Vegan pumpkin shake

Shake up fall ...

These dairy-free shakes are delicious, nutritious and make us feel good. When it comes to shakes, the tasty possibilities are endless for vegans, so no need to stick to routine vanilla, chocolate and strawberry.

It's time to go seasonal! Power up in the mornings with a fall-inspired vegan pumpkin shake — perfect for breakfast or a post-workout snack.

Vegan pumpkin shake

Yields enough for two glasses

Ingredients:1 cup hemp milk6 ounces soy vanilla yogurt1/8 teaspoon cinnamon1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract1/4 cup rice-based vanilla protein powder1 teaspoon maple syrup1/4 cup pumpkin puree1 organic banana, sliced into quartersDirections:

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend for 15-20 seconds until smooth.Pour in a glass and enjoy. Top with dairy-free whipped cream and cinnamon to make it look extra appetizing.

More fall recipe ideas for vegans

A vegan Thanksgiving menu
Vegan pumpkin cheesecake
Dairy-free spicy autumn polenta

CT scans better to find lung cancer

CT Scans Are More Effective Than X-RaysA review of a 2010 study finds that CT scans were more effective in detecting lung cancer than X-rays were.

CT scans pick up more lung tumors than chest X-rays.

That’s according to a new analysis of a study conducted in 2010 and published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The evaluation may give physicians more insight into which screening method to choose, as they must consider efficacy along with potentially harmful exposure to radiation.

"The CT scans detected lung cancer in its early, more treatable stages."

Dr. Norman Edelman, chief medical officer of the American Lung Association, said that the idea of expanding CT screenings to more people still has to be worked out, as does the skill level of radiologists to interpret scans.

The analysis indicates that identifying malignancies sooner means that the CT scans can lower the amount of deaths from lung cancer. Approximately 158,000 people die annually from lung cancer in the United States.

Dr. Otis Brawley, chief medical officer and executive vice president of the American Cancer Society, said they need to determine who should be screened. “Everyone wants to jump toward screening as an answer,” Brawley said, but cautioned that about 1 percent of cancers may be caused from radiation in the machines.

In the study, 53,000 people between 55 and 74 years old who smoked heavily, or used to, got a CT scan or X-ray yearly for three years beginning in 2002. The death rate for those who had CT scans was 20 percent lower than those that underwent X-ray screening. The CT technology showed signs of cancer in 27 percent of those scanned compared with 9 percent who had X-rays.

Upon a follow-up, cancer was found in 1.1 percent of the patients who had CT scans, and 0.7 percent of those who had X-rays. The CT scans detected lung cancer in its early, more treatable stages. Stage 1 cancer was found in 158 patients who had CT scans compared with 70 who had X-rays.

More resources on cancer

Reduce your risk of lung cancer
Summer skin health: Skin cancer awareness
10  most common cancers in the US

Does Paula Deen have diabetes

The Butter Loving Star May Harbor A SecretRumor has it that America's butter and mayo-loving popular chef, Paula Deen, may be hiding a dirty secret, sung to the tune of Type 2 diabetes. Although it's just speculation, many believe her use of high fat ingredients and refined sugar has led to a diagnosis.

The rumor mill is hot with this story and according to The Daily, this large eating and living queen of butter may come clean with her diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes soon -- some even speculate as soon as her upcoming appearance on Oprah's new OWN show, Oprah's Next Chapter. Why all the hiding though, Paula?

The rumors started in April when The National Enquirer and The Daily Mail came out that she did, in fact, receive a diagnosis and was hiding it to protect her credibility. But come on folks, do you blame her? The Southern chef has earned her livelihood whipping up artery blocking recipes like gooey butter cake and deep fried lasagna, all without pointing out obvious health risks to those who were brave enough to eat them. Sure, health advocates and other celebrity chefs have publically criticized her methods, but millions of fans flock to their TV sets to tune in to her Food Network show and have stampeded the doors of her popular restaurant in Savannah, Lady and Sons. Will the fans stop coming if they learn her food gave her a life-threatening disease?

