One of the biggest fears and trepidations home cooks have is cooking fish, from buying it to storing it Then comes the hard choice of how to pan cook it .However there is one way of conquering this phobia. Treat it like any other meat. Handle it the way you would beef, chicken or pork.
This is Julia Moskin's advice in yesterday's New York Times Food section. Her Recipe Lab article give great advice and a simple to follow recipe on pan seared fish, Despite her vast and experienced background, Ms. Moskin has admitted she has qualms about cooking fish, Most restaurants , especially in New York City, tend to cook any fillet in broth, juice or nage - a white wine herb infused broth (returning fish to water, Ms. Moskin muses).Other chefs prefer oil poaching, a costly way of cooking involving a slow simmer in tons of oil. A less expensive way is en papillote, folding up individual fillets in parchment paper with butter and herbs. It steams the fish and produces a thin broth. The problem is cooking this way is not exciting or that tasty. Searing in oil to try to produce the Maillard reaction is also dismal.The result is overcooked and flavorless fish.
Ms. Moskin sought advice from Chef Mark Usewicz of The Mermaid's Garden in Brooklyn. HIs secret to the perfect home cooked fillet? Butter.However the first step is getting a good , heavy skillet and constant attention. Not bad because the whole process only takes five minutes, The initial seas should be done in either grapeseed, canola or extra extra virgin olive oil because these will not burn at a very high heat.Only a few teaspoons will do the trick. Then add a nut of butter, flip the fillet and baste furiously. You can toss in a few fresh herbs like thyme or tarragon. What is the best fish for this? Try black bass, haddock, fluke for something different. For tradition stick with salmon, striped bass, tilefish or snapper. As far as it stinking up your fridge? Don't worry. If it's been properly prepped from the dock to the supermarket freezer, then there should be no odor or rot. It should last a few days as would any piece of protein.
A good piece of fish is truly a treat. Cook it simply to bring out its' sweet briny flavor.It will be the best thing ever to come out of a home kitchen
Thursday, April 23, 2015
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
A Legacy Of Ladies And Lunch
Women's clubs seem to be a thing of the past, a quaint souvenir of when women got together to discuss how to better themselves and their lives. One such club remains, and has survived for 124 years. It was tarted during the Gilded Age in the 1890's and survives today in the 20 teens,It is the Thursday Afternoon Cooking Club and is going strong in Wichita, Kansas, a city known for its' strength and can do attitude.
It was the main article in today's New York Times' Food section. Kim Severson wrote the piece and even went to Wichita to interview the current members. Some are the great granddaughters of the founders. and still carry on the tradition of Thursday lunches and sharing recipes.The club itself started off as a kind of empowerment club for women in a Kansas that was just defining itself.Besides cooking it also taught manners to young women who were transitioning from farm girls to wives of newly rich oilmen and ranchers. The Thursday Lunch Club also concerned itself with what contemporaries of the time thought would be the lost art of cooking as well as the domestic sciences. Groups like this were springing up all over, It was the start of the Junior League and The DAR< Daughters of the American revolution along with several other clubs dealing with improvement and intellectual pursuit.Today's current batch of members are usually retirees , mostly in their late sixties. Some however are only in their early fifties while other members are close to ninety ad these have been awarded honorary status.The Thursday Lunch Club now is more than just a club. The memebers weather all sorts of events , from marriages to death together and act as a family It's is very rare that they break off into clcliques or have battles. (although there was the Great Napkin Wars of the Nineties when one member introduced fancy napkin folding to the traditional three fold group)
Their recipes reflects the trends of the last 124 years.The members took a trip to New York City in 1900 to learn how to cook the latest rage- the omelet. World War Two saw recipes subbing in honey for sugar due to sugar rationing, along with tea being used for coffee. New products like baking powder were hotly debated as members wondered if their recipes for buckwheat cakes would be compromised. Food trends also influenced dishes. The Sixties saw some wild combos such as crab puffs and pineapple mint surprise - a kind of lemon bar- mousse hybrid; Hot curried fruit and deep sea casseroles defined the 1970s while the Nineties reflected the health craze with turkey tenderloins glazed with raspberry. A much more recent addition is alcohol, enhancing the luncheons. Everything is recorded in the minutes, form how the napkins are folded to what was said. Recipes are first practiced on spouses to see if they'll be good (the recipes - not the hubbies). One included one is Date Cake Delicious, from their 1922 cookbook. (and ,yes, they do put out cookbooks).It reflects the era, when women made scratch cakes with many ingredients. There are dates with cinnamon and clove along with nuts to make a rich , chewy loaf cake that would not seem out of place at an afternoon tea or a ladies lunch.
