Giving Up And Giving For

 Today is Ash Wednesday, the start of another Lent. The period before Easter is meant for sacrifice and fasting for many Christians. Yet this year it's also the time of giving up and this year it should be giving out and for as well.

Thanks to government cuts and jobs being lost across the private sector, more and more people are relying on help. This Lent instead of giving up - give out. Prices are high across the board and it;s hard for yourself to put together a decent meal yet if you can spare a few dollars or a few cans to friends and family in need do so. Also think about inviting them over. You don't have to make and elaborate roast and buy a splashy dessert. Something as simple as pasta or chili which is  inexpensive to throw together . As far as dessert, homemade brownies or slice and bake cookies can do the trick. If your kids ' friends families are having trouble with providing lunches , step in. Make a double lunch for your own and then have the kids share them. The little ones will love the idea and they can get together for meal planning. The same idea goes for  elderly neighbors too.Bring a simple lunch of soup  - which is inexpensive and a sandwich to share. They'll appreciate a hot meal and also the company.

Keep in mind that food pantries are bound to be cut and dismantled. Illinois is already experiencing this. Families will be in dire need of even basic staples. If you're a small grocery owner try to donate any overage to these if you can. Keep in min that church or community run food pantries and gardens are not state run and their budgets may only face slight cuts, depending upon donations. You would be better donating to them. Also this is the time when many community gardens start preparing their land for seeding . Volunteer when you can. Help them with planning where to plant along with the actual tilling and hoeing. Also help in pruning fruit trees if they have them. every year branches need to be cut to make way for new fruit bearing ones. Also help or donate any vital tools like hoses and spades, along with rakes and gloves.If there is a shortage of these and no money , organize either a bake sale or a Chinese auction to raise  money. Bang on doors, send out flyers to the community. too for others to donate whether time or money.

This is the time for giving up. Sacrifice what you have  - food , time or money to those in need. we need to help each other right now and this is the perfect time to do so.

Cherry Tomato Sauce New Product for A New Year

 There are a lot of products home chefs want to try in the new year.They can be an experiment to be used maybe once to try or if liked, incorporated into much loved sihes. ONe such is cherry tomato sauce. Who knew those little gems could be turned into something so rich and flavorful.

I saw Lidl's Italiamo  brand cherry tomato sauce and had to try it.It was too tempting to pass up.

This I could have fun with  was my first thought. Imagine what I could make with it.It would be a perfect addition to the Lidl sauces I already use. It's not only cherry tomatoes. There's carrots for sweetness, along with onions and basil to enhance the tomatoes flavor. Olive oil makes it smooth. I added a bit to last night's sauce

This was a wild thrown in into a pot .It was last night spaghetti with the sauce. The cherry tomato sauce was also great in making a cheese less French bread pizza for lunch.

I loved this., It was just slathering the sauce along with drenching a hearty slice of baguette with olive oil and oregano.Two minutes in the microwave produced a crunchy , saucy bite that was very satisfying and flavorful. You could also use this sauce for English muffin pizzas and regular ones too.

The new year is full of fun and products to try .Lidl's Italiamo Cherry Tomato sauce is one of them. Give ti a go for a nice variation on sauces and recipes.

Simple Lunches

 Lunch is often t he meal t hat's overlooked,especially if you're working from home. It's either a smoothie or a cup of yogurt and a drink of some sort to wash it down. Yet' that's not a meal.  A simple lunch can get you through the afternoon.It's a tasty mid day break that's both filling and tasty.

Cold days deserve a hot meal. A simple lunch is an easy canned soup. Gardein and Campbell's Well Yes are perfect for this. Gardfein's has a variety of plant based ones along with chili for a satisfying good for you middday meal. Their  version of Italian wedding soup is just as flavorful as Progresso's which is made wirh beef meatballs and chicken broth. The company also has a really good gumbo too along with beef and chik'n ones that are also loaded with veggies rice or noodles Well yes is going in this vegan vein too. They introduced their version of plant based chicken noodle and rice soups. A true plus about Well Yes is that  they have indiviual  microwavable cups of  soup. This is perfect if you're eating by yourself . For those who want classic then think about Campbell's tomato soup. or chicken noodle Both make for  a fun lunch . especially with a big stack of Saltines. A homemade soup is easy too. Heat smaller sized pasta like orzo or pastina in any kind of broth. Within half an hour there's a delicious hot meal that's soothing and filling.

