x xxxbraef back with more "today." beautiful morning on rockefeller plaza with a big crowd for this holiday week. i'm natalie morales along with willie geist. coming up, the holiday week, the weather nationwide. freak storms in the mid-atlantic, soaring temperatures hit this country this weekend. we'll be asking the question, is any relief in sight for the hardest-hit areas? an update on the situation. >> also as you're out there traveling this summer, a few things you may want to know before you check into your hotel room. the results of a new study pinpoint where bacteria and other germs may be lurking.

tell you how to protect your family when you're out on vacation. >> okay. first let's get a check of the morning's top story. inside with tamron hall at the news desk. >> hey, natalie, good morning, everyone. millions of americans begin a blistering week without fans, electricity or refrigerators. deadly storms brought down power lines and trees from ohio to north carolina. officials say at least 17 people were killed and more than 40 others injured. meantime heat warnings in effect this morning from the mid-atlantic region, temperatures once again hit triple digits. colorado homeowners who are evacuated from a raging wildfire got a chance to return to their property for the first time this weekend. the fire is now half contained but could still burned for several more weeks. 17,000 acres have been decimated in colorado springs as the most destructive wildfire in state history has leveled nearly 350

homes. a new study suggests extra time in the womb may increase brain development even in full term pregnancies. researchers looked at new york city third graders. they found kids born at 37 or 38 weeks did not perform as well on standardized tests as those born even a week or two later. just 25 days to go until the start of the summer olympics in london. you'll be seeing a lot of swimming champ michael phelps. he's competing in eight events meaning the best he can do is match the eight gold medals he won in beijing. meantime heartache for olympic athlete nastia liukin." she slipped on the uneven bars, falling face down on the mat. she picked herself up to finish the event. she did not make the team, though. one more spot on the track and field team. after a finish even a photo couldn't call, aspirinsers aren't leaving their olympic destiny to fate.

the women chose to compete in a runoff later on turning down the option the officials gave which would have been a coin toss. a raunchy teddy bear launched at the box office. $54 million, "magic mike," runner up followed by "brave," pixar animation disney fairy tale. this strange commercial featuring lookalikes of the duke and duchess of cambridge has the queen of england, an ad for a taxi company in china. check it out. >> completely on time. wow, that's what i call service. thanks, panda. spice it up. >> pretty good lookalikes. brits took to the web and said only they have the right to mock their machine ae

their monarchy. >> look at this sleepy alpaca fighting his case of the blahs on monday. getting lots of hits on youtube. capsed, where am i? who am i? if only that cute when you fall asleep on the job. four minutes past the hour. now back to stephanie with a check of the weather. >> we need a caption contest. we have the family with us, russia to arizona to pennsylvania. tell me about the weather difference from russia to arizona. >> it was 17 below and we adopted one of our sons from russia. we were living in arizona, it was 100 degrees. we moved to pennsylvania, now we're visiting here. which do you like the most, what temperatures? >> my husband likes pennsylvania, i like arizona. >> i don't know what to tell you. each take one kid and live in two separate places. let's have a look at temperatures across the country and forecast for the day today. it's going to be oppressively

hot. nothing for those living in arizona. come on, 100 degrees. 10 to 15 degrees above average across the country. here are some of our hottest spots, 11 states are going to break 100 degrees today. it is certainly dog days of summer. all thanks to this high >> good morning. we had some rain last night. there could be some rain lingering this morning. a mixture of sun and clouds. tamron, back inside to you. >> thanks. this morning on "today's"

travel, hotel room germs. a university of houston study reveal where the nastiest germs are hiding. author of "what the yuck?" good to see you. such an interesting study. they looked at three different states. what type of germs are typically found? >> not only germs that cause the common cold and flu, also nasty germs coliform, gi. >> things that keep you stuck in the hotel room and not outside enjoying your vacation. >> that's right. >> we don't want to freak people out, but you do want to arm yourself with information. start off, for example, using anti-bacterial soaps and wipes. >> we don't want to make everyone a germ aphobe. good old-fashioned soap and

