The bad news about canned food
I knew about this for some time but I had yet to see a valid article about it. That is, until Consumer Reports decided to do their own testing.Consumer Reports tested canned goods for the presence of Bisphenol A (BPA) and found that it is especially prevalent in canned soup and canned green beans. What's wrong with BPA? Well, at high levels it increases your change of getting certain cancers. It doesn't take much to reach high-levels when you eat ca

What to do with leftovers
So the challenge this week at Reduce Footprints is: This week, don't waste any food. Buy only what is needed for your family. If you cook more than what's necessary, get creative with left-overs. If left-overs don't appeal to your family, cook only enough for one meal. Don't toss out any food ... and don't let it spoil in the refrigerator. Zero Food Waste!What do we do with leftovers? In my family, they usually get eaten. Usually. Not always. Leftover spaghetti can be made into baked spaghetti by adding some ricotta cheese, spreading in a cass

Cranberry Swirl Ice Cream Cake
If cheesecake isn't your thing, try making an ice cream cake. Everyone loves ice cream, right?Cranberry Swirl Ice Cream Cake28 chocolate wafers, ground fine1/2 stick unsalted butter, melted, plus 1 tablespoon unmelted1 1/2 cups cranberries, picked over1/2 cup light corn syrup1/3 cup sugar1/3 cup water1 1/2 pints vanilla ice cream, soften (to make it spreadable)1/2 cup shelled pistachio nuts, chopped fine1/4 teaspoon salt1 cup chilled heavy cream3 tablespoons powdered sugar1 teaspoon vanillaIn a bowl with a fork, stir together the chocolate wafers and melted butter unti

Cranberry Swirl Cheesecake
It's that time of year when cranberries are harvested and sold in your local supermarket.Here's the first of 2 cranberry desserts I'll be posting this week. Both are a perfect way to end Thanksgiving dinner.Cranberry Swirl Cheesecake1 12-ounce bag fresh cranberries, picked over1 1/3 cups plus 2 tablespoons sugar2 pounds cream cheese, at room temperature2 teaspoons vanilla4 eggs, at room temperature1 pint sour cream, at room temperatureCranberry sauce:In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries and 3/4 cup water.Bring to a boil over medium heat.Boil

Time flies no matter what
Geez louise. Where did the week go? I swear, I haven't forgotten about this blog. I've just been, well, detained. Kidding.I had to switch computers, take a few tests for school, get the kids ready for Halloween, and watch 30 Rock.Thanksgiving is coming up and it's time to start thinking about food. You know, turkey, stuffing, potatoes, and pumpkin pie. Are you gearing up for the marathon of cooking and eating that defines our November holiday? Coming up:Cranberry CheesecakeDinner Rolls and how to make the nice shapes like cloverleaf and Parker HouseOh and in