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Bourbon and browned butter take mashed potatoes from side dish to star

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Brown butter and bourbon mashed potatoes

I'm a super-huge fan of roasted garlic in mashed potatoes because the flavor is subtle and a perfect complement to the potatoes. These dolled-up mashed potatoes will definitely catch the eyes of those at the dinner table — as well as please their taste buds.

4 brown butter and bourbon mashed potatoes

Just before serving, drizzle some of the bourbon-browned butter sauce all over the top. And if it drips over the sides, no worries — that makes them look all the more yummy.

3 brown butter and bourbon mashed potatoes

Bourbon and browned butter garlic mashed potatoes recipe

Mashed potatoes made with roasted garlic and a bourbon and browned butter sauce that is both inside and on the outside of the potatoes is a fancy way of making mashed potatoes that are a real treat.

Serves 3

Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 45 minutes | Total time: 1 hour

Ingredients:

  • 1 garlic bulb
  • 3 teaspoons olive oil
  • 4 medium-size russet potatoes, unpeeled
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup bourbon
  • 1/2 cup milk (or slightly more or less depending on the size of the potatoes)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (or salt to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. Lay the bulb of garlic on a large piece of foil, and drizzle olive oil on top of it.
  3. Pull the sides of the foil up, and seal them to form a "tent."
  4. Bake the garlic in the oven until the cloves are soft (about 45 minutes). Remove it from the oven, let it cool, and then squeeze out the cloves and coarsely chop them. Set aside.
  5. While the garlic is roasting, fill a large pot with water a little bit less than 3/4 full. Sprinkle salt into the water, and bring it to a boil.
  6. Add the potatoes, and let them boil until tender (about 40 minutes; time may vary depending on the size of the potatoes).
  7. Drain the water from the pot, leaving the potatoes in. Cover with a lid, and set aside.
  8. Heat a small skillet on low to medium heat, and add the butter.
  9. Stir constantly as the butter melts.
  10. When the butter starts to turn a golden color, add the bourbon. It may fizz up a bit; just continue to stir as it reduces.
  11. Continue to cook the bourbon and butter until the sauce reduces slightly and the alcohol cooks off (about 4 to 5 minutes).
  12. Remove from the heat. Add about 1/2 the butter mixture to the pot of potatoes, and reserve the rest.
  13. Add the milk, roasted garlic, salt and pepper to the potatoes, and whip them with a hand mixer until light and fluffy.
  14. Serve while hot. Drizzle the remaining bourbon and butter sauce on top of the mashed potatoes.

For tons of great recipes, like our I <3 Comfort Food page on Facebook.

More mashed potato recipes

Spicy bacon mashed potatoes
Rosemary and browned butter mashed potatoes
Three-cheese mashed potato casserole


Green Day's Jason White has cancer, remains positive about recovery

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More: Green Day lightens up with new album(s)

The musician was diagnosed with tonsil cancer, which is very treatable according to his doctors, and he will be cancer-free once he is fully recovered, Green Day said. White's cancer was discovered as he went in for a routine tonsillectomy, the band's statement read, and they wanted to let his fans know before word spread through the media.

"Thankfully they caught it early and he should make a full and speedy recovery," the band's statement read. "Please join us in sending him love and positive healing vibes during this time."

More: Green Day's Billie Joe on the mend after hospitalization

The talented musician has been with Green Day since the early '90s, when he first joined Billie Joe Armstrong's Pinhead Gunpowder side project. White went on to perform live with Green Day in 1999 as their second guitarist, and remained with the band for all the tours that followed.

Eventually, White became the band's lead guitarist each time they performed live in concert. Then, in 2012, White was officially made a full-time Green Day member and received his first studio album credit along with his bandmates Armstrong, Mike Dirnt and Tré Cool.

More: Billie Joe Armstrong opens up about years of drug abuse

In addition to playing with the popular rock band, White also played guitar for Foxboro Hot Tubs and The Network, the multi-nominated band's two side projects.

High demand for iconic L.L. Bean duck boots causes shortage

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L.L.Bean announced it has already sold out every single pair of size 8 duck boots and that most of its other sizes won't be back in stock until February. That's a whole lot of time you'll have to spend wearing last year's (who are we kidding — 2005's) Uggs. But there's a very good, respectable reason L.L.Bean can't just quickly pump out a few thousand extra boots to meet their demand — a reason that will make you kick yourself even harder for not snagging a pair of duck boots last summer.

These babies are built to last. Carolyn Beem, the company's spokesperson, says that perfecting the stitching process on its sturdy boots takes an astounding 26 weeks or "half a year" of training. The great news is that our desire to be fashionable is putting more bread on more folks' tables, because L.L.Bean has hired new people to create more boots and invested $1 million in a new molding machine to build its high-quality, waterproof, rubber soles.

Isn't it always sweet when a great product gets the recognition and hysteria it deserves?

But don't take L.L.Bean's word for it. Instead, trust one SheKnows staffer who has owned the same pair of duck boots for 20 years and calls them "incredible." Gazillions of North Easterners and college students who manage to trek from their dorm rooms to parties in 12 inches of snow while looking both practical and chic in their duck boots can't all be wrong.

More on boots

How to protect your boots before you store them
What your boots say about you

How to tuck non-skinny jeans into boots

Pregnant Kourtney Kardashian reveals big baby news

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Kardashian and her longtime boyfriend, Scott Disick, are already parents to a son, 4-year-old Mason, and a daughter, 2-year-old Penelope, and they just revealed the gender of their third child.