An easily made hot sandwich is always a good lunch. You couldgo with a simple grilled cheese or the fancier Croque Monsieur. white bread is used but you can also go with whole wheat or even brioche bread. This is buttered liberally on one side. You could use mayo as many home chefs swear by this. as for the cheese most go for the good old fashioned American but if you want some zing then use a sharp, zingy Vermont cheddar.It's then frying it ona griddle or fryer for a few minutes on both sides. For a lusher lunch try the French bistro classic the croque monsieur. This is a yummy  amped up version of grilled cheese complete with an easy Bechamel sauce. Don''t be fooled by the name. The sauce is an easy cook on the stove top, using milk butter and flour. Dijon  mustard and nut meg are added at the end and whisked in. (Keep in mind that the sauce can be made in advance and also the extra is good over any kind of veggie). It's slathered on toasted white bread followed by a layer of ham and shredded Gruyere cheese.  The sandwich is then cooked for about five minutes in a 425 Farenheit degree oven. You can make an air fryer version of this and add the bechamel sauce later.

An easy lunch is easy to make. A hot soup or sandwich fills the bill. They make for a rewarding mid day meal.

Valentine's Meals For Your Sweetie

One of the best Valentine's Day gift is something homemade. Any sweetie will appreciate either a homemade meal .Even if you can't cook you can come up with an easy and delicious table for two.

A lux breakfast in bed is always appreciated. A simple dish would be scrambled eggs with ham . Put it on croissants for a richer look and taste. Another easy breakfast dish is eggs Benedict. This is simply poached eggs on English muffins with a lemon- butter sauce. It's mixed with egg yolks for richness.It's the perfect dish to serve with mimosas , or Bellinis, peach nectar blended with champagne. If you're lucky to have lunch together, then think of a charcuterie platter. This is one for the easiest but also the richest tasting of all lunch time dishes. Start with buying a beautiful wooden charcuterie plate. (you can always reuse it at parties and holidays). Have an array of good Italian cold cuts such as mortadella, hard salami and prosciutto. Sopressata, a spicy Southern Italian dry salami is another good meat, perfect on sliced Italian or French bread. Cheeses are a must. Brie is perfect, especially on French bread but Gruyere and smoked Gouda are also good choices. Have a chilled Cabernet or Zinfandel  to sip with this tasty mix. You could also go old school with grilled cheese and tomatoes. Cut the grilled cheese into a heart . Get creative and drizzle sour cream into a heart shape onto the soup's surface.

Of course a Valentine's Day dinner is a big deal. Just remember that's it's just as easy to make surf and turf at home than ordering it at a restaurant. Keep in mind that the seafood could be anything from shrimp to lobster to crab. As for the beef, any cut will do, from a flank to a T-bone. Serve with a side of buttery string beans almondine and/or sauteed spinach. Cornish hens are another tasty and romantic night dinner. Spike up the flavor with a rub of powdered garlic and paprika and serve with brown rice. Want to impress with a night of exotic flavors? Then try tagine, the Morroccan hot pot of different ingredients and spices. The recipe does call for tagine pot , a kind of skillet with a triangular lid but you can also use a deep skillet or even a crock pot. A chicken one calls for a whole roaster cut up  and cooked with tomatoes, peas and carrots. Almonds and dried apricots are also essential to give it a true Moroccan vibe. You could also make a veggie tagine by subbing in chickpeas and butternut squash. If your sweetie is a vegan, then think about a Beyond Meat burger with all the trimmings. Use a cumin spiced Nayonnaise , vegan mayo with tomato slices and soy bacon. Serve with a big helping of air fried sweet potato fries with a home made tomato paste based ketchup.

Nothing says love more than a home cooked meal.It could be breakfast, lunch or dinner. As long as it's home cooked by a home chef with a heart and a kitchen full of love.

Inclusion Dining

As a country we are more divided as ever - unlike how we were eighteen years ago. Tragedy brought us solidarity that was inclusive of everyone.We banded and bonded together, sharing hearts and help. We can still be more together - even if it's in the small act of eating out.

Here's a challenge to anyone out there, but especially here in the States. Eat at a restaurant whose cuisine is new to you. It can be any kind , from Ethiopian to American. It's a way of not only supporting your local businesses but also also expanding your and your family's palates. Nowadays it's easy , thanks to the internet. Should you read the Yelp or any other reviews? That's up to you. One, the site does point out an eatery's best dishes and what you should try. On the other hand, you may find a sour review or two. Ignore those. What some people may find not to their tastes may be fine for another.  The best way to glean info is to visit the restaurant's website, As we all know there will be the menus and some will even have the dishes explained along with the ingredients. It's a good way to show the kids what  they can order and pick out what may appeal to them before going. You can also try a take out before visiting there for a lunch and dinner. Get a sampler so favorites can be established.

