Pears The Perfect Winter Fruit

If you think you can't get any decent fruit during the colder months ,think again. There are plenty of different kind of harvests to be found. Of course there's the citrus fruit being shipped in from Florida and California. There's also that winter classic- the pear. It's been around for millenniums , enjoyed from everyone from ancient kings to modern day techies . It's even been mentioned in the popular carol "The Twelve Days of Christmas". After all it's not a rosebush the partridge sits on.

Pears have been around since ancient times, even garnering a mention in literature of the day. They were cultivated throughout the ancient world where the Chines and Romans were the biggest consumers. It's a member of the Maloideae family a sub genus of the Rosacae the genus that apples derive from. in fact apple and pear blossoms resemble each other in color and number of petals. The word pear come from the west Germanic pyra and first the Vulgar Latin . Any Anglo Saxon place name with Perry refers to an area where pears were grown . Perry also refers to pear wine as well.

Pears are not only the perfect low calorie snack. they're the perfect curative as well. Eat them to lower blood pressure or to relieve arthritis. They're also beneficial in preventing colon cancer and gout. A simple pear is only 96 calories and loaded with Vitamin C. Add a few to your weekly winter diet to stave off colds and flus. The best way to eat them is just fresh although you can have the ones packed in syrup for a dessert or snack too.

Don't fret about the lack of fruit that comes with winter. There is always the pear and this is the season to get stock up on them. Have them for a quick snack at work or when your holiday shopping.

Holiday Plans

Now that it's December first , it's time to start thinking about how to plan out this busy , food filled month. Remember to start writing down your game plans. After all this will be a hectic four weeks. There's holiday shopping along with [present wrapping, parties to go to and parties to throw. Toss in a day spent on baking and you're well stretched.

The first thing to do is think about what kind of meals you want to have for the big holiday. Do you want the traditional ham (if you're German) or turkey? Are you going to be celebrating Christmas Eve with thirteen kinds of fish (like the Neapolitans of Southern Italy) or will it be Hanukkah with latkes and sour cream? Also will these celebrations include friends and family? The immediate family? Coworkers and boss? In the meantime how do you feed yourself and your family good food that's healthy yet quick to make?

Once you have that conundrum worked out, then it's time to arrange shopping trips. Of course, buy fresh meats ,fruits and veggies the day of the party or at the very soonest the day before. Stock up on holiday themed napkins, plates and utensils along with table decorations when your stores have big sales. If you have an extra freezer or a pantry , buy canned goods that you can easily heat up. Also stock up on frozen hors d"ouevres because this is the season when they'll go quick.

If you're having your parties and dinners catered, now is the time to contact the caterers. Sit down with them and explain what you want and when. It's also a good time to go over to your local liquor store and take a look at their various wines and champagnes. If there are sales there , then buy one or two cases. Alcohol will keep and it's better to be overstocked than under any day. Pot luck dinners require planning as well. After all you don't want five trays of baked ziti and no Swedish meatballs. Talk with your guests and ask what they want to bring.Avoid duplicates and assign courses to them. (such as appetizers, salads, main meal, desserts, etc).


This is the time to start mapping out your holiday cooking battle plans. Make sure everything is done to the letter. It'll make for easier kitchen time and memorable feasts.

Get Ready For The Baking Season

December 1st is just around the corner and that means the prep season for Christmas baking. The number one complaint of all bakers is that they have to make time to buy ingredients. If you start your arsenal now, then you will have all the minutes needed to create those holiday batches.

The most important ingredient is flour. Stock up on it now. Some grocery stores are offering buy two for the price of one so buy as much as you think you’ll need. Another ingredient worth keeping up on is sugar both granulated and confectioner’s. You’ll need one fro baking and the other for icings. What else should you stock up on ? Chocolate chips in all sizes along with nonpareils, and sprinkles. You may also want to buy some oatmeal raisins, peanut butter and shredded coconut. Also think about adding some Baker’s chocolate (Unsweetened bars) as well as cocoa mix such as Droste. You can stock up on milk, butte rand eggs a few days before you bake.


This is also the time to look over your cookie sheets and cutters to see if you need new ones. If the last is plastic and cracked you can always buy some news ones at your local dollar store, grocery store , Target K-Mart or Wal-Mart. Check your spatulas to make sure they can handle stiff cookie dough. Buy a timer if you don’t; already have one as well as cooling racks. If you’re making brownies or bar cookies, look over your baking pans to see if they’re up to snuff.