Never one to miss up on a chance to score some publicity for her reality show, Kardashian chose to film the big reveal for the latest episode of Kourtney and Khloé Take the Hamptons. In the episode, Kardashian explains that she let their son Mason do the big reveal.

"Mason ran in here with the blue stick. There was a red star or a blue star," Kourtney told the cameras, exclaiming they are having a baby boy.

Mason's response to the news he would have a little brother? "I wanted a girl."

Luckily Aunt Khloé explained to him the benefits of having a brother.

"Girls don't like aliens and LEGO guys. When you have a brother, you can say, 'Look at all my LEGO guys, brother.' You get to be rough, and you can boss him around because you're the older one," she told him.

Even though Kardashian, who has had fun showing off her chic maternity style, was happy with the news, Disick didn't initially seem thrilled. "We're having a boy," he said, sounding somewhat stunned before he clarified his reaction. "No, I’m fine now! I’m excited!"

Kourtney Kardashian 2

Kourtney Kardashian 2

Disick actually wasn't happy when he found out Kardashian was pregnant for the third time. "You just keep suckering me into these kids," he was filmed saying on Keeping Up with the Kardashians. His attitude has now changed somewhat since he has found out he is having another baby boy.

Kardashian, who recently posed seminude for Dujour magazine, is due right around Christmas and is excited to welcome another baby boy. "I am so happy that we're having a boy," she gushed. "It's going to be perfect for our family."

Now that we know the sex of the baby, it's time to discuss baby names. We love her other baby name choices, so what are some ideas for baby number three? Here are my picks:

  • Hendrix
  • Toby
  • Miller
  • Grayson
  • Deacon
  • Beckett
  • Gunner

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15 Statement hairstyles for girls who hate the status quo

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1) The new braid

The new braid: Kate Mara

Photo credit: Alberto Reyes/WENN.com

The new braid: Kate Mara 2

Photo credit: Alberto Reyes/WENN.com

Tell boring braids to take a hike because you've got a taste for more inspired styles. Kate Mara's wavy, wispy 'do features a subtle braid, plenty of texture and lots of individuality.

2) Fishtail bun

Fishtail bun: Claire Danes

Photo credit: Apega/WENN.com

Updos can seem so basic after a while, but Claire Danes' fishtail bun is anything but. This departure from your average bun is sure to get you the attention you crave thanks to its unexpected look.

3) High up to the sky

High up to the sky: Adrienne Bailon

Photo credit: Curtis Sabir/WENN.com

Funky hairstyles come in all shapes and sizes, and Adrienne Bailon's certainly pushes some height boundaries.

4) Hair trifecta

Hair trifecta: Iggy Azelea

Photo credit: JLN Photography/WENN.com

Iggy Azalea managed to combine three styles — braids, pompadours and ponytails — in one epic 'do we're dying to experiment with ourselves.

5) Perky ponytail

Perky ponytail:

Photo credit: WENN

We will never forget Reese Witherspoon's insanely perky Oscars ponytail. In fact, we're pretty sure if you look up "perky ponytail" in the dictionary, this fun 'do should show up.

6) Volume for days

Volume for days: Janelle Monae

Photo credit: Emelie Andersson/WENN.com

A roundup of statement hairstyles would not be complete without the queen of epic hair, Janelle Monae. The singer has a style all her own and a totally modern-meets-retro take on hair.

7) Bold bun

Bold bun: Katy Perry

Photo credit: Apega/WENN.com

If buns seem a bit tame for your taste, consider this larger than life version Katy Perry recently modeled. The height and major texture seamlessly ensure this bun has a bold vibe that even the edgiest of gals can appreciate.

8) Stacked braids

Stacked braids: Amy Heidemann

Photo credit: Adriana M. Barraza/WENN.com

When a stereotypical braid simply won't cut it, Amy Heidemann's super-cool stacked front braid should offer you an escape from everyday styles.

9) Perfect pixie

Perfect pixie: Kiki Palmer

Photo credit: Joseph Marzullo/WENN.com

Any woman can cut her hair into a pixie, but not every gal can pull off this sassy way to wear the short 'do.

10) Half up pompadour

Half up pompadour: Melissa McCarthy

Photo credit: Brian To/WENN.com

The key to Melissa McCarthy's voluminous 'do? Its half up style. The half up, half down 'do lends necessary balance to this cool look.

11) Naturally envious

Naturally envious: Solange Knowes

Photo credit: FayesVision/WENN.com

Want to really make a statement? Let your hair go all natural for a simply stunning, insanely enviable look.

12) Partially-shaved head

 Partially-shaved head: Kelly Osbourne

Photo credit: WENN.com

Want to take your trendy pixie to an even bolder place? Try the partially-shaved head look. It certainly works for Kelly Osbourne.

13) A little of everything

A little of everything: Natalie Dormer

Photo credit: FayesVision/WENN.com

Natalie Dormer made our jaws drop with this girly-meets-funky style. Between the glam curls, the partially shaved head and the cheeky braids, there's a whole lot of awesome going on here.

14) Statement updo

Statement updo: Dianna Agron

Photo credit: FayesVision/WENN.com

Loads of volume and a few strategic wisps of hair help take this updo up to superstar status in a cinch.

15) Beachy and voluminous

Beachy and voluminous: Bella Thorne

Photo credit: KIKA/WENN.com

By now, we've come to expect amazing things from Bella Thorne's glam squad, and she gave us some major beauty inspiration with this bold and beachy sideswept 'do.

