Whether you are a student or not, you will find these tasty and healthy foods to be affordable for any budget. Whole grains, clean protein, and vegetables can feed your body well without breaking the bank. Check them out, and of course feel free to share your own yummy budget-friendly snack ideas below!
Healthy Eating on a College or any Budget
Meal ideas for eating healthy on a college or any budget. I hope you Subscribe!!! ROUNDORAMA Blog: roundorama.com Vote for me on RealityWanted.com www.realitywanted.com TWITTER: twitter.com THE ROUND DIET Book: tinyurl.com
Friday, September 30, 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Healthy Egg Recipes
So, you’ve heard the good news about eggs? They are no longer on the naughty list. Eggs have many nutritional benefits, and they are super easy to prepare, making them a favorite of bachelors and college students. Include them in your daily diet with these delicious and healthy recipes.
Eggs are not just for the holidays. They can be eaten every day. To their credit, eggs contain protein, healthy fats, low cholesterol, helpful minerals and vitamins. Eating two eggs a day can give you a good start to the day. Adding protein to each meal helps curb the cravings that could otherwise derail your diet. We always recommend using organic eggs, or if you can get them, eggs from pastured poultry - these are the healthiest and contain the most nutrients and good fats. (See bottom of this blog post for more on pastured poultry.)
So, how do you eat eggs? Here are some good basic recipes to get you started.
Image via Wikipedia* Scrambled eggs – Break eggs into a bowl, and beat with a fork until well mixed. Pour into a hot greased skillet, and scramble until you like the doneness of the egg. Eat with a side of whole wheat toast and a piece of fruit.
* Omelet – Who doesn’t like a good omelet? Here are a few pointers. Only use two eggs, unless you're a big eater. Adding a third for density is not necessary. A tablespoon of water in the egg mixture can make it lighter and fluffier so you get a bigger omelet without additional calories. Also, add your favorite healthy ingredients for a more satisfying meal. Try diced tomatoes, onions, green peppers, lean ham or turkey sausage.
* Boiled eggs – They are easy for breakfast on the go. Many kids like them too. Boil several eggs and place them in the fridge. Place them in warm water and peel them for everyone to enjoy at breakfast the next day. Keep the yolks in for added nutritional value!
* Breakfast scramble – Take your eggs to the next level. Combine eggs or egg whites with Canadian bacon cubes, turkey sausage, cheese cubes and onions. Scramble in a pan until the eggs are done. Top with salsa. It’s a twist on regular scrambled eggs.
* Quiche – Combine your love of eggs with a food that can be eaten for lunch. Mix eggs with delicious add-ins like onions, ham and low-fat cheese, milk, and spices, and pour into a lightly baked crust. Bake for 1 hour or until solid in the center. Everyone can create their own favorite quiche recipe for the family.
Image via Wikipedia* Egg salad – This makes a great vegetarian sandwich for lunch. Add light or fat-free mayonnaise and mustard. Place into pita pockets for a quick and less messy sandwich! It is easy to make in a hurry as well. Coarsely chop your eggs and add your condiments. Some people like pickles or relish in their egg salad.
* Deviled eggs – These are great for an appetizer for a party or to have when you want a snack. Combine mustard, low-fat mayonnaise, paprika and boiled egg yolks in a bowl. Spoon it back into each cut boiled egg half. Sprinkle with more paprika.
* Frittata – Whisk your eggs until well blended. Add them to a heated skillet. Add your favorite toppings like chopped veggies or fresh herbs. Cook covered in the skillet until the eggs are set and done, or if it is very thick, finish under the broiler for a couple of minutes. Slide the frittata out of the pan onto your plate.
Yum! Tasty, healthy, and filling - you can't ask for much more.
Eggs are not just for the holidays. They can be eaten every day. To their credit, eggs contain protein, healthy fats, low cholesterol, helpful minerals and vitamins. Eating two eggs a day can give you a good start to the day. Adding protein to each meal helps curb the cravings that could otherwise derail your diet. We always recommend using organic eggs, or if you can get them, eggs from pastured poultry - these are the healthiest and contain the most nutrients and good fats. (See bottom of this blog post for more on pastured poultry.)
So, how do you eat eggs? Here are some good basic recipes to get you started.