Where should you go first?If you live near any big city or town, then you know there will be ethnic neighborhoods with restaurants catering to locals. These are probably the most authentic , with foods and beverages made exactly as they would be back home. I 'm fortunate to live only two towns away from Paterson, New Jersey. It has always been an ethnically diverse town thanks to the silk industry drawing in silk weavers from Piedmonte, Italy, Lyons, France and Damascus, Syria.The last is still a strong influence and thanks to it, discovered my new found love of Middle Eastern food. It's a city that has everything from Turkish and Syrian to South American. There are even a hot dog stands that have been there for almost 100 years and still family owned. What about the suburbs? Strip malls. These have some of the best privately owned cafes and restaurants from Indian to Taiwanese. They often have lunch time buffets where you can sample all their top dishes along with coupons in your local Val Pack. Take advantage of both.

A day our enemies thought would divide us brought us together. We should do the same now, even if it's trivial as trying out a new cuisine. It not only expands our palates but our hearts as well.

The Essential Oil Diet

Can the addition of essential oils help in losing weight? According to one couple they can.Infusions of peppermint and grapefruit along with a balanced diet, clean lifestyle and prayer can aid in not only shedding pounds but in creating a better life? Is it true ? Or just hokum?

Chiropractor and aromatherapist Dr. Eric Zielinski  and his wife Sabrina Ann Zielinski , who's a health coach and group fitness instructor have written The Essential Oils Diet (Harmony Books 2019) , a follow up to their The Healing Power Of Essential Oils. What are essential oils? The best definition is a natural oil typically obtained by distillation and have the characteristic fragrance of the plant or source of the extraction. They're easy to make. Simply use olive oil or avocado oil and spiking it peppermint or grapefruit extract. The book is more than just making essential oils and creating diet dishes. The Zielinskis feel that everyone should follow their lifestyle - which to be  honest - can be obnoxious at times.I like their advice on the eight essential healthy habits and how they delve into the use of everyday pesticides and chemicals. However I do have an issue with some of their suggestions.They suggest bringing your own food to a restaurant and having the chef cook it for you. I'm sorry but I can't see the chain restaurants doing that. It may work with smaller family owned eateries. Another bone of contention is their advice on staying humble while Mrs. Zielinski writes about prepping for the Mrs Georgia pageant. There's also a part about dropping friends who don't follow a healthy lifestyle. That was also grating.

First and foremost this is a cookbook.That part has some excellent advice and ideas.Mrs. Zielinski or Mama Z as she wants to be called has an extensive list of healthy family must haves. There is everything from gluten free flour to green tea powder.Another plus is the fridge and freezer makeover with helpful suggestions.Butter can be replaced by coconut oil while nitrate free turkey bacon can replace the regular kind.The recipes are not really grouped. Instead there are headings with the appropriate recipes underneath. There are not only lunch and dinner recipes such as avocado (!) egg salad and Mama 's spaghetti with meat sauce. The book doesn't really feature long lists of recipes which would be a tad more beneficial. The lunches are either salads or soup with a pasta or falafel thrown in while dinners are lasagna or spaghetti. Kale salad is there too, for a summertime dinner along with a bok choy super stir fry. I would have liked to have seen more roasts or some kind of ancient grain mail course. The breakfasts are mostly shakes and smoothies with a waffle recipe thrown in. There are a surprisingly large number of dessert recipes from homemade ice creams and brownies to whipped cream and even confectioner's sugar.

Should you buy The Essential Oils Diet? I would say yes for some of the advice. Take from it what you find necessary to your lifestyle. It can help in creating a better diet  - which is what we all need.

A Variety Of Breads

We eat it  almost every day of our lives  but we probably don't give it a second thought. What is this food we take for granted? Bread.One of the most ancient foods is literally the staff of life yet the average foodie or even home chef knows little about it.

