Neve Campbell has an important message about child hunger in Canada
It’s estimated that one in five Canadian kids goes to school hungry each morning. Considering 60 per cent of learning takes place before lunch, that puts these children at a serious disadvantage—an issue that recently drew the attention of Canadian actress Neve Campbell.
“We need to level the playing field for kids whose parents aren’t able to provide for them each morning,” Campbell says. “It’s all about equality of opportunity.”
Spurred to action, the star of TV’s Party of Five and the Scream horror film franchise has allied herself with Breakfast Club of Canada, an organization that serves up nutritious breakfasts for 230,000 hungry kids across the country every day. “As the mother of two young boys, any charity that involves children, I’m going to feel really passionate about,” she says.
Having recently participated in a Breakfast Club of Canada breakfast program at a school in Vancouver, Campbell says she was moved by the impact this initiative can have. “It’s not just about breakfast,” she says. “There’s a real sense of community and family between the volunteers and the kids.”
The latest boost to the Breakfast Club of Canada’s efforts to stamp out child hunger is in the form of a “Buy A Cup, Give A Cup” partnership with Mott’s Fruitsations. From January 1 to March 31, for every cup of Mott’s Fruitsations purchased, a cup will be donated to Breakfast Club of Canada. The goal, says Campbell, is to help the organization come closer to feeding the one-million Canadian kids who could benefit from Breakfast Club of Canada programs.
Breakfast has always been important to Campbell, who kicked off her performing career not as an actress, but as a dancer. Throughout her teenage years in Toronto, she relied on breakfast to meet the physical demands of training with the National Ballet School. “We were dancing five hours a day, and often starting at 9 a.m. I had to have fuel in my body,” she says. That healthy eating regimen helped land her big break as a dancer in the Toronto production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera.
These days, Campbell’s focus has shifted to serving up a healthy breakfast for her six-year-old son, Caspian. “When he’s at school you can’t control what goes into him, what he’ll actually eat, so at least I know he’s getting a good meal in the morning,” she says. Although 12-month old Raynor is still a bit too young to appreciate the finer points of breakfast, he has his mom’s specialty to look forward to—”I’m good at French toast,” she laughs—and is showing a healthy appetite.
Check out more inspiring stories of Canadians who are making a difference.
What not to cook in cast iron
Most people who cook with cast-iron pans love them with the heat of a thousand suns. After all, they’re a must for so many one-skillet meals, and they’re handy for everything from breakfast to dessert (no, really!). However, as good as your skillet can be for making all these favourites, it’s not a tool suited for all foods. Find out what not to cook in cast iron pan.
Smelly things
Garlic, peppers, some fish, stinky cheeses and more tend to leave aromatic memories with your pan that will turn up in the next couple of things you cook in it. Ten minutes in a 400ºF oven will generally get rid the smell, but it’s best to avoid cooking foods that would be ruined by those lingering aromas for the next few cooks.
Eggs and other sticky things (for a while)
Once your pan is well-seasoned, no problem at all. But when your pan is new, even though it’s seasoned, sticky things like eggs still may present a problem. Unless you like brown eggs and a gunky pan, relegate them to a regular nonstick pan for a while. (Renowned chef Alex Guarnaschelli reveals how to make the perfect scrambled eggs.)
Delicate fish
The same heat retention that means your steak will get a beautiful brown crust in a cast iron pan will probably be the end of your lovely piece of trout or tilapia. Save the delicate fish for the non-stick pan, too. But salmon and other meaty fish that can stand the heat are fine. (Here are more ways you’ve been cooking fish completely wrong.)
Acidic things (maybe)
There seem to be mixed feelings on this one. Some people say that tomatoes or lemons can react with the metal and cause it to leach into the food and break down the seasoning of the pan. Others believe that’s a myth.
One thing to note: This list is for traditional cast-iron pans. If you’ve got an enamel-coated cast iron pan, you don’t need to adhere to this list—you can just get cooking!
See why over one million people love this chicken soup recipe!
The Science Behind Your Eggs
Aah, meringue! It’s light and airy and can transform a simple dessert into something spectacular. Making the perfect meringue is much easier than you think. The secret lies in the eggs. Room temperature eggs, to be precise.
What is it about room temperature eggs that creates the perfect meringue? Join us as we investigate.
