tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20792528081250789292024-03-19T00:48:30.245-07:00RobinsbiteAn insider's look at all things food, culinary, nutrition, cooking, history, groceries, trends, books, magazines, utensils, products, thoughts, ideas, observations, comments and anything else that strikes this author's fancy!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger193125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2079252808125078929.post-53709270843883576912011-09-16T12:24:00.000-07:002011-09-16T12:24:21.039-07:00Best Guacamole? Only 2 Ingredients Needed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7orO1vcxKadMuwth4uwb1SyISVRSBH1ZC3BgcwYvh3gsHBmYG2rSdGwm0toFxaYYdIFVHQGm25rNpOtMTxjS8R0SOHOFHLd6-r5jelWH4gv6LVqR_gJaQUMcBHILNczpHiFNO-dc_Yhk/s1600/guac.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7orO1vcxKadMuwth4uwb1SyISVRSBH1ZC3BgcwYvh3gsHBmYG2rSdGwm0toFxaYYdIFVHQGm25rNpOtMTxjS8R0SOHOFHLd6-r5jelWH4gv6LVqR_gJaQUMcBHILNczpHiFNO-dc_Yhk/s320/guac.jpeg" width="320" /></a>Lots of chatter today about National Guacamole Day and what makes the best guacamole. I've seen recipes with 10 ingredients and enough "goodies" to dilute-not enhance- the taste and flavor of avocado..it's a crime. Want to know the best guacamole recipe? Listen up--come closer--you're not going to want to miss this....it's 2 words. Ready? <br />
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Avocado + Salt<br />
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That's it. Pure and unadulterated recipes allow us to actually TASTE the actual ingredient that's being highlighted. No need to accessorize this amazing fruit. This is a family and fan favorite.<span id="goog_1771343376"></span><br />
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I've seen a lot of people slice their palms and finger tips by not following proper knife safety when preparing guacamole. Check out this video by CHOW for the easy and safe way to remove the pit.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2079252808125078929.post-21742297236106406882011-09-11T14:56:00.000-07:002011-09-11T14:56:13.215-07:00Reduce, Reuse, Recycle-Resnack<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibkZ6abY6kDw1s6HlG0A4ky4Tz30ZkLqD30oh4ElssulNu4mDnwLVHwnxcTAr7D2mGFxAVZpaDVwtw-3NOm-rrkE8UF60159I1qyOtfcZokbLOMnRVwFPQP3vv6GEXiNINMXFIaVqupfY/s1600/il_fullxfull.217185672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibkZ6abY6kDw1s6HlG0A4ky4Tz30ZkLqD30oh4ElssulNu4mDnwLVHwnxcTAr7D2mGFxAVZpaDVwtw-3NOm-rrkE8UF60159I1qyOtfcZokbLOMnRVwFPQP3vv6GEXiNINMXFIaVqupfY/s320/il_fullxfull.217185672.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Found this adorable reusable snack pouch on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/76429140/reusable-snack-bag-dig-it?ref=sr_gallery_8&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=reuseable+snack+bag&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade">Etsy</a>-perfect for a little boy who loves his snacks and even more perfect for a Mom who doesn't want to use plastic baggies for said snacks!<br />
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I've never ordered anything from Etsy before, but things just may change today!<br />
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Have you ordered anything similar?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2079252808125078929.post-17470287050081160002011-09-08T14:26:00.000-07:002011-09-08T14:26:10.401-07:00Cleats & Eats: Snacks from the Sidelines<div style="background-color: transparent;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi76Fyswcw9C5dcO6Ie-LCHPjWcuXAKKcdAQxnTHto1l4mV3EoxoGzBnRg5qDPIXrlbImZ8p_Jo-hEqHvdtV_UnH7X9Z6V2nqISyYuxc0pEQsg9VciyyLAbivsRs5BO-vfYoOGajtswv_4/s1600/AuburnFootball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi76Fyswcw9C5dcO6Ie-LCHPjWcuXAKKcdAQxnTHto1l4mV3EoxoGzBnRg5qDPIXrlbImZ8p_Jo-hEqHvdtV_UnH7X9Z6V2nqISyYuxc0pEQsg9VciyyLAbivsRs5BO-vfYoOGajtswv_4/s320/AuburnFootball.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div dir="ltr" id="internal-source-marker_0.3280319378245622" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Regan Jones from the Professional Palate takes over Robinsbite today as Football Week begins.... </b></span></span></div><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When my friend and (much admired) colleague Robin invited me to be a guest blogger here on her blog, I jumped at the opportunity. I admire Robin’s style, spirit for all things food and overall approach to communicating nutrition news. We are cut from the same cloth when it comes to our approach to making nutrition a “taste-first” topic. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The fact that she does not share my ardent devotion to college football is something that I have chosen not to hold against her. It is, however, the reason that I am thrilled to step in as her guest blogger today to give the RobinsBite audience the seasonal food nod toward one of this country’s favorite pastimes - football.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">College, NFL, fantasy, you name it... when it comes to football, my household is probably paying attention to it. (Ironically, I met Robin while living in Texas- the only place on Earth where people actual tailgate for high school football. It’s insane the love of football those wonderful Texans share with folks like me, born and raised in the Deep South where football truly divides families and decides elections. And frankly, I love Texas all the more for it!! But back to the topic at hand....)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I have come to realize over the years, though, that the problem with a season full of tailgating (or better yet “tablegating” for the poor lot of us who have either been displaced from our alma mater in distance OR have a couple of future football fans toddling around the house keeping us home) is that often the nutrition numbers don’t really add up in your favor. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Don’t get me wrong... I’m a big believer in that classic dietitian mantra of “all foods can fit.” But the question is... if you fit in too many fun foods this season, will you really fit into your jeans come Super Bowl? </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I get plenty of requests every year to “lighten” a traditional tailgate dish... and I’m happy to oblige. In fact, I’ve just launched a season long #</span><a href="http://professionalpalate.squarespace.com/blog/football-friday-summer-salsa.html"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000099; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">footballfriday bloghop on my blog </span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">celebrating popular tailgating dishes from bloggers across the web. But if you really want to score big not only on taste, but nutrition as well, you can look to those naturally nutrient-rich choices that are already fan favorites: </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><ul><li style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In shell pistachios - In general, nuts are always a good choice because of their vitamin, mineral, protein and fiber content. Where people get into trouble is overdoing their portions (which can mean big calories!) The thing I love about in shell pistachios, though, is that the act of breaking open each pistachio is a natural way to slow down that “grazing” that can otherwise lead to excess calories. </span></li>
</ul><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><ul><li style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://professionalpalate.squarespace.com/blog/football-friday-summer-salsa.html"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000099; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Black Bean and Corn Salsa </span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">- This is one of my all-time favorites. It’s based on a recipe I tested while working in the Test Kitchen for one of </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Southern Living’s </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">cookbooks. It’s always a hit, even alongside some of it’s heavier, dip competitors. Fresh salsas, whether made from tomatoes, corn, beans, mangos, peaches... you name it... are an ideal way to sneak in something fresh, veggie &/or fruit filled without making people feel like you brought the “diet dip.” </span></li>
</ul><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><ul><li style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Fruit & Cheese tray - On this point, I differ with some cheeseheads in that I’m actually “pro” cubed cheese for this type of spread. I’ll confess that once you cube cheese, it does begin to lose its moisture faster, so beware of prepping too far in advance. Likewise, I recommend doing it yourself rather than buying pre-cubed cheese (I think the flavor and texture difference is totally worth the minimal extra effort.) Plus, by cubing yourself, you’re able to opt for reduced fat varieties, many of which now come in flavors and taste nothing like they did years ago (Yay! Score one for cheese lovers!) Because fruit is such a natural alongside cheese, here again you’ve offered your pals another nutrient-rich combo in the form of a fan favorite. </span></li>
</ul><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><ul><li style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Roasted Veggie and Olive Antipasto - While traditional antipasto platters contain cured meats, I prefer an all veggie approach. Olives are a classic fixture, as are artichoke hearts. I add to that various roasted veggies (either roasted at home in a 450 degree oven until caramelized or picked up from the local deli). Drizzle with a touch of balsamic vinegar for low fat, high flavor... and can you say antioxidant powerhouse? </span></li>
</ul><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><ul><li style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Grilled Chicken Skewers with Buffalo Sauce - As I said, I really hate to hit people over the head with the “this is lighter” notion. But nowhere is it more welcome in my books than ditching chicken wings (which frankly just don’t appeal to me as they’re mostly just poultry skin... *no thanks*), and instead opting for grilled chicken breast skewers and buffalo sauce. I mean really... what’s the appeal about wings anyway? It’s the heat in the sauce, right? This approach gives you that same appeal for far fewer calories.</span></li>
</ul><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I can’t really say whether the appeal of football season is the chance for my team to lace up their cleats and take a run at the championship, the opportunity to spend time with friends and family or simply a good excuse to break out the chip and dip bowl for some delicious eats... probably, it’s a combination of all of the above. I can say, however, that whatever the season holds on the field, lining up these choice clearly means winning “off” the field. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Regan Jones, RD authors the blog </span><a href="http://www.theprofessionalpalate.com/"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000099; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Professional Palate</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> from her home in Georgia where she is actively grooming two young sons for a lifelong football devotion to her alma mater, </span><a href="http://auburntigers.cstv.com/"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000099; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Auburn University</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. (Just don’t tell her husband who is equally devoted to doing the same for t</span><a href="http://www.rolltide.com/"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000099; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">heir in-state rival</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2079252808125078929.post-84735439130685412992011-09-06T13:36:00.000-07:002011-09-06T13:36:18.205-07:00Easy Back to School Dinners-RPK's Taco Salad<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #414141; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 27px; line-height: 20px;"><b>B</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #414141; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">ack to school lunches-check. Carpool schedule-check. Homework-check. Now, what's for dinner? This is the best time to whip out your 30 minute or less dinners and plan to rotate them for the first month or so until the craziness of back to school settles down. Make your menu, make a list and make sure the ingredients are within arms reach. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #414141; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Here's one of my favorite 15 minute dinners...can be vegetarian or made with meat-its up to you. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOsRtvxaSh6I_5rtPtjI67T3T0kWGtAC5uUg_Si2XmHB_pN11qLa2JnGEHfYS9lh3LLG73Dty9MDldWvQyxSZrR4ujEoAUB7EulGfkDCVK1598HGC2Pw18zOlJEHeBIR1Lz3XRwPufQAw/s1600/Picture+2983.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOsRtvxaSh6I_5rtPtjI67T3T0kWGtAC5uUg_Si2XmHB_pN11qLa2JnGEHfYS9lh3LLG73Dty9MDldWvQyxSZrR4ujEoAUB7EulGfkDCVK1598HGC2Pw18zOlJEHeBIR1Lz3XRwPufQAw/s320/Picture+2983.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit: Lynda's Recipe Box</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #414141; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 27px; font-weight: bold;">RPK's Taco Salad</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #414141; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Salad Greens-the deeper the color, the better-as much as you'd like<br />
