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 rare opportunity when you can corner Captain Craig Reaves for a long talk about his family’s business...and even rarer when you get to eat sweet, succulent, fresh SC, wild-caught shrimp at nine in the morning. I do it all for you Pink readers, all for you!

Keepin’ it in the Family
Meet Craig and Jana Reaves, the “captains” behind Sea Eagle Market. The Reaves family knows seafood. It all began in Holden Beach, NC, with Craig’s parents, Laten and Alice. They started what would become a life long passion for the seafood industry in 1970, when the shrimping business was thriving. Born into it, Craig and his siblings inherited the devotion. “It was a humble beginning, we always worked as a family whether it was on the boat, hulling shrimp, or working at the restaurant,” said Craig.

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.

If a drink could claim the title of debonair it would be the martini. Just ask Mr. Debonair himself: Bond. James Bond. His love affair with this refined drink has been going on for years.

However, the creative complexity of this cocksure cocktail has broadened it horizons, and with that gained an extended nod from a wider audience of intrigue. This classically stiff drink has gotten a taste of the sweet life and become the divine darling of drinkable desserts.

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.

Director of Dining Geoffrey Gable—affectionately known as Cheffrey—is making waves at St. Simon’s premier life plan community—Marsh’s Edge.

Meet Cheffrey:
Originally from New Jersey, Geoffrey started off in drafting and design, and when he found it moving into a more digital field he looked elsewhere for a creative outlet. His mom suggested he look into culinary arts since he enjoyed cooking, and as usual, Mom was right. He set off on the culinary path and never looked back.

Whether it’s a care package for a college student's final exam week, a goody box for someone in the military, or a way to say happy holidays to a friend or relative, there’s nothing like opening a box of fresh, homemade cookies. And if those cookies just happen to be that recipient’s favorite cookies of all time, even better!

Christmas is almost here. Before you know it, you’ll be gathered around the table saying grace over heapings of mashed potatoes and gravy, delicious casseroles, and slices of turkey. But what holiday plate would be complete without a side of delectably sweet and tart cranberry sauce? It doesn’t matter if it’s made from scratch and sweetened to taste, or shaken straight out of the can—Christmas dinner just wouldn’t be the same without it. This tasty side inspired us to see what else you could do with cranberries, and it turns out you can make everything from drinks to salsa to desserts. Who else would we go to for the season’s best cranberry recipes other than Ocean Spray?

My husband and I work crazy hours. Our kids are typical teenagers, and we don’t see nearly enough of them. In the busyness of life, I know we have let too many opportunities slip by to establish traditions and make memories, but there is one thing we’ve gotten right, and that’s sitting down almost every night to eat dinner together.

Before we eat, we hold hands for the blessing. It’s just something we’ve always done. Even if we have a dinner guest, even if it’s someone my boys have just met, when it’s time for the blessing, they reach for the person’s hand beside them. I think the older they get, the more I treasure those simple moments of solidarity. No matter the chaos or struggle of the day, at dinnertime, we are a family.
Given this month’s theme, “Let’s Decorate,” we thought we’d inspire you to take that time with your family, your kids. It takes a little extra effort to set a beautiful table, but it’s also an opportunity to work together to create an atmosphere that invites each member of the family to set aside technology and slow down and enjoy each other’s company. It’s a way to show love.

It's time to fall in love with pumpkin all over again. Fall is all about cooler weather, a crackling fire, holiday parties, football and pumpkin everything. One name is synonymous with holiday baking traditions: Libby's® Pumpkin, an American classic for more than 75 years. And, it's not just for the holidays, cooks and chefs are discovering pumpkin is a moist, creamy and nutritious addition for year-round recipes.

The power of pumpkin is showcased in just one delicious serving of Libby's® 100% Pure Pumpkin, which offers a rich source of nutrients, all while being low in calories and fat, and naturally sodium-free. From breakfast to dinner, sweet to savory, pumpkin-filled recipes are  versatile and nutritiously beneficial. In fact, pumpkin is  used as a healthier alternative ingredient for many recipes. The swaps are easy: One egg can be swapped for 1/4 cup of Libby's® Pumpkin, 1 tablespoon of oil or butter can be swapped with 1 tablespoon of Libby's® Pumpkin—how easy!

This year, surprise your family and friends with delicious twists on America's favorite pumpkin classics, or with new exciting recipes that will have pumpkin lovers begging for more.

Calhoun Street Tavern, a cozy neighborhood restaurant, is tucked away in The Promenade of Old Town Bluffton. This month I stopped in to get a behind-the-scenes look at what they have to offer. Check it out...

Not only is chocolate good, 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.

The following recipes showcase the delectability of Nestle chocolate, and prove how easy it can be to take something as simple as a chocolate bar and turn it into something spectacular. These recipes are guaranteed to be irresistible because life is definitely sweeter with chocolate.

Avocados have come a long way from simply being the green that makes your guacamole. Known as a "nutrient booster," avocados help the body absorb more fat-soluble nutrients, such as alpha and beta-carotene. Long story short, they are, if there ever was one, the good side of fat. With over 20 valuable body-loving nutrients, avocados are as simple and delicious to infuse into your recipes, as they are nutritious.

In a few short years, sparkling water has gone from a specialty beverage to a supermarket staple. More Americans than ever are kicking sugary sodas to the curb and choosing zero-calorie carbonated beverages instead. It’s not hard to see why. Flavored sparkling water comes with all the benefits of drinking water—increased energy, clearer skin and balanced fluid levels—with none of the boring taste.

This month, Pink Magazine teamed up with VOSS Water to expand the definition of what flavored waters can do. Not only do these natural, refreshing beverages tasteamazing, they also make delicious additions to summer cocktails! VOSS Sparkling Waters come in three flavors: Tangerine Lemongrass, Lemon Cucumber, and the brand-new Lime Mint. Add alcohol, or fruit for a lip-smacking smoothie.