Preparation Q: What’s that funny smell in my new couch, and how do I get rid of it? —Alice Marshall, Tuscon, Ariz. A: You are wise to be concerned: That funny smell may be no laughing matter! Chemicals in some sofas can actually cause dizziness and fainting and have been linked to nervous system harm in developing children. These smelly vapors come from volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which readily evaporate, or “offgas,” polluting your indoor air....
Preparation In an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention first made their sweeping recommendation to cancel any large gatherings last March. Since then, states created (and then continue to adjust) their own rules and regulations around gatherings depending on current COVID-19 cases, so it’s important to check with your area and local officials before making concrete plans. What’s more, each state has their own definition of what constitutes a “large” gathering....
Eggplant is easily one of those under-appreciated and misapprehend vegetables. Mainly because it can be tricky to cook. However, when it’s done right, this spongy vegetable has the ability to soak up flavors and offers the best silky, sumptuous texture. To get anyone excited about eggplant, I have a wonderfully simple recipe – Miso Glazed Eggplant (茄子の味噌焼き). You don’t have to worry about oil and potential sogginess. Plus, it has a crispy exterior, super-creamy interior and an impressive flavor....
Ingredients 3 cups uncooked penne pasta (9 oz) 1 can (14.5 oz) Muir Glen™ organic diced tomatoes, undrained 2 cups Alfredo pasta sauce 1 cup shredded smoked mozzarella cheese (4 oz) Preparation Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 1 1/2-quart casserole with cooking spray. Cook and drain pasta as directed on package. Meanwhile, in 2-quart saucepan, heat tomatoes to boiling. Reduce heat to medium; cook uncovered 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until liquid has evaporated....
Ingredients 2 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil 4 bone-in pork loin chops, thin cut (about 1 lb) 1 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1 lb small red potatoes, cut into 1/4-inch wedges 1 can (1 lb) sauerkraut, drained 1 teaspoon parsley flakes Preparation In 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium heat. Sprinkle pork with 1/2 teaspoon of the salt and the pepper; cook pork in oil 5 to 8 minutes, turning once, until brown....
Shirasu (白子, しらす) refers to immature fish such as Japanese sardines (まいわし), round herring (うるめいわ), or anchovies ( かたくちいわし) 2-3cm in length. These fish are caught in coastal areas and shallow waters. Kanagawa prefecture is famous for its shirasu. Rich in calcium and protein, shirasu is enjoyed in many ways, such as a topping on Chilled Tofu (Hiyayakko) and Tamago Tofu, mixed with rice or onigiri, added to pasta and pizza and cooked down in a sweet-savoyr sauce for Homemade Furikake....
This year is a significant milestone for the US National Park Service as it turns 100 years old. As I mentioned previously in my posts (part 1 and part 2), the National Parks are a big reason why I wanted to come to the US to study for college. I love mountain scenery and hiking, and the majestic parks are simply one of the greatest gifts from mother nature. This week is National Park week (Apr 16 – 24, 2016) and you can visit all the national parks that usually charge a fee for free (entrance fees, commercial tour fees, and transportation entrance fees)!...
Ingredients 1 1/2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms (4 oz) 1/2 cup chopped carrot 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper 1/2 cup uncooked extra long-grain brown rice 1 cup water 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1 cup chopped fresh broccoli Preparation Spray 3- to 4-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. In slow cooker, mix all ingredients except broccoli. Cover; cook on High heat setting 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes....
Ingredients 1 box (1 lb 1 oz) Betty Crocker™ dark chocolate Premium brownie mix Water, vegetable oil and eggs called for on brownie mix box 3 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened 3/4 cup sugar 1 teaspoon almond extract 3 eggs 1 1/2 cups flaked coconut, toasted 4 oz bittersweet baking chocolate, chopped Additional toasted coconut, if desired Preparation Heat oven to 350°F. Line bottom and sides of 13x9-inch pan with foil, leaving foil overhanging at 2 opposite sides of pan; spray foil with cooking spray....
We often get asked by friends and readers on Japan travel tips and itineraries so we try our best to share our Japan experiences on the blog. However, one city we didn’t have much travel content on was Tokyo. Why? Since Nami’s family only lives 7 miles (15 km) from Tokyo and 15 miles (23 km) to Shibuya, it never seemed like a “Japan travel destination” for us. As we get repeated request for Tokyo travel guide, we spent 6 days this past summer in Tokyo exploring different wards, activities to do, places to visit and eat....