Chopped tomatoes-as many as you'd like<br />
1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained<br />
1/3 cup corn kernels (can be fresh of the cob or out of the can-be sure to rinse and drain well)<br />
1/4 cup reduced fat Mexican blend cheese or Mozzarella cheese, shredded<br />
Salsa-as much as you'd like--this becomes your salad dressing<br />
2 T low fat sour cream (optional)<br />
2 T black olives<br />
11-18 (depending on serving size) of blue corn or yellow corn tortilla chips ( I like Guiltless Gourmet Blue Corn chips or Costco's organic yellow corn tortilla chips<br />
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Layer in the following manner:<br />
Lettuce, tomatoes, beans, corn, cheese, salsa, sour cream, olives. Crush chips on top of salad or place around salad and use as "scoopers". Feel free to throw on as many veggies as you'd like, too.<br />
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If you'd like to add lean ground beef or turkey, feel free to take out the beans and replace with the meat. Or, if you'd like a double shot of protein, leave the beans!<br />
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</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2079252808125078929.post-70019637691593179052011-08-26T12:28:00.000-07:002011-08-26T12:28:41.316-07:00Why I WalkWalking is a daily thing around here-thanks to our two large <a href="http://www.lonestarlabrescue.or/">Labradors</a>, Bo (age 6) and Charlie (age 3). Without their exercise, they are completely bonkers--pacing, panting, nudging, paw on laptop, crying--bonkers. The responsibility is mine and one that I see as dual in purpose--the dogs get exercise and I do, too. <div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-PmezChnev5iLphCr98ApWEFoWNtdXliayYgmu6DnLzXFfRtS-3yxOf88C_kc-UzJF0FE8MJjFKYvwwfuEmSUril-VEW0rAeGathJgliO1hxJEY4gCstjIDqckEnyx9vwTV1as4kbXo/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_2296.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-PmezChnev5iLphCr98ApWEFoWNtdXliayYgmu6DnLzXFfRtS-3yxOf88C_kc-UzJF0FE8MJjFKYvwwfuEmSUril-VEW0rAeGathJgliO1hxJEY4gCstjIDqckEnyx9vwTV1as4kbXo/s320/Copy+of+IMG_2296.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlie (left) and Bo. Could you say no to this? </td></tr>
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The device below is enough to get me to push myself to make my walk into a workout. You see, I'm what some call competitive (only with myself, no need to worry). If I can make those numbers climb to the 6, 7, 8 or 900's when walking the dogs, I'm satisfied. Every now and then, I've been known to break into a light jog--to which I'm sure the dogs find hilarious. Me + Running = hilarious</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6UnrigvrNUygwcpnI7muf_axU_OfC5kOt98eFxg9rWZ0hQ20PTIwONe4hhbLvMOmhJ-NyR9KurKImUPL5LqRQmMV4M_S8kWytbAxPMcFI2Xzm3dJiBYoR5FvR2q-t8yfmKdjMA1Xtr1s/s1600/pedometer.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6UnrigvrNUygwcpnI7muf_axU_OfC5kOt98eFxg9rWZ0hQ20PTIwONe4hhbLvMOmhJ-NyR9KurKImUPL5LqRQmMV4M_S8kWytbAxPMcFI2Xzm3dJiBYoR5FvR2q-t8yfmKdjMA1Xtr1s/s200/pedometer.jpeg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">Best Mother's Day Gift Ever-my Omron pedmoter<br />
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</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">While the excuses could be many--it's 100 degrees, it's raining, I'm tired, etc. etc., they do not work for the dogs. It's time I cherish with them as, like many dogs, they were my first children before my child was born. Our animals are members of our family-we celebrate their birthday/adoption days, they are in our family photos and we can't imagine life without them. We do our best to let them know how much love and comfort they bring to us each day. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As I write this, I can't help but remember this image...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHi8LehOXHx-mbZYkMrRHcx-cHZO46UumVRXQESZTH6RPAqBwExSpG2LbQrRAhIaRIxYLjNRMzLlnaAoLyfnHk8gKe75r69ZfRDcxst6fncx1sm1L3LzNO79EScAAVCs7lXWe5uYIDVRw/s1600/ht_jon_hawkeye_dm_110825_wg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHi8LehOXHx-mbZYkMrRHcx-cHZO46UumVRXQESZTH6RPAqBwExSpG2LbQrRAhIaRIxYLjNRMzLlnaAoLyfnHk8gKe75r69ZfRDcxst6fncx1sm1L3LzNO79EScAAVCs7lXWe5uYIDVRw/s320/ht_jon_hawkeye_dm_110825_wg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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Hawkeye, there is no question how much love and comfort you brought to your soilder every day.<br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2079252808125078929.post-29250860190142868782011-08-16T20:14:00.000-07:002011-08-16T20:14:48.088-07:00An Open Apology Letter to my Tomato Plants<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
It's sad, isn't it. When I look at you, I want to cry. I'm sure if you saw yourselves in a mirror, you'd want to cry, too. Your withered, dry, unproductive state is enough to make anyone run to the closest <a href="http://www.localharvest.org/farmers-markets/">Farmer's Market </a>and search for the best homegrown tomatoes one can find. I have to agree. I know, I know, I made promises I couldn't keep....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOsR8Ch1DiWfNmxFD3iGY3vfE4_sU8ZTDbdRflJ9Mov4nN2-dOSg3j6Almb7nvBojChRZtb1eYflK246_6mbuBMi22Hncl46IGW-80yMU11LJ2Tz-i6YzPu84XLNepsFFuRu5-Tu-U7bM/s1600/plant3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOsR8Ch1DiWfNmxFD3iGY3vfE4_sU8ZTDbdRflJ9Mov4nN2-dOSg3j6Almb7nvBojChRZtb1eYflK246_6mbuBMi22Hncl46IGW-80yMU11LJ2Tz-i6YzPu84XLNepsFFuRu5-Tu-U7bM/s320/plant3.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><ul><li>You were planted a little late in the season. Okay, a probably more than just a little late...I'm going to say late May.</li>
<li>I failed at protecting you from the elements. Okay, it's been 100 degrees for the last 43 days in a row-nobody could protect you from the elements.</li>
<li>On occasion, I neglected to hydrate you properly. Okay, I traveled more this summer than I have in years and didn't create a watering program for you in my absence. My bad. </li>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKK8GFUankhFtojcKVKdacUGTCTw2bSsEkPIGHG_UXkxuGcW5yx0_6A_kjTfzy5wKVuGV7PqEtjvWsIZ3ViP1xi3XnjPZrYGrlG0pew2JMd26a8YrJlmzJzv4orI4k6IxhTa4bwAoghro/s1600/Plant1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKK8GFUankhFtojcKVKdacUGTCTw2bSsEkPIGHG_UXkxuGcW5yx0_6A_kjTfzy5wKVuGV7PqEtjvWsIZ3ViP1xi3XnjPZrYGrlG0pew2JMd26a8YrJlmzJzv4orI4k6IxhTa4bwAoghro/s320/Plant1.jpg" width="198" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I did, however, do a few things right for you.<br />
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<ul><li>You often were the target of Labrador urination attempts-but I was able to direct the elimination process elsewhere.</li>
<li>Stakes-I couldn't wait to stake you guys and you did beautifully-for a while.</li>
<li>Little hands and fingers found your leaves quite interesting and I spent quite a but of time redirecting those hands away from your precious harvest. (by precious, I mean SIX total tomatoes from 3 plants)</li>
</ul><div><br />
</div><div>And while we're on that topic, seriously? SIX total tomatoes all year? You were so promising-with your little flowers that bloomed-just waiting for a burst of tomatoes to appear-that never did. And those that I did harvest tasted...tasteless. What a disappointment! We were even poised with the video as we took our first-and last-bite. It tasted like nothing. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Sorry, I digress.</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>So, tomato plants #'s 1-3, I apologize for not taking better care of you this summer. Had Dallas not experienced its most severe heat wave on record, perhaps we would have had a fighting chance.<br />
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While I won't be needing any of the<a href="http://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/slideshows/2009/08/25_things_to_do_with_a_fresh_tomato#slide=1"> 25-things-to-do-with-fresh-tomatoes</a> lists, I encourage those of you who had banner tomato crops this year to make sauce, eat them like apples ans share with others. Oh, I'm available to take them off your hands, too.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2079252808125078929.post-49027779391996421802011-07-28T05:37:00.001-07:002011-07-28T05:37:16.806-07:00Through the eyes of a 5 year old: Cooking with Alex pt 4<p><b><em>Continue with Intern </em><a href="http://oddduckblog.com/"><em>Laura Bartee</em></a><em> as she details the final post in a four part series on a cooking lesson Robin hosted. </em></b> <p><strong><em></em></strong><b></b> <p><b>Recently Robin hosted a cooking lesson for a five year old little girl named Alex for her birthday</b>. If you missed the three healthy desserts we made, click to see the blogs detailing how Alex made <b><a href="http://robinplotkin.blogspot.com/2011/07/through-eyes-of-5-year-old-cooking-with.html">Chocolate Covered Bananas with Almonds</a>, <a href="http://robinplotkin.blogspot.com/2011/07/through-eyes-of-5-year-old-cooking-with_26.html">Baked Apples</a> and a <a href="http://robinplotkin.blogspot.com/2011/07/through-eyes-of-5-year-old-cooking-with_27.html">Summer Trifle</a></b>.<br> <p>Cooking with Alex was so much fun, but that fun didn’t end with the three desserts. Alex had two more activities planned that DIDN’T involve cooking.<br> <p>First – Alex and Laura commemorated her recipes by decorating them with scrapbooking paper. Alex picked two decorate scrapbook pages per recipe, which Laura put together for her. Having these recipes decorated with pretty papers of Alex’s choice meant these recipes became an important possession for her – one that she is likely to keep and display for others. <b>Now her recipes can be taken home with her and enjoyed in the future, along with memories of her fun cooking experience.</b> <p><strong></strong> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iuZSFgzJOmg/TjFX6pwiXQI/AAAAAAAAArI/nD_ON47BUVc/s1600-h/clip_image002%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="clip_image002" border="0" alt="clip_image002" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xiZavkuO304/TjFX7IX5QVI/AAAAAAAAArM/LONlMrLSKg8/clip_image002_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="344" height="317"></a> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-t7mMCeexXdY/TjFX7TaAwDI/AAAAAAAAArQ/ioOHEuQPuhw/s1600-h/clip_image004%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="clip_image004" border="0" alt="clip_image004" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-aqMadoW7rz0/TjFX7wmhHZI/AAAAAAAAArU/9W-BdY9f5SQ/clip_image004_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="344" height="260"></a> <p> <p>The second activity Alex participated in was flipping through <a href="http://www.boddlerbites.com/">Boddler Bites Food in a Flash</a> cards with Robin. These cards have multiple foods for each letter of the alphabet on a card. <b>As Robin showed foods to Alex, Alex replied if she liked the food or not.</b> Many foods Alex had liked and tried, though some she said, “eww” to immediately. As Robin asked why she thought that food was, “eww” they were able have a conversation about foods she had tried and not liked, or foods she perceived as tasting bad that she hadn’t tried.<br> <p>The cooking lesson was extremely fun for both Robin and Alex. Alex learned to make three new healthy desserts and tasted some new foods! Robin was able to focus the cooking lesson on a few important lessons she wanted Alex to learn. <b>Some of these lessons were:</b> <p><strong></strong> <p>1. Fruit is a sweet treat on its own, but can also become the base of a dessert that doesn’t need a lot of extra sugar added. <b>Dessert can be healthy, especially when made with fresh fruits</b>. <p><br>2. Alex learned new cooking techniques – such as chopping walnuts with an age appropriate tool – a plastic knife. She learned to melt chocolate in a double boiler, while under supervision. <b>She was able to participate in the cooking process, making her feel connected to the recipe and likely to want to make it again</b>. <p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Im0WkFXeaSc/TjFX8GfYO6I/AAAAAAAAArY/OU0DMuTXqro/s1600-h/clip_image006%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="clip_image006" border="0" alt="clip_image006" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0I_FiIY4bi0/TjFX8uL4VJI/AAAAAAAAArc/cr6pLsrWQZQ/clip_image006_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="259" height="344"></a> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pIpoMiPq56o/TjFX8yGVuOI/AAAAAAAAArg/tVE0NnMx3v0/s1600-h/clip_image008%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="clip_image008" border="0" alt="clip_image008" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kT3j0mjV7Dk/TjFX9a9KwoI/AAAAAAAAArk/V_J5gEsiZ-E/clip_image008_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="243" height="344"></a> <p> <p>3. <b>Alex’s senses were exposed to new flavors and textures, which is important for children (and adults!) to experience to expand their palete</b>. Alex had never tried walnuts or almonds before and found she liked walnuts, but was unsure about the almonds. Smelling the cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla were new to her nose and allowed her to “preview” some of the flavors she would be tasting in the finished dessert. Tasting the whipped cream while it was being sweetened taught Alex the process of adding sugar slowly and how sugar affects the flavor of the cream. <p><br>4. <b>Robin encouraged Alex to complete parts of the recipe herself – even when she thought she couldn’t do it</b>. She dipped the bananas into the chocolate and grated the nutmeg for the Baked Apples. She mastered the stuffing of the filling into the apples and decorated the berry trifle without any assistance. Alex saw each task through to the end, which is an important lesson for anyone. <p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JxZ1xLddPnI/TjFX9gri3jI/AAAAAAAAAro/1usl00qJ8E4/s1600-h/clip_image010%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="clip_image010" border="0" alt="clip_image010" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PHak16fhR34/TjFX-BHhgbI/AAAAAAAAArs/o7lEL6EyfsQ/clip_image010_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="259" height="344"></a> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-eTYvozTOuQ0/TjFX-rbENRI/AAAAAAAAArw/cesBi80DDUY/s1600-h/clip_image012%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="clip_image012" border="0" alt="clip_image012" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Bhrmmck7eu4/TjFX_Jyx6wI/AAAAAAAAAr0/wvqXMopgbYg/clip_image012_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="373" height="344"></a> <p> <p>5. Honoring hunger was taught to Alex through eating a healthy lunch prior to the cooking lesson and trying small samples of each recipe made. She knew when her tummy was full and was happy to take home the leftovers to share with her family. <b>Dessert can be enjoyed in moderation, which was emphasized during the cooking lesson.