Guilt-free treats for kids

Fun
with fake food

Play with your food! Kids love food toys, so whip up a few of your own with things you probably already have around the house. Create fun fake food with simple craft supplies to make sweet treats without the calories. Kids will have fun helping make these guilt-free treats (each one requires adult supervision) while you give them something cute and sweet to play with.

Cut-Out Cookies

Pull out your favorite cookie cutters. Trace the shapes onto cardboard or thick cardstock. Cut out the cookie shapes. To make the cookies look like sugar cookies, apply a thin layer of glue -- a glue stick works great for this -- over the entire top of the cookie. Sprinkle with real sugar. Add a dash of cinnamon if you want your cookie to look like a snickerdoodle. Next, use craft supplies like glue, glitter and puff paint to decorate the cookies.

Felt Donuts

Lay two pieces of donut-colored felt (oatmeal for a cake donut, brown for chocolate and so on) on top of each other. Using a round object like the bottom of a peanut butter jar, trace a circle into the felt. Cut out the circle. Inside the center of the circle, draw another, smaller circle either freehand or by tracing a smaller jar. Don’t cut this circle out yet. Instead, sew around the line you drew -- then cut out the felt on the inside of your sewn line. Next, sew around the outside of the big circle, leaving a small opening to turn it inside-out. Turn the donut through the hole. Fill the donut with stuffing or even pieces of scrap fabric until it’s all the way full, and then slipstitch the opening shut.

Cake Postcard

Cut a sponge into two cake-shaped wedges. Cut a slice of foam from the center of the sponge -- this is where the "icing" will go. Paint the sponge wedges any color, and allow them to dry. Trace a wedge on cardboard to be the postcard side of the cake. Adhere the cardboard to the sponge with spray glue, and allow it to dry. Use caulk in a pastry bag to "ice" the cake. Pipe caulking down the cutout you made, and pipe the icing around the top and side as if you’re decorating a cake. Allow it to dry for three to five days. Finally, draw a line down the middle of the cardboard -- which will become the postcard side -- allowing space on the left side for your message and space on the right side for an address and postage.

Watch the step-by-step video

Discover more fun food crafts

Playful treats for play time
Making play dough
Messy (but fun!) summer crafts for the family

Thanksgiving foods and beer

Thanksgiving recipesBring beer to
the holiday table

Who says that Thanksgiving food and beverage pairings need to be all about wine or cider? If you're a beer lover, then this Thanksgiving learn how to choose the perfect brew to complement the holiday food, then get a creative, unconventional Thanksgiving recipe from MasterChef competitor Alejandra Schrader.

To learn about Thanksgiving food and beer pairings, we turned to Rob Nowaczyk of Fireman's Brew and chef Alejandra Schrader to give us a few tips.

The basics

"When it comes to pairing beer and food," says Nowaczyk, "the first thing you want to do is match flavor intensities — because this will help bring out the best flavors in each." In addition, he points out that "combinations often work best when food and beverages share some common flavor or aroma elements." So chocolate and rich desserts (like chocolate pecan pie, for example) pair well with stouts, which often have rich, chocolate aromas and a smooth finish.

Complement or contrast

The key to good beverage pairings is to either complement or contrast the food with the beverage. In the basics example, a stout complements chocolate pecan pie because they share flavors. Nowaczyk says to think about "sweetness, bitterness, carbonation, heat (spice), richness and seasonality to get the best food and beer pairings with beers that either complement or contrast the food that you're preparing."

Get more tips on Thanksgiving beer and wine pairings >>Thanksgiving pairings

Your best bet for a beer that will pair with the majority of Thanksgiving foods is a light, crisp beer like Fireman's Brew Blonde, Kiran or Blue Moon. Nowaczyk also recommends Fireman's Brew Brunette or similar beer. "With its profusion of sweet, sour and savory elements," he says, "Fireman's Brew Brunette's maltiness and mild hopping make it a delicious pairing for some of the best Thanksgiving foods like dark turkey meat, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing and desserts like pumpkin pie."

Get inspiration for your Thanksgiving pairings with these amazing autumn beers >>Food and beer — an unconventional Thanksgiving recipe

Usually when we think about food and beer pairings, we pair the beer to the food. But chef Alejandra Schrader has come up with a creative, very unconventional Thanksgiving recipe by thinking first about the beer. Her open-face stuffed turkey sliders with cranberry-onion compote, thyme cornbread 'buns' and sweet potato chips take all the elements of a Thanksgiving meal and combine them into one amazing dish.

