The best way to help the victims of the Oklahoma tornadoes? Give cash.

Though many well-meaning people may want to give food, clothing or gifts, relief organizations say it's money that makes their work possible. Charities such as the Red Cross and United Way use the funds to house displaced residents, to feed large groups of people and to pay relief workers who provide personal aid to people who need it.

To give, you can text "RED CROSS" to 90999 to give $10 to American Red Cross Disaster Relief, reports News4 consumer reporter Liz Crenshaw.

You can also make a $10 donation via text to the Salvation Army by texting the word "STORM" to 80888.

If you would like to donate more, visit their websites at the links above.

If you want to donate to an organization in Oklahoma, the United Way of Central Oklahoma activated its disaster relief fund today. Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief also is collecting money.

This organizations says donations will go straight to help those in need of tree removal, laundry services and meals.

However, when disasters strike, scammers also get ready to pounce. So beware fake solicitations for donations.

The Better Business Bureau says scammers use many pitches. First, watch out for phishing emails, which offer a link to video of the storms or damage but lead to another link asking for personal information.

Second, beware of phony text messages called "smishing". These seek donations or offer a bad link to information.

And if you receive a phone call from a number that appears to be from a charity, beware.

These days, scammers can "spoof" phone numbers to make it look like they're calling from one place -- such as Oklahoma -- when really they are somewhere else.

The safest way to donate is to contact a charity or organization on your own to donate. In times of immediate disaster relief, cash is critical.

And always remember to research a charity. Often, if a charity's website has the Better Business Bureau seal of accreditation, you're safe.

The Federal Trade Commission has more tips on making the most of your donation here.

For a complete list of the new names for beef and pork, click here, then click "Beef Common Name List" and "Pork Common Name List".

If you receive a call from someone wanting to send you a free medical device, just hang up, says the Maryland Attorney General's Office. The office has received several complaints and questions from consumers after getting such calls.

To file a complaint about this scam, call 410-528-1840 or toll free at 877-261-8807. You can also file a complaint online here.

If you'd like to donate to the victims of the Cleveland kidnapping, council members have set up The Cleveland Courage Fund, where 100 percent of the proceeds will directly benefit the survivors and their families.

Here are some other tips when picking charities or other organizations from the Better Business Bureau:

• Respond thoughtfully. Take the time to check out the charity to avoid wasting your generosity by donating to a questionable or poorly managed effort. The first request for a donation may not be the best choice. Be proactive and find trusted charities that are providing assistance.
• Respect the victims and their families. Organizations raising funds should get permission from the families to use either the names of the victims and/or any photographs of them. Some charities raising funds for the Colorado movie theater and Newtown school victims did not do this and were the subject of criticism from victims’ families.
• Registration confirmation. About 40 of the 50 states require charities to register with a state government agency (usually a division of the State Attorney General’s office) before they solicit for charitable gifts. If the charity is not registered, that may be a significant red flag.
• Results should be shared. After funds are raised for a tragedy, it is even more important for organizations to provide an accounting of how funds were spent. Transparent organizations will post this information on their websites so that anyone can find out and not have to wait until the audited financial statements are available sometime in the future.
• Retail sale disclosures. If any items are being sold (such as t-shirts, etc.) in the context that their sales will benefit the victims, look for a disclosure that states the actual or anticipated amount of the purchase that will benefit the a specified charity and, if applicable, any minimums or maximums being raised (e.g. up to $100,000) as well as campaign term limits (e.g. during the month of May).
• Remember Online Giving Cautions. Never click on links to charities on unfamiliar websites or in texts or emails. These may take you to a lookalike website where you will be asked to provide personal financial information or to click on something that downloads harmful malware into your computer. Don’t assume that charity recommendations on Facebook, blogs or other social media have already been vetted. Also, websites that enable individuals to raise funds (known as crowd funding sites) can be established very quickly but may not have oversight procedures in place to ensure that funds will be used as promised (for example, establishing a CPA, bank or other respected third party to receive collected donations and help distribute funds to victims).
• Review BBB Charity Reports. Find out if the subject charity meets the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability. Visit give.org for reports on nationally soliciting charities and bbb.org for information on regionally soliciting organizations.