</b> <p><br>6. Most importantly, Alex was taught how to cook and be interested in preparing healthy and fresh foods! <p><b></b> <p><b>This cooking lesson was a great experience for Robin, Alex and Laura. If you have any suggestions or experiences with cooking lessons for children, feel free to share them in the comments below!</b> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2079252808125078929.post-24491048870888310942011-07-27T06:26:00.000-07:002011-07-27T06:26:00.482-07:00Through the eyes of a 5 year old: Cooking with Alex pt 3<p><b><em>Continue with Intern </em><a href="http://oddduckblog.com/"><em>Laura Bartee</em></a><em> as she details part 3 of a cooking lesson Robin hosted. Stay tuned to Robins Bite to see more sweet and healthy treats!</em></b></p> <p><strong><em></em></strong> </p> <p><b>Recently Robin hosted a cooking lesson for a five year old little girl named Alex for her birthday</b>. If you missed the first two dishes we made, click to see the first blog detailing how Alex made <b><a href="http://robinplotkin.blogspot.com/2011/07/through-eyes-of-5-year-old-cooking-with.html" target="_blank">Chocolate Covered Bananas with Almonds</a> and <a href="http://robinplotkin.blogspot.com/2011/07/through-eyes-of-5-year-old-cooking-with_26.html" target="_blank">Baked Apples</a></b>. <p> <p>As mentioned in the two previous posts, the class focused on healthy sweets and treats, all of which included fruit. The final dish we taught Alex to make was <b>a summer trifle</b>, a recipe Robin provided from her memory! <p><b></b> <p><b>This trifle was special because it featured delicious treats like pound cake and fresh whipped cream, but also incorporated healthy berries</b>. Also by making the whipped cream by hand, we taught Alex how to sweeten the whipped cream herself – which included less sugar than store-bought whipped cream. <p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iyYtKA1MYJE/Ti-FlUg7ZAI/AAAAAAAAAp4/Ugg7oUSk8Uo/s1600-h/clip_image002%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="clip_image002" border="0" alt="clip_image002" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8_n5Wg_8WqA/Ti-Fl72hrkI/AAAAAAAAAp8/H9LNzQeHSy8/clip_image002_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="303" height="344"></a> <p> <p>Making fresh whipped cream was the first step of this dessert! We started with heavy cream and poured it into a bowl. Laura whipped the cream with beaters while Alex dodged the flying cream specks that kept hitting her in the nose! <p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0ooU78ZLYhQ/Ti-FmP_OuuI/AAAAAAAAAqA/3KbC8eIODzU/s1600-h/clip_image004%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="clip_image004" border="0" alt="clip_image004" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qXlTXucaCOg/Ti-Fmqx6-gI/AAAAAAAAAqE/yit7yCAUooI/clip_image004_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="344" height="259"></a> <p> <p>The process took some time, but after roughly five minutes, Alex saw the whipped cream! <p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Vug-Ogp1Fow/Ti-Fm2_0ejI/AAAAAAAAAqI/knCZBZho3J4/s1600-h/clip_image006%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="clip_image006" border="0" alt="clip_image006" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-B9hLW3it9r8/Ti-FnYb8T3I/AAAAAAAAAqM/K0rEmPfq_4g/clip_image006_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="289" height="344"></a> <p> <p>This whipped cream was sweetened with 1 tsp vanilla extract and sugar to taste, approximately 3 Tablespoons. Robin added a tablespoon at a time and had Alex test it after each stir. When it was sweet enough, she stopped. This method allowed the whipped cream to be sweet, but not overly sweet from too much added sugar! <p> <p>While we whipped the cream, Robin rinsed blueberries and raspberries and sliced a Sara Lee frozen pound cake. <p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ojl7YHs7kO8/Ti-FnyosC4I/AAAAAAAAAqQ/4HlZyo5FGFk/s1600-h/clip_image008%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="clip_image008" border="0" alt="clip_image008" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Xyh5qtuijNw/Ti-FoAnLj3I/AAAAAAAAAqU/WXGdJjbVA7E/clip_image008_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="344" height="259"></a> <p> <p>Choosing a smaller container, Robin showed Alex how to layer the pound cake, whipped cream then berries on top of each other. <p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-oiP8jAvqHFM/Ti-FoceDsdI/AAAAAAAAAqY/_UbxnQbsaIY/s1600-h/clip_image010%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="clip_image010" border="0" alt="clip_image010" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JiHwHPsZ-CM/Ti-Fow8Un6I/AAAAAAAAAqc/rqNwQ60scX4/clip_image010_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="344" height="259"></a> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VgtCo4Nn-hY/Ti-FpDKRGkI/AAAAAAAAAqg/Cl_Bo9ltSIw/s1600-h/clip_image012%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="clip_image012" border="0" alt="clip_image012" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_Al9fmythDE/Ti-FpmugIPI/AAAAAAAAAqk/--A8Je42gVM/clip_image012_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="344" height="259"></a> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RDjqcMQkj9E/Ti-FqHDuApI/AAAAAAAAAqo/cq29Sr4TNPg/s1600-h/clip_image014%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="clip_image014" border="0" alt="clip_image014" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KCKW4nSJJ1U/Ti-FqTeSJzI/AAAAAAAAAqs/nmfZyiDzKcc/clip_image014_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="344" height="259"></a> <p> <p>Soon the trifle layers were in place and it was time to decorate the top with berries! Alex took this job very seriously, starting with an “A” made from blueberries and decorating the rest with the raspberries. <p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yrwpWb1JFwk/Ti-Fq5AUJ3I/AAAAAAAAAqw/rBhg_ZpO94g/s1600-h/clip_image016%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="clip_image016" border="0" alt="clip_image016" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-U4RyOqQmr-M/Ti-FrD4bL7I/AAAAAAAAAq0/-AE5gNSUo5o/clip_image016_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="307" height="259"></a> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-C6aRmxXVV8w/Ti-Frpc5LOI/AAAAAAAAAq4/KRjm3FP4Ohc/s1600-h/clip_image018%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="clip_image018" border="0" alt="clip_image018" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-edCp4iAlRog/Ti-Fr7voniI/AAAAAAAAAq8/C7rrKjmQH6A/clip_image018_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="344" height="259"></a> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3V5bVp_aW5Y/Ti-FsQEnu1I/AAAAAAAAArA/sE5N9nMp-XI/s1600-h/clip_image020%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="clip_image020" border="0" alt="clip_image020" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_7ks4WTgdVA/Ti-FshcP2QI/AAAAAAAAArE/jW61k1RhcvM/clip_image020_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="346" height="344"></a> <p> <p>After the trifle was completed, Alex wasted no time digging into the delicious treat! She was served her dessert in a tall glass, which displayed the pretty layers and provided a perfect kid-appropriate portion! <p> <p>Upon hearing Laura wasn’t going to have any of her trifle because she doesn’t like whipped cream, Alex stated, <b>“I don’t trust anyone who doesn’t like whipped cream!”</b> Well, at least she’s honest!! <p> <p><b>This recipe was simple and fun for Alex to make!</b> The recipe was very affordable and hands-on, and included sweet summer berries that were fresh and delicious. With the sweet fruit, there was no need to add a large amount of sugar to the homemade whipped cream. By choosing a small container to build the trifle, Alex learned to portion control without even realizing it! <p> <p><b>Look forward to the next and final post, where Alex decorates her recipe cards and reviews what she learned at her cooking lesson from Robin!</b> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2079252808125078929.post-52970692128718918492011-07-26T06:54:00.001-07:002011-07-26T20:25:34.621-07:00Through the eyes of a 5 year old: Cooking with Alex pt 2<b><em>Continue with Intern </em><a href="http://oddduckblog.com/"><em>Laura Bartee</em></a><em> as she details part 2 of a cooking lesson Robin hosted. Stay tuned to Robins Bite to see more sweet and healthy treats!</em></b><br />
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<b>Recently Robin hosted a cooking lesson for a five year old little girl named Alex for her birthday</b>. If you missed the first dish we made, click to see the first blog detailing how Alex made <b><a href="http://robinplotkin.blogspot.com/2011/07/through-eyes-of-5-year-old-cooking-with.html" target="_blank">Chocolate Covered Bananas with Almonds</a></b>. <br />
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The class focused on healthy sweets and treats, all of which included fruit. The second dish we taught Alex to make was <b>Baked Apples</b>, a recipe courtesy of <a href="http://family.go.com/food/recipe-an-800131-baked-apples-t/">Disney Family</a>. This sweet treat included oats with important soluble fiber, walnuts with omega 3 fatty acids and apples which provide natural sugars and a great taste! <br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GS_pLz8NlkU/Ti7G3oXOUqI/AAAAAAAAAoY/gLRDuNydT-M/s1600-h/clip_image002%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="clip_image002" border="0" height="344" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vgxisU_L51g/Ti7G330MCpI/AAAAAAAAAoc/n_Df0pJ10Sw/clip_image002_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="clip_image002" width="259" /></a> <br />
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The first step of this dessert was to core each apple and peel the skin from the top half, a job left to assistant Laura. While she peeled, Alex worked on chopping the walnuts into small pieces using a plastic knife that kept her fingers safe. <br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-z-oAdY0Cqgs/Ti7G4B7GdsI/AAAAAAAAAog/Lyo-y8vurzA/s1600-h/clip_image004%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="clip_image004" border="0" height="259" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2Q0Jyfmh2AU/Ti7G4m7E3FI/AAAAAAAAAok/mrURtjX_6Jw/clip_image004_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="clip_image004" width="344" /></a> <br />
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With the apples and walnuts ready to go, the next step was to add the ingredients for the filling together in a bowl. Alex was excellent at measuring the oats and brown sugar, which she added to her chopped walnuts. <br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-27yiUjBUcj0/Ti7G42ZaUGI/AAAAAAAAAoo/pYriIQ7MhdI/s1600-h/clip_image006%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="clip_image006" border="0" height="259" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1TGboUMZ8zk/Ti7G5ORZn8I/AAAAAAAAAos/UARux1z2mH8/clip_image006_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="clip_image006" width="344" /></a> <br />
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When it came time to add the cinnamon and nutmeg, Alex enjoyed the aroma and fragrance of the cinnamon, but was unsure about the nutmeg. Robin showed Alex how to use a microplane to grate the nutmeg fresh into the bowl. <br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zISwTwxo6DA/Ti7G6SHKwBI/AAAAAAAAAo4/ODp6kCvfA0c/s1600-h/clip_image010%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="clip_image010" border="0" height="259" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eV0FCZE6YDk/Ti7G6hDcLbI/AAAAAAAAAo8/UeTimOBfy_k/clip_image010_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="clip_image010" width="344" /></a> <br />
