly's: mozzarella sticks, cheese quesadillas, grilled cheese, and of course

Looking to send a unique, thoughtful gift package to someone that you want to feel better, congratulate, or surprise?  Grandma's Chicken Soup is just the thing!  I received one after a minor setback