Thanksgiving Day Countdown

To help take the stress out of the holidays, plan ahead. I start 4 weeks out and make to do lists for each week.
Here's my list...


4 Weeks Before
Create a guest list and phone or send out invitations early. Write the menu. Order the turkey. Invite your guests to bring along one of their favorite dishes to contribute to the feast. I handle the turkey and mash potatoes and anything else on the menu that doesn't travel well. Be sure you have enough tables, chairs, linens, dishes and glassware, if your short, order from a rental company or borrow from friends and family.
3 Weeks Before
Polish the silver and press the linens. Make a Thanksgiving dinner music play list. I put task on my daughters to do list. Pick up candles and firewood. Clean out the freezer
2 Weeks Before
Finalize your shopping list. Clean out the refrigerator. Make place cards and a centerpiece. Get the kids involved! Make rolls, pie crusts, casseroles, and soups, and freeze 'em up. Test out any new recipes.
1 Week Before
Pick up your turkey if it’s frozen begin the thawing process. Refrigerator thawing takes 1 day for every 5 pounds of turkey. Order pre-made fruit and vegetable arrangements.
http://www.fruitfreshup.com/catalog.asp?prodid=597308
http://www.fruitfreshup.com/catalog.asp?prodid=593027&showprevnext=1
2 Days Before
Pick up that fresh turkey you ordered. Purchase fresh produce. Make pie crusts and refrigerate (if you haven't gone the frozen route). Set the table or decorate the buffet. Set up the bar. Lay out serving pieces and utensils.
1 Day Before
Wash and prep produce. Remove giblets and neck from turkey cavity and make turkey stock for gravy.
Bake pies. Arrange frozen dinner rolls on a sheet pan and thaw overnight in the fridge.
Thanksgiving Day
Relax and enjoy your company. Yes, there might be dishes to be prepared on the day, but you won't be in a panic.
Stuff and roast turkey (or bake dressing). Mash potatoes. Make gravy. Toss salad. Warm or bake bread and rolls. Reheat frozen dishes. Arrange appetizer platters. Whip cream for desserts. Chill or open wine. Make coffee.

Pumpkin Carving 101

It's that time of year. The kids and I just made our annual pumpkin run. We each select our favorite shape and size pumpkin, take them home and carve them up.
I think this year I'll try something different and combine designs and shapes as seen in this photo.
Here are some things you'll need:
Votive Candles
Pumpkin
Paring Knives
Felt Tip Pens
Pumpkins
Pumpkin-carving Sets
Newspaper
Cinnamon
Pencils
Step by step instructions:
1. Select a fresh pumpkin in a shape that pleases you. Some folks prefer their pumpkins low and round, while others like them tall and oval-shaped.
2. Draw a circle or hexagon on top of the pumpkin in preparation for making an opening large enough for your hand to reach through.
3.Cut through the stem end of the pumpkin along your outline with a sharp knife or pumpkin-carving tool. Use a back-and-forth slicing motion to cut through the thick, tough skin.
4. Remove the stem end, which will act as a cap, making sure you scrape off any seeds or pulp.
5. Use a large spoon to scoop out the seeds and pulp from inside the pumpkin. Hold the spoon by its bowl to get extra leverage while scooping.
6. Draw a pattern for the face on the clean pumpkin with a felt-tip pen, or scribe the lines into the skin using a pencil. Be sure to make the eyes, nose and mouth large enough; you'll have a hard time cutting out tiny features when you're using a big knife blade to saw through tough skin.
7. Follow your pattern as you cut all the way through the pumpkin.
8. Push the cut-out features gently from the inside of the pumpkin and discard the pieces.
9. Place a votive candle inside the pumpkin to create an eerie glow.
Have a safe, happy Halloween!