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After using the microplane, Alex was very excited to see the grate marks on the nutmeg! Suddenly nutmeg did not seem so odd. <br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rYKkCh1Gugk/Ti7G7u8dpJI/AAAAAAAAApI/hWP5cwWxyB4/s1600-h/clip_image014%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="clip_image014" border="0" height="259" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3YnB-jYhgIo/Ti7G8FjrD5I/AAAAAAAAApM/j2m7T6ImK-Y/clip_image014_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="clip_image014" width="344" /></a> <br />
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Squeezing fresh lemon juice was the next challenge Alex accepted, a task she seemed very comfortable with but required a little muscle. <br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yTcA3mpKBP0/Ti7G8S2i8UI/AAAAAAAAApQ/ZSFSeVVgiRI/s1600-h/clip_image016%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="clip_image016" border="0" height="259" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Ey2F1eb6Rlc/Ti7G8wFWDgI/AAAAAAAAApU/XyUFPVYHuv0/clip_image016_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="clip_image016" width="344" /></a> <br />
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After adding the remaining ingredients to the bowl, Alex was able to stir everything together and stuff the apples, a job she found the most fun. <br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nBywFq7RlqY/Ti7G9Mig7PI/AAAAAAAAApY/Yk08EL8c2_c/s1600-h/clip_image018%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="clip_image018" border="0" height="259" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jAEGu0p9K8I/Ti7G9sKx3KI/AAAAAAAAApc/eED_r_pxa-0/clip_image018_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="clip_image018" width="344" /></a> <br />
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Alex was so proud of her hard work and wanted to bite into the apples immediately! <br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jS8oiFkrCZo/Ti7G-wRn6qI/AAAAAAAAApo/LppB6jU7Uh4/s1600-h/clip_image022%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="clip_image022" border="0" height="344" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9x3TeqPS0-I/Ti7G_DOaBRI/AAAAAAAAAps/rWtCN6bS2Hg/clip_image022_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="clip_image022" width="259" /></a> <br />
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It was tough to wait for the apples to bake, but it was worth it once Alex tasted the delicious baked apple. <br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UQHjrpwxoes/Ti7G_kWGnrI/AAAAAAAAApw/nBd4QyV4Sm4/s1600-h/clip_image024%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="clip_image024" border="0" height="259" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UCHLet2gkQg/Ti7G_z__beI/AAAAAAAAAp0/3zMIDQD91Ko/clip_image024_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="clip_image024" width="344" /></a> <br />
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<b>These apples were both healthy and yummy, making it difficult to remember they are made primarily of fruit. </b>They are a perfect treat to make any season with affordable and easy to purchase ingredients. The recipe offers many kid friendly steps and helps a little one become actively involved in the cooking process. <br />
<b>Look forward to the next post, where Alex will make a Summer Trifle!</b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2079252808125078929.post-88602158197405800612011-07-25T08:47:00.001-07:002011-07-25T08:47:20.247-07:00Through the eyes of a 5 year old: Cooking with Alex pt 1<p><b><em>Intern </em><a href="http://oddduckblog.com/" target="_blank"><em>Laura Bartee</em></a><em> details a cooking lesson Robin hosted in this four part series. Stay tuned to Robins Bite to see more sweet and healthy treats!</em></b> <p><b></b> <p><b>Recently Robin hosted a cooking lesson for a five year old little girl named Alex for her birthday</b>. As a present, Robin gave her the lesson of preparing healthy treats as a gift. We had the pleasure of teaching Alex three new recipes that would satisfy any sweet tooth, but all included healthy fruits as the base of the dessert! We shared tips with Alex about balancing and portion control while all enjoying these sweet treats and a wonderful afternoon together. <p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-B_NDTdP4ISc/Ti2P6LjVPTI/AAAAAAAAAng/ljjK8gdiDZM/s1600-h/clip_image002%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="clip_image002" border="0" alt="clip_image002" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-d75P3RiXAIY/Ti2P6TL3nyI/AAAAAAAAAnk/KN-unaA0lKY/clip_image002_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="300" height="344"></a> <p> <p>This is one of four blog posts to document the cooking lesson and the recipes we made. In this first post, we’ll cover the first treat – <b>Chocolate Covered Bananas with Almonds</b>.<b> </b>This recipe is from <a href="http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/.html_22">Eating Well</a>, which we adapted it to include almonds instead of coconut. Almonds are rich in vitamin E and healthy fats, which add nutritional value to this dessert. <p>The first step of this dessert is to either use a double boiler or construct one like we did, and melt chocolate chips. Alex stirred her little heart out to melt the chocolate chips! We opted to use semi-sweet chips to balance the sweetness from the banana. <p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nMuLjvQR26Y/Ti2P6tSZzVI/AAAAAAAAAno/im0_XmKIxUo/s1600-h/clip_image004%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="clip_image004" border="0" alt="clip_image004" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MPphX33bIQo/Ti2P7fufVKI/AAAAAAAAAns/1vh_UXqX170/clip_image004_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="344" height="281"></a> <p> <p>Once the chocolate melted, it was time to add the bananas to the equation. After peeling and cutting bananas in half, Alex helped us stick skewers into the bananas and then she dipped them into the chocolate. The bananas were slippery and Alex enjoyed licking the extra chocolate from her fingers. <p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-u6ZjV9l2Qmo/Ti2P75qUY7I/AAAAAAAAAnw/CIDkUrBJa9Q/s1600-h/clip_image006%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="clip_image006" border="0" alt="clip_image006" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WFMR1W9ZWiM/Ti2P9nEnKbI/AAAAAAAAAn0/kcDefSZggy4/clip_image006_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="344" height="320"></a> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZePPwb_mTXc/Ti2P9xMtoiI/AAAAAAAAAn4/gO4IyZY3Isc/s1600-h/clip_image008%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="clip_image008" border="0" alt="clip_image008" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dAMzna_f6hs/Ti2P-03M3KI/AAAAAAAAAn8/eihvSD5RE2M/clip_image008_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="344"></a> <p> <p>Once the bananas were dipped in the chocolate we sprinkled some with toasted almonds and left others plain, as Alex wasn’t sure if she liked the almonds or not. <p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-AYeQB_q7YkQ/Ti2P_UqVwmI/AAAAAAAAAoA/0fEH6rkcjyo/s1600-h/clip_image010%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="clip_image010" border="0" alt="clip_image010" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-s3XY5hP1H7s/Ti2P_-8EIMI/AAAAAAAAAoE/yYb8cxR4CD0/clip_image010_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="344" height="243"></a> <p> <p>These bananas sat in the freezer for about an hour before it was time to enjoy! They came out deliciously rich and cold, almost like a banana popsicle! <p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-q0GDZVkpwFM/Ti2QArQBCNI/AAAAAAAAAoI/2zWE_zqxgOM/s1600-h/clip_image012%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="clip_image012" border="0" alt="clip_image012" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KPM2rRDJLUs/Ti2QAwpGcRI/AAAAAAAAAoM/X6--jskHpU4/clip_image012_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="344" height="258"></a> <p><b></b> <p><b>Alex thought these were delicious and she didn’t even realize they were made primarily of bananas</b>. And with only three ingredients, including no added sugar, these are an easy and affordable dish to make with your kids. <p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2RVWE3aEByQ/Ti2QBfAxSRI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/jdf-0QxRPys/s1600-h/clip_image014%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="clip_image014" border="0" alt="clip_image014" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-z5ZWc2RzfWI/Ti2QB2ji3DI/AAAAAAAAAoU/020YrcVE7-I/clip_image014_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="344" height="315"></a> <p><b></b> <p><b>Look forward to the next post, where Alex will make Baked Apples!</b> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2079252808125078929.post-27973538720349332592011-07-12T01:57:00.000-07:002011-07-12T01:57:35.946-07:00Cucumbers + Onions + Vinegar = SUMMER<h3 class="post-title entry-title"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Reprinting by popular demand!</span></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title"> </h3><div class="post-header"> </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIicAAycw16axCxlCncX1ITB9kws8NyvMlV02vSICLPV6ybwvPeO_LBiS5jPji2DhObtNDanclROnbu7zR3snKGqOqVLZNUj0KaFvx_REqNOqysr9dXU2hgtJ65lWMbEhUAnkDtPweQYo/s1600/cucumber+salad"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482509751703689394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIicAAycw16axCxlCncX1ITB9kws8NyvMlV02vSICLPV6ybwvPeO_LBiS5jPji2DhObtNDanclROnbu7zR3snKGqOqVLZNUj0KaFvx_REqNOqysr9dXU2hgtJ65lWMbEhUAnkDtPweQYo/s400/cucumber+salad" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 188px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 188px;" /></a><br />
Nothing says summer to me more than the good old <span style="font-weight: bold;">Cucumber and Onion Salad</span>. Growing up, we always had a bowl of this in the fridge-white onions, Kirby cucumbers, vinegar, water, salt and a bit of dill. My mom would write it on the grocery list as "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">cucs</span> -n- onions"-that way she knew all the ingredients she needed for the dish. Today, there is a Tupperware container that sits in my fridge- nearly all summer long- that is full of the same ingredients. I simply replenish each ingredient as needed. (Don't worry-I wash out the container once in a while, too.)<br />
<br />
When I make these, I emphasize the vinegar. That's right-the more vinegar, the better. I love the sour/bitter taste it leaves when the first drop hits my tongue. I know, I know....some of you will say it tastes sour, some will say bitter and some will say it just tastes---vinegar-y.<br />
<br />
A normal ratio would be 2-3 parts water to 1 part vinegar, but I prefer mostly vinegar with a large splash of water. Now I know that there are no quantities listed-and that is for a reason. For this salad, you go by taste-not measurement-to get the flavor you are looking for to make it refreshing on a hot summer day. Trust yourself. You can't screw this up-I promise!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Cucs</span> -n- Onions</span><br />
English Cucumbers-washed, peeled and sliced into thin rounds<br />
White Onion-sliced in rings or <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">crescent</span> shapes<br />
Fresh Dill<br />
White Vinegar<br />
Salt to taste<br />
Water<br />
<br />
Many people ask "what about sugar?". Yes, many recipes for this type of salad call for sugar. Truth be told-its not needed. One quick way to eliminate added sugar from your calories! This salad is so light, cool, thirst quenching--not to mention filling!<br />
<br />
There is so much to know about vinegar-there are so many types-balsamic,red wine, white wine, champagne, sherry, rice, apple cider, malt, fruit infused, etc. My favorite right now is <a href="http://http//www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/ingredients-pantry/whats-the-deal-with-white-balsamic-vinegar-012683">white balsamic vinegar. </a>Try drizzling it over salads mostly with a bit of olive oil, salt and pepper.<br />
<br />
The folks over at the <a href="http://www.versitilevinegar.org/">Vinegar Institute</a> are serious about their calling. This site gives more information about vinegar-uses, recipes, FAQ's and an excellent overview of market trends with regard to sales and consumption of vinegar (if you're into that kind of stuff). It's actually a professional organization with members from around the world. Check it out in your spare time.<br />
<br />