"As a trained architect," says Schrader, "I still think about food in layers, textures and dimensions. Once involved with food, it was only natural to deconstruct and reinterpret food staples… Doing this for a Thanksgiving dish has been really fun, especially when trying to keep the comforting aspect of the food while making it casual and suitable to pair with beer."

Chef Schrader recommends serving this dish with Fireman's Brew Blonde or another light, crisp beer with mild flavors that will complement the turkey as well as the goat cheese.

Up next: Open-face stuffed turkey sliders with cranberry-onion compote, thyme cornbread 'buns' and sweet potato chips recipe >>

Continue »12

Breakfast skillet with chorizo and eggs

One-pot wonder

Serve the whole family with this breakfast skillet full of eggs, potatoes and spicy chorizo. It's the perfect Sunday morning meal.

One-pot meals make breakfast quick and easy. With this hearty breakfast skillet, you can spend your morning with the family instead of slaving away in the kitchen!

Breakfast skillet with chorizo and eggs recipe

Serves 4

Ingredients:2 tablespoons olive oil1 cup peeled and diced red potatoes1/2 teaspoon salt1/2 teaspoon pepper1 large shallot, chopped1 bell pepper, julienned6 ounces chorizo sausage, removed from casing1/2 cup pale ale beer1 (14 ounce) can crushed stewed tomatoes4 eggs1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese1 large avocado, sliced1/4 cup roughly chopped cilantroDirections:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.In a cast-iron skillet, heat the olive oil. Sprinkle the potatoes with salt and pepper, cook over medium-high heat until potatoes are fork tender. Remove potatoes from skillet.Return skillet to heat. Add extra olive oil if the pan is dry and cook the shallots and bell peppers until soft. Add the chorizo, breaking it up while cooking. Once the chorizo is mostly cooked, add the beer. Scrape to deglaze the pan.Add the tomatoes and juices to the skillet and cook until slightly reduced, about 5 minutes. Return potatoes to the pan.Crack the eggs on the skillet, spaced evenly apart.Transfer skillet to the oven and cook until the egg whites have set, about 10 minutes.Top with cilantro, Parmesan cheese and avocado prior to serving.

More Daily Flavor

Challah French toast with apples and cinnamon crumble
Ham, cheese and onion quiche
Baked eggs in bread bowls with cheese and asparagus

Healthy alternatives to Easter candy

Fill that basket with fun

Before you stock up on chocolate eggs and jelly beans, try thinking outside the Easter basket. Here's a list of great alternatives to candy that will make your kids forget about chocolate on Easter morning.

If you are planning your annual trip to the store to stock up on bag after bag of sugary treats for Easter baskets this year, you might want to think twice before you buy.

There are all kinds of ways fill up Easter baskets with fun and healthy treats rather than sugary snacks. We've gathered some of our favorite ideas that are sure to bring a smile to your little one's face on Easter morning.

1Healthy snacks

There are all kinds of snacks you can substitute for candy, from mini packs of crackers to granola bars to homemade treats like these Magic Oatmeal Muffins from Two Cannoli.

Looking for something fun to make for your little bunnies this year? Try these fun Easter party recipes for kids >>2Stickers

Sheets of stickers are always a hit, whether you stand them up in the basket or roll them up in plastic Easter eggs for a fun surprise that's one more thing to keep your kids' hands busy.

3Art supplies

This can be anything from crayons to coloring books to fingerpaint (if you are feeling brave). They make a perfect addition to any basket and keep the kids busy for much longer than a bag of jelly beans does.

4Play dough

Whether you try this fun recipe to make your own or you buy it, your kids will love a few mini-containers of dough to play with. You could even add some cookie cutters and rollers to give them all the supplies they need to start creating.

5Outdoor toys

Small, inexpensive toys like bubbles, bouncy balls, chalk or water toys are easy to find at any dollar store and bring lots of fun.

Want to get really creative this year? Try these fun ways to make your own Easter basket >>6Mini-toys

Tiny toys that might even fit into Easter eggs, like Matchbox cars, Legos, beads or marbles, will be just as much fun to open as they are to play with on Easter Day.

