Join Chef Gwen and Help Feed GA Families

Proverbs 22:9---A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor.
Luke 3:11--- John answered, “The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same.”

Everyone knows my passion is cooking because I am a chef . Additionally, I love the good times and laughter surrounding food. So can you imagine the sound of my heart dropping whenever I hear about children not getting enough to eat, if any food at all? It makes me really sad, and even angry. Instead of being upset, I’ve decided to up the ante on what I should already be doing, and that’s helping. I know I am only one person, but every recipe starts with one ingredient! So Gwen’s Gourmet, along with my PR representation, Fresh Touch Publicity and others have partnered with the non-profit organization, H.O.P.E. Family Resource Center, Inc to present the “Simply Giving Holiday Treat” for the purpose donating and raising money which will provide food for needy families in Georgia.

We’ve extended this invitation to the public, family, friends, clients, etc. We want everyone to remember that a little can go a long way. Just $5 can purchase a variety of food items! If you, your family, your organization, or your employer, etc. are interested in DONATING, please visit http://www.ftpublicity.com and click DONATE. Make sure you reference the “Simply Giving Project” in the notes section. A receipt acknowledging your donation will promptly arrive via email. We ask that your donations are received by Friday, December 16th.

Thanks in advance and be blessed!

Start Healthy Eating Habits Today

Gwen’s Gourmet is encouraging you to start your healthy eating habits TODAY instead of waiting until after the New Year. You are probably going to pig out for Christmas and have a glass of champagne for New Year’s Eve but make those days your indulgence days. While I am not a Nutritionist, I do know how to prepare healthy foods a Nutritionist might recommend. So if you can’t speak with a Nutritionist at this moment, the first thing I can suggest is to start simply with a green, leafy salad. Feel free to pile on 2-3 more veggies and/or fruits such as tomatoes, onions, oranges, or strawberries. I have the perfect, tasty Vinaigrette that is super easy to prepare. Let me know how much you enjoy it!

Cranberry Cocktail Vinaigrette

Ingredients
1/4 cup cranberry cocktail juice
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon-style prepared mustard
2 teaspoons honey
cracked black pepper to taste

Directions
In a small jar with a tight-fitting cover, combine the juice, vinegar, mustard, honey and pepper. Cover and shake well until combined. To store, refrigerate for up to 1 week. Shake well before serving.

Sweet Treats

Now is the time where you are going to see candy and treats everywhere. Co-workers will be bringing in the left over candy soon to put on their desks and in the break rooms. Isn’t it always so tempting? Well, you can bet that you won’t be the only one fighting the urge to indulge. Think about the children! Some of their classmates and teachers will have the sugary delights readily accessible. Though, I don’t believe that it will be much of a fight for the kids, as they will more than likely give in without feeling “guilty pleasure” :-)

Chocolate is one of my favorite sweet treats! Studies have shown that dark chocolate has a high level of antioxidants that could boost your immune system, lower blood pressure, and even prevent heart disease. Now let’s not go on a dark chocolate binge just yet. Please do your research. However, if you are currently eating milk chocolate, consider replacing it with dark chocolate.

You can get creative and make a trail mix that includes your favorite nuts, dried fruits, and yes even chocolate. Try the dark chocolate M&Ms. You may find that the dark chocolate raisins are quite satisfying as well. Trail mixes are a great alternative to the other sweets you and children will be inundated with shortly. I’ve also included a recipe for granola bars that are nutritional and tasty. Consider keeping these and trail mixes handy. If you have kids, ask them to join you in preparing them, as they take pride in something they’ve creative. Perhaps they will choose the more nutritional option.

Granola Bar Delight:
2 1/2 c. Oats – quick rolled oats
1/2 c. Rice Krispies
1/2 c. Honey
1/4 c. coconut
1/2 c. dark chocolate chips
1/2 c. light brown organic raw sugar
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 c. promise active spread (or butter)
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Add all of the ingredients and mix together until combined. Press into a square 8×8 pan. Bake at 350° for 18-20 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes and score into bars (after it’s cooled completely).

Lightly press mixture into the prepared pan. Bake at 325 degrees F for 18 to 22 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool for 10 minutes then cut into bars. Let bars cool completely in pan before removing or serving. Keep refrigerated to maintain freshness (optional).

