Cook’s Corner: Buffalo-Style stuffed celery for Sunday’s game!

 

 

   

 

 

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 cup low fat cream cheese, softened

2 Tbs. blue cheese, softened

1/2 tsp. minced garlic

1/4 tsp. salt

5 servings celery, five large rigs cut into 4 pieces each

2 1/2  tsp. hot pepper sauce to taste

1 Tbsp. chives, fresh, chopped

 

Preparation:

• In a small bowl, stir together cream cheese, blue cheese, garlic and salt until smooth; spoon about 1/2 Tbsp. cheese mixture into each piece of celery.
• To serve, arrange stuffed celery on a plate, drizzle each with about 1/4 tsp. hot pepper sauce (or serve pepper sauce on the side) .  Sprinkle with chives if desired.  Yield:  2 pieces stuffed celery per serving.  Points Plus Value:  1; Servings: 10

Source:  Weight Watchers

Cook's Corner: Pasta with Greens & Beans!

Ingredients:

6 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped

4 cups of escarole

1-1/2 cups drained cannellini beans

2 cups vegetable broth

6 oz. uncooked pasta per pkg directions

1. Lightly spray a large nonstick saucepan with cooking spray. Add garlic; cook over medium heat~5 minutes.

2.  Add escarole andbeans; cook 3 minutes. Add broth; bring to boil.  Reduce heat; simmer 3 minutes.  Add cooked pasta; stir 2 minutes longer.  Let stand 5 minutes before serving.  Enjoy!

Source: Weight Watchers; 5 points.

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14 Colleges That Cater to Gluten-Free Students

 

 

Over the past few decades, rates of gluten intolerance, also known as celiac disease, have skyrocketed. Today, it is estimated that nearly one out of every 133 people may have some degree of gluten intolerance. Whether this is because of a rise in actual gluten intolerance or just better ways of understanding and diagnosing the disease has yet to be determined, but it does mean that more and more colleges are paying attention and providing for the needs of students who may suffer from a gluten intolerance. While there is still a long way to go in making the majority of schools safe and celiac-friendly, some colleges and universities are going above and beyond when it comes to providing gluten-free options. Here are just a few of the schools who are leading the way, though many, if not most, have programs to provide meals for students with any kind of dietary need.

1. Baylor University

   At Baylor University, students can find a wide range of gluten-free menu options through the school’s dining services. Due to demand from students, the university began offering more gluten-free options in 2010, and students can find out about which dining halls and menu items will meet their needs through the menus posted online each week.

2. University of Tennessee

   Students with gluten intolerance can get help through a student nutrition coordinator found on campus. These professionals can help to ensure that students get the nutrition they need without encountering any potentially harmful gluten. Additionally, Volunteer Dining offers a range of gluten-free options both in residential dining halls and in the stores found throughout the campus. For students who still can’t find what they need, the school offers the option to put in special orders, though this must be done ahead of time.

3. Georgetown University

   Georgetown University is working hard to meet the dietary needs of all the students on campus. While dining halls do not always have gluten-free options, students shouldn’t despair. The school has a registered dietician on staff who can help those with celiac to find the resources, tools, and food they need. This program can provide students with everything from gluten-free foods, to a gluten-free microwave to use, so that they’ll stay safe and healthy on campus.

4. Oregon State University

   Students at Oregon State don’t have to work hard to find gluten-free options in their dining halls. The school offers a list of all of the gluten-free options they serve in each on-campus dining hall or cafe. At some locations, these options may be limited, but in many of the larger dining halls, gluten-intolerant students should find a wide range of healthy and tasty foods that won’t irritate their digestive systems. If those items don’t suit student needs, there is always a registered dietician on hand to make sure that dietary considerations are met.

5. Bard College

   Bard College offers dining hall services that can meet a wide range of student dietary needs, from veganism to gluten intolerance. The school is currently working on renovations to one of their main dining halls that will include a new gluten-free section, keeping these foods separate from those that might contaminate them with gluten and cause reactions in some of the most sensitive students.

6. University of Wisconsin

   In addition to a thriving student club on campus advocating for gluten-free options, UW Madison is working hard to meet the needs of students who need meals that are vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free. They’ve begun to label all food served in the cafeteria with symbols that are designed to make it simple to determine whether an item is OK to eat. Students can check with the weekly menus posted online to see what options will be gluten-free on any given day, with great choices like Thai noodles with tofu, tostadas, and enchiladas available.