Many organizations have come and gone in 124 years. The Thursday Lunch Club has survived, giving advice and good food to Wichita ladies for literally three centuries.It is as stalwart and steady as the ladies who have joined it, then and now.
It was the main article in today's New York Times' Food section. Kim Severson wrote the piece and even went to Wichita to interview the current members. Some are the great granddaughters of the founders. and still carry on the tradition of Thursday lunches and sharing recipes.The club itself started off as a kind of empowerment club for women in a Kansas that was just defining itself.Besides cooking it also taught manners to young women who were transitioning from farm girls to wives of newly rich oilmen and ranchers. The Thursday Lunch Club also concerned itself with what contemporaries of the time thought would be the lost art of cooking as well as the domestic sciences. Groups like this were springing up all over, It was the start of the Junior League and The DAR< Daughters of the American revolution along with several other clubs dealing with improvement and intellectual pursuit.Today's current batch of members are usually retirees , mostly in their late sixties. Some however are only in their early fifties while other members are close to ninety ad these have been awarded honorary status.The Thursday Lunch Club now is more than just a club. The memebers weather all sorts of events , from marriages to death together and act as a family It's is very rare that they break off into clcliques or have battles. (although there was the Great Napkin Wars of the Nineties when one member introduced fancy napkin folding to the traditional three fold group)
Their recipes reflects the trends of the last 124 years.The members took a trip to New York City in 1900 to learn how to cook the latest rage- the omelet. World War Two saw recipes subbing in honey for sugar due to sugar rationing, along with tea being used for coffee. New products like baking powder were hotly debated as members wondered if their recipes for buckwheat cakes would be compromised. Food trends also influenced dishes. The Sixties saw some wild combos such as crab puffs and pineapple mint surprise - a kind of lemon bar- mousse hybrid; Hot curried fruit and deep sea casseroles defined the 1970s while the Nineties reflected the health craze with turkey tenderloins glazed with raspberry. A much more recent addition is alcohol, enhancing the luncheons. Everything is recorded in the minutes, form how the napkins are folded to what was said. Recipes are first practiced on spouses to see if they'll be good (the recipes - not the hubbies). One included one is Date Cake Delicious, from their 1922 cookbook. (and ,yes, they do put out cookbooks).It reflects the era, when women made scratch cakes with many ingredients. There are dates with cinnamon and clove along with nuts to make a rich , chewy loaf cake that would not seem out of place at an afternoon tea or a ladies lunch.
Many organizations have come and gone in 124 years. The Thursday Lunch Club has survived, giving advice and good food to Wichita ladies for literally three centuries.It is as stalwart and steady as the ladies who have joined it, then and now.
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
Vitamin Enriched
One of the biggest worries foodies have is are they getting enough vitamins. We love our different and varied foods but are they good for us? Are we eating enough to fulfill our daily vitamin requirement? The best advice is still be interested in new foods and culinary trends but be prudent about nutrient deficient foods.