Anthony Bourdain calls Deen, "The most dangerous person to America." >>

Further speculation has transpired due to her focus on non-trans fat heavy activities, like selling flavored lip balms, opening a clothing line and working on two new cookbooks with a new publisher. In addition, she's been working with her son Bobby on his new Cooking Channel series, Not My Mama's Meals, which focuses on healthy makeovers of the rich Southern food he grew up on. Is her recent change in engagements due to a new struggle with diabetes or just another way to add more change to the large Deen pot?

Whether she comes clean soon or not, diabetes itself is no laughing matter. According to the American Diabetes Association, more than 25 billion Americans have this disease and almost 100,000 people die each year from it. However, Type 2 diabetes, the kind Deen is suspected of having, is completely preventable. All you need to do is limit the sticks of butter you use, put away the 10-pound bag of sugar and quit putting so much darn mayonnaise on everything.

More food news

Lead found in popular baby food and juices
TSA compliant cupcakes, contaminated orange juice and global wine consumption
The best and worst of Girl Scout cookies

Photo credit: Michael Wright/WENN.com

Romantic Valentine's dinner Coq au vin

Perfect PairingsCoq au vin is the perfect dish for an impressive and romantic Valentine’s Day dinner in, especially when paired with the perfect wine.Photo credit: The La Crema team

The right food and wine pairings make flavors sing. After taking the time to prepare a delicious dinner, you want to showcase your creation in the best way possible. We love pinot noir for its versatility and ability to pair well with many dishes, including this coq au vin.

La Crema winemaker, Elizabeth Grant-Douglas, says that the great thing about pinot noir is that it pleases a lot of palates because it has bright acidity and silky tannins. Since it offers a lovely balance of red fruit flavors and spice, it's a favorite for many meals. She recommends pairing pinot noir with roasted chicken, pork, salmon, root vegetables and light pastas. See, we told you it was versatile!

Find more perfect pairing inspiration from the La Crema recipe page >>Coq au vin recipe

From La Crema Culinary Team: Coq au vin is a classic French peasant dish traditionally prepared with rooster. In this version, we use chicken legs, which are not only easier to find but also require a fraction of the cooking time. The earthiness of the stew pairs perfectly with our Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir. This is a great dish for a cold winter's night, and, while the preparation might seem a little daunting at first, the end result is well worth the effort! When serving, you can either remove the chicken from the bone (as pictured) or serve the entire leg.

Serves 8

Ingredients:8 chicken legsKosher saltFreshly ground black pepper2 tablespoons oil2 yellow onions, diced large3 celery stalks, diced large2 carrots, diced large5 garlic cloves, crushed1 750 ml bottle La Crema Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir1 bunch thyme (reserve a few sprigs, chopped, for garnish)10 black peppercorns1/2  bunch parsley, leaves chopped fine and stems reserved2 bay leaves1 6-inch square cheesecloth4 cups white chicken stock6 ounces slab bacon, diced medium8 ounces small button mushrooms8 ounces pearl onions1/4 cup all-purpose flourPrepared egg noodles or mashed potatoes, for servingDirections:

Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear until golden brown, but not cooked through. Remove chicken and add onion, celery, carrot and garlic and cook until they begin to caramelize. Deglaze the pan with 1/4 cup wine.Prepare sachet by wrapping thyme sprigs, peppercorns, parsley stems and bay leaves in cheesecloth. Secure with twine. In a plastic container, add the chicken, cooked vegetables, sachet and remaining wine. Allow to cool and then refrigerate for 12 to 24 hours.The following day, preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Strain the chicken and vegetables, reserving the wine. Place wine in braising pan and reduce to 1 cup over high heat. Add chicken stock, chicken, vegetables and sachet and bring to a light simmer. Cover and place in oven for 1 hour or until tender.Meanwhile, in a 6-quart pot, cook bacon over medium heat. Once the fat has rendered, add the mushrooms and pearl onions. Cook for 5 minutes. Add the flour and stir the roux until it begins to brown lightly.Remove braising pan from oven and place the chicken on a warm plate. Strain the braising liquid through a sieve and discard the sachet and vegetables. Pour the liquid into the pot with the roux and whisk rapidly.Bring liquid to a boil and reduce to a simmer, skimming any solids that rise to the surface. Season with salt, pepper and some of the remaining chopped herbs. Place chicken over egg noodles or mashed potatoes with a heaping ladle of sauce.