7. Southern Methodist University

   Eating gluten-free on campus can be a challenge, but Southern Methodist works to ensure that the process is a little bit easier for students. There is a registered dietician on staff who can help to design a healthy eating program for students and provides gluten-free options and equipment to students. Additionally, the school has recently created a dining hall called Healthy on the Hilltop which serves vegan and gluten-free fare (among other healthy options) to students with these dietary restrictions.

8. University of Arizona

   Many people don’t realize the seriousness of gluten intolerance and how it is different from a food allergy, but students at the University of Arizona are working to change that. They have a large and growing group of advocates on campus who are pushing for greater gluten-free awareness. Dining services has taken notice, and in the fall of 2011 it began making changes to make it easier for gluten-free students on campus. This included switching to gluten-free food suppliers, choosing local foods, and educating staff on gluten-free preparation. Additionally, the school now offers several gluten-free entrées on campus, including pastas and breads that are totally gluten-free.

9. Ithaca College

   There are three dining halls on Ithaca College’s campus, and each offers varying levels of gluten-free accommodation. At the main dining hall in the student center, there are gluten-free menus available for both lunch and dinner every day, giving students a range of options to choose from. There is also the Gluten-Free Pantry, which provides gluten-free breads, pastas, and equipment like microwaves and toasters. The other two dining halls don’t have a running menu, but students can pre-order gluten-free meals at them by contacting the dining hall management.

10. Texas A&M, Corpus Christi

    Students at Texas A&M in Corpus Christi will find help from the school’s registered dietician in finding healthy and safe meal options. In the dining halls, students are provided with products like rice cereal, gluten-free pizza, soups, snacks, and desserts, as well as a whole host of veggies.

11. University of Notre Dame

    In order to make eating in the dining halls less complicated for students who need to stick to a gluten-free diet, Notre Dame has listed all the menu items they serve on campus that are free of gluten. Students can search by dining hall for entrées, sides, and snacks that are gluten-free. For students who want something different, the dining hall will prepare special meals on request to meet any dietary needs, including gluten-free.

12. University of New Hampshire

    Students can follow this link to an informative guide on eating gluten-free at UNH. With the help of the registered dietician and the director of culinary services, students shouldn’t have too hard a time finding gluten-free options. In each of the three dining halls on campus, students can find a gluten-free zone with restricted microwaves, toasters, and refrigerators, as well as a selection of prepackaged gluten-free items like cereal, bread, granola bars, waffles, desserts, and condiments. Students can also choose to pre-order meals or cook their own stir fry or omelets in separate gluten-restricted stations.

13. SUNY Potsdam

    SUNY Potsdam goes above and beyond when it comes to accommodating students who need to eat gluten-free. Students at SUNY can choose from a wide range of gluten-free prepackaged items for entrées or snacks. There are also separate stations in the dining halls that cater to gluten-free eaters, preventing cross-contamination while also ensuring celiac students have plenty of options to choose from. Even at the school’s deli, students can choose from a variety of gluten-free breads, making finding something to eat on campus much easier. Additionally, meals can be prepared on request for any student who needs or wants them.

14. Tufts University

    Tufts takes food allergies and intolerance quite seriously, and has tried to accommodate students with these special needs accordingly. The school has prepared a number of educational pamphlets on the issue that students can read through to learn what their dining options are on campus and how gluten-free meals are prepared. Students are advised to work with the school’s dietician, but can also find information on all menu items through "food fact cards." The school also lists all foods served at dining halls across campus that are safe for people with celiac to eat.

Source: Handorf, Tim. Best Colleges

Cook’s Corner: Bread Pudding Made Easy!

 

Ingredients:

1. 8 slices bread, cubed
2. 4 eggs, beaten
3. 1/4 cup white sugar
4. 1/4 cup brown sugar
5. 4 cups non-fat milk
6. 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla
7. 1/2 cup raisins

 

Preparation:

1. Place cubes in greased 2-quart baking dish.
2. Beat eggs, sugar, milk, and vanillas in a small bowl
3. Stir in raisins.
4. Pour over bread cubes.
5. Sprinkle with sugar and nutmeg.
6. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes or until golden brown.