Festive Fall Decorations

Colorful foliage, crisp morning air and bright blue skies, the signs of fall are everywhere. I've still got a basket of apples from the apple picking adventure and found something really fun to do with them. Apple votives, although they do not last very long, carved apple candle holders make a unique and beautiful fall display. They are easy to make and require very little effort to create a centerpiece or a basket of these beautiful fall decorations. You can use them individually to decorate a mantel or place them in a group with some spiced pine cones to brighten a table. For the next dinner party, I plan to float mine in a large bowl sprinkled with colorful leaves and place on the porch to welcome my guests.
What you'll need:
1 decorative bowl or metal tub
½ to 1 dozen apples
1 black or blue thin-line pen
1 small utility knife
1 spoon
Mixture of ground cinnamon, ground cloves and ground nutmeg
½ to 1 dozen tealight candles
a handful of colorful leaves
1. Fill the tab or a sink with water. Place the apples in the water. Dry off apples, separating the ones that float and the ones that don’t; most will float.
2. Check the bottoms of the apples that don’t float. The bottoms need to be flat so that the candles will be upright and won’t roll over.
3. Hold one of the tealights over the top of the apple (over the stem). Trace the outline of the candle on the apple. Use the utility knife to cut out the circle--about ¼ inch deep. Use the spoon to pop the center out.
Keep spooning out apple bits until the candle fits snuggly into the hole, but not too deep. The wick should be completely outside of the apple.
4. Sprinkle cinnamon in the hole and use your finger to evenly spread it over the cut surface, especially the rim of the hole. Place the candle in the hole.
5. Place the floating apples in the bowl or metal tub and make sure they float with the candle upright. Place the non-floating candles on a non-flammable surface. Light the candles.

Apple Season

After a successful day of apple picking, I now have a large basket of apples. I’ve been searching the internet looking for new and interesting recipes. I’ve found recipes for everything from cider to apple pie. Here’s the one I’m trying out tonight.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
4 large boneless pork chops
3 tablespoons butter
2 sweet apples of your choice, peeled and chopped
1 1/2 cups crumbled gorgonzola cheese
Directions
Butterfly each pork chop by slicing horizontally through the center with a sharp knife. Leave them attached on one side so they can be flipped open to create a butterfly shape.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add pork chops, reduce heat to medium and cook slowly for 5 to 7 minutes each side, or until they are done to your liking. Set aside.
Melt butter or margarine in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add apples and saute until tender, then turn off heat and add cheese to skillet. Mix together slowly to form a creamy thick sauce.
Place reserved chops on serving plate and stuff each one with 1/4 of the apple/cheese mixture. Serve hot.

Dust off the Crock Pot

Back to school time is always busy. I have two active kids at home with very hectic schedules. I’m running to games, getting them to practices and helping out with homework so it’s tough to find time to make healthy meals. I’ve come to rely on my crock pot to keep everyone eating well. It’s so easy and there’s nothing like coming home to the smells of a hot meal cooking.
Here’s my favorite Beef Stew recipe…
Ingredients
2 lbs boneless beef cut for stew
Pan Searing Flour
2 Tbsp Vegetable Oil
2 slices Applewood Smoked Uncured Bacon, cut in 1/4-inch strips
1 pkg (40 oz) Stew Vegetables (set aside potatoes)
6 Tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups red wine
4 cups Beef Culinary Stock
2 bay leaves
4 Tbsp Tomato Paste
2 Tbsp Herbes de Provence
Instructions
Dust beef with pan-searing flour.
Heat oil on MEDIUM in large braising pan. Add beef; brown, turning to brown all sides, 8-10 min. Remove beef; place in slow cooker. Add bacon to pan and cook until crisp; set aside. Discard all but 1 Tbsp drippings from pan.Add stew vegetables (minus potatoes) to pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, 4-5 min.
Stir in all-purpose flour. Add wine, stirring to loosen browned bits on bottom of pan. Cook 3-5 min, until liquid is reduced by one-third, to a syrupy consistency. Add broth; bring to simmer.
Pour broth mixture over beef in cooker. Add potatoes, bacon, bay leaves, tomato paste, and herbes; stir slightly.Cover; cook on HIGH for 4-5 hours or LOW 7-9 hours. Transfer beef and vegetable to serving platter. Discard bay leaves. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Pour sauce over beef; serve.
It's also great idea to have cut fruits and vegetables in the fridge for snacking or cooking. I bring a fruit and a veggie arrangement home with me every week. http://www.fruitfreshup.com/catalog.asp?prodid=593019
http://www.fruitfreshup.com/catalog.asp?prodid=593025&showprevnext=1
Nobody’s going hungry this year!

An Apple A Day

Every year I take my daughters apple picking. It’s a fun family tradition we’ve enjoyed since they were little ones. Apples are one of the easiest fruits to pick so it’s fun for all ages. They can be eaten fresh, cooked, canned or even frozen. Apples are fat, sodium, and cholesterol free and one medium apple has about 80 calories.
Picking tips:
Select firm, bruise-free apples.
Picking apples from a tree is easy. Roll the apple upwards off the branch and give a little twist. Don't pull straight away or shake the trees or branches.
Leave the stem on the apples, it helps them store longer.
Once picked:
Place the apples gently in a basket - dropping them may bruise the apple causing it to go bad more quickly.
Don't wash apples until just before using to prevent spoilage.
Keep apples cool after picking to increase shelf life. A cool basement or the fruit drawer of a refrigerator is ideal.
Kept cool, fresh-picked apples will generally keep weeks.