More romantic recipes for Valentine's Day

A Champagne feast
3 Seductive cocktails
3 Recipes for a romantic meal

How to discover your strengths

Light your spark

Do you ever wonder if you're doing what you're supposed to be doing with your life? What if you have talents that could lead you down a new path and change everything for the better? Stop wondering and start doing. Uncover your strengths, light your inner spark and live life like you mean it!

Do what you love

One sure way to get yourself moving in the right direction is to do more of the things that make you feel good and less of those that don't. If you love to write, start a blog. Who knows? That might lead to writing a book or a movie or a career in writing. If baking treats for friends and neighbors gives you great pleasure, take it one step further. Upgrade your packaging and look into selling your goodies at a local farmers market. Can't wait to bolt from your cubicle to the gym at the end of the day? Maybe your passion for pumping iron could lead to a profession in personal training.

Ask your friends

Go ahead and ask your friends what they think your strengths are. If nothing else, it will give you a nice ego boost. But we think you might be surprised at what they have to say. It's not always easy to self-identify what we're good at. Sometimes it helps to get an outside perspective. Are you creative, organized, a motivator, socially outgoing? Talk with your friends about the strengths they see in you, and brainstorm for how those strengths might lead you down a particular path. Get specific and talk through how your strengths might be applied in real world situations.

Have a vision board party

Vision boards can be instrumental in helping you identify your strengths. It's a lot more fun to make a vision board with friends, so invite your girlfriends over one evening for a vision board party. Ask them to bring a stack of magazines they don't mind cutting up and a pair of scissors. You provide large foam-core boards for each of your friends, plenty of glue sticks, snacks and drinks. Go ahead and make it a pajama party, so you can all sit comfortably while you get to work. Spread out the magazines, cut out any images or words that appeal to you, and see how your vision board unfolds.

Find a mentor

If you have an idea of where your untapped strengths lie, it may help to identify an individual who has achieved success in a related area. Chances are, your mentor would be happy to share tips and motivation to help you as you embark upon your new venture. Use this relationship to get hands-on experience. Think you might want to open a bookstore or cafe? Ask the owner of a shop you admire if you can work part time or volunteer in order to learn the ropes and see if it suits you.

Quick tip: Want more help discovering your strengths and following your passions? Read The Passion Test. This book includes a simple test that helps you identify your passions and develop an action plan:Set goals

Sometimes setting a goal can be the kick in the pants you need to shake up the routine. It's easy to stagnate and just wonder what your strengths are — and wonder... and wonder — without doing a thing. Writing down a concrete goal forces you to identify a potential strength, make a plan of action and give it a whirl.

More on being your best self

Building esteem as a family
Esteem-boosting mantras
Creative ways to celebrate accomplishments

Strawberry margarita cocktail popsicle

Popsicles For AdultsSure a Popsicle is always a great way to cool down. So why not go for a two-fer and have an alcoholic Popsicle for twice as much fun.

Ready to be cool and get cool? We thought so — grab some sticks and get your Popsicle on! But we're not talking about just any ol' Popsicle; let's talk fruity bites mixed with some of your favorite alcohol. In this case we've taken the ever popular margarita and gotten busy blending and freezing strawberries and oranges for a sweet citrus bite. This summer enjoy your Popsicle with a little bit of fruit and little bit of booze for a margarita Popsicle recipe that will be star of your next barbecue.

Ingredients

Yields 18-20 cocktail Popsicles (2-1/4 ounce Popsicle)

1-1/2 oranges (about 2 medium-size oranges)
12 ounces strawberries (about 12 medium strawberries)
5 ounces tequila
3 ounces triple sec

Instructions

1. Cut and skin oranges into small pieces. Halve strawberries.

2. Place all ingredients in a food processor or blender.

3. Pulse until pureed, about 30 to 40 seconds. Mixture will be slightly pulpy. Do not strain. The fruit pieces will help the alcohol to freeze.

