Tis the season to be jolly!

It is the wonderful time of year to enjoy the holidays. That means having your favorite foods, snacks and drinks. With drinking we have to be careful because it is easy to get carried away then lose control. No one wants to fall victim to that. We want to keep the ones we cherish safe.

A lot of us believe that some things just aren’t good without a little spike. Not true! If you have the right recipe you can turn a traditional treat with a twist (minus the spike).

Holiday Day Non-Alcoholic EggNog Recipe

VERY flavorful recipe even the kids could enjoy! You will gently cook the eggs to avoid any potential bacteria in this non-alcoholic eggnog.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour, 5 minutes

Ingredients:
· 6 large eggs, plus 2 yolks
· 1/2 cup, plus 2 tablespoons sugar
· 1/4 teaspoon salt
· 4 cups whole milk
· 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
· 1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg
· 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
· 1/4 teaspoon ground clove
· 1/4 cup heavy cream, whipped to soft peaks
· Additional grated nutmeg for garnish

Preparation:
Combine eggs, egg yolks, sugar, and salt in a heavy 3- or 4-quart pan, whisking until well-combined. Continue whisking while pouring milk in a slow, steady stream until completely incorporated. Turn on burner to lowest possible heat setting. Place pan on burner and stir mixture continuously until an instant-read thermometer 160 degrees F. (no more) and the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. This should take about 45 to 60 minutes.

Strain mixture through a fine sieve into a large bowl to remove any accidental small cooked bits of egg. Add vanilla extract, nutmeg, and clove, stirring to combine. Pour into a pitcher or container and cover with a lid or plastic wrap. Refrigerate this egg custard mixture to chill at least 4 hours or up to 3 days before finishing.

When ready to serve, pour heavy cream into a bowl and whip until it forms soft peaks. Fold whipped cream into cold custard mixture until combined.

Children Can Cook!

Most Americans agree that the holidays can be a hectic time. If we are not careful, the real meaning of the holidays can get lost in the hustle and bustle. No where is this more cause for concern than with children and families.

It is important to involve our children more during the holidays. They will learn from and take note of how you celebrate the holidays. If you emphasize the religious significance, they will take note. If you emphasize helping others or giving to charity, they will take note. If you emphasize spending family time together, they will take note. If they see you running around in a frenzy and missing the joy of the season, they will also take note.

This holiday season, try discussing the meaningful value of the holiday and not just the hype. Hopefully, this will instill great things they will apply and teach their own children in the future.

Another way to involve them is to bring them in the kitchen with you. Many holiday family traditions begin in the kitchen. In addition to showing them the value of sharing with others, whether its family friends coming to dinner, or taking a dish to someone else’s home, it allows them to create something they will be so-o-o-o proud to share.

Here is a fun recipe you can have your children help you with. Enjoy!

COCONUT CHICKEN FINGERS
Ingredients
• 1/2 lb Boneless, Skinless Chicken Tenders
• 1/2 Cup Ian’s Panko Breadcrumbs (whole wheat healthier option)
• 1/4 Cup Shredded Coconut
• 1/2 Tsp Sea Salt
• 1/2 Tsp Fresh Ground Black Pepper
• 1 Egg
• 2 Tsp Dijon Mustard

Dipping Sauce:
• 2 Tbsp Creole mustard
• 2 Tbsp Honey
• 1/2 Tsp Crushed red pepper (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. While oven heats, combine panko breadcrumbs, coconut, sea salt, and fresh ground black pepper in a cereal size bowl. Whisk together egg and Dijon mustard in a second bowl.
3. Create an assembly line. One at a time, dip chicken tenders in egg and mustard mixture, then dip (and thoroughly coat) with whole wheat coconut mixture. Once coated, place chicken on aluminum foil lined rimmed baking sheet (for easy cleanup). Repeat with remaining chicken tenders.
4. Bake coconut crusted chicken tenders at 350 degrees for 25-28 minutes, golden brown.
5. While chicken bakes, make the dipping sauce by whisking together all ingredients listed under “dipping sauce”.
6. Allow chicken tenders to rest for just a couple minutes, and then serve alongside sauce.

Save Time And Money This Holiday Season

The holidays are a busy time of year. One way to save time and money is to PLAN meals. Coming home from a long day and staring at a near-empty refrigerator or at ingredients which could only be used in a weak attempt in a “What-izzit succotash” is usually not appealing and a call to the nearest pizza or Chinese food delivery becomes the go-to quick-and-easy solution. A lot of us realize intuitively that grocery shopping can be as expensive as eating out – that is, if we buy things we don’t need or over-purchase amounts and food goes to waste.