What says summer to you besides the old stand-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">bys</span> of watermelon, sweet corn, home grown tomatoes and fresh picked blueberries? Would love to see what food memories summer conjures up for you!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2079252808125078929.post-59135243989032009752011-07-01T03:53:00.000-07:002011-07-01T03:53:53.904-07:00Refreshed by the Naked Green Machine<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Yesterday, I was in a meeting with someone who won't take no for an answer. </div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJkw6DEFXofGIWcX6IUAhtMdzbI1klq5pzoKT-Sc7gH37ADlKevEd1s-ot3RccY6afFKrEW6XL4Wq0Ig4H8mg1RSU8LMG2qhbZLtCjUZnwR2oEOtXG5C6oNyBtspqwBj3oNs1DfMaGwh0/s1600/313zbQCyjdL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJkw6DEFXofGIWcX6IUAhtMdzbI1klq5pzoKT-Sc7gH37ADlKevEd1s-ot3RccY6afFKrEW6XL4Wq0Ig4H8mg1RSU8LMG2qhbZLtCjUZnwR2oEOtXG5C6oNyBtspqwBj3oNs1DfMaGwh0/s200/313zbQCyjdL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" width="200" /></a>When she brought a bottle of <a href="http://www.nakedjuice.com/">Naked Green Machine 100% Juice Smoothie</a> to the table for us to share, I could almost feel myself recoil---that was some GREEN liquid in that bottle! Immediately, I said "no thank you" to which she said "come on-just taste it!" Since I utter those words more often than not in my business, I put on my big girl pants and poured a cup. </div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I definitely had a preconceived notion as to what it was going to taste like-images of grass were floating through my head. We eat with our eyes first and trust me, my eyes were telling me that I was NOT going to like this. I took a sip. It was...weird...but somehow tasted surprisingly good and refreshing! </div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My friend pointed out out the clever terminology on the label: </div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">"That was your "looks weird" sip" she said "and I'm on my "tastes amazing" sip. Now we're on the "hey, 10 green turbo nutrients?" sip". I concluded with this is my "still looks weird" sip.</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">One question: What is a turbo nutrient? </div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">And, impressive vitamin and mineral nutritionals--but 0 grams of fiber. </div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><u>The Fruit Inside</u></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">apples, banana, kiwi, mango and a hint of pineapple</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><u>The Boost</u></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">spirulina, chlorella, broccoli, spinach, blue green alge, garlic, barley grass, wheat grass, ginger and parsley</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Is this something I'll drink often? Not likely...but, I'm glad I put on my big girl pants and took a sip!</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2079252808125078929.post-43476674410536292752011-06-20T02:17:00.000-07:002011-06-20T02:17:07.562-07:00Summer Mantra: Cook Once, Eat Twice<style>
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<div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Intern <a href="http://becomingtheoddduck.wordpress.com/">Laura Bartee </a>takes the helm of Robinsbite with her Cook One, Eat Twice advice. </b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">The arrival of summer brings recreation, outdoor activities and vacations. But it also provides less time to prepare healthy meals at home. Using the mentality of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">cooking once and eating twice</b>, it can be easy to make foods in bulk that can be re-purposed in different meals throughout the week. Since no one wants to eat the same meal twice, try these quick tips to provide unique meals using pre-cooked ingredients. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">1. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Grilled Chicken:</u></b> Spend one day a week grilling chicken breasts, tenders, boneless skinless thighs or drumsticks seasoned with your favorite marinade or spice blend. Leftover sliced meat can be used in fajitas, on a salad or as a pizza topping.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0G3CKFhUCb1WtJqp72St9NHn2ZYk6aebjx7Zoqx869ZrYPCgvxrE3RqaTaU2i9TAOmP2mnnHnthEvUYREKATtj5oz3Lbxf2E1CmSQeoRY6mDxg7ObEblEucOj-iI3b4J3lE4kJpaIWX0/s1600/bartee1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0G3CKFhUCb1WtJqp72St9NHn2ZYk6aebjx7Zoqx869ZrYPCgvxrE3RqaTaU2i9TAOmP2mnnHnthEvUYREKATtj5oz3Lbxf2E1CmSQeoRY6mDxg7ObEblEucOj-iI3b4J3lE4kJpaIWX0/s1600/bartee1.png" /></a></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">2. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Crock-pot Chicken:</u></b> If you don’t own a grill, opt to cook chicken in a crockpot. Use any cut of frozen or fresh chicken including bone-in, boneless or even a whole chicken. Pour water or broth in your crockpot, add meat and cook on low for approximately 8 hours. The chicken will be tender enough to shred and can be added to burritos on whole wheat tortillas, or used for a sandwich night with either barbeque pulled chicken or chicken salad.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEZIZcqN6sR6SOjtimjT7CbpBgsAEN4EHqsAgnfYsN96m4sBMgJMNHG1dswn0MwVynL5bcyWg7ghyPpLyci5IrBMAWQHRGJ7Up85w4wpG0nEdoC2F_da8yfMuunlLkOXRw4yA_mK-zQqc/s1600/bartee2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEZIZcqN6sR6SOjtimjT7CbpBgsAEN4EHqsAgnfYsN96m4sBMgJMNHG1dswn0MwVynL5bcyWg7ghyPpLyci5IrBMAWQHRGJ7Up85w4wpG0nEdoC2F_da8yfMuunlLkOXRw4yA_mK-zQqc/s1600/bartee2.png" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">3. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Prepared Vegetables:</u></b> Roasted or grilled vegetables are easy, quick and keep for several days in the refrigerator. To roast, slice and toss any vegetable in olive oil, salt and pepper and cook at 425<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">° F</span> until tender. Or throw vegetables onto the grill next to the chicken to save time. Try sweet potatoes, broccoli, butternut squash or mushrooms. Add leftover vegetables to sandwiches, pasta salads or eat plain as a side dish.</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">4. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Ready-to-eat Produce:</u></b> Once a week wash and pre-cut your produce. This produce will be available to grab for snacks or for lunches throughout the week. Try grape tomatoes, snow peas or celery as dippers for hummus. Shred carrots or squash in your food processor to throw into soups or salads. Slice and refrigerate cantaloupe, kiwi or pineapple so it’s ready to enjoy anytime.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">5.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Pre-cooked Whole Grains:</u></b> Instead of making one portion of grains, pre-cook a large batch of brown rice, quinoa or bulgur wheat either on the stove or in a rice cooker. Store grains in the refrigerator and serve on salads or mix in roasted vegetables for a simple side dish. These grains can also be eaten as a substitute for oatmeal in the mornings for breakfast.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Healthy eating can still be made a priority in the busy summers when you batch cook foods once or twice a week. </div><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">What are your tips for cooking once, eating twice?</span></b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2079252808125078929.post-65154077722514770172011-06-07T09:56:00.000-07:002011-06-07T09:56:08.925-07:00The Small Change Diet author Keri Gans tells all: her love affair.....with Hummus<style>
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<div class="MsoNormal">I couldn't be more thrilled to have author, speaker and media darling <a href="http://kerigansnutrition.com/?page_id=13">Keri Gans, RD,</a> guest blog on Robinsbite today. Hummus is only one of her loves--she is also a devoted yogi, a lover of dogs and an extreme social media junkie. Check out her new book <a href="http://kerigansnutrition.com/?page_id=13">The Small Change Diet</a> and pick up your copy today!</div><div class="MsoNormal"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_kF59ppAkylDP5-KqOCYZkcfYyKniMmc13HVclSwxs5YhQ_teRyu01Y8NOh92q0GRldRfR6ck-r97WdYbT5npuxq5CxGgwwLmwyX2MlWh7ZP3-KbAuiElO8zWjdQSGfruFkbknFf-eqE/s1600/index.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_kF59ppAkylDP5-KqOCYZkcfYyKniMmc13HVclSwxs5YhQ_teRyu01Y8NOh92q0GRldRfR6ck-r97WdYbT5npuxq5CxGgwwLmwyX2MlWh7ZP3-KbAuiElO8zWjdQSGfruFkbknFf-eqE/s1600/index.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">My Love Affair With Hummus… </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Was it love at first site? I don’t think so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I liked it, initially more as a friend, someone to occasionally hang out with it at parties. Gradually though I became infatuated with it. So many flavors to choose from and so many different ways to eat it, I couldn’t get enough. I started introducing it to my patients, friends and family. Now many years later my infatuation has turned into a solid relationship of which I am happy to report I am never bored. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Funny thing is, I have never made hummus from scratch. I know it can be really easy but I sometimes get rather lazy in the kitchen so I just buy it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The main ingredient in hummus is chickpeas. Also known as garbanzo beans, chickpeas are full of health benefits. They have no saturated fats or cholesterol and also contain high levels of protein. Some studies have shown that chickpeas may fight the build up of cholesterol in blood vessels and help control blood sugar levels.<br />
<br />
Other basic hummus ingredients include garlic, salt, lemon juice and olive oil. Olive oil provides health benefits because it is high in monounsaturated fat and studies have shown that, in moderate amounts, it can help maintain heart health by regulating cholesterol. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">With so many different types of hummus available in the stores I sometimes have difficulty choosing which one to buy. I go through stages; lately my favorite is black bean. Over the past years other favorites have been roasted red pepper, edamame, horseradish, and artichoke. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Some of the ways I like to eat it:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Instead of mayo in egg salad (I use egg whites only and regular hummus)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Instead of cream cheese on toast (whole wheat toast spread with black bean hummus, topped with scrambled egg whites and tomato)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Instead of cream cheese for bagels and lox (scoop whole wheat bagel and add hummus and lox and a little avocado)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Instead of butter in a baked potato (black bean hummus and a drop of low-fat sour cream)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Instead of cheese or mayo on a sandwich (on a turkey burger, veggie burger, or turkey sandwich)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Instead of cream in “penne alla vodka” (1 heaping TBSP plain hummus added to tomato sauce)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>And of course always great with raw veggies and whole grain crackers.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Hummus really is the perfect partner. It’s flexible and adaptable, goes so well with others and yet secure enough to stand on its own. But the more I think about it….so is avocado….hmmmm? <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2079252808125078929.post-76777795943164130332011-05-06T09:45:00.000-07:002011-05-06T12:48:50.901-07:00Playing with Dough and the Edible Gift of Thyme<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZvqouqiAl_-dU8W-00pJWygyevBU6V5hoiipuz8i0gVcW9xDJPzX-f3Fq4JIPmsIB8lHTIvhFkjjXNS6deiz5q0DT5DWm9NlMY9ChMdBCSil_yke655EhXLRzQGZBmC1xdAc6rvEnuYs/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZvqouqiAl_-dU8W-00pJWygyevBU6V5hoiipuz8i0gVcW9xDJPzX-f3Fq4JIPmsIB8lHTIvhFkjjXNS6deiz5q0DT5DWm9NlMY9ChMdBCSil_yke655EhXLRzQGZBmC1xdAc6rvEnuYs/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sweet Alex had her 5th birthday last month. I've never racked my brains as hard as I did trying to come up with a gift for this little girl who literally has everything. Refusing to buy one more gift that would be looked at once, maybe twice and tossed in the closet with gifts of years past, my creative juices finally took over. The cooking class gift idea was born. </div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As someone who loves, respects and enjoys food, I realized this golden opportunity to teach Alex about my passions. Just as important, I could give her the gift of my dedicated time, energy and enthusiasm for her and only her. Often, we think that our children "crave" sweets, junk or even carbohydrates. In reality, our time and attention is all that any child craves. We also know that kids eat better when they are involved in the process of creating food. </div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">“By far, this was the best present Alex received for her 5th birthday." said Alex’s mom, Stacey Gaswirth. “ The gift of time is such a precious commodity. People often forget that! They are so anxious to run to the store and purchase something. When in reality it is far more creative and memorable for our kids to get something they don’t get to unwrap.” </div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">If you love food and cooking, consider the gift of a cooking class taught by you! </div><ul style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><li>Take the birthday boy or girl grocery shopping and allow them to select the actual ingredients you'll be using </li>
<li>Provide the child with age appropriate cooking utensils and tools-think mini cutting board, plastic whisks & spoons or a children's apron, chef's coat or toque (hat)</li>
<li>Provide recipes for the kiddo to take home to share with Mom and Dad </li>
<li>Take pictures of the process and snap a finished product to place on the recipe </li>