4. Pour mixture into preferred Popsicle mold.

5. Place foil on top of form and score edges with finger. Using the tip of a knife, gently pierce the foil in the middle of each well to create a hole for the Popsicle stick.

6. Insert Popsicle stick and transfer mold to freezer to set.

7. Remove frozen margarita Popsicles from freezer and run hot water on the outside of mold for two to three seconds to release Popsicles.

more photos

Click here to see more step-by-step photos of this margarita Popsicle.

More cocktail recipes

Vodka-infused tomatoes with dipping salts
4 Ways to put a twist into your lemonade
Delicious sangria recipes

How to make any appetizer look gourmet

Easy Appetizer Dress-UpsServe easy appetizers at your next party that look like you spent a month at culinary school. With a few easy tips and techniques, your appetizers will look catered rather than cratered.

Presentation is everything

How your snacks and appetizers look on the table make all of the difference.

Look for unique platters and serving dishes that not only display your food beautifully, but also give everyone a good look at your sense of style. Vintage and antique plates can be found at thrift stores for very little money. Consider repurposing items you already have in your house -- cedar planks to hold grilled meat skewers, large tiles for cold items or a glass casserole dish filled with river rock for clams and oysters in the half shell. Be as whimsical, sophisticated or kitschy as you like.You can also make ice bowls by freezing water in plastic bowls. As soon as there is about two inches of ice (but the center is still liquid), pour the water out and remove the ice from the plastic bowl. You may need to dip the plastic in hot water to get the ice bowl out easily. Fill the center of your icy serving dish with shrimp, dip or other cold appetizer. You can freeze fruit or flowers in the ice for color if you like.Keep appetizers bite-sized. They will be more appealing as well as easier for your guests to eat.Serve small bites of food mounded on mismatched silver spoons that you have picked up at the thrift shop. Chopped strawberries with a little balsamic vinegar drizzled on them are beautiful when served this way.Garnish creatively

Just because you bought appetizers from the frozen section of the grocery store doesn't mean that they can't look great. Be as imaginative in your garnishes as you are with your serving dishes for a winning combination.

Use fresh herbs, curly purple kale or leaf lettuce to create a bed for cold appetizers. You may also be able to find edible flowers like roses, pansies or nasturtium.Don't put the same colored foods together on a platter. Try to have a wide range of colors and textures.Spread a thin layer of butter on the edges of small pastry items like empanadas or sandwiches. Roll the buttered sides in finely chopped parsley, chives, basil or other colorful herb to add a burst of color and flavor.If you are baking a small pastry, try brushing it with beaten egg white before baking. Sprinkle it with a pinch of a coarse finishing salt -- pink Himalayan, black or red Hawaiian, or any other type that looks good to you. You can even use culinary lavender or rose petals blended to a powder and mixed with plain, coarse sea salt for color and flavor.Cut wraps, rollups and sandwiches on an angle rather than straight across.Simple deviled eggs become elegant when you add a tiny spoonful of caviar to the top of the yolk.

There are no set rules for creating appetizers that have gourmet flair. With a little patience and imagination, your party trays will look professional.

More appetizer ideas

10 Quick party appetizers
Last minute Christmas appetizers
Elegant holiday appetizers for easy entertaining

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Meatless Monday Mediterranean style

A Meatless
Mediterranean FeastYou may have heard about the “Mediterranean Diet,” but for people in many Mediterranean countries, a Mediterranean diet is simply a lifestyle and not a meal plan. Mediterranean dishes are heart-healthy and fit in nicely with Meatless Monday, as the diet (or way of eating) is generally associated with a limited consumption of red meat.

Along with their way of living, people from countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea (including Greece, Israel, Italy, Morocco and Spain) eat things like whole grains and plant-based foods. They use herbs and spices rather than salt, eat a few servings of fish each week and limit the amounts of fatty foods they eat, including red meats.

A Mediterranean diet is a good fit with Meatless Monday. Take a journey on your Meatless Mondays without leaving town -- there are many Mediterranean-style recipes, foods and eating habits you can try!