Vitamins are divided into two kinds, water soluble and fat soluble. Water soluble are absorbed quickly into the body's water . They are the eight B vitamins and C. The B vitamins are a varied group including niacin , and the all important folate.Most of the B vitamins are found in liver and kidneys however there's also found in other kinds of food such as whole grain breads and pastas. These are healthier for you than organ meat and versatile.Try a yummy while grain spaghetti with the Vitamin C rich tomato sauce. One of the most important B vitamins is folate.The name comes from the Latin for leaf and it is prevalent in dark, leafy greens. This is spinach, collards and broccoli . The first can be made so many different ways, from salads to crepe fillings. Collards, also high in Vitamin C, are great sautéed in a mix of olive oil, red peppers and garlic. The same with broccoli It is versatile and can go from omelets to salads. B Vitamin meats range from beef to lobster, both considered luxury foods As for the Vitamin C, this is primarily the citrus fruits but also many vegetables have it too.Kiwi fruit is high in C and it can be made into lush desserts from gelati to tarts.
Fat soluble vitamins require fat to be released into the body. These are Vitamins A,D, E and K. Vitamin A is found in the carotenoids, the veggies and fruits responsible for eye health along with immunity and stem cell growth. There are carrots as part of this group and they can be juiced to create a flavorful salad dressing. Sweet potatoes are also part of this group and they are so versatile. Try them as trendy baked fries or whipped with butter and brown sugar , a different take on the usual mash. Dairy products such as whole milk and butter are also Vitamin A rich and you can use these- sparingly in dishes for prep and flavor.Even though Vitamin D is basically gotten through early morning sunshine but it can also be had through dairy products. To get an extra dose, have Greek yogurt blended with fresh fruit and honey. One of the most used and talked about is Vitamin E. It aids in skin and lung health and can be found in the highly tasty sunflower seeds and almonds, Both can be used to add texture and taste to all sorts of salads. Vitamin K, needed for blood clotting is found in, not surprisingly olive oil and also soy products. There are so many varieties of soy based "fake" meats, you can have an entire week of faux burgers and steaks, and all the while be loading up on K.
You can still eat fun foods but check to see if they are vitamin rich . This way you have not only great taste but great value. Meals can be varied and lux but also good for you,
Vitamins are divided into two kinds, water soluble and fat soluble. Water soluble are absorbed quickly into the body's water . They are the eight B vitamins and C. The B vitamins are a varied group including niacin , and the all important folate.Most of the B vitamins are found in liver and kidneys however there's also found in other kinds of food such as whole grain breads and pastas. These are healthier for you than organ meat and versatile.Try a yummy while grain spaghetti with the Vitamin C rich tomato sauce. One of the most important B vitamins is folate.The name comes from the Latin for leaf and it is prevalent in dark, leafy greens. This is spinach, collards and broccoli . The first can be made so many different ways, from salads to crepe fillings. Collards, also high in Vitamin C, are great sautéed in a mix of olive oil, red peppers and garlic. The same with broccoli It is versatile and can go from omelets to salads. B Vitamin meats range from beef to lobster, both considered luxury foods As for the Vitamin C, this is primarily the citrus fruits but also many vegetables have it too.Kiwi fruit is high in C and it can be made into lush desserts from gelati to tarts.
Fat soluble vitamins require fat to be released into the body. These are Vitamins A,D, E and K. Vitamin A is found in the carotenoids, the veggies and fruits responsible for eye health along with immunity and stem cell growth. There are carrots as part of this group and they can be juiced to create a flavorful salad dressing. Sweet potatoes are also part of this group and they are so versatile. Try them as trendy baked fries or whipped with butter and brown sugar , a different take on the usual mash. Dairy products such as whole milk and butter are also Vitamin A rich and you can use these- sparingly in dishes for prep and flavor.Even though Vitamin D is basically gotten through early morning sunshine but it can also be had through dairy products. To get an extra dose, have Greek yogurt blended with fresh fruit and honey. One of the most used and talked about is Vitamin E. It aids in skin and lung health and can be found in the highly tasty sunflower seeds and almonds, Both can be used to add texture and taste to all sorts of salads. Vitamin K, needed for blood clotting is found in, not surprisingly olive oil and also soy products. There are so many varieties of soy based "fake" meats, you can have an entire week of faux burgers and steaks, and all the while be loading up on K.