Cool Garments for Hot Women

“I have no fear.”
“I faced my own mortality.”
“I learned not to put all my eggs in one basket.”

Do those sound like words from a business owner or a Breast Cancer survivor? Could it not be both? I actually had the honor of hearing each of these empowering phrases in my conversation with Haralee Weintraub, founder and owner of Haralee, which is her women’s sleepwear line.

Haralee started the business after being diagnosed with Breast Cancer, to fulfill a need for comfortable sleepwear. She experienced sweating to the point where she would have to shower and change clothes 2-3 times per day; needless to say, sleeping at night was disastrous. Then one day she decided to cut up her biker shorts, because of the wicker, sweat absorbing material, and sew it into a nightgown. She was able to sleep throughout the night and was not as drenched in sweat as before. She presented the idea to her Breast Cancer survivor support group, who experienced the same discomfort and loved the idea.

“I never in a million years would have thought I would be an entrepreneur,” Haralee said. “I had a great career in pharmaceutical sales, and I was happy.”

Haralee has been cancer free for 9 years, but she likes to remind others that there is no cure for Breast Cancer and that you’re always in remission. Her diagnosis was very unexpected, considering that she had mammograms regularly, but it changed her life “forever”. Haralee is her way of having a rewarding career while giving back. A percentage of each sale goes to Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Research.

Haralee feels that starting a business and surviving Breast Cancer are similar because they both require the same mental attitude.

“You must have resilience,” she said. “When you first hear you have Breast Cancer, it’s devastating. Yes, there are about 40,000 people who die every year, but that doesn’t mean you die today. There will be times in your business when it gets tough and lonely, and you will need to really believe in it and love it to get through it.”

As a businesswoman, myself, I am always looking for ways to inspire others to follow their passions and speaking with Haralee was just that—a true inspiration. I challenge everyone to support small businesses and entrepreneurs. To check out more information about these “Cool Garments for Hot Women”, please visit www.haralee.com or follow on Twitter @Haralee.

Better Luck With Potluck!

Have you ever gone to a potluck and felt a bit...unlucky? There was food, but no plates; ice—no drinks; meat—no sides or worse, sides—no meat. Well here are some tips you can use to ensure that your event will run smoother.

First, and most important if you are the host, you should plan the menu; at least a main dish and 2 sides (or more, depending on the number of guests you are expecting). The host will provide guests a category, such as meat dishes, veggies, desserts, etc., to choose from. This way a variety of foods can be expected.

Second, try to collect non-perishable items a day or two before the potluck, such as plates, napkins, plastic utensils, and beverages. This will assist the host when setting up the table and with the early guests who may want to “taste test” food already prepared.

Third, the host should be greeting guests as they come in, and have a designated area for coats and purses. This helps the host to get a closer look at these items so she can know which friends to ask to borrow something from later. :-) Just Kidding!!!

Also, the host should be explaining the setup of the event, including where trash is to be placed, and introducing guests that may not know everyone to avoid any awkwardness. Yes, this is the host's slick way of playing matchmaker!!! Don’t fret, have fun with it!!!

And lastly, don’t forget to eat as well, and enjoy your guests!

Served Cold

There can be lots of hustle and bustle when having friends and family over to visit. Have you ever found yourself too busy to enjoy your company because you have other things that must be done to keep the party flowing?

I once had a client who decided to rid herself of at least one very important task/chore, and that was cooking. She hired me to cook for her luncheon and wanted every dish to be served cold. This way, when her guest arrived, her only responsibility would be serving the meal. No reheating.

On the menu:
Wild Alaskan Poached Lemon Salmon and a homemade Honey Mustard Sauce
Mixed baby green salad with blueberries, walnut and a homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing Basil Corn Salad made with fresh cooked corn from the cob
Dill Orzo Pasta Salad with Lemon Zest

My client was very delighted to enjoy the company of her guest without having to labor over the needed preparations. While everyone was eating their cold meal, she received warm reviews about all of the food served!

The Picky Eater

One weekend, my husband and I were invited over to the home of a few friends for a potluck. I was asked to bring a potato salad. I prepared it, and when we arrived my husband carried the bowl inside telling a friend that he slaved in the kitchen over it. Hmm…I can't say that I remember it that way :-).