water. >> you don't have to worry about the three ounce rule. easy for the kids. first thing you see when you walk into the hotel room and the first place you flop is the bed. >> first place you flop or put your suitcase down on. >> a no no. >> other people have put their suitcase down. you want to take off the coverlet. if there's a quilt or coverlet, you want to remove it. not cleaned often between guests. decorative pillows, get rid of it, wash your hands. >> what about a blanket. >> usually sheets underneath. stick with that. the hotel will have a duvet cover they will wash. >> what about the headboard. >> the headboard not that germy. i wouldn't worry too much about that, pillows and coverlets. >> fold them up nicely and put them away. >> the lamp on the nightstand. this never crossed my mind. what's wrong with the lamp. >> light switches in general germy. the nightstand lamp is the

germiest. when you're touching this, you realize many other people have done it as well. use a wipe and give it a quick once over. >> the pen of all things, pen and pad. >> you know what, other people have used them. they don't actually replace them with each guest. if a person leaves it, you'll be the next one touching it. give it a wipedown or use your own. >> remote control, beyond the bed, straight for tv. >> everyone loves to watch tv in a hotel room. tv remote, one of the most germy items in the hotel. >> what kind of germs, regular ones. >> ones that cause the gi viruses as well. you want to be careful with that. you absolutely want to wipe down with anti-bacterial. one person told me they put it in a zip lock bag and use it through the bag. >> was that person matt? the hits keep coming here. wipe it down. that's crazy to put it in the

bag. >> this was one of the germiest ones. wiping it down. >> the door handles? >> the door handles, particularly the bathroom. as expected. not as bad as the tv remote. this is easy to wipe down. if you don't have a wipe, use a towel from the bathroom, soap and water, wipe it down. anything people are touching often with their hands, that's what you have to look out for. >> you need to come in right away and start wiping everything down. let's move back to, here you go, favorite place in the room, bathroom. i'll walk behind here. this is obvious. >> you would presume they are cleaning these things. >> sure. >> however, in the same study we're talking about we're talking about the mops and sponges of the cleaning service people, those have a lot of bacteria in them. >> they are using it over and over. >> from room to room. >> look, i'm not saying you have to clean your own toilet. if you have wipes, give the handle, cover a once over, faucet handle as well, inside of the sink. if you're really concerned about

this. >> what about the glasses they leave. some store it like this, some have the cap on top. >> even the cap, it's still exposed to the outside and to when people. >> when you flush the toilet, things go up. >> i prefer the cups in the sealed plastic bag or cup you know is disposable. then you're really safe. something like this, give it a rinse with soap and water. >> this is not on the list. i had a huge debate. i took a bath at a hotel. you took a bath, so nasty. you're feet are in the tub. no bath. >> i wouldn't recommend it. >> fine. >> i think the shower is probably a better bet because you're not touching as many surfaces there. save the bath for when you get home. >> all right, doctor. thank you so much. the first time i've stood behind a toilet. i feel like i'm on price is

right. it can be yours. five facts, a special independence day edition. what you may not know about the good old usa. the family planning trip. first these messages. i'm wanda sykes. and when i'm not making trillions of people laugh, i like to fix up women like you with their dream gain scent. so visit me online, and i'll ask you about... wigs... girl stuff... cupcakes and cookies... oral hygiene... blubber... needy guys... disguises... and other stuff. once we're virtual bffs, i'll match you up with the anything but ordinary gain scent that's perfect for you. i'm like cupid for your nose. the unlimited soup, salad, and breadsticks lunching. at olive garden just $6.95. fresh, crisp salad made when you order it, four soups made fresh daily, baked breadsticks right out of the oven! just $6.95 for a limited time.

[ ding! ] losing your chex mix too easily? time to deploy the boring-potato chip decoy bag. then no one will want to steal the deliciousness. [ male announcer ] with a variety of tastes and textures, only chex mix is a bag of interesting.

