Heres what to keep in mind before packing your next lunch. Nostalgic, easy and even tasty are likely to pop in your head. But now,Consumer Reportswants you to consider two more words: lead and sodium. Photo:Courtesy of Brand Some contain high amounts of cadmium, another heavy metal, as well. All of theCR-tested products contained 30% to 49% of the recommended daily sodium limit. “Sodium is needed for a healthy, balanced diet....

Heres how to shop for safer chocolate brands and keep yourself healthy. Chocolate is a staple in many kitchens. Whether it’s for baking or a sweet treat after dinner, chocolate is the ultimate pantry essential. These two heavy metals can be dangerous for adults and children when consumed in excess. Dark chocolate is particularly concerning as it contains more cocoa solids from the cacao bean than milk chocolate. Five of the bars tested had potentially dangerous levels of both heavy metals....

Bring the flavors of your favorite salsa from restaurant to home with this copycat Chipotle corn salsa recipe. This smoky salsa can top tacos or burrito bowls or be served with chips for dipping. Don’t forget to pair it with our Copycat Chipotle Chicken. Photo: Photographer: Rachel Marek, Food stylist: Annie Probst Oil the grill (see Tip). Grill corn, turning a few times, until charred in spots, 8 to 10 minutes....

Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper. Divide tortillas evenly among the prepared baking sheets. Using a pastry brush, brush 1 tablespoon oil evenly over the tops of the tortillas. Photo: Photographer: Jen Causey, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall Bake until crispy and slightly browned on the edges, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside. Do not turn off the oven. Meanwhile, whisk water and cornstarch together in a small bowl....

The snack was sold at Costco warehouses in 22 states. The product affected is the Chomps Original Beef Sticks sold in 12-count pouches. Each recalled beef stick has a printed establishment number of 6220A and UPC of 856584004183. Photo:Getty Images. EatingWell design. In addition, the 12-count packaging contains a UPC of 856584004763. This recallexpands upon a recallannounced by the USDA last week on a limited amount of Chomps beef sticks.

Start your day off right with these easy pancakes, packed with cranberry’s sour spike. One of you could make the coffee and heat the maple syrup while the other makes the pancakes. It’s instant relationship bliss. Add cranberries; boil for 2 minutes. Drain and cool for 5 minutes. Whisk milk, egg substitute, oil and vanilla (if using) in a small bowl until combined. Coarsely chop the cranberries; stir into the milk mixture....

These energy balls are the perfect make-ahead snack. Filled with cranberries, almonds, oats and dates, these energy balls come together in minutes. Maple syrup and tahini help bind everything together while adding a touch of sweetness and bitterness. Ali Redmond Add oats, tahini, lemon juice and maple syrup. Continue processing until a thick paste forms, 40 to 60 seconds. With your hands, roll the mixture into 25 balls, about 1 tablespoon per ball....

The orange goes in unpeeled so it adds both juicy sweetness and the essential oils from the skin. Transfer to a bowl and stir in sugar, cinnamon and salt. Cover and refrigerate for least 8 hours or up to 1 week. To make ahead Refrigerate for up to 1 week. Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. (-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient....

Using an immersion blender (or regular blender) gives it a smooth, creamy texture. Add leeks and celery; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 6 to 8 minutes. Add garlic; cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add broccoli and broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium; cover and cook until the broccoli is tender, about 12 minutes. Stir in thyme and salt. Puree the soup with an immersion blender until smooth, about 2 minutes....

Wider fillets work best for this salmon recipe because they’re easier to stuff than the skinny ones. You could also serve the creamed spinach on the side if you don’t feel like stuffing the salmon. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shallots and garlic; cook, stirring often, until softened, about 2 minutes. Stir in crushed red pepper; cook, stirring constantly, for 30 seconds. Add spinach in batches; cook, stirring until wilted before adding more, about 3 minutes total....

Serve the pasta with grilled shrimp or salmon for a boost of protein. Or keep this avocado pasta vegan and top with a portobello mushroom. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain, reserving 1 1/4 cups of the cooking water. Photo: Jen Causey Return the pasta to the pot. Divide the pasta mixture evenly among 4 bowls. Garnish with additional cilantro, if desired. Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day....

This creamy chicken and asparagus pasta is a quick, warming meal all cooked in one pot. The cream cheese adds a silky texture to the sauce, while fresh asparagus and lemon brighten the dish. Stir the chicken; cook, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink, about 2 minutes. Photo: Fred Hardy Transfer to a plate. Add leek, garlic and thyme to the pan; reduce heat to medium. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the leek is softened, about 4 minutes....

While chicken thighs are quick and convenient, you could substitute halved bone-in chicken breasts in their place. Add riced cauliflower, mushrooms and onion; stir until evenly combined. Place chicken thighs, skin-sides up, about 2 inches apart on the vegetable mixture. Photo:Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Lydia Purcell Drizzle chicken with oil; sprinkle with garlic powder, paprika, pepper and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Gently stir the vegetable mixture before serving....