Archive for April, 2008

You Can Find Halloween Recipes and Great Ideas

Saturday, April 26th, 2008
Bryan Burbank asked:


Finding the best recipes for Halloween can a great way to treat your guest. Whether you are having a party or going to a party and need something to bring there are many Halloween Recipes that you can find that will make your holiday special. There are many delights for you to choose form and using traditional Halloween Pumpkins can be a great place to start.

Find the : Perfect Halloween Costume

Using a pumpkin to make some great Halloween recipe treats works well because the pumpkin is the most well known thing that we associate Halloween with. Using the inside meat form a pumpkin can create great soups, pies, muffins and cookies to name a few. The best part of using the pumpkin is that when you take out the inside you can still carve the pumpkin itself to use during this great holiday.

Great Information for : Your Halloween Season

Another great Halloween food to use is the apple because making toffee apples is one of the most popular Halloween treats that you can make. Also bobbing for apples has become one of the fun things that kids like to do at Halloween.

For dessert you want to make some fun and exciting cookies. These work so well for Halloween because you can find cookie cutters in the shape of ghost, witches, bats, etc. Also making the cookie in great Halloween colors such as orange and black make it one of the best foods to make during this holiday.

Don’t forget that making drinks such as a witches brew can also really surprise and delight your guest at Halloween. This is a sure fire way to liven up any party.



Maureen

Great Recipes for a Brunch That is Suitable for Entertaining Diabetics and Others

Saturday, April 26th, 2008
Linda Wilson asked:


If you are planning a brunch and expecting diabetics to join you, following are some recipes that will insure you meet the needs of the diabetics in the group.  These recipes are also suitable for dieters and others.  This is not necessarily a complete brunch menu, but adding these recipes to your list will ensure that the diabetics have plenty to eat without worrying about their diets.

MINI CHEESE STUFFED TOMATOES

1 pint cherry tomatoes

8-oz cream cheese, softened

4 green onions, finely chopped

1 tsp garlic powder

paprika for garnish

Wash tomatoes and drain.  Pat dry with a paper towel.  Using a small spoon or knife, cut a thin layer off the top of each tomato and scoop out the seeds.  In a small mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, onions and garlic powder.  Mix to combine.  Fill the insides of the tomatoes with the cheese mixture.  Sprinkle with paprika for garnish.

BROCCOLI BITES

1 16-oz bag frozen broccoli pieces

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup mild shredded cheese

2 cups Pepperidge Farm stuffing

4 eggs

1/2 cup chopped onion

1 cup melted butter

1/2 tsp garlic salt

1/4 tsp thyme

Thaw broccoli slightly then break into pieces.  Beat butter, eggs, and stuffing together with wooden spoon.  Add remaining ingredients.  Form into appetizer-size balls and place on cookie sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes at 350 degrees.

BACON TOMATO TARTLETS

12-oz can refrigerated flaky biscuits

6 slices bacon, cooked, drained and crumbled

1 medium tomato, seeded and diced

3/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 tbsp fresh chopped basil

3/4 tsp garlic salt

1 tbsp fresh thyme

3/4 tsp chopped fresh oregano

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Split each biscuit into 3 layers.  Spray mini muffin pans lightly with non-stick cooking spray.  Press biscuit rounds into the tins.  Make only 24, not using the entire can of biscuits.  In a medium mixing bowl, mix the remaining ingredients together.  Fill each of the unbaked biscuit cups with the mixture.  Bake for 10 to 14 minutes or until slightly golden around the edges.

NOTE:  Can be made ahead and frozen for later use.  Bake, remove from pan, cool completely and freeze.  Reheat from frozen state for 10-14 minutes at 350 degrees on a cookie baking sheet.

OATMEAL-BLUEBERRY MUFFINS

1 cup + 2 tbsps flour

6 ounces uncooked regular oats

1 tbsp baking powder

2 tbsp Equal Sugar-Lite

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup skim milk

1 egg or 1/4 cup egg substitute

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1 cup fresh blueberries

Vegetable cooking spray

1 tsp ground cinnamon

In a medium mixing bowl, combine flour, oats, baking powder, Equal and salt.  Make a well in the center of the mixture.