[ male announcer ] with a variety of tastes and textures, i feel likeo having that's normal. if you are not feeling like trying this on, that's not normal. activia helps with occasional irregularity when eaten 3 times a day. feeling regular to me was a new feeling... activia

this morning on "today's" five facts, our july 4th edition, the holiday on

wednesday. brings us that, "travel & leisure" magazine writer. patriotic music. let's get right to it, first english language, what's the fun fact. >> this is kind of a big deal. i don't know if you knew this. america does not have an official language. english is not the official language of america. interesting? interested? >> fascinating. >> what's amazing, actually there are 28 states that have declared english their official language but not all states. our neighbors to the north have two official languages, english and french. some have four official languages. >> somewhat controversial english has not been made the official language. >> definitely something in the current debate but i like it. >> you guys are getting a little too heavy with the politics. >> lighten it up.

let's get down to roller coasters. >> i was going to say which is the tallest roller coaster in the world. would you guess new jersey? >> no. >> if you've been on it, you're braver than i am. this thing is the size of three statue of liberties stacked up on top. >> what is this killed? >> the ride lasts only 50 seconds. goes from 0 to 120 miles an hour in three seconds. you say only 50 seconds. do you know how long that feels? >> i can't even look at that. that makes me so nauseous. >> i love it. >> at the top of it, if you're not like me with your eyes closed you can see new york city and philadelphia at the same time. >> the line is much longer than the 50-second ride. my kids not allowed on that one. >> next fact, christmas in july. that sounds like texas.

>> so ready for fourth of july. you guys are well dressed for that. there are 82 places in the u.s. that are named after christmas. so there is the town of christmas, arizona, christmas valley in oregon, christmas island in florida. two places in maine, christmas tree mountain and christmas cove, maine, christmas, michigan, a christmas motel in case you want -- not bates motel but christmas motel. >> that sounds fun. >> santa claus not left out. a couple of places called santa claus. >> santa claus, indiana. >> have you been there. >> no, but been -- >> he googled it. >> always christmas in the u.s. >> a couple of countries that have christmas as well. >> have you been doing my research? >> i'm studying as i go. >> all right. let's move onto museums. love this fun fact. best museum for kids? >> this is an amazing museum, the largest attendance according to travel and leisure,

smithsonian national air and space museum, 8,300,000 visitors a year, admission is free. fantastic. the second? anyone? anyone? >> no. >> just in general with attendance the louvre. >> so mona lisa gets a lot of props but back in d.c. we are hometown heroes, the largest collection of airplanes and spacecraft in the world. >> a little known fact because d.c. is on a swamp and gets so hot, free ac. we would walk and go into the museum for the ac, not for the knowledge. >> that's nice. >> okay. we think big city, largest city, we think new york city, l.a., chicago, but you've got a different big city. >> the largest city in america by area is, drum roll, sitka, alaska. >> just telling me prosecute.

>> the largest city by area. not population. l.a. something like 15, new york city, 34. sitka. on the cruise, fishing. it's gorgeous. remember the movie "the proposal" with sandra bullock. that was actually supposedly based in sitka. >> they call it the parent of the pacific. >> back in the 1800s, it was kind of a groovy place to hang out. >> after seeing jenna bush hager in alaska -- >> it's very beautiful. you want to see whales, you want to see sea lions, get back to nature, go to sitka. >> a lot of land, not a lot of people. three people per square mile. >> 9,000 people total. >> good place to go hide. thanks. coming up, creative gifts for host and hostesses for your summer get together. first these messages. ♪

[ male announcer ] we believe small things can make a big difference. like how a little oil from here can be such a big thing in an old friend's life. purina one discovered that by blending enhanced botanical oils into our food, we can help brighten an old dog's mind so he's up to his old tricks. with this kind of thinking going into our food, imagine all the goodness that can come out of it. just one way we're making the world better place... one pet at a time. vibrant maturity. from purina one smartblend.

