Showing posts with label Food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Food. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 18, 2025

Pamper Your Pup with Homemade Treats
Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day








Recipe

Whip up some delightful homemade treats for your dog with just three easy-to-find, pet-safe ingredients. These simple-to-make cookies can be shaped into adorable doggy designs like bones for fun or quickly formed into small, flattened balls if time is tight. Ensure your peanut butter is free from added sugars, oils, and particularly Xylitol, which is harmful to dogs.

Banana Bliss Biscuits for Barkers

Easy 3-Ingredient Dog Treats Yields: 20-24 biscuits. Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups gluten-free old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (check for no Xylitol!)
  • 1 large ripe banana (or 2 mediums), mashed

How to Make Them:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Pulse the rolled oats in a blender until they resemble fine flour, or use pre-made oat flour. Set this aside.
  • In a big bowl, combine the peanut butter and mashed banana thoroughly. Mix in the oat flour until you achieve a thick, cohesive dough. If it's too dry, mix in 2-4 tablespoons of peanut butter until the dough is sticky yet workable.
  • Flatten the dough to about a 1/4 inch thickness and cut out shapes with a doggie-themed cookie cutter. For a quicker option, shape the dough into small balls (about 1 tablespoon each) and press them down to form simple round cookies.
  • Bake for about 15 minutes or until the bottoms are slightly golden. Let them cool for 10-15 minutes – if you can wait – before treating your dog.
  • Store these tasty treats in a sealed container; they'll keep fresh for up to two weeks.

Treat your four-legged friend to these healthy, homemade snacks and watch their tail wag joyfully!





Monday, February 17, 2025

From Cherries to Chowder, explore the Presidential Palate.


Every president has his favorite foods. And it doesn't take long for the nation to become captivated with a president's eating habits - with Ronald Reagan, it was jelly beans; Jimmy Carter munched peanuts; George W. Bush loved pretzels; Trump likes fatty fast foods, and Joe Biden delights in ice cream.


Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Abraham Lincoln’s Favorite Foods and Dietary Habits

Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809. He served as the 16th President of the United States from March 1861 until his assassination in April 1865. The photos of Abraham Lincoln show a man who was tall and slender.

What did he eat while he led the country through the American Civil War,  ending slavery and promoting economic modernization?


Helen Dupre Bullock, Historian of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, wrote "Authorities agree that Lincoln was indifferent to food, not particularly knowing or caring what was placed before him, whether it was cold or hot, and even whether he ate it or not. If not reminded of meal times he forgot them." Lincoln was usually so preoccupied with problems of politics he gave little thought to food unless faced with it.

In the White House, President Lincoln’s eating habits were irregular. For breakfast, he would have an egg, a piece of toast and coffee, if he remembered to eat. Lunch consisted of “a biscuit, a glass of milk in winter, some fruit or grapes in summer,” wrote John Hay, an aide to President Lincoln. “He drank nothing but water, not from principle, but because he did not like wine or spirits.

President Lincoln was fond of certain foods, especially apples, and Mrs. Lincoln always had plenty of apples available. One of his favorite meals was fresh fruit and nuts, cheese and crackers. Some sources note, President Lincoln did have two favorite dishes, Chicken Fricassee with Biscuits and Oyster Stew. His favorite dessert was Apple Pie.

References
Lincoln's Table, by Donna D. McCreary, contains 125 recipes of foods the Lincolns enjoyed, including flannel cakes (pancakes) and cornbread. The book provides stories about Abraham Lincoln's childhood, background information about many ingredients used in the recipes, and photos and menus. The recipes, though historically authentic, have been converted to modern-day measurements.


              Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address

 


National Shut-In Visitation Day
Your Visit Can Make a Big Difference



People who are shut-in may be lonely, have difficulty going to the market, 
cooking meals and/or eating. 

Your visit can make a big difference.


Most recently with Hurricane Sandy and the unpredictable weather conditions; we became aware of a large number of disabled and elderly people trapped in their homes and apartments (some trapped over 16 stories high.)

How you can help.









If you are interested in helping, there are numerous programs available, such as:

Meals-on-Wheels Programs (check your local listing)

Big Brothers and Big Sisters Program
Check local religious organizations.