Start planning your apple picking adventure today!

A Creative Lunchbox

Say good bye to the white bread, bologna sandwich and get creative. A whole wheat bagel topped with peanut butter and banana packed with yogurt and baby carrots make a great mid day meal. Roll up some hummus, cheddar cheese and spinach in a whole wheat tortilla, with a side of grapes and a fruit dip, ole! Make cookie cutter turkey cheese sandwiches from whole wheat bread and pack a fruit, yogurt, granola parfait. Fill a pita with fat-free refried beans, shredded cheese and lettuce, and pack with sliced cucumbers and a yogurt dill dip. .
Veggie kabobs are colorful, fun lunchbox fillers!
What you’ll need:
2 popsicle sticks or decorative tooth picks
grape tomatoes
peas
broccoli florets
cucumbers
cubed cheddar cheese
*Any of the above items may be substituted for your child’s favorites.
Alternating veggies and cheese, fill the tooth pick. Don't forget the salad dressing, it makes a great dipper and pack some whole wheat crackers. Kabobs are sure to be lunchbox hit.
Variety, color, taste and a little creativity make lunchtime meals fun!

Locally Grown Produce

With the summer harvest in high gear, I try to buy and cook locally grown produce.
In my area strawberries, greens, summer squash, zucchini, cucumbers, corn, cauliflower, green beans, tomatoes, peppers, blueberries, winter squash, and peaches are available.
Here are a couple of great recipes that are perfect for a picnic or a dinner party and use all the freshest produce.
Strawberry Salad
1 Tbsp sugar
1-1/2 Tbsp white vinegar
1/4 cup minced Vidalia or red onion
1 tsp poppyseeds
1/4 cup light mayo
1/4 cup plain nonfat yogurt
1 head of Romaine lettuce
16oz strawberries, rinsed, hulled, and sliced
Whisk sugar and vinegar in large bowl, until sugar is dissolved. Stir in onion, poppyseeds, mayo and yogurt until well combined.Add romaine to dressing; toss until leaves are lightly and evenly coated. Divide salad among four individual salad plates; garnish with strawberry slices.
Grilled Zucchini & Peppers
3/4 lb zucchini, sliced diagonally in 1/2-inch rounds
1/2 lb sweet red pepper, halved, seeded, cut in 1/2-inch strips
2 Tbsp Oil
Preheat grill on MEDIUM 10 min.
Clean grill with wire brush. Using soft cloth, coat grill grate lightly with vegetable oil.Drizzle zucchini and pepper with oil. Sear on both sides. Grill, turning every 1-2 min, until both sides are grill-marked and vegetables are knife-tender, 10-12 min.
Enjoy the harvest.

Fruit Kabobs

I’ve been invited to a tennis party and I’m bringing the appetizer. With all the fresh fruits of summer in season, I decided to bring a plate of fruit kabobs. They’re so colorful and tasty and what could be more refreshing after a few sets of tennis?! If you’re short on time, most grocery store have pre- chunked fruit or a fruit salad bar, which is a bit more expensive but it’s a timesaver.
Or if you’re really cramped for time you can order a pre made platter
http://www.fruitfreshup.com/catalog.asp?prodid=593023
I found a recipe for a creamy orange dip that sounds delicious.
Here’s all you need
Creamy Orange Dip
1 jar marshmallow creme, 7 oz.
1 cream cheese, 1 - 8 oz. pkg.
2 T. frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed

Summer Festivals

Food fests, art fests, music fests…whatever the fest they’re on my families to do list. Our city hosts the second largest food festival in the country. Over 60 restaurants serve up their specialty dishes to thousands of hungry patrons. Our arts festival began in 1958 and has grown and thrived over the past 50 years. It’s set in a lovely part of town where over 400 exhibitors show their art. At this festival, it’s as much fun to watch the people, as it is to look at the art. The ethnic fests are a great place to get a taste of the culture. My favorite is the Italian festival. The streets are lined with vendors selling everything from cannoli to sausage with peppers and onions, yum. My daughters love to go down to the art museum on Sundays to enjoy the outdoor jazz festival. We find a shady spot, set up the chairs, pop open the picnic basket and kick back, relax and enjoy the music.
If you'd like to find a festival in your neighborhood check out this informative site.
http://www.festivals.com/