only hertz gives you a carfirmation. hey, this is challenger. i'll be waiting for you in stall 5. it confirms your reservation and the location your car is in, the moment you land. it's just another way you'll be traveling at the speed of hertz. you squashed my willpower like a fly. you looked so innocent and so sweet. convinced my lips that we should meet. you were a relentless flirt. oh no we had indecent dessert. twinkle twinkle hope appears. a stevia leaf erased my fears. it made my willpower a super hero. as for calories, it has zero. twinkle twinkle truvia® star natural sweetness, i love just what you are. truvia. honestly sweet. ♪

power surge, let it blow your mind. [ male announcer ] for fruits, veggies and natural green tea energy... new v8 v-fusion plus energy. could've had a v8. [ female announcer ] the gold standard in anti-aging. roc® retinol. found in roc® retinol correxion deep wrinkle night cream. it's clinically proven to give 10 years back to the look of skin. now for maximum results, the power of roc® retinol is intensified with a serum to create retinol correxion® max. it's clinically shown to be 4x better at smoothing lines and deep wrinkles than professional treatments. new roc® retinol correxion® max. nothing's better than gold. [ humming ] [ babbling ] the cheerios bandit got you again? [ both laugh ] ♪ the one and only, cheerios

isn't its delicate, misty spray or that it's uniquely refillable... it's not even that it comes in lightly-layered, true-to-life scents. the best thing about glade... is the way it makes you feel. ♪ introducing the only refillable fragrance mist from glade. sc johnson, a family company. all right. are you ladies campers? >> i like to camp. >> are you a camper? >> no. >> likes room service. >> coming up, we'll tell you what you need to know before you pack up your family for a

camping trip this summer. >> i was this close to embellishing but i thought i'd go with the truth. perfect gift for host or hostess for a summer party. we've done the work for you. a great assortment of gifts because you can't show up empty handed. tag advantage of fresh foods for summer after your news and local weather.

chili's lunch break combos start at just 6 bucks. so ditch the brown bag for something better. like our bacon ranch quesadillas or big mouth burger bites, served with soup or salad, and fries. starting at just 6 bucks, at chili's. my system gets why out of sorts it? but that comes with age, right? just because we're in that over 50... what does that mean? are we done? activia helps regulate your digestive system when eaten daily. these could be our best years yet.

>> live, local, latebreaking. this is a wbal-tv 11 news update. >> we had storms last night did it settled down this morning. it will be a hot day, but a touch more comfortable. same kind of day tomorrow. scattered thunderstorms

>> i wonder how far we have to go until there's no traffic. >> i don't know. there aren't many people out here in general right now. >> we own this road. >> that is "today's" jenna bush hager on utah's scenic highway 12 in some of the most rugged, remote and remarkable scenery in the country. we'll do the twin sister road trip tomorrow on "today." that's so fun. i'm natalie morales along with willie geist and tamron hall. is that vacation or work? >> vacation. >> a good gig. meanwhile if you're thinking about taking a family trip, how about camping with the kids, enjoy the outdoors.

even if you haven't done it, what you need to know to ensure everybody, including tamron, has a good time. >> i say include an exit plan but i could be persuaded with s'mores. weather, a casual picnic, weekend at the beach. what to bring a host. creative ideas, perfect gift for any occasion. look at that, that's great. play a new game. dominos. >> on another note, today nbc news is launching latino.com, english language news and lifestyle featuring hispanic perspectives on family, food. i'm proud to say i'm a contributor. be sure to check out nbclatino.com. we're excited about this. stephanie abrams here for al. >> i love camping. you know you can camp in central park. what do you guys say? >> legally? >> yes. they have on friday nights or something. do you know about this? maybe we should do a family

camping trip. central park, so you have an easy escape plan. >> i'm busy the next two weekends. >> if you're thinking about going camping, a lot of people do on the fourth of july holiday, it can get a little hot this time of year. but here is a look where we will see that nice weather. have you to go to new england or southern california to find cooler temperatures. otherwise in that plastic tent sometimes -- natalie, i'm sorry. then on your fourth of july for your fireworks. we could see storms in the northeast. that could obscure some things. otherwise looking pretty good there in the >> good morning. any rain shower activity will be tapering off. a mixture of sun and clouds.