Bread is one of the world's oldest prepared foods. There is evidence from 30,000 years ago in Europe of starch residue on rocks used for pounding plants.It is speculated that ferns and cattails were spread on a flat rock and then cooked over a fire.Around 10,000 BC, with the Neolithic Age also came agriculture. This brought grain farming which brought bread into the human diet. Yeast was introduced  then giving early bakers leavened dough. Yeast wasn't the only rising agent. Romans used a combination of grape juice and flour along with wheat fermented with wine. In Ancient France and Spain early bakers  used the foam skimmed from beer called barm. Wheat is the most common grain used to make the loaves however ancient grains such as spelt, einkorn, emmer and kamut.That crackly, chewy crust, usually the best part of a bread is created though the Maillard reaction, using sugars and amino acids to create a browned, delicious coating or crust.It's actually healthier than the loaf's interior simply because it has antioxidants along with having more fiber too.

There are so many breads out there/ We Americans grew up on white loaf. More adventurous parents bought the butter split loaves where the tops were ridged and melted butter drizzled on top before baking.wheat bread has always been a favorite along with multigrain.A deli favorite that has been in many a lunchbox is rye. It's a loaf made from rye flour and can range in color from a light brown to a rich chocolate-y hue. Delis also sell pumpernickel . This is another rich brown bread, made with a sourdough starter and rye.It started out as peasant fare, originating in the northwest region of Germany called Westphalia. It 's the perfect foil for the thin , buttery slices of Westphalian ham.One of its' components  sourdough is a popular bread here in the States.French bakers brought it with them when they went to California during the 1849 Gold Rush.It's a white bread with a pleasantly sour taste thanks to lactic acid bacteria or lactobacillus.It's popular at such places as Panera bread Company where you can get in loaf ,roll or bread bowl form.Most people love Italian and French baguettes. These long batons are tasty for breakfast, lunch,and dinner. They make for the best picnic sandwiches and accompaniments with soup. They also turn into the chewiest and tastiest French toast too.

Bread has always been a big part of the human existence. It connects us with our earliest ancestors along with sustaining our lives.It's not just a loaf  - it's history.

Your Healthy Holiday Food Guide

It's December and that means only one thing - a month of party food. Yes it's that time of year when pigs in blankets are considered nutritious  and sugar cookies are known as a healthy snack. Eating junk  is not good for you, especially if it's consumed for a straight month. The best antidote is having healthy food and retaining  a normal diet. By Christmas you'll not only feel better but look better too.

One of the best ways keep your normal routine is eating three meals a day. This is the season for rushing, rushing to the mall, rushing to the office party , rushing to the family tree trimming party. Unfortunately that means skipping a meal or speed eating. Take it slow. Take time to consider what you want to eat. A bowl of hot oatmeal followed by an orange or a banana is a better dessert than those food courts McBreakfast sandwich. Those bear claws or cronuts may be tasty and quick, but they're overdosed with sugar and fat along with grease. If you have to eat breakfast on the go, then think about a piece of fruit or a slice of home toasted whole wheat or whole grain bread. If you have to have a hot drink, nix those creamy sugary lattes and mocchacinos. Stick with herbal tea or regular coffee with skim milk,

Lunch and dinner can be dicey affairs too ,especially if you plan on going shopping too. Aim for the salads and plain sandwiches . Stay away from the salty , oily stuff. A simple and cheap solution is make your own. You can create a healthy sandwich with just slices of  chicken , turkey or even roast beef on either a baguette or plain bread . Add an oil and vinegar mix or  mustard for more flavor . If you want a bought sandwich, stick with Subway or Blimpie , They can custom make heroes to fit your tastes and health needs.Another lunch must is a good mixed salad. Luckily this is the main stay of many supermarkets and you can create a healthy mix of veggies, greens and proteins. Buy a small bottle  of light Italian dressing  and keep it at your desk for those  busy end of year days when lunch time is whittled down to fifteen minutes or half an hour. As for dinners , buying from your supermarket's deli is a time saver letting you have extra minutes for shopping instead of cooking. Get a couple of instant sides such as kale salad or creamed spinach A roast chicken is a good idea because , on eit can be your family's dinner one night and leftovers for sandwiches and salads the next. 

Yes it's the holiday season, but that doesn't mean you should have a holiday diet . Continue eating healthy during these next few weeks. You'll feel better  munching on pure nutrition instead of pure party junk food.