You can still eat fun foods but check to see if they are vitamin rich . This way you have not only great taste but great value. Meals can be varied and lux but also good for you,
Monday, April 20, 2015
A Little Bit Fishy Adding Seafood To Your Meals
It's always treat to have seafood for lunch or dinner. Unfortunately it can be an expensive meal, especially at some of the four star restaurants.The better idea? Go to your local fish market or even supermarket and make your own lush dishes. Most crustaceans and fish are easy to cook up and they pair well with everything from pasta to veggies.
Lobster is always considered for a special meal.Remember there are two kinds , spiny and Maine. The first is from the Caribbean and doesn't have claws, the Maine variety does ad is somewhat bigger.It is often the more preferred, thanks to having sweeter, firmer meat. Lobster can be turned into everything from salad to a great ingredient for Lobster Fra Diavolo. Of course the best way is having steamed or boiled with a cup of melted butter or a lemon wedge. This is not recommended for animal lovers because you have to plunge it in a large pot of boiling water,Some fish markets, and this is where you should buy your seafood for the freshest,- do sell lobster meat that has already been boiled or steamed. You can make yummy lobster rolls for lunch or an elegant lobster salad for a fancy brunch. Crab legs can be bought precooked s well. Crab is versatile, going from picnic to lux in different dishes Try a picnic crab salad with the meat blended with elbow macaroni, diced green peppers and onions . Add a dash of cayenne for some zing. It can also be the base for Crabs Benedict, a take on the classic brunch dish, Eggs Benedict.
Another seafood treat is shrimp..The best bet is buying it deveined and shelled Shrimp too can be made several different ways, Kabobs are fun and tasty, a perfect dish for the first barbecue of the season. Marinate them first in Italian dressing and then grill with mushrooms , tomatoes and onions ,Shrimp sauce is delicious on spaghetti or angel hair and is a fun topping on homemade pizza.Fish are always a welcome change. Salmon is popular right now and it's not only versatile but healthy for you,It is heart healthy and chock full of Omega-3. Try steaming it with garlic and ginger for an Asian vibe. Another way is with lemon and herbs such as dill, parsley and chives. Serve with brown rice and a healthy veggie mix of carrots and broccoli. One of the most blendable is tuna.Try the Italian tonno en olio or tuna in olive oil in a Salad Nicoise.This is a blend of another tasty fish, anchovy with romaine lettuce, tomatoes, capers, and sliced hard boiled eggs dressed with a simple vinaigrette. Tuna stuffed tomatoes are a great luncheon plate for a small bridal or baby shower.A tasty low calorie meal or even snack is flaked tuna on crackers.
Any fish or seafood dish is treat. Make it an affordable one by cooking it at home. There are many different kinds to experiment with along with many different recipes. Try a few to enjoy the rich , briny taste of the sea.
Lobster is always considered for a special meal.Remember there are two kinds , spiny and Maine. The first is from the Caribbean and doesn't have claws, the Maine variety does ad is somewhat bigger.It is often the more preferred, thanks to having sweeter, firmer meat. Lobster can be turned into everything from salad to a great ingredient for Lobster Fra Diavolo. Of course the best way is having steamed or boiled with a cup of melted butter or a lemon wedge. This is not recommended for animal lovers because you have to plunge it in a large pot of boiling water,Some fish markets, and this is where you should buy your seafood for the freshest,- do sell lobster meat that has already been boiled or steamed. You can make yummy lobster rolls for lunch or an elegant lobster salad for a fancy brunch. Crab legs can be bought precooked s well. Crab is versatile, going from picnic to lux in different dishes Try a picnic crab salad with the meat blended with elbow macaroni, diced green peppers and onions . Add a dash of cayenne for some zing. It can also be the base for Crabs Benedict, a take on the classic brunch dish, Eggs Benedict.