In a small mixing bowl, combine milk, egg and oil.  Add to the well of the dry ingredients.  Stir just until dry ingredients are moistened.  Gently fold the blueberries into the mixture.  Spray 12 muffin cups with vegetable oil spray.  Fill each cup 2/3 full of the batter.  Sprinkle cinnamon over the tops of the batter.  Bake at 425 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes or until lightly browned.

FRENCH TOAST STRATA

1/3 cup granulated sugar substitute (I use Splenda)

1 cup egg substitute

2/3 cup skim milk

3/4 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp maple-flavored extract

8 slices cinnamon-raisin bread

2 cups apples, peeled, cored, sliced thin

1/4 cup low-fat cream cheese

1 tbsp granulated sugar substitute (for this I use Equal Sugar-Lite)

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

  Spray an 8-inch square baking pan with non-stick cooking spray

In a medium mixing bowl, blend together 1/3 cup granulated sugar substitute, egg substitute, milk and extracts.  Tear bread into small pieces and toss into egg mixture.  Add apples.  Coat the bread evenly with mixture and pour into prepared pan.  Cut cream cheese into 8 pieces and place strategically over the top of mixture.  Blend cinnamon with 1 tablespoon of sugar substitute and sprinkle over the strata.  Covere and refrigerate overnight. 

Next morning preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Remove strata from fridge and bake 40-50 minutes or until lightly browned and set.  Serve immediately while hot.

Carbs 20g, Protein 7 g in each 1/8 of strata serving

FRUIT AND NUT BREAD

1/2 cup fresh blueberries

2 1/4 tsp baking powder

1/3 cup light olive oil

1/2 cup quick cooking oats

1 1/2 cups flour

2/3 cup Splenda

1/4 tsp salt (optional, according to diet)

1/2 cup egg substitute

1 cup mashed ripe bananas

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Sprinkle 2 teaspoons of the flour over blueberries.  Sift rest of the flour with Splenda, baking powder and salt.  Stir in oats.  Blend egg substitute, olive oil and banana together.  Combine dry ingredient mixture with banana mixture.  Stir in nuts.  Fold in blueberries.  Pour into a loaf pan that has been sprayed with cooking spray.  Bake one hour.  Cool ten minutes then remove from pan.  Allow to cool before slicing.

PUMPKIN SPICE SPREAD

1 pkg (8 oz) cream cheese, room temperature

1/2 cup canned pumpkin

1/2 cup Splenda

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp vanilla

1 tsp maple flavoring

1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

1/4 tsp nutmeg

1 small carton frozen whipped topping, thawed

In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, pumpkin, Splenda, spices and flavorings.  Mix together well.  Fold in whipped topping.  Refrigerate until serving time.  Serve with graham crackers or gingerbread.

STRAWBERRY SPREAD

1 qt fresh strawberries

3/4 cup cold water, divided

2 tbsp lemon juice

1/4 tsp cinnamon

3 tbsp cornstarch

1 cup Equal Sugar-Lite

Wash, hull, finely coarsely chop berries.  Combine in a small dutch oven or other heavy saucepan, strawberries, 1/2 cup water, lemon juice and cinnamon.  Bring mixture to a boil, stirring well.  Dissolve cornstarch in the remaining cold water and add to the boiling mixture. Reduce the heat and simmer a couple of minutes or until mixture thickens, stirring occasionally.  Remove from the heat and cool.  Stir in Equal after mixture has cooled down. 

NOTE:  This is good spread on toast, bagels, or used anyway you might use jelly or jams. 

BROCCOLI, POTATO AND BACON QUICHE

1 bag (19 oz) frozen roasted potatoes with broccoli and cheese sauce

1 deep-dish pastry shell

4 eggs OR 1 cup egg substitute

2/3 cup lite whipping cream

7 slices bacon, cooked, drained, crumbled

1 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese

1 cup finely shredded low-fat cheddar cheese

1/2 tsp dried basil

1/4 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1/4 tsp parsley flakes

1 tsp finely chopped fresh chives

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Microwave vegetables as directed on package. In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs and whipping cream together with a wire whisk until well blended.  Stir in cooked vegetables along with the other ingredients except chives.  Pour into pastry shell and spread evenly.  Sprinkle chives over top.  Bake 30-40 minutes or until edge of filling is light golden brown and knife inserted in center comes out clean.  Let stand 5 minutes before cutting.