For all the latest recalls, follow Liz Crenshaw and Consumer Watch on Twitter: @LizCrenshaw

May 3, 2013: Certain California Pizza Kitchen & DiGiorno Frozen Pizzas Recalled

Nestlé USA announced its recalling select varieties/production codes of California Pizza Kitchen and DiGiorno Frozen Pizzas because the pizza may contain fragments of clear plastic.

Here is a list of pizzas included in the recall:

California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) Crispy Thin Crust White, UPC 71921 98745; production codes are 3062525951, 3062525952 and 3063525951.
California Pizza Kitchen Limited Edition Grilled Chicken with Cabernet Sauce, UPC 71921 00781; production code is 3059525952.
DiGiorno Crispy Flatbread Pizza Tuscan Style Chicken, UPC 71921 02663; production codes are 3057525922 and 3058525921.
DiGiorno pizzeria!™ Bianca/White Pizza, UPC 71921 91484; production code is 3068525951.

Nestle USA says the voluntary recall is limited to frozen pizzas with these specific production codes, which were distributed nationwide. No other production codes/dates, sizes or varieties of CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN or DIGIORNO pizzas are affected by this recall.

Nestle says since it delivers directly to retailer freezer cases, it has instructed stores to remove the pizzas.

You can find more information here.

Apr. 29, 2013: Certain 2013 BMW motorcycles recalled

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced the recall of certain 2013 BMW R1200 GS motorcycles. NHTSA says a front fork tube may loosen due to insufficient torque of a locking bolt. This could reduce the ability to control the motorcycle and possibly cause a crash.

BMW will notify owners and dealers and fix the problem free of charge.

You can find details of the recall here.

Apr. 12, 2013: Retailers recall desktop magnets after reports of children swallowing them

Six retailers have agreed to recall a brand of potentially dangerous high-powered magnet sets after the manufacturer refused to participate.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission said Friday that Barnes & Noble, Bed Bath & Beyond and four other stores are recalling "Buckyballs'' and "Buckycubes'' after the CPSC received 54 reports of children and teens ingesting the product.

The tiny, powerful magnets are sold as a desktop toy that can be molded into different shapes. They can be dangerous or deadly if accidentally swallowed or inhaled.

The CPSC filed a rare legal complaint against the company that manufactured the sets, New York-based Maxfield & Oberton, in July after recall negotiations failed. The company has since gone out of business but the products are likely still in homes and offices.

More information & pictures here

Apr. 12, 2013: Wegmans recalls fruit juice because of a potential byproduct of mold

Wegmans Food Markets says it's recalling two fruit juice products because they may contain unacceptable levels of a byproduct of mold.

The grocery chain says some 64 oz. containers of Wegmans Food You Feel Good About Organic Apple Juice and Wegmans Food You Feel Good About Organic Cranberry Juice Blend may contain patulin. It says the substance is unlikely to cause illness, but shouldn't be consumed.

The apple juice has expiration dates of Jan. 28, 2014 through March 19, 2014. The blend has an expiration date of Nov. 5, 2013.

It says consumers should dump the juice and return the containers to stores for refunds.

Wegmans has 81 stores in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland and Massachusetts.
 

Apr. 11, 2013: Toyota, Honda and Nissan recall 3 million vehicles for air bag problems

Toyota, Honda and Nissan are recalling more than 3 million vehicles globally for an identical problem with air bags on the passenger side whose inflator may burst, sending plastic pieces flying.

No injuries have been reported related to the problem.

Toyota Motor Corp. is recalling 1.7 million vehicles, with some 580,000 in North America, another 490,000 in Europe and 320,000 in Japan. Affected models include the Corolla, Tundra, Lexus SC, produced between November 2000 and March 2004.

Toyota said it had received five reports of air bag problems, three in the U.S. and two in Japan, but there have been no injuries.

Honda Motor Co. is recalling 1.1 million vehicles. About 680,000 are in North America, 270,000 in Japan and 64,000 in Europe. The models include the Civic, CR-V and Odyssey.

