Holiday baking tips from a pro chef

Roll up the sleeves on your Christmas sweater, don your apron and break out that rolling pin — it's time to bake everyone's favorite holiday treats.

Holiday baking tips
for the home chef

Before you get started, check out these tips from professional baker Rana Abla, owner of Sableh Sweet & Savory.

Pro baker Rana Abla makes her living baking delicious treats for people year-round. But only those of us lucky enough to live in the Dallas-Fort Worth area in Texas can enjoy her sweets for now. Besides, during the holidays, you'll probably want to bake your family's favorites. Rana offers these 25 tips (that's right, she gave us all her secrets!) for turning out delicious cookies, cakes and more. She even shared one of her personal family recipes (something you can't get even if you're a client).

What you need to know about ingredientsUnless otherwise specified in the recipe, all ingredients should be room temperature. Take most ingredients out of the refrigerator 60 to 90 minutes before you start cooking.To bring butter to room temperature quickly, you can cut it into small cubes on a plate and let it stand for about 15 minutes.Never substitute baking soda for baking powder or vice versa. Each has a different function.Unless the recipe says otherwise, always use all-purpose flour.Unless the recipe says otherwise, always use unsalted butter for baking.Semisweet and bittersweet chocolate are interchangeable. Semisweet chocolate is dark chocolate. Bittersweet is extra dark.Out of buttermilk? No problem. Just add a teaspoon of vinegar for each cup of homogenized milk and stir.When a recipe calls for eggs, it typically means Grade A large eggs.When a recipe calls for milk, it typically means homogenized whole milk.While it may affect the texture, color and flavor, it's OK to substitute light brown sugar for dark brown.For the best results, always use pure vanilla extract. It makes a huge difference.A pinch of salt brings out the flavors in sweet baked goods.Pro techniques every home chef should learnThe most important thing is to read the entire recipe before you start baking and follow it exactly, especially the first time.Baking is an exact science. Measure all your ingredients carefully, using a glass measuring cup for wet ingredients and regular cups and teaspoons for dry ingredients.Get a separate thermometer to ensure an accurate temperature reading — most ovens run a little hotter or colder than the display temperature.Always wait for the oven to reach temperature before putting cakes or cookies in the oven.A hand mixer works as well as a stand mixer.Sifting is important, but you don't need a sifter. The best way to sift flour is in a bowl with a regular old whisk!The best way to sift cocoa powder is by running it through a mesh strainer.Use shiny baking sheets. Dark or burned sheets absorb heat faster and may cause cookies to burn.Cookies should be baked uniform in size and thickness, so use a level spoonful for drop cookies and a sharp, thin-bladed knife for slicing refrigerator rolls.Don't overmix once the dry ingredients are added. Just mix on low until incorporated.To retrieve stray eggshells in a mixture, use the emptied half-shell. Eggshell sticks to eggshell.Once a cake is completely cooled, wrap cake layers in plastic wrap and place them in the freezer for half an hour before cutting and/or icing them.Every time you make cookie dough, leave it in the fridge for two to four hours. It gives the dough a chance to rest and the flavors a chance to come together.Tatyana's chocolate cookie recipe

While she doesn't sell this family recipe in her shop, Rana's been making these simple cookies, her daughter Tatyana's favorite, for years. As a special holiday treat, she's sharing this secret recipe with SheKnows' readers.

Yields 25-30

Ingredients:1 stick unsalted butter3/4 cup dark brown sugar2 large eggs1-1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour3/4 teaspoon baking soda1 teaspoon fine salt8 ounces mini chocolate chips4 ounces dark chocolate (not to exceed 60% cocoa), chopped into chunks4 ounces semisweet chocolate, gratedDirections:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a nonstick baking mat. Set aside.Sift flour, baking soda and salt into a bowl and set aside.In a covered microwave-safe bowl on medium power, microwave butter until melted. Allow it to cool slightly.In a large bowl, whisk the sugar, eggs, butter and vanilla until smooth.Stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients with a wooden spoon (do not overmix).Stir in all the chocolate.Scoop heaping tablespoons of the dough onto the prepared pans, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart.Bake for 10 minutes. The cookies will be soft in the center.Using a spatula, transfer the hot cookies onto a rack to cool.

Bonus: Packaging cookies for Christmas gifts

Rana always has to make sure her sweets are packaged as beautifully as they taste. We asked her if she had any tips for people giving edible holiday gifts, and she gave us a little advice.