so the question is what do i have to do in order to get this family camping trip going in central park. >> she's out. there's nothing you could say to get her. >> i'm game. >> i'll visit. >> she gets to go home. >> you're just like me. >> thank you, receive any. up next, fun gifts with a twist for your hosts that will make you their favorite guest. they won't ever want to you leave. start with all the fresh salad and warm breadsticks you want. choose 2 appetizers made for sharing. then 2 entrées from 6 of our favorites. classics like eggplant parmigiana and new favorites like smoked mozzarella chicken and spaghetti with four cheese meat sauce & meatballs. 3 courses, 2 people, just $25. but only for a limited time, at olive garden.

a digital scanning system five times more precise. helping you see perfectly. that's precision. ♪ lenscrafters. ♪ i woke up to a new day ♪ every little thing gonna go my way ♪ ♪ i woke up to a light bulb on ♪ every little thing is possible now ♪ [ female announcer ] kraft singles have no artificial flavors and they're always made with milk so all you taste is something amazing. ♪ life is amazing with the love that i found ♪ ♪

whether you're invited to a casual dinner or guest for an entire weekend, the perfect gift for your host can go a long way to show a little appreciation. amy goodman is the

editor-at-large for coastal living magazine. good morning, amy. >> good morning. >> the rule is you can't show up empty handed. you get tired of bringing flowers or wine, mix it up. >> we have wonderful ideas, luxurious gifts for the home, attainable and affordable. truly a nice nod, something from the heart, going to dinner or staying for the weekend. >> let's launch in. first. >> these are from anthropology, made from recycled beach glass, which has a nice moment to it. they come in a variety of different colors. for $8 a piece, can you mix and match them giving to the hostess. it elevates the idea of a candle because she can use them time and again. pair this with matches. home art out of california. they do have some nice motifs on there. >> great conversation piece with the motifs on there. for our hostess who loves

coffee. >> they probably have a coffeemaker but don't have a french press. bed bath & beyond, $19.99, a nice pop of color with the kitchen. pairing it with something more to show you thought about the gift. these are gorgeous organic sugars made in the shape of sea shells. >> these are too pretty to use. they are great. >> for those at home, it has a little vanilla flavor. added sweetness, gourmet sugar company. >> pretty, aren't they? >> next up, i love this idea. a safe gift, something people can use. >> if you entertain a great deal, you can use more hand towels. >> sure. >> what i love, cabana stripes, fresh, crisp. look at the monograms for an additional $7. that personalizes. i love the maritime soap sets, made from oatmeal and vegetable oil. they are very natural but modelled after 18th century

packaging. kind of has that cool, classic sophistication to them. >> moving on, you can't go wrong with a bottle of wine. >> unlike a bolts of wine on the doorstep, vineyard vines, up to one bottle or four for storage. they have coastal designs, five different designs to choose. it has kind of a beachy if you please element. they are very sturdy. canvas on the outside, gingham on the inside. >> bringing wine to a new level. these pillows are fantastic. >> customizable canvas pillow colors. forty different designs. i love them all. i think the elephants are cool. obviously personalized, too. these start at $58. >> how long does it take? >> i would plan about a week in advance. add that to gift giving. >> that's when you know you're staying for the weekend. >> nice to give something more substantial. >> next up these platters.

i love the serving trays. >> they feature iconic prints. chain-link print, square do the. particularly nice with a fashionista with a contemporary home. at the same time i love the idea of giving trays as a gift. >> serving trays are one of the most popular gifts you can give. >> for a hostess, she can always use more. >> petrified platters, delicious hor doevres, sushi, these are 20 million years old. the most gorgeous history you've ever seen prf i like them because my cooking is terrible, it will distract. >> mexican dominos, classic bingo. the minute you get in the door, all have fun playing games. very affordable, luxurious items