Gourmet Goodies For Mother's Day

Tomorrow is the day when all mothers across the US should expect to be served with a special meal.It could be breakfast, brunch , lunch or dinner.Most kids (and hubbies) wind up making the same old stuff.Don't !!!A unique lady deserves something unique.It's time to put a dash of gourmet in those Mother's Day meals. Most moms wake up to a breakfast of pancakes ,a few pieces of bacon and a somewhat scrambled egg.Instead of the ordinary make it special.Start the morning off with crepes or blintzes stuffed with fresh cut fruit and if you can clotted cream( you can also try fresh whipped cream which is a snap to make ).Eggs deserve a decadent turn with Eggs Benedict.You can make it even easier by buying a packet of Hollandaise sauce mix.For variety, sub in spinach or crab meat for the Canadian bacon.If you're going more for a brunch vibe, start off with a mimosa.This is simple blend of champagne and orange juice. Then think a delicate omelet with minced ham or crumbled bacon added.As a dessert try a waffle cake made with two or three waffles,layered together with a tart apricot or nectarine conserve .Add a puff of whip cream and some fresh flowers on top.Another treat is an assortment of bagels or croissants with different spreads from a savory herbed butter to a berry infused cream cheese . Both lunch and dinner can be just as fancy and even exotic.Since the weather is gorgeous and balmy, think barbecue.However don't make it a dad- centric one with steaks and burgers.(unless mom is a true carnivore). Think chicken or shrimp on skewers intermingled with pepper and onion chunks along with grape or cherry tomatoes.Serve with a spiced rice or couscous..Seared chicken breast or tuna are other choices.Make a coconut marinade for the poultry and for the fish , a mix of fresh orange juice soy sauce and garlic.Another idea is a salad of grilled vegetables. Start with a base of spinach or Spring greens, then add grilled asparagus, eggplant, onions , corn niblets and tomatoes.Add a light vinaigrette as a dressing. Of course nothing beats a cheese platter with a variety of savory cheeses and crackers. Mix Brie with blue ,along with slices of cheddar and pepper Jack. Have extras like grape tomatoes and gherkins too to nibble on.Pasta is an another easy meal to fix.Try a light sauce,with chicken and lemon or a medley of veggies and garlic infused olive oil instead of the usual heavy tomato sauces. Mother's Day should be full of special treats .Make mom a gourmet meal she 'll be proud of and enjoy .Wow her with the best foods and dishes available.

Flipping Meals

Sometimes winter weekends can be topsy turvy.It's a fun way to vary the schedule with something wild and unexpected happening.You can do the same with meals.Why should steak be just for dinner? Or a sandwich for lunch.Mix up your meals on a sleepy Saturday or Sunday .It'll make mealtime more exciting and chase away those winter blahs. Starting the day off with a sandwich can bring about a few smiles.You can buy pre made ones from Marie Callendar or Jimmy Dean.You can also make them yourself.Try mini omelets or scrambled eggs with cheese and Taylor ham on either croissants or biscuits.Both breads easily can be baked in the toaster oven.You can also slice up hotdogs and add them to scrambled eggs for some fun.Another idea is an oatmeal salad.Slice up bananas ,apples,pears and oranges.Make a "dressing " of hot oatmeal to pour over it. Try a light supper menu for lunch.Think about chili served over rice or polenta rounds.You could also make a roast chicken with stuffing and veggies for a Saturday lunch.It's a nice reward after a morning of shoveling snow or cleaning house.Also spaghetti is always a good choice too and a fun way to break up a Saturday or Sunday. For a lazy Saturday or Sunday nigth dinner.think waffles or pancakes.Both are filling and a nice departure from the ordinary.Another flip meal is French toast.It's easy to make and always gets a smile.You could also go. With omelets and bacon too.Just as easy is making a lunchtime sandwich.Try creating a hero.Use Italian cold cuts like salame and prosciutto along with shredded lettuce and tomatoes.Another tasty one is a meatball sub.It's filling and hot ,the perfect dinner for ending a busy day.If you've eaten too much ,then go with that mid day favorite ,soup and salad.You can make a creamy bisque or chowder and serve a hearty mixed greens plate with it.You could also just serve a soup, with hot crusty rolls or a big chef's salad with breadsticks. Flipping meals are a fun way to mix up a weekend.It keeps the family happy and it also satisfies picky eater.Try serving a breakfast for lunch or launch for dinner to keep it interesting.

A Good Hot Meal

These days it's hard to have a hot meal, especially if you're still weathering Hurricane Sandy and her after effects. yet whatever the meal, a good solid plate of something hot is beneficial. It helps in  creating more normalcy in a disrupted routine.It also helps to gather your family and friends around just to give thanks and enjoy conversation.