7Creative coupons

Make your own Easter-themed tickets good for just about anything you can think up: dinner with Mom, get-out-of-chore-free card, stay up late, trip to the movies... the possibilities are endless.

Super-simple ideas

BooksNail polishHair accessoriesSmall dress-up accessories (pirate patch, bunny ears, magic wand)Fruit snacksStuffed animalcrazy socksSilly StringGlowsticks More on a healthy Easter

Easter-themed exercises for the kids
10 Safety tips for Easter-egg hunting
Surprising nutrition tips for spring

Mayan-inspired end of the world recipes

The World Is Ending On Dec. 21, 2012… Let’S Eat!According to the Mayan calendar, the world will be ending on Dec. 21, 2012. One year from today marked the end of their “long count calendar,” but I’m hoping they just forgot to turn the page. Luckily all of these end of the world predictions to date have been wrong, but I will use any excuse to host a dinner party. If the world is going to end in 2012, a big party inspired by Mayan foods would be appropriate to bid this life adieu.

Some of the foods typical of Mayan cooking are corn (maize), squash, chiles, tomatoes, beans, avocado, chocolate and vanilla. The possibilities are endless when creating dishes with these rich, robust flavors and spices, which are the cornerstone of this cuisine. Obviously, the Mayans were on to something because these versatile ingredients influence much of today's modern fare.

If this is going to be the last meal I eat, I'd much rather go out with a full stomach than leave hungry. Here are some suggestions for one last big dinner using some of the most traditional Mayan cuisine ingredients. Tell your guests to bring their appetites!

Tomatoes and avocados would likely be two of my most-missed foods if the world really does end in 2012. Get your fill with this starter.

Apocalypse appetizer: Homemade guacamoleIngredients:3 avocados, halved, seeded and peeled2 tablespoons lime juice1/2 medium purple onion, diced2  tomatoes, diced1 tablespoon chopped cilantro1 clove garlic, mincedSea salt and pepper to taste Directions:

In a large bowl, add avocado and smash with a fork. Add in the remaining ingredients and stir to combine.Serve immediately.

This dish is full of Mayan flavors and is the perfect comforting send-off for your dinner guests. If the world wasn't ending, we'd call it posole. But since it is, we are more aptly naming it Doomsday Stew. Try this version from SheKnows.

Doomsday Stew

Serves 4

Ingredients:1 large dried ancho chile, stemmed, seeded, and torn into pieces1/2 teaspoon hot pepper flakes (adjust to your liking)3/4 cup boiling water1/2 medium onion (preferably white), quartered2 garlic cloves, chopped1/2 teaspoon ground cumin1 tablespoon vegetable oil1 can black bean soup (18- to 19- ounces), preferably vegetarian1 can white hominy, rinsed and drained1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

Find the directions here >>

Maize, squash and beans are known as the Three Sisters in Mayan cuisine. The three ingredients combine in this recipe for a heavenly last meal.

The Last Supper

Yields 16

IngredientsTamale filling:1  beef roast1 butternut squash, pureed1 large onion, halved3 cloves garlic, pressed6 dried ancho chile pods3 cups beef broth1 teaspoon oregano1 1/2 teaspoons saltTamale Dough:1 3/4 cups masa (a corn flour found near the baking flour)1 cup hot water1 cup corn meal2 teaspoons baking powder1/2 teaspoon salt2 sticks of butter1 teaspoon garlic powder16 dried corn husksDirections

Place beef into a crock pot with onion and pour broth over the top just covering the meat. Cook on high for 6 hours or until the meat is tender.Remove the seeds and stems from the ancho chilis, be careful to wash your hands afterwards or use gloves. Place chiles in a saucepan with 2 cups of water. Bring to boil and then simmer until the they are plumb. Drain and put the chiles in a food processor and blend until smooth. Add salt, pepper, garlic, and oregano.Shred the cooked meat and mix in the chile sauce reserving 2 tablespoons for the masa.Soak the corn husks in a pan of warm water, place something heavy on top so they stay submerged.In a large bowl, mix masa and warm water to form a soft dough. In a mixing bowl combine butter, baking soda, cornmeal and garlic powder. Cream together. Add the butter mixture to the masa mixture. Combine using your hands.Drain and pat the husks dry. Spread the dough out over the corn husks in a square shape leaving room on the bottom, top and sides. You'll use about 1/3 cup on each husk. Place 1/2 tablespoon of the meat filling and 1/2 tablespoon of squash puree into the center. Fold the sides of the husks in toward the center and roll like a burrito.Steam for 1 hour in a tamale pot.Serve with a side of black beans and rice.