that seem like so much more. >> are you a good domino player. >> bingo. you can wager on me with bingo. >> thank you so much. i love this bingo game. up next, taking the fear out of family's first camping trip. first these messages. bingo. [ man ] ever year, sophia and i use the points we earn with our citi thankyou card for a relaxing vacation. ♪ sometimes, we go for a ride in the park. maybe do a little sightseeing. or, get some fresh air. but this summer, we used our thank youpoints to just hang out with a few friends in london. [ male announcer ] the citi thankyou visa card. redeem the points you've earned to travel with no restrictions. rewarding you, every step of the way. redeem the points you've earned to travel with no restrictions. my system gets why out of sorts it? but that comes with age, right? just because we're in that over 50... what does that mean? are we done? activia helps regulate your digestive system

when eaten daily. these could be our best years yet. ready or not, here i come! ♪ found ya! you always find me. you always hide here. [ male announcer ] tim and richard smucker have always loved the taste of just-picked fruit. so it's no wonder why today smucker's makes the world's best jam. for five generations, with a name like smucker's, it has to be good. for five generations, mommy! i went potty! that's great, honey.... where?

for life's bleachable moments. mom, we're dying. no you're not, you're just hungry. make some totino's pizza rolls. we don't have any! front... left, totino's. [ male announcer ] well done mom! less drama, more fun! totino's pizza rolls. time out. sweet. [ female announcer ] with charmin ultra soft, you can get that cushiony feeling you love while still using less. charmin ultra soft is designed with extra cushions that are soft and more absorbent and you can use four times less versus the leading value brand. ♪ ah. [ female announcer ] we all go.

why not enjoy the go with charmin ultra soft. >> announcer: brought to you by got milk? it's not breakfast without it. nourish every day. this morning on get started today, planning a family camping

trip. the editor of parent and child magazine has taken his family for a night under the stars and survived. we know you can do it, too. good morning, nick. >> good morning, natalie. glad to be here. >> this is something i definitely thought about. you say if you are thinking about camping, you've got to think in three different phase. what should you do. >> be prepared, stay safe and have fun. first be prepared. make the commitment to go. easy way to do that. go to a couple of websites, national park service or go camping america.com. plug in zip code, pick your dates and, bang, your off and camping. >> next you say it's important to get the right equipment. you can spend a lot of money if you don't really know what you're doing. >> that's right. >> what are the things you really need. >> gather your gear. on basic level, tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad and cooking stove. go onto the website i mentioned and you'll find a list there.

other essentials, basically a first aid kit, insect repellant and sunscreen. that's very important. >> being in the great outdoors. >> nobody wants to look like a cooked lobster on the first day and become a crab for the rest of the trip. there's some equipment to gather. you know what, you can either barrow it, rent it or buy it. if you buy it, go into any sporting goods store or go on ebay where you get things at a discount. that's when i've done with my son, camping to yosemite, big backpack on his back today. >> so important you say to make sure you really know what you need to get. you can save money by using other resources. you also say good for the kids to set some boundaries for them as well. what do you mean by that? >> that falls under stay safe part of this. the first thing you want to do, bring some expectations and behavioral boundaries you have from home into the campsite. that includes setting a limit, how far your kids travel away

from the campsite. you never want to let them get out of your sight but a limit. maybe a tree down there with a big t, that's how far you can travel away. you want to tell them never to go into the tents of other people around you. everybody is there. it's a big comunal experience, great. very friendly with camping. that's a big bonus. just like at home when you tell kids don't go into strangers houses, same with tents all around you. >> good to know. other things, pack a first aid kit. make sure you have any kind of unforeseen emergency planned for, right? >> absolutely. first aid kit is essential. also bring along medications your family takes. many people don't bring that into mind along the way. you don't want to be stuck without. >> absolutely. next you say a lot of kids, hard for them to go camping and say what can i do for fun here besides going and seeing nature. how much nature can be fun after

a while. my kids are gamers. they like their video games. do you make a limit on what they can bring and what they can do? >> first thing to do, when you're choosing your campsite, it's wise to select one that offers a lot of fun activities you can do together. there's canoeing or swimming, volleyball, horseshoes, so you have a lot of choices for them. the other thing, bring stuff you love, your family loves, soccer ball, whiffel ball, frisbee, a deck of cards. introduce them to games you love, go fish. video games, that's an interesting question. my own son when we went camping a few years ago, he said, dad, i miss my nintendo ds. i understood that. he's used to being on that. i said, hey, let's go for a walk. we walked down a trail, came to a stream, full of frogs. if you're familiar with video game frogger, there it was live