Breakfast is always the most important meal and a good one means a good day ahead. Even having a hot breakfast sandwich at McDonald's is still a hot breakfast, complete with orange juice and fruit. The kids will love it . Most motel rooms have microwaves and you can always microwave eggs and bacon in it as well.Your best bet is a nearby diner. There you can get everything from oatmeal to omelets along with pancakes -a kid favorite .You can also get fresh squeezed juice there and bran muffins. too

Lunch is another matter. Most people will usually settle for a sandwich.If you can settle for burgers which are considered a hot and fun along with a salad, then you've got something good to eat.fast food places are a good place especially if you have picky eaters in your caravan.You can also consider again the diner or bringing in microwaveable meals.Dinner too can be found in your frozen food section(that is if your supermarket is open)Another idea is trying local pizzerias and Chinese takeout. You can eat healthy in both, along with just eating old fashioned pizza and fried rice, comfort foods much needed in these times.

A good hot meal means everything to those who are displaced.Whether it be  breakfast,lunch or dinner, it means the world to those who are now living in motels,hotel, and even shelter. It;s a way of being at home even though you're not.

What Makes A Good Lunch?

Even worse than trying to find something for dinner is trying to find something that constitutes a good lunch. After all this is meal that has to sustain through the afternoon, crash periods and early evening. it should be tasty and nutritious yet not too heavy that we fall asleep around two or three PM. What's the best bet then?

To be honest my mom and I are of the same mind when it comes to a hot lunch. We prefer to follow our Italian cousins with a hot meal , one that's delicious and can carry us through to the six 'o' clock news. It can be pasta with salad, a filling soup, or a roast chicken bought from our local A&P. Sometimes, but rarely these days, we'll head to Wendy's or Subway for a fun sandwich Coke and fries. This is what everyone does and a daily dose of wreaks havoc with the blood pressure and puts on pounds. The secret is creating or ordering a meal you like , that has health benefits and won't screw up your dieting. It may sound like an impossibility but it can be done.

How?

Order healthy meats like grilled salmon or chicken either as a main course or in a mixed salad. If you are intent on salad, avoid the croutons and heavy dressings like Russian or French. Try lighter oil and red wine vinegar or light olive oil with a squeeze of lemon or lime.Keep the bread down to a minimum one or two slices (especially if Italian or French is served with it) and pass on the butter. Wine is good with a meal however don't down a carafe the afternoon of the big business meeting. Just plain iced tea or if you must, diet soda to wash everything down. End with a piece of fresh fruit like a pear or banana if you crave something sweet.

Figuring what makes a good lunch should be a no brainer. Settle for dishes that will keep you satisfed and full along with being tasty and nutritious.

Power Lunches

What should be in a foodie's lunch bag? A good and tasty lunch. It should be a substantial meal that keeps us going all afternoon until dinner. What should it be? Well, here's a clue - not your average baloney sandwich and a diet Pepsi.

Lunches can be tricky affairs.If you have just a salad and spring water, you'll be snacking like crazy by 3 PM. Eat too much and you're ready for a good two hour nap from 2 to 4 PM. You have to create a balance of a lunch that's just right. If you're watching your weight, go with a salad, but opt for one with grilled chicken or the yummier grilled salmon. Don't load it up with heavy dressings and croutons. Besides a French,Russian or any other thick dressing will only make your salad gloppy. Think about a lighter type of just vinaigrette with a dash of oregano thrown in. Also add some broccoli florets along with carrots and pepper strips to make your lunch time salad more substantial. For cooler days add a cup of soup from your local deli to turn it into a hot meal.

What about that lunchtime staple, the sandwich? This is another good luncheon choice. Stay away from any greasy ones though because you'll wind up with indigestion. Do think gourmet, with a base of French or Italian bread topped with a covering of aoili mayonnaise.You can then put on thinly sliced turkey, chicken or ham . For real oomph try all three. One of my favorites is sliced mozzarella and tomatoes on an olive oil drizzled Italian bread.This to me is filling not to mention flavorful. If you work at home (like I do) don't hesitate to make yourself a hot sandwich. A grilled cheese made with sharp cheddar and bacon is a great lunch on cold days. Use sandwich or wheat bread as a base. Another foodie delight is a hot turkey or roast beef sandwich. To make it easy just buy sliced meat at your grocery's deli counter, some kaiser rolls and store bought gravy. I can just hear some of your groans over tho last part but today's tinned ones are pretty good. They almost have a homemade fresh from the pan taste and aroma about them. Don't ever hesitate to use them.

For lunch think about power. You have to have a good meal that will keep you going until 5 or 6 PM. Make your lunches not only tasty but strong enough to keep you going and light enough to keep you from crashing.