COLUMBIA, Mo. – “This fall, millions of Americans will make an annual pilgrimage to a retail outlet to purchase a vegetable they, unfortunately, are unlikely to eat,” said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein.

MOBERLY, Mo. – Holidays can be some of the happiest times of the year, but they can also pose special challenges.

BETHANY, Mo. – One heart-healthy way to your Valentine’s heart is dark chocolate.Dark chocolate and cocoa may have health benefits if consumed in moderation, says University of Missouri Extension nutrition and health education specialist Janet Hackert.

The leaves have dropped, branches are bare, and the garden blooms are gone, but trees and flowering plants still bring us cheer during the winter holidays.

Are you ready for the winter holidays? University of Missouri Extension can help! Don’t be cowed by turkey. Roasting a big bird isn’t that hard if you plan ahead:

COLUMBIA, Mo. – It’s no blarney, potatoes are a staple for St. Patrick’s Day meals, along with corned beef, cabbage and soda bread.

COLUMBIA, Mo. – “Given most nuts ripen late in the year, they have long been associated with the holiday season,” said David Trinklein, horticulture specialist for University of Missouri Extension. It also is one of the few times when consumers see what nuts looks like in nature.

COLUMBIA, Mo. – This fall, millions of Americans will purchase a vegetable they, unfortunately, are very unlikely to eat, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein.

COLUMBIA, Mo. – The lingering aroma of spices can bring back warm and welcoming memories of the winter holidays.

COLUMBIA, Mo. – While the holidays are filled with familiar sights and sounds, it’s the aromas of the season that often conjure up our most vivid memories of the past. This should come as no surprise since our sense of smell is keener than our senses of sight and sound.

Squash, rich in history and nutrition, was enjoyed at the first Thanksgiving but often plays a lesser role in today's holiday meals.

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. – Don’t be intimidated by the the prospect of cooking a big Thanksgiving turkey. It’s not that difficult, even for novice cooks, says a University of Missouri Extension nutrition specialist.