"Packaging the goodies is another important step, and here you can pretty much do whatever you want, from simple to very elaborate," she says. "You can use a clear bag and 'joujet' it up with a beautiful ribbon and attach the recipe. Or you can place them in a box, decorate it with ribbon and attach an ornament."

She also suggests getting a beautiful basket and placing the cookies in it with the recipe, a rolling pin, cookie cutters and a baking book to make a lovely baking-themed gift for a fellow foodie. She invites you to check out her Facebook page or her website to "steal" as many packaging ideas from her as you can!

About Rana Abla

Rana Abla is a self-taught chef in the Dallas-Fort Worth area of Texas. Having cooked with her mother since she was a child, she's turned her passion into profit at her shop, Sableh Sweet & Savory, where her signature cookie is the French sable.

More cookie recipes

Rum and Coke cookies
Chocolate pistachio cookies
Chocolate chip lemon cookies

Homemade green bagels with chive cream cheese

Changing It Up!Start the day off with a bang! These homemade bagels are sure to impress! Tinted green and served with homemade chive cream cheese. Your kids will think you are the coolest!

Have you ever made bagels before? Don't worry it's really easy! It only takes a few ingredients and a bit of patience. Plus, because St. Patrick's Day is just around the corner we decided to dye our bagels green! How festive!

Homemade green bagels with chive cream cheese recipe

Slightly adapted from King Arthur Flour

Yields 8 bagels

Ingredients:

Bagel dough:

1-1/2 cups lukewarm water (about 95 degrees F)4-5 drops green food coloring1 tablespoon instant yeast4 cups bread flour2 teaspoons kosher salt1 tablespoon brown sugar

Water bath:

2 quarts water2 tablespoons brown sugar1 tablespoon granulated sugarDirections:

Measure water in a liquid measuring cup and add green food coloring drops to the water.Add all bagel dough ingredients (including green water) to a large bowl of a stand mixer.Using the dough hook mix the ingredients on low speed for 10 minutes.The dough is ready once it has come together and holds its shape. The bread will be stiff.Add dough to a nonstick sprayed bowl, cover, and let sit in a room-temperature spot (at least 65 degrees F) for 1 to 1-1/2 hours until the dough is puffy.Add dough to a counter or workspace (we used a large wooden cutting board) and divide it equally into 8 pieces.Working one piece at a time, roll each portion it into a ball. Completely cover with plastic wrap and let sit for 30 minutes.When your 30 minutes are almost up, start the water bath on the stove and preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. You want the water bath to be a gentle boil.Once your dough has rested, line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and prepare to start making the bagels.Working on one dough ball at a time, poke a hole into the center and gently work it out so you have a made a 2-inch in diameter hole in the middle of the dough ball. At this point you will notice they look very much like a classic bagel. Add bagel to the parchment-lined baking sheet and continue until all bagels are made.Moving the tray over to the water station, drop two bagels in the boiling water at a time. Cook for 2 minutes on one side, flip and cook for 1 minute on the opposite side. Transfer boiled bagels back to parchment lined baking sheet. Continue with this process until all bagels have been boiled.Once all bagels have been boiled, put them in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, flip the bagel, and cook for another 10 minutes on the remaining side.Once bagels have been baked let them rest until cool before cutting.Enjoy toasted with chive cream cheese.

Chive cream cheese recipe

Yields 8 ounces

Ingredients:1 (8 ounce) block cream cheese2 tablespoons finely chopped chivesDirections:

Let cream cheese reach room temperature, add in chives and stir to combine.

More St. Patrick's Day recipes

Shamrock shake recipe
Sweet Irish scones recipe
St. Patrick's Day Irish stew recipe

Barbecue pork nachos

Nacho Time!No more boring nachos! These babies are topped with barbecue pork and tons of spicy jalapeños. Plus, they're loaded with spicy pepper jack cheese. What's not to love!

Need a little spicy in your life? These simple nachos take no time to throw together but will have everyone begging for the recipe. You can easily use leftover barbecue pork but store-bought will work too. Just make sure to top them with lots of spicy cheese and hot peppers.

