Since it's September 11th I'm not going to write about the usual. I'm just going to tell you guys to share a meal with your family and friends today. Enjoy each other's company and be lucky you have a country that appreciates your rich culture and traditions.
Also if you have the time, have a coffee with a friend you haven't seen. Hang out with cousins, aunts and uncles, along with grandparents and godparents you don't see as often as you'd like. Bring them their favorite doughnuts or treat them or the last batches of Italian ice. laugh over old times. Plan fall weekends where you can go apple picking or enjoy an early autumn beach.
Remember - always make however small the meal together special.
Liz
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
A Kiss Is Not Just A Kiss
Giess what classic has been reinventing itself? Not no th e sacred Oreo although that would be a pretty good guess. It's the Hershey's Kiss.All of a sudden you can now get it in "flavors"!
Hershey's Kisses were born in 1907 and got their name possibly from the sound of the chocolate being extruded from the machine that made them. Up until recently they were just solid milk chocolate. Now they come in solid dark, mixed with white (the Hugs)) or with cherry , peanut butter or truffle filling. As much as I like the original I really love the cherry and peanut butter. The cherry is reminiscent of the Cella's brand of chocolate covered cherries and the peanut butter is a notch above Reese's Cups (sorry Reese's).
There are also cookie Kisses which are kiss shaped cookies either filled with chips or sprinkles. These are OK.
What I just found out is that you can special order the kisses with different tags.Getting hitched? Then order the ones with the JUST MARRIED tags sticking out of them. Having a baby? You can get pink or blue foil wrapped ones with the appropriate messages. There are even birthday , congratulation and thank you kisses. These would be th e perfect party table treat at a shower or party. You can only order these from Hershey's.com/kisses.
Well I guess Casablanca's them song isn't true. A kiss isn't just a kiss anymore. It's something more. A special candy that' just reinvented itself
Hershey's Kisses were born in 1907 and got their name possibly from the sound of the chocolate being extruded from the machine that made them. Up until recently they were just solid milk chocolate. Now they come in solid dark, mixed with white (the Hugs)) or with cherry , peanut butter or truffle filling. As much as I like the original I really love the cherry and peanut butter. The cherry is reminiscent of the Cella's brand of chocolate covered cherries and the peanut butter is a notch above Reese's Cups (sorry Reese's).
There are also cookie Kisses which are kiss shaped cookies either filled with chips or sprinkles. These are OK.
What I just found out is that you can special order the kisses with different tags.Getting hitched? Then order the ones with the JUST MARRIED tags sticking out of them. Having a baby? You can get pink or blue foil wrapped ones with the appropriate messages. There are even birthday , congratulation and thank you kisses. These would be th e perfect party table treat at a shower or party. You can only order these from Hershey's.com/kisses.
Well I guess Casablanca's them song isn't true. A kiss isn't just a kiss anymore. It's something more. A special candy that' just reinvented itself
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Season of Squash
OK, so it's after labor Day. Can you still eat summer squash? Or does it have to be like wearing white? A faux pas? What about winter squash? Do you only eat it in January or on a snowy day? The answer is no. You can have squash anytime you like.
This native American vegetable comes in sixteen (yes sixteen !!!) different varieties. The most popular is the acorn squash, a staple of fall cuisine. This can be baked and the shell usually filled with butter. Another popular type is the spaghetti whose innards resemble the pasta. In fact for a very healthy "pasta" dish, try spaghetti squash with various sauces. Remember that squash in high in potassium, folate and Vitamin A and always low in calories.
Zucchini , that garden must, is the squash most people eat in quantity. My Piedmontese relatives as well as my Mom make fried zucchini flowers. These are either dipped in a crepe batter or bread crumbs and quickly fried in butter. They can also be stuffed (this ls a favorite in nearby Provence). More mature zucchini can be sliced and sauteed in garlic and oil. This makes a tasty and nutritious side and also can be easily frozen.
Don't save squash for just one season. You can eat this veggie all year round to appreciate its' taste and nutritional value. Eat winter squash at the end of summer if you want and summer squash during the season's first blizzard.
This native American vegetable comes in sixteen (yes sixteen !!!) different varieties. The most popular is the acorn squash, a staple of fall cuisine. This can be baked and the shell usually filled with butter. Another popular type is the spaghetti whose innards resemble the pasta. In fact for a very healthy "pasta" dish, try spaghetti squash with various sauces. Remember that squash in high in potassium, folate and Vitamin A and always low in calories.
Zucchini , that garden must, is the squash most people eat in quantity. My Piedmontese relatives as well as my Mom make fried zucchini flowers. These are either dipped in a crepe batter or bread crumbs and quickly fried in butter. They can also be stuffed (this ls a favorite in nearby Provence). More mature zucchini can be sliced and sauteed in garlic and oil. This makes a tasty and nutritious side and also can be easily frozen.
Don't save squash for just one season. You can eat this veggie all year round to appreciate its' taste and nutritional value. Eat winter squash at the end of summer if you want and summer squash during the season's first blizzard.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Picky Eaters - A Mom's Nightmare
What happens when Junior or Missy refuses to eat green beans or go on a campaign to just eat yellow foods? Most moms would tear out their hair. Others would just let it ride and try to find a way to accommodate these picky eaters. Sometimes the best path is to make breakfast lunch or dinner fun.