Another thing is decide whether you’re going to bake alone or need help. Carve out a day in your calendar and devote the whole day t o baking. This way you’re not multitasking or rushed to finish your baking project quickly. Get help if you need it. Delegate and write down who will do what for a smoother operation.


The holidays will be here sooner than you think (or even wish for that matter). The demand for sweets will be great. Get your self ready ahead of time for the big baking project that lies ahead of you.

Uh Oh!!!! Leftovers!!!

They're there, lurking in your fridge, waiting for you behind that yogurt and diet soda. What are these scary little critters?

Leftovers!

Yup, every household that has cooked yesterday shoudl have a half gravy boat left and the remains of Mr Tom Turkey. There also may be a few ice cold Brussels sprouts and some mushy yams to deal with as well. Don't despair. There are a ton of ways to despose of your feast.

I'm sure that a few thousand households across the US are eating hot turkey sandwiches today. Good move. Gravy is the first leftover to go and you want to use it up ASAP. Put a different spin on it by using fresh croissants or those lovely yellow egg infused rolls supermarkets and bakeries sell. You can also hea t up your stuffing in the microwave and use it as the base. There's nothing like a cold turkey sandwich either. Try it with a tarragon mayonnaise or even a curry mustard. Of course you can make turkey soup using it for every kind from cream of to noodle.

Vegetables are another detrius of a holiday meal. Luckily you can reheat them in the microwave with some butter or margerine. If you're watching your weight then rehaeat with a few drops of olive oil. If the dish was too bland to begin with, liven it up with some chopped garlic or even better yet- minced scallions. Whole yams can be sliced up and sauteed or even mashed. Turnips can be cubed and then recooked with some olive oil and sea salt.

At this point there should be very little dessert left.Yet there's always that one stray piece of pie left over. Liven it up by a quick microwaving and top with ice cream. You cad some pumpkin pie spice or crushed pecans as toppings.The same treatment goes for any plain or pound cake that happens to be left over too.

Don't be fearful of all those extras left from yesterday. Be creative with them. They'll be gone before you know it.

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to all my fellow foodies and Americans overseas and here at home. Be thankful for all that you have in your lives. Remember those who aren't so lucky and include them in your prayers and blessings.

Here in the States we now have a lot be thankful for. We have a new president who will get us out of these messes we 're in. We have food on our tables which many overseas do not have. Most of all we have each other .

Enjoy this day but also give thanks.

Liz

Holiday Feasting

Tomorrow is the day when American foodies go wild and feast like crazy. However there are some parts of the world that also have great dinners, full of delicious meals and sumptuous courses. All account for memorable meals and enjoyable times.

Maybe it's from their Etruscan ancestors or Roman influences but the Tuscans of central Italy know how to put on a good feast. Not only do they have pasta but also roasted boar and piglet to round out the meal. There are also soups and salads as well along with various flatbreads the Tuscani are known for.

On the other side of the world the Indians make luscious feasts too to celebrate weddings. There is always nan, along with a multitude of curries and kabobs. Chicken is done up several ways , in creamy sauces or sometimes grilled. There are Indian sweets to finish the meal off with.

Of course in America we're a country of foodies. We love any opportunity to throw a party whether it's for the Super Bowl or Christmas party. We love our summers of endless barbecues where four or five different meats are grilled or birthday parties where favorite foods are given to the birthday boy or girl , then finished off with a gooey cake. It's just who we are I guess.


Enjoy tomorrow's feasting. Take it easy and savor all that's on your table. Most of all be thankful for what you have.

What Sides Are You On?

Thanksgiving is the time of sides. No, not the faction that you;re with family or friendwise but those extra little side dishes that had flavor to the dinner. Everyone has their favorite from the rich green bean casserole to pearl onions.

What makes a good side? It's a dish that complements the main one, in this case turkey. Green veggies are always a good choice. They are perfect for those watching their weight and aren't filled with calories or fat. You can make everything from collard greens to snow peas. Usually the best way to prepare a holiday side is to just sauteed with some butter or margarine, sea salt and some cracked pepper. You can add a little minced garlic or shredded thyme or oregano. Don't have a side dish that's too overpowering otherwise it will eclipse the main one.

As for potatoes, yes they make wonderful sides. Yet ask yourself do you want to serve them with stuffing and rolls. Homemade mashed ones are 237 calories a serving while baked ones are 290. Add on hefty desserts and you've got yourself a holiday fat explosion. If you;re looking to eat healthy then , stick to cooked carrots or string beans. Still craving taters? Then go with the much healthier sweet ones that come in at only 157 calories without the butter or marshmallow covering.

This holiday , if you can go crazy on all sides. They add to your meal , making the turkey stand out even more.