Another seafood treat is shrimp..The best bet is buying it deveined and shelled Shrimp too can be made several different ways, Kabobs are fun and tasty, a perfect dish for the first barbecue of the season. Marinate them first in Italian dressing and then grill with mushrooms , tomatoes and onions ,Shrimp sauce is delicious on spaghetti or angel hair and is a fun topping on homemade pizza.Fish are always a welcome change. Salmon is popular right now and it's not only versatile but healthy for you,It is heart healthy and chock full of Omega-3. Try steaming it with garlic and ginger for an Asian vibe. Another way is with lemon and herbs such as dill, parsley and chives. Serve with brown rice and a healthy veggie mix of carrots and broccoli. One of the most blendable is tuna.Try the Italian tonno en olio or tuna in olive oil in a Salad Nicoise.This is a blend of another tasty fish, anchovy with romaine lettuce, tomatoes, capers, and sliced hard boiled eggs dressed with a simple vinaigrette. Tuna stuffed tomatoes are a great luncheon plate for a small bridal or baby shower.A tasty low calorie meal or even snack is flaked tuna on crackers.
Any fish or seafood dish is treat. Make it an affordable one by cooking it at home. There are many different kinds to experiment with along with many different recipes. Try a few to enjoy the rich , briny taste of the sea.
Saturday, April 18, 2015
Superseedz Pumpkin Seed s Super Yummy Super Versatile
One of the best snacks for you are pumpkin seeds. They're crunchy and fun snacks, perfect for a side at lunch or a nighttime snack. A bag of them is perfect on a hike or just for munching at the beach. Best of all, now they come in different flavors thanks to a great company, Superseedz. They have created really delicious savory and sweet snacks,
Eating pumpkin seeds is nothing new. The indigenous Americans have been nibbling on them for millennia. They are heart healthy as well as beneficial to the liver.along with just being a fun and crunchy snack. Now Kathie Pellichio, creator of Superseedz takes it a step further by making them both savory and sweet/They are even pan roasted in small batches as she first cooked them to ensure more flavor and even roasting. To be honest Superseedz is one of the best snacks out there today. There are nine(!) different flavors from Naked to Super Spicy to nosh on. I love the Naked because there's that earthy , nutty taste and the Sea Salt flavor which is just salted perfectly however I'm mad for the Tomato Italiano which has a cool pizza flavor. I can see scattering these in an Italian hero, or a simple garden salad to give it texture and zing. The Curious Curry is another fave, the perfect blend of good for you curry with the seeds. Superseedz Super spicy is coated with dried habanero and cayenne along with a zip of garlic. I definitely recommend adding this to any chile , giving it a true Mexican spin along with bringing more heat to the sauce.
Of course the sweet Superseedz are just downright yummy too. I love the Cocoa Joe's and the Cinnamon and Sugar. There is also the flavorful Maple Syrup and Sea Salt, a true marriage of sweet and salty. Thanks to the roasting process, some of the seeds comes together in little clusters and they are fun little snacks, sort of like Crackerjack, but much better for you. Cocoa Joes' can also be good on ice cream and for something truly different , and sprinkled on cake filling for a crunchy surprise.. These and the Cinnamon and sugar can also be used to decorate cupcakes instead of sprinkles and mixed into plain cereals for extra flavor and benefits.The Maple Syrup and Sea Salt can be made into a fun take long granola if you bake them with oats, honey and raisins. Pumpkin seeds have much needed zinc and iron in them along with protein. Any of the Superseedz flavors are a good source of protein, perfect for those cutting back on their meat intake/ Another plus is that the bags are just right for slipping into a picnic basket , lunch bag or even desk for easy snacking . They're also easily resealable so that the seeds always stay fresh.
If you want a new snack that's good for then try the tasty savory and sweet flavors of SuperseedzThese gourmet pumpkins are a great alternative to the traditional snacks along with having a ton of benefits. Get addicted now to these super little seeds with a big flavor!