</ul><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">If you love food and cooking but the idea of having kids in the kitchen makes you break out in hives:</div><ul style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><li> Consider food related gifts that are age appropriate- a gift certificate to an actual cooking school, cookbooks, dinner or lunch at a restaurant of their choice or cooking utensils</li>
<li>A trip to a local Farmer's Market or U-Pick farm </li>
<li>A trip to a bakery, chocolatier or cheese maker to watch true artisans at work. Ask for a behind the scenes tour and samples!</li>
<li>Make a donation in the child's name to a food bank, pantry or soup kitchen and volunteer with the child at the organization of his/her choice </li>
</ul><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The class is happening on May 22. Alex hasn't stopped asking about it since she received the certificate and has inquired as to how she might go about obtaining a six week class instead of just one. </div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
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</style> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 12.75pt;"><span lang="FR" style="font-size: 10pt;">Don’t stop here! Join the carnival and read other Eat, Play, Love blogs from dietitians and moms offering the best advice on raising healthy eaters. And if you don’t get enough today, for more positive, realistic and actionable advice from registered dietitian moms, register for the free, live webinar </span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Eat, Play, Love: Raising Healthy Eaters</span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> on Wednesday, May 18. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: #107295; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The Best-Kept Secret for Raising Healthy Eaters</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">, Maryann Jacobsen, MS, RD</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
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</span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: #107295; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Playing with Dough and the Edible Gift of Thyme</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Robin Plotkin, RD, LD</span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: #107295; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Picky Eaters Will Eat Vegetables</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">, Theresa Grisanti, MA</span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: #107295; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Putting the Ease in Healthy Family Eating</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Connie Evers, MS, RD, LD</span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: #107295; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Raising a Healthy Eater</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">, Danielle Omar, MS, RD</span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: #107295; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Raising Healthy Eaters Blog Carnival & Chat Roundup</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">, Ann Dunaway Teh, MS, RD, LD</span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: #107295; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Soccer Mom Soapbox</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">, Sally Kuzemchak, MS, RD</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: #107295; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Teenagers Can Be Trying But Don’t Give Up</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Diane Welland MS, RD</span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: #107295; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">What My Kids Taught Me About Eating Mindfully</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #2b0d57; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">, Michelle May, MD</span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2079252808125078929.post-23985678510859281192011-05-04T13:31:00.000-07:002011-05-04T13:31:01.187-07:00Children of the CornDad made a total of two dishes while we were growing up. One of those dishes was scrambled eggs & salami and the other was popcorn.<br />
<br />
When we'd hear him shifting the pots and pans around in the bottom of the cabinet to find the heavy bottomed stock pot and lid, we knew we were in for a treat. Out came the oil and the kernels along with said pot and lid. The sound of bottom of the pot being vigorously shaken back and forth atop the burners of our electric stove top was deafening. He'd scoop the hot popcorn into brown paper lunch bags and write our names on them to ensure we ate out of only our own bag. The horror! We'd then jump into the family station wagon with blankets and sleeping bags in tow for our evening at the drive-in movie theater. I can remember two things clearly. 1. the feeling of the stained oil as it seeped through the bag after holding it for hours and 2. twisting the top of the bag to close it so I could take the rest home with me for the next day (invariably, it staled quickly and was thrown sooner rather than later).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_A6-nxlwA5lzzcquyJSyhok0mZ2372Gsnpreef3R4FP3j3oX1hDEAfxO9ltgtes_aRWV79Ize19DEXfUEpfvddtioZ1rX3MZh9FxDz8OUqq3HToaj6jZeA-pyYb7NTfoDQ1JZhXCeyu8/s1600/299B93D3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_A6-nxlwA5lzzcquyJSyhok0mZ2372Gsnpreef3R4FP3j3oX1hDEAfxO9ltgtes_aRWV79Ize19DEXfUEpfvddtioZ1rX3MZh9FxDz8OUqq3HToaj6jZeA-pyYb7NTfoDQ1JZhXCeyu8/s200/299B93D3.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not my popper of the 80's, but an acceptable example</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Flash forward to high school graduation. One of my most coveted gifts was my air popped popcorn maker. That one appliance was my best friend throughout college and after my move to Dallas. I used it religiously-repeatedly offending guests with my "that tastes like Styrofoam" popcorn. Just kernels (I like a mix of white and yellow corn) and a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese. I loved it. An evening wasn't complete until I had my bowl of popcorn along side my Diet Coke. It moved everywhere with me--and always had a secured space in my cabinet. Unwieldy at times due to the odd shape? Yes, but it was worth every inch of space it took up on the shelf.<br />
<br />
Not only does my love for popcorn come from the nostalgia that smelling it and eating it brings to me, but the health benefits are pretty amazing. We're talking 100% whole grain, fiber, low in calories, filling and it has large amounts of polyphenols, the compounds that have been found to reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. Lastly, its very affordable. People who complain that eating healthy costs too much need to take a look at popcorn before complaining again! <br />
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Now, it's time to introduce the young son to popcorn. I have been hunting high and low for my beloved popper to no avail. I have scoured this house. Nothing. Sure, it would be easy to point fingers at others who live in the house who don't care for my air popped popcorn as to its whereabouts, but that's not how I roll. (or is it?) My fear is that I'll never see the popper again. It must have made its way to the recycling bin or the trash or was conveniently left in the last house before moving to this one. Regardless, it's time for a new air popped popcorn popper. I'll be searching online and in stores today. Until I find one, I'm going to pay homage to Dad and do a little popping on the stove top tonight.<br />
<br />
Here's a great little recipe and video from the NovelEats.com blog for <a href="http://www.noveleats.com/snacks/how-to-make-popcorn-on-the-stove/">Stove Top Popcorn.</a><br />
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Photo source: www.thisnext.comUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2079252808125078929.post-71000055603474912322011-04-18T11:21:00.000-07:002011-04-18T11:21:14.315-07:00A Drain I Can Get Behind<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHnVf8DKCRDMui9-lH4ZIWmgOfa9yMwwuwMKHSjCaUoNEsqfFXXqgRmUlLLkaql3zch0kjYGKKPomr0sr33Uznrdca5nTyvEPBHUcS5lt3vYIhZqqEu5EFbqQ7YWXVck6EXLubBrhopQg/s1600/5032712_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHnVf8DKCRDMui9-lH4ZIWmgOfa9yMwwuwMKHSjCaUoNEsqfFXXqgRmUlLLkaql3zch0kjYGKKPomr0sr33Uznrdca5nTyvEPBHUcS5lt3vYIhZqqEu5EFbqQ7YWXVck6EXLubBrhopQg/s200/5032712_3.jpg" width="200" /></a>When the good people of <a href="http://www.myhealthysteps.com/">Healthy Steps</a> contacted me about doing some work with them, they sent me a few of their top selling kitchen gadgets that their customers love to help with portion control. I was really excited about the individual pasta portion basket. Great idea-taken from kitchen restaurants-for those who have trouble eye balling an actual serving of pasta. Proper portion, holes for drainage, easy to handle, dishwasher safe and it collapsed--perfect. But I had another idea.<br />
<br />
We eat a lot of beans in this house--and I mean a lot. It seems like not a day goes by when I'm not opening up a can of beans, draining them to remove the sodium and popping them into a salad, topping tacos, mixing into a Tex-Mex dish or serving them as is-with a touch of cumin-to my son. You can imagine how frustrating it got to take out the medium sized colander every single time to drain my beans. I was so tired of washing it-over and over and over. It got old-quick. I have two sizes of colanders-big and bigger and a steamer basket that I will sometimes use when my frustration gets he best of me. In reality, I just get more frustrated when I take out that steamer basket to drain my beans because-let's face it-it's not meant to strain liquid out of beans.<br />
<br />
Enter the individual pasta portion basket. It's a perfect size for draining 1 can of beans-easy to rinse, drain, hold and-simple to wash. It hides nicely in my sink if it needs to-unlike the big, bulky colander. I find myself using it all the time as a colander-rinsing berries, measuring out veggies after chopping and, occasionally, portioning out pasta!<br />
<br />
I love the duality of a kitchen utensil-especially when its unintentional. Tell me, what kitchen tool or utensil does double duty at your house? Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2079252808125078929.post-69597416588080873532011-03-27T19:26:00.000-07:002011-03-27T19:26:10.294-07:00What's for Dinner? Rice Pilaf RedoThe grill was on tonight for Sunday dinner. I had the salmon, sausages, veggies and dessert covered. Starch? What to do, what to do....<br />
<br />
A quick look around the kitchen found me staring at a box of <a href="http://www.neareast.com/">Near East Rice Pilaf</a>, 1 sweet potato, 1 yellow onion and a handful of baby carrots.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibKwrDd0QPcvNATW7ecXr-0PWpHQbU2wGz24krIoyLJWz1pQjB5NYLe1rJXGP0SYeHsJVxga4k6t6P9jCFNGhbZ0bcEtR4eaLhqhHYbK64HaP2pPI3C1N1G5pE42sDmaczgFODX6O6_ss/s1600/1003855_4124_A_400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibKwrDd0QPcvNATW7ecXr-0PWpHQbU2wGz24krIoyLJWz1pQjB5NYLe1rJXGP0SYeHsJVxga4k6t6P9jCFNGhbZ0bcEtR4eaLhqhHYbK64HaP2pPI3C1N1G5pE42sDmaczgFODX6O6_ss/s320/1003855_4124_A_400.jpg" width="320" /></a>To me, rice pilaf is boring on its own. In fact, it's a rare day that I would choose (much less cook) rice as a starchy side dish. But, I knew my dining companions loved rice and I wanted to create something that they would enjoy and that would have more of an impressive nutrition and flavor profile.<br />
<br />
Here's what happened to the standard box of Rice Pilaf<br />
<ul><li>Cooked pilaf according to package directions </li>
</ul><ul><li>Diced the onion and carrots & cooked low and slow in a saute pan with splash of olive oil </li>
</ul><ul><li> Microwaved sweet potato until just tender and diced into small pieces </li>
</ul> Once the rice was cooked, I added the onion, carrots and diced sweet potato to the bowl. No additional seasonings were added. <br />
<br />
Results? Beautiful bursts of orange amongst the pale yellow rice and an unexpected sweetness from the onion hightened this basic box of rice. Additionally, a huge boost in nutritional value from the carrots and the sweet potato (and onion) and an easy way to get added nutrition & veggies into a basic kitchen staple. Oh, and my dinner guests loved it!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2079252808125078929.post-51441401655217937872011-03-17T10:30:00.000-07:002011-03-17T10:30:34.278-07:00Eating-But Not Wearing-Green Today<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4iOOUrqeFNh9Dm92GtCg27hANofUvM-T0vT49zIn9l0teOBhM0bkngLGpSEcb8WlQ6zLU6aQXW1UsV6cnnfKceusbkXZyzrNdzBazqLuBEZn_CJLxiB-Ikuq53ZKVQIRIuqoJv1t-ifs/s1600/greenfoods.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4iOOUrqeFNh9Dm92GtCg27hANofUvM-T0vT49zIn9l0teOBhM0bkngLGpSEcb8WlQ6zLU6aQXW1UsV6cnnfKceusbkXZyzrNdzBazqLuBEZn_CJLxiB-Ikuq53ZKVQIRIuqoJv1t-ifs/s320/greenfoods.jpg" width="252" /></a>I'm not going to lie to you-I am not wearing green. It's just not my color. I am 100% on board with Valentine red, July 4th red, white and blue, Halloween orange and well, that's about it. You won't see green on this body-ever. I'm just sayin.<br />
<br />
Enter the fields of green produce. On any given day, you'll see me eating green foods....lettuces, spinach, kale, grapes, cucs, etc.<br />
<br />
In honor of St. Patrick's Day, I'm giving a special shout out to the Superbowl produce powerhouse <b>avocado,</b> underrated and disrespected <b>brussels sprouts</b> and the now-second-to-the-newest-dark-leafy-green-media-darling-kale- <b>spinach</b>. Here's how I'll do it:<br />
