’Tis the season for holiday parties — and that means serving something special to your guests. These festive recipes make the most of golden, slightly nutty-flavored Calimyrna figs and dark, sweet-tasting Mission figs. These appetizers are the perfect blend of sweet and savory that will give your guests something to celebrate. For more festive recipes, […]

Shopping locally for quality and value From giving the perfect gift to festive decorations, it isn’t easy to stay within a budget during the holiday season. When it comes to meal preparation, however, staying “in the black” is easier if you follow a few simple steps. For each meal that you plan, list the number […]

No matter how the world may change, some things always stay the same. For many families, those are holiday traditions. Though each family may celebrate the holidays differently, within families there are certain habits, rituals, and activities that are important enough to do every year, whether it be where to go, what to eat, or […]

Mix it up with Jenny It’s true – the kitchen is the heart of the home. Ever notice how people always gather there? Whether baking treats, making dinner or spending time with family and friends, the kitchen is my favorite place to be. Since my day job is Consumer Test Kitchen Project Manager for the […]

Ask a group of young kids what their favorite dish is, and most will probably say macaroni and cheese. There is nothing like noodles enveloped in creamy cheese. The soul food dish is a favorite of kids and adults alike. Although readily available as a packaged food, macaroni and cheese can also be made from […]

Authors: Robert May (lyrics), Johnny Marks (music) Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer had a very shiny nose. And if you ever saw him, you would even say it glows. All of the other reindeer used to laugh and call him names. They never let poor Rudolph join in any reindeer games. Then one foggy Christmas Eve […]

Frosty the snowman was a jolly happy soul, With a corncob pipe and a button nose, And two eyes made out of coal. Frosty the snowman is a fairy tale, they say, He was made of snow but the children know how he came to life one day. There must have been some magic in […]

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head. The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay, The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay. The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes, But little Lord Jesus no crying he makes. I love thee, […]

For the cooking enthusiasts on your gift list, hone in on each person’s style of cooking and entertaining to find the perfect match from today’s ever-widening array of culinary tools and equipment. To help streamline your shopping this season, here are some new and recently launched products that are sure to get lots of smiles […]