Friday, January 31, 2025

February Wellness News - American Heart Month




Monthly Events

International Prenatal Infection Prevention Month
International Boost Self-esteem Month
International Expect Success Month
Library Lovers Month
National African American History Month
National Children's Dental Health Month
National Time Management Month
Spunky Old Broad Month
Youth Leadership Month
Dog Training Education Month
National Pet Dental Health Month
Responsible Pet Owners Month
Bake for Family Fun Month
Canned Food Month
Chocolate Month
February is Fabulous Florida Strawberry Month
National Grapefruit Month
Great American Pies Month
National Cherry Month
National Snack Food Month
National Wise Health Consumer Month
North Carolina Sweet Potato Month
National Hot Breakfast Month
Potato Lovers Month
Plant the Seeds of Greatness Month


February
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
          Freedom Day; National Baked Alaska Day; International Day of Black Women in The Arts; Ice Cream For Breakfast Day  2    Groundhog Day; Hedgehog Day National Tater Tot Day; Crêpe Day; Heavenly Hash Day
 National Carrot Cake Day
 
4   Homemade Soup Day; World Cancer Day; Medjoola Date Day; National Hemp Day 5 National Weatherperson Day; World Nutella Dayy; National Girls & Women in Sports Day 6   National Frozen Yogurt Day; Massachusetts 6th State Canadian Maple Syrup Day Wear Red Day; National Fettuccine Alfredo Day 8  National Molasses Bar Day  9 National Pizza Day; National Toothache Day; Cut the Cord Day; Bagel & Lox Dayy; Super Bowl; Autism Sunday; Popcorn Day
10 National Cream Cheese Brownie Day;  World Pulses Day 11   National Shut-in Visitation Day; International Day of Women and Girls in Science; National Peppermint Patty Day


12 National Plum Pudding Day;  Lincoln's Birthday 13 National Tortellini Day; National Cheddar Day; National Crab Rangoon Day; Giving Hearts Day
14 Valentines Day Ash Wednesday; Natl Donor Day; Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day;  Library Lovers Day; Oregon 33rd State; Arizona 48th State;  National Cream-Filled Chocolates Day
15   National Gumdrop Day

16  National Almond Day; National Caregivers Day; No one Eats Alone Day; National Buna Day

17   President's Day; World Human Spirit Day; National Cafe Au Lait Day; Random Act of Kindness; National Cabbage Day 18  Crab-Stuffed Flounder Day; National Drink Wine Day

 19   National Chocolate Mint Day 20    World Day of Social Justice; National Cherry Pie Day; Love Your Pet Day; National Muffin Day 21 National Sticky Bun Day; National Grain-Free Day; Caregivers Day  22 National Margarita Day; National Cook a Sweet Potato Day


23 National Banana Bread Day;  National Dog Biscuit Day; Tootsie Roll Day
24 National Tortilla Chip Day, National Dance Day, STAND UP to Bullying Day, World Bartender Day 25  National Chocolate Covered Nut Day; National Clam Chowder Day 26  World Pistachio Day; National Personal Chef Day


27 National Kahlua Day; National Strawberry Day; World NGO Day 28 National Tooth Fairy Day; National Chocolate Souffle Day    

Thursday, January 30, 2025

Croissant from Dough to Joy

Croissant from Dough to Joy





Tabouli, Tomatoes, and Feta Cheese on
Mini Croissant
#NationalCroissantDay 





Croissant Sandwich with Tabouli,
Tomatoes, and Feta Cheese

Serves One

Ingredients

1 Croissant (1 ounce)
1 Tbsp Tabouli Salad
2 slices Tomatoes
1/2 oz Feta Cheese

Nutrition Information


Nutritional Analysis Services

Ensure accurate and cost-effective nutritional analysis and food nutrition facts labels for your recipes and menus utilizing an extensive research database. A great service for the Media, Cookbook Publishers, Writers, Chefs, Recipe Websites and Blogs. Your readers will enjoy and benefit from the Nutrition information.

For more information, visit Dietitians-Online Nutritional Analysis Services
contact: Sandra Frank, Ed.D, RDN, FAND recipenews@gmail.com
954-294-6300




Tuesday, January 28, 2025

A Stack of Pancakes is Not One Serving
National Blueberry Pancake Day



Oatmeal Buttermilk Blueberry Pancakes,
by Martha Rose Shulman, #NYTCooking. 




Blueberry Pancakes with Fresh Blueberries



Serves One
Ingredients
2 Blueberry Pancakes frozen
1/3 cup Fresh Blueberries

Portion Control



Nutritional Analysis Services

Ensure accurate and cost-effective nutritional analysis and food nutrition facts labels for your recipes and menus utilizing an extensive research database. A great service for the Media, Cookbook Publishers, Writers, Chefs, Recipe Websites, and Blogs. Your readers will enjoy and benefit from the Nutrition information.