Barbecue pork nachos recipe

Serves 2-4

Ingredients:4 ounces tortilla chips (enough to cover the platter)8 ounces barbecue pulled pork2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese1/3 cup sliced jalapeños1/3 cup sliced banana peppersDirections:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.Lay out tortilla chips on an oven-safe platter or a rimmed baking sheet.Top with barbecue pulled pork and cheese.Bake for about 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and browned.Top hot nachos with jalapeño and banana peppers and serve hot.

More nacho recipes

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A Thanksgiving get-together for girlfriends

Host a friendsgiving
Give thanks for friendS

As much as you'd like to travel across country to be with your family for Thanksgiving, you and some of your friends must stay put due to work schedules or budget constraints. That doesn't mean you have to go turkey-less on the deliciously celebrated holiday.

If you're stuck at home for the holidays, let it be a fun and tasty opportunity to host a gracious gathering with your girlfriends as a way to celebrate friendship and give thanks for the love and support these women bring to your life. Karen Bussen, one of America's most exciting entertaining experts and the author of the wildly successful Simple Stunning series of entertaining books, shares her tasty tips — and two terrific recipes — for a girls-only Thanksgiving get-together.

Gather your friends and give thanks

Regardless of the holiday, being alone when your family is making merry without you can leave you feeling blue. Bussen, whose goal is to help everyone celebrate more often without sacrifice, encourages a girls-only gathering if you can't make it home for Thanksgiving.

"Sharing a meal with girlfriends on Thanksgiving is a great way to celebrate your friendship," the entertaining expert explains. "If your work schedule doesn't permit a trip home to the family, or if you just want to stick closer to home, a girls-only gathering is a wonderful opportunity to bond, exchange recipes and focus on gratitude."

Plan ahead and plan accordingly

You may not have much success in throwing a friendsgiving party together at the last minute; your friends may make other plans. Rally your girlfriends as soon as you know you won't be traveling for the holiday and get them involved to make the event a team effort. Bussen suggests, "Choose a theme for the meal. Will you want a traditional Thanksgiving dinner? If so, as the host, you can prepare the turkey and stuffing (or better yet, make my maple-glazed Cornish hens — recipe follows — so everyone gets two drumsticks!) and let your guests bring the sides, desserts and wines for dinner."

Opt for an alternative theme

A girls-only Thanksgiving also gives you the opportunity to do something different. "If you'd like to add a fresh twist, consider weaving in another culinary element, such as an Italian theme," says Bussen. "Think white mushroom lasagna (recipe follows), autumn fruits and cheeses, and crusty garlic bread with sausage. Or add a more global vibe with curries, naan bread and spicy rice dishes."

Keep it casual and relax

One of the advantages to staying close to home for Thanksgiving is avoiding the stress that comes with traveling, dealing with negative family dynamics or bustling in an already crowded kitchen to get the Thanksgiving feast on the table. "Keep the celebration low-key and start the party midafternoon," encourages Bussen. "Have a toast with sparkling wine or cider or offer mulled wine as the ladies arrive. It will not only taste great, but will also perfume your whole home!" Most important, make sure you take the time to sit back, sip and relax alongside your guests.

Warm your home in easy decor

Just because this is a casual holiday affair doesn't mean you can't get in the festive spirit with theme-appropriate decor. However, Bussen suggests that you don't rush out and spend a lot of money on fancy flowers or centerpieces. Keep it simple yet smart.

Try these budget-friendly Thanksgiving tablescape ideas:Buy some white unscented pillar and votive candles at any discount store and nestle them between bowls of green apples, pears and walnuts.Bring the outdoors in — take advantage of the natural elements in the yard and decorate your table with twigs, pinecones and leaves.Look in your refrigerator for fun table accents. For example, turn a mushroom upside down and use it as a placecard holder.Use your best china, but instead of fancy placemats or tablecloths, use colorful striped or patterned dishtowels for a "high-low" chic look.

As you are putting your Thanksgiving decor in place, keep the attitude of gratitude in mind and your appreciation of your guests will stylishly and genuinely show through.

Cook ahead

Bussen is an admitted comfort-food freak, preferring time-saving meals that you make in advance and that actually taste even better the next day. She says, "I like high-quality, seasonal ingredients prepared very simply, with lots of elemental flavor, and dishes that get better when you make them the day before." The entertaining expert suggests serving foods that evoke warm, filling, comfort-pleasing feelings and flavors.

