0 Fondue, it's not just for cheese...

Fondue is a fun and easy dinner. You can fondue meats and vegetables in oil or broth, instead of chunks of bread in cheese sauce. If you use broth, you can season it, add vegetables to it,add wine to it, etc. and have it as a soup after your done cooking the meat in it. This is a very versatile meal.

Cut up all meats (beef, chicken, pork or shrimp, etc.) and vegetables (mushrooms, squash, zucchini, asparagus, brussel sprouts, etc.) that you're going to cook into small pieces. Put them onto individual cooking forks and dip into the hot liquid in your fondue pot (Heat the liquid on the stove first, then put on the fondue burner to save time). You can also use sliced sausage or meatballs, or cut your meats into slices, put cut onions, garlic, spices, etc. on them and roll them up and cook them. When your meat or vegetables are done “cooking” remove them from the cooking forks (forks will be hot, so be careful) and dip them into different sauces. (Put sauces into individual small bowls for each person).

Serve with plates of sliced bread, cheeses, sliced fruits and vegetables, pickles, etc.  

Get creative with your dipping sauces – here are a few ideas...

Curry Sauce
8 oz cottage cheese

2 tsp curry powder

1 Tbl applesauce

salt

saffron or turmeric

Mix all ingredients together, serve in individual bowls.

Ketchup Dip
6 oz ketchup
2 tsp paprika
2 Tbl sour cream
1 tsp soy sauce
1 tsp vinegar

Mix all ingredients together, serve in individual bowls.

Mustard Sauce
2 ½ oz mustard
juice of 1 lemon
1/3 c oil
2 tsp chopped parsley
12 capers

Mix mustard and lemon juice, beat gradually into oil, stir in parsley, add capers last. Serve in individual bowls.

Roquefort Sauce
5 oz Roquefort cheese
½ c oil
¼ c wine vinegar
salt
pepper

Mash the cheese with a fork, mix with the oil to form a paste, add vinegar, season to taste with salt. Put into individual bowls and grind pepper on top.

Teriyaki Sauce
2 Tbl Soy Sauce
2 Tbl water
1 tsp Mirin or sherry

¼ tsp brown sugar

1/8 tsp ginger

Mix together, put into individual bowls.

You can also use dips such as guacamole, onion dip, salsa, etc.

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0 Unique Wedding Dessert Trends, Chocolate Cake Pops Cookie Pops, Chocolate Cake Pops With White Chocolate Drizzle

They are a unique husband and wife if something can be done with their wedding party to impress their guests are asking me all the time. One of the easiest way to do this, with both food and desserts and I about how to impress them, have something even better! There are many different ways can a dessert to impress your guests.

Chocolate Cake Pops Cookie Pops

1. Macaroon
The latest trends, fashion and whether you want to cook, often starts in the big cities. New York and Paris, now dessert is all about the macaroons. It's chocolate ganache, butter cream or flavored like, flavorful, soft layers of holding something, rich and chewy candy with airy. Macaroons are the best combination of all of the trend - it is a lot of flavor, a little bite to it, but it is rare enough to special occasion desserts.

Chocolate Cake Pops With White Chocolate Drizzle

2. Ice Cream Float
It brings the inner child in all of your guests! Choose your favorite flavor of ice cream for everyone, even soda can be mixed with beer and wine! You mix and match options for so many, everyone will be happy.

Delicious Chocolate Cake Pops

3. Strawberry injected
This is a very interesting twist on your typical bar strawberry! Guests are another liqueur (orange brandy, Baileys, Kahlua, Raspberry Vodka, etc.) then you can choose from, they are injected by syringe into strawberries are dipped in rich white and dark chocolate. To this end the already tasty treat, different choices of toppings to round off their goodies (nuts, coconut, sprinkles), you can choose from. Delicious!

4. Pop cake
Pop cake is the latest trendy and desserts around! Pop cake is covered with a coating of rich chocolate sticks and a little decadent cake on can be dressed up or down for any occasion.

Double Chocolate Cake Pops

5. Mochi Ice Cream
Many people have heard it, and desserts that the end will be talking about it is not for everyone! Mochi mochi ice cream is filled with ice cream (pounded rice sticks) made from sweets. Many flavors to choose from (strawberry and mango, green tea, chocolate, vanilla), this small your guests, you'll still love the refreshing treat.

Chocolate Cake Pops Picture

Many couples become it's dessert are choosing the option. From the traditional to have a cake instead, but some of the dessert table has been selected. The dessert table can be custom made with a specific theme that you'd think. Or not interested in the traditional cake for your wedding you want your wedding cake with 5 being spoken about what is okay to me whether it contains a "unique" dessert, dessert tray for your guests as well might be able to help incorporate the theme.
More information about chocolate cake pops

0 The Quickest and Easiest Meals - Stir Frys!

Stir frys are the epitome of quick, easy to make food. Stir frys are some of my favorite meals and they don't have to be Asian inspired either. Although anyone that knows me, knows that I LOVE Asian food! There is so much versatility in stir frys – really, it's nearly endless... the vegetables that you can use, the sauces, the spices....Mmmm.