More beauty & style inspiration

The hottest celeb beauty looks of the fall
Boots you don't have to sell a limb to afford
Celebrity style for way less than retail

Diddy reportedly punches Drake, putting him in the hospital

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More: Chris Brown and Drake break bottles over Rihanna

According to a whole lot of murmuring and a source close to MTV News, the two hip-hop heavyweights did indeed get into a scuffle while discussing business early Monday morning, Dec. 8, at LIV nightclub. Unfortunately, all the drama went down in the middle of what was supposed to be a celebratory birthday party for DJ Khaled, but it was another DJ who provided all the play-by-play details via his Twitter account.

DJ Sam Sneaker Tweet 1

DJ Sam Sneaker Tweet 1

More: Diddy posts emotional response to the Eric Garner decision online (VIDEO)

According to DJ Sam Sneak, Diddy put his hands on Drizzy and apparently prompted the Young Money emcee to visit the hospital. Even though there's no confirmation that Drake checked into any nearby facilities, the DJ claims that Drizzy ended up dislocating his shoulder.

DJ Sam Sneaker Tweet 2

DJ Sam Sneaker Tweet 2

DJ Sam Sneaker Tweet 3

DJ Sam Sneaker Tweet 3

Bullett magazine writer Ray LeMoine echoed similar sentiments about Drake's post-fight condition. In a blog, which was posted on Monday, Dec. 8, he says he woke up to a series of text messages about the LIV incident, which apparently occurred in front of the nightclub. "Seems like Sean 'Puffy' Combs a.k.a Diddy beat the shit out of Drake in front of the venue," LeMoine wrote. To make matters even more interesting, some are claiming that Diddy's longtime girlfriend Cassie was the source of the brawl, but DJ Sneak says it "definitely wasn't about Cassie."

Who do you think really started the beef on Sunday night? Tell us in the comment section below.

Kendra Wilkinson goes on and on about having jungle sex with Hank

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More: Kendra Wilkinson on sex with Hugh Hefner when she was 18 years old (VIDEO)

Since leaving the jungle, Wilkinson apparently can't wait to get between the sheets with her husband Hank Baskett.

"Talk about sexual frustration to the max in the jungle! I was fantasizing the whole time I was in there — picturing myself and my husband getting it on in the bushes and the trees. I have this jungle fever and I feel like going home and doing it on the bed is not going to be enough for me anymore. I’m going to have to go find a couple trees back home and live out my fantasies out there. I was picturing the romantic things when I was in the jungle shower. Just being in nature turned me on," Wilkinson said on the reality TV show, according to RadarOnline.

Being on the show has also seen the former model do a lot of activities and drastically have her food intake reduced, resulting in her losing a lot of weight during filming. So, what does Wilkinson think of her new, smaller figure?

More: On Kendra on Top, Kendra is betrayed again, by someone unexpected

"I can't wait to get home and show Hank my new body and my new confidence. I want to get back to a lot of sex — I'm due that. I'm going to jump all over him," she said.

Yes, all this talk about wanting to get in bed with Baskett must mean that their marriage is improving and she has forgiven him for his indiscretions.

More: Hank Baskett gets real about cheating scandal, talks suicidal thoughts

"This time apart was exactly what we needed to really understand what we're missing with each other and what we mean to each other," Wilkinson said. "My husband is my everything. We are going to be together for the rest of our lives. Being in the jungle made me think what really matters — and he's all that matters."

3 Decadent dessert dips in all your favorite holiday flavors

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These sweet little bowls of deliciousness take all the best holiday and winter flavors and turn them into a dip. You can serve them with cookies, pretzels or even fresh fruit slices. It's totally up to you. I personally like to eat the dips with apple slices, but pretzels are my second favorite.

peppermint hot chocolate dip

Peppermint-hot chocolate dip recipe

This sweet peppermint-hot chocolate dip is the perfect balance of chocolate and mint.

Yields 2 cups

Total time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
  • 1 cup marshmallow fluff
  • 1 cup hot chocolate mix (the powdered kind)
  • 1/2-1 teaspoon mint extract, depending on desired mint flavor
  • 1 cup frozen whipped topping (more or less may be needed)
  • Chocolate sauce, for topping
  • Sprinkles, for topping
  • Pretzels, apples or cookies, for dipping

Directions:

  1. To the bowl of an electric mixer, add the whipped cream, marshmallow fluff, hot chocolate mix and extract. Mix together until smooth.
  2. Fold in the whipped topping till you reach your desired consistency.
  3. Top with chocolate sauce and sprinkles.
  4. Serve with pretzels, apple slices or cookies.

candy cane cheesecake dip

Candy cane cheesecake dip recipe

This candy cane cheesecake dip is holiday flavors in cheesecake dip easiness. So delicious and perfect for holiday parties.

Yields 2 cups

Total time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
  • 1 cup marshmallow fluff
  • 1 (3.4 ounce) package instant cheesecake-flavored Jell-O, just the powder
  • 1/2-1 teaspoon mint extract, depending on desired mint flavor
  • 1 cup frozen whipped topping (more or less may be needed)
  • Crushed candy canes, for topping
  • Pretzels, apples or cookies, for dipping

Directions:

  1. To the bowl of an electric mixer, add the whipped cream, marshmallow fluff, cheesecake Jell-O powder and extract. Mix together until smooth.
  2. Fold in the whipped topping till you reach your desired consistency.
  3. Top with crushed candy canes.
  4. Serve with pretzels, apple slices or cookies.
eggnog dessert dip

Eggnog dessert dip recipe

Eggnog doesn't just have to come in a cup. This eggnog dessert dip gives you all that eggnog flavor in dip form.