Summer Entertaining

Long summer days and warm evenings, mean more time to entertain outdoors. Living in the great white north, I really appreciate summer. When one party is over, I’m busy planning the next one. Whether you prefer a beach party or a backyard barbeque here are some great tips I found to help make every party a success.
A giant umbrella offers relief from the sun and they look good.
Pre-hang some miniature lights and add some candles and your party goes from day to night effortlessly.
I like to throw shawls over the chair backs in case it gets chilly.
Have plenty of icy cold beverages to choose from. I serve mine from a bright red galvanized tub loaded with ice.
Keep the oven off, a crudite is a great no cook appetizer.
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Serve cold soups, my favorite is gazpacho.
Corn on the cob is a hit at any party. If you’d like to upscale it, stack the corn and drizzle with herb butter.
Fresh fruit is always refreshing and it can also serve as a dessert, just add ice cream. Here’s a fruit tray that looks as good as it tastes.
http://www.fruitfreshup.com/catalog.asp?prodid=593023
Last but not least… always have a backup plan in case mother nature doesn’t cooperate.
Party on the patio this weekend.

A Day At The Beach!

The dog days of summer have finally arrived. That means fun, sun and surf. The kids and I plan to spend Saturday basking in the sun on the beach. Packing for the day can be a real hassle.

Here’s the checklist I use to help make it a little easier.

Tote bag - I use a plastic one because it easy to clean

Over-sized beach towel , blanket or beach chair

Hair brush, hair ties and a hat Sunglasses Sunscreen - I keep mine in a zip lock bag to avoid messy leaks

Baby wipes - great to clean up sandy hands

Band aids, insect repellant

Frozen bottles of water Peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, trail mix, pretzels, fresh fruit, hard candies

Reading Material

Music

Sports equipment

Beach toys, floats etc.

Enjoy!

Summer Camp

My daughter leaves for an overnight sports camp on Sunday. The kids stay in college dorms, with no amenities. Last year she forgot her pillow and I had to Fed-Ex it to her the next day. She used a rolled up towel as a pillow and wound up with a sore neck, I spent too much on shipping and wound up with a sore pocket book. That experience taught us a few things and hopefully this year we won’t forget anything.
This is our packing checklist for camp…
Sheets
Blanket
Pillow
Towels
Fan, dorm rooms are hot!
Shorts, T-Shirts, underwear, Sports Bras and socks
Pajamas, clothes to relax in
Toiletries like deodorant, soap, shampoo & conditioner
I always throw in a few band aids just in case
Swimsuit
Sun screen
Sports equipment
Cleats and sneakers
Alarm clock
Spending money for keepsakes
Case of water bottles and sports drink
Healthy snacks like fresh fruit, dried fruit and trail mix, give the kids extra energy and they’re all natural
Here's to the happy camper!

Family Vacation

We’re hitting the highway for a family beach vacation! The challenge, a twelve hour car ride, with three teenagers and two adults, fun wow! Long road trips have gotten easier thanks to i-pods, DVD players and video games, but the eternal question still remains, “When are we going to get there?”
To help make the journey more enjoyable, I found some fun car games online http://www.momsminivan.com/bigkids.html
Oh, and most important, I’m packing great snacks for the ride.
Here’s what I’m packing…
1. Cut Fruits and Vegetables - High sugary snacks can get the kids hyper so I choose to go with natural foods.
http://www.fruitfreshup.com/catalog.asp?prodid=593019
http://www.fruitfreshup.com/catalog.asp?prodid=593025&showprevnext=1
2. Water Bottles- Staying hydrated on a long trip is important.
3. Trail Mix – Satisfy your sweet tooth with a dried fruit and nut mix.
4. Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches
5. Cheese Sticks & Crackers
6. Paper Plates, Napkins and Utensils
7. Paper Towels, for accidental spills.
8. Hand Wipes – to keep everyone germ free.

Have a safe trip!

4th of July Picnic

Parades, picnics, and fireworks… Our forth of July celebration, is this weekend and it’s always a blast. My family’s tradition is to do a potluck picnic. Everyone gets to make their specialty dish and share it with the whole family. My Mom makes the best tuna salad and my sister’s cheezy potatoes are unforgettable. I bring a layered fruit salad, it’s patriotic and the kids love it!

Here’s my recipe…

16 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature

12 tablespoons powdered sugar

2 cup whipping cream

3 teaspoons lemon juice (fresh)

4 cups blueberries

4 cups strawberries

Fresh mint leaves (to garnish)

In a medium mixing bowl, place the cream cheese, lemon juice, and powdered sugar. Whip with an electric mixer until fluffy. Slowly add whipping cream, a little at a time, and continue beating until the cream is incorporated and the mixture is fluffy. Into a large glass bowl, spoon a layer of blueberries into the bowl, then a layer of whipped cream mixture. Add some strawberries or raspberries, then another layer of whipped cream. Continue until the bowl is full, then garnish with mint leaves.