All of the food there was the great! This couple has a tradition where they grill fish that the husband catches. It was fabulous! While the guest sat eating in different areas of the house, a woman came to me and began telling me how much her husband enjoyed the potato salad. He’s an extremely picky eater, and yet he asked her to find out who made the dish and to get the recipe.

Needless to say, I was very encouraged to receive such high praise from a "picky eater".

Let’s Scream for Homemade Ice Cream

So smooth, refreshing and light. Everyone screams when it comes to ice cream, but who wants to run all around town for that new flavor? Instead, make it more exciting and create a masterpiece at home. Not only can it be made specific to taste buds, but it can be healthier as well.

Pull out the mango, pineapple, cherry and any other favorite flavor for the perfect, cool, creamy treat.

Peach Ice Cream Recipe:

3 fresh peaches – Peeled, slice and freeze
½ cup
1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
1 TBS Sugar
1 whole lemon juice

Mix all ingredients in a blender until to creamy.

Don't Eat Your Pots and Pans

When creating masterpieces it is important to have tools that will get the job done well. With so many manufacturers in the cooking industry, it is easy to get confused on the best style of cookware to invest in or purchase. The major confusion comes from each chef endorsing a different product line for many different reasons. Although these "pots and pans" may cook food sufficiently (even to a preferred taste), certain discretions are still necessary to maintain a healthy lifestyle. So which are "not" the best choices?

Here are some common types that could cause harm:

· Glass Cookware – lead and cadmium are metals used to make this product
· Stainless Steel Cookware – chrome and nickel could bleed out of this product
· Cast Iron Cookware – full of carcinogenic heated oils & bacteria
· Anodized Aluminum Cookware – vegetables that are cooked in these pans produce hydroxide poison
· Enamel Cookware – composed of lead and cadmium

It is interesting to see these components that can cause such harm to our families. In making decisions on ingredients, tools and more, we try to stand clear of the obvious harms to our bodies. So what is a less harmful product to use to create meals for the family?

Surgical Stainless Steel is one of the best kind of pans to cook in. It protects against consumption of hazardous metals into food. It is more costly than many of the options mentioned above, but it is durable and more beneficial in the long run. Take the time to research and make the right choice. It is a part of a lifestyle change to utilize tools that promote good health.

Light is Alright

The summer is officially here and it is time to get more creative with the meals you prepare. Your body is not craving the comfort food of the winter, but something light, cool and refreshing. Instead of slaving in the kitchen to make heavy entrees, it may be better to use the summer treats you like most to create a fun meal. It is a lot easier than you wouldimagine.

Your grocery list can include such things as blueberries, strawberries, spinach, yogurt, granola, salmon, pineapple and so much more. These items can be used to create a healthy breakfast, yummy salad, delicious dinner or just a quick snack. It doesn’t take much to make a goodsummer dish. Not only will your taste buds be excited, but your body will benefit too from your healthy decisions.

The easiest way to develop this seasonal fun is to write down some of your favoritesummertime foods. Once you are done with that, create a grocery list of the goodies that you know are a must during this time of year. Hit the store and then create music. It is so easy,that you will be sharing your creations with everyone. Well, you might not be sharing your food as much as your ideas.

In any case, beat the heat and eat light.

Summer Refresher

This season is one the most exciting times for lots of people. School is out! Time for vacation, relaxing, and spending time with others. Don't let the summer pass you by, there are several activities to enjoy.

Summer cookouts are great for bringing friends and family together to eat their favorites foods, consume refreshing drinks, play games, and catch up on lost time. Who can resist grilled food? Meat, vegetables, fish...you name it, and it's great off the grill. Yummy!

Take a look at some of these grilling ideas:
1. Peaches: cut in half and grill. Add cinnamon and sugar to sour cream to taste, then mix and top on peaches
2. Smoked Turkey Legs: use favorite marinade over night, seasoned salt and pepper to taste, then grill
3. Zucchini: slice, toss in italian dressing, then grill
4. Instead of soda or sweet tea try another refreshing drink for the summer. Here's a recipe you can enjoy. Drink up!