In addition to being room temperature, older eggs are the key to light, airy meringues. Ideally, eggs should be about three- to four-days-old. Why? As eggs age, the whites get thinner. These thinner egg whites yield fluffier, more voluminous meringues due to the fact that liquid white is better able to drain from the mousse-like bubbles.
Meringues made from older eggs are less stable, so if volume isn’t your primary goal, opt for fresh eggs. (This is the reason why North Americans refrigerate eggs and Europeans don’t.)
How to Make the Perfect Meringue
You can find a step-by-step guide here, or check out the primer below.
Step 1: Separate Your Eggs
Before you start, you actually want to make sure your eggs are cold. (That’s because cold eggs separate more easily than room temperature ones.) When you’re ready, crack the egg over a bowl, being careful not to let the yolk escape the shell. Gently move the yolk between the two halves of the eggshell, allowing all of the white to fall into the bowl. Pop the yolk into a separate bowl.
Now, let your egg whites stand for about 20 to 30 minutes to reach room temp.
Test Kitchen Tip: Make sure that no traces of fat or grease come into contact with your egg whites. This compromises the whites’ ability to stiffen.
Step 2: Whip the Egg Whites
Pour your whites into a perfectly clean glass, copper or stainless steel bowl. Set your stand mixer or hand mixer to medium-high. Once your egg whites have formed into soft peaks, go ahead and begin slowly adding in sugar. Continue until you’ve created smooth, glossy peaks with gentle curving tips. For stiff peaks, keep beating the egg whites until they remain straight when you remove the whisk from the bowl.
Voila! Now you’re ready to spread your freshly made meringue over your favourite lemon meringue pie.
Renowned chef Alex Guarnaschelli reveals how to make the perfect scrambled eggs.
A buyer’s guide to stainless steel appliances
When your fridge dies, your range operates only on high, or your dishwasher starts leaking, it’s time to go appliance shopping. While the task of replacing or updating can be fun for the opinionated, it’s a headache for the indecisive. Without fail, you’ll walk by a row of beautiful stainless steel appliances and think: is this right for me? Should I go stainless this time around? Before you decide, peruse these pros and cons of this popular kitchen appliance finish.
The Pros of Stainless Steel Appliances
- It looks pretty spectacular. Stainless steel is the go-to option if you want your kitchen to look modern, sleek and trendy. There’s a reason it’s still the top choice of many kitchen designers. (Want to keep it sparkling? Check out these pro tips for cleaning your oven, stovetop and microwave.)
- It’s resistant to the bad stuff. Because of its elemental makeup, stainless steel is incredibly durable. It fights off rust, fire and heat which makes it top-choice for those who want an appliance that will last and not show wear and tear.
- It lasts. If your goal is to have an appliance that lasts as long as possible on the inside and out, then choose stainless.
The Cons of Stainless Steel Appliances
- It shows all the smudges. It’s well-known that stainless steel appliances leave fingerprint evidence like they’re preparing to prove a case. On top of that, they show every bit of smudge and grime. If you have children, you’ll need to clean many times a day… and many times more if you’re what some call an “inventive chef” (a.k.a. a hot mess in the kitchen). (Psst—here are 13 kitchen appliance mistakes everyone makes.)
- It’s not cheap. Plan to stretch the pocketbook if you’re going against white or black appliances. Stainless is often the most expensive option.
- (Sometimes) It’s non-magnetized. Some stainless appliances aren’t magnetic which can be a pain if you like to post art projects, lists, or awkward holiday family photos on the fridge.
Considering a full remodel? Don’t swing a sledgehammer until you’ve consulted Bryan Baeumler’s kitchen reno tips.
Roof
The life expectancy of your roof really depends on where you live, along with building design, materials and how much work you put into maintaining it. According to the National Association of Home Builders, a tile, copper or slate roof can last more than 50 years. Wood shake roofs should last about 30 years, while you’ll get about 25 years out of fibre cement. Asphalt shingles will give you about 20 years of reliable service. Here are five home maintenance tips for winter that can protect your biggest investment.
Refrigerator
You’ll get about six to 15 years out of your refrigerator, according to Angie’s List. The most common refrigerator repairs include ice maker failure, main control board failure and a clogged drain. Check out these mistakes everyone makes with their kitchen appliances.
Dishwasher
Consumer Reports asked manufactures of 13 dishwasher brands to weigh in on the lifespan of the appliance, and 10 years is about the norm. All manufactures noted it’s important to follow the owner’s manual and regularly clean out your dishwasher to keep it running properly. Psst—this is the ingredient you should always be adding to your dishwasher.