Another great thing about stir frys is that they makes it very easy to increase your vegetable consumption. One of the reasons (besides eating processed foods) that we're getting fat and sick in this country is because we don't eat enough fruits and vegetables. With stir frys you can just load them up with veggies, as a matter of fact depending on the veggies you use and what you eat with the stir fry with you don't even need to have meat in there (lowering your fat intake and raising your vitamin and fiber intake)! And you won't miss it either.

Since I do love Asian food so much, most of the time I do make stir frys that have more of an Asian flavor to them. However, last night I made a shrimp scampi type stir fry that was really good. When you decide to make a stir fry all you really have to do is look in the fridge and see what you've got, decide on a flavor you want to have and go for it!

You don't have to use oil when making a stir fry either, you can make it a healthier choice by using a vegetable or meat stock – make your own or if you buy one, be sure to choose a low sodium stock without a lot of extra ingredients.

First, I decide on what kind of flavor I want, sweet, salty, hot, garlicky, spicy, etc. Next, I usually start with either garlic or onions or both. Then I'll see if I have carrots, mushrooms, peppers, shelled edamame, squash, zucchini, green beans, snow peas, jicama, bean sprouts, broccoli, spinach, seaweed, etc. After that I'll try to decide if I want meat, seafood or tofu in it – you don't need to eat any of them either and you can still get enough protein just put it on top of quinoa or brown rice or add some black beans to your stir fry. Finally, I decide what kind of starch I want to have with it soba noodles, those delicious no carb shiratake noodles, white rice, brown rice or quinoa (notice that quinoa is both a complete protein source and a carb!) – and do I want to put it on top of those, or do I want them stirred in. If you add the noodles or rice to the stir fry, don't add it until you are nearly done (with the exception of the shirataki noodles which can go in at any time) - so that they don't overcook or disintegrate.  See, I told you the possibilities are nearly endless...

So, last nights stir fry - 

Shrimp & Garlic Stir Fry

8 large shrimp cut into thirds
4 cloves chopped garlic
½ c sliced onion
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 c shredded cabbage
2 carrots, sliced
6 broccoli florets, about ¾ cup or spinach
½ c shelled edamame
4 baby portabello mushrooms, sliced
2 Tbl olive oil
1 Tbl butter
soba noodles (buckwheat) - these are usually wrapped inside the package, use one wrapped portion

Cut up all the shrimp and veggies, set aside. Boil water in a medium size pot, add soba noodles, cook for about 8-10 minutes, drain and set aside. While the water is heating and the noodles are cooking, add oil, butter, garlic and onion to a large frying pan or wok, cook over low heat for about 2-3 minutes. When making stir fry, remember to stir all the ingredients often while cooking. Raise heat to about medium low, add bell peppers, carrots and broccoli, cook for about another minute. Add shrimp, cook for about another 3-4 minutes. Add edamame, mushrooms and cabbage, turn the heat up again to about medium to medium high, cook for about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the cooked noodles into the dish and turn off heat. Let sit about a minute and serve hot over noodles. Serves 2.

Nutritional Data for Shrimp & Garlic Stir Fry
Calories – 418
Total Fat – 22 g
     Saturated Fat – 6 g
     Trans Fat – 0 g
Cholesterol – 52 mg
Sodium – 370 mg
Total Carbohydrates – 45 g
     Dietary Fiber – 7 g
     Sugars – 10 g
Protein – 16 g
Vitamin A – 250%
Vitamin C – 217%
Calcium – 12%
Iron – 18%

Mmmm good and done in about 18 minutes, start to finish. Other sauce ideas besides butter/oil and garlic are: 1) soy, a little bit of brown sugar, fresh or dried ginger, mirin or sherry, 2) soy, water, hot sauce, fermented red pepper paste, or cayenne pepper, 3) just soy and water, 4) a little miso paste, water and vinegar, 5) olive oil, vinegar, garlic and oregano 6) olive oil, garlic, white wine. You can just stir fry your ingredients in oil or broth and about half way through add spices, you don't need to make a sauce.  You can also add different spices like cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, chili powder, curry powder, etc. Just try different things and see what you like!

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0 25 spices, herbs and seeds/nuts that are especially good for your health

Did you know that some spices, herbs and nuts are high in antioxidants, have anti-inflammatory properties and can even raise your metabolism to help you loose weight? They can also help fight diabetes, lower cholesterol, fight macular degeneration and cancer. Try these spices, get creative and add them to your meals. Have a small handful of nuts as a mid morning or mid afternoon snack.