Ingredients
2 1/2 cups white sugar
6 cups water
2 (3 ounce) packages strawberry flavored gelatin mix
1 (46 fluid ounce) can pineapple juice
2/3 cup lemon juice1 quart orange juice
2 (2 liter) bottles lemon-lime flavored carbonated beverage

Directions
In a large saucepan, combine sugar, water, and strawberry flavored gelatin. Boil for 3minutes. Stir in pineapple juice, lemon juice, and orange juice. Divide mixture in half, and freeze in 2 separate containers.
When ready to serve, place the frozen contents of one container in a punch bowl, and stir in 1 bottle of lemon-lime soda until slushy.

Heat, Eat, and Go!

Being busy and healthy seems to cause a lot of confusion, especially in the morning. The belief is that you will have time to stop for something healthy as you head out in the morning, but most fast food restaurants are not considered a healthy start to your day.

With so many great options, there is no reason why a hearty breakfast cannot be available for any schedule. For instance, you could have turkey sausage, breakfast casserole, a fruit and veggie smoothie or quiche, just to name a few options. These foods are not only good for you but can be refrigerated and/or frozen for easy retrieval when you are ready to eat and run. It will take some planning and time, but in the end, you will be achieving the goal of taking care of YOU first. Here is a wonderful recipe for quiche that you just have to try. It will give you nutrition along with a quick morning option.

Ingredients
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tomatoes, peeled and sliced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons fresh basil
• 3 eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup milk
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 (9 inch) unbaked deep dish pie crust
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese, divided
• Optional: Cooked Meat (Diced Turkey, Bacon, Ham, Sausage)

Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Bake pie shell in preheated oven for 8 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft; remove from skillet. Sprinkle tomato slices with flour and basil, then sauté 1 minute on each side. In a small bowl, whisk together eggs and milk. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Spread 1 cup shredded cheese in the bottom of pie crust. Layer onions over cheese, and top with tomatoes, (optional cooked diced meat). Cover with egg mixture. Sprinkle top with remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheese.

Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C), and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until filling is puffed and golden brown. Serve warm.

SOHO 50

You've probably heard of the Freshman 20, which are the 20 pounds most students gain the first year of college. I am willing to bet, however, that you haven't heard of the SOHO 50; the 50 or so pounds most people gain the first year they move from a "regular" job to telecommuting or working from home. The fact that you may not have heard of the SOHO 50 doesn't mean that this phenomenon doesn't exist. It happened to me, and I have seen it happen to many business colleagues.

The reasons for this upward weight creep are obvious:
1. You expend less energy. When you work in a "regular" job, you expend extra energy getting ready for work, driving in traffic, even visiting co-workers and milling around the water cooler. By contrast, when you work from home, your commute may involve rolling out of bed and going from your bedroom to your office. Those of you who have your home office in your bedroom may have a 2-step commute.

2. Food is temptingly close. In most offices, your co-workers would give you the "side eye" if you spend all day munching. When you work from home, however, no one is there to see you indulge in treats and inhale last night's leftovers.

Some of you have incredible willpower, and just being aware of the SOHO 50 is enough to help you avoid it.
For the rest of us, however, here are a few tips to avoid the creep.

1. Put on some clothes, for Pete's sake! Yes, I know some of you can't wait for the freedom of walking around the house sans clothing, or spending all day in your pajamas. This is a very dangerous practice. Believe me - you will be shocked one day when you try to wear your regular clothes, only to find that they do not fit. Getting dressed every day not only helps you have a more serious attitude towards your work, it will help you monitor your weight.

2. Limit elastic waistbands to 1 day a week. Repeat after me: I am only allowed to wear pants that have a full elastic waistband one day a week. That means jogging pants are out. Wondering why? Re-read item # 1.

3. Jump around. Do you like music? Good. Every couple of hours, put on a playlist of your favorite high energy music and jump around. Since there's no one at home to see you, it doesn't really matter how you look. If you'd rather grab some fresh air, take a brisk 15 minute walk. These actions help keep your metabolism burning calories.