The recall extends to Latin America, China, other Asian nations, the Middle East and Africa.

Nissan Motor Co. recalled 480,000 vehicles globally, some 137,000 of them in Japan, for the air bag problem.

The Yokohama-based automaker said vehicles in North America and Europe are affected, but did not immediately have other details on its 343,000 overseas recalls.

Recalled models in Japan include the Cube, X-Trail, Maxima and Teana, made from August 2000 to January 2004, spokesman Chris Keeffe said.

Also affected under the same recall were the RX-8 and Mazda 6 at Mazda Motor Corp.

The Hiroshima-based automaker said 45,000 vehicles were recalled, including 4,000 in Japan. It did not give numbers for other regions, but said recalls will be announced in North America, Europe, China and other nations.

April 2, 2013: Haier America recalls chest freezers

Haier America has expanded its recall of some chest freezers. A capacitor in the freezer’s circuitry can overheat, posing a fire hazard. Consumers should stop using the products immediately.

The recall involves the Haier® models HNCM070E with 7.0 cubic foot capacity and ESNCM053E with 5.3 cubic foot capacity, and Black & Decker® model BFE53 with 5.3 cubic foot capacity white chest freezers. “Haier” is printed on the upper-left corner of the freezer, or “Black & Decker” is printed on the front upper-right corner of the freezer.

More information: Contact Haier America toll-free at (877) 878-7579 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. or online at www.haieramerica.com and click on Product Recalls.

April 2, 2013: Midwest Trading Group recalls remote-controlled helicopters

Midwest Trading said the rechargeable battery inside the helicopters can overheat and ignite the helicopter, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers or nearby items.

The recall involves the Radio Controlled Banshee Helicopter with lights, series 3CH-777. The plastic helicopters were sold in black and red or black and yellow color combinations and measure about 19 inches long and 6 inches high.  The helicopters have a rounded front yellow cockpit with bee decals and a narrow black plastic tail assembly. They were sold with a remote-control unit and a separate charger. "Fly Dragonfly" and SKU #51727 are printed on the product packaging.

More information: Contact Midwest Trading Group toll-free at (866) 815-4714 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. central time Monday through Friday, or go online to www.mtradinggroup.com and click on the recall page for more information.

Miss a toll on the 495 Express Lanes? If it's within 5 days of missing the toll, get a dramatic drop in fees by visiting the 495 Express Lanes website here.

Here is a list of the electronics featured in this segment:

• Lenovo Yoga Ultrabook - $999.00
• Apple iPad Mini - $329.00
• Microsoft Surface RT - $499.00
• Scosche Rhythm fitness armband - $99.00
• Lifeproof case - $79.99
• Lifeproof float - $39.99
• SpareOne emergency phone - $99.99
• Timbuktu "power commute" charging bag - $199.99
• Polaroid 14-Megapixel Waterproof Dual Screen Digital Camera iF045 - $89.99

Get more information about preventing window falls from the Consumer Product Safety Commission by clicking here.

If a restaurant-- or any merchant for that matter-- rounds up your bill without your permission, the Attorneys General Offices in our area want to hear from you.

If the restaurant is in the District, file a consumer complaint here.

If the restaurant is anywhere in Virginia with the exception of Fairfax County, file a complaint here.

If the restaurant is in Fairfax, click here.

If the restaurant is in Maryland, file a complaint here.

Through special arrangement with nonprofit Washington Consumers’ CHECKBOOK, NBC Washington viewers can access CHECKBOOK’s ratings of local lawn care services without a subscription until Thursday, May 16, 2013, and can view CHECKBOOK’s lawn care advice indefinitely by clicking here.

To try the college debt calculator for yourself, visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's website.

Billions of dollars will be paid to millions of homeowners who were in the process of foreclosure.

The Federal Reserve announced Tuesday $3.6 billion in payments to borrowers following The Independent Foreclosure Review process.

The review process gave homeowners foreclosed on in 2009 or 2010 the chance to challenge possible errors made during the process.

Checks will begin to go in the mail starting Friday, the government said.