Note:  This recipe is adapted from a Pillsbury Bake-Off winning recipe.

MINI HAM & CHEESE FRITTATAS

1/4 lb cubed fully cooked lean ham

1 cup shredded fat-free cheddar cheese

1 1/2 cups egg substitute (or 6 eggs)

4 egg whites

3 tbsp minced chives

2 tbsp skim milk

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Coat 8 muffins cups with nonstick cooking spray.

Divide ham evenly among the 8 muffin cups.  Top ham with cheese.  In a large mixing bowl beat eggs or egg substitute with egg whites.  Beat in the chives, milk, salt and pepper.  Pour this mixture over the cheese in muffin cups.  Each cup should be about 3/4 full.  Bake 22-25 minutes or until a knife inserted near center comes out clean.  Carefully run a knife around edges to loosen.  Remove from pan and serve warm.

 BAKED OMELET ROLL

6 eggs or 1 1/2 cups egg substitute

1 cup low-fat milk

1/2 cup all purpose flour

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

1 cup shredded low-fat cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.  Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray. Place eggs and milk in blender.  Add flour, salt and pepper.  Cover and process until smooth.  Pour into prepared pan and bake for 20 minutes or until eggs are set.  Sprinkle with cheese.  Roll up omelet in pan starting with a short side.  Place seam down on a warm serving platter.   Cut into slices.  Garnish plate with some fresh parsley or cilantro. 

Enjoy!



Tony

Specialty Halloween Pies Perfect for a Halloween Costume Party

Wednesday, April 23rd, 2008
Robert asked:


It is always a wonderful experience when you walk into a home where someone has just baked a pumpkin pie—all those intoxicating smells of nutmeg, cinnamon, pumpkin, and crisp piecrust. This piece is dedicated to all you pie-lovers out there, as well as all you non-bakers. I’ve put together some recommendations for where you can get delicious pumpkin pies. These pies are perfect for family get-togethers, Halloween costume parties, or as gifts to your friends and loved ones. In no particular order, here are five places where you can get fabulous pumpkin pie.

1. Try out Achatz Handmade Pie Company. The company makes two superb pumpkin pies, perfect for Halloween costume parties or for anytime of the year! There is the traditional pumpkin pie, with freshly made crust and filling with only the highest quality ingredients. But my personal favorite is their Pumpkin Crumb Pie. It’s almost like Crumb Cake mixed with Pumpkin Pie, and the flavors are amazing together. The Pumpkin Crumb Pie is essentially the traditional pumpkin pie with a layer of Achatz’ secret recipe crumb topping. This is great for a fancier Halloween costume party.

2. Bonerts Slice of Pie Company also has two delicious pumpkin pies. Like Achatz, Bonerts has a classic pumpkin pie and then a specialty pumpkin pie. Next time you’re planning a Halloween costume party, don’t forget to order a few of Bonerts’ Pumpkin Cream Cheese pies. It’s a great take on a classic pie, and the cream cheese gives the pie a rich, velvety texture that is incredible with the pumpkin flavor. Your Halloween costume party guests will be singing its praises!

3. In the spirit of the ghoulish Halloween, why not buy a Black Raspberry Pie from Garden Harvest Supply? The black, gooey filling and the flaky crust provide a nice alternative to pumpkin pie. With the Black Raspberry Pie, you can add creepy-crawly decorations like fake spiders, gummy worms, or plastic eyeballs. The deep, red-black color of the pie is a great addition to any Halloween costume party or Halloween costume get-together.

4. I can’t help mentioning Ms. Hill’s Pies. She’s a nice lady in Iowa who has been making delicious, handmade pies for over 30 years. That’s a lot of pies! For a nice “bloody” pie, why not buy the Cherry Pie? It tastes incredible, and it’s a great texture and color for Halloween costume parties and haunted houses. You could even hand out slices of pie to your trick-or-treaters in their Halloween costumes.