You can't leave this world without a proper dessert. Since we won't be too concerned with our waistlines, why not indulge in a rich and decadent chocolate cake? Try adding a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to this SheKnows recipe for a bit of heat and a unique flavor.

Death by chocolate

Serves 2

Ingredients:2 1/2 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate (about 1/3 cup of chocolate chips)3 tablespoons unsalted butter3 tablespoons sugar1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract1 egg1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

Find the directions here >>

While the Mayans may not prove to be the best at predicting the end of the world, they sure knew how to eat. Indulge as if this was your last meal, but you may want to hold off on any major purchases just in case.

Cocktail recipes for your last meal

Blood orange margarita recipe
Elegant cocktail recipes for entertaining
Festive cocktail recipes for the holidays

Sculpt your body type Rectangle

Fitness for the rectangle body typeWatch out — curves ahead!

Svelte and slim, rectangle-shaped beauties don't usually need to think about weight loss, but if your straight shape is getting you down, it's time to focus on moves that will define and sculpt some curves.

If your shape is defined by long-and-lean limbs and a boyishly-slim torso (think Kate Middleton or Gwyneth Paltrow), it's especially important for you to add strength training to your fitness routine. Make sure you're performing each exercise to exhaustion and be sure to follow up your workout routine with a protein-packed snack, like a glass of milk and a fruit-and-nut trail mix. These two tips will help you build muscle and add definition to your shape.

Kick it off with cardio

Don't think of cardio as a weight-loss mechanism, think of it as a way to stay healthy. Choose a cardio routine that's going to help you build muscle in your extremities as you get some heart-pumping action. Spin classes and kickboxing are both great options. Find a class or an exercise video and get busy with it at least three times a week.

Work it at the gym

When you hit the gym, you want to be all-in in the weight room. Start with a five to 10 minute warmup, then perform each of the following exercises. Use heavier weights (where appropriate), performing each exercise to exhaustion. Rest for a minute between sets and perform each exercise a second time before moving on.

Balance lunge with front raise

When you perform a lunge on a stability ball, not only do you challenge your core and balance, but you also work your body unilaterally, really targeting the muscles on each side of your body. Hold dumbbells in each hand and perform a forward raise as you lunge backward. This will help sculpt your shoulders as well, giving the impression of a more hourglass frame.

Oblique twist with medicine ball

Most ladies with a rectangle-shaped body don't have a well-defined waist. That's why it's especially important for you to work your obliques as you tone your body to get a more nipped-in appearance. Try this oblique twist with a medicine ball to tone your sides, placing your heels on the floor for balance, if needed.

One-legged assisted dip

Assisted dips can be performed on a bench, a sturdy chair or on Lebert Equalizer bars, as shown. Like the balance lunge, the one-legged assisted dip will challenge your core and balance as you work your triceps and shoulders to perform the dip movement.

Plank with a twist

Planks are one of those "dream exercises" that all trainers love! They work your entire core, quads, shoulders and chest, and they have a million variations that make them more challenging. The plank with a twist has all the benefits of a traditional plank exercise, but will target your obliques even more.

Hamstring curl and bridge on a ball

To make your booty "pop," you can't go wrong with a hamstring curl and bridge on a ball. This exercise will challenge your core as you tighten your hamstrings and tone your behind. If you have a hard time maintaining balance on the ball, place your arms on the ground next to your sides instead of behind your head.

More body-sculpting workouts

Sculpt your body type: Pear-shape
Sculpt your body type: Athletic
Sculpt your body type: Curvy

Photo credit: Ivan Nikolov/WENN.com (Gwyneth Paltrow), Lance Williams/Girls Gone Sporty (all others)

National Dessert Day recipes

Save Room For DessertI'm not sure who comes up with these so-called holidays, but I think I like them. Today we celebrate quite possibly the best one yet — National Dessert Day. Take full advantage of the excuse to eat dessert first or skip dinner entirely.