Image via Wikipedia* Scrambled eggs – Break eggs into a bowl, and beat with a fork until well mixed. Pour into a hot greased skillet, and scramble until you like the doneness of the egg. Eat with a side of whole wheat toast and a piece of fruit.* Omelet – Who doesn’t like a good omelet? Here are a few pointers. Only use two eggs, unless you're a big eater. Adding a third for density is not necessary. A tablespoon of water in the egg mixture can make it lighter and fluffier so you get a bigger omelet without additional calories. Also, add your favorite healthy ingredients for a more satisfying meal. Try diced tomatoes, onions, green peppers, lean ham or turkey sausage.
* Boiled eggs – They are easy for breakfast on the go. Many kids like them too. Boil several eggs and place them in the fridge. Place them in warm water and peel them for everyone to enjoy at breakfast the next day. Keep the yolks in for added nutritional value!
* Breakfast scramble – Take your eggs to the next level. Combine eggs or egg whites with Canadian bacon cubes, turkey sausage, cheese cubes and onions. Scramble in a pan until the eggs are done. Top with salsa. It’s a twist on regular scrambled eggs.
* Quiche – Combine your love of eggs with a food that can be eaten for lunch. Mix eggs with delicious add-ins like onions, ham and low-fat cheese, milk, and spices, and pour into a lightly baked crust. Bake for 1 hour or until solid in the center. Everyone can create their own favorite quiche recipe for the family.
Image via Wikipedia* Egg salad – This makes a great vegetarian sandwich for lunch. Add light or fat-free mayonnaise and mustard. Place into pita pockets for a quick and less messy sandwich! It is easy to make in a hurry as well. Coarsely chop your eggs and add your condiments. Some people like pickles or relish in their egg salad.* Deviled eggs – These are great for an appetizer for a party or to have when you want a snack. Combine mustard, low-fat mayonnaise, paprika and boiled egg yolks in a bowl. Spoon it back into each cut boiled egg half. Sprinkle with more paprika.
* Frittata – Whisk your eggs until well blended. Add them to a heated skillet. Add your favorite toppings like chopped veggies or fresh herbs. Cook covered in the skillet until the eggs are set and done, or if it is very thick, finish under the broiler for a couple of minutes. Slide the frittata out of the pan onto your plate.
Yum! Tasty, healthy, and filling - you can't ask for much more.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Eating Healthy For Students
Well, it's fall, and in most areas of the country, classes are back in full swing. College students can find it tricky to eat well, with so much food available (and no parents around to limit the junk food consumption!). Now is the time to learn self-control and establish healthy eating habits for your adult years.
Image via WikipediaFor many students, eating at college is a whole new ball game, with late night pizza delivery and junk food readily available just about everywhere (and most dorms don't have easy access to a kitchen, even if you wanted to cook for yourself). Even though some of these quick and simple options taste great, many are probably not healthy for your body.
The food choices students make can affect whether or not they are able to remain awake during class
and whether or not they will come down with mononucleosis (or the flu) when it hits campus. But the problem is not just with eating junk food, it's more about not getting the proper proteins, carbs, vitamins, and minerals that people need to be healthy.
When it comes to defending against illnesses, vitamins and minerals are very important. And though it may be easy to take vitamins and supplements, it's really best to get most of your nutrition from food.
Image by Calvert Cafe & Catering via FlickrYou can find vitamin C in citric fruits, Vitamin A in milk and dairy products, and vitamin E in nuts, whole wheat products, and even green leafy vegetables. This is the ideal way to get nutrition, as your body relies on these vitamins for many reasons.
When you eat on campus, skip on the sodas and go right to the juice machines - or just drink water. Explore the different entrees available and go to the salad bar where there are fresh vegetables. You can also try putting some broccoli and cauliflower in the microwave for steamed vegetables. There is usually plenty of fresh fruit available in dining halls as well.
Always remember that eating healthy isn't just about avoiding greasy foods. Eating healthy involves eating a balanced diet and getting the right nutrients and vitamins to keep your body in peak performance - or at least awake during your classes.
Image via WikipediaFor many students, eating at college is a whole new ball game, with late night pizza delivery and junk food readily available just about everywhere (and most dorms don't have easy access to a kitchen, even if you wanted to cook for yourself). Even though some of these quick and simple options taste great, many are probably not healthy for your body. The food choices students make can affect whether or not they are able to remain awake during class
and whether or not they will come down with mononucleosis (or the flu) when it hits campus. But the problem is not just with eating junk food, it's more about not getting the proper proteins, carbs, vitamins, and minerals that people need to be healthy.