Source:  Adapted from:  www.cdkitchen.com

3rd Year Blogoversary

Help celebrate our 3rd Year Blogoversary !  Squish your fruit together, too.

 

Cook’s Corner: Nutritious & Delicious—A Must Make and Share—Empanapita

 

 

empañapita
similar to a Spanish empañada, this empaña“pita” uses pita bread for the shell

• Ingredients:
  2 (6½-inch) whole-wheat pitas
  1 C Tangy Salsa (see recipe on
  page 51)
  For filling:
  2 C canned low-sodium black beans,
  rinsed
  2 C frozen broccoli, corn, and pepper
  vegetable mix, thawed (Leftover
  Friendly)
  2 C grilled boneless, skinless chicken
  breast, diced (about 4 small
  breasts)
  ½ C shredded low-moisture part-skim
  mozzarella cheese
  1 Tbsp. fresh cilantro, rinsed, dried, and
  chopped (or substitute 1 tsp. dried
  coriander)
  2 Tbsp. scallions (green onions), rinsed
  and chopped (or substitute
  red onions)
  
• Preparation:
• 1. Preheat oven to 400 ºF.
  2. Combine beans, vegetables, chicken, cheese, and
  seasonings. Mix well.
  3. Cut pitas in half, and open the pockets. Divide filling evenly
  between the four halves (about 1½ cups each).
  4. Place pitas on a nonstick baking sheet, and bake for about
  10 minutes until the filling is hot, cheese melts, and chicken
  is reheated.
  5. Serve each empañapita with ¼ cup of Tangy Salsa.
  
• Note: If you can’t find beans labeled “low sodium,” compare the
  Nutrition Facts panels to find the beans with the lowest amount of
  sodium. Rinsing can help reduce sodium levels further.
  
• prep time:
  10 minutes
  (20 minutes with
  homemade salsa)
  cook time:
  10 minutes
  yield: 4 servings
  serving size:
  1 stuffed pita half,
  ¼ C Tangy Salsa
  
• each serving provides:
  calories 373
  total fat 4 g
  saturated fat 1 g
  cholesterol 34 mg
  sodium 374 mg
  total fiber 14 g
  protein 27 g
  carbohydrates 60 g
  potassium 741 mg
  vitamin A 180%
  vitamin C 50%
  calcium 8%
  iron 25%

Enjoy!  Thanks for taking the time to read our blog.

Anthony

Source:  Keep the Beat Deliciously Healthy Meals

10 Super Coupon Tips for Grocery Shopping

 

Are you throwing money away? If you are not taking advantage of coupons, you may be tossing away savings that could be applied towards your next grocery bill. Everyone wants to save money, but many people just don’t get around to clipping coupons. By clipping coupons ahead of time for items you normally shop for, you should be able to have a stack of coupons ready to use when the time is right. The following tips will give you tips on how to use these coupons.

1. Match coupons with items already on sale. Look through your weekly flyer and find items on sale. Match the coupons you have with these sale items to further reduce your final bill.
2. Combine deals. Some stores allow customers to redeem both store and manufacturer’s coupons together. Another way to combine deals is to find items that offer a rebate, and then apply a coupon for double savings.
3. Look online for coupons. With the decline of printed newspapers, the coupon section is not as large as it once was. However, the Internet provides plenty of websites that offer great deals.
4. Be open to a different brand. Shoppers have brand loyalty and will always buy the same brands.  Consider a different brand if you can use a valuable coupon instead.
5. Sign up for loyalty programs. Most grocery stores or drugstores have some type of loyalty program. Walgreens has Register Rewards, CVS has Extra Bucks, and most grocery stores offer a savings card.  Even though you do not typically buy groceries at a drugstore, they often have deals on some of the staples.
6. Compare prices without a coupon. Although it is a good idea to use coupons, always compare prices on different products with and without the coupon to determine the best brand to buy.  Another product may be cheaper without any coupon required.
7. Look for stores that offer double the coupons. This is a little more difficult to do, since not many stores offer double coupons. With a little research, you can find the stores where you can redeem coupons for double savings.
8. Stock up on non-perishable items. If you find valuable coupons for non-perishable items, this can save you a lot of money. Plus, you won’t have to worry about running out of the product for awhile. Not everyone has the storage to take advantage of this, but if you can find room, stock up!
9. Sign up for coupon sites. Instead of spending hours looking for deals online, sign up for the site’s newsletter. Do this for 2 or 3 sites and you will get great deals directly in your inbox. Often times, you will get a few insider deals and tips for signing up as well.
10. Shop at superstores. By shopping at large superstores, like WalMart and Target, you can take advantage of the coupon deals and save time with one-stop shopping. These stores are generally cheaper to begin with than most grocery stores.