Here are some tips for time- and money-saving meal planning:
1. List things you like to eat. Open a Word document or get out a piece of paper and jot down brainstorm ideas for things you and your family like or would like to eat.
2. Remember the basics. Include as many vegetables (especially the green ones), fruits, and whole grains as possible. There is no need to have meat in every meal, and don’t forget about fish as an option.
3. Use what you have. Again, we don’t have to have to center every meal around meat. When planning, look in your pantry to see what you have and build around it.
4. Make use of the freezer and crock-pot. Invest in some good freezer-to-oven or freezer-to-microwave storage containers for leftovers to have at a later date. Have a busy evening planned? Plan a crock-pot meal to cook on low all day that will be warm and ready when you get home and on the way back out soon.
5. Make plans for leftover ingredients. If you won’t use all of an ingredient in a meal, plan a meal for later in the week with that/those ingredient(s).
6. Don’t underestimate the power of coupons. You can cut your shopping costs dramatically by remembering to check the Sunday paper and mail flyers for coupons and grocery sales.
7. Put it all together. Make a place (a computer document, recipe box, folder or binder with pockets) for all your new recipes and meal ideas. Like spontaneity? Put the week’s menu choices that you’ve shopped for on a whiteboard and pick one each day.

Happy (Good, Nutritious) Thanksgiving!!

November is Good Nutrition Month. There is some irony to this because November is also the beginning of the season when people eat the most and indulge in many wonderful delicacies. In fact, studies show that adults are most likely to gain at least 5 pounds between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day.

Here are some tips to help avoid weight gain while still allowing you to enjoy delicious holiday foods:

1) Eat a light, healthy snack such as fresh fruit or fresh vegetables, or water-based soup prior to your Thanksgiving meal to help curb your appetite.
2) Downsize your portions. Enjoy a smaller amount of your favorite holiday dishes
3) Use smaller plates to help reduce portions
4) Watch the calories you drink. Drink reduced calorie beverages or sparkling water with an added fruit slice. Reduce amount of alcohol as it can stimulate your appetite.
5) Take a walk either before or after your holiday meal
6) Explore healthier eating options. This doesn’t mean the food has to taste bad. Substitute lower fat and lower calorie ingredients in your recipes.

Here is one you can try for the big day, let me know what you think.

Healthy Holiday Honey-Glazed Sweet Potatoes Recipe

No canned sweet, No miniature marshmallows, No butter

Ingredients:
¼ cup water
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 pounds fresh sweet potatoes (about 4 large)
Topping - Cracked black pepper or dried herb (basil or thyme)

Directions:
Heat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a baking dish with nonstick spray. Combine the 1st five ingredients. Peel and cut the sweet potatoes wedges. Place in a single layer in the baking dish. Pour ½ of the sauce over the sweet potatoes. Turn them and pour the remaining sauce.

Cover and bake for about 45 minutes or until tender; turn the sweet potatoes once or twice to continue coating them. When tender, remove the cover and continue to bake until the glaze is set, about 15 minutes. Sprinkle with cracked black pepper or herb of choice and serve.

Are You What You Eat?

There are so many opinions about food. ‘Pork is the other white meat’; ‘don’t eat pork’. ‘Got milk?’ Got lactose intolerance? ‘Red meat gives you protein and iron’; ‘too much red meat is bad for you’. ‘Chocolate has no health benefits’; ‘dark chocolate is high in antioxidants’ ‘No carb diet’; ‘low carb diet’…And so on and so on… The list of contradictions is long. So what is right? And why be concerned about it at all?

Studies show that healthy eating affects every aspect of life: more energy, better sleep, better concentration, feeling happier, more enjoyment of life, and even getting along better with others.

Healthy eating, of course, affects your health. Eating right for you helps with chemical levels and weight control. By eating the right kinds of foods, you are fueling your body with the fuel it needs to function effectively and efficiently.

The truth is for you to decide. There are many books on the subject, especially on how to determine what is right for your body specifically. Do your research and identity what you are.

"See" Salt

Salt is a necessary nutrient, older than human history, needed by not only humans, but animals and ocean plants. It is needed by the human body to regulate water, sugar and acidity levels. Digestion, bone structure, nervous system and respiratory functions are all aided by salt.

Refinement of salt causes the salt to lose key nutrients. Studies show that often, we crave salt because of this deprivation of salt’s natural nutrients.

Real ocean sea salt is produced by allowing the water to evaporate from the minerals in the ocean. In the most natural sea salt you should be able to see multiple colors. (The good stuff, with the most beneficial minerals, that is).

Because salt is such an essential part of our diet, try to purchase the best quality of salt as possible.

Hopefully, now you can “see” salt in a different light.

Breast "Wellness" Month

October is the Breast Cancer Awareness Month, celebrating the 25th year of awareness, education, and empowerment. I like to promote the positive side of things, so I hope you can support me in calling it the “Breast Wellness Month”.