When it comes to defending against illnesses, vitamins and minerals are very important. And though it may be easy to take vitamins and supplements, it's really best to get most of your nutrition from food.
Image by Calvert Cafe & Catering via FlickrYou can find vitamin C in citric fruits, Vitamin A in milk and dairy products, and vitamin E in nuts, whole wheat products, and even green leafy vegetables. This is the ideal way to get nutrition, as your body relies on these vitamins for many reasons.When you eat on campus, skip on the sodas and go right to the juice machines - or just drink water. Explore the different entrees available and go to the salad bar where there are fresh vegetables. You can also try putting some broccoli and cauliflower in the microwave for steamed vegetables. There is usually plenty of fresh fruit available in dining halls as well.
Always remember that eating healthy isn't just about avoiding greasy foods. Eating healthy involves eating a balanced diet and getting the right nutrients and vitamins to keep your body in peak performance - or at least awake during your classes.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Video - 5 Healthy & Delicious Breakfast Ideas
Here is a great video on 5 easy and healthy breakfast ideas - check these out, and try them all! (We don't recommend soy milk - non-homogenized organic milk, or even raw milk if you can get it - is best.) But the rest of the info is good, and pay attention to the comments about organic choices. These are various quick and delicious ways to get the nutrients you need to start your day off right.
Healthy Breakfast Food Recipes - Nutrition by Natalie
Be My Friend - www.myspace.com Healthy Breakfast Food Recipes - Nutrition by Natalie Natalie tell you five different healthy breakfast items and how to cook or make them. A good breakfast is key to your health and wellness. Items include, Smoothie, B...
Healthy Breakfast Food Recipes - Nutrition by Natalie
Be My Friend - www.myspace.com Healthy Breakfast Food Recipes - Nutrition by Natalie Natalie tell you five different healthy breakfast items and how to cook or make them. A good breakfast is key to your health and wellness. Items include, Smoothie, B...
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Recipe - Pumpkin Cornmeal Bread
Here is a delicious breakfast idea - great for these cool fall mornings! With the healthy benefits of pumpkin (a super food!), and buttermilk for a moist crumb, plus very little sugar, this tasty bread makes a great breakfast on the go - just make the night before, and eat cold, or grab a slice and warm in the toaster oven before heading out.
Pumpkin Cornmeal Bread
Image via WikipediaIngredients:
1 cup pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 Tbsp sugar
1 tsp baking soda
2 cups cornmeal
1 egg, beaten slightly
1 1/2 cup buttermilk
2 Tbsp shortening (melted)
Directions:
Pumpkin Cornmeal Bread
Image via WikipediaIngredients: 1 cup pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 Tbsp sugar
1 tsp baking soda
2 cups cornmeal
1 egg, beaten slightly
1 1/2 cup buttermilk
2 Tbsp shortening (melted)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees and spray 9 inch cake pan or cast iron skillet with non-stick oil.
- Put pumpkin and dry ingredients in big bowl and mix until combined.
- Add beaten egg and buttermilk, stirring to combine.
- Add melted shortening and stir.
- Pour into prepared pan.
- Bake in preheated oven at 375 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes or until firm in center, and browned around the edges.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Healthy and Easy Breakfast Ideas
Want to eat well and nourish your body without spending hours in the kitchen every morning? These breakfast ideas will help you get all the nutrients your body needs and take less than 30 minutes to prepare. Some may not be what you would consider "breakfast foods," but they all provide a great healthy boost of vitamins and nutrients to start off your day with energy and keep you going 'til lunchtime - and won't weigh you down and make you sluggish like a heavy, grain-centered breakfast does.
Image via Wikipedia1. Soaked Beans and Balsamic Salad
Soak pinto beans, black beans or lentils in water for 10 minutes, drain, add fresh water, then boil them until soft. The soaking "extracts" the chemicals that causes gas, resulting in a healthy, protein and nutrient-rich dish without the unpleasant effects. (May cook the day before and refrigerate, for a faster prep time in the morning.)
Sprinkle the beans with a pinch of salt and pepper. Add a dash of oregano or dill for flavor.
Drain the beans and sprinkle over a nice green salad with a bit of balsamic vinegar and olive oil on top.