4. Outlaw most eating at your desk. Mindless eating piles on the pounds. Just as eating in front of the TV will make you fat, eating in front of the computer will do the same. Instead, have your meals in the kitchen. Limit your computer snacking to foods that have close to zero calories (water, raw vegetables, fruit, etc.).

5. Get out of the house. Make a plan to have tea or lunch with someone at least once a week. You can spend time with your former co-workers, potential clients, potential referral sources, and so forth. Getting out the house also forces you to wear "work" clothes, so that you can make sure they still fit.

6. Boost your activity level. Make it tougher for the pounds to latch on by taking exercise to the next level. If you are sedentary, start walking 20 minutes a day. If you are already consistently walking, add weight training, uphill walking or walk faster. The idea here is to find some way to burn the extra calories. Getting an exercise buddy may make sticking to exercising easier.

7. Get out of the house, Part 2: consider renting a co-working space. A co-working space is simply a collaborative space for business professionals. You pay one flat fee a month, and get to inhabit a cubicle or desk on a first-come first-serve basis. To find a space, search online for the term "co-working space" + your city.

About the author: Jackie Kiadii is the owner of Phoenix Computer Consultants, LLC, which specializes in teaching business professionals how to use technology to increase productivity and profitability. Her company provides computer training in Atlanta and online. Her courses include Microsoft software applications, Internet marketing, social media and email marketing. Get free software and Internet marketing tips by clicking here.

Food Fuel

In the midst of your day, around 3 pm, do you feel like taking a catnap? For those whose answer was an absolute “Yes”, it may be great to look into foods that can help keep your energy strong all day long.

TRY THESE:

Fruit – It is easy for people to say get your apple a day. The other fruits that can really fuel your body are kiwi, apricots, cantaloupe, blueberries and bananas.

Eggs – Omega 3 eggs are full of good fats plus vitamins B and D.

Beans – Awesome resource for potassium and carbohydrates. Some beans to consider are kidney, lentils, and baked, though there are many more.

Seeds – Nice source of fiber, minerals, and antioxidants.

Nuts – Not only a good snack, but almonds, walnuts, pecans, and cashews can really give you the boost you need at anytime of the day. They are also full of fiber, minerals, and antioxidants.

Vegetables – You must love your greens. The most recommended are broccoli, spinach, sprouts and asparagus.

Water – The number one source of energy that we often neglect is water. It not only revives the body, but it prevents dehydration that can slow the body down.

Knowing this information makes grocery shopping is much easier. Include the things your body needs to keep you strong and healthy. So when you are on the go or have some time to snack, you can make healthier choices instead of the random eating selections you have made before.

It is always good to be informed and make the best decisions for your body.

Eat Healthy!

Busy Woman’s Confession

Being a busy woman trying to maintain sanity, home life and my business it becomes harder to stay healthy. It seems like the first thing I will slack on is taking care of my basic needs. Those needs include eating right, exercising and just making time for me.

I have read many different books with ideas on how to make sure, no matter where I am, that I have a healthy snack, but that doesn’t prepare the snack for me. It is not convenient to run into the grocery store when I need to be heading to an important meeting.

I had to find a way to fix this. I needed to create a system that made it easy for me to have a little nutrition no matter with me at all times.

Here is what I started:
Put fruit everywhere: I keep my favorite fruits (Oranges, apples, bananas, grapes, pineapple, blueberries) in the car, my purse and the office so that I always have them available.

Order power salads: Instead of ordering a major meal, I make sure I get my greens by ordering a salad with all the wonderful nutrition I need to keep going strong.

Smoothie time: I skip over Starbucks and head to the local smoothie shop for a better choice to power me up during the day.

Stroll: A lot of conference calls happen in the middle of the day, so I put on my headset and walk while listening a call. Most of them are recorded, so I can take notes later or simply record notes on my phone.

These simple changes keep me more energized, plus feeling like I am getting a hold on my health in the midst of a chaotic day.

I hope these quick tips that will make a difference in your day as well.

About the author: Ms. Carla Thorpe with Make It Happen Consulting. She is a major advocate for organization. Through her consulting, Ms. Thorpe has been able to help company’s start-up, evolve, give back to the community and display that anything is possible. We could all use a little help to reach our goals and Make It Happen Consulting offers the strategic support to create success. www.makeithappenc.com

Soul Food For Thought

Food is a central part of most cultures and people-group histories. It is no different for African-Americans. Soul Food is derived from African cooking traditions, Southern comfort food, and the parameters that slavery in the United States imposed – cooking leftovers and unwanted animal parts from slave owners’ kitchens.