Eating pumpkin seeds is nothing new. The indigenous Americans have been nibbling on them for millennia. They are heart healthy as well as beneficial to the liver.along with just being a fun and crunchy snack. Now Kathie Pellichio, creator of Superseedz takes it a step further by making them both savory and sweet/They are even pan roasted in small batches as she first cooked them to ensure more flavor and even roasting. To be honest Superseedz is one of the best snacks out there today. There are nine(!) different flavors from Naked to Super Spicy to nosh on. I love the Naked because there's that earthy , nutty taste and the Sea Salt flavor which is just salted perfectly however I'm mad for the Tomato Italiano which has a cool pizza flavor. I can see scattering these in an Italian hero, or a simple garden salad to give it texture and zing. The Curious Curry is another fave, the perfect blend of good for you curry with the seeds. Superseedz Super spicy is coated with dried habanero and cayenne along with a zip of garlic. I definitely recommend adding this to any chile , giving it a true Mexican spin along with bringing more heat to the sauce.
Of course the sweet Superseedz are just downright yummy too. I love the Cocoa Joe's and the Cinnamon and Sugar. There is also the flavorful Maple Syrup and Sea Salt, a true marriage of sweet and salty. Thanks to the roasting process, some of the seeds comes together in little clusters and they are fun little snacks, sort of like Crackerjack, but much better for you. Cocoa Joes' can also be good on ice cream and for something truly different , and sprinkled on cake filling for a crunchy surprise.. These and the Cinnamon and sugar can also be used to decorate cupcakes instead of sprinkles and mixed into plain cereals for extra flavor and benefits.The Maple Syrup and Sea Salt can be made into a fun take long granola if you bake them with oats, honey and raisins. Pumpkin seeds have much needed zinc and iron in them along with protein. Any of the Superseedz flavors are a good source of protein, perfect for those cutting back on their meat intake/ Another plus is that the bags are just right for slipping into a picnic basket , lunch bag or even desk for easy snacking . They're also easily resealable so that the seeds always stay fresh.
If you want a new snack that's good for then try the tasty savory and sweet flavors of SuperseedzThese gourmet pumpkins are a great alternative to the traditional snacks along with having a ton of benefits. Get addicted now to these super little seeds with a big flavor!
Friday, April 17, 2015
Eating On The Go
Spring is one of the busiest times of the year. There are games to attend , cleaning to be done and events to be planned,That means that there will be times when a meal or snack will be eaten in transit. There is a problem in that. Most people tend to grab anything and everything to satisfy those munchies. Don't . The best bet is eating healthy - even on the go.
Spring Saturdays are spent more on the road than at home thanks to all sorts of sports activities. Instead of you and the kids grabbing a quick burger at the local fast food joint., think stuffed pita pockets. These can be customized to suit everyone's tastes. Try to include some form of protein because it helps to stave off hunger longer. Try some leftover chicken or turkey as the main part of the stuffing. If you have to get cold cuts then try Boar's Head because they're low in fat and sodium. You can also use hummus, whether bought or homemade too. Sliced tomato, baby spinach leaves and bean sprouts all could be added as well as some spices and herbs for zing. Mix together cubed tomatoes and low fat mozzarella cheese along with olive oil and oregano Fill pita pockets with this for a kind of inside bruschetta. If you're home and want a quick hot meal , then put this in the toaster oven until the pockets start to puff out and crisp up. Another yummy quick meal is a quick cold taco, filled with guacamole, tomatoes, lettuce and chopped lettuce. Add a tiny bit of sour cream or a big blob of salsa to round it out.
Snacks on the go can be trick too. It's all too easy to pick up a bag of chips or a pack of snack cakes Yes, these are tasty and thy satisfy but they're full of empty calories. For a healthier nibble think nuts or seeds. These are filling and tasty without all that artificial stuff like, transfat and sugar. Most companies such as Planters sell sleeves of different nuts and these are easy to pack. Also think whole wheat crackers or even Triscuits to munch on.Crackers smeared with peanut butter is a great way to satisfy hunger pangs between meals.Try cashew and almond butter for variety. It's tempting to pick up Hostess cupcakes or Twinkies for a sweet snack along with quick energy, however resist. Save them for a rare treat. Instead have fruit. Most supermarkets have containers of already pineapple and watermelon which can fit perfectly in a lunch bag. Not only are they packed with vitamins and fiber but they're also refreshing, especially when chilled. Apples are still being sold and they too can be easily stored for quick munching.If you do crave cookies then stick with the all natural kind such as Kashi, The brand has some good ones like chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin. What about protein bars? They're good for quick energy but just be alert as to whar's in them. Some do have a lot of sugar and preservatives. Read labels before you buy,.
