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Go big with a bread bowl

Culinary.net Perfect for afternoon snacking or as an appetizer, this Spinach-Ham Dip is warmed inside a bread bowl and can be served with bread cubes, crackers or tortilla chips. Spinach-Ham Dip • 2 cups ricotta cheese • 1 cup sour cream • 1 package (10 ounces) frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry • 1/4 pound ham, cubed • 3/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese • 2 green onions, thinly sliced • 1 round bread loaf (16 ounces), unsliced Heat oven to 350 F. In medium bowl, blend ricotta cheese and sour cream until smooth. Add spinach, ham, Parmesan cheese and ...

Stress-free steps toward self-care

Family Features Over the last few years, self-care has taken on heightened importance for moms across the country. That is why Mrs. T’s Pierogies is partnering with actress, entrepreneur and mom JoAnna Garcia Swisher for its “All-Star Moms” campaign to spotlight the importance of finding ways to recharge and help these real-life superheroes prioritize me-time. Simplifying self-care for All-Star Moms everywhere can be as easy as designating a “recharging room” in the home, which offers a personal space to reset and relax. When creating your recharging room, keep these tips ...

Make brunch better by adding some bacon

Family Features Warmer spring weather makes the season a perfect time for families to enjoy brunch together. From classic combinations like bacon and eggs to more extravagant offerings, a brunch spread offers a blank canvas for creativity and opportunities to enjoy your loved ones’ favorite morning noshes. For your next brunch celebration, whether it’s a special occasion or just an excuse to spend time together, consider adding what may become a new family favorite to the menu. This Bacon Banana Bread combines two morning meal classics in one easy-to-enjoy bite. Plus, it’s ...

Better-for-You Brownies with a Sweet, Simple Swap

Family Features The next time a healthy conscience keeps you from enjoying that sweet treat you’re craving, remember that making healthy swaps is all it takes to make those favorite desserts a little better for you. These Vegan Brownies, for example, are perfect for chocolate lovers looking for a sweet they can enjoy without ditching healthy eating habits. By using versatile California Prunes as a natural sweetener, you can replace processed sugar, fats and eggs in all kinds of recipes. Plus, prunes also add nutrients important for bone and gut health to your everyday diet. ...

Co-worker smokes while pregnant

Dear Annie: I am a waitress, and there is a lady I work with who is six months pregnant. Every time she takes a break, she goes in the back and smokes cigarettes and sometimes she smokes weed. She has been smoking ever since I started four months ago, and I kind of knew that she was pregnant, but I never said anything until she told me. I’m a mind-your-own-business kind of person, but I have witnessed a family member who suffered from asthma and died from it. Although it may not be the primary cause (or maybe it is; I’m not sure), I know smoking while pregnant increases the ...

Honoring Vietnam veterans

Metro Each year on March 29, the United States honors the brave individuals who fought in the Vietnam War. Supporting National Vietnam War Veterans Day is a worthy effort that can send the right message to veterans who sadly were not always met with open arms when they returned home. According to the U.S. Army Center for Military History, veterans of the Vietnam War represented nearly 10 percent of their generation. In recognition of those veterans’ efforts and sacrifice, in 2012 President Barack Obama signed a presidential proclamation designating March 29 Vietnam War Veterans Day, ...