Yields 2 cups

Total time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
  • 1 cup marshmallow fluff
  • 1 (3.4 ounce) box instant vanilla pudding, just the powder
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • 1 cup frozen whipped topping (more or less may be needed)
  • Grated nutmeg, for topping
  • Pretzels, apples or cookies, for dipping

Directions:

  1. To the bowl of an electric mixer, add the whipped cream, marshmallow fluff, vanilla pudding powder and nutmeg. Mix together until smooth.
  2. Fold in the whipped topping till you reach your desired consistency.
  3. Top with more grated nutmeg.
  4. Serve with pretzels, apple slices or cookies.

See all our holiday articles

More dessert dip recipes

Funfetti dip
Turtle cheesecake dip
7-Layer dessert dip


The Last Five Years: 10 Things to know about Jeremy Jordan (VIDEO)

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1. He's been a choirboy all his life

Jeremy Jordan

Growing up, Jordan always sang in the choir at school. When that led to a concert at the community theater where his grandmother led a youth program, the budding entertainer decided to pursue more theater work. After starring in the musical The Fantasticks at 17, he caught the Broadway bug.

2. You've watched him on TV

Jeremy Jordan

Sure, you may not have realized it at the time. But thank to credits in super-successful TV shows like Law & Order: SVU (which he'll cameo in again next year), Elementary and Smash, chances are you've seen — and maybe even admired — Jordan's acting skills from the comfort of your own couch.

3. He's off the market

Jeremy Jordan

Booooo, we know. This handsome guy married fellow Broadway performer Ashley Spencer in September of 2012. Spencer, who you may know as Sandy from the Broadway revival of Grease, has said her first impression of her now-hubby was, "Wow, he can really sing," which she confesses is a "huge turn-on!"

4. He shared a dressing room with Bryan Cranston

Jeremy Jordan

OK, well, not quite. When Jordan starred as playwright J.M. Barrie in the Broadway production of Finding Neverland, his dressing room was rumored to have been Cranston's during All the Way. "The fact that it was Bryan Cranston is pretty awesome," Jordan said of the Breaking Bad star's history with the dressing room.

5. He is officially a Tony-nominated entertainer

Jeremy Jordan

In the fall of 2011, Jordan realized a dream when he landed the role of Jack Kelly in Disney's theater production of the nostalgic classic Newsies. When the show hit Broadway, it opened to packed houses and rave reviews for Jordan. The role earned him a Tony nomination as Best Actor in a Musical.

6. He's not a fan of shirtless scenes

Jeremy Jordan

Despite what we perceive to be universal hotness, Jordan is charmingly deluded about his good looks and killer physique. The actor, who is often self-deprecating in interviews, told InDepth InterViews' Pat Cerasaro on the possibility of playing Aladdin, "Honestly, I don't think I would want to subject myself to a role where I would have to have my shirt half off the whole time." Woe is us.

7. He'd never met Anna Kendrick before The Last Five Years

Jeremy Jordan

Kendrick and Jordan obviously have incredibly chemistry in the trailer for The Last Five Years — so much so you might imagine the two have known each other for years or collaborated on another project. Alas, 'tis not so. Joking about trying to meet prior to the start of their scenes, Jordan said, "Hopefully, we will get a drink before we start rehearsals and everything and, I don't know, get to know each other's favorite colors or something."

8. He's not afraid to use his voice offstage, too

Jeremy Jordan

When Jordan worked with notoriously eccentric late director Arthur Laurents on West Side Story, the two definitely had their ups and downs — the latter of which included Laurents telling the actor his last performance was his worst. Jordan stood up for himself, to which Laurents quipped, "Oh, please. You're just trying to assert your masculinity." Jordan's response? "No, you're just being an asshole."

9. Yes, that was him in Joyful Noise

Jeremy Jordan

Sure, 2012's Joyful Noise wasn't exactly met with rave reviews by critics. But any movie that manages to pack in Dolly Parton and Queen Latifah is a win in our book. Jordan was cast when Todd Graff, the film's writer and director, caught his first lead performance in Rock of Ages on Broadway.

10. He's adorably modest

Jeremy Jordan

While working on Bonnie & Clyde, one scene called for Jordan to sit naked in an empty tub. "In the scene, Laura [Osnes] is kind of sitting in the tub with me, like, looking down on me, so the last thing I wanted was to have that moment be incredibly uncomfortable for both of us by having me sitting there right below her totally naked in an empty tub," he said, laughing, "so we had to develop this little cloth cover that I could put on. It was pretty hilarious."

Images: iconfilmdistribution/GIFSoup.com

Watch the entire trailer for The Last Five Years below

The Last Five Years

The Last Five Years

More movie musical news

Finally, a clip of Anna Kendrick singing in Into the Woods (VIDEO)
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French Toast Crunch is back! The 10 best Twitter reactions to its return

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french toast crunch cereal is back

Image: GeneralMills/Flickr

The cousin of the still-popular Cinnamon Toast Crunch, this breakfast sugar bomb has been out of production in the U.S. for years. Luckily for us, it was still being produced in Canada, so its resurrection wasn't as insurmountable an obstacle as it might have been. General Mills has announced that the cereal will be on store shelves starting in January 2015.

general mills tweet

general mills tweet

The internet is freaking out (take that, Kim Kardashian), and folks headed to Twitter to express their emotions about the beloved cereal's return.