Washing Machine
Angie’s List reports the average life of a washing machine is eight to 12 years. If the repair exceeds $500, it may be worth considering a new machine. The most common repairs include gasket replacement, a switch failure and valve issues. Believe it or not, you can clean these dirty items in a washing machine!
Clothes Dryer
Ten years is the average life expectancy of a clothes dryer, according to Consumer Reports. To help increase your dryer’s life, keep the dryer vent clean and consider air drying when possible. Check out the surprising things your dryer can do.
Cooktop and Oven
When it comes to your kitchen cooktop and oven, how long it lasts depends on the type and how often you use it. According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, you can expect to get 10 to 18 years out of your gas oven and 15 to 17 years out of your gas range. An electric range will last 13 to 15 years. Here are 10 things you should never do to your oven.
HVAC System
Your home’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems should last you 15 to 25 years with proper upkeep, with furnaces averaging about 15 to 20 years. However, according to Comfort Pro, Inc., an HVAC company, many homeowners choose to update their furnace after 10 to 15 years for a more efficient model.
Investing in an HVAC upgrade? These are the sure signs you’re about to hire a bad contractor.
Deck
Like your roof, your deck’s life expectancy depends greatly on climate and maintenance. The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors estimates decks made from wood planks will last about 15 years, while structural wood will give you 10 to 30 years. Composite decking will last anywhere from eight to 25 years.
Toilet
When it comes to your home’s toilet, it can be hard to say how long it will last. However, there are some things that can tell you when it needs to be replaced. If you’re rebuilding the toilet guts regularly, it has recurring clogs or a crack in the porcelain, it may be time for a new toilet. Psst—making this mistake with a clogged toilet can make things worse.
Water Heater
A rule of thumb for water heaters—according to Angie’s List— is that those older than 10 years should be considered for a replacement. Some signs that your water heater is about to die include rusty water, rumbling noises and leaks.
Outside Materials
Many homeowners will never have to replace their home’s exterior materials such as brick, stone, vinyl and fibre cement—all should outlast you. HomeAdvisor notes you should expect to replace both your aluminum gutters and your wood shutters after about 20 years.
Flooring
You can expect your wood flooring to last about 100 years, or even more with proper upkeep. Vinyl flooring will last about 50 years, while you’ll get about 10 years out of your carpet. When it comes to tile flooring, life expectancy depends on the type of tile, maintenance and amount of foot traffic.
Cabinets
Kitchen cabinets should last around 50 years, but you can always update them so they look modern. Medicine cabinets have a shorter shelf life of 20 years while garage and laundry cabinets should last more than 100 years. Your closets should last the life of the house.
Considering a gut-job? Don’t swing a sledgehammer until you’ve consulted Bryan Baeumler’s kitchen reno tips.
Masonry
Brick fireplaces should last the life of a house and brick walls should extend past 100 years. Here’s what you need to know before buying a new fireplace.
Countertops
Stone countertops should last a lifetime while marble countertops typically last around 20 years. Laminate countertops have a shorter lifespan of 10 to 20 years because of the wear and tear they take on.
Doors
Exterior doors are expected to last the lifetime of a house while screen doors and vinyl doors typically last 20 to 40 years. French doors usually last 30 to 50 years.
Wiring/Electrical
Most wiring should last a lifetime whereas electric components like, lighting controls typically last a little more than a decade. (You can’t help but laugh at these hilarious electrical fails!)
Faucets and Sinks
Faucets will work properly for an average of 15 years while most sinks will last around 50 years. Shower enclosures typically remain in good condition for 50 years but shower doors usually last around 20 years. Whirlpool tubs have a lifespan of 20 to 50 years.
Foundations
You shouldn’t have to worry about your foundation but if you termite and waterproof foundations, expect those things to last around 10 to 12 years before you’ll have to reapply. (Here’s how to get rid of the most common house bugs.)
Paint
Interior and exterior paint will typically last around 15 years before you’ll need to apply new coats or repaint. (Find out the most popular paint colours in Canada.)
Windows
Aluminum windows have an average lifespan of 15 to 20 years while wooden ones run a little longer at 30 years.
Garbage Disposal
Your garbage disposal is expected to last around 12 years.
Here are 20 home repairs anyone can do!
Plus, check out how to prep and maintain your oven in the video below.
