Dietspan

These Chocolate Almond Toffee Bars look innocent enough, but are two bites of true, gooey indulgence. Photos courtesy of Deep Media.

Even though one may not mean to become caught up in things, sometimes it is unavoidable. Such was my case recently, as a (thankfully-mild) strain of the chicken pox made its way through our little ones, forcing our household into a state of quarantine and oatmeal baths for two weeks. This was followed closely by an infection that had Mummy curled up on the couch, slippers on and blanket pulled up tight, for another few days. Suddenly almost a month has gone by, and it seems all in a blur.

Now we are about ankle-deep in holiday preparations; events with family and friends are already scheduled, decorations are already being considered, and menu ideas are already floating around in my head. Where did this autumn go? It feels like Halloween was just yesterday.

Lucky for us, I had the book In the Kitchen with Anna: New ways with the Classics standing by at the ready. In it, chef Anna Olson offers up meals and menus that have a nostalgic appeal; a bit retro, a bit kitch sometimes, but always tasty. This is feel-good eating at its best, and just the sort of food one craves when life gets a bit hectic.

While the book does include entertaining-worthy recipes like unctuous Mushroom Potato Brie Tarts and an impressive Garlic Roasted Turkey Crown with Chardonnay Pan Sauce, it is the modern classics like the Contemporary Cobb Salad, Ultimate Cheese Fondue and Baja Fish Tacos, that are, in my mind, the real draw.

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By:  TARA                        Source

I have always had an admiration for people who perform Random Acts of Kindness. I remember being at the drive-through window with my mom and watching her give extra money to the cashier to buy the car behind us ice cream cones. I married a man who can often be found shoveling the driveways of neighbors after a big snow. I like to bake and then share what I make . . . things like this pumpkin bread, which makes two loaves . . . enough to share with others.

Random or not, acts of kindness make us feel good and they definitely can turn another person’’s bad day around.With the economy the way it is, and people suffering so, can you imagine how nice it would feel to be the giver and the recipient of something unexpected? Randomly pay for someone’’s lunch. Buy something off of a stranger’’s Amazon Wish List and have it sent to them. Bake up some baked goods and take them around to people you care about. Just do something …. small or big, practice acts of kindness as often as you can.

By:  wellfed                        Source