The payments range from $300 to $125,000 and were determined by the stage of the foreclosure process and type of possible error made.

Borrowers will get a check from a paying agent called Rust Consulting Inc.

Click here for more information.

In order to make your home sparkle, The Ritz Carlton says you only need six products: vinegar, lemon, rubbing alcohol, a Magic Eraser, baking soda and a micro-fiber cloth.

• To clean your windows, use 12 ounces of white vinegar, 24 ounces of water, and a squeeze of lemon. Use newspaper to clean the windows instead of paper towels or a microfiber cloth.
• Use same cleaning solution with a newspaper to clean glass shower doors.
• To clean a glass table, use rubbing alcohol.
• If you want to eliminate odors in your home, sprinkle your carpet with baking soda, let it sit for five minutes, and vacuum it up.
• Mix baking soda with your vinegar solution to clean the sink, tub and chrome in your bathroom.
• Clean out the shower drain by using baking soda and vinegar.
• To clean a flat screen TV, use a damp microfiber cloth.
• Use the Magic Eraser to clean scuffed baseboards.

If you want to check if a used car has a phony air bag, Carfax lets consumers check to see if an airbag has deployed in that car. Click here to get your free Carfax air bag check.

The District Department of Motor Vehicles will decrease some traffic ticket fines beginning Monday.

The changes are based on the Safety Based Traffic Enforcement Emergency Amendment Act of 2012.

Here are the changes you can expect beginning Monday:

• T119 Speeding 11 to 15 over – current: $100; new: $92
• T120 Speeding 16 to 20 over – current: $150; new: $100
• T121 Speeding 21 to 25 over – current: $200; new: $150
• T206 Failure to clear intersection – current: $100; new: $50
• T334 Failure to come to complete stop before making a right turn on red – current: $100; new: $50
• T116 Violation of “No Turn on Red” sign – current: $100; new: $50
• T759 Failure to stop and give right-of-way to pedestrian in roadway – current: $250;  new: $75

For more information about these changes, check out the Department of Motor Vehicles website.

The Maryland Insurance Administration prohibits auto insurers from using credit scores to deny or cancel coverage or increase premiums but does let them use the scores to set rates when you originally apply for a policy.

CLICK HERE for information about the Maryland law. (See page 2.)

CLICK HERE for more information about use of credit scores in Virginia insurance rates. Insurers can use credit scores to reject people for coverage or raise their rates, but they can't drop someone after they're covered solely because of their credit report.

CLICK HERE to order your CLUE property claims report.

CLICK HERE for a link to the home seller's disclosure report. (Does not include some of the personal information included in the personal property claims report.)

To find retailers in the District that offer discounts and rebates for energy-efficient products, click here.

Subaru is recalling more than 47,000 vehicles because the key fob that remotely starts the engine on certain vehicles could potentially start on thei own.

The recall includes certain 2010-2012 Legacy and Outback vehicles that have an automatic or CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter accessory, and 2013 Legacy and Outback vehicles that have received replacement RES fobs. It also includes certain 2012-2013 Impreza vehicle.

NHTSA says if the RES fob is dropped, the fob may malfunction and randomly start the engine without anyone pressing the button. The government warns the engine could continue to start and stop until the fob battery goes dead or the vehicle runs out of fuel.

Subaru will notify owners and dealers, and will replace the RES key fobs free of charge.

Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783.

The recall campaign number is WQF-42

Here are some websites where you can sell your stuff:

Consumer Reports recommends Gazelle.com to sell your gadgets and tech gear.

Real Simple recommends eBay to sell clothing and collectibles, Amazon to sell books, Glyde to sell video games, and ThredUp to sell children's clothing.

A viewer wanted to know whether or not it’s legal to make left-hand turns at a red light from a one-way street to another one-way street.

The Consumer Unit called several jurisdictions to get the answer.

Fairfax County police said that the left turn on red is legal for the entire state of Virginia. 

The same goes for the state of Maryland, according to Montgomery County Police.

For both states, the driver must come to a complete stop before turning.

But that same one-way, left-hand turn on red is illegal in the District.