Up next: Two of Bussen's favorite Thanksgiving recipes>>

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Tonight's Dinner Cilantro chicken recipe

Cilantro Isn't Just For Salsa And TacosCilantro is a wonderful herb that adds a delicious lemony flavor to several Mexican dishes. But why limit yourself to tacos or fajitas? Turns out cilantro makes a delicious sauce for chicken as well.

Cilantro is one of my favorite herbs. I use it as much as I possibly can, especially when I make tostadas, salsas or tacos. I don't know what it is, there's just something about the herb that brings a smile to my face. Maybe it's the lemony flavor, maybe it's the very distinctive smell. Whatever the reason, I just can't get enough. But since I don't make Mexican dishes every night, I don't get to use the herb as often as I'd like. Thankfully Kristal over at Pier to Peer has a family recipe that sounded so heavenly, I just had to try it. I mean, it uses two bunches of cilantro. Two! And a recipe with that much cilantro was made for cilantro lovers like me.

Cilantro chicken

Serves 4

Ingredients:2 bunches of cilantro1 onion, chopped and divided4 garlic cloves, minced and divided1 cup chicken broth1 banana pepper, finely chopped1 tablespoon olive oil4 chicken breastsDirections:

Pull the leaves off all the cilantro stems and place in a food processor. Add half the onion, half the garlic and the whole pepper to the processor and pulse until well combined and finely chopped. With the processor running, slowly add the chicken broth until well combined and set aside.Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the remaining onions and garlic and saute until tender, about three minutes. Add the chicken and cook until browned on both sides, about two minutes.Reduce the heat to low. Pour the cilantro mixture over the chicken and simmer, covered, until cooked through, about 10 minutes. Serve the chicken over rice and drizzle with the cilantro sauce.

More Tonight's Dinner recipes >>Other cilantro recipes:

Bok choy with tomato and cilantro sauce
Fresh carrot & cilantro soup
Salmon with cilantro pesto

The power of kumquats (plus a quinoa and kumquat salad recipe)

This miniature citrus fruit can be eaten skin and all and is packed with vitamins A and C as well as potassium. They are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in savory and sweet dishes alike as well as cocktails.

Tiny, tart and sweet!

If you've never had a kumquat, then now is your chance: They are in season in the winter and should be available at specialty markets if not your local grocery store. Enjoy their tart flavor by popping them whole in your mouth. Or, slice them up and candy them, make jam, add them to salads, put them in drinks or cook with them. Kumquat's add a wonderful flavor and acidity to everything they touch. Here, slices of kumquat brighten up a simple, nutrient-rich quinoa salad (a super food in its own right).

Quinoa and kumquat salad recipe

Serves 6

Ingredients:1 cup quinoa1-1/2 cups water1/2 sweet potato, diced and cooked1/2 red pepper, diced6 kumquats sliced, plus a few slices for garnish1 tablespoon olive oil1 tablespoon good quality maple syrup1 tablespoon chopped cilantro, plus a little for garnishDirections:

Soak the quinoa in hot water for five minutes. Strain and rinse.Put in a pot with the 1-1/2 cups water and bring to a boil. Lower the heat, cover and cook until water is absorbed and quinoa is tender, about 20 minutes.Transfer the cooked quinoa to a large bowl. Add the sweet potato, red pepper, kumquats, olive oil and maple syrup and mix to combine. Add the cilantro and lightly toss.Serve hot, at room temp or cold. Garnish with chopped cilantro and sliced kumquats.

More kumquat recipes

Kumquat marinade
Kumquat sparkler recipe
Cranberry kumquat relish

Mini-meatball sliders recipe

Almost Too
Cute To EatThese little meatball sliders are a perfect treat. Premade meatballs and jarred marinara sauce make these a super-fast snack, lunch or dinner

Who doesn't love Italian food, especially meatball subs? While being super delicious, they can be a bit time-consuming to prepare. In this recipe, we took store-bought turkey meatballs, jarred tomato sauce and fresh dinner rolls from our grocer's bakery and created these oh-so-cute mini-meatball sliders. These are wonderful for those watching their portion sizes, and they are ideal for kids!

Mini-meatball sliders recipe

Serves 10-12

Ingredients:1 package premade turkey meatballs1 (24 ounce) jar pasta sauce or marinara sauce such as Classico1 dozen fresh dinner rollsMozzarella cheese (optional)Directions: 

In a medium-sized pot, prepare the turkey meatballs as directed on the package. Once the meatballs are cooked completely, add the jar of pasta or marinara sauce to the meatballs. Cover and allow to simmer 10-15 minutes or until nice and hot.With a bread knife, slice each dinner roll in half and place on a serving platter. Carefully add a meatball to each dinner roll and top with mozzarella if desired. Place the other half of the dinner roll on top and repeat for remaining sliders. Serve warm.