Who are Camilla Parker Bowles’s children?
Camilla Parker Bowles married Prince Charles in 2005, after a long-term love affair with the future king. The two were an item before (and during) Charles’ marriage to Princess Diana, so it’s easy to forget that while Charles was having a family, Camilla was doing the same. Camilla married Andrew Parker Bowles in 1973, and the couple had two kids, Tom and Laura. Find out why Charles didn’t marry Camilla in the first place.
We see plenty of pictures of Camilla with Princes William and Harry, who seem to get on well with their stepmom. So why are Tom and Laura always absent at the royal family’s events?
Actually, while he might not be a household name in America like his stepbrothers are, Tom Parker Bowles (who happens to be both stepson and godson of Prince Charles) has certainly made a name for himself in his own right. He’s a successful food writer and food critic, having written eight cookbooks and served as a presenter for British cooking show Market Kitchen. He doesn’t shy away from the spotlight and seems comfortable in front of the camera during interviews.
Meanwhile, Camilla’s daughter, Laura Lopes (who married Harry Lopes in 2006), leads a more private life. The mother of three curates art for exhibitions and keeps a low profile.
Recently, tabloids have been up in arms over the fact that Laura and William didn’t mesh well when they were first introduced back in 1998, blaming each other’s parents for tearing their families apart. (Here’s how Princess Diana confronted Camilla about the affair.) But that 20-year-old squabble doesn’t explain why they don’t share the spotlight now—there certainly doesn’t seem to be bad blood anymore. All stepsiblings have attended each other’s weddings, and Laura’s daughter, Eliza, was even a bridesmaid in William and Kate’s ceremony in 2011. Check out these 14 other unlikely royal friendships that will surprise you.
So that brings us back to the question: Is there a reason Tom and Laura aren’t more involved in royal outings?
Turns out, just because Tom and Laura’s mom is the Duchess of Cornwall doesn’t mean her kids want to be part of the ever-scrutinized royal family, and they seem to have intentionally created some distance. (By the way, here’s why Camilla isn’t called a princess.) “[Laura and I are] not quite part of the royal family, to be honest,” Tom explained on Good Morning Britain in December 2018. “My mother married into it. She’s part of it. We’re the common children. We’re just on the side.” And that’s just how they like it. Here are 50 more things you didn’t know about the British royal family.
This is Taste of Home’s best chicken soup recipe
Soup can be one of the quickest, easiest meals to prepare. All it takes for a quick soup fix is opening a can, pouring its contents into a pan, and turning up the heat. But sometimes, nothing beats a homemade soup—especially when that soup is beloved by more than a million people.
This “Ultimate Chicken Noodle Soup” recipe from our sister site, Taste of Home, is sure to satiate your craving for some home-cooked comfort food, as it has for the 1.1-million people who viewed it in 2018. It first appeared in the February/March 2016 issue of Taste of Home. Since then, its popularity has grown to the point where it gets more than 6,000 views a day, making it the third most popular recipe of 2018 on Taste of Home‘s website. And sure, it’s got the views, but what about the reviews? Well, the site has more than 80 of them, and the ratings average out to four and a half stars—also known as “pretty near perfect.” While cooking it up, beware of these common cooking mistakes everybody makes.
What makes this chicken soup recipe the “ultimate” one? Well, to get the perfect chicken flavour, the recipe recommends cooking bone-in chicken thighs in canola oil in a six-quart stockpot. The drippings form the base of your chicken broth. After removing the skin from the chicken, you put the full thighs back in the cooking broth while it simmers. Only after the chicken is nice and tender do you cut it up into bite-sized chunks perfect for soup, re-adding it to the broth. In addition to the chicken, this tasty soup is also packed with garlic, onions, carrots, and celery. (Psst—here’s why you should never wash chicken before cooking it.)
Prepping this recipe may seem like a lot of work, but it only takes about 15 minutes. Cooking takes a little bit longer, about 45 minutes, but that time is divided up in increments as you continue adding new ingredients. And the recipe makes ten servings—about three and a half quarts—so your time is well spent, and you won’t have to worry about a soup shortage. Take a look at the video below for a quick tutorial before you get cookin’. Soup’s on! Next, check out some more delicious slow-cooker comfort food recipes.
