(ARA) - Dinnertime is a lot more fun as the grilling season gets under way and aromas of sizzling food fill the air. In fact, there's a good case to make for cooking the whole dinner on the grill.

(ARA) - As summer draws near and warm weather arrives, the summer entertaining season will be here before you know it. And now more than ever, people are looking for economical ways to entertain at home while maintaining their own signature style.

(ARA) - Literally soaked in flavor, marinated foods are undeniably delicious. But did you know that marinating also makes your grilled foods safer?

(ARA) - The backyard will be the summer entertainment hot spot as Americans seek affordable ways to spend time with family and friends. But your outdoor party can be spoiled quickly if unwelcome insects show up.

(ARA) - It's fun, it's messy, and it means time with an adult -- no wonder most kids love to cook. Kitchen duty provides plenty of learning opportunities for kids too. Problem is, for many parents, the goal of cooking is getting something on the table, pronto. And that's OK -- whipping up a nutritious meal using a mix or livening up leftovers together can also be a fun learning experience.

(ARA) - Summer is the season to be outdoors with friends and family at picnics, barbecues and many other events. But the warm weather also brings an increase in foodborne illnesses when food sits out in hot, humid conditions. Make sure your summer party is memorable for reasons other than food poisoning by taking steps to keep food fresh and safe.

(ARA) - Warm summer days call for the perfect frosty refreshment. Try homemade fruit smoothies -- sweetened naturally with pure honey. Creating your own creamy concoctions is easy -- simply blend together your favorite fruits with ice cubes, milk or yogurt and a touch of honey. Honey is the secret ingredient to enhancing the sweet flavors of the fruits.

(ARA) - In Mexico, the heart of the family resides in the kitchen where friends and family share the comforts of great, flavorful meals. A number of influences from Mexican and Latin culture have affected Americans in how we celebrate, cook and eat. And more of us, no matter what heritage, are spending more time dining at home with our families. With the popularity of Mexican and Latin dishes on the rise, you can celebrate spending time with family while enjoying an authentic Mexican meal in your own kitchen.

(ARA) - What's the best way to get picky eaters to enjoy good-for-you foods? Get kids involved in preparing meals and snacks. Experts agree that when children lend a hand (or two) in meal preparation, they are much more likely to eat what they're proud to have helped make.

(ARA) - Antioxidants work in our bodies to prevent or slow the damage done by free radicals. Like rust on a car, oxidation can damage our cells and may contribute to age-related health problems. Antioxidants are known to provide anti-aging properties and, according to the American Dietetic Association, may even increase immune function and possibly decrease the risk of infection and cancer.

(ARA) - People around the country are getting ready to enjoy the great outdoors and fire up the grill on a warm summer day. The warmer weather and longer days are perfect for enjoying fresh flavorful foods and outdoor activities such as walking.

(ARA) - Ask any parent what foods kids want and what foods kids need, and they'll tell you the two rarely meet. In most cases, hot dogs trump tomatoes and animal crackers buck broccoli, causing many parents to wonder what they can do. But with spring blooming, green thumbs coming out of hibernation and gardens glowing in a few weeks, now is the perfect time to "veg-ucate" kids to like, and even want, veggies.

(ARA) - Summer meals may taste great, but many also lack some of the essential nutrients kids need, especially when it comes to building and maintaining strong bones.

(ARA) - You glance at the clock on your desk as your stomach begins to growl and realize you have hit the 3 p.m. slump -- that vulnerable time after lunch yet still hours from dinner. In order to satisfy your hunger, you look for a quick fix to help you finish out the day. However, stuck at the office, with deadlines looming and energy levels low, your choices may not be as sensible or healthy as you would like. In fact, nearly 75 percent of consumers questioned in a recent survey by Impulse Research consider quite a few to all of their snack choices unhealthy.

(ARA) - Pure, all-natural foods have been gaining in popularity. From choosing whole-wheat pastas over enriched pasta to brown rice over white rice, Americans are paying more attention to what they eat.

(ARA) - Even if you, like many Americans, are staying close to home this summer, you don't have to miss out on warm-weather indulgences. Despite lingering financial concerns, simple summer splurges still abound.

(ARA) - Caring for eyes includes paying attention to nutrition, with recent studies showing a strong correlation between good nutrition and the prevention of age-related eye diseases.

(ARA) - There are few summer pastimes more honored than backyard grilling and entertaining. But before you fire up the grill for your next bash or weeknight dinner, you should learn how to properly select and grill fresh fish to perfection.

(ARA) - Summer is the time when we break out the grill and dust off the picnic basket to celebrate warm weather with friends and loved ones. It's also the time people bring out classic summer treats from tasty, hot barbecue to all-American apple pie. But classic doesn't have to mean boring when you add a few delicious summer twists.

(ARA) - Just because grocery budgets are tight, doesn't mean flavor needs to suffer. Preparing dishes inspired by traditional cuisine from around the world is an easy way to add excitement to everyday meals, without breaking the bank or buying an expensive plane ticket. Try exploring the flavors of the world right in your own kitchen, by using key ingredients from your pantry for authentic flavor.

(ARA) - With the abundance of fresh produce that accompanies the arrival of warm weather, you would think Americans' diets would be healthier in summer than at nearly any other time of year. But what good are so-called "superfoods" like blueberries, fresh ginger and even eggs if you can't get the kids (or your spouse) to eat them?

(ARA) - The days when salads were strictly a side dish to something more important -- they're so over. A big, bountiful salad deserves to be the center of attention.

(ARA) - It's that time of year when enticing smells from the grill waft from yard to yard, tempting taste buds. When it comes to selecting what type of meat to grill for your friends and family, beef ranks supreme.

(ARA) - Summer is the perfect time to journey outdoors and mingle with family and friends. However, the stress of hosting summer get-togethers can sometimes be discouraging. This year, avoid a meltdown and make your next barbecue or block party a breeze by keeping in mind the following party preparation tips:

(ARA) - With less money for the movies or a night on the town, families are nesting more at home. In fact, according to Pew Research Center, 85 percent of Americans have made personal spending cutbacks. Further, Nielsen Company reports television viewing is at an all time high, with the average American viewer spending more than 151 hours a month (almost five hours a day) in front of the tube. Don't let the tough economy keep your family from talking and laughing together -- get up, get creative and get baking cookies.

(ARA) - Summer brings warm weather, a break from school and endless hours spent outdoors with friends and family. Summer is also a time for good eating, with farmer's markets and roadside stands brimming over with the fruits and berries of the season. Locally grown blueberries are available in most areas of the country and from all reports, this year's supply is excellent.

(ARA) - Maybe it was helping your grandma with her favorite summer recipe or shopping with your mom at the market when the first shipment of the season arrived. No matter the memory, Vidalia onions are as versatile and delicious today as they were back then.