Time For Fennel

Even though it's autumn you can still make a nice salad. Instead of the usual summery greens, though try fennel. It's big this time of year and makes a wonderful side whether if it's on its' own or with other veggies. Another plus is that it has a distinctive refreshing taste -a perfect foil against heavy main dishes.

Fennel is a bulb like plant usually grown in the early spring , namely June and July. However it's also big around the fall and many Italian homes have a fennel dish at Thanksgiving. It's name is derived from the Latin foeniculum. It's a hardy perennial being an actual herb as opposed to a green .It's been used from India to England where it was included in the pagan Anglo Saxon Tenth Century Nine Herbs Charm, an early medical manuscript. The Greeks called it marathon and it figured prominently in the famed Batttle of Marathon in 490 BC.Fennel has been used to treat everything from modern day hypertension to past century cures for digestive disorders and blood problems.

Fennel itself has a distinctive taste- not unlike anise (which it is often mistaken for). The Times had some lovely salad recipes th e other days for it.These included one with radishes and mushrooms. However a more popular one is a plain fennel salad (which was popularized by the late 60 Minutes journalist Ed Bradley). His recipe includes just cutting up an entire bulb and them dousing it a simple red wine vinegar vinaigrette. This is delicious even when it's a few days old. The fennel is great at absorbing the dressing which leave a tart, fruity aftertaste. Another way of serving it is just cutting up the bulb and stalks and dipping them into a simple oil and vinegar mix. Italians have been doing this for years and fresh fennel is always a big part of Sunday and holiday dinners.

Surprisingly this Spring specialty is a big part of fall dining. make a fennel salad for a refreshing alternative to regular salads. It's like a breath of crisp autumn air!

Dieting Dilemma - It Tastes Too Good!

Foodies always have a big problem on their hands. We gain weight - and fast. It's just that we can't resist good tasting food. Unfortunately to much of a good thing puts on the pounds. Then it;s back to diet food - which is usually bland, unexciting and has about as much taste as cardboard. What's a fat foodie to do?

Surprisingly keep eating what you love.You can still enjoy fries and burger, cookies and lattes. There are two ways of tackling this yummy food problem. Moderation . Eat what you like but in little increments or eat full portions but maybe once or twice a month. In other words you can share that splice of pizza or basket of onion rings or fries or just eat a few every so often. either way treat them as treats. Some people hold off with eating the fun stuff for the weekends. This makes them food that much more special and fun after a grueling week of low cal fare.

Another solution is to make diet foods tasty. use more herbs and spices to liven up salads and grilled foods. If you;re becoming tired of constantly eating grilled chicken or fish take it to the next level. Add lime juice to the cooking process to make it tastier. Salads boring you? Switch vinegars. Apple cider vinegar gives traditional vinaigrette a whole new spin and actually makes whatever is on your salad tastier. If you're tired of eating the same kind of fruit, mix it up by going for something else.

Don't worry if you've put on a few pounds. There are ways of getting the weight off while still enjoying your favorite foods. It does take some thinking and planning but it can be done. You can have your cake, fries and pizza and eat them too.

Veggie Snacks For Dinner

If you're having trouble with picky eaters and vegetables then it's time to turn that healthy harvest into fun snacks. That's what I did tonight with my dinner. It's hard dealing with picky eaters and making them eat what's good for them. That's when I bought a ton of mixed veggies from my local A&P's salad bar and made a heart healthy vinaigrette. It's like a no brainer. Everyone loves finger foods especially at dinner when they're usually forbidden.Have a plate with sliced red and green peppers, broccoli and cauliflower florettes along with grape tomatoes. I just made a simple Italian dressing with a good dose of flavorful rosemary.

Veggie snacks are also good on picnics. I plan on bringing dishes of them with me on days trips to the beach this summer. I may make my own dressings as well. Let's face it , pepper strips and tomatoes are healthier and less dehydrating than fries and chips.They're also easy to pack as well.

Picky eaters? no problem. Serve them fresh veggies with a dipping sauce. They're fun and nutritious!!!