Foods such as black-eyed peas, collard greens and sweet potatoes…biscuits, hoecakes and spoon bread…chitterlings and chicken – are well-known dishes from African-American historical cuisine. Fat, salt and sugar were widely used for seasoning because it was readily available. Salt was also a commonly used preservative since there was no refrigeration.

Gathering for meals, especially for holidays, is another common tradition which is also a rich part of African-American heritage. Recipes were handed from person to person, down from generation to generation, at first without the benefit of measuring utensils or being able to write down these recipes.

“One must first praise the farmer for a job well done before asking him for a yam.”
~African proverb

Hoppin John Recipe

Ingredients
1 pound dry black-eyed peas
2 cups chopped cooked ham
salt and pepper to taste
1 pinch garlic powder
2 onions, diced
okra (optional)

Directions
Place black-eyed peas in 8 quart pot. Add enough water to fill pot 3/4 full. Stir in ham and diced onions, and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Place tomatoes in a blender or food processor, and blend until the tomatoes are liquefied. Bring all ingredients to boil. Cover the pot, and simmer on low heat for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until the peas are tender (optional: add okra the last hour of cooking time). Serve over rice.

Bitter-Sweet

Celebrating Black History Month

Michele Hoskins is an African-American owner and founder of Michele Foods, Inc., a multi-million dollar company that produces Honey Crème Syrup, Butter Pecan Syrup, and Maple Crème Syrup, Michele's Hoskins is also the author of Sweet Expectations: Michele Hoskins’ Recipe for Success.

Starting out as a divorced mother of three, with only her dreams and her great-grandmother’s recipe, Michele’s perseverance and eventual success serves as a model to any entrepreneur not to give up on their dreams. Her story, of which excerpts can be found at http://www.michelefoods.com/, is an encouragement to all who read it. Bitter beginnings can have sweet expectations.

Here’s a pancake recipe you can try with Michele’s Syrup

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon white sugar
1 1/4 Vanilla Yogurt
1 egg
3 tablespoons butter, melted

Directions
In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Make a well in the center and pour in the yogurt, egg and melted butter; mix until smooth.

Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake. Brown on both sides and serve hot.

Ann Fudge

In February Black History Month is observed. The beginnings of this observance came about when Harvard-trained historian, Carter G. Woodson wanted to raise awareness of African-Americans’ contributions to civilization. Woodson and the organization he founded, the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH), announced Negro History week in 1925.

“Carter G. Woodson believed that publishing scientific history would transform race relations by dispelling the wide-spread falsehoods about the achievements of Africans and peoples of African descent. He hoped that others would popularize the findings that he and other black intellectuals would publish in The
Journal of Negro History, which he established in 1916.” ~ The History of Black History Month http://www.asalh.org/blackhistorymonthorigins.html

I’d like to point out the success of one African-American as it relates to the food industry.

Ann Fudge grew up in Washington, D.C. After the riots following the assassination of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Ann became determined, and “wanted to do something that black people hadn't done before.”

She graduated from Simmons College in 1973 and worked in the human resources department of General Electric, before pursuing an MBA at Harvard Business School. After obtaining her MBA at Harvard in 1977, Mrs. Fudge spent nine years at General Mills, during which time her biggest accomplishment was marketing assistant for Honey Nut Cheerios. Today, it is one of the nation’s biggest cereal brands. From General Mills, Mrs. Fudge went to serve as president of the beverages, desserts and Post division, a $5 billion unit of Kraft Foods. At Kraft she mangaged many businesses including Maxwell House coffee, Gevalia kaffe, Kool Aid, Crystal Light, Post Cereals, Jell-O desserts, and Altoids.

In early 2010, Ann Fudge was named by President Obama to the bipartisan 18-member fiscal responsibility and reform commission. She has and currently continues to serve on boards of several for-profit and non-profit corporations.

