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Food Bites & Articles

Janet's Notebook

Hot Dogs Aren’t Just for Grilling Anymore!

It never fails... I always buy too much of something for my cookouts. This time it was hot dogs. There was a great sale at the supermarket I couldn't pass up. Not wanting to let them go to waste, I...

Janet's Notebook

Travel Around the World From Your Kitchen

It's vacation season! Want to know my big travel plans for the summer? Sipping on some sweet tea or lemonade and enjoying my back porch.But, just cause I'm sticking close to home, it doesn't mean I can't travel. Thanks to...

Janet's Notebook

July 4th Side Dishes Pop with Flavor

I'm busy planning my July 4th cookout this week. I love macaroni salad and potato salad at my backyard barbecues, but I wanted to jazz up the sides this year. These refreshing - and flavorful - salads are sure to...

Janet's Notebook

Please Your Summer Sweet Tooth with No-Bake Desserts

It's not only heating up in the Test Kitchen with all the goodies we've been testing, it's getting hotter outside too! Lately, I'm having to crank the AC and my oven mitt's turned into a fan. The last thing I...

Janet's Notebook

Make A Feast for Dad This Father’s Day

During the week, I cook up a storm in the Test Kitchen. On the weekends, especially if we're grilling, I don't mind turning dinner over to my husband. He's quite the grill-master. With Father's Day around the corner, I thought...

Janet's Notebook

Lemon Brightens Up Summer Desserts

I love lemon all year long, but there's something about summertime when I tend to crave lemon desserts. Now that the weather's getting warmer, I just want to jump into my kitchen and get cookin'.One bite of Cheryl Redes' Mama's...

Janet's Notebook

Brunch Recipes That’ll Dazzle A Crowd

Eggs Benedict, bacon, sausage, omelets... y’all know my fondness for brunch recipes.My friend is having guests for brunch next weekend and has asked me to help her with the menu. I definitely have a few suggestions!“You just can not go...

Janet's Notebook

Strawberries Add Sweetness to Delectable Desserts

The other day I was talking with the Kitchen Crew about summer activities we loved to do as kids. One of the ladies mentioned strawberry picking with her family. Hearing her share her childhood memories (and talking about what goodies...

Janet's Notebook

Gearing up for a Tasty Memorial Day

Memorial Day is nearly here. It's a time to gather with great friends, remember those who have fought to give us our freedoms and celebrate with some tasty food. It's also the unofficial kick-off to cookout season! I'm busy planning...

Janet's Notebook

Spring’s Star Veggie Shines in Stellar Recipes

I love that the weather is finally warmer. I can begin my weekly weekend farmer's market trips. This weekend's adventure was a huge success. I picked up some strawberries, radishes, rhubarb, kale and lots of asparagus.By the amount of asparagus...

Janet's Notebook

Remembering Mom Through Recipes

With Mother's Day next Sunday, I've found myself thinking more and more about my mom and grandma. I learned how to cook by watching them. I'm lucky enough to have handwritten recipes my mom jotted down through the years. When...

Janet's Notebook

Get Outside and Get Grilling!

The weather is finally getting warmer. You know what that means... grilling season! Are you known as the grill master in your home or neighborhood? Our friends at Macy's are on the hunt for the next Great American Grilling Guru*...

Janet's Notebook

Chicken Recipes to Liven up Your Dinner Menu

Recently chicken was on sale at the grocery store so I stocked up. Each time I open my freezer, though, I realize I may have gone a bit overboard. I need to clear some space, so we're having chicken this...

Janet's Notebook

Big Flavors Liven up Healthy Recipes

After this long winter, I've had my share of comfort food. I'm starting to think ahead to summer and lighten up my meals a bit. But no boring foods on my menu!I discovered spaghetti squash a few years ago and...

Janet's Notebook

Ooey, Gooey with Layers of Flavor

Everyone loves a good lasagna. It's an easy weeknight meal, it's great for a pot luck and if you have leftovers it reheats fabulously. I'm always on the hunt for a new lasagna recipe... and I know exactly where to...

Janet's Notebook

Celebrate Easter With Family, Friends and Great Food

Easter is right around the corner which means I'm beginning to make my dinner menu. I'm adding a few extra people to my dinner table this year and want to make sure I have more than enough food. Like that's...

Janet's Notebook

Being Cheesy Isn’t Bad!

One of my favorite sandwiches is a grilled cheese. When my mom would put one in front of me, I instantly had a smile on my face. Now, I make them for my grandson and watch him have that same...

Janet's Notebook

I Bet You Didn’t Know You Could Use a Water Bottle for This… 7 Time-Saving Kitchen Tips

Who isn't looking to save a few minutes in the kitchen? I know I'm always on the hunt for shortcuts. I came across these great time-saving tips and wanted to share them. Let us know your favorite tip! 1. How...

Janet's Notebook

Is There a Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookie?

Something crazy happened last week... it snowed! While it was only a few inches, that's a lot for my part of the country. I was snowed in and decided to bake a batch of chocolate chip cookies.One of my favorite...

Janet's Notebook

Three Ways to Make Green Beer

We had a bit of fun in the Test Kitchen this week. Don't worry... it was after hours! ;) With St. Patrick's Day Tuesday, we see lots of bars promoting green beer. But who wants to deal with a crowded...