1. Pure joy

french toast crunch joy

french toast crunch joy

2. Catharsis

cereal catharsis

cereal catharsis

3. Shock

cereal shock

cereal shock

4. Self-reflection

french toast croutons

french toast croutons

5. Panic

cereal panic

cereal panic

6. Validation

validation

validation

7. Surrender

surrender

surrender

8. Distraction

distraction

distraction

9. Hysteria

hysteria

hysteria

10. Praise

praise

praise

Basically everyone is really, really happy that French Toast Crunch is back.

More Twitter food reactions

We're all apparently rage-tweeting our awful meals
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Don't forget to cheer for the Canadian Grammy nominees, eh?

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All eyes may be fixed on Beyoncé right now, who has become the most-nominated woman in Grammy history, but let's not forget that Canadians are making quite a splash at the music award show as well.

More: Arcade Fire's Reflektor: Best songs from the album

It's easy to get swept up in the hype of the awards season and forget to cheer on our own locally grown talent, but we're not going to let that happen. Yes, it is true that Beyoncé, Sam Smith and Pharrell Williams are nominated for six Grammy awards each, but our fellow Canucks are not doing any worse.

Canadian rapper Drake, for example, is nominated for three Grammys, and he didn't even release an album this year. He's basically nominated just for being Drake. That, and his catchy song "0 to 100/The Catch Up." Indie sweetheart Arcade Fire is nominated for two awards, including best alternative music album for Reflektor. Deadmau5 scooped up a nomination yet again; this is his sixth nomination to date, but he has yet to pick up a Grammy. Of course, Neil Young's A Letter Home collection also received a nomination for best boxed or special edition package.

More: Andrew Garfield puts on a dress for Arcade Fire's "We Exist"

So just in case you were feeling like the Grammys do not celebrate Canadian talent enough, we do have some wonderful artists in the running for major awards. Instead of focusing on the big glamour names — although you can still do that — give a hearty cheer for the Canucks representing us in the world of music.

More music news

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Grown men can watch birth without it ruining their sex lives

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Once you're done rolling your eyes, we can get back to the topic at hand. First and foremost, who attends a birth is a couple's mutual decision. If both parents are fine with one partner not attending, then great — you've come to a mature agreement. Go about your business, and have a great day.

But if you take a moment to think about it, you'll realize: Only one partner has the option not to attend birth. The other partner, the mother, has to be there as she is the one pushing the baby out of her body. Traditionally, having a baby would be impossible without her.

Call me selfish, but my birth philosophy was: If I have to be there, you have to be there too.

This is not to mention the fact that I actually wanted the love and support of my husband during delivery. I wanted him to share every moment of the experience so that we had the same memories of bringing our kids into the world.

He handled it. He saw some terrible and unspeakable things, including my greatest fear — what may or may not have been poop in the birthing pool. He lived to have sex with me another day.

Daily Mail writers Rachel Rounds and Tracey Cox recently took on the battle of the father-in-the-birthing-room debate. Rounds asserted that the best way to have a healthy sex life was to ban the father from birth. Cox took the opposite approach.

Cox stated, "Surely it's not too much to ask that men are grown up enough to be able to rationalise that the vagina has two functions: one for pleasure and one to deliver babies?"

Exactly. Once again, this birthing room decision is at the discretion of each couple. But if a man just can't possibly handle seeing his wife's vagina in that state, there's a problem. As Cox pointed out, grown men need to rationalize that it is possible for the vagina to have more than one function, beyond sex.

If your husband can't handle watching you give birth, you'd better not breastfeed in front of him either. That will ruin sex for good.

More on parenting

U.K. report shows most pregnancies better off with midwives than OB-GYNs
Confession: I don't want mommy friends
Our family Santa secret

The Mamafesto: Talking with kids about racism and social justice

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The last few weeks have shown that our justice system clearly places a different value on the lives of people of color versus white people. An unarmed teenager's death will be swept away after a grand jury decided not to indict the policeman who shot him. Twelve-year-old Tamir Rice was gunned down by police for having a toy gun out in a park (in an open carry state). And last week, another grand jury decided not to indict the officer in Eric Garner's death — one that was captured on video and showed the unarmed man gasping for life, as he called out 11 times, "I can't breathe."

My 8-year-old son is perceptive. He hears my husband and me talking about these events. He listens to the morning radio show each day on the way to school, and last night he asked me why police officers are killing people when their job is supposed to be protecting people. He doesn't understand why these men can't be at least held accountable in a court of law for their actions.

So, I explain. I must explain, because if white parents aren't having these difficult, but necessary, conversations with their white children, these racist and violent acts will continue to occur. There is no whitewashing or discussion of being "color blind" here. We do not erase other people's identities like that. Color does matter in so many ways. My son knows we live in a world where people are still treated as less than because of their differences, the only question he can't answer is why. We talk about history, about slavery, about people thinking they're better than others just based on skin color. We talk about how that history has created systems of oppression at many different levels. We talk about the macro and the micro — how racism can occur in more personal ways and in larger, more systemic ways that need our help to change.

There's no sugarcoating this or easy way around it. I think of my friends of color who need to talk to their children about what to avoid doing so they won't be unfairly targeted by law enforcement, and realize I need to explain that to my son as well. He needs to understand how privilege works and his role in it. And he needs to understand how to spot and call out racism. He needs to understand that once he starts driving, the chances of him being pulled over are much lower than that of his black friend. He needs to understand that while he can walk into a store and not be followed around by a manager, some of his friends won't have that same "luxury."

It's tough here, in our progressive, liberal bubble we call home. Kids of all colors and cultures play together, making it even more difficult to understand how others can be so evil and cruel. But, it is because of our comfortable community that I need to work even harder to teach my son about the injustice that occurs on a daily basis, and how systematic racism is real, powerful and deadly.