That left turn is considered a red light violation and can come with a $150 fine, D.C. police said.

For more information on choosing the right generator for your home, check out the Consumer Reports Generator Buying Guide.

If your online identity was hacked, report the issue to the social media website (such as Facebook) and the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

Here is Facebook's full response to our story:

“Users can request to permanently delete their account in the Facebook Help Center. Once a user elects to delete their account, there will be a 14-day processing period where if the account is accessed for any reason (e.g. a user logging back into the site, or using a Facebook integration) the deletion process will be canceled and the account will be left active.”

“We are committed to serving our users the best we can and continue to explore new options and additional resources to accomplish this goal. Consistent with the practices of other major providers of free online services, we offer email support for Facebook because it enables us to most effectively and efficiently serve our over 1 billion users worldwide. Through email correspondence, our User Operations team is able to verify the account owner via their email address and use automated methods to prioritize requests, making sure we’re handling the most critical requests first. We also offer an online help center that we are constantly improving to enable users quick and easy access to answers to the most frequently asked questions.

We have explored phone support for the most urgent reports. Unfortunately, we’ve found that any phone number that is publicly available is inundated with all manner of requests, eliminating the value of a phone number as an escalation point. However, we continue to explore new options and additional resources to reduce response times, especially for the most pressing reports.”
 

The Environmental Protection Agency says that since CFLs contain a small amount of mercury, there are important guidelines to follow for correct disposal.

It recommends that consumers take burned out bulbs to local recycling center or even local retailers. Here's a list of some retailers that will recycle your CFL bulbs:

• Ace Hardware
• Aubuchon Hardware
• Bartell Drugs
• Home Depot
• IKEA
• Lowe's
• Menards
• Orchard Supply
• TrueValue

Other local locations can be found by visiting Earth911.com.

If your state permits putting CFLs in the trash, seal the bulb in two plastic bags and put it in the outside trash.

For more information about CFL bulbs, visit the EPA's website.

Kellogg is recalling some boxes of Special K Red Berries cereal because there may be glass fragments inside the packaging.

The recall includes three different size boxes with specific codes and dates:

• 11.2-ounce retail package, identified by UPC Code 38000 59923 with the following Better if Used by information on the package:
  - DEC 02 2013 KNC 105 00:13 through DEC 02 2013 KNC 105 02:30
• 37-ounce club store package, identified by UPC Code 38000 20940 with the following Better if Used by information on the package:
  - NOV 30 2013 KNB 107 17:31 to NOV 30 2013 KNB 107 20:05
•   22.4-ounce twin pack, identified by UPC Code 38000 78356 with the following Better if Used by information on the package:
  - NOV 30 2013 KNA 105 07:00 to NOV 30 2013 KNA 105 08:51
  - NOV 30 2013 KNB 105 15:00 to NOV 30 2013 KNB 105 17:05

No other Special K products are part of this recall.

Kellogg says it's a precautionary recall because a single batch of one of the ingredients may contain glass fragments.  

To read the full UC David Olive Center Olive Oil Report, click here.

If you are a victim of unwanted robocalls, click here to get information and advice from the Federal Trade Commission.

If you'd like to complain about an experience you had with a taxi in the DC area, file a complaint with the DC Taxicab Commission.

Here are tips from the American Bankers Association about how to avoid bank fees:

• Utilize free checking and savings accounts. Many banks still offer them. (Shop around to find one.)
• Utilize direct deposit. Many checking accounts are free when you have at least one direct deposit per month, such as your paycheck or benefits check.
• Keep a minimum balance. Keep at least the minimum balance required in your account. This helps to avoid monthly fees and accidental overdrafts.
• Use your bank’s ATM machines. Avoid fees by using ATMs owned by or affiliated with your bank.
• Reduce the use of foreign ATMs. If you must use an ATM not affiliated with your bank, take out larger withdrawals to avoid having to go back multiple times.
• Don’t spend more money than you have. Keep track of transactions and account balances to avoid bounced check fees.
• Opt for electronic statements and notices. It not only reduces the bank’s costs (and yours), it’s good for the environment.
• Utilize online or mobile banking as often as possible. Electronic transactions are quick, safe and convenient. They cost less, too.
• Check your account frequently. Online and mobile banking makes it easy to check your balance frequently (and catch potential unauthorized transactions, too).
• Avoid overdrafts:
o Sign Up for Email or Text Alerts. Ask for an automatic alert when your balance falls below a certain level.
o Opt-out of overdraft coverage for debit cards if you don’t want to incur a fee for making a purchase when you don’t have enough money in your account. (Your transaction will be declined, though.)
o Link your checking account to another account such as a savings account. If you run out of money in your checking account, funds will be automatically transferred to cover a payment. (Fees, if charged, are considerably less than an overdraft fee.)
 

