(NC)—The holiday season is the time of year filled with entertaining, parties and social gatherings. Whether planning a small, intimate gathering or a large family affair, it is often the host's attention to detail that impresses guests the most. Creating a festive atmosphere, planning ahead and preparing delicious dishes will ensure guests have a memorable experience. This holiday season, follow these simple tips, guaranteed to delight visitors and simplify holiday entertaining.

Create Atmosphere

• Limit the size of the gathering, consider several intimate parties rather than a large open house

• Add distinctive touches that guests will remember. Creative centre pieces, colourful drinks, special serving dishes and bright napkins will al Holiday Entertaining 101 Recipe

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Best Recipes: Banana Chocolate Milkshake

by Donna Monday

Got any ripe bananas sitting around the house? Great. Then instead of letting them get too ripe to eat, make yourself a nice, cold delicious banana chocolate milkshake. It’s fun and easy to do.

All you do is slice up the banana and add it to some cocoa chocolate and milk and you’ve got yourself a nice afternoon snack. This milkshake will also give you a real boost of energy too. Now you know you’ll never have to waste another banana again.

Banana Chocolate Milkshake 1 cup skim milk 2 tablespoons cocoa 1/3 cup sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 medium ripe banana, sliced 8 large ice cubes

Directions

In blender container pour milk. Add cocoa. Cover, blend on low speed until well mixed. Best Recipes: Banana Chocolate Milkshake Recipe

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Bacteria and Food-borne Diseases

by Richard Massey

Types of Bacteria

Bacteria are all around us, in the air, water, ground, on our skin and in our bodies. They are classified in a variety of ways, but for our purpose we can categorize them in a more basic way.

Harmless bacteria – Most bacteria fall into this category. They are neither help us nor are harmful to us. These bacteria have a specific purpose, but are not a concerning to us in terms of food safety,

Beneficial bacteria – Believe it or not some bacteria are helpful to us. Some bacteria are used in foods to make cheeses and yogurts. And still others live in our bodies to fight of harmful bacteria.

Undesirable bacteria – Undesirable bacteria is responsible for food spoilage. This type of bacteria may not make you sick, but they Bacteria and Food-borne Diseases Recipe

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