Breakfast sould be an easy meal. Yet many tweens and teens have schedules as hectic as their parents. Sometimes they'll just go for a granola bar or even a cup of coffee from the local Starbucks. Try to make on the go foods for them like breakfast burritos or cut up fruit. Sometimes just a cup of enriched hot cocoa will do it. For those watching their weight , then make egg white omelets , chock full of good for you veggies or just plain scrambled whites . They can have it on whole wheat toast for an easier meal.
Lunch is another matter. Picky eaters sometimes do "trades " for a better looking meal. If that's the case then amp up their lunches. Think about adding chocolate chips to crunchy peanut butter or a spicy lo cal ranch dressing with some veggies.Instead of cookies have a piece of fresh fruit with a dipping sauce. Another trick is to have them make their own lunches so they can add their creativity. It's also a good way to track their changing tastes too.
Dinners should be sit down affairs. As with lunch let them help cook. It'll give them a sense of pride as well as whet their appetite for experimentation. Another idea is put a spin on traditional foods. Add bacon bits or garlic to the mashed potatoes.Try a tangy sweet sauce for a condiment for roast chicken. Add Parmesan cheese to the meatballs if you're making spaghetti and meat balls. With vegetable dishes, let them add what they want to them to make the good stuff more palatable. Maybe do something fun like have a theme night such as Mexican Fiesta or Chinese Lantern party. For weekends, think about doing a breakfast for dinner where everyone can have waffles scrambled eggs and bacon for the later meal.
There are a number of ways to make any meal time fun. You just have to see what your picky eaters are not picking at and then take it from there. Soon you'll have them eating everything off their plates whether it's breakfast , lunch or dinner.
Breakfast sould be an easy meal. Yet many tweens and teens have schedules as hectic as their parents. Sometimes they'll just go for a granola bar or even a cup of coffee from the local Starbucks. Try to make on the go foods for them like breakfast burritos or cut up fruit. Sometimes just a cup of enriched hot cocoa will do it. For those watching their weight , then make egg white omelets , chock full of good for you veggies or just plain scrambled whites . They can have it on whole wheat toast for an easier meal.
Lunch is another matter. Picky eaters sometimes do "trades " for a better looking meal. If that's the case then amp up their lunches. Think about adding chocolate chips to crunchy peanut butter or a spicy lo cal ranch dressing with some veggies.Instead of cookies have a piece of fresh fruit with a dipping sauce. Another trick is to have them make their own lunches so they can add their creativity. It's also a good way to track their changing tastes too.
Dinners should be sit down affairs. As with lunch let them help cook. It'll give them a sense of pride as well as whet their appetite for experimentation. Another idea is put a spin on traditional foods. Add bacon bits or garlic to the mashed potatoes.Try a tangy sweet sauce for a condiment for roast chicken. Add Parmesan cheese to the meatballs if you're making spaghetti and meat balls. With vegetable dishes, let them add what they want to them to make the good stuff more palatable. Maybe do something fun like have a theme night such as Mexican Fiesta or Chinese Lantern party. For weekends, think about doing a breakfast for dinner where everyone can have waffles scrambled eggs and bacon for the later meal.
There are a number of ways to make any meal time fun. You just have to see what your picky eaters are not picking at and then take it from there. Soon you'll have them eating everything off their plates whether it's breakfast , lunch or dinner.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Storm Warnings - Hurricane Preparedness
This is the season when the East and Gu;f Coasts are always beset by hurricanes. Sadly enough the late summer is interrupted by these forces of nature. Anything could happen. Are you prepared?
First of all empty your fridge if you have to evacuate or the power goes out (which it always does)Get rid of anything that's going to turn fast like dairy products or meat. You don;t have to empty the freezer as well. It should remain cold during a black out if no one opens it. If you have basement freezers (which I'm sure some of you have) then unplug them and also empty because your basement may be come flooded. Power could go out and you'll wind up with pounds of rotten meat. Try to keep as much bottled water , bread , peanut butter and jams for quick meals. Also think of tinned food such as Spam to eat.
If you have to be evacuated, bring food with you. That also goes for your pets as well. bring a few cans of wet food for your dog or cat along with dry. Also have plenty of water for everyone. Make quick PB or deviled ham or chicken sandwiches to keep you going. As for snacks a bag of pretzels is also good too.
This storm and hurricane season be food prepared. Do what you have to to get through this tough weather,
First of all empty your fridge if you have to evacuate or the power goes out (which it always does)Get rid of anything that's going to turn fast like dairy products or meat. You don;t have to empty the freezer as well. It should remain cold during a black out if no one opens it. If you have basement freezers (which I'm sure some of you have) then unplug them and also empty because your basement may be come flooded. Power could go out and you'll wind up with pounds of rotten meat. Try to keep as much bottled water , bread , peanut butter and jams for quick meals. Also think of tinned food such as Spam to eat.
If you have to be evacuated, bring food with you. That also goes for your pets as well. bring a few cans of wet food for your dog or cat along with dry. Also have plenty of water for everyone. Make quick PB or deviled ham or chicken sandwiches to keep you going. As for snacks a bag of pretzels is also good too.
This storm and hurricane season be food prepared. Do what you have to to get through this tough weather,
Friday, September 5, 2008
Meals On The Go
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.
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.
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
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