in action. >> last but not least, you say bring a camera. you want to capture those moments. >> one of the greatest things about camping as a family, it brings everybody together. it bonds you and also creates memories for a lifetime. so why not document them, share them with grandmas, send them, e-mail them to your friends when you get back from your trip? >> it's a good time with the whole family, if you can just survive and get through it. i love it, i do love it. thank you so much. coming up next, italian cooking fresh and easy. but first this is "today" on nbc. [ male announcer ] now at your neighborhood subway: the new santa fe steak melts. get extra grande flavor with the santa fe steak & bacon melt. juicy steak, crispy bacon, and melted cheese with creamy santa fe caesar. or try adding egg for a santa fe steak, bacon & egg melt -- a favorito for breakfast but muy bueno any time of day.

get to your local subway and claim your steak today -- with new santa fe steak melts. subway. eat fresh. real big deals of the week. or how to keep from driving all over for the best deals. you don't need to run around. safeway gives you real big club card deals each week. this week, the farm comes to you. fresh sweet corn is an amazing 6 for a buck. deer park water is just $3.33 a case. and honey bunches of oats

just $1.88 a box. real big deals this week and every week. only at safeway. ingredients for life. this morning on "today's" kitchen on the lighter side, farm to table approach to italian food. the chef here in new york city.

good morning. >> thank you. nice to meet you. >> i'm glad to be here because you make things simple. that's what i love about your cooking. what's your philosophy if you had to pinpoint it. when i think of italian, i think chicken parm and heavy sauce. >> mine is farm to table, healthy impressed yents from locally sourced vendors. moderating portion size so you don't overeat and get good nutrients from the food we're eating. >> excellent. what are we making this morning snfr grilled salmon, move to saute's spinach and butter nut squash puree. to get this started, salt and pepper both sides of our salmon fillets. i like to use sea salt because it's obtained naturally and contains trace minerals our bodies need. >> this is all you're doing, basic here. >> salt, pepper he, a little olive oil. rub that in. put these on the grill. put them skin side down. >> important to keep the skin on

when grilling this. >> yes. we have these here. they are going to do a nice sizzle. really, any way you do salmon, whether grill it, saute it, bake it, such great health benefits here. omega 3, b-12 and helps enhance our mood. >> anything in particular to ask for when buying salmon at the grocery store. >> make sure it's not smelly, fresh, portion size. stick to six ounces would be a good portion. >> excellent. what are we doing with it. >> we're going to let that cook and add in our baby spinach. here i have heated extra virgin olive oil and a little garlic. a great tip about garlic. make sure it sits at room temperature 15 minutes. >> why is that? >> triggers an enzyme reaction and helps boost healthy components found in garlic, antioxidant and increase blood flow. >> let me help you out. >> we're going to let it cook down.

now our butter nut squash. low in calories, also spinach low in calories. a healthy, balanced diet here. we have this boiled for 30 minutes so it's nice and tender. we're going to add this into our food processor. >> can you use a blender if you don't have a food processor. >> absolutely. a blender. both of them will work fine. >> farm to table, what does that mean to you? a lot of people hear that, i'm not sure they understand what that means. >> to me it means -- i'm sorry, add low sodium chicken broth. using local vendors, healthy ingredients. i recommend also visiting local farmers market, especially for produce. when produce is in season, such as now, we have great beets and everything. you'll find an abundance at a great bargain. >> my eaters are here. >> now we puree this. >> i love natalie coming in.

>> i love that. >> real quick. >> we've got our spinach, add to the middle, butter nut squash puree already done and grilled salmon on top. a great addition to this you like pasta, think about for italian food, a great substitute is spinach spaghetti with sun dried tomatoes and pine nuts. all fresh vegetables. >> beautiful. thank you so much. kathie lee and hoda next. >> after local news and weather. -- captions by vitac -- www.vitac.com