If you don’t feel like being in the kitchen, here are some great patriotic desert items that are sure to please the crowd. http://www.fruitfreshup.com/catalog.asp?prodid=628238&showprevnext=1 http://www.fruitfreshup.com/catalog.asp?prodid=627450&showprevnext=1

Grab your lawn chair and let the fireworks begin!

Creative Wedding Centerpieces

I was recently contacted at work, by a bride, looking for unique wedding centerpieces. Her future husband didn’t like the idea of spending money on flower centerpieces that just end up getting thrown away and wanted a more practical solution. She discovered our website and decided our custom carved watermelon boats would make the perfect centerpieces for their wedding.
http://www.fruitfreshup.com/store.asp?pid=25253&catid=19911
Her inquiry got me thinking…how much does a floral wedding centerpiece cost? Here’s what I learned, on average, floral centerpieces can run anywhere from $75 - $160. Now multiply that by the number of tables, ouch, that can take a bite out of your budget!
Here are some ideas for do it yourselfers that are inexpensive and fun and easy to do.
1. Fill different size and shaped glassware with your favorite candies. Add ribbons and candles and you’ve created sweet centerpieces that your guests can snack on all night long.
2. Fill a glass bowl with water and float gerber daisies and tea lights.
3. If you like the idea of flowers but not the idea of throwing them away. Try potted plants. They are reasonably priced and can be transplanted into your garden.
4. Use some framed pictures of the bride and groom to secure a balloon bouquet.
5. A glass bowl filled with fruit and greens is always a winner.
6. Candles, candles and more candles displayed on a mirror to reflect the light make a romantic centerpiece. Add flower petals and greens for an even softer feel.
With a little creativity you can create unique centerpieces that reflect your personality and save you some money too.

Stay Hydrated...

My kids never drink enough water. So when the heat is on this summer, I’m serving watermelon. This delicious fruit is 92 % water, full of vitamins and antioxidants, and a lot more fun than a glass of water.
There are over 200 varieties of watermelons, so mix it up and try something new. Have you ever tasted yellow watermelon? Yellow watermelons are even sweeter than traditional red melons and they add a great splash of color to a fruit salad.

How to pick the perfect melon:
Look for a round, oval or oblong melon that feels heavy for its size.
A heavy melon, is a juicier melon.
Avoid melons with soft spots or bruises.
If purchasing pre-cut melons, they should be firm in the center with a bright flesh.

Try out this recipe for Watermelon Ice to help cool off this summer.
6tbsp Sugar
4 Lime Leaves
½ c Water
1 ½ lbs. Seedless Watermelon
In a saucepan, over medium heat, add water, sugar, and lime leaves. Cook until sugar dissolves and remove from heat. Pour into a large bowl and cool. Remove watermelon rinds, chunk and pulse in a food processor until it becomes slushy. Stir into sugar mixture. Chill 4 hours, strain and freeze until firm. Thaw in refrigerator for ½ hour before serving.

Here's to staying cool!

Fruit Stamping

I was out shopping for greeting cards yesterday and had sticker shock. The average price for a card was $4. Like everyone else, I’m trying to cut back on my spending. On the next rainy afternoon, I have the perfect project for the kids and me. Creating our own greeting cards is not only economical but hand made cards are more sentimental.
Here’s all you need…
1. Apples (Or Other Fruits & Vegetables)
2. Sponge Brushes
3. Paper Plates
4. Card Stock, Construction Paper or Fabric
5. Paint (Tempra, Watercolor or Fabric Paint)
6. Black Felt Tip Markers

Instructions:
Create Your Stamp
Cut an apple in half. Experiment with your apples (or other fruits and vegetables) by cutting them different ways. Cut through the top and out the bottom to make a 'traditional' apple print, cut through the middle to make apple 'star' prints. Cut the apple into quarters for a different print also! Remove the seeds before stamping.

Put the paint onto paper plates, one color per plate.
Place a sponge brush on each plate. (sponge brushes work great because you can control of the amount of paint, painted on your apple. Too much paint makes the print goopy.)
Brush the paint onto the apple slice. Stamp it onto paper, cardstock or fabric.
Lift the apple slice gently off the page to reveal your print.
Be creative with your project, use different shapes and colors when stamping. Stamp large sheets of paper and use for wrapping paper. Cut out your apple stamps, punch a hole, add a ribbon and use them as gift tags. You can also use fabric paint to make apple print T-shirts, towels, tote bags etc!

