Ideas & Tips — Winter

The thought of a smoothie usually calls to mind the bright colors and tart flavors of the various fruits that are commonly used in blended concoctions, but the smoothie is so much more than that. Namely, the form of a smoothie can be used to convey any number of flavors and ingredients, including thematic seasonal blends. Also, seasonal smoothies are often much healthier than their non-smoothie counterparts, such as pumpkin pie and eggnog, so they are a good choice for people looking to stick to a diet without missing out on the flavors of the holidays. Don't put your blender...

The latke is a beautifully simple food. The traditional Hanukkah dish, these fried potato pancakes are delicious on their own or dipped in applesauce and sour cream, and make a great addition to the table at this time of year regardless of religious background. However, since there are eight opportunities to fry up latkes during the holiday, some foodies might get bored with making the same plain potato pancakes every night. Here are eight alternative latke recipes that, while they might shock some traditionalists, will add some variety to your celebrations: Cheesy potato latkes: Have you ever melted cheese over french fries?...

When you come back home after a long winter day, nothing feels quite like heating up a nice big bowl of soup, slurping it down and letting it warm you from the inside. If your soup repertoire needs a refreshment, check out these ideas for hearty, filling winter soups: Loaded potato soup: Following the inspiration of the baked potato, only creamier and better to fill a bowl with. Start out with an easy base of creamy potato soup, then add toppings like cheese, sour cream, green onions, bacon bits and hot sauce to really get the most out of this dense,...

There's nothing like wrapping cold fingers around a warm cup of something come wintertime. From morning pick-me-ups to evening party drinks to soothing late-night beverages, there is a hot drink for every occasion. Keep yourself and your guests warm with these drink ideas: Day (Non-Alcoholic) Nutella Mocha: What could make a regular mocha even more rich and decadent? A nice dollop of Nutella, of course. Add it to your morning latte for a nutty, extra-thick beverage that's guaranteed to kill the morning blues. Mulled Cider: Contrary to what you might expect from its complex flavor, making mulled cider at home is actually...

If you're like many Americans, chances are you're already starting to feel the first tremors of what will become the earthquake of holiday-season stress. With all the obligations, expenses and logistical struggles of the holiday season, it's no wonder that many people turn to alcohol to escape from all the pressure. However, if you want some healthier options that won't leave you hung over and vaguely ashamed the next day, try sipping some of these naturally relaxing beverages throughout the day: Cherry juice: This lip-puckeringly tart drink has been shown to increase the duration and quality of sleep, helping you rebuild your...