More on parenting and race

How to talk to your kids about racism
Teaching kids to respect differences in others
Teaching kids about racial and cultural diversity

Gingerbread reindeer cookies are a cute new take on a holiday classic

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These cookies are incredibly flavorful thanks to loads of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. But the real delight comes in the decorating.

gingerbread-reindeer-cookies

My toddler was so excited when I rotated each "little man" he'd cut out and began decorating them upside down to make reindeer faces. A squeeze bottle filled with royal icing makes decorating a breeze, but you can also use a pastry bag fitted with a round tip.

gingerbread-reindeer-cookies

The reindeer noses are red M&M'S, and the eyes are simply upside-down chocolate chips in an oval of royal icing. Be sure to follow the instructions in cutting the point off each chocolate chip. It makes them a lot easier to place and helps them stay flat as the icing dries.

gingerbread-reindeer-cookies

These reindeer cookies are definitely a new holiday tradition for our family. My almost-2-year-old loved helping me make them as much as he loves helping me eat them!

gingerbread-reindeer-cookies

Gingerbread reindeer cookies recipe

The icing recipe will make about double the icing you actually need, so store the extra icing in an airtight container in the refrigerator to use for more cookies or even a gingerbread house. If you don't want to buy a jumbo bag of M&M'S to sort through, then you'll find most party supply stores carry individual colors of M&M'S.

Yields 18

Prep time: 1 hour | Bake time: 20 minutes | Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Ingredients:

For the cookies

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus additional for sprinkling
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 stick (1/2 cup) salted butter, at room temperature
  • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1/3 cup molasses

For the icing

  • 5 egg whites
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 cups powdered sugar

Decorating supplies

  • Gingerbread man cookie cutter (I used the Wilton Comfort Grip Gingerbread Boy Cutter) 
  • Squeeze bottle
  • 36 chocolate chips
  • 18 red M&M'S

Directions:

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, salt and baking soda.
  2. In a large bowl (I used a stand mixer), beat the butter and brown sugar until creamy.
  3. Mix the egg and molasses into the butter and sugar.
  4. Add the dry ingredients about 1/2 cup at a time, and mix well.
  5. Divide the dough into 2 balls, and dust them with flour. Wrap 1 ball in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it.
  6. Place the other ball on a sheet of parchment paper dusted with flour. Place another sheet of parchment paper on top, and roll the dough out to about 1/8 inch thick.
  7. Place the rolled sheet of dough in the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes.
  8. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  9. Remove the dough from the freezer, and use your cookie cutter to cut out 9 gingerbread men. You will have to reroll your scraps to get all 9 but should not need to freeze the dough again.
  10. Place the gingerbread men on a parchment- or Silpat-lined baking sheet, and bake for about 10 minutes, until the cookies are firm and the edges are just starting to darken.
  11. Transfer the cookies to a wire baking rack to cool completely, and repeat steps 6 to 11 with the second ball of dough.
  12. For the icing, whisk the egg whites until frothy (I used a stand mixer again).
  13. Mix in the vanilla.
  14. Add powdered sugar 1 cup at a time while mixing on low speed.
  15. Turn the speed up to high, and whisk for 6 to 8 minutes, until stiff, glossy peaks form.
  16. Scoop the icing into a squeeze bottle.
  17. Pipe antlers, eyebrows, ears and a mouth onto each cooled cookie.
  18. Using a pair of scissors or a paring knife, snip the points off each chocolate chip.
  19. One at a time, pipe 2 ovals for eyes onto each cookie. Place a chocolate chip upside down into each oval.
  20. Working with 4 cookies at a time, place a dot of icing where you want the noses to go, and stick on a red M&M'S.
  21. Let the icing harden completely before stacking the cookies.

For tons of great recipes, like our I <3 Comfort Food page on Facebook.

More creative Christmas cookie recipes

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Healthy travel: The ultimate guide to finding healthy food at any airport

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Do some research

Before you head out the door, bags in hand, do some research on the terminal(s) you'll be travelling in and out of to get a better sense of what kind of food will be on offer. The more you know about what will be available to you, the better you can prepare. Restaurants, cafés, bars, stores and fast-food outlets are often listed by terminal on airport websites, so have a quick peek before you go, and make a list of your best bets for healthy grub.

Pack snacks

One of the best ways to ensure you have at least a few healthy options while in transit is by packing your own snacks. Think high-protein, low-sugar and easy-to-package and transport. Raw nuts, apples, oranges, veggie sticks and string cheese are all good options that provide fibre, protein and nutrients without filling you up too much.

Make healthy swaps

Don't be afraid to ask for substitutions at restaurants to boost the health quota of what you're eating. Request dressings and sauces on the side, ask for fish or meat to be grilled rather than fried, request extra veggies on a sandwich instead of the cheese, or ask for a side of salad instead of fries or onion rings. Many places will be accommodating, but more so at sit-down restaurants versus food courts or smaller vendors.

Eat half a packaged sandwich

If you're in a pinch and just need to get something into your system, then prepackaged sandwiches can be an OK choice. Opt for the vegetarian choice, and either eat half or eat it open-face to cut back on excess carbs.

Try oatmeal or yogourt

Many coffee chains now offer oatmeal as an option, which offers fibre without the fat. Yogourt, which is a good source of protein and calcium, is also available at many cafés. These options will satisfy without being too heavy, and they're easy to eat on the go.