Happy Stamping!

Fresh, Local, Fun!

A trip to the farmers market is something my whole family looks forward to. My favorite market opened last weekend, it’s located on a lovely village street, next to an old historic water mill. What a treat it is to buy direct from the farmers. They offer everything!!! Fresh fruits & vegetables, baked goods, fresh roasted coffee, specialty foods, home made sausage, natural fed beef, local wine, cheese, fresh cut flowers, herbs, plants, maple products, honey and so much more! This market even has entertainment, that’s right; when I was there, they had a musician playing and a storyteller entertaining the kids. If you haven’t visited your local farmers market put it on your to do list. If you need help finding the one closest to you, check out this informative website… http://www.localharvest.org/.
You’ll enjoy the freshest harvest and save a few dollars too!

Hurray, picnic season has officially begun!

I love planning a picnic. Whether it’s for the whole family or a romantic outing for two, a successful picnic starts with packing the perfect basket. Here are some tips I use when organizing my basket.
- Be sure to load your basket with enough plates, cups, utensils and napkins.
- Bring along an insulted cooler to keep highly perishable items cold.
- Pack the items you’ll use last, like trash bags and antibacterial wipes at the bottom of the basket.
- Line the bottom of your basket or cooler with ice packs and place the most perishable items closest to the cold source.
- Pack all food in plastic, water tight containers.
- Beverages can be frozen to help keep the food and the drinks icy cold.
- Last but not least, don’t forget to pack the sunscreen, the bug spray and ahhhhh yes, the sunglasses.

Now you can kick back, relax and enjoy the summer.

On The Grill

It’s planning time for my next gourmet dinner group. This month’s theme is “on the grill” and I’m bringing the dessert. I searched the internet looking for ideas and found some tasty looking recipes for grilled fruit.
What a great way to usher in summer!
Since the grill should still be hot and all you need is sliced fruit and cooking oil, it should be easy! Here’s how…
Select the fruits you want to grill. Since it is my first time grilling fruit, I selected pineapple. Hard fruits like apples, pears and pineapple are easiest to grill because the keep their shape and texture while cooking. To make my life even simpler, I’ll pick up some pre-cut pineapple slices from the grocery store. To grill, place the pineapple slices on a clean, oiled cooking grate. If you have a sweet tooth, you can add a bit of brown sugar to help sweeten the fruit. Grill the pineapple over high heat for about 1 minute per side or until browned.
I’ll be serving mine warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup.

So fire up the grill and let the party begin!
Next time, I’m trying grilled bananas!

Party Centerpieces

I’m planning my daughter’s graduation/pool party, so I’m busy selecting the menu, creating the guest list, and looking for decorations to go along with our luau theme. While surfing the net, I came across some fun table top centerpieces that are made using seasonal fruits and vegetables. With a little creativity and patience you can create an economical arrangement yourself.
My favorite is this Tiki mask! (pictured) http://www.watermelon.org/watermelon_carving.asp
I plan to surround it with lots of tea lights and an arrangement of fresh seasonal fruit. Here's a tip...use the seasonal fruit as candle holders, just cut off a little of the top and use a spoon to scoop out a space large enough for a tea light.
If you don’t have time or creativity to carve your own centerpiece, check out these … http://www.fruitfreshup.com/store.asp?pid=25253&catid=19911
Get the party started!

I just got back from a trip to the Dominican Republic and loved discovering all the delicious tropical fruits native to the country! Papaya was my favorite, not only because of its sweet juicy flavor but also because of its wonderful rosy coral color. The standard fruits at my house have always been apples, oranges, melons and berries but now that I’ve tried these new tropical fruits, my fruit salads will never be the same!

Here are some exotic fruits to pick up on your next trip to the grocery store… papaya, star fruit, guava, mango, passion fruit and pomegranate.

Tropical fruits like these also make a great salsa.
Here’s a great recipe my girlfriend shared with me, try it with grilled fish over wild rice…so good!

Tropical Fruit Salsa
2 cups diced (¼ inch) mixed tropical fruits, such as
mango, papaya, pineapple or melon
½ cup sliced scallions
½ cup diced red bell pepper
½ cup diced yellow bell pepper
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
3 tablespoons chopped fresh mint leaves
3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves
3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves
1 teaspoon minced garlic
2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
¼ cup fresh lime juice
¼ cup ginger-ale
¼ cup unsweetened pineapple juice
1 teaspoon olive oil

Make the Tropical Fruit Salsa: combine all the ingredients and toss to mix well. Serve immediately at room temperature or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

Snack Attack...

