Food

OGDEN — This season, before you unwrap the Christmas ham and decorate the tree, keep in mind the safety of your four-legged family members.

For furry friends, this time of year can spell trouble, from toxic plants and foods to tempting ornaments and power cords used to decorate. With some early planning and a watchful eye, however, you and your pet can have a safe and happy holiday.

Dr. David Hyde and Dr. Scott Van Dyke, veterinarians at Erz Animal Hospital in South Ogden, offer some advice.

OGDEN — Hostess Brands Inc. announced Friday it had closed all of its bakery operations, putting 243 Ogden-area Wonder Bread bakery employees out of a job and sending scads of people to local stores in search for that one last box of Twinkies.

“I have never seen them move like this,” said Mike Child, store manager for Wangsgards Market in Ogden.

Child said he had people calling the store Friday, requesting that Hostess products be set aside for them. “They want their Twinkies," Child said of the run triggered by the closure, which included one female store customer filling her grocery cart with nothing but Hostess products.

My kids aren’t heading to college anytime soon, but with my oldest off to camp this summer, I started to ponder whether I was doing a good enough job teaching him the things he needs to know to live a happy and productive life independent of me.

In his 2010 TED presentation, celebrity chef Jamie Oliver announced his hope that “every single American child leaves (high) school knowing how to cook 10 recipes that will save their lives.” Because many chronic diseases can be prevented by proper nutrition, I agree with Oliver; for our kids’ sake, we should teach them to cook.

Lestelle Greenwalt, of Layton, was surprised when her 5-year-old son Cameron insisted he could make doughnuts. She had attempted to make them only once before and described the experience as a “complete failure.”

But, after seeing a doughnut demonstration on a cooking show, Cameron was sure he would be a pro.

This bean-and-zucchini salad recipe has a light dressing, allowing the flavors of the vegetables to shine.

When I read that it must chill for four hours, I was concerned that the kidney beans and zucchini would get soggy or soft. That was not the case at all. Both held up well.

I was able to find small zucchini that sliced nicely into bite-sized rounds. If you can only find larger zucchini, I would suggest slicing it into half rounds. A yellow pepper can be used for more color or cider vinegar substituted for the white vinegar.

Bean-and-Zucchini Salad

OGDEN — A major centerpiece of the Ogden River Project opened for business Friday.

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe is located at 1953 Washington Blvd. The cafe will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

The Utah-based restaurant franchise specializes in gourmet sandwiches, soups, salads, pastries and European hearth breads.