September means busy schedules and meals literally on the go. Your Saturdays may well be spent on the soccer field or at your hiking club. With this comes the question what to eat and where. The best and most nutritious bet is make your own meals and tote them with you.
Sandwiches are the easiest to bring along. They're quick and simple to make, store and eat. There's minimal fuss. For variation , bring along wraps or pita sandwiches that you ad your family will enjoy. You can make peanut butter and jelly pitas for your little soccer stars to eat. A nice wrap that has turkey or chicken along with fresh chopped veggies is another easy but vitamin enriched meal. Regular old fashioned sandwiches are also a good choice. The best ones are often the hero style , with your favorite meats and veggies on a cut up baguette. These are even great for those weekends at the beach where you want a simple but filling picnic lunch. Also pack some sandwiches for those drives to see early fall foliage. There are always rest stops where you can take a break and refresh yourselves. Also this is the season to really enjoy nature up close. Pack some hearty ham and cheese on pumpernickel in a backpack and go a walking!
Soup is also another good take along, especially as the weather progressively becomes cooler. They're easy to put into a thermos and take with you. Plus a cup of hot minestrone, tomato or chicken is revitalizing to get your though the rest of a busy day. Nix any salads. Pack some veggies if you want or a better choice is the season's apples and pears.
What to drink ? Soda is good but you may want to stick with lemonade or iced tea. Carbonated drinks tend to bring on thirst quicker.Also if you're lucky to have it already a thermos of ice cold, sparkling cider is always good. Water is the surest bet when you're engaged in any activity. It hydrates quickly and you' don't need to drink it as often as with a flavored drink. Have a thermos of something hot, whether it's ,tea, coffee or hot chocolate to finish off the meal.
This fall, you'll definitely be on the go somewhere. This means eating in the car, on the sidelines or in the middle of nature's fall beauty. Have a simple meal ready t o keep up with your busy schedule.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Chili Days Ahead
Ok, now that work and school are in full swing , it's time to think about quickie meals. Your best bet is something you can make on the weekend, serve it then and then turn it into Monday's , Tuesday's or even Friday's leftovers. What's an easy dish to make in quantity ? Chili!!! This is a simple dish to whip up along with being hearty , tasty and satisfying. You can serve it over sliced corned bread one day , and with rice the next time a few days later.
Chili probably originated in Chihuahua, Mexico or around the Baja Peninsula during the 1840's. First served free in cantinas this was a quick and easy way to feed hungry patrons and get rid of all left over meats. It became more and more popular north of the border. the first mass produced and canned chili occurred in 1908 in - where else - Texas. Chili is also that state's official dish.
There's all sorts of chilis, from vegetarian to deer meat (LBJ's favorite) to one using white beans. You can regulate the heat by the amount of chili powder thrown in. Some friends of mine insist on making a four alarm one. This is great if you want the roof of your mouth burned off. Stick with making a more palatable one. The milder ones bring out the flavors of the tomatoes , beans , meat and onions. Just a pinch will really be sufficient.
My mom makes one of the best in the e world Enjoy this vegetarian version with family and friends.
1 pound vegan chop meat
1 clove garlic
1 onion chopped
1 can of kidney beans
1 can of tomatoes
salt and pepper to taste
Brown meat and onion first in oil iver a medium heat. Add tomatoes and garlic. Stir until thoroughly mixed. Add spices and kidney beans and let simmer for forty five minutes to an hour.
Serves four comfortably. Leftovers can be store din freezer ready containers and then later microwaved for two minutes.
Adios.
PS write me about your favorite chili experience and win a prize . Write to this blog or at my e mail LIZRWRITER@aol.com
Chili probably originated in Chihuahua, Mexico or around the Baja Peninsula during the 1840's. First served free in cantinas this was a quick and easy way to feed hungry patrons and get rid of all left over meats. It became more and more popular north of the border. the first mass produced and canned chili occurred in 1908 in - where else - Texas. Chili is also that state's official dish.
There's all sorts of chilis, from vegetarian to deer meat (LBJ's favorite) to one using white beans. You can regulate the heat by the amount of chili powder thrown in. Some friends of mine insist on making a four alarm one. This is great if you want the roof of your mouth burned off. Stick with making a more palatable one. The milder ones bring out the flavors of the tomatoes , beans , meat and onions. Just a pinch will really be sufficient.
My mom makes one of the best in the e world Enjoy this vegetarian version with family and friends.
1 pound vegan chop meat
1 clove garlic
1 onion chopped
1 can of kidney beans
1 can of tomatoes
salt and pepper to taste
Brown meat and onion first in oil iver a medium heat. Add tomatoes and garlic. Stir until thoroughly mixed. Add spices and kidney beans and let simmer for forty five minutes to an hour.
Serves four comfortably. Leftovers can be store din freezer ready containers and then later microwaved for two minutes.
Adios.
PS write me about your favorite chili experience and win a prize . Write to this blog or at my e mail LIZRWRITER@aol.com
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Raspberries - A Late Summer treat
Surprisingly enough you can still go berry picking this month. September is raspberry season. This is the time of year when the late summer warmth produces another round of ripe sweet, berries., If you missed the first season back in June , then make sure you don't miss this one.