Allspice: An aromatic stimulant that helps to relieve indigestion and gas.

Almonds: Contains plant sterols, amino acids, vitamin E – lowers bad cholesterol, lowers blood sugar, bolsters testosterone levels, builds muscles and may help loose weight.

Brazil Nuts: Contains more than 100% recommended daily value of selenium. May help prevent, bone, prostate and breast cancer. Don't overdo these, a serving is 5-6 nuts – too much selenium is not a good thing.

Cashews: Contain iron and zinc. Helps prevent anemia, and promotes healthy immune system, vision and helps with memory loss.

Cayenne Pepper: Contains beta-carotene, capsaicin, vitamin A – helps stimulate the metabolism, acts as a natural blood thinner, helps release endorphins, helps the immune system, fights inflammation and may help fight prostate cancer.

Crushed Chili Peppers: Contains beta-carotene, capsaicin, vitamin A – helps stimulate the metabolism, acts as a natural blood thinner, helps release endorphins, helps the immune system, fights inflammation and may help fight prostate cancer.

Cinnamon: Rich in antioxidants – inhibits blood clotting and bacteria growth (bad breath), helps stabilize blood sugar, helps reduce cholesterol, is good for the immune system and can be used as an antidote for diarrhea and stomach upset.

Flax Seeds: Contains protein, alpha linolenic omega-3's – heart healthy and anti-inflammatory. You can sprinkle these on a salad, in your stir fry or put them in your pancake batter.

Garlic: Aids in digestion and relieve flatulence, can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. May also help treat diabetes.

Ginger: Contains gingerol – improves health and helps fight cancer, aids digestion (anti-nausea), reduces pain and is good for the immune system.

Green Tea: Contains the antioxidant EGCG, phytonutrients – helps reduce the risk of cancer, supports the health of good intestinal bacteria while prohibiting the growth of bad bacteria like, E.Coli, Clostridium and Salmonella and is good for the immune system.

Hazelnuts: High in monounsaturated fats, and vitamin E. Can improve cardiovascular health, help manage diabetes, prevent cataracts and macular degeneration, maintain healthy skin and reduce risk of dementia.

Horseradish: Is related to mustard and is also a digestive stimulant.

Macadamia: Lowers LDL, triglyceride and total cholesterol levels as well as blood pressure.

Mustard: Is a stimulant and can help with respiratory complaints.

Oregano: Contains the highest concentration of antioxidants of any herb.

Paprika: Contains beta-carotene, capsaicin, vitamin A – helps stimulate the metabolism, acts as a natural blood thinner, helps release endorphins, helps the immune system, fights inflammation and may help fight prostate cancer.

Pecans: Helps lower LDL cholesterol and fights plaque build-up in your arteries.

Peppermint: Helps with digestion and gastric disorders, it also helps reduce tension and insomnia.

Pistachio: Rich in antioxidants, vitamins E & B6 and potassium. May help reduce respiratory stress and lung cancer. Helps build a healthy nervous system and muscles, can lift your mood and fortify your immune system.

Rosemary: Helps reduce inflammation and may help fight heart disease

Sunflower Seeds: Contains dietary fiber, vitamin E, B vitamins, copper, manganese, iron, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, selenium, calcium and zinc – may help lower cholesterol.

Thyme: Contains antioxidants, and may help with respiratory problems.

Turmeric: Contains curcumin (a polyphenol) – anti-tumor, anti-arthritis, anti-inflammatory, helps with heart disease and also inhibits the growth of plaques associated with Alzheimer's.

Walnuts: Contains the most antioxidants of all nuts and the richest in omega-3 fatty acids. Helps fight cancer, heart disease and premature aging.

Party/Trail Mix – eat sparingly

1 ½ c Wheat Chex cereal
½ c almonds
½ c pecans
½ c walnuts
½ c hazelnuts
½ c brazil nuts, chopped
¼ c sunflower seeds
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp paprika
2 pinches of cayenne pepper
2 Tbl butter

Preheat oven to 400. Melt butter in a small sauce pan, stir in salt and spices. Toss dry ingredients in a large bowl, mix well, pour butter mixture over nut mixture, stir gently. Pour mixture onto a large baking sheet, bake for about 5 minutes. Let cool* and store in an airtight container. A serving would be about a ¼ cup – unless you're really hiking or doing heavy exercise.

*Once cooled, you can add raisins, dried cranberries or other dried fruit.

Nutritional Data for Party/Trail Mix
Calories – 163
Total Fat – 14 g
     Saturated Fat – 2 g
     Trans Fat – 0 g
Cholesterol – 4 mg
Sodium – 90 mg
Total Carbohydrates – 8 g
     Dietary Fiber – 3 g
     Sugars – 1 g
Protein – 4 g
Vitamin A – 2%
Vitamin C – 2%
Calcium – 4%
Iron – 13%

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