More slider recipes

Citrus barbecue chicken sliders
Hamburger sliders
BLT sliders

Quick salty limeade (chanh muối)

Vietnamese-inspired sips

Take a refreshing sip of salty limeade — it's a perfect combination of sweet, salty and sour.

Chanh muối is a common Vietnamese beverage that uses limes preserved in salt to produce a refreshing sweet and salty limeade. If you're short on time, this shortcut version will cool you off just as well as the original, which takes months to properly preserve the limes.

Quick salty limeade recipe (chanh muối)

Adapted from The Little Saigon Cookbook

Serves 6-8

Ingredients:1/2 cup lime juice1/2 cup sugar1 tablespoon kosher or sea salt6-8 cups waterLime slices for garnish (optional)Directions:

Combine the lime juice, sugar, salt and 6 cups water in a large pitcher. Stir to dissolve the sugar and salt. Taste and add more water, as needed.Serve over ice with lime slices, if desired.

More Daily Flavor

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Bite-sized News Microwave popcorn lung, McRib delay more

food news
Get the latest food buzz!

Hungry for the latest food buzz? Check out these bite-sized news niblets, hot off the press.

Microwave popcorn lung is a real disease

A Colorado man, Wayne Watson, was diagnosed with "microwave popcorn lung" (yes, this is a real condition) after eating two bags of flavored microwave popcorn every day for several years. Evidentally, this isn't a new discovery. This disease has been linked to lung problems in workers at popcorn plants and is caused by inhaling the popcorn's vapor, dicetyl. After filing a lawsuit, Watson was awarded $7 million because the packaging did not contain any warning of this condition.

But we have to ask: What possesses someone to eat two bags of popcorn every day for years? We wonder if microwave popcorn lung is his only physical ailment as a result... Either way, we might think twice before we pop those kernels (and he's since stopped eating it, if you were wondering).

Stick to your ribs

McDonalds' McRib has its own cult following. So why are they making us wait for it? McDonalds, originally set to release the McRib in late October or early November, has delayed the rollout until December. Why? Well, to boost end-of-year sales, of course. So sorry, lovers of the rib-shaped molded meat. You'll have to wait a few more months for your barbecue-flavored pork patty.

Can't wait? Try our homemade McRib recipe >>

Ben & Jerry's announces new flavor

Ben & Jerry's, makers of the world's best ice cream (in our opinion), has revealed their new Limited Batch flavor. Drum roll please… Cannoli! The creamy new flavor will feature mascarpone ice cream with fudge-covered cannoli bits and a mascarpone swirl. Coming out at the end of September, it will be available for three to four months in the U.S. Personally, we've never met a Ben & Jerry's flavor we didn't like, so sign us up.

Nuts over peanut allergies?

Has peanut butter become a villain? It appears that way. More and more schools across the nation are starting to ban peanut butter sandwiches (and other nut products) due to kids having peanut allergies. It's become quite the heated debate. Some argue moms should be able to pack whatever they want in their kids' lunches, while others say there are plenty of nut substitutes to protect those with severe allergies.

And to think all of this controversy started over a nut ban in an Arkansas school.

Tell us

Do you think banning peanuts in schools is a fair solution? Share in the comments below!

Read more about the latest food trends

Top 10 most addictive foods
The strangest foods from around the world
Best apps for the foodie

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Heart-healthy habits to adopt today

Being aware of heart-healthy habits is important, no matter your age. If you're looking for something different to enhance your health, try these four not-so-common habits, that will help keep that heart pumping strong!

Easy ways to promote
a healthy heart

1Give a toast

It may seem counterintuitive, but many studies have demonstrated that drinking red wine may be good for the heart. The research varies with regard to what about wine, when enjoyed in moderation (two glasses a day for men and one for women), makes it healthy, but one study determined the heart benefits can be linked to both the alcohol and the antioxidants found in red grapes. The American Heart Association agrees, and says  “people who don’t have health conditions that can be aggravated by drinking alcohol — like liver disease, pancreatitis, or heart failure — may enjoy alcohol in moderation.” If taking up wine is not something you can or want to do, a good alternative is drinking grape juice made from red Concord grapes.

