September is National Whole Grains Month and Pink’s annual health issue, thus we have teamed up with the Oldways Whole Grains Council for the scoop on the health benefits of whole grains, as well as to share new, delicious recipes to teach you how to incorporate nutritious whole grains into your healthy lifestyle. Let’s face it...there is a lot of information out there on eating healthy and much of it is contradictory. So, with the help of the Oldways Whole Grains Council, let’s break it down:

What is a Whole Grain? All grains start life in their natural state as a whole grain, which is the entire seed of a plant. This seed (or kernel) is made of three edible parts—bran, germ and endosperm. As long as these three parts are still present in the original proportions it is considered a whole grain. Some whole grains include: amaranth, barley, buckwheat, corn (including whole cornmeal and popcorn), millet, oats, quinoa, brown rice, rye, sorghum, teff, triticale, wheat (including: spelt, emmer, farro, einkorn, Kamut®, bulgur, cracked wheat, wheatberries) and wild rice.

George Hirsch, Jr. grew up in Long Cove on Hilton Head Island in a family who loves cooking. “My mom likes to say I was born with a wooden spoon in my mouth. She would feed me over her shoulder—tasting this and that,” chuckled George, co-author of College Man’s Cookbook. “As a food writer, my mom always put me to work in the kitchen (even when I just wanted to play video games), and now as I look back, I appreciate all I learned.”

When he headed to college at the University of Georgia, he soon realized many of his friends’ cooking skills were raw and under cooked—voila, the idea struck. George called up his mom, Carrie Hirsch, and said, “You should write a cookbook for college guys.”

Dole Food Company™ is no longer just pineapples and bananas. Through their rich history, they have grown to be much more these days—just ask Pixar’s super hero family “The Incredibles” about Dole as you enjoy their second installment movie this summer. You and your kids can connect with Incredibles 2 at grocery stores across North America for Dole inspired breakfasts, entrées, snacks and drink recipes along with healthy eating tips and a photo sharing forum. Check out Dole’s special website: www.dole.com/Disney.   

And Dole is partnering in communities and schools with the non-profit organization Action for Healthy Kids—“every kid healthy and ready to learn.” Because, our kids become healthy heroes when we help to make fruits and veggies fun and positive experiences.

It’s true. Cool Whip™ topping makes most things better. For many holiday desserts Cool Whip is a household staple.

But did you know this time of year, when temperatures are climbing a little bit more each day,
Cool Whip has great recipes created to help us all keep our “Cool”? They really do! There’s nothing cooler, creamier and more refreshing on a summer afternoon than a dessert made with Cool Whip or Cool Whip Light. Or a quick finger whisk into their blue and white  plastic tub for a sweet velvet taste—now that’s summertime deliciousness!

Did your parents ever say "Make sure you eat your fruits and vegetables so you will grow big and strong?" Of course, because they contain vital nutrients for our body to function. Another important food group carries many nutrients that are essential—protein. And lean beef is the best way to get it! Beef has 10 essential nutrients that will help do more than just get through the day—they can help you be the best you can be.

It's a pantry staple, just-in-reach for pancakes, biscuits or those delectable sausage bites. Yep, you got it...we're talking about Bisquick!

It all began when late one evening, a train chef whipped up piping hot biscuits for Carl Smith in a matter of minutes. Smith asked the chef how he produced them so quickly and he revealed a pre-mixed blend he'd stored in an ice chest. Carl Smith recognized the mix's potential and in 1930 an empire was born. More than 80 years later, the original pancake and baking mix is still deliciously convenient. Today, Bisquick’s product line has grown to include flavored biscuit mixes, easy Shake ‘n Pour pancake mix and even gluten-free Bisquick! And, their Bisquick Heart Smart Pancake and Baking Mix is an excellent source of calcium, it's naturally low in cholesterol, low fat with no trans fat and has the seal of the American Heart Association.

Love is in the air! This month we're sweet on desserts and who better to bring delectable, creamy and lucious recipes to the table than Eagle Brand® Sweetened Condensed Milk? As a baking staple for over 160 years, Eagle Brand® is more relevant than ever as home cooks look to create sweet treats for their families and friends.

Eagle Brand® may be a staple, but they are bringing more to the table this summer—Eagle Brand® Sweetened Condensed Milk in a squeeze bottle! It will be a great way to add a touch of sweet creaminess to coffee or tea, or a little drizzle over your favorite fruit or oatmeal.

EagleBrand.com has hundreds of recipes with new and unexpected sweet trends like cookie dips, cookie bars, truffles, fudge and more. Eagle Brand® Sweetened Condensed Milk is the perfect base for hundreds of recipes to suit anyone’s baking ability. And, if you are looking to improve your skills, check out their helpful tips.

Whether you are trying to surprise your Valentine, or indulge in your very own sweet treat, you're going to lust after these recipes for years to come. Happy baking!

Christmas time may be over, but we’re still saying “ho, ho, ho.” We are starting off the New Year, and all those weight loss resolutions, with Green Giant’s fantastic quick and easy recipes. They’re bringing tons of great new options to the table to help us discoverthe difference veggies can make.

It all started in 1903, when a small canned vegetable company was born in the United States—the Minnesota Valley Canning Company. Their Green Giant made his first appearance in 1925. He was named after a particularly large variety of pea, which was harvested and sold by the company.

Through the years, he evolved into a friendlier—and greener—character, known for presiding over the vegetables grown in his valley with a deep and jolly, “Ho, Ho, Ho!” In 1950, he became the iconic symbol for the company, when Minnesota Valley Canning Company became Green Giant Company. Green Giant continues to be known for their “steam locked goodness,” which is crucial to bringing quality products to consumers’ tables. Their farmers take great pride in growing the tastiest and highest quality vegetables.

Not only is chocolate good at Valentine’s Day, but a little piece of chocolate can make any bad day better. Nestle’s mission of “Good Food, Good Life,” not only exudes who they are as a company, but also portrays how a little love in your life in the form of a bit of chocolate can take you to a place that no green juice can. Not only has Nestle been committed to making the best chocolate for its consumers for more than a century, they also are recognized as a leader in nutrition, health and wellness. Nestle’s products nourish your body, raise your spirits, delight your taste buds and help you celebrate with the people you love.

Bold and deliciously spicy, America’s No. 1 hot sauce is a staple for fall, football and flavorful fare. Whether you’re a tried-and-true Buffalo fan, savor sweet-and-spicy, or take things mild—Frank’s RedHot has a hot sauce for you.

Frank’s RedHot is particularly popular among millennials, who are drawn to bold flavors. As you look by age group, younger consumers have an increased desire for spicy, flavorful tastes.

In 1918, Frank’s RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce was created in Louisiana when Adam Estilette and Jacob Frank blended the perfectly spiced hot sauce with a rich blend of cayenne peppers. It was bottled two years later, launching the brand. And today, it is still based on the original recipe of aged cayenne red peppers, distilled vinegar, salt and garlic powder. Bless their spicy hearts.