To inquire about a dinner party service, visit the Chef of the Hill website.
To see other recipes Chef Sinopoli and Liz have prepared on previous segments, check out Stratford's website.

Muffuletta Sandwich

Olive salad for sandwich
1 (10 ounce) jar of drained pimento stuffed green olives
¼ cup pitted Kalamata olives
½ Cup drained Giardiniera (Pickled vegetable)
5 Tomolives
3 Pepperoncini
2 Tbs. Drained Capers
2 cloves garlic
1 tsp. Dried Oregano or 2 tsp. fresh chopped
2 tsp. Chopped parsley
2 tsp. Lemon Juice
2 Tbs. Olive oil
Black pepper to taste

Place in a food processor and pulse ingredients till coarsely chopped.

Meats & Cheese Needed
½ Pound Sliced Ham
½ Pound Sliced Mortadella
½ Pound Sliced Genoa Salami
½ Pound Hot Capicola Ham
½ Pound Provolone Cheese
½ Pound Sliced Mozzarella

2 Loaves of Italian Style Bread

DIRECTIONS: To assemble the sandwich, slice the bread open and remove a little of the center to make room for the meats and olive salad. Start with the olive salad on the bottom, split the meats and cheeses evenly between the two loaves. Wrap the sandwiches in foil and place between two cookie sheets (sandwich them so you can press them) and place several heavy cans or bricks on top of the top cookie sheet in order to press the sandwich. Press the sandwich for several hours in the refrigerator. Warm the oven to 375°F, bake the sandwich (still wrapped in foil) for 20 minutes. Carefully unwrap the sandwich, and slice into portions.

"Raven" Crab Cake Sliders with Avocado Spread

Avocado Spread
1 Ripe Avocado peeled and crushed
1 Garlic clove smashed
¼ cup Chopped Cilantro
2 Tbs Chopped Chives
2 Tbs Chopped Tarragon
2 Tbs Chopped Parley
Juice of ½ Lemon (or more to taste)
¼ Cup Mayonnaise
Pinch of Cayenne
Salt & Pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS: Combine all ingredients in a bowl mixing well with a fork to smooth it out as well as you can. Some chunks of avocado are ok.

"Raven" Crab Cakes
1 Pound Crab Meat picked over for shell
2 tsp. Old Bay Seasoning
1 egg
½ tsp. Dry mustard
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
2 Tbs. Mayonnaise
1 tsp. Prepared Yellow Mustard
1 tsp. Lemon juice
2 tsp. Chopped dill
¼ Cup Plain Bread Crumbs
Plain Bread crumbs for coating if desired

DIRECTIONS: To prepare the crab cakes, combine all ingredients in a bowl EXCEPT the crab.
Gently fold the crab into the egg/mayonnaise mixture being careful not to break up the crab lumps too much.
Shape the crab cakes using a small ice cream scoop to get even portions.
You can coat them in bread crumbs before cooking, or simply pan fry them in a skillet with some butter until golden brown, or bake them on greased cookie sheets @ 400°F until a thermometer reaches 165°F internal temperature.
 