2Get it on

A great habit not to break in the New Year is having regular sex. According to WebMD, “having sex could lower your stress and your blood pressure.” Results from a Scottish study found that people who engaged in sex responded better to stress than those who abstained. Less stress equals lower blood pressure. Other studies have found similar results with regard to sex and stress relief. Bottom line. Do it for your heart.

3Open wideSomething to try: Acupuncture has also shown promise as a heart-healthy habit. Find an acupuncturist near you and ask for a consultation.

Another interesting way to ensure your heart health is to make sure you are maintaining your oral health. Studies have shown people who have gum disease (periodontal disease) are more likely to have coronary artery disease. Other studies have found that bacteria from the mouth may get into the blood and contribute to blocked arteries. These bacteria might also trigger inflammation in the blood vessels. While the jury is still out on a definite connection, it's a good idea to play it safe and see your dentist.

4Get your groove on

A study presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions in 2006 showed, for someone with mild to moderate heart failure, dancing was a heart-healthy habit to take seriously. The study found those who “took up waltzing breathed better, exercised longer, and generally felt better. Dancing boosted heart health just as much as exercise.” 

For more heart healthy tips

Top 6 habits for heart health
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How to make bacon jam

Mmm... BaconSweet and salty, bacon jam is the best thing to happen to food since bacon!Photo credit: stlbites.com

How to make bacon jam

Have you been saying you're not getting enough bacon in your life? Are you still looking for a "go with anything" condiment that really will go with anything? Are you ready for bacon jam?

Sure, it sounds crazy. When most people hear "jam," they think about toast or biscuits covered in a rich lather of sweet fruit spread, but jam can be so much more. For instance, this bacon jam is still a sweet spread, but it's salty, meaty and just a little bit spicy to go along with the sweetness you expect from a jam. Even better, it goes on the normal toast and biscuits like real jam, and it even works with fish, chicken, steaks, vegetables and just about everything else, too!

Ready to make it? Here's how!

Bacon jam recipe

Yields about 1 cup

Ingredients:2 tablespoons canola oil16 strips bacon1 cup apple juice1-1/2 cups white sugar1/2 cup raisins, roughly chopped1 tablespoon black pepper1 tablespoon espresso powderDirections:

Pour oil into a skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the bacon and slowly cook out the fat.Once the bacon has cooked for about 10 minutes, drain the grease and remove the bacon.Finely chop the bacon and add it back to the skillet with the apple juice, sugar and raisins.Bring the juice to a boil, then add the black pepper and espresso powder.Stir to incorporate and remove the jam from the stove.Add as much or as little bacon grease for flavor as you want and chill.Serve when cold.

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Real moms share How I model healthy eating

Be A Healthy
Role ModelJust as you have to stay on your kids to brush their teeth, wash their hands, and clean their fingernails, healthy eating is a learned behavior -- and one that takes time to develop. Real moms share how they’ve mastered the job of food role models to create families of healthy eaters.

Make food shopping special.

When kids feel like they're involved in the decisions about what goes into their mouths, they take pride in what and how they eat. Erica Zidel has made food trips an event in her household. "In the summer, my 5-year-old son, Gavin, and I visit our local farmers market almost every week. He loves seeing the farmers who grow our produce, and I love that he understands that food comes from the earth, not from a grocery store. The rest of the year, we get our produce from a CSA; a local farm delivers a box of assorted fruits and vegetables to us each week. We've made 'farm box day' into a special day."

Build cooking confidence.

When kids feel comfortable with their cooking skills, they want to show them off and become a part of meal preparation. Suddenly, those brightly colored packages of processed foods lose their luster, and kids understand that they can make a better option on their own. Janita Pavelka literally sings the praises of cooking from scratch, putting the mantra "anything the store has, I can make better!" into a tune for her kids. "If the children want chocolate chip cookies, make them from scratch. Use butter or margarine, honey, farm-fresh eggs, whole-wheat organic pastry flour and dark chocolate chips. If they are craving ice cream, make it homemade with healthy, organic ingredients," Pavelka says.

Form a foodie bond.

Activities such as cooking and gardening provide great opportunities to create lasting memories for your family. Bernadette Giorgi found a lasting hobby in gardening with her kids. "We have an organic garden that my kids, up until they left for college, helped me with. It was awesome bonding time, and they learned appreciation for where their food comes from."