For more information, visit Dietitians-Online Nutritional Analysis Services.

contact:
Sandra Frank, Ed.D, RDN, FAND

Sunday, January 19, 2025

Popcorn, Everyone’s Favorite Snack, Everywhere

Popcorn, also known as popping corn, is a type of corn that expands from the kernel and puffs up when heated. Popcorn is able to pop because its kernels have a hard, moisture-sealed hull and a dense, starchy interior. Pressure builds inside the kernel, and a small explosion (or "pop") is the end result. Some strains of corn are now cultivated specifically as popping corn. From Wikipedia

Popcorn, Everyone’s Favorite Snack, Everywhere





How Popcorn is Made








Saturday, January 4, 2025

Spaghetti Sensations: Pairing Pasta Perfection with Diverse Culinary Companions

Spaghetti Sensations: Pairing Pasta Perfection
with Diverse Culinary Companions



Spaghetti is a long, slender, cylindrical string pasta. It is of Italian and Sicilian origin. Spaghetti is made of semolina or flour and water. The most common length of spaghetti is 25 -30 cm (10–12 in) lengths. A variety of pasta dishes use spaghetti, such as Spaghetti and Meatballs, Spaghetti alla Carbonara, Spaghetti with Marinara Sauce, and Spaghetti Bolognese.

Recipe: Whole Wheat Spaghetti with Diced Tomatoes
Serves One


Ingredients
2 oz Whole Wheat Spaghetti (1 cup cooked)
2 tsp Olive Oil
1 Garlic Clove
1 large Tomato, diced (3/4 cup)
1/2 tsp Oregano, dried
1 Tbsp Parmesan Cheese

Directions
1. Prepare spaghetti as per the manufacturer’s directions.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes.
3. Add tomatoes and oregano; simmer, uncovered, 10 to 15 minutes.
4. Add spaghetti to skillet; toss to coat with tomatoes.
5. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.



Nutritional Information



Ensure accurate and cost-effective nutritional analysis for your recipes utilizing an extensive research database and over 30 years of experience. A valuable service for the Recipe Blogger, Media, Cookbook Publishers, Writers, Chefs, and Recipe Websites. Your readers will benefit from the Nutrition information and a Registered Dietitian. Contact: Dietitians-Online.com; Sandra Frank, Ed.D, RDN, at recipenews@gmail.com 

Thursday, January 2, 2025

Mastering the Buffet: Smart Tips for Healthy Choices


A buffet is a system of serving meals in which food is placed in a public area where the diners serve themselves. A buffet can be difficult for a person wanting to control their weight. Planning, moderation, and motivation are key to your success.


Seven Tips to Navigating a Buffet

 1. Never go to a buffet hungry. You may be tempted to overindulge. Have a light snack a few hours before arriving at the event.

 2. Use a salad plate, which holds less food than a dinner plate.

 3. Start off with fresh vegetables and/or salad greens. Serve with low-calorie dressing, vinegar, salsa, mustard, or lemon. Avoid the croutons, bacon bits, cheese, and salads made with mayonnaise.

 4. Next, go for a low-calorie beverage, such as water, unsweetened iced tea, or diet soda. If you are walking around with a beverage in one hand and a plate of vegetables in the other hand, you can easily avoid the appetizers being passed around.

 5. Main meal. Fill half your plate with vegetables. Choose steamed vegetables and keep away from those with heavy sauces. Avoid pastry items, deep-fried, breaded, and foods prepared with mayonnaise, sour cream, and cheese sauces. Instead, choose lean meats, poultry, or fish. If you want to try various items, ask for small samples.

 6. Avoid bread and crackers, especially if prepared with added fat.

 7. If you want a dessert, choose a light alternative. Many buffets now offer low-calorie or sugar-free desserts and fresh fruit.

Eating at a buffet can be challenging, but your success will be rewarded with planning, motivation, and moderation.

Sunday, December 29, 2024

Pepper Pot Day Recipe

Pepper Pot is a thick stew or soup of beef tripe, vegetables, pepper, and other seasonings. Beef tripe is usually made from the first three chambers of a cow's stomach: the rumen, the reticulum (honeycomb and pocket tripe), and the omasum.