Look for fresh, whole foods

The less processed, the better when it comes to airport food, and luckily, if you know where to look, you can find it. Many vendors in airports (kiosks and convenience outlets especially) offer fresh fruit like bananas, apples and oranges, packages of raw almonds, individual packs of cheese and even boiled eggs. These are all great grab-and-go items that will satisfy, offer nutrients and leave you feeling full without excess sodium and empty calories.

There's an app for that

If you're going to an unfamiliar airport or weren't able to do any advanced research about amenities, then look to an app to help you navigate what food options are available. GateGuru is a free app for iPhone, Android and Windows that helps organize all your travel but that also shows you what shops and services are nearby, so you can easily find something to eat that suits your needs.

More travel tips

10 Clever ways to make your luggage stand out in a crowd
3 Myths about airline travel you shouldn't buy into
Use these travel "dead zones" to score cheap tickets for flights


Thanks to Fashion Police, Kathy Griffin's now part of the 1 percent

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More: Kelly Osbourne and other celebs who honor their heroes with ink (PHOTOS)

According to RadarOnline, fellow host Kelly Osbourne is very unhappy to learn of the ridiculously high salary that Griffin will be raking in from her role on the show.

According to an insider, Osbourne is "pissed" and "Kathy's starting pay is considerably higher than she was granted."

Although many suspect that the issue of whose salary is bigger is not going to be the only thing that these two stars butt heads over during the show, and we should all expect a lot of drama.

More: 6 Thoughts about Kathy Griffin replacing Joan Rivers on Fashion Police

"Kathy and Kelly have never seen eye-to-eye on anything and it seems like there is going to be a lot of drama," says the source — which will certainly make for good TV, if nothing else.

However, Griffin is thrilled to be joining the show and previously revealed to People magazine that it will be in honor of her dear friend Rivers.

"[It's] so exciting to be joining Fashion Police," she previously told the publication. "Of course, it's in the honor of my dear, dear friend Joan Rivers, and to take that chair means so much. I think I can hear her from heaven saying, 'Don't hold back!'"

Not everyone is as excited about the news as the fiery redhead, though, and she has already been facing a lot of backlash.

More: 2014 Daytime Emmys — soap stars dish on beauty, Kathy Griffin

"People are tweeting Kathy things like, 'You will never be Joan,'" a friend of Griffin's told RadarOnline.

Let's wait and see if Griffin is any good at her new job when Fashion Police returns with Golden Globes coverage on Jan. 12.

15 Men reveal the reasons they think they are still single

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In a hilarious thread, Reddit threw this question to its male users: Why are you still single? Their answers were pretty illuminating. But we couldn't resist asking some single ladies (and a few men) for their take on these common answers to the "why I'm single" question.

I'm single because...

"I don't ask girls out because I am afraid of both answers" said one man. Another agreed with him adding, "I'm more afraid of them saying yes. I would just stand there like, 'Shit never thought I'd get this far.'"

Answer: It's OK to be scared! Just don't be afraid to be foolish, as it turns out that is what most people find endearing, regardless of whether it's in regard to a friendship or more.

I'm single because...

"Any woman willing to date me is not a woman I would want to date."

Answer: You just haven't met the right woman yet. She's out there somewhere... wasting her life on the internet just like you are.

I'm single because...

"I'm cynical and usually have a very negative view on things. I rarely open up and I like to have a great deal of alone time."

Answer: "I like to have a great deal of alone time" — it seems you got what you wanted so, congrats?

I'm single because...

I severely lack confidence.

Answer: They say "practice makes perfect" because it actually does help. And hey being a little bit unconfident just makes you seem friendlier and more approachable. Nobody likes that cocky guy who thinks he can get every girl.

I'm single because...

"I am slightly overweight, and have never asked anyone out (or been asked out) in my life. Means that I severely lack experience on top of lacking confidence."

Answer: You have no idea how many women you just described too! Find us!

I'm single because...

"I hardly ever go out (as in, clubs/bars), don't drink and love gaming."

Answer: Does anyone really like the bar scene? Although if you want to meet someone, you'll have to go out eventually. Just look for women in places you like to go like the store, library or coffee shops (and if it goes south, at least there's free Wi-Fi, hey-o!).

I'm single because...

"I am extremely introverted and alone most of the time, and prefer it that way."

Answer: Contrary to popular belief, introverted does not mean no social skills. It just means that being with people, even people you love, takes a lot of energy and that you recharge by being alone. The key, according to one guy, is to find someone that you want to be alone with. As one one women tells us, "My friend sits quietly on his computer while his girlfriend plays Pokemon quietly on his bed. They're both as happy as can be."

I'm single because...

"I am ugly but I like beautiful women."

Answer: Love is blind? Or is that only in the movies?

I'm single because...

"I keep looking for something that doesn't seem to exist."

Answer: OK, just so long as you know that. (I'll leave off the part about how happiness doesn't happen, it's made. Or the part about being the kind of person you would like to be with.)

I'm single because...

"I love that I don't have to plan my life. I can do everything I want, whenever I want. When I'm done with college I'm going to apply for a job. If I stay single, I don't have any limitations as to where that job could be. Basically, freedom."

Answer: Hey if you find love limiting, nothing wrong with saying "I'm single because I want to be single." But you really should think about applying for jobs before you graduate.

I'm single because...

"No one has ever felt the same way about me as I do about them."

Answer: Then you're having feelings with the wrong people. And everyone's the wrong person until you find the right one.

I'm single because...

"Masturbation is less hassle."

Answer: It's also less fun. Plus, will your porn site make you chicken soup when you're sick?