This breakfast is rich in proteins from the beans, rich in vitamins from the greens and also gives you healthy plant fats from the olive oil. (This also makes a great lunch, and you can substitute canned beans, drained and rinsed, to make it even faster.)
2. Fruit Salad with Yogurt
Cut up three or four different kinds of fruits. Add a cup of yogurt on top and mix - an extremely simple dish.
The fruits will provide your body with a boost of easy to use sugars to start the day off. It'll also provide a wide range of nutrients, like potassium or magnesium.
The yogurt contains many healthy bacteria that help digestion.
3. Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice with Hummus and Pita
Fresh squeezed orange juice is rich in Vitamin C, among other things. It tastes great and will also give your body an energy boost. Orange juice is best squeezed right before consumption, as nutrients in the juice can deteriorate quickly when exposed to air.
Combine the orange juice with pita bread and hummus. You can pick these up at most grocery or health food stores.
Pita and hummus are very easy to prepare, as there's no cooking required (unless you want to make your own hummus the day before). All you need to do is heat it up and breakfast is served. Preparation time? Less than 10 minutes.
Image via Wikipedia4. Scrambled Eggs with Organic Cheese and Veggies
What breakfast list would be complete without eggs? Cooking scrambled eggs (or an omelet) with veggies inside is one of the healthiest and easiest ways to have a delicious breakfast.
The veggies in the eggs should be veggies that cook quickly, like spinach, mushrooms or onions. Avoid slow-cook veggies like eggplants or broccoli. It also helps to add a dash of spices or herbs to make the eggs more flavorful.
Top off the scramble or omelet with some organic cheese from your local health food store. You now have a protein-rich, whole food breakfast that's both fast and easy to make.
If you want the breakfast to be a bit more filling, add a couple slices of whole-grain (preferably sprouted) toast on the side.
These are four highly nutritious and easy to make meals. None of them take more than 30 minutes to make and will give your body all the minerals, vitamins and energy it needs to lead a productive day.
Image via Wikipedia1. Soaked Beans and Balsamic SaladSoak pinto beans, black beans or lentils in water for 10 minutes, drain, add fresh water, then boil them until soft. The soaking "extracts" the chemicals that causes gas, resulting in a healthy, protein and nutrient-rich dish without the unpleasant effects. (May cook the day before and refrigerate, for a faster prep time in the morning.)
Sprinkle the beans with a pinch of salt and pepper. Add a dash of oregano or dill for flavor.
Drain the beans and sprinkle over a nice green salad with a bit of balsamic vinegar and olive oil on top.
This breakfast is rich in proteins from the beans, rich in vitamins from the greens and also gives you healthy plant fats from the olive oil. (This also makes a great lunch, and you can substitute canned beans, drained and rinsed, to make it even faster.)
2. Fruit Salad with Yogurt
Cut up three or four different kinds of fruits. Add a cup of yogurt on top and mix - an extremely simple dish.
The fruits will provide your body with a boost of easy to use sugars to start the day off. It'll also provide a wide range of nutrients, like potassium or magnesium.
The yogurt contains many healthy bacteria that help digestion.
3. Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice with Hummus and Pita
Fresh squeezed orange juice is rich in Vitamin C, among other things. It tastes great and will also give your body an energy boost. Orange juice is best squeezed right before consumption, as nutrients in the juice can deteriorate quickly when exposed to air.
Combine the orange juice with pita bread and hummus. You can pick these up at most grocery or health food stores.
Pita and hummus are very easy to prepare, as there's no cooking required (unless you want to make your own hummus the day before). All you need to do is heat it up and breakfast is served. Preparation time? Less than 10 minutes.
Image via Wikipedia4. Scrambled Eggs with Organic Cheese and VeggiesWhat breakfast list would be complete without eggs? Cooking scrambled eggs (or an omelet) with veggies inside is one of the healthiest and easiest ways to have a delicious breakfast.
The veggies in the eggs should be veggies that cook quickly, like spinach, mushrooms or onions. Avoid slow-cook veggies like eggplants or broccoli. It also helps to add a dash of spices or herbs to make the eggs more flavorful.
Top off the scramble or omelet with some organic cheese from your local health food store. You now have a protein-rich, whole food breakfast that's both fast and easy to make.
If you want the breakfast to be a bit more filling, add a couple slices of whole-grain (preferably sprouted) toast on the side.