Raspberries have been around for over 2,000 years. They were popular in Roman ruled Britain with the agriculturalist, Palladius wrote about them in his journals.The red ones were imported to New York in the 1770's by the British while the black variety were indigenous to our Southern states (in fact North America is the only continent that produces them). Both are rich in calcium and Vitamin C. Not only that they are tasty, leaving a sweet, sensual flavor in your mouth.
Raspberries are good paired with almost anything and everything. My favorite is Delicious Orchard's Raspberry Jam on croissants. It just turns this elegant treat into something that's pure heaven. You can also use raspberries in reductions for any game fowl or even sprinkled on salads.Take freshly crushed raspberries and mix them with oil and vinegar for a raspberry vinaigrette.As a dessert think about spooning some over a rich devil's food cake or chocolate ice cream. Raspberry ice is also a lovely way to end a meal. Raspberries also look good decorating cupcakes while icing with them is perfect for any simple chocolate cake or cupcake.
Now is the season to pick raspberries. They'll be quite ripe under a late summer sun and bursting with flavor. Use this September to pick your finest basket of them!!!
Raspberries have been around for over 2,000 years. They were popular in Roman ruled Britain with the agriculturalist, Palladius wrote about them in his journals.The red ones were imported to New York in the 1770's by the British while the black variety were indigenous to our Southern states (in fact North America is the only continent that produces them). Both are rich in calcium and Vitamin C. Not only that they are tasty, leaving a sweet, sensual flavor in your mouth.
Raspberries are good paired with almost anything and everything. My favorite is Delicious Orchard's Raspberry Jam on croissants. It just turns this elegant treat into something that's pure heaven. You can also use raspberries in reductions for any game fowl or even sprinkled on salads.Take freshly crushed raspberries and mix them with oil and vinegar for a raspberry vinaigrette.As a dessert think about spooning some over a rich devil's food cake or chocolate ice cream. Raspberry ice is also a lovely way to end a meal. Raspberries also look good decorating cupcakes while icing with them is perfect for any simple chocolate cake or cupcake.
Now is the season to pick raspberries. They'll be quite ripe under a late summer sun and bursting with flavor. Use this September to pick your finest basket of them!!!
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Cherished Memories and Recipes
Who hasn't relied on their Mom's lasagna or their Gran's advice for cutting vegetables? Family recipes are to be cherished, much like that of photographs and hand made items. The most important thing to do is cherish what you've been given - and that includes any dishes that have been passed down to you.
For a fun fall activity , collect all your recipes and make them with your kids. There's bound to be a dish from your childhood that you'd like to share with the next generation. Also it's a good time to organize your recipes as well (check Borders or Barnes and Nobles for recipe scrapbooks). Consider making these for the holidays. After all what person wouldn't want to have their family's special pie recipe to finish a Thanksgiving meal or those snickerdoodles wrapped up as a Christmas gift? Even get together with your siblings or cousins to recreate the meals you had when you were growing up.
Cherish all that's been passed down to you. This includes the recipes,aromas and tastes that shaped you as the foodie you are today.
For a fun fall activity , collect all your recipes and make them with your kids. There's bound to be a dish from your childhood that you'd like to share with the next generation. Also it's a good time to organize your recipes as well (check Borders or Barnes and Nobles for recipe scrapbooks). Consider making these for the holidays. After all what person wouldn't want to have their family's special pie recipe to finish a Thanksgiving meal or those snickerdoodles wrapped up as a Christmas gift? Even get together with your siblings or cousins to recreate the meals you had when you were growing up.
Cherish all that's been passed down to you. This includes the recipes,aromas and tastes that shaped you as the foodie you are today.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Happy Labor Day , Everyone!!!
Enjoy this holiday with a big blow out for summer 2008!!! Barbecue those last dogs , enjoy a beach or lake picnic. Just relax!
Fall is going to be busy , especially here at Foodie Pantry. There may be write ins, contests (finally -yay!!!) and all sorts of fun food puzzles and facts.
Liz
PS remember that Labor Day's is a day dedicated to workers. Remember the wait staff, cooks, chefs, and even grocery store clerks and managers who make your eating experiences memorable.
Also for all my F P fans in the LA/MS region - hold tight. You've got that admirable Southern spine of steel that I envy. Don't let that miserable rain cloud Gustav overpower you.
Fall is going to be busy , especially here at Foodie Pantry. There may be write ins, contests (finally -yay!!!) and all sorts of fun food puzzles and facts.
Liz
PS remember that Labor Day's is a day dedicated to workers. Remember the wait staff, cooks, chefs, and even grocery store clerks and managers who make your eating experiences memorable.
Also for all my F P fans in the LA/MS region - hold tight. You've got that admirable Southern spine of steel that I envy. Don't let that miserable rain cloud Gustav overpower you.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Time For Alaska - Baked Or Otherwise
All eyes are turned towards Alaska where Sarah Heath Palin hails from. McCain's running mate (and let's face it - an odd choice if there ever was one) hails from this state, rich in natural resources. As much as we know about Hawaiian cuisine we know very little about Alaskan.