Many people think snacking is a no-no but snacking isn’t all bad, it actually helps curb hunger and prevents overeating at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Getting my kids to snack healthy hasn’t been easy! It’s much easier for them to munch on chips in front of the TV, than to prepare a healthy snack.
My solution, find snacks that are healthy and easy to prepare.

Healthy Snacks My Kids Love:
apple slices with peanut butter http://www.fruitfreshup.com/catalog.asp?prodid=593043
carrot sticks with hummus
sliced turkey and cheddar cheese
snack mix made with raisins, nuts, and whole wheat cereal
whole grain bagel with low-fat cream cheese
whole grain crackers and tuna
steamed sliced sweet potato with cinnamon
whole grain cereal, dry or with milk
low-fat yogurt with fresh berries

Convenient Healthy Snacks:
Prepare cut-up vegetables like carrots or celery sticks in advance for easy munching. http://www.fruitfreshup.com/catalog.asp?prodid=593025&showprevnext=1
Have easy-to-eat fruits such as oranges and bananas within view on the counter.
Keep goodies out of reach, or better yet, don’t bring the temptation home from the grocery store.

With all the convenient snacks out there, it’s a challenge for kids to make good choices, parents need to lead by example! So the next time you reach for a snack, make sure it’s a healthy one.

Summer Count Down…

With bathing suit season just a couple months away, there’s no more time for excuses! The toughest part about a diet and exercise program, for me, is getting started. I always start slow and build gradually, making small changes can lead to big results. Incorporating your exercise plan into your daily routine is the key to maintaining life long changes.

Getting Started – Find something you like to do. The more fun the activity, the more you’ll want to continue doing it. Set goals that are reasonable and attainable. Invite a friend to join in or support you. Don’t over do it and always check with your doctor before beginning any exercise routine. When you find a plan that works, the rewards you gain, will keep you moving.

Get a new perspective - The no pain, no gain mentality is gone. Today, doctors suggest 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily. That includes sport activities, yard work, bike riding, even a brisk walk with the dog. You can add activity to your day by simply choosing to take the stairs instead of the elevator. Remember any increase in physical activity is beneficial so get moving -you’ll look and feel better!

Change your diet – Snacking on fruits and vegetables is one way to cut calories. Having a healthy stash of pre-cut fruits and vegetables make it a lot easier and convenient.
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Today, thanks to the internet, finding an exercise programs is just a click away. There are many sites that offer information on routines, work out charts, food diaries, menus and even healthy recipes. Here are just a couple,
http://www.nysphysicalactivity.org/mflp/
http://www.health-fitness-tips.com/downloads/

So lace up your sneakers, put one foot in front of the other and you’ll take the first step to living a healthier life.

Hidden Messages in our Foods?

I received an email last week with some interesting trivia and thought it was worth sharing, read on and see what you think...
We all know that raw fruits and vegetables are good for you but did you know that they may actually resemble the body parts that they help support.

Kidney Beans
Kidney Beans heal and help maintain kidney function and remarkably, they look exactly like the human kidney.

Avocado Eggplant Pears
Avocados, eggplants and pears, these fruit & vegetables target the health and function of the womb and cervix of the female and are shaped just like these organs.

Celery
Celery, Bok Choy and Rhubarb look just like bones. These food replenish the skeletal needs of the body and target bone strength. Bones are 23% sodium and these foods are 23% sodium. If the body does not have enough sodium, it is pulled from the bones, making them weak.

Grapes
Grapes hang in clusters shaped like the human heart. Research has shown the benefits grapes have on heart health and they are shown to be a profound heart and blood vitalizing food.

Figs
Figs are full of seeds and hang in twos when they grow. Figs increase the mobility of male sperm and increase the numbers of sperm.

Sweet Potato
Sweet Potatoes balance the glycemic index of diabetics and look just like a human pancreas.

Olives
Olives grow in bunches and assist in the health and function of the ovaries.

Tomato
Tomatoes have four chambers just like the human heart. All the research shows that tomatoes are loaded with lycopine which helps maintain a healthy heart.

Onion
Onions resemble human cells. Research shows they help clear waste materials from all of the body cells. Onions are commonly known to produce tears. Human tears wash the epithelial layers of the eyes.

Orange
Oranges, grapefruits and other citrus fruits look like mammary glands. They assist in breast health and the movement of lymph in and out of the breast.

Carrot
A sliced carrot looks like the human eye, including the iris, the pupil and even the radiating lines. Carrots enhance blood flow to the eye and may help prevent night blindness.

