TRENDS

Try out Mexican cheese

Cheeses from Mexico rival anything the French can dish out, offering a wide range of tasty, savory, nutty, even sweet cheeses to tempt any palate.

• Queso fresco is a soft, fresh cheese similar to ricotta, but with more savory, salty and tangy notes.

• Panela has a mild, creamy, slightly tangy flavor, with a texture that is a cross between feta and ricotta.

• Cotija is like Parmesan but creamier, with a savory flavor and crumbly texture.

• Manchego has a nutty, earthy flavor and thick, creamy texture.

ENTERTAINING

Make it look easy

Here are some ways for you to make it look like a pro-DIYer was behind your entertaining.

• Combine pre-made phyllo cups with deli items like tuna or chicken salad, chicken curry, barbecued beef or pork.

• Outsourcing dessert is one easy option and a big time-saver.

• Hire a cleaning service to make your home sparkle with ease.

HEALTHY FOOD

Winter hacks

Here are some simple daily hacks to keep you feeling strong this winter:

• Add antioxidants with a glass of grape juice or something similar, and give yourself the vitamin C you need, too.

• Eat stews and soups that incorporate lean meats and dark leafy greens high in iron.

• Opt for high-probiotic foods to boost your immunity and maximize vitamin absorption.

— Brandpoint

EASY RECIPE

Chocolate brownies

Hershey’s Chocolate provides this recipe for super moist brownies that everyone will love.

• ½ cup (1 stick) butter, melted

• 1 cup sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 eggs

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• ¹⁄ ³ cup Hershey’s Cocoa

• ¼ teaspoon baking powder

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup chopped nuts (optional)

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 9-inch square baking pan.

Stir together butter, sugar and vanilla in a bowl. Add eggs; beat well with a spoon. Stir together flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt; gradually add to egg mixture, beating until well blended. Stir in nuts, if desired. Spread batter evenly in prepared pan.

Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until brownies begin to pull away from sides of the pan. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Cut into squares. About 16 brownies.