5. And last but not least, there are the delectable gourmet pies at Underhill Farms Gourmet & Specialty Pies. As the company states, “Each pie is made to order from the freshest ingredients, back to perfection, and delivered to your door.” Try the Single Crust Pumpkin Pie. They also sell a Sugar Free Pumpkin Pie, which is perfect if any of your Halloween costume party guests have trouble processing sugar. Plus, with all that Halloween candy, all that extra sugar in a pie is a bit unnecessary!



Melvin

Pumpkin Pie Guide and Recipes

Monday, April 21st, 2008
Delmondo Sorell asked:


Pumpkin pie is the ideal dessert for the holiday season. The recipes can be found in cookbooks and other interesting locations. Pumpkin pie can be served with either whipped cream or ice cream. Pumpkin can be prepared like any other squash, peeling skin if so desired. Pumpkin contains some anathematic properties, which is helpful against prostate disorders, stomach problems, worms, nausea and morning sickness. Pumpkin pie is so yummy and delicious you will not dare to take your eyes off. It is very easy to make. 

Traditional pumpkin pie is a must for top of the whipped cream for colour fresh. Pumpkins are a member of the gourd family and have similarities to other forms of winter squash such as butternut, acorn, and spaghetti squash.

Pumpkin seeds are also gaining popularity and are rich in nutrients. Pumpkin seeds can be eaten as a snack, on salads, in soups, or can be ground to create a sauce. Pumpkin pie filling is so versatile and easy to use it can be eaten as a variety of sweet and savoury treats from cookies to cheesecake.

Pumpkin pie is thought to have evolved from settlers who filled their hollowed pumpkins with milk and spices to create delicate gravy. Pumpkins are a universally popular Halloween decoration, but they can also be a fantastic ingredient in many autumn dishes.

Pumpkin pie isn’t just for Thanksgiving anymore. This is the traditional pumpkin pie recipe served at holiday dinners. Filled with aromatic spices like nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, and ginger; it is a decadently delicious pumpkin pie everyone will love! Serving it with whipped cream is traditional, and making homemade whipped cream is definitely worth the extra time. The recipe follows the pumpkin pie recipe, it’s the basic whipped cream recipe (very easy to make and tastes incredible).

Pumpkin Pie

Ingredients:

2 cups pumpkin (canned or puree)

2 eggs

1 1/4 cups half and half (whole milk can be substituted)

2/3 cup brown sugar

pinch salt

2 Tablespoons butter, melted

1 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

9 inch pie crust (from scratch or Pillsbury)

Directions:

1. Preheat over to 425F.

2. Place pumpkin in a bowl, add 2 tablespoons melted butter and stir well.

3. In a separate bowl, beat eggs well. Beat in milk, brown sugar, salt, and spices until thoroughly blended. Add in the pumpkin mixture, mix well.

4. Pour into pie shell and place in center oven rack at 425F for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 degrees and bake an additional 30-40 minutes until the filling is firm.

5. Cool and serve with whipped cream.

Whipped Cream Ingredients:

1 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions:

1. Using an electic mixer, whip cream until almost stiff. Add sugar and vanilla; beat until cream holds peaks. Spread over top of cooled pie or serve in a chilled bowl for individual serving.

 



Florence

How to Give Thanks on Thanksgiving Without Giving in to Guilt

Friday, April 18th, 2008
Renee C. Yemma asked:


The holiday season is upon us and soon families will gather together and prepare homemade dishes for everyone to enjoy.   It’s definitely a happy time of year, but most of the time, we usually end up eating so much food that we feel like we’ve gained 5 to 10 pounds, and then we become irritable, fatigued and full of guilt.

I have a question for you?  This year, would you rather, (A) starve yourself all day so you can eat more than your body can handle and feel awful afterward with nagging, negative guilty thoughts, or (B) nourish yourself before arriving at your big feast, enjoying your food, your company and leaving with beautiful, positive thoughts without guilt?

If you want your answer to be (B), then here’s your assignment on how to give thanks on Thanksgiving Day without giving in to guilt  - well after the leftovers are gone.

1.    Be grateful

Start your day by giving thanks.   If you already write in a gratitude journal, write down all the things you are grateful for.  If you’re not writing in one, start by writing down one or two in a notebook, or just saying to yourself what you’re grateful for.   This is a wonderful way to start your day and to transition to a positive mindset.