Spring brings a variety of activities and a non stop schedule. Keep up your strength by eating healthy meals and snacks while you're on the go.You'll feel better and ready for whatever comes your way.
Spring Saturdays are spent more on the road than at home thanks to all sorts of sports activities. Instead of you and the kids grabbing a quick burger at the local fast food joint., think stuffed pita pockets. These can be customized to suit everyone's tastes. Try to include some form of protein because it helps to stave off hunger longer. Try some leftover chicken or turkey as the main part of the stuffing. If you have to get cold cuts then try Boar's Head because they're low in fat and sodium. You can also use hummus, whether bought or homemade too. Sliced tomato, baby spinach leaves and bean sprouts all could be added as well as some spices and herbs for zing. Mix together cubed tomatoes and low fat mozzarella cheese along with olive oil and oregano Fill pita pockets with this for a kind of inside bruschetta. If you're home and want a quick hot meal , then put this in the toaster oven until the pockets start to puff out and crisp up. Another yummy quick meal is a quick cold taco, filled with guacamole, tomatoes, lettuce and chopped lettuce. Add a tiny bit of sour cream or a big blob of salsa to round it out.
Snacks on the go can be trick too. It's all too easy to pick up a bag of chips or a pack of snack cakes Yes, these are tasty and thy satisfy but they're full of empty calories. For a healthier nibble think nuts or seeds. These are filling and tasty without all that artificial stuff like, transfat and sugar. Most companies such as Planters sell sleeves of different nuts and these are easy to pack. Also think whole wheat crackers or even Triscuits to munch on.Crackers smeared with peanut butter is a great way to satisfy hunger pangs between meals.Try cashew and almond butter for variety. It's tempting to pick up Hostess cupcakes or Twinkies for a sweet snack along with quick energy, however resist. Save them for a rare treat. Instead have fruit. Most supermarkets have containers of already pineapple and watermelon which can fit perfectly in a lunch bag. Not only are they packed with vitamins and fiber but they're also refreshing, especially when chilled. Apples are still being sold and they too can be easily stored for quick munching.If you do crave cookies then stick with the all natural kind such as Kashi, The brand has some good ones like chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin. What about protein bars? They're good for quick energy but just be alert as to whar's in them. Some do have a lot of sugar and preservatives. Read labels before you buy,.
Spring brings a variety of activities and a non stop schedule. Keep up your strength by eating healthy meals and snacks while you're on the go.You'll feel better and ready for whatever comes your way.
Thursday, April 16, 2015
Healthy Picnics
Yesterday's Times Food section about sandwiches brought on ideas about picnics. The weather is perfect for a healthy meal outdoors whether at the park or the beach . Pack your basket with tasty but good for you sandwiches, snacks and drinks.
The sandwich is the main star of any picnic meal. Think healthy with meat from leftover roasts. Cold cuts can be good however try to get those that have less nitrates and fats in them. Although with leftover chicken and turkey , you can pack the wings and legs, if there any left over.Leftover ham, chicken and roast beef can also be devilled simply by adding chunks of leftover roasts to a food processor along with a teaspoon or two of water.This creates a nice paste that can be mixed with low calorie mayo or even olive oil for a spread. Veggie sandwiches are always good. Go Provencale by adding some sliced tomatoes on a whole wheat baguette. The Food Sandwich issue suggests not keeping the tomatoes in the fridge. This will make their flesh mushy. They should have a nice firmness and a chewy sort of meatiness to it . For the Southern French style, you can drizzle some olive oil on the bread along with some sprinklings of oregano and rosemary. For a Nicoise use tuna, preferably tonno in olio, tuna packed in olive oil. This is both good for you and a luxury. Peeled and sliced hard boiled eggs add another silken touch of lux,. If you have the time you can make either broccoli or mushroom pate. These are somewhat labor intensive spreads however they are yummy and delicious on artisanal rolls.