How to reheat leftover pizza
Eating cold, leftover pizza is an unappreciated pastime. If you prefer your slice heated like most people, however, you’re probably doing it the wrong way—especially if you use a microwave. Using this quick and convenient method only leads to soggy pizza, not one that tastes out-of-the-oven fresh. In fact, the best way to reheat pizza isn’t in the oven, either.
The ideal pizza reheating method is actually on your stovetop, according to USA Today. This heat-up hack started trending on Reddit and has since become the go-to warming move for leftover pizza lovers. Taste of Home specifically recommends using a non-stick skillet. Just place your cold slice on the skillet and warm over medium heat for a couple of minutes. As a bonus, add a couple of water drops to the base of the pan—not directly onto the pizza—and cover with a lid for a few more minutes. The theory is that the water creates steam to melt the cheese without sacrificing the crispy pizza bottom. (Here are 12 other foods you should never put in the microwave.)
If the latter sounds like too much work, it might be better to consider eating a cold pizza instead. They can be just as tasty as the real thing with a few alterations. Taste of Home recommends adding fun toppings like BBQ sauce, chicken, and bacon, among others, to upgrade your pie.
On the other hand, here are 10 foods that professional chefs cook in the microwave!
Ever Wondered Why Old Newspapers Turn Yellow?
If you’ve ever stumbled across old newspapers, you might have noticed an interesting trend: Most of them are yellow—and no, they weren’t always that way. In short, this colour-changing phenomenon is due to the process of oxidation. (In other words, the same process that turns a half-eaten apple brown.)
To break down this scientific process, let’s start with the basics. Paper is made from wood, and wood contains two substances called cellulose and lignin. When the chromophores (molecules responsible for colour) found in lignin are exposed to air and sunlight, the lignin’s molecules become less stable and absorb a greater amount of light. In turn, the newspaper’s hue gradually darkens from white to yellow. Check out more science facts you didn’t learn in school.
The reason newspapers are more prone to this colour change, in comparison with other types of papers, is because the wood’s lignin isn’t typically filtered out. This both saves on the costs of mass daily printing and leaves the papers more prone to oxidation. (A chemical process called conservation bleaching can be used to produce yellow-resistant papers to avoid discolouration over time.)
Fortunately, the lifespan of newspapers can be lengthened if they’re stored properly. The best way to preserve newspapers is to keep them out of sunlight and store them in acid-free and buffered boxes. Doing this allows the acids released by the papers to be neutralized by the alkaline buffers, helping the papers retain their white colour. Now that you know why old newspapers turn yellow, don’t miss these other fascinating facts about colour.
Is There a Difference Between Whole Wheat and Whole Grain Bread?
Whole grain, whole wheat, multigrain, oh my! As you walk down the bread aisle at your local grocery store, it can feel impossible to tell the difference. Each label claims to be a healthy option, so when choosing between whole grain or whole wheat bread, where do you begin?
Whole wheat and whole grain breads are similar, but not the same. The word “whole” in their names is vital and means that they both contain grains that are fully intact.
Whole wheat bread is made up of wheat kernels that still contain all three components—the bran, germ and endosperm of the kernel. In many white and wheat breads, the bran and germ are filtered out. Keeping all three parts of the kernel means the bread is more nutritious and takes longer for our bodies to digest.
Whole grain bread also contains the entire kernel of wheat, as well as other whole grains like oats, brown rice or barley. Whole wheat bread is simply one type of whole grain bread. (Psst! Here are the surprising health benefits of pumpernickel bread.)
Which Bread is Whole Grain?
In order to tell if your loaf of bread is 100 per cent whole grain, pay attention to the label and packaging. Look for the “100% Stamp” on the front of the package. This means your bread contains at least 16 grams of whole grains. Also, check the ingredients list. The first ingredient should have the word “whole” in it. If you prefer fresh bread, visit your local bakery or throw on an apron and make this heart-healthy sourdough bread at home!
Is Whole Grain Bread Healthy for You?
Whole grain bread is rich in vital nutrients like fibre, protein and B vitamins. Studies have linked eating a diet with whole grains with a decreased risk for many chronic health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, cancer and stroke. As long as you tolerate wheat and other grains, whole grain bread is a great option for a healthy diet.
What is the Healthiest Bread You Can Eat?
As long as your loaf of bread is made with 100 per cent whole grains, it does not matter if you choose whole wheat or whole grain. They both contain important nutrients that have been stripped from other types of bread.
Here are 13 ways to get the most out of farmers’ markets year-round.
