Thursday, May 31, 2012

Free Doughnuts Friday June 1st at Krispy Kreme

Friday, June 1st
National Doughnut Day

Friday is National Doughnut Day and in celebration, Krispy Kreme is offering every guest a free doughnut at participating locations.

In our house, every Friday after school, we head somewhere to get a treat. And every year, this is the most anticipated. Don't forget to schedule this one!

Click here to view store locations.

Fans can also share the National Doughnut Day fun with Krispy Kreme on Twitter @KrispyKreme #NationalDoughnutDay.


Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Healthy Shiny Hair -- 8 Foods Straight From Your Pantry

We all want healthy, shiny hair, all year long. But never is it more important than in the summer. Hours spent in the sun and heat can have a drying effect that will leave hair fuzzy and brittle. To counteract sun damage, Cynthia Pasquella, certified clinical nutritionist, says these foods, straight from your pantry, will give you glossy, healthy strands of hair.  

1. Asparagus
"This veggie is densely packed with folic acid, a B-complex vitamin that helps the body utilize protein better, getting it to your hair faster," says Pasquella. "Just one cup of asparagus has over half of your daily requirement, important since not enough can cause thinning hair." It also speeds up hair growth.
2. Garbanzo Beans
"Since hair is primarily made up of the protein, keratin, it's important to get enough protein to fight off hair breakage and loss," explains Pasquella. "These beans, also known as chickpeas, provide tons along with the trace mineral manganese. It's known to prevent changing pigmentation, a.k.a. gray hair!"
3. Lentils
"They're an ideal source of iron, which is so important for full, lustrous locks," exclaims Pasquella. "Iron helps bring oxygen to the hair follicles, leading to growth and fullness. This is especially key if you have thin hair."
4. Tomatoes
"These are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant which helps maintain levels of collagen," says Pasquella. "Keep yours high by including tomatoes in your diet. They're actually more potent when cooked, so enjoy them roasted or in your favorite homemade marinara!"
5. Avocado
"Long touted as the miracle hair food, they're high in vitamins B and E which promote a healthy scalp and the growth of new strands," says Pasquella. "They're also full of healthy, monounsaturated fats to plump up and moisturize hair follicles. Talk about shine!"
6. Blueberries
"Berries are one of the best sources of antioxidants," Pasquella notes. "They keep hair youthful and vibrant by fighting off the free radicals that can cause graying or brittle texture."
7. Raw Honey
"The sweet stuff is a humectant which holds on to water molecules," explains Pasquella. "Look for raw honey, straight from the source, for the most benefits. Add a teaspoon to smoothies or spread some over whole wheat toast for shiny, moisturized tresses."
8. Cilantro
"This herb works wonders for hair loss!" exclaims Pasquella. "It works as a purifying agent to rid the body of toxic metals quickly. A good thing, since they can stop nutrients from getting to your scalp, resulting in hair loss and dull strands."


Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Recipe | Toll House S'More Brownies

Toll House S'More Brownies


It wouldn't be summer without campfires and lakes and sunburns and ... s'mores. I have so many memories of our family and friends gathered around a campfire, singing songs, watching the surf, roasting hot dogs ... and roasting s'mores. Summer is fast approaching and expectations of the perfect summer are forming. Be sure to add this to your treat list, even if you're not bundled up by a roaring campfire. They will serve your crowd well.





Ingredients:

Nonstick cooking spray
9 broken in half (18 pieces) whole graham crackers, divided
1 package (18.3 oz.) traditional 13 X 9-inch chewy fudge brownie mix
1/4 cup water
2/3 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
2 cups (12-oz. pkg.) Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels, divided
2 cups miniature marshmallows

Directions:

PREHEAT oven to 350° F.

LINE 13 x 9-inch metal baking pan with foil leaving an overhang on two sides. Spray foil with nonstick cooking spray.

PLACE 15 graham cracker halves into bottom of pan, overlapping slightly. Break remaining graham cracker halves into 1/2-inch pieces; set aside.

COMBINE brownie mix, water, oil and eggs in medium bowl until blended. Stir in 1 cup morsels. Spread over graham crackers in pan.

BAKE for 25 to 30 minutes or until wooden pick inserted into center comes out still slightly sticky; remove from oven.

PREHEAT broiler.

SPRINKLE remaining graham cracker pieces and marshmallows over warm brownies. Broil for 30 to 45 seconds or until marshmallows are light brown. Watch carefully as browning occurs very fast! A handheld kitchen butane torch can be used as well. Remove from oven to wire rack. Sprinkle immediately with remaining 1 cup morsels.

COOL for at least 1 hour at room temperature. Lift out by foil edges to cutting board. Carefully remove foil. Cut into bars with wet knife. Store in tightly covered container.

Source: VeryBestBaking.com