2.    Self-care

On days like these, it may seem difficult to put yourself first. You’re probably saying, make time for ME today?  Yeah right!  If you can find 5 to 10 minutes for yourself, you WILL notice that your day will go smoother.  You will feel more at ease, calmer and happier.   Take a walk outside, sit outside and soak up some sun, watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade with your kids, read a chapter of your favorite book, listen to your favorite music (or, even better, start playing your favorite holiday music) and dance around the kitchen while you bake your pumpkin pie.

3.    Eat before the feast

Do you say, “I’m not gonna eat anything all day so I can fill up on turkey this afternoon?”  If so, what you’re doing is causing your body to go into starvation mode.  When you finally eat, you’re body thinks it’s starving, and then as you gobble up your food, your body doesn’t assimilate the food properly, which causes bloating, constipation and the desire to eat more.   You’re doing your body more harm than good. So eat a healthy breakfast and/or lunch before your big feast.  Your body will thank you.

4.    Taste Test First

When you get in line for your turkey day eats, the best thing to do is put a little bit of everything on your plate. Then begin to try each food to see which ones tastes good to you.  Which foods have you saying, “MMMM, that’s SO GOOD!”  There’s no rule that you have to eat everything on your plate.  If you don’t like it, it’s OK if you don’t eat it.  Just go back and get the foods that really left you eager for more (and ask the person for the recipe).  Once you’ve chosen and you’re sitting down again, slowly chew your food.   When you do this, you’ll really taste your food and your digestion will operate the way it’s supposed to.

5.    Thanksgiving food is healthy

Everyone talks about how turkey can cause you to feel sleepy, but did you know that it’s a wonderful protein filled with Vitamin B6, Niacin and Selenium (a cancer protection nutrient)?  It’s actually great for energy, especially if it’s pasture-raised.  How about sweet potatoes?  They provide your body with fiber, beta-carotene and iron. It’s a great dessert on its own.  Pumpkin is an antioxidant that helps lower the risk of heart disease. How do you feel about butter?  It’s not very well liked these days, but it should be, especially if it’s organic.  Butter is real food that helps the body absorb vitamins and minerals and provides the body with Vitamin A, E, K and selenium.    These foods are very nourishing, but when we add refined sugars to them, that’s when problems arise.   And, remember, if you’re eating whole foods 80% of the time, 20% non-whole food won’t harm you.   So enjoy!

6.    Start a new family tradition

After the big meal, instead of lounging on the couch for the rest of the day, start a new tradition (after your nap).  Go for a family walk, have a family football game or take the kids to the park and run around with them.  Grab the men and tell them they HAVE TO participate in the family kitchen dance party (which consists of dancing, washing, drying and laughing).  Finding an activity that you and your family can do at the end of the day will move your body and put a smile on your face and your families.

7.    Have fun

No matter how your day goes, remember to laugh, have fun, catch up and be grateful for everyone who has touched your life.  When you eat food prepared with love, surrounded with good company, and slowly enjoying the pleasure of it all (rather than gobbling it up unconsciously), your body and mind will leave you feeling healthy, happy and whole.

If you feel like you would like more support as the holiday season approaches, contact me today to set up your “get acquainted” session.  I can’t recommend this enough for you.  The more you understand how to eat for your unique body, the less you’ll find yourself feeling guilty after eating a piece of pumpkin pie or a food you used to consider “bad.”  Contact me today at: renee@santeliving.com.

 

© 2008 Santé Living!  ® All Rights Reserved.

Want to use this article on your website or on your own e-newsletter?  No problem!  But here’s what you MUST include:

Renée C. Yemma, The Food and Lifestyle Mentor, is founder of Santé Living! and the Whole Lifestyle System®, the proven step-by-step program that shows you exactly how to blossom your health without guilt, restrictions or deprivation.  To get your F.R.E.E. “101 Ways To Nourish Your Whole Self” by e-mail and receive her biweekly healthy living articles on loving delicious, nutritious foods and putting YOU first without feeling guilty about it, visit www.santeliving.com.

 

 



Rosemary