<br />
<b>Lunch</b>-avocado slices added to my bean burrito (and tomato, too)<br />
<br />
<b>Dinner</b>-strawberry salad with spinach, pepitas (pumpkin seeds) and grana padano cheese along with sauteed brussels sprouts-seasoned with a touch of olive oil, shallots, salt and pepper<br />
<br />
Pretty basic. No need to be fancy to get your greens in for the day-St. Patty's day or not, these greenies have nutrients and phytonutrients that we need every day. Not to mention they are fiber rich and, best of all--THEY TASTE GOOD. I get it-I know-we aren't going to eat anything unless it tastes good. <br />
<br />
Here's a few recipes to get you started to a tasty green menu today:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/roasted-brussels-sprouts-recipe2/index.html">Ina G's Roasted Brussels Sprouts </a><br />
<a href="http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=10000001973623">A tasty take on the spinach and strawberry salad mentioned above </a><br />
<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/avocado-and-grapefruit-salad-recipe/index.html">Another one of Ina's-grapefruit and avocado salad </a><br />
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Let's hear how you incorporated your "greens" today! Posting recipes is encouraged!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2079252808125078929.post-63491850120491715522011-02-26T09:53:00.000-08:002011-02-26T09:53:00.740-08:00Girls Night Out at Dames in the City on March 6<style>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxRUUCN9fv-_mThJejcH-JQ8eJkam67-Le8WFGlBeI6QohFQz5R5jKRnRf3LPQgz4j2bnKizYEVloa_R2cpc4ew-9byRuAMBkEYzRoEBbZ9bnoEisplUuqX5L7qRI90-zTM7Yxf227Gt4/s1600/Les+Dames+Raiser+Grazer+Save+the+Date.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxRUUCN9fv-_mThJejcH-JQ8eJkam67-Le8WFGlBeI6QohFQz5R5jKRnRf3LPQgz4j2bnKizYEVloa_R2cpc4ew-9byRuAMBkEYzRoEBbZ9bnoEisplUuqX5L7qRI90-zTM7Yxf227Gt4/s400/Les+Dames+Raiser+Grazer+Save+the+Date.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Need a night out with the girls? Join me and my fellow Dames as we kick it up-downtown and uptown style-at the Dames in the City event on March 6, 2011.</span><br />
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-right: -0.5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our annual fundraiser, The <i>Raiser Grazer</i>, is slated for Sunday, March 6, 2011 at Cityplace in Dallas. This year’s Grazer, “<b><i>Dames in the City”,</i></b><i> </i>features our very own Dallas<b> </b>stars of the food, beverage and hospitality industries<b>, including Liz Baron (Blue Mesa Grill), Dunia Borga (La Duni),</b> <b>Shari Carlson (Dessert Dreams), Mynetta Cockerell (Milestone Culinary Arts), Rachel Gaffney (Rachel Gaffney’s Authentic Irish Goods), </b><em><b><span style="font-style: normal;">Cristiana Ginatta</span></b></em><b><span> (Pacuigo Gelato), Anita Hirsch (Neiman Marcus) ,Michelle Hudson (Food Company), Bonnie Itzig (Cavallini Coffee and Tea), Paula Lambert (The Mozzarella Company), Courtney Lusher (The Grape), June Naylor (Lambert’s Steaks, Seafood & Whiskey),<span> </span>Katie Natale (Café on the Green at The Four Seasons), Lisa Perini (Perini Ranch House), Janice Provost (Parigi), Sharon Van Meter (Texas Chefs Association), Susan Auler (Fall Creek Vineyards), Gina Puente-Brancato (</span></b><b><span style="color: #333333;">La Buena Vida Vineyards and La Bodega Wineries),</span></b><b><span> and Caris Turpen (LightCatcher Winery and Bistro). </span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-right: -0.5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>The evening also features our much-anticipated silent auction, food and wine pairings, a signature bar and a walk up coffee bar. Relax in our lounge area, enjoy live music and entertaining street performers including a lipstick reader, caricature drawings and much more. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-right: -0.5in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-right: -0.5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>For more information and tickets:<a href="http://www.ldedallas.org/"> www.ldedallas.org </a></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-right: -0.5in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -0.5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span>The Dallas Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier International, (LDEI), is a not-for-profit (501C3) group of professional women with outstanding careers in the fields of food, beverage and hospitality.<span> </span>Our mission is to provide education and professional support to women beginning their careers in these fields through educational programs, mentoring, and scholarships.<span> </span></span></i><span></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-right: -0.5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span><br />
<span></span></span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-right: -0.5in; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Through the generous support of our community, we’ve raised over 1 million dollars for women in foodservice and hospitality. Our chapter has funded scholarships and endowments at Texas Tech, University of Houston, University of Texas and The University of North Texas. Locally, we have endowed funds at El Centro College in their culinary arts department and the Communities Foundation of Texas for Collin County Junior College. In addition, we provide underwriting to Days of Taste, as well as financial support to The Friends of the Dallas Public Library and the Family Gateway Culinary Training Program.</span> </span></i></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2079252808125078929.post-91359328833243431572011-02-21T10:53:00.000-08:002011-02-21T10:53:26.253-08:00Sick of ground turkey? Go tenderloin!<div style="text-align: right;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7hNy1b3nhHEqYHDI6mOjjmiQ7-jAMv_J9nNCyDsoA_D159DQ2CAFKOBpMUZMK-ml9_bOD_VXGr2MWi634sknmRmgobYbg9tby1CldUdXMMi2PEMpEFmlbPC9MhLSVToUvpRrjavfyQSs/s1600/Extra+Lean+Ground+Turkey+Breast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7hNy1b3nhHEqYHDI6mOjjmiQ7-jAMv_J9nNCyDsoA_D159DQ2CAFKOBpMUZMK-ml9_bOD_VXGr2MWi634sknmRmgobYbg9tby1CldUdXMMi2PEMpEFmlbPC9MhLSVToUvpRrjavfyQSs/s320/Extra+Lean+Ground+Turkey+Breast.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We just need a break!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
We're big fans of ground turkey in our house. We eat it at least one time per week! Sadly, we've hit the wall with ground turkey, folks-its time to switch things up and pull out other lean meat alternatives.<br />
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Tonight, we are still working with the turkey family-but this time, it's turkey tenderloin.<br />
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Purchase tenderloin either fresh or pre-packaged. If you purchase fresh, it may be a bit more expensive, but it won't have any of the "preservatives" you'll find in pre-packaged tenderloins. I'm using a pre-packaged loin tonight, which means whatever I use to marinade, rub or season with, I'll make sure it's naturally low in salt as there will already be plenty in the package.<br />
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My friend and colleague <a href="http://www.ediblenutrition.com/">Wendy Jo Peterson</a> is working on a cookbook. She sent me a quick and easy marinade for the turkey that consisted of Greek yogurt, cumin, paprika, mint and lemon. I know you are going to ask me amounts here--but WJP and I cook the same way--mostly by feel, not my amounts. Here's a guestimate:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hello, Tenderloin!</td></tr>
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<b>Mediterranean Turkey Tenderloins </b><br />
1 pre-packaged turkey tenderloin (mine had 2 loins per 1 bag)<br />
3-4 cups Greek yogurt<br />
3 T cumin ( I love cumin)<br />
2 T paprika<br />
juice of 1 lemon<br />
handful of coarsely chopped mint leaves<br />
Lemon yogurt sauce <br />
<br />
Place turkey and all ingredients into a gallon sized plastic baggie. Roll turkey around in the marinade to make sure it's well coated. Refrigerate for 4-6 hours. Pre-heat oven to 350. Remove turkey from baggie and discard. Place turkey flat on a baking sheet or pan. Cook until internal temperature registers 160 degrees. Remove from oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes. Be careful NOT to overcook. Serves 6.<br />
<br />
For sauce: 1 small container of Chobani lemon yogurt, 2 t.cumin and 1t. paprika. Stir well and serve w/turkey.<br />
<br />
Tips:<br />
<ul><li>Turkey is very lean which means it will dry out quickly due to lack of fat. DO NOT overcook the meat!</li>
<li>The above measurements are estimates-feel free to use your best judgement.</li>
<li>If you want a more basic turkey, just season with salt, pepper and olive oil and follow baking directions. This turkey can be used for salads, soups, in wraps, sandwiches, nachos or anything you use chicken for in your usual meal rotation. </li>
<li>We added sauteed green beans with almonds, salad with strawberries and sauteed potatoes & onions for a tasty dinner-with plenty of leftovers!</li>
</ul><br />
Check out the <a href="http://www.eatturkey.com/">Eatturkey.com</a> for more turkey recipes and <a href="http://www.chobani.com/">Chobani.com </a>for more yogurt recipes.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2079252808125078929.post-89660562815453324132011-01-12T21:28:00.000-08:002011-01-12T21:28:49.909-08:00Pups Sniff Out High/Low Blood Sugar in those with Type 1 Diabetes<style>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxH87yY9XR8wVHUt0lhWsZRzx0uG_85KIPbI_TtrAmtIqL-Jp3uDwcp8sgpuRuel-OyLepIzWnqRwLPOvYDdB_XvMGG7rdjG8LiwWLv1QzVqUXyw5CxqAVfM0rbI5HH56pgxD-VUJ3W8w/s1600/neily.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxH87yY9XR8wVHUt0lhWsZRzx0uG_85KIPbI_TtrAmtIqL-Jp3uDwcp8sgpuRuel-OyLepIzWnqRwLPOvYDdB_XvMGG7rdjG8LiwWLv1QzVqUXyw5CxqAVfM0rbI5HH56pgxD-VUJ3W8w/s200/neily.png" width="200" /></a>My friend and colleauge, <a href="http://www.jenniferneily.com/">Jennifer Neily, MS, RD, CSSD, LD</a>, takes over the Robinsbite Blog today with an amazing story about animals saving humans. Take a peek. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"> Faith’s mother can rest easily at night.<span> </span>Abi can safely live alone and drive without fear—fear of having a low or high blood sugar and suffering the consequence of having type 1 diabetes.<span> </span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal">Faith Wilson is not even two years old and Abi Thornton is a successful college sophomore but they share a common bond.<span> </span>Their lifelines are British Labradors—Ruby and Mr. Darcy—very special dogs who were the stars of the inaugural K9s for Kids Benefit last fall at Fashion Industry Gallery F.I.G.) in Dallas.<span> </span>Ruby and Mr. Darcy are Diabetes Alert Dogs (“DADs”) specifically trained to detect high and low blood sugar in those with type 1 diabetes.<span> </span>Truly amazing.<span> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrUU8XZS_P67au11P44VE50Y7YneRuFe0KUzH63UG1nNvkKl1aTVQ2gbFVMXJNogQhNr2b2lZFCJFgGt0KylTYBcibVnBg3pY2jm96woq5pKzAJezoRNX-z-Lo3nK4yFwjA_I1dnaXq2s/s1600/neily2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="70" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrUU8XZS_P67au11P44VE50Y7YneRuFe0KUzH63UG1nNvkKl1aTVQ2gbFVMXJNogQhNr2b2lZFCJFgGt0KylTYBcibVnBg3pY2jm96woq5pKzAJezoRNX-z-Lo3nK4yFwjA_I1dnaXq2s/s200/neily2.png" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Organized by the<a href="http://www.diabetesfriendly.org/"> Diabetes Friendly Foundation </a>proceeds of the K9s for Kids Benefit will provide sponsorship funds to purchase and train DADs for the Foundation families.<span> </span>The support and help these dogs provide is priceless.</div><div class="MsoNormal">The Diabetes Friendly Foundation (DFF) is dedicated to prevent the spread of diabetes and help promote a healthier, happier lifestyle for those living with diabetes.<span> </span>When products display the DFF logo, consumers will be aware the product meets nutritionally specific requirements for people with diabetes or just health conscious consumers looking to make good choices.</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span></span></div><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">The first product line on the market displaying the logo is <a href="http://www.mealstolive.com/">Meals to Live, LLC</a> </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_872815208"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;"></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://./">.</a><span> </span>The line of eight frozen meals is now available at Brookshire’s in Texas and Ralph’s and Walgreen’s on the west coast.<span> </span>Plans are to be available online by year end.<span> </span>Meals to Live frozen entrees have great-tasting unique, savory sauces and flavors that appeal to all appetites.<span> </span>A sampling of the frozen meals include: Chicken Fajita with Santa Fe Rice, Roasted Turkey with Balsamic Sauce and Butternut Squash, Shrimp Jambalaya and Chicken Chili Relleno with Ranchero Sauce.<span> </span>Half of the products are gluten free. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2079252808125078929.post-1578939525583484652010-12-07T13:32:00.000-08:002010-12-07T13:32:44.001-08:00Kids Food Memories--The Proof is in the Pudding<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs6jwnl53KcwpGyz7KFPwKuqcsnoO9atNvPz3-7NRsN9eVyLWfdffKFFEZ1neLFREwfQF3uKoR8t5FocNhL78EhjlcwRWWTCHMLf7RGaqpN5jyU47HOfd_hMv7PkN03VTVAoOdc6Zm3CI/s1600/header+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs6jwnl53KcwpGyz7KFPwKuqcsnoO9atNvPz3-7NRsN9eVyLWfdffKFFEZ1neLFREwfQF3uKoR8t5FocNhL78EhjlcwRWWTCHMLf7RGaqpN5jyU47HOfd_hMv7PkN03VTVAoOdc6Zm3CI/s400/header+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="left"><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">www.favfamilyrecipes.com</span></td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Pumpkin Pudding by Guest Blogger Teresa Wagner, MS, RD</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">People often ask me why I became a registered dietitian. Why would you want to take four years of basic anatomy, biology and biochemistry, do a grueling internship learning medical as well as culinary skills and study for a national registration exam? Why would you do all of that to be credentialed as The Expert in Food and Nutrition and be charged with maintaining continuing education for the entirety of your career? I finally realized the answer was pretty simple: Pumpkin Pudding. </div><div class="MsoNormal">You might wonder how pumpkin pudding could motivate someone to achieve all of those milestones. The pumpkin, a gourd-like squash, planted in early July is harvested in the fall and transcends the holiday season taking center stage during Halloween as carved masterpieces for fun and fright as well as upholding long-time traditions of pumpkin pie served at Thanksgiving and Christmas.</div><div class="MsoNormal">It was during these holidays that my mom came up with the recipe for Pumpkin Pudding to entice me, my brother and sister to actually eat pumpkin. My mom was well-versed in nutrition and knowing that pumpkin is a great source of vitamin A, as well as fiber, she felt it was her duty that we all receive our adequate share of this nutrient-rich fruit. In fact, my mom went to great lengths to come up with recipes for many nutrient-rich foods that she felt compelled that her young children should be eating and enjoying. At the same time, she talked about the foods and nutrition with us as we experienced each meal. I never really understood the bigger picture that eating well would help me feel good, have ample energy and be nourished to accomplish all that I have in my career and life. However, these talks and recipes did give me “food for thought” and when I was asked upon entering college what I wanted to study, I thoughtfully replied, “nutrition”.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Thus, I was on the fast track to becoming a registered dietitian all from warmly remembering my mom’s teachings and recipes that have been handed down and to this day her Pumpkin Pudding holds an esteemed place on every Christmas and Thanksgiving table and in many a friend or relatives’ refrigerator. Here is her recipe:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Mom’s Pumpkin Pudding</b></div><table border="0" cellpadding="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="margin-left: 23.15pt; width: 110%;"><tbody>
<tr style="height: 9pt;"> <td style="height: 9pt; padding: 0.75pt; width: 99.42%;" width="99%"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="color: black;">Ingredients:</span></b><span></span></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="padding: 0.75pt; width: 99.42%;" width="99%"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 99%;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="padding: 0.75pt;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span><img alt="http://recipes.dairymax.org.previewyoursites.com/Production/Images/0013_bullet%5B1%5D.png" height="11" src="file:///Users/robinplotkin/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0/clip_image002.png" width="11" /></span><span>2 tablespoons water </span></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="padding: 0.75pt;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span><img alt="http://recipes.dairymax.org.previewyoursites.com/Production/Images/0013_bullet%5B1%5D.png" height="11" src="file:///Users/robinplotkin/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0/clip_image004.png" width="11" /></span><span>1 tablespoon gelatin, plain </span></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="padding: 0.75pt;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span><img alt="http://recipes.dairymax.org.previewyoursites.com/Production/Images/0013_bullet%5B1%5D.png" height="11" src="file:///Users/robinplotkin/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0/clip_image006.png" width="11" /></span><span>1 lb pumpkin, canned </span></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="padding: 0.75pt;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span><img alt="http://recipes.dairymax.org.previewyoursites.com/Production/Images/0013_bullet%5B1%5D.png" height="11" src="file:///Users/robinplotkin/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0/clip_image008.png" width="11" /></span><span>1/2 cup sugar, brown </span></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="padding: 0.75pt;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span><img alt="http://recipes.dairymax.org.previewyoursites.com/Production/Images/0013_bullet%5B1%5D.png" height="11" src="file:///Users/robinplotkin/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0/clip_image010.png" width="11" /></span><span>1 tsp cinnamon </span></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="padding: 0.75pt;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span><img alt="http://recipes.dairymax.org.previewyoursites.com/Production/Images/0013_bullet%5B1%5D.png" height="11" src="file:///Users/robinplotkin/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0/clip_image012.png" width="11" /></span><span>1 tsp vanilla </span></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="padding: 0.75pt;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span><img alt="http://recipes.dairymax.org.previewyoursites.com/Production/Images/0013_bullet%5B1%5D.png" height="11" src="file:///Users/robinplotkin/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0/clip_image014.png" width="11" /></span><span>1 cup milk low-fat or skim evaporated </span></div></td> </tr>
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<tr> <td style="padding: 0.75pt; width: 350.25pt;" width="350"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="color: black;">Instructions:</span></b><span> </span></div></td> </tr>
<tr style="height: 24.75pt;"> <td style="height: 24.75pt; padding: 0.75pt; width: 350.25pt;" valign="top" width="350"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span>Gently soften powdered gelatin in water, melting over low heat.<br />
<br />
Stir Pumpkin into gelatin. Stir in Brown Sugar and Cinnamon until well-blended and Brown Sugar melts.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span><br />
Remove from Heat. Add Vanilla. Add Milk slowly stirring to mix well.<br />
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Pour into serving dishes or party ware. Chill uncovered until firm.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
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</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">As a mom and a registered dietitian, I encourage all adults, parents and grandparents to teach children about choosing nutrient-rich foods first, sharing family recipes and nourishing their body with a healthy role-model of food as fuel. Doing so will grant the children in your life not only a healthy perspective on food but also a healthy lifestyle and special memories on which to reflect. Making a positive impact on their life may be as sweet and simple as my own mom’s special recipe for Pumpkin Pudding.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Calibri,Verdana,Helvetica,Arial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Teresa Wagner is guest blogging for me today. Teresa is a mom of two teenage girls and former pediatric dietitian who advocates for children’s health through public relations at the local <a href="http://www.dairymax.org/">Dairy Max </a>and <a href="http://www.nationaldairycouncil.org/">National Dairy Council</a> Follow her blog on the <a href="http://www.thedairyreport.com/Pages/TheDairyReportHome.aspx">The Dairy Report</a> and on Twitter @TravelingRD <br />
</span></span></i> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2079252808125078929.post-10348421294709754582010-11-22T13:15:00.000-08:002010-11-22T13:15:13.725-08:00What's For Dinner? Easy Crockpot BBQ Beef Brisket-a la Ginger<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguNXgJRiNdW9a3zhs52ReNuUTRg4CPW8yrniTtqQ-EYNcAe_PLoz9QhBMivFXrSRBDiyFUhYHyAoHwapnI3Yt8DZmZsnJ8CaoAFRk102nOjMMjcWMJLZtZLrE7jwjJ-dfZ-m1GDTJ2zFs/s1600/brisket-taco-bitten-web-ready.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguNXgJRiNdW9a3zhs52ReNuUTRg4CPW8yrniTtqQ-EYNcAe_PLoz9QhBMivFXrSRBDiyFUhYHyAoHwapnI3Yt8DZmZsnJ8CaoAFRk102nOjMMjcWMJLZtZLrE7jwjJ-dfZ-m1GDTJ2zFs/s320/brisket-taco-bitten-web-ready.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Being laid up with a severed tendon does have its benefits. I can't cook per se or wash dishes! I'm fortunate enough to have dear friends who are willing and able to cook for us and we certainly are grateful to those who offer!<br />
<br />
Take for example my kind-hearted friend, Ginger. Ginger is a rouge cook-she takes risks in her cooking-following recipes here and there but also throws caution to the wind when necessary. Let me tell you something--she is a great cook--but this has to be one of her VERY best dishes ever! Thank you, G!<br />
<br />
<br />
I turned this flavorful meat into brisket tacos-sauteed onions, corn tortillas and fresh salsa. That's it. My family and I were in heaven. It is going into my menu rotation in 2011!<br />
<br />
BBQ Beef Brisket A La Ginger<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(note: I cut and pasted this recipe directly from Ginger's email)</i></span><br />
<br />
3-4# chuck roast<br />
12 oz can of beer<br />
14 oz ketchup<br />
1/2 c. brown sugar<br />
Just combine the beer, ketchup and brown sugar in the crockpot and then add the roast. Cook 6-8 hours. Awesomeness. I might have also added a Chipotle Beef bouillon cube to the mix....kinda can't remember now if I did or not.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2079252808125078929.post-42991245262828575242010-11-01T21:24:00.000-07:002010-11-01T21:24:45.350-07:00Want to Teaching Kids How Food Gets From the Farm to the Table? Volunteer at Days of Taste<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> <style>
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</style> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXhBEZy_5WLfA0hmbj5qSnMXUR86mpCrH4JXrpjfVbfStb3wkNpgNQFREc2-Iqjsm_jK2bPvBYFSxzFYgJB2_v1RNpobTac9luCV4lyXON5-IV4jN3N-GiEMlFanBDmFmdyd9PL-9FeFQ/s1600/DSC_0120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXhBEZy_5WLfA0hmbj5qSnMXUR86mpCrH4JXrpjfVbfStb3wkNpgNQFREc2-Iqjsm_jK2bPvBYFSxzFYgJB2_v1RNpobTac9luCV4lyXON5-IV4jN3N-GiEMlFanBDmFmdyd9PL-9FeFQ/s320/DSC_0120.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>Bags, boxes, cartons, pouches, wrappers.<span> </span>This is the state of food today as the majority of our CHILDREN know it. For the last 14 years, I’ve have the important job of educating 4<sup>th</sup> and 5<sup>th</sup> graders in our community about how food gets from the farm to the table…which is a difficult concept for kids, as well as adults, to grasp today. In the beginning, my first thought was to teach these kids about nutrition.<span> </span>But after spending time with them, I realized that the first teachable moment needed to be about real food. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>The stories I hear from the kids are always the same: </span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span>·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span>There are other berries besides strawberries?<span> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span>·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span>Carrots grow in the ground? </span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span>·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span>That’s asparagus? I thought it was celery!</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span>·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span>I’ve never been to a farmer’s market before. It’s so cool!</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span>·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span>I’m going to ask my Mom if I can cook with her in the kitchen now</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span>·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span>I was proud of myself when I tried my very first salad that I ever made!</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span>·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span>This food tastes so GOOD! How can I get more of it?</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>As a new mom myself, its that last comment that breaks my heart. I’m reminded daily of my responsibility to feed my child well. Not right, not wrong, but well. For some of us, this comes very naturally. For others, it's completely foreign.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>Take time and volunteer your time and expertise with those who need it most. To find out about a Days of Taste Program in your area, go to www.aiwf.org. In Dallas/Ft. Worth, just contact me directly! I promise you it will be the most rewarding 4 hours you've ever spent.</span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1