These are four highly nutritious and easy to make meals. None of them take more than 30 minutes to make and will give your body all the minerals, vitamins and energy it needs to lead a productive day.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Recipe - Mixed Salad with Feta Cheese and Blueberries
Yum! I haven't tried this one yet, but I'm going to - it sounds awesome! Simple, easy, and healthy, with a lovely mix of colors and flavors and textures. Let us know how you like it....
Mixed Salad with Feta Cheese and Blueberries
(Serves 2 as a main lunch or 4 as a side dish)
Ingredients:
5-6 cups mixed salad leaves
5 oz fresh blueberries
4 oz walnuts, chopped and toasted
8oz feta cheese, crumbled
Dressing:
4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tbsp honey
Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Arrange the salad leaves on a large serving platter. Sprinkle with feta cheese and top with blueberries and walnuts.
Meanwhile, place all dressing ingredients in a jar with a lid and shake until well combined. Season well. Drizzle over the salad and serve immediately.
Mixed Salad with Feta Cheese and Blueberries
(Serves 2 as a main lunch or 4 as a side dish)
Ingredients:
5-6 cups mixed salad leaves
5 oz fresh blueberries
4 oz walnuts, chopped and toasted
8oz feta cheese, crumbled
Dressing:
4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tbsp honey
Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Arrange the salad leaves on a large serving platter. Sprinkle with feta cheese and top with blueberries and walnuts.
Meanwhile, place all dressing ingredients in a jar with a lid and shake until well combined. Season well. Drizzle over the salad and serve immediately.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Video - Easy Summer Tomato Sauce
I guess this one probably doesn't technically count as "from scratch," since it uses canned tomatoes, but you could easily use diced fresh tomatoes and a little basil, and it wouldn't take much longer. If you're in a pinch for time, this is a great way to make a quick pasta sauce for an easy weeknight dinner. It made me hungry just watching!
Re: Summer Cooking Guru Challenge!!
simple tomatoe sauce
Re: Summer Cooking Guru Challenge!!
simple tomatoe sauce
Monday, September 12, 2011
Meatless Monday Recipe - Summer Dish
I have had this dish at least once every summer since I was a kid. It really is a one-pot meal, incorporating the bounty of summer veggies all together in one delicious pot. It is hard to classify, as it's not exactly a stew, but neither is it a casserole. My mom's recipe card (which I copied for my own prolific recipe collection a few years ago) simply calls it "Summer Dish," which I suppose is as good a description as any.
This makes a huge pot, but luckily it is great reheated. Divide it into individual portion-sized containers for a grab & go lunch option. Even the kids may like this one, as you can disguise a lot of vegetables in here. You can cook the brown rice a day ahead to make it faster, but it really doesn't take long - the rice will probably take longer than the rest of it.
Summer Dish:
 |
| A yummy bowl full. |
Summer Dish:
- Saute 1 chopped onion and one (or more) anaheim or other hot pepper in 1 TB olive oil + 1 TB butter.
- Add 1 medium-sized peeled and diced eggplant, and continue saute.
- 6-8 large fresh tomatoes, chopped
- 6-8 patty pan squash, yellow summer squash, zucchini, or a combination, diced
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- Add saute to simmering tomatoes & squash when browned. Continue to simmer until vegetables are tender.
- Add 1 TB chopped fresh parsley and 1 TB chopped fresh cilantro or basil.
- Add 4-6 cups cooked brown rice. Mix well.
- Top with 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Recipe - Grilled Beer Brats with Caramelized Onions
Trying to get all your grilling in before the end of the season? Be sure to fit this one in somewhere!
Image via WikipediaGrilled Beer Brats with Caramelized OnionsIngredients:
1 package (19 oz) fresh bratwurst
2 large onions, thinly sliced
1 tsp caraway seeds
3 bottles (12 oz ea) good beer
2 Tbsp olive oil
5 buns or rolls
mustard to taste
Directions:
- In a large pot, put the brats, onions, caraway seeds, and beer. Bring to a boil, then turn down and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove brats and set aside.
- Pour liquid through a colander and take the onion mixture left in colander and put in large skillet with a drizzle of olive oil.
- Turn heat on under skillet to low, cover skillet, and let simmer very slowly until caramelized, stirring occasionally. This will take at least 20 to 25 minutes if done correctly. The onions will become golden brown, soft, and sweet.