Thai Style Chicken Wings

2 bags Chicken Wings
2 Tbs. – ¼ C. Fish Sauce
¼ Cup Lime Juice
2 Thai Chilies chopped fine
¼ cup Sweet Thai Chili Sauce
1 crushed and smashed garlic clove
1 tsp. ground ginger (dry galangal preferred)
¼ cup chopped cilantro

DIRECTIONS: Cook the wings using your preferred method (either fry or bake) until thoroughly cooked and crispy.
Meanwhile prepare the sauce by combining all ingredients in a large enough bowl to hold your cooked wings and sauce together.
If you prefer the wings to be milder, seed the chilies before chopping them. Toss the cooked hot wings in the mixed sauce coating the wings well. Remove from the excess sauce and serve warm.

White Hot Dog Chili

1 pound of White Hots quartered and cut into small pieces
2 Tbs. Olive oil
3 cloves of garlic chopped
2 ribs of celery chopped fine
2 Medium onions chopped fine
1 Can (4 ounce) Chopped green chilies
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 ½ teaspoon of dried oregano
Pinch of red pepper flakes (or to taste)
1-quart Chicken broth
2 cans (16 ounce) Great Northern beans, undrained
2 Cups grated Monterey Jack Cheese
Salt and Pepper to taste
Tortilla Scoops for serving

DIRECTIONS: Heat 1 Tbs. of the olive oil in a large pot and fry off the white hots until nicely browned, remove from the pot and reserve.
Add the remaining oil and sauté the onions, celery and garlic till soft and fragrant. Add the seasonings, green chilies, beans, and stock to the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and slowly stir the cheese into the mixture to gently melt it. Add the crisped white hots and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Place into a serving bowl or individual bowls and serve with tortilla scoops.

Grilled Vegetarian Pesto Flatbread Pizza

1 Plain par-baked Pizza crust
1 jar prepared pesto sauce (or fresh)
Sun dried Tomatoes packed in oil
Artichoke hearts packed in oil
Shredded mozzarella

DIRECTIONS: Warm the grill on low. Meanwhile, assemble your pizza starting with sauce, top with cheese, and place your topping on top of the cheese. Be careful not to be too heavy handed or you will have a hard time getting the pizza off the grill! Grill the pizza till the crust is crisp and the mozzarella is melted. Carefully remove the pizza and cut into slices.
 

Grilled Pineapple Kabobs

1 Pineapple cleaned and cut into chunks
1 Tbs. chopped mint
1 Tbs. Olive Oil
Ground Black Pepper

This is an easy dessert option to help those who are sticking to their New Years Eve resolutions have something sweet with out all the guilt!

DIRECTIONS: Toss everything together and place the pineapple chunks on wooden skewers. Grill the pineapple on all sides till warmed throughout and serve warm. You could place a small bowl of vanilla non-fat yogurt on the platter to use as a dipping sauce.
 

Grilled Nutella, Banana, and Ghirardelli Chocolate sandwiches

Melted butter
Cinnamon Raisin Swirl bread
Nutella
Bananas
Ghirardelli chocolate chips

DIRECTIONS: This is an easy dessert sandwich to prepare to go along with your other sandwich selections. Warm the grill to low and assemble the sandwiches. Spread the two slices of bread with Nutella, add Ghirardelli chocolate and sliced bananas and brush the sandwich with melted butter. Grill the sandwich on both sides till the bread is toasted. Remove from the grill and slice sandwiches into quarters.

Whether you're a Ravens Fan or a 49ers fan, chances are, you'll be wearing your team colors this weekend. But don't be tempted to buy counterfeit Super Bowl gear, which will be popping up all over the Internet in the next few days.

News4 consumer reporter Liz Crenshaw reports that the Better Business Bureau is warning against grabbing a jersey at a cheap price. You could be sacrificing a lot more than quality: Counterfeit items are often more cheaply made, so they won't last as long.

The BBB also warns sometimes these websites just want your credit card information. You could end up with no merchandise at all - and an identity theft situation on your hands.

So if you're buying online, be careful what you search for. One red flag: the word "cheap" or "discount" in front of the company name.

To get official sports gear, the BBB says buy directly from the team or on the

.

And if you are looking to score a last-minute deal on Super Bowl tickets?

The BBB says to choose reliable and verifiable ticket sellers. Sites like

and

guarantee that your tickets are authentic.