Complete Meal In A Bowl

What a great way to top off the month of January, National Soup Month, with discussing the vast varieties of soups to accommodate taste and meal of choice. Soups can be eaten as an appetizer, a side dish, or as a main course for dinner.

Adding protein and carbohydrates can create a wonderful, tasty meal. Along with a variety of vegetables, adding chicken, beef, beans or shrimp can make soup a tantalizing dish. Incorporating rice, noodles, or barley will make the soup thicker.

Enjoy a complete meal in a bowl.

Beef Tortellini Soup Recipe
Ingredients:
1 lb beef stew meat
2 large diced tomatoes
2 cloves garlic chopped finely
1 large onion chopped
1-2 large carrots chopped
1 medium stalk celery chopped
2 teaspoons sugar
1 carton beef flavored broth
1 teaspoon dried basil or oregano
2 cups frozen cheese-filled tortellini (bite size)
1 cup frozen cut green beans

DIRECTIONS:
Add the first 8 ingredients in a pot, cover pot, bring to a boil and reduce heat to low. Cook slowly for 7-8 hours (until beef is tender). Add the remaining ingredients during the last 25 minutes of cooking, cover and cook using high heat (until beans are tender).

Soup…Healthy Soup

I’m humming the tune to “Food, Glorious Food”...When you make your own soup from scratch, you are in the driver’s seat. You can avoid choosing ingredients with artificial flavors, preservatives, and all those other unhealthy things that you probably can’t even pronounce.

Here’s a little more about the healthy benefits of soup…
Vegetables and nutrients
The American Heart Association recommends adults consume eight or more servings of fruits and vegetables every day. That's 4 ½ cups. Soups can contribute to that total. Almost any vegetable lends itself to use in soup. Fresh or frozen vegetables added to canned soups increase the servings of essential vitamins and minerals. Fresh or freeze-dried herbs and spices add flavor. Beans and lean meats such as fish provide protein. Beans give you fiber, and tomatoes are a source of lycopene, a cancer-fighting antioxidant.

Low-fat yet filling
Fat-free broths and lean meats in soups reduce fat content. For creamy soups, skim milk, or pureed white beans can be used to thicken soup. Because of the water content of soup, soup fills you up, but with fewer calories.

Vegetable Soup Recipe
Ingredients
1 (14 ounce) can chicken broth
1 (11.5 ounce) can tomato-vegetable juice cocktail 1 cup water
1 large potato, diced
2 carrots, sliced
2 stalks celery, diced
2 fresh diced tomatoes
1 cup chopped fresh green beans
1 cup fresh corn kernels
salt and pepper to taste
Creole seasoning to taste

Directions
In a large stock pot, combine broth, tomato juice, water, potatoes, carrots, celery, undrained chopped tomatoes, green beans, and corn. Season with salt, pepper and Creole seasoning. Bring to a boil and simmer for 30 minutes or until all vegetables are tender.

The Case For Soup

January is National Soup Month. Soup is very comforting and tasty for this time of year, and January is a wonderful time to make soups because of the cold weather. There is nothing like a steaming bowl of soup when coming in from the cold. Additionally, soup helps to prevent disease because of the many nutritious ingredients that can be added to the pot.

Soup is also economical – It is cheaper to make your own than to purchase (Remember that you are paying for packaging, shipping and advertising of commercially sold soup.) Homemade soup can be made from leftovers. Another economical benefit of soup: It freezes well for later consumption.
Hope you enjoy the potato soup recipe!

Ingredients

2 thick slices bacon, preferably applewood smoked, diced
1/2 cup chopped sweet or yellow onion
1 (14 ounce) can reduced sodium chicken broth
2 cups 2% milk
1 large bakng potato, peeled, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 3/4 cups Shredded Extra Sharp Cheddar, divided
Chopped chives optional

Directions

Cook bacon in a large saucepan over medium heat until crisp, stirring occasionally. Use a slotted spoon to transfer bacon to a paper towel; set aside. Cook onion in drippings in same saucepan 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add broth, milk, potato, salt and pepper; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 15 minutes or until potato is tender. Turn off heat; add 1-1/2 cups cheese, stirring until melted. Ladle into shallow bowls; top with remaining 1/4 cup cheese and reserved bacon. Garnish with chives, if desired.