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Beer Batter Bread

With the leaves turning yellow, and the air predicted to turn crisp, my thoughts turn to cool-weather food. I enjoy making “dump and stir” savory breads almost as much as taking the time to make focaccia or ciabatta. Made with dark, rich stout this bread pairs well with a hearty
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Quick White Clam Sauce

I like to serve this quick and easy sauce over a long, thin pasta such as linguine or spaghetti. Fresh parsley, either curly or flat-leaf Italian, introduces beautiful color and a shot of fresh herb flavor. The finely chopped, or grated, carrots cook quickly while adding a hint of sweetness
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Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies

  2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 cup butter, softened 3/4 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup white sugar 1 package (3.4 ounce) instant vanilla pudding mix 2 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)   Preheat oven to
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The Cookie Contest

Every year Hixson hosts a cookie contest at their employee picnic. This year my oldest son and I judged the contest, along with a handful of other interested people who were willing to wade through tasting about a baker’s dozen homemade delights. Tuxedo Bites, Lemon Squares, Nutkins, Thumbprint, Old-fashioned Peanut
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First Cup

I think at least one of my sisters, maybe all 6 of them, and perhaps my brother would agree – the first cup of coffee in the morning is the best. Part of my evening ritual, while I’m soaking the pots from dinner in hot, soapy water, is to set
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Where Does Your Food Come From?

September 30, 2008 – Associated Press- A retail labeling law for fresh meats, fruits and vegetables will be implemented over the next six months on an interim basis to give all parties time to adjust and comply with the regulations. Federal officials said Tuesday that consumers will be able to
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Value Meals - Part II

So….. would the world come to an end if we had to start eating out at restaurants less and eating at home more, consuming less pre-packaged and processed food and more food we cook ourselves, buying less coffee at the local caffeine filling station and making our own coffee (or
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Pinching Food Pennies

There’s no denying it – we’re all feeling the pinch at the supermarket, as well as at the gas pump. Our hard-earned dollars are buying less milk, less bread and much to my dismay, less ice cream. (I’m annoyed, by the way, about the reduction in size of many ice
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Value Meals

Food marketers are talking about value today in response to the falling stock market. Instead of attempts to get people to buy fleur de sel caramels, or high-end frozen desserts, we’re being lured to the simple and less expensive – Kraft American Singles and Campbell’s Tomato Soup anyone? I suspect
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