Tips for healthy, Mediterranean-style eating habits:Limit red meats

A perfect fit for Meatless Monday, a Mediterranean diet cuts back on red meat consumption.

Fit in fruit and vegetables

Try to make the majority of your meals based around vegetables and fruit. Go for fresh, in-season items if possible.

Go for the whole grains

Incorporate more whole grains into your meals. Switch to whole-grain bread, cereal, pasta and rice.

Get nutty

The "good" fat in nuts can help lower cholesterol levels, they're high in fiber which keeps you feeling full, and they contain omega-3 fatty acids that are good for the heart. Incorporate walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts and macadamia into your meals and snacks.

Switch from butter to olive oil

Use olive oil in your cooking and as a replacement for margarine and butter. Drizzle it on steamed or grilled vegetables, use it as a dip for whole-grain bread and as a topping to your favorite pasta.

Feast on fish

Add steamed or grilled fish to your menu a few nights a week. Try mackerel, salmon or trout. Fish is another good source for omega-3 fatty acids and protein, and is low in saturated fats.

Dial down the dairy

Try to keep the high-fat dairy products to a minimum. Switch to low fat or skim milk, cheeses and yogurt.

Substitute the salt

Instead of shaking on the salt, try replacing it with herbs and spices. You'll add flavor and seasonings without the added sodium.

Toast with wine

If your doctor doesn't prohibit you from drinking wine, you might consider drinking a glass of red with dinner. Some studies indicate red grapes (and red wine) could be good for your heart. If you don't drink alcohol, you can drink (red or purple) grape juice instead.

Mediterranean-style Meatless Monday recipesGrilled fish recipesLentil quinoa salad with fresh ginger Greek saladMediterranean peasant pizzaSaffron pilaf with grilled vegetablesChickpea tofu stir-fryWhole wheat couscous with seasoned tofu and asparagusRead more about Meatless Monday Meatless Monday: Make it funMeatless Monday: Summer fruits and veggiesMeatless Monday: Meatless cookout for Independence DayMeatless Monday is catching onIntroducing Meatless Monday

A Shiksa's attempt at the Passover diet

For those of you who are unaware of what a Shiksa is, it's Yiddish for a non-Jewish woman who attracts a Jewish man (Think Charlotte in Sex and the City).

Put down the bread

There are a lot of stereotypes that go with being a Shiksa, but I'm not going to get into that. What I am going to do is attempt the Passover diet. If you're in the same boat as me, read on to find out the rules of what you can and cannot eat.

Passover breakdown

Passover falls around Easter in the springtime and commemorates the story of Exodus (the Jewish people's rise from slavery). Also known as the Festival of the Unleavened Bread. Basically, when the Pharaoh freed the Israelites, they were in such a hurry to leave that they couldn't wait for their dough to rise. This is why during the week of Passover, most Jews do not eat bread or anything with yeast in it that rises.

Depending on if the Jewish person is reform, conservative or orthodox, the rules on what you can and cannot eat vary.

Starting at sundown on April 6 to sundown April 13, I'll be abstaining from anything with yeast in it as well as anything with grains. Meaning I'm cutting down on the carbs! I'll be eating matzo, of course, which is flat, unleavened bread that tastes a bit like a cracker and indulging in many fruits and vegetables. Many of my Jewish friends who observe this holiday every year lose about five pounds in that week from not eating bread or really any carbohydrates.

“Food doesn't taste as good as skinny feels„

Let's be honest, carbs are a girl's best friend and worst enemy. But this time around, I'm going to go with the old adage, "Food doesn't taste as good as skinny feels," or something like that.

The rules of Passover for Ashkenazi Jews, who come from Europe, avoid corn, rice, legumes and peanuts because they can be used to make bread and there's a chance that they could have other grains mixed in them. Some Jews even go through a cleaning process where they rid their kitchen, stove, oven and microwave of any type of food that is used to make bread, or that is bread.

If some are really strict about whether they consume any type of wheat or oil, they don't even eat certain raw vegetables for fear that the wax coatings on some may be made from soy protein and oils from grains.