Ingredients 1 tablespoon olive or vegetable oil 1 large onion, finely chopped (1 cup) 1 medium stalk celery, cut into 1/2-inch pieces 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped 2 medium carrots, cut into 1/2-inch pieces (1 cup) 1 cup dried lentils (8 oz), sorted, rinsed 4 cups water 4 teaspoons vegetable bouillon granules 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1 dried bay leaf 1 can (28 oz) Muir Glen™ organic diced tomatoes, undrained...
Ingredients 4 slices thick-sliced bacon, chopped (4 oz) 1 large red bell pepper, sliced into 1/4-inch rings 2 pouches Betty Crocker™ cornbread & muffin mix 2 eggs 1 cup milk 1 can (4.5 oz) Old El Paso™ diced green chiles 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese (8 oz) 1 bunch sliced green onions, greens and whites separated (about 1/2 cup whites and 1/2 cup greens) Preparation Heat oven to 350°F. In 10-inch cast-iron skillet, cook bacon over medium-low heat until just crispy....
Preparation “Women tweet, post, and pin the things they like, so check out your girlfriend’s social media accounts for posts, pictures, and retweets that will give you clues into the styles she likes,” Courtney and Shah say. She may have already pinned a dream engagement ring on her Pinterest’s wedding board, or she probably has liked a few of her friends’ rings on Instagram. If you feel you can trust someone to keep your secret under wraps, ask her sister, mom, or best friend for ring advice....
Ingredients 6 slices crisply cooked bacon 1 pouch Betty Crocker™ double chocolate chunk cookie mix 1/2 cup butter, softened 1 egg 2 tablespoons stout draught beer (from 14.9-oz can) 1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts (filberts) 1/4 cup packed brown sugar 1 cup dark chocolate chips 2/3 cup whipping cream Preparation Heat oven to 375°F. Crumble 2 slices of the cooked bacon into small pieces; place in large bowl. Add cookie mix, butter, egg and 1 tablespoon of the beer; stir until dough forms....
Ingredients 1 bag (8.75 oz) Chex Mix® traditional snack mix 2 containers (2.8 oz each) French-fried onions 1/2 cup crumbled cooked bacon 1/4 cup butter, melted 1 teaspoon ancho chile powder 3/4 teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne) 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin Preparation Heat oven to 250°F. In large bowl, mix snack mix, French-fried onions and bacon. In small bowl, mix melted butter and remaining ingredients. Pour butter mixture over snack mixture; toss to coat....
Ingredients 1 1/4 cups sugar 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened 2 eggs 1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (3 to 4 medium) 1/2 cup buttermilk 2 1/2 cups Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 1 cup fresh or frozen (thawed and drained) blueberries Preparation Heat oven to 350°F. Grease bottom only of one 9x5-inch or two 8x4-inch loaf pans with shortening. In large bowl, stir sugar, butter, eggs, bananas and buttermilk until mixed....
Ingredients 1 lb ground pork sausage 2 1/2 cups Original Bisquick™ mix 2/3 cup milk 1 tablespoon sugar Salt and pepper, to taste 4 tablespoons pork sausage drippings (or butter) 3 tablespoons Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour 2 cups milk Preparation In 8-inch skillet, crumble and cook pork sausage over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink. Drain, reserving drippings. Heat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease or spray 13x9-inch pan....
Ingredients 2 cups Wheaties™ cereal, crushed 1 tablespoon butter or margarine, melted 2 packages (8 oz each) reduced-fat cream cheese (Neufchâtel) 1 can (14 oz) fat-free sweetened condensed milk 1/2 cup fat-free sour cream 2 eggs or 1/2 cup fat-free egg product 1 teaspoon vanilla 1/4 cup sugar 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch 2 tablespoons water 1 tablespoon lemon juice 2 cups fresh or frozen (unsweetened) blueberries Preparation Heat oven to 375°F....
Ingredients 4 strips bacon, cut in 1/2-inch slices 1/2 cup chopped onion 2 cups milk 1 cup hot water 1 box Hamburger Helper™ cheeseburger macaroni 1 lb frozen cooked meatballs 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon Frank’s™ RedHot™ Original cayenne pepper sauce 1 cup shredded Colby-Jack cheese (4 oz) Preparation In 12-inch nonstick skillet, cook bacon over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crisp. Remove bacon with slotted spoon; place on paper towel....
Ingredients 8 slices bacon 4 1/2 cups Original Bisquick™ mix 1 1/3 cups milk 6 medium green onions, chopped (6 tablespoons) 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne) 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (6 oz) 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (3 oz) Preparation Heat oven to 400°F. In 9-inch cast-iron skillet, cook bacon until crisp; drain on paper towels. Crumble bacon; set aside. Reserve 2 tablespoons bacon drippings in skillet, coating bottom and side completely....