One of the most favorite aspects of picnicking are the snacks. Everyone feels like they can go wild on an outdoor jaunt. Bags of potato chips, and cheese puffs are always thrown in along with every kind of available snack cake. These may be fun to nibble on but whether they're eaten outdoors or indoors , they're still bad for you.Insteead try a bag of pretzels,. You can even pack some kind of mustard too for dipping. Nuts are always a good bring along. Nothing beats some crunchy almonds or lightly sea salted peanuts..As for sweets, dark chocolate is always a good treat. It's full of antioxidants and flavonoids. Try fruits dipped in it for extra flavor. More natural are cuts fruit pieces such as watermelon and pineapple. Both are sweet endings full of vitamins and fiber.As Spring progresses , think about packing seasonal fruits such as strawberries and blueberries.Cookies are always fun to bring along and there are healthy ones out there such as the Kashi brand or Fig Newtons. You can also bake a batch too but remember to use whole wheat flour and brown sugar. All this food requires drink. Again skip the soda and bring the chilled water bottles. If you want flavor then think BAI and BAI5 juices and sodas. These are all natural with the addition of the coffeefruit and come in tasty flavors like peach and blueberry.Their sodas are light and sparkling ,perfect thirst quenchers during a hot day.
Spring picnics are always fun.Make them healthier too, with good for you sandwiches, snacks and drinks, It's a great way of enjoying the fresh air.
The sandwich is the main star of any picnic meal. Think healthy with meat from leftover roasts. Cold cuts can be good however try to get those that have less nitrates and fats in them. Although with leftover chicken and turkey , you can pack the wings and legs, if there any left over.Leftover ham, chicken and roast beef can also be devilled simply by adding chunks of leftover roasts to a food processor along with a teaspoon or two of water.This creates a nice paste that can be mixed with low calorie mayo or even olive oil for a spread. Veggie sandwiches are always good. Go Provencale by adding some sliced tomatoes on a whole wheat baguette. The Food Sandwich issue suggests not keeping the tomatoes in the fridge. This will make their flesh mushy. They should have a nice firmness and a chewy sort of meatiness to it . For the Southern French style, you can drizzle some olive oil on the bread along with some sprinklings of oregano and rosemary. For a Nicoise use tuna, preferably tonno in olio, tuna packed in olive oil. This is both good for you and a luxury. Peeled and sliced hard boiled eggs add another silken touch of lux,. If you have the time you can make either broccoli or mushroom pate. These are somewhat labor intensive spreads however they are yummy and delicious on artisanal rolls.
One of the most favorite aspects of picnicking are the snacks. Everyone feels like they can go wild on an outdoor jaunt. Bags of potato chips, and cheese puffs are always thrown in along with every kind of available snack cake. These may be fun to nibble on but whether they're eaten outdoors or indoors , they're still bad for you.Insteead try a bag of pretzels,. You can even pack some kind of mustard too for dipping. Nuts are always a good bring along. Nothing beats some crunchy almonds or lightly sea salted peanuts..As for sweets, dark chocolate is always a good treat. It's full of antioxidants and flavonoids. Try fruits dipped in it for extra flavor. More natural are cuts fruit pieces such as watermelon and pineapple. Both are sweet endings full of vitamins and fiber.As Spring progresses , think about packing seasonal fruits such as strawberries and blueberries.Cookies are always fun to bring along and there are healthy ones out there such as the Kashi brand or Fig Newtons. You can also bake a batch too but remember to use whole wheat flour and brown sugar. All this food requires drink. Again skip the soda and bring the chilled water bottles. If you want flavor then think BAI and BAI5 juices and sodas. These are all natural with the addition of the coffeefruit and come in tasty flavors like peach and blueberry.Their sodas are light and sparkling ,perfect thirst quenchers during a hot day.
Spring picnics are always fun.Make them healthier too, with good for you sandwiches, snacks and drinks, It's a great way of enjoying the fresh air.
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