Also, anything that contains gelatin is not allowed for Passover as it contains bones of potentially non-kosher animals. So Passover desserts can be tricky but still very delicious.

See: Kosher Passover desserts >>

Passover Seder

I'm sure you've heard of your friends attending Passover Seder -- I mean even President Obama went to a Passover Seder last year, so this is a widespread part of Passover. The Seder is held on the first night of Passover where, at least in my husband's family, we read through the story of Passover. There are certain things we eat that go along with the story such as a piece of horse radish, egg, potato, bitter herbs and we also drink wine at certain points during the story, which is kosher for Passover wine. My favorite part is when we open the front door to let Elijah the Prophet in. Then we eventually close it, of course.

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama mark the beginning of Passover with a Seder in the Old Family Dining Room of the White HouseSee: The meaning behind the Passover Seder plate >>

Everyone typically reads a section the book (this gentile here included!) and my husband and his brothers sing in Hebrew. The first two days of Passover are solely for family. They don't include any type of work.

Passover food

If you're sticking to no yeast or grains this Passover like I am, then you will be eating many fruits, vegetables and anything that has a "Kosher for Passover" label on it. Matzo ball soup is a delicious must when eating for Passover. I will be living off of it from my local Jewish deli down the street.

Matzo pizza is another must for Passover food. Granted, it's not the healthiest, but it's extremely yummy. You just get a square of matzo, smear on some pasta sauce, top with mozzarella cheese (all items kosher for Passover) and heat it up until the cheese is melted and the matzo is golden.

For breakfast, it can be hard to break away from your usual morning toast. To still get a hearty breakfast in, try making matzo brei. It's a tasty dish that's easy to make and can be served savory or sweet.

This Passover, I'll be indulging in a lot of potatoes, matzo, veggies and fruits while supporting and observing the religious holiday with my husband. I mean, I want to lose three pounds.

More on Passover

Passover-inspired cocktail recipes
How to host a Passover Seder
What to expect at your first Passover dinner

Photo credit: Paramount International Picture via WENN.com

3 Easy no-heat no-fuss lunch ideas

No Heat RequiredLet's face it, life gets in the way sometimes and that can put a stop to eating a homemade lunch. These super-easy lunch recipes are perfect for on the go. The best thing is that they don't need to be heated.

These simple delicious no-heat lunch ideas are perfect for busy moms, times when you are running late or if you simply need something to eat that can't be reheated. What's even better is that all three recipes can be made in advance so you literally can grab it and go.

Need ideas for the kids? Check out these school lunch and snack ideas >>Easy pesto pasta salad recipe

Serves 4-6

Ingredients:1 box pasta, cooked as shown on the package1 English cucumber, diced1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved1 red onion, sliced1/2 cup light mayonnaise1/2 cup pestoFresh parsley for garnish (optional)Directions:

In a mixing bowl add the mayonnaise and the pesto. Mix well and add in the cooked pasta. Toss gently so that you don't break any of the pasta, making sure all of the pasta is evenly coated.Add in the tomatoes, cucumber and red onion and toss gently once more. Refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to develop. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top and serve.

Mediterranean veggie bagel sandwich recipe

Yields 1 sandwich

Ingredients:1 bagel (any flavor), sliced in halfHummus , any flavorFresh baby spinachRed onion, sliced thinTomato, slicedCucumber, thinly slicedRed bell pepper, thinly sliced1 slice havarti (because I love cheese)Feta, crumbledDirections:

Spread a generous amount of hummus on one side of the bagel.Add the slice of havarti cheese and begin to layer all of the fresh veggies and top with a good sprinkle of the crumbled feta.Top with other half of the bagel.

Almond butter and honey sandwich recipe

Yields 1 sandwich

Ingredients:2 slices whole grain bread2 tablespoons almond butter1 teaspoon of honeyDirections:

Spread each slice of bread with the almond butter. Drizzle with honey and sandwich together.

More easy lunch ideas

Bento box lunch ideas for girls
Bento box lunch ideas for boys
On the go lunches for busy moms