I'm single because...

"I'm working on myself, my set of skills, education and fitness to have time for a relationship right now."

Answer: That's actually the hottest thing I've heard all day.

I'm single because...

"I was led on and betrayed by someone I was emotionally invested in, destroying my trust towards any girl I meet."

Answer: Relationship baggage — who doesn't have some? You have all my sympathy. That said, the first thing happened to you, the second is something you chose.

I'm single because...

"I didn't forward those chain texts back in seventh grade."

Answer: Nailed it.

More on dating

What Hollywood's hottest men want in a woman
5 Traits men look for in a woman
7 Secrets of the male mind

Jimmy Fallon's baby is so adorable — and her name is even cuter (PHOTO)

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More: 13 Things Jimmy Fallon might do to purposely embarrass his kids (GIFS)

Super-cute and adorably tiny, that's what Fallon's new baby can be best described as. Plus, her name, Frances Cole, is just as sweet as she looks. The funny host proudly showed off some photos of his new baby girl during the show, pulling them up from his phone for all to see. Undoubtedly, the cute pics were met by loud "awwwwws" from the audience as Fallon held the phone up, saying, "She's a tiny little thing."

Jimmy Fallon's new baby girl

Jimmy Fallon's new baby girl

More: Jimmy Fallon and wife struggled with infertility for five years

Fallon, 40, and his wife Nancy welcomed the baby via surrogate last Wednesday, joining big sister Winnie Rose, who is 16 months. The photos, tiled together, show three images of the little baby, one of which shows Frances' tiny alert face, and a fourth photo features little Winnie Rose with her parents, apparently as they get ready for their newest family member's arrival.

During Monday's show, after showcasing the new baby photos, Fallon spoke with Chris Rock, who was more than eager to give the second-time dad some advice on raising two girls.

More: Jimmy Fallon and Rashida Jones just gave us new holiday classics (VIDEO)

"First of all, two kids are easier than one because they play together. When you've got one, you have to be the show. When you have two, you're just an usher," Rock said. "They can play in the park, you read the paper. 'Hey, hey! Get off her hair!' You go back to reading the paper."

Grateful for the funny advice, Fallon happily said he has a lot to look forward to. He was also very thankful to all those who helped to welcome Frances to the world, including the surrogate mother. "I just want to say that there are angels in Dallas, Texas, so thank you so much."

13 Disneyland secrets that will totally surprise you (VIDEO)

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Disneyland secrets

Disneyland secrets

So, our membership to Club 33 is currently pending. Blake Lively is probably a member there, so until our membership is finalized, we'll be going there with her. Perhaps all the alcohol-induced rowdiness with Blake is what will get us thrown in the Disneyland jail together?

If you're going to take anything away from this, it should be a mental note to dust yourselves off when you get off the Haunted Mansion ride, because, you know, ashes aren't the kind of souvenir anyone wants to take away — not when Mickey Mouse ears are on offer! Speaking of, we're off to play a basketball game with that mouse guy, so we best be off. Don't worry, though, you'll definitely be ours and Blake's one phone call when we're sitting pretty in one of Disney's finest jail cells. Orange Is the New Black spin-off, anyone?

More on Disney

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15 Drool-worthy Hanukkah recipes for the tastiest celebration yet

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1. Potato latkes

potato latkes

The classic potato latke. You really can't go wrong.

2. Homemade cinnamon applesauce

applesauce

I know it's easier, but skip the store-bought jar, and make your own applesauce to top those perfectly fried latkes.

3. Sweet potato and parsnip latkes with cayenne mayo

sweet potato latkes

For those of you who not only want to think outside the latke box but also want to spice them up, this sweet potato version is the way to go.

4. Sweet potato-beet latkes with horseradish sour cream

sweet potato latkes

OK, so I'm a fan of sweet potato latkes. Can you blame me?

5. Vodka latke party

vodka latke party

Now this sounds like a good idea. Vodka cocktails and latkes make a perfectly acceptable dinner.

6. How to make the juiciest brisket

juiciest brisket

Nail this recipe, and you might not want to eat anything but brisket.

7. 10 Brisket marinades

brisket

Once you've got the juicy brisket thing down, add a twist with a marinade. From spicy to sweet and everything in between, there are some delicious flavor combinations here.

8. Slow-cooked barbecue brisket sliders

brisket sliders

Sliders... the perfect way to use up some of that leftover brisket.

9. Challah

challah

If the thought of braiding dough is too much for you, then that's what bakeries are for. No judgment here...

10. Deep-fried strawberry-filled sufganiyot

Sufganiyot

If there's an excuse to eat jelly doughnuts (er, sufganiyot), I will take it.

11. Easy chocolate babka

chocolate babka

There may be a few steps to this recipe, but for chocolate-filled bread, it's probably worth it, right?

12. Marshmallow dreidel treats

marshmallow dreidels

The kids will love assembling — then devouring — these adorable marshmallow dreidels.

13. Spiced berry Star of David Bundt cake

star of David Bundt cake

This gorgeous Star of David Bundt cake is worth the special pan required to make it. Just look at that masterpiece.

14. Pumpkin pie rugelach

pumpkin pie rugelach

Yes, this is technically a Thanksgivukkah recipe, but if you ask me, pumpkin pie rugelach should not be relegated to a holiday that happens once every zillion years.

15. Hot apple cider with butterscotch syrup

hot apple cider

Hot apple cider is always festive, but this gets huge bonus points for the addition of homemade butterscotch syrup. Pour a little brandy in mine, please.

See all our holiday articles

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