Why not add a bit of fun to your Oscar weekend?

Some may think of Sunday's Academy Awards show as the Super Bowl of TV events for women. And yes, there's some satisfaction in acting as the red carpet fashion police from the comfort of your own couch. But Oscar night, with its glitz and glam, can be fun for movie buffs of both genders.

A fast and healthy pear crisp to make any season

Sometimes, even on a weeknight, you really crave a little dessert. But making dessert takes time, and you already are spending time cooking up the main event, namely dinner.

Some last minute ideas for a heart-shaped holiday

So, the day of love is almost upon us. The sentimental side of you would like to bring a smile to those you care about, but you've put off making any special plans. Don't fret. This doesn't have to be complicated.

Simple, versatile, sticky and sweet weeknight pork

My goal was simple -- a weeknight-friendly pork dish that was all about sticky-sweet-savory deliciousness. Neither take-out nor heavy lifting would be allowed, and versatility was a must.

A chicken curry that is speedy, easy and delicious

It didn't seem too much to ask for. I wanted a coconut chicken curry that is fast, delicious and not loaded with fat. Turned out to be easier than I expected.

Romantic recipes: Cozy up around these recipes for Valentine's Day

The approach of Valentine's Day always causes me to remember a long-ago February and a card table my mother set up by the picture window in our living room. She put it there so my younger sister and I could enjoy a rare Columbus snowfall as we addressed our little Valentines. I'm pretty sure there was hot chocolate involved.

A special recipe for Valentine's

If you're not going out for Valentine's dinner, here's a recipe you can use at home. This dish is warm and comforting, and rich with flavors that say "you're special." It cooks up in a gratin dish, so you can assemble it ahead of time, then when you're ready to eat, just pop it in the oven.

Church social means fun and fellowship ... and soup, lots of soup

There was plenty of m'm, m'm good to go around Friday evening when Shaeffer's Chapel United Methodist Church in western Lowndes County held its annual soup supper. Tables laden with crockpots of aromatic soups, plates of crisp cornbreads, salads, French bread, sandwiches and luscious desserts drew the church family and guests in from the cold for a night of warm fellowship and great food.

Taste, texture and nutrition in tiny packages add crunchy kick to recipes

Have you ever felt like just going nuts? (Not the zany kind of nuts, but the culinary kind.) With all the delicious walnuts, almonds, pecans, peanuts and what not out there, it's no wonder. Each variety has its own distinct flavor, texture and aroma that can enhance dishes from entrées to desserts. Many qualify as healthy snacks on their own. Even the Mayo Clinic website tells us most types of nuts are miniature packages of nutrition.

Guacamole: Fresh takes on a Super Bowl classic

Looking for a few simple ways to freshen up the go-to dish of the Super Bowl? We cobbled together a mighty tasty basic guacamole, then came up with four ways to turn basic into unbelievably good.

Cheese lovers unite, celebrate national 'holiday' with cheesy recipes

I know. Believe me, I get the irony of featuring cheesy recipes the week after 300-calorie dishes filled our food pages, but Sunday is National Cheese Lovers Day -- and man does not live by calorie-counting alone.

300 calorie meals can boost that new year's resolution

So, how are we doing? Nine days into 2013, and it's safe to say a notable percentage of Americans who resolved to drop a few pounds are slip-sliding away. If you made that resolution, no doubt your commitment is built of sterner stuff. If you're counting calories in a quest to a healthier weight, perhaps a few suggestions for meals that are 300-calories-or-less will shore up your arsenal.

Goals to eat better, lose weight should be reasonable and realistic

As 2013 begins, many will make resolutions to eat better and lose weight. Mississippi University for Women assistant professor of nutrition Amanda Dahl, RD, LD, offers some tips for weight loss the healthy way. Dahl advises that those steps should include small, reasonable changes with realistic measurable weigh loss goals.

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