Although the average person does not have the time to strategically plan a grocery trip or participate in extreme couponing, these simple tips can help you take advantage of coupon savings the simple way.

Source:  Article reprinted with permission from Live in Nanny

Cook’s Corner: White Bean Chicken Chili For A Fall Day

INGREDIENTS:

1. 4 slices turkey bacon, cut crosswise into 1/4 inch strips
2. 2 green and/or red bell peppers, diced
3. 1 medium yellow onion, diced
4. 1 Tablespoon chili powder
5. 1 Tablespoon marjoram
6. 1 Tablespoon oregano
7. 1 Teaspoon cumin
8. 1 teaspoon garlic powder
9. 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
10. 1 1/4 teaspoon salt
11. 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
12. 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
13. 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
14. 6 cups rinsed and drained canned great Northern beans
15. 6 cups low sodium chicken broth
16. 1 teaspoon lemon juice
17. 1 boneless skinless chicken breast (8 ounces)
18. 1/2 teaspoon jerk seasoning
19. 1 teaspoon olive oil
20. To garnish: low fat sour cream, pico de gallo and cilantro

 

PREPARATION:

• In large saucepot, cook turkey bacon over medium high heat 4-5 minutes or until crisp, stirring frequently.  Reduce heat to medium. Add bell peppers and onion, and cook 5-4 minutes, stirring frequently.  Stir in chili powder, marjoram, oregano, cumin and garlic powder, and cook 1 minute.  Stir in flour, salt, cayenne pepper and black pepper.
• Add tomatoes, beans, broth and lemon juice and heat to simmering; simmer 20 minutes stirring occasionally.
• Meanwhile, sprinkle both sides of chicken with jerk seasoning.  Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium high heat.  Add chicken and cook 3-4 minutes or until deep brown in color, turning once.   Reduce heat to medium, and cook chicken 5-6 minutes longer or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees, turning occasionally.  Cut chicken into 1/2 inch pieces.
• Ladle chili into serving bowls and top with chicken.  Garnish with sour cream, pico de gallo and cilantro, if desired.

Serving Size: ( 1 1/3 cups)

305 calories, 3g fat, 1g saturated fat, 15mg cholesterol, 530mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate, 10g fiber, 22g Protein

Source: Nutritious & Delicious

Favorites at Christmas

 

Now that Thanksgiving is over, I’ve started thinking of Christmas.

One of my favorite dishes is Cranberry Relish made with fresh

cranberries and fresh oranges.  (This is delicious at Thanksgiving too.)

My favorite Christmas movie is Miracle on 34th Street with Natalie Wood. 

What are your favorite Christmas dishes and favorite Christmas movies?

Grocery Store Musical

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Let’s Talk Turkey from Cooks Corner with a Crustless Pumpkin Pie

Happy Thanksgiving to friends, relatives and colleagues –near, far and from across the globe—safe traveling and to have fun eating too.

 

(Reprinted From:  “Blog:  A Dietitian’s Perspective” Thanksgiving Sunday, November 22, 2009)

 

 

Preparing Thanksgiving dinner is enough of a pressure cooker, never mind having to do math in your head just to get it right.  Here are  some of the numbers to have a safe, worry-free and meaningful Thanksgiving Day dinner. 

 

 

 

 

 

Turkey

For turkeys under 16 lbs., estimate basically 1 pound per serving (this accounts for bone weight.)  For larger birds, a bit less is fine;they have a higher meat-to-bone ratio.  However, if your goal is plenty of leftovers, (that turkey sandwich with mayo and cranberry sauce to boot) aim for 1 1/2 lbs. per person whatever the turkey’s size.