- When ready to eat, set grill to medium heat. Put brats on grill and cook about 10 minutes, turning often so all sides get good grill marks.
- Serve on buns with mustard and a generous helping of caramelized onion on top. (Please! No ketchup.)
More Grill Recipes & Resources:
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Recipe - Cheesy Grilled Eggplant Sandwiches with Roasted Red Pepper Flourish
Here is a great recipe for a late summer picnic. It's a great way to use up some of those eggplants that are so plentiful this time of year. This one will turn even 
Image via Wikipediaavid eggplant haters into converts - Yum!
Cheesy Grilled Eggplant Sandwiches with Roasted Red Pepper Flourish
(Makes 4 sandwiches.)
Ingredients:
2 Tbsp mayonnaise
2 Tbsp chopped fresh basil
2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 small eggplant, cut into eight 1/2 inch thick slices
1/2 tsp garlic salt
8 slices hearty bread
8 thin slices fresh mozzarella cheese
1/3 cup jarred sliced roasted red peppers
4 thin slices sweet onion
Directions:
More Tasty and Unique Sandwich Ideas:
Image via Wikipediaavid eggplant haters into converts - Yum!Cheesy Grilled Eggplant Sandwiches with Roasted Red Pepper Flourish
(Makes 4 sandwiches.)
Ingredients:
2 Tbsp mayonnaise
2 Tbsp chopped fresh basil
2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 small eggplant, cut into eight 1/2 inch thick slices
1/2 tsp garlic salt
8 slices hearty bread
8 thin slices fresh mozzarella cheese
1/3 cup jarred sliced roasted red peppers
4 thin slices sweet onion
Directions:
- Set your grill to medium-high heat and allow to preheat.
- Put mayonnaise and basil in a small bowl and mix to blend.
- Brush 1 tablespoon oil on both sides of eggplant and sprinkle with garlic salt.
- Brush remaining 1 tablespoon oil on one side of each slice of bread.
- Put the eggplant on grill and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, flip, then top with mozzarella cheese; continue grilling until the cheese is melted and the eggplant is cooked, about 3 to 4 minutes more.
- Add the bread slices to the grill and toast on both sides, about 1 or 2 minutes per side.
- Spread basil mayonnaise on just four slices of the toasted bread.
- Put a cheesy eggplant slice, red peppers, and onions on, then top with remaining bread slices.
- Serve warm right off the grill.
More Tasty and Unique Sandwich Ideas:
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Labor-Free Labor Day Cooking
Today we have a special Labor Day edition. It's a day early, so you can follow some of the tips here, for a stress-free Labor Day meal!
Image via WikipediaIt's almost a misnomer, but there are plenty of ways that you can make the cooking for your Labor Day meal virtually labor-free compared to years long past. (At least the cooking that will take place on the actual holiday.) This is a good deal in most homes as often the ones doing the cooking really don't get to enjoy the holiday and still have to go to work the very next day. By doing most of the labor for the meal preparation ahead of time you will have very little to do on Labor Day itself other than setting up the table and reheating the items that need to be heated.
The first thing you absolutely must do in order to enjoy a truly labor free Labor Day is plan ahead. Plan a menu that is full of items that can be prepared ahead of time and either stored, refrigerated, or frozen in such a manner that very little work will be required to have them ready to serve on the day of the main event. Some excellent ideas for this include foods such as vegetable trays (the veggies can be chopped a day ahead of time and stored in zipper bags in the fridge, sausage balls (these may be prepared well ahead of time and frozen), and frozen desserts.
Once you have the menu planned you need to do the shopping a bit ahead of time. Shopping close to the holidays is a little more hectic, a lot more crowded, and you are twice as likely to either not get the items you need or forget something from your list. Another thing is that you should have a list and just like Santa check it twice to make sure that everything on your list has been purchased. If not, you need to either go back into the fray and get it or (if the store is out) make immediate plans to stop in another store and pick up the missing item. You do not want to be going on a mad hunt for an open store on Easter morning.
Once you've done this, consider meals that can be made relatively trouble free in the crock pot. This means a few minutes of trouble in the morning, for each crock pot treat, and hands free cooking the rest of the day. Barbecue ribs and baked barbecue beans are popular crock pot items that require little prep work and taste great at the end of the day.