Stick to your guns.

Raising healthy eaters takes time and patience, and it requires holding firm to the big picture -- even when giving in is easier in the short-term. Nisha Riggs started early with her young toddlers. "They can be so picky, but rather than giving into their endless desire for PB&J and mac and cheese, we all eat the same thing for dinner. Whatever mom and dad are having, they have. Our plates are always at least half full of fresh fruits and veggies."

Watch your words.

Nicole Palacios, a personal trainer and mom to three girls, makes sure that her kids learn to eat healthy and never uses the "d" and "f" words (as in diet and fat!). "They see me eating regular meals throughout the day, and we never talk about diets or losing weight. We discuss the health benefits of foods in terms of 'too much sugar' or 'no added nutrition,' rather than 'this will make you fat'."

Teach kids to build a rainbow during every meal, selecting fruits and vegetables with bright, diverse colors. The variety will reduce the food blahs and teach kids to experiment with food pairings.More healthy eating for families

3 Ways to get your kids eating healthy
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How to manage your kids in the kitchen

Causes of hormonal imbalance in women

Causes, Symptoms,
And Treatment Menopause isn't the only cause of imbalanced body chemistry - lifestyle, medication and pregnancy can also throw off your body's hormone levels at any age. So before you give in to living with the discomforts of hormonal imbalance, discover the causes of hormonal imbalance and how you can reduce your symptoms.

Causes of hormonal imbalance

"Hormone problems are quite common," advises Dr. Brad Douglas, OB/GYN and expert on JustAnswer.com. While age is the cause of some of these challenges (think: menopause), your menstrual cycle, thyroid issues and diabetes can also be the issue. Even more commonly, medication such as birth control pills can also throw off your body's chemistry. In addition, pregnancy frequently causes a shift in your hormones balance.

Although some women are genetically predisposed to hormonal imbalance, when it comes to body chemistry changes that you can manage, your lifestyle can also be the culprit. Inconsistent sleep patterns, lack of exercise and a poor diet (which can include too much calorie intake) can all throw your hormones out of whack. Stress can be responsible for disturbing the levels of your hormones as well.

Learn more about birth control: hormone-based contraception >>

Hormonal imbalance symptoms in women

So how do you know when your hormones have gone awry? "Hormonal imbalances in women usually present themselves as irregular or heavy bleeding vaginally," explains Douglas. Extreme changes in mood during certain times of every month is another sign of uneven levels of hormones, which can include pre-menstrual syndrome, or even pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder, according to Douglas.

Furthermore, anxiety, loss of appetite, insomnia and lack of concentration may also be symptoms in women who may have a hormonal imbalance -- along with symptoms such as sudden weight gain, a reduced sex drive, hot flashes and night sweats. Be sure to talk to your doctor if you have any of these signs.

Treatments for hormonal imbalance

Depending on the severity of hormonal imbalance symptoms, women who can tolerate the discomforts can live their day-to-day life without medication or treatment. However, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes to remedy or reduce the signs of hormonal imbalance, or even prescribe medication to bring your hormones back into equilibrium. Here are some options your doctor may want you to consider:

Lifestyle changes: Sometimes changes in your lifestyle can help minimize your risk of hormonal imbalance. A sensible diet, regular exercise and a regular sleep schedule are easy ways to keep your body's chemistry even.

Medication - Synthetic hormones are commonly prescribed to treat hormonal imbalance. "Depending on [their lifestyle], I usually prescribe birth control such as pills, the Nuvaring or the Orthoevra patch," says Douglas. "But I might also recommend an [antidepressant]." Some antidepressants, such as Celexa, Pristiq or Effexor can help minimize signs of hormonal imbalance, while other medication, such as Prempro, are commonly prescribed for menopausal symptoms in women. Most commonly, synthetic progesterone and estrogen are prescribed to balance out hormones.

Find out: Is hormone replacement therapy right for you? >>

In cases where the causes of hormonal imbalance symptoms in women are hard to pinpoint, genetic testing through urine, saliva or blood may be warranted. Once your doctor has reviewed your diagnosis, a treatment plan that may combine medication, synthetic hormones and lifestyle changes may be tailored to fit your needs. Most important, causes of hormonal imbalance in women can be best diagnosed if you talk to your doctor as soon as you think you see signs of hormonal imbalance, getting you on the road to a more balanced body chemistry sooner.

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