 

• For 8 people:   purchase a 12 lb. turkey
• For 10 people: purchase a 15 lb. turkey
• For 12 people: purchase an 18 lb. turkey
• For 14 people: purchase a 20 lb. turkey

The Thaw

Technically, the safest way to thaw a frozen turkey is in the refrigerator.  Figure about 24 hours per 4-5 lbs. of turkey.  Another method would be to put the turkey is sink filled with cold running-water.  Change the water every 30 minutes, and plan for about 30 minutes per pound.

Holiday Hot Lines plus, a click-a-way

• Crisco Pit Hotline: 877-367-7436
• Butterball Turkey Talk-Line: 1-800-butterball or www.buterball.com
• Empire Kosher Poultry Customer Hot line:  1-717-436-7055 or www.empirekosher.com/index.html
• Fleischmann’s Yeast Baker’s Help Line: 800-777-4959 or www.breadworld.com/help.aspx
• Foster Farms Turkey Helpline: 800-255-7227 or www.fosterfarms.com
• General Mills: 800-248-7310
• King Arthur Flour Co Bakers Hotline: 802-649-3717
• Nestle Toll House Baking Information Line: 800-637=8537 or www.verybestbaking.com
• Ocean Spray Consumer Help Line: 800-662-3263 or www.oceanspray.com
• Perdue consumer Help Line: 800-PERDUW or www.persue.com
• Reynolds Turkey Hot Line: 800-745-4000 or www.reynoldskitchens.com
• US Department of Agriculture Meat and Poultry Hotline: 888-674-6854 or www.fsis.usda.gov/Food_Safety_Education/Ask_Karen/

LITE ‘n EASY CRUSTLESS PUMPKIN PIE

Ingredients:

1. 2 Tbsp. water
2. 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin
3. 2 1/4 cups Carnation Evaporated Low-fat 2% Milk
4. 1 15oz.can Libby’s 100% Pure Pumpkin
5. 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar or low calorie sweetener equivalent
6. 2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
7. 1 tsp. vanilla extract
8. Light whipped topping
9. Fresh Fruit (optional)

Preparation:

1. Coat 1” deep-dish pie plate with non-stick Cooking spray.
2. Place water in a medium bowl; sprinkle gelatin over water. Let stand 5 – 10 minutes or until softened. Mixture may be firm.
3. Bring 1 cup of evaporated milk to boil in saucepan. Slowly stir in hot evaporated milk into gelatin. Stir in the remaining evaporated milk, pumpkin, sugar, pumpkin pie spice and vanilla extract.
4. Pour mixture into prepared pie plate. Refrigerate for 2 hours or until set.
5. Garnish with whipped topping and fresh fruit, if desired.

Enjoy!

Makes 8 servings; Adapted from Nestle Carnation

Southern-Style Herb Roasted Turkey

Please enjoy this video!

Herb Roasted Turkey

What is your favorite item(s) for Thanksgiving Dinner? 

Mine is stuffing and gravy; yum! 

Thanks for viewing,

-Anthony

Sharing my dinner with you!

Hi everybody:

Thought Id share my great dinner with you from Applebees Restaurant, which is a Bruchetta Salad.  Good and healthy, also delicious.  Have a wonfdrful night.   Anthony

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Kiwi & Strawberry Medley

Today I peeled 4 kiwi and mixed 2 cups of strawberries with it. Added a drizzle of vinegar. This is so very delicious! Please try. Enjoy , Anthony :)

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Applebee’s Provides Veterans Free Meal Today

 

Thank you for your service.  What a beautiful world we live in because of your service and your sacrifice!

Who says that there’s no such thing as a free lunch—or even a free dinner?   Today, Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill and Bar Restaurants around the country are offering a free meal for veterans and military active-duty personnel.

With the 3rd years of this kind of promotion and with that in mind, restaurants are in “all-hands-on-deck” mode.  The restaurants have been completely decorated in patriotic themes, and all staff will be wearing read, white and blue.

To qualify for the free meal, customers must bring military identification, such as a Uniform Services Identification Card, Uniform Services Retired Identification Card, current leave and earnings statement, veterans’ organization card, a photograph in uniform, a DD214 form, a commendation. Or, just wear their uniforms.