Image via WikipediaIf grilling is indeed something that is an important Labor Day tradition for your family, try to do all the marinating and rubs the night before so that the grilling is straightforward and everything is ready to go in the morning. While you're at it, you may want to toss a few of the veggies you set aside for the veggie tray onto the grill as well.
Another thing you need to do to limit your labor contribution to the Labor Day cooking is recruit help for the process. Invite friends and family that will be joining in the experience to bring specialty dishes that they prepare. This leaves you free from the need to prepare that particular dish and, equally important, from the need to clean up after the dish was made. If you have kids and a husband put them to work for the preparation and the clean up efforts! There is no rule written that says you have to do it all and you shouldn't be expected to. Make others contribute their fare share and take a moment to have a nice cold glass of tea.
If you do all of the things mentioned above you will find yourself anticipating rather than dreading Labor Day and that your efforts really pay off quite well in the end. In fact, you may have time to hit the hammock for a little while if you're lucky!
Image via WikipediaIt's almost a misnomer, but there are plenty of ways that you can make the cooking for your Labor Day meal virtually labor-free compared to years long past. (At least the cooking that will take place on the actual holiday.) This is a good deal in most homes as often the ones doing the cooking really don't get to enjoy the holiday and still have to go to work the very next day. By doing most of the labor for the meal preparation ahead of time you will have very little to do on Labor Day itself other than setting up the table and reheating the items that need to be heated.The first thing you absolutely must do in order to enjoy a truly labor free Labor Day is plan ahead. Plan a menu that is full of items that can be prepared ahead of time and either stored, refrigerated, or frozen in such a manner that very little work will be required to have them ready to serve on the day of the main event. Some excellent ideas for this include foods such as vegetable trays (the veggies can be chopped a day ahead of time and stored in zipper bags in the fridge, sausage balls (these may be prepared well ahead of time and frozen), and frozen desserts.
Once you have the menu planned you need to do the shopping a bit ahead of time. Shopping close to the holidays is a little more hectic, a lot more crowded, and you are twice as likely to either not get the items you need or forget something from your list. Another thing is that you should have a list and just like Santa check it twice to make sure that everything on your list has been purchased. If not, you need to either go back into the fray and get it or (if the store is out) make immediate plans to stop in another store and pick up the missing item. You do not want to be going on a mad hunt for an open store on Easter morning.
Once you've done this, consider meals that can be made relatively trouble free in the crock pot. This means a few minutes of trouble in the morning, for each crock pot treat, and hands free cooking the rest of the day. Barbecue ribs and baked barbecue beans are popular crock pot items that require little prep work and taste great at the end of the day.
Image via WikipediaIf grilling is indeed something that is an important Labor Day tradition for your family, try to do all the marinating and rubs the night before so that the grilling is straightforward and everything is ready to go in the morning. While you're at it, you may want to toss a few of the veggies you set aside for the veggie tray onto the grill as well.Another thing you need to do to limit your labor contribution to the Labor Day cooking is recruit help for the process. Invite friends and family that will be joining in the experience to bring specialty dishes that they prepare. This leaves you free from the need to prepare that particular dish and, equally important, from the need to clean up after the dish was made. If you have kids and a husband put them to work for the preparation and the clean up efforts! There is no rule written that says you have to do it all and you shouldn't be expected to. Make others contribute their fare share and take a moment to have a nice cold glass of tea.
If you do all of the things mentioned above you will find yourself anticipating rather than dreading Labor Day and that your efforts really pay off quite well in the end. In fact, you may have time to hit the hammock for a little while if you're lucky!
Friday, September 2, 2011
Video - Fun Stuff About Beets
If Wednesday's recipe intrigued you, here is a fun video about beets. (Don't worry, it is shorter than it looks!) It's actually quite funny, and educational at the same time. Check it out, and learn more about this yummy root, tips for choosing, storing, and preparing, tasty cooking ideas, and more.
Good Eats S6E16P1: Beet It
Long feared by baby boomers accustomed to being accosted by noxious red wedges, beets are good eats, or so says host Alton Brown who suggests one approach the ruby roots with an open mind and a good pair of gloves. Recipes featured in this episode: B...
Good Eats S6E16P1: Beet It
Long feared by baby boomers accustomed to being accosted by noxious red wedges, beets are good eats, or so says host Alton Brown who suggests one approach the ruby roots with an open mind and a good pair of gloves. Recipes featured in this episode: B...
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