What do Alaskans eat exactly? Insert Baked Alaska joke here.
Seriously, Alaskans are a tough rugged people. descended from the indigenous tribes, hardy settlers and adventurous prospectors. They had to rely on what was around them as opposed to shipments from the Lower Forty-Eight. Alaskan cuisine is rich in seafood, primarily salmon and trout. Halibut also figures largely in it as do the famous Alaska King Snow Crabs. The seafood is from local waters and is used in a variety of ways , mostly in steaks and fillets.
Meat is also an important part of the diet. Caribou and moose recipes abound with the meat being used in much the same way as beef.It can be made into strews, burgers , meat loafs and even meat loaf. You can also find reindeer which also can be used in cooking.
Here's another dish I just found while researching this cuisine -Akuqat or Eskimo ice cream. It's not what you think It's whipped and sweetened reindeer fat mixed in with berries and seal oil. This is found primarily in western Alaska. If anyone out here has ever tried it, please write in. I 'm curious as how this might taste along with the texture.
Alaskan cuisine reflects the hardiness and the resourcefulness of its' people. It abounds in locals meats and seafood, taking where it can to provide food.
PS Baked Alaska is not from this great state. It originated at the famed Delmonico's in New York City during the 1860's The dish came about in the early 1800's and went under the name omelette norvegienne.
What do Alaskans eat exactly? Insert Baked Alaska joke here.
Seriously, Alaskans are a tough rugged people. descended from the indigenous tribes, hardy settlers and adventurous prospectors. They had to rely on what was around them as opposed to shipments from the Lower Forty-Eight. Alaskan cuisine is rich in seafood, primarily salmon and trout. Halibut also figures largely in it as do the famous Alaska King Snow Crabs. The seafood is from local waters and is used in a variety of ways , mostly in steaks and fillets.
Meat is also an important part of the diet. Caribou and moose recipes abound with the meat being used in much the same way as beef.It can be made into strews, burgers , meat loafs and even meat loaf. You can also find reindeer which also can be used in cooking.
Here's another dish I just found while researching this cuisine -Akuqat or Eskimo ice cream. It's not what you think It's whipped and sweetened reindeer fat mixed in with berries and seal oil. This is found primarily in western Alaska. If anyone out here has ever tried it, please write in. I 'm curious as how this might taste along with the texture.
Alaskan cuisine reflects the hardiness and the resourcefulness of its' people. It abounds in locals meats and seafood, taking where it can to provide food.
PS Baked Alaska is not from this great state. It originated at the famed Delmonico's in New York City during the 1860's The dish came about in the early 1800's and went under the name omelette norvegienne.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Getting Ready For Fall
Even though fall is more or less one month away , it's still wise to prepare for it. What to do? A lot or a little depending upon what you want. It could include canning , cleaning out the pantry and fridge or packing up the freezer. It could also be planning a new kitchen or buying some new gadgets.
Foodwise, September is a great month to start cleaning out your vegetable garden. You may have a few straggler tomatoes but all in all your plants should be exhausted (as you probably are of dealing with them). Now is a good time to make all those sauces for winter.The same goes for basil.Pesto works well with heavy pasta and gnocchi dishes. Stock up on plastic containers that are excellent for freezing. Another idea is to cook and freeze squash and zucchini for side dishes later on.
If your apple trees are starting to yield fruit or you go raspberry picking, then think about making butters or jams or just freezing them for later desserts. If you have any blueberries or even peaches you can freeze them for later use as well.
Fall is also the time for bigger kitchen projects like renovations. The time between Halloween and Christmas is peak time for those wanting to redo their kitchens. Now is the time to start looking at your budgets and deciding if this is what you want or something else. Also it's the time to start looking at appliances and deciding whether or not to get new ones.
Be prepared for fall. You can start with something as small as making stockpiling sauce or as large as a total kitchen renovation.As we turn from hot summer days to chilly autumn ones it's time. to do something for your kitchen.
Foodwise, September is a great month to start cleaning out your vegetable garden. You may have a few straggler tomatoes but all in all your plants should be exhausted (as you probably are of dealing with them). Now is a good time to make all those sauces for winter.The same goes for basil.Pesto works well with heavy pasta and gnocchi dishes. Stock up on plastic containers that are excellent for freezing. Another idea is to cook and freeze squash and zucchini for side dishes later on.
If your apple trees are starting to yield fruit or you go raspberry picking, then think about making butters or jams or just freezing them for later desserts. If you have any blueberries or even peaches you can freeze them for later use as well.
Fall is also the time for bigger kitchen projects like renovations. The time between Halloween and Christmas is peak time for those wanting to redo their kitchens. Now is the time to start looking at your budgets and deciding if this is what you want or something else. Also it's the time to start looking at appliances and deciding whether or not to get new ones.
Be prepared for fall. You can start with something as small as making stockpiling sauce or as large as a total kitchen renovation.As we turn from hot summer days to chilly autumn ones it's time. to do something for your kitchen.
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