Taking care of your body can improve overall wellness.
Here are a few tips:
Increase physical activity
Limit alcohol consumption
Stop smoking
Avoid obesity
Eat more fruits and vegetables

Is there anything listed that you haven’t heard before? Probably not. However, they are important!

For instance, Web MD Health News has published an article speaking of the health benefits that soy foods have in promoting breast wellness. The soybean contains all the essential amino acids, also it has Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C and many other healthy properties.

Here's a simple and tasty recipe for your enjoyment. Live well and be happy!

Soybean Succotash
• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 (12 ounce) package frozen (green soybeans), thawed
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 1 (8-10 ounce) frozen whole kernel corn
• 1 dice tomato
• seasoned salt to taste
• seasoned black pepper to taste

Directions
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, corn, tomatoes and soy beans, and cook until lightly browned, stirring frequently. Season to taste with seasoned salt and black pepper.

Spice Up Your Kitchen

If you are tired of being bored with the same old meals, add some “spice” to your life. Yes, I am talking about spices. Seasoning. Flavor. Spices can make your food sooooo flavorful. Here is a list of basic seasonings which I feel are wonderful to have in your kitchen.

Salt
Black Pepper
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Curry Powder
Chili Powder
Garlic Powder
Oregano

You may be pleasantly surprised how oregano can wonderfully transform salmon; or what chili powder can do for baked chicken. Of course, you can feel free to experiment and build on this list. If you have a particular seasoning that you don’t use often, look for recipes that require that seasoning. If you are daring, try a new seasoning on a familiar dish. For extra flavor, try recipes with new combinations. For extra nutrient value, try fresh herbs. Go ahead, spice it up a little.

Make Your Kitchen A Clutter-Free Zone

As a personal chef, the heart of my business is what is known as the heart of the home – the kitchen. More and more these days, people seem to be intimidated by their kitchens. In my opinion, this seems to be evidenced by the rise in restaurants and fast food establishments over the past few decades. However, I find that the kitchen is a lot less intimidating when it is organized.

Here are some tips for decluttering and organizing your kitchen:
In my opinion, the number one rule for keeping your kitchen clean and organized is this:
KEEP COUNTERTOPS, THE TOP OF THE REFRIGERATOR, AND THE TOP OF THE MICROWAVE CLEAR. These are spaces in the kitchen that can become catch-all spots too easily. However, I’ve noticed that in admirable kitchens, these spaces are clutter-free.
CLEAR COUNTERTOPS ~ STASH AS MUCH AS YOU CAN. Put away the can opener and small appliances. This way, they collect less dust and grease and there is less to wipe down during cleanup. To make room for these appliances, GET RID OF APPLIANCES YOU DON’T AND WON’T USE… Like the stuff you bought from late-night television. Consider alternatives to on-the-counter spice racks: racks that hang on the inside of the cabinet door, spice drawer organizers, tiered or rotating stands placed inside a cabinet that allow you to see your spices.
The top of the refrigerator and top of the microwave spaces can also be clutter magnets. Put napkins, paper plates, etc in a drawer or cabinet near the eating area. Store the microwave splatter cover IN the microwave, not on top. Put cereal, crackers, cookies, chips in the pantry. Do you really use that bread box? If not, give it to Goodwill. REMOVE ALL THINGS THAT HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH COOKING FROM THE KITCHEN. Emergency numbers can be posted near a different phone, or in your cell phones. Find another place for mail, keys, backpacks and purses. If your kitchen was designed to be family command-central, you may want to consider a remodel. :-)

The second rule to a decluttered kitchen is this:
PURGE REGULARLY. To avoid waste from expired food, check dates monthly. Look for recipes to use your spices/food prior to expiration. Freeze if you have to. Set a regular time weekly to purge your refrigerator. If you wouldn’t serve it to a guest, do you really think your family wants to eat it? Besides, how many ½ jars of pickles do you really need?

A third rule for getting rid of clutter in the kitchen:
ORGANIZE YOUR STORAGE
STORE ITEMS IN YOUR CABINETS AND REFRIGERATOR LOGICAL TO THE WAY YOU USE THEM. Dishes may be better stored near your dishwasher, spices and pots near the stove, napkins and place mats near the eating area. Group cans and packages in your pantry according to size and/or function. Make use of the refrigerator movable rack feature to store items properly. If you have glass front cabinets or open shelving, MAKE SURE THAT THE THINGS THAT ARE VISIBLE ARE NEAT AND ORDERLY. If you have nice glassware, this is the place to store and display it. Decorative baskets can be used for hiding things that might not be attractive.

And finally:
MAKE HABITS OF CLEANING UP AFTER COOKING AND ALWAYS PUTTING THINGS BACK WHERE THEY BELONG. As it is said, “A place for everything and everything in its place.”

You’ve heard of the saying: “A clean car drives better”? I think that most people can agree that food is much more appetizing and appealing when prepared in a clean, tidy kitchen.