Dessert lovers, raise your hands! If you scream for ice cream like I do, today was made for you. Let's join together to celebrate all things chocolate, caramel, sweet and decadent. Fill your day with at least one of these irresistible options from Taste of Home.

Rhubarb topped cheesecake

Leave out the strawberries or cherries and try this delicious spin on the traditional cheesecake. If you love rhubarb pie but long for something a bit creamier, this combo will wow you.

Serves 12

Ingredients: 3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs (about 10 squares) 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 3 tablespoons reduced-fat margarine, meltedFilling: 2 (8 ounce) packages reduced-fat cream cheese, softened 1 cup fat-free vanilla yogurt 3/4 cup sugar 1 cup egg substitute 1 teaspoon grated lemon peel 1/4 cup lemon juiceTopping: 3 cups diced fresh or frozen rhubarb 1 cup sugar 2 tablespoons plus 1/2 cup cold water, divided 1 tablespoon cornstarch Red food coloring, optionalDirections:

In a small bowl, combine cracker crumbs and cinnamon; stir in margarine. Press onto the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan; set aside. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, yogurt and sugar, until smooth. Gradually add egg substitute; beat on low speed just until combined. Stir in lemon peel and juice. Pour filling over crust. Bake at 350 degrees F. for 35-40 minutes or until center is almost set. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen; cool one hour longer. Cover and refrigerate overnight.In a large saucepan, combine the rhubarb, sugar and two tablespoons water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer until rhubarb is tender, about 10 minutes. Combine cornstarch and remaining water until smooth; gradually stir into rhubarb mixture. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for two minutes or until thickened. Add food coloring if desired. Cover and refrigerate until cool. Spoon over slices of cheesecake.

Chocolate-coffee ice cream sandwiches

This could quite possibly be the best dessert of all time. It combines everything amazing in the dessert world including caramel, chocolate, coffee and ice cream. It sounds almost sinful, but the taste will surely remind you of heaven.

Serves 12-15

Ingredients: Brownies for ice cream sandwiches 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules 4 cups dulce de leche caramel ice cream, softenedChocolate-covered coffee beans, choppedDirections:

Prepare batter for brownie for ice cream sandwiches; stir in coffee granules. Bake and cool according to recipe directions. Cut brownie in half widthwise. Spread ice cream over one brownie half. Turn over remaining brownie half; place over ice cream. Cover and freeze for two hours or until firm. Cut into bars, squares or desired shapes. Dip sides of ice cream sandwiches in coffee beans. Wrap in plastic wrap. Freeze until serving.

Apple-blueberry cobbler

This berry filled version of apple cobbler is the comfort food of the dessert world. With apples in peak season, it only makes sense to make a big batch of cobbler out of them. Serve this one with a big side of ice cream and a warm cup of coffee.

Serves 6-8

Ingredients: 1 tablespoon butter, melted 9 gingersnap cookies, crushedFilling: 4 large tart apples, peeled 1 tablespoon butter 3/4 cup sugar 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger 3 cups fresh blueberries 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 tablespoon grated orange peelTopping: 1 cup all-purpose flour 3 tablespoons brown sugar 6 tablespoons cold butter, cubedDirections:

Spread butter over the bottom of an 8-inch square baking dish. Sprinkle with gingersnap crumbs; press down gently. Set aside. Cut each apple into 16 wedges. In a large skillet, saute apples in butter until crisp-tender, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat; cool for 10 minutes. Combine the sugar, cinnamon and ginger; sprinkle over apples; toss to coat. Place blueberries in a bowl. Sprinkle with lemon juice and orange peel; toss gently to coat. For topping, combine flour and brown sugar in a small bowl; cut in butter until crumbly. Spoon apple mixture into prepared baking dish. Top with blueberry mixture and topping (dish will be full). Bake at 350 degrees F. for 35-40 minutes or until bubbly.

Tell usWhat is your go-to dessert?

Share with us in the comments section below!

More dessert recipes

Pumpkin tiramisu
Desserts on a stick
Coffee liqueur sundae

相关的主题文章:

• Doritos creator dies...and he's taking his chips with him
• Quinoa, black bean and corn salad
• Walnut streusel truffles