Walnut
Does this resemble your brain? A left and right hemisphere, upper cerebrum, lower cerebrum, the wrinkles and folds on the nut even look like the neo cortex and the shell looks like the skull. Research shows that walnuts help develop more than three dozen neurotransmitters that help brain function.

Fruit Smoothies...yum!

I just got a new blender for Christmas and I've been sampling some smoothie recipes- try them out and see what you think. Enjoy!

Fruitopia
1 banana, peeled and cut up
1/4 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
1/4 cup sliced fresh or frozen strawberries
3/4 cup vanilla soymilk or milk
1/2 cup pomegranate-blueberry juice, pomegranate juice, grape juice, or cranberry juice, chilled
1/2 cup vanilla frozen yogurt or pineapple sherbet

In a blender combine banana, berries, soymilk, juice, and yogurt. Cover and blend until smooth. Pour into glasses. Makes 2 servings.

Banaberry
4 cups sliced fresh strawberries
1 medium banana, sliced
1 6-ounce carton vanilla low-fat yogurt
1 cup ice cubes
1 kiwifruit, peeled and sliced (optional)

In a blender, combine strawberries, banana, and yogurt; cover and blend until smooth. With blender running, add ice cubes, one at a time, through hole in the lid; blend until smooth. Pour into 8 small glasses. If desired, garnish with kiwifruit; serve immediately. Makes 8 (about 1/2-cup) servings.

Just Peachy
2 cups sliced fresh peaches, nectarines, and/or apricots
1 cup fat-free milk
1 6-ounce carton peach fat-free yogurt with no-calorie sweetener
1 cup small ice cubes or crushed ice

In a blender, combine fruit, milk, and yogurt. Cover and blend until smooth. Gradually add ice through hole in lid, blending until almost smooth. If desired, garnish each serving with fresh fruit. Makes 4 (1-cup) servings.

Very Blueberry
2 cups sliced fresh or frozen blueberries
1 cup fat-free milk
1 6-ounce carton blueberry fat-free yogurt with no-calorie sweetener
1 cup small ice cubes or crushed ice

In a blender, combine fruit, milk, and yogurt. Cover and blend until smooth. Gradually add ice through hole in lid, blending until almost smooth. If desired, garnish each serving with fresh fruit. Makes 4 (1-cup) servings.

Strawberrylicious
2 cups sliced fresh or frozen strawberries
1 cup fat-free milk
1 6-ounce carton strawberry fat-free yogurt with no-calorie sweetener
1 cup small ice cubes or crushed ice
Directions

In a blender, combine fruit, milk, and yogurt. Cover and blend until smooth. Gradually add ice through hole in lid, blending until almost smooth. If desired, garnish each serving with fresh fruit. Makes 4 (1-cup) servings.

Fruit Smoothie Pops
Prepare peach, blue berry, or strawberry mixtures as directed through Step 1. Omit ice. Pour mixture into 14 compartments of freezer pop molds. (Or pour into 3-ounce paper or plastic cups. Cover with foil. Make a slit in the foil of each. Add sticks.) Freeze for 4 to 6 hours or until firm. Makes 14 pops. Prepare as directed and freeze for up to one week.

The Pick of the Crop

How can you pick the most delicious fruits and vegetables? Follow our check list to help select the best of the best.

Thump your watermelon, make sure to listen for a hollow sound. Pick the heaviest melon for its size and look for a mild yellow underside. A heavy melon is a juicy one.

Don’t buy slimy lettuce. Limp lettuce is old, make sure your head has crisp, unblemished leaves.

Peaches that give when you apply light pressure, have a fragrant aroma and no dark or mushy spots taste the best. Remember that peaches ripen most on the tree; for a little further ripening, place peaches in a brown paper bag on a counter for a day or two to soften.

Nothing should be sprouting on your onions,shallots, garlic, or potatoes. They should feel hard to the touch, soft ones are probably overripe or dried up.

Firm-textured, deep-red cherries stay tasty in the refrigerator for several days and in the freezer for up to one year. Avoid cherries that are too dark or too soft.

Cantaloupe should have a yellowish tinge to the rind and should yield to soft pressure at the ends and have a fragrant aroma. Melons with the stem still attached are immature and will not yield the best flavor.

The ‘eyes’ of a pineapple tell you if it is ripe; make sure they are all roughly the same size. Unlike a lot of other popular fruits, pineapples will continue to ripen if stored at room temperature.

Apples should be crisp and hard and blemish-free.

The freshest grapes, are firmly attached to the stem. The grapes stem should look green and healthy not dry and brown.

Pick up an orange to test how heavy it is. The heavier the orange, the more juice it contains and the sweeter it should taste.