Food and Fun

Your nerves are shot.After spending endless hours pushing a shopping cart through every store in three counties for weeks, you found the perfect Hannah Montana or Kasey Kahne lunch box.Now, all that’s left to do is find something to put in it that will give your little Disney Channel wannabe or NASCAR novice enough brain power to make it through the day.And you thought finding that lunch box was hard.Try finding the suggested good-for-you protein, vegetable, fruit and a fun treat combination you can pack each day that they will eat.

Cooking is an inexpensive culinary adventure to an exotic excursion. It gives you a chance to savor the delectable cuisine of some faraway place from the comfort of your own kitchen. Plus, there is very little hassle and no travel expenses.

Light the grill; Independence Day is here.While hot dogs, hamburger patties and barbecue chicken take center stage in the backyard on Friday, nothing adds spice to a star-spangled July 4 feast like all-American side dishes.The great thing about side dishes is you can mix and match them, depending on what your tastes are.From baked beans and coleslaw to potato salad and fresh-shucked corn, the combinations are endless.Nothing is better than topping it with homemade ice cream and a patriotic sweet treat or two, including an ice cold watermelon.

Grill enthusiasts who depend on barbecue sauces and marinades to awaken meats may be missing the boat.Nothing can add character and a kick to beef and pork like a good rub.A rub is simple, dry powder usually made of spices, salts and sugars that’s applied to meat before it’s grilled.It not only boosts the flavor, but also forms a tasty crust by clinging to the meat.According to the Web site www.fiery–foods.com, rubs work well because they “open up” the meat.