It's that time of the year when I like to bring out this piece which has been around for awhile. Enjoy and Happy Thanksgiving to all!
I hate aspects of this time of year. Not for its crass commercialism and forced frivolity, but because it's the season when the food police come out with their wagging fingers and annual tips on how to get through the holidays without gaining 10 pounds.
1. About those carrot sticks. Avoid them. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.
2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. Like fine single-malt scotch, it's rare. In fact, it's even rarer than single-malt scotch. You can't find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnogaholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later then you think. It's Christmas!
3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.
4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.
5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other peoples food for free. Lots of it. Hello? Remember college?
6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Years, You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.
7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa. Position yourself near them, and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. You can't leave them behind. You're not going to see them again.
8. Same for pies. Apple. Pumpkin. Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or, if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day ?
9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean have some standards, mate.
10. And one final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Reread tips. Start over. But hurry! Cookieless January is just around the corner.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Holiday Eating Advice & Happy Thanksgiving!
It's that time of the year when I bring out this piece that has been around for awhile.
Enjoy! And...Happy Thanksgiving to All!
I hate aspects of this time of year. Not for its crass commercialism and forced frivolity, but because it's the season when the food police come out with their wagging fingers and annual tips on how to get through the holidays without gaining 10 pounds.
1. About those carrot sticks. Avoid them. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.
2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. Like fine single-malt scotch, it's rare. In fact, it's even rarer than single-malt scotch. You can't find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnogaholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later then you think. It's Christmas!
3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.
4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.
5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other peoples food for free. Lots of it. Hello? Remember college?
6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Years, You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.
7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa. Position yourself near them, and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. You can't leave them behind. You're not going to see them again.
8. Same for pies. Apple. Pumpkin. Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or, if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day ?
9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean have some standards, mate.
10. And one final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Reread tips. Start over. But hurry! Cookieless January is just around the corner.
Enjoy! And...Happy Thanksgiving to All!
I hate aspects of this time of year. Not for its crass commercialism and forced frivolity, but because it's the season when the food police come out with their wagging fingers and annual tips on how to get through the holidays without gaining 10 pounds.
1. About those carrot sticks. Avoid them. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.
2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. Like fine single-malt scotch, it's rare. In fact, it's even rarer than single-malt scotch. You can't find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnogaholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later then you think. It's Christmas!
3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.
4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.
5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other peoples food for free. Lots of it. Hello? Remember college?
6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Years, You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.
7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa. Position yourself near them, and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. You can't leave them behind. You're not going to see them again.
8. Same for pies. Apple. Pumpkin. Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or, if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day ?
9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean have some standards, mate.
10. And one final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Reread tips. Start over. But hurry! Cookieless January is just around the corner.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Don't Throw Out that Tofu
You've stored tofu in water as recommended. The tofu is older than the expiration date. You look at the tofu and notice pink edges. Those pink edges are a sign of the tofu getting old. Don't throw it away..yet. Here's a helpful suggestion...
Tofu manufacturers will say to cut off the edges and parboil the remaining tofu for 30 seconds. That revives it. I've tried that and it works.
I also have cut off the edges and simply used the remaining tofu. That works equally well. Plus, it saves time.
The choice is yours. And, by the way...you can purchase tofu on the expiration date and still have it be usable for a week. Usually, stores mark down tofu near the expiration date to get rid of it. I've picked it up for $.50. Not bad for a good protein source.
Just make certain to change the water daily.
Find interesting? Kindly share...
Tofu manufacturers will say to cut off the edges and parboil the remaining tofu for 30 seconds. That revives it. I've tried that and it works.
I also have cut off the edges and simply used the remaining tofu. That works equally well. Plus, it saves time.
The choice is yours. And, by the way...you can purchase tofu on the expiration date and still have it be usable for a week. Usually, stores mark down tofu near the expiration date to get rid of it. I've picked it up for $.50. Not bad for a good protein source.
Just make certain to change the water daily.
Find interesting? Kindly share...
Sunday, November 07, 2010
The Delights of Spaghetti Squash
Fall is the season for squashes. Succulent squashes can provide taste and versatility to your meal plan. Have you ever seen a spaghetti squash and wondered what to do with it? Here are some tips that may whet your appetite...
Cut the squash in half and remove seeds. Do this prior to all uses.
Either cut the squash halves into quarters or chunk-size, depending upon your ease level. Squashes are hard to cut and require strength. Perhaps an electric knife will help. I've never used one for this purpose, but it may work.
Place the cut-up squash into boiling water or the steamer. Cook until you can poke a knife easily through the meat. (Squash meat is the portion you eat.)
When cooked, scoop out the squash with either a fork or spoon. Squash will separate into strands.
Use these strands and cover with spaghetti sauce to make a vegetable version of spaghetti.
Cover the strands with a mixture of steamed veggies, olive oil and fresh herbs. Gently mix together. Serve with a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Use the strands as a side dish by mixing with a little butter and Italian seasoning. Italian seasoning usually consists of basil, oregano, rosemary and thyme. Or, use your own herb mixture to satisfy your taste.
Mash the strands together as if making mashed potatoes. Add a little soy milk, dairy milk or plain nonfat yogurt and a dab of butter. Mix thoroughly. Enjoy this as a side dish.
Spaghetti squash can be enjoyed as is, also.
Find interesting? Kindly share...
Cut the squash in half and remove seeds. Do this prior to all uses.
Either cut the squash halves into quarters or chunk-size, depending upon your ease level. Squashes are hard to cut and require strength. Perhaps an electric knife will help. I've never used one for this purpose, but it may work.
Place the cut-up squash into boiling water or the steamer. Cook until you can poke a knife easily through the meat. (Squash meat is the portion you eat.)
When cooked, scoop out the squash with either a fork or spoon. Squash will separate into strands.
Use these strands and cover with spaghetti sauce to make a vegetable version of spaghetti.
Cover the strands with a mixture of steamed veggies, olive oil and fresh herbs. Gently mix together. Serve with a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Use the strands as a side dish by mixing with a little butter and Italian seasoning. Italian seasoning usually consists of basil, oregano, rosemary and thyme. Or, use your own herb mixture to satisfy your taste.
Mash the strands together as if making mashed potatoes. Add a little soy milk, dairy milk or plain nonfat yogurt and a dab of butter. Mix thoroughly. Enjoy this as a side dish.
Spaghetti squash can be enjoyed as is, also.
Find interesting? Kindly share...
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