Pepper Pot Soup
Yields: 12 servings


Ingredients
1 pound sirloin steak, trimmed, cut into 1/2-inch pieces (or 1 pound honeycomb tripe)
5 slices bacon, diced
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped celery
3 leeks, chopped
1 bunch fresh parsley, chopped
2 green bell peppers, diced
2 quarts low sodium beef stock
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 large potato, peeled and diced
2 large carrots, diced
4 tablespoons unsalted margarine
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Directions
1. Place the beef in a nonstick saucepan. Cook and stir occasionally until no longer pink on the outside, about 3 to 4 minutes. Drain and cut the beef into 
1/4 inch pieces. 

2. In a large kettle, saute the bacon until clear. Add the beef, onion, celery, leeks, parsley, and green peppers; saute until tender.
3. Stir in beef stock, thyme, marjoram, cloves, red pepper flakes, bay leaf, and black pepper. Bring the kettle to a boil. Turn the heat down to a simmer. Cook, covered, until meat is very tender, about 2 hours.
4. Add the diced potato and carrots, and cook for an additional 20 minutes.
5. Prepare the roux by stirring the flour into the melted margarine, and cooking for a moment on the stove. When the soup is done to your liking, stir in the roux. Simmer, stirring all the while, until the soup thickens a bit. Correct the seasonings.

Nutritional Information


Ensure accurate nutritional analysis for your recipes utilizing an extensive research database and over 25 years experience. A valuable service for the Recipe Blogger, Media, Cookbook Publishers, Writers, Chefs, and Recipe Websites. Your readers will benefit from the Nutrition information and a Registered Dietitian. Contact: Sandra Frank, Ed.D, RDN, FAND at recipenews@gmail.com 954-294-6300



Friday, December 27, 2024

Happy Kwanzaa

"Kwanzaa was created to introduce and reinforce seven basic values of African culture which contribute to building and reinforcing family, community, and culture among African American people as well as Africans throughout the world African community. These values are called the Nguzo Saba, which in Swahili means the Seven Principles. The Nguzo Saba stands at the heart of the origin and meaning of Kwanzaa, for it is these values which are not only the building blocks for the community but also serve to reinforce and enhance them."   - Dr. Maulana Karenga (Founder and Creator)

Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration observed from December 26 to January 1 each year.

 
Seven Basic Principles of Kwanzaa.
The colors of the Kwanzaa flag are black, red, and green; black for the people, red for their struggle; and green for the future and hope that comes from their struggle. It is based on the colors given by the Hon. Marcus Garvey, a national color for African people worldwide.
 


             
Kwanzaa has seven basic symbols. Each represents values and concepts reflective of African culture and contributes to community building and reinforcement. The following are the basic symbols:

Mazao (The Crops) These symbolize African harvest celebrations and the rewards of productive and collective labor. 

Mkeka (The Mat) This symbolizes traditions and history and, therefore, the foundation we build. 

Kinara (The Candle Holder) symbolizes our roots, our parent people -- continental Africans.

Muhindi (The Corn) This symbolizes our children and our future, which they embody.

Mishumaa Saba (The Seven Candles) These symbolize the Nguzo Saba, the Seven Principles, the matrix and minimum set of values which African people are urged to live by to rescue and reconstruct their lives in their own image and according to their own needs.

Kikombe cha Umoja (The Unity Cup) symbolizes the foundational principle and practice of unity, which makes everything possible.

Zawadi (The Gifts) These symbolize the labor and love of parents and the commitments made and kept by the children. 


The following videos share the history and traditions of Kwanzaa. The first video was created by Sesame Street and the story of Kwanzaa is told through a young boy; the second video is a Happy Kwanzaa song by Teddy Pendergrass; and the third video is a trailer from "The Black Candle", narrated by Maya Angelou.

Sesame Street: Kwanzaa
 

Kwanzaa, a Celebration. 
"The Black Candle" trailer, 
narrated by Maya Angelou.


Wishing the lights of Kwanzaa
brings happiness, warmth, and prosperity.


Resources
 Wikipedia: Kwanzaa 

 5 Things You May Not Know About Kwanzaa, History 


When you learn something from people or from a culture,
you accept it as a gift, and it is your lifelong commitment
to preserve it and build on it. 

- Yo-Yo Ma

Monday, December 23, 2024

The Kiwi: Emerald Elegance

The Kiwi: Emerald Elegance



The Kiwifruit


History of the Kiwifruit.
Originally discovered in the Chang Kiang Valley of China, kiwifruit was considered a delicacy by the great Khans who enjoyed the emerald green color and wonderful flavor. By the mid-1800s, the fruit had found its way into other countries and was nicknamed the Chinese gooseberry. New Zealand growers started to export this exotic fruit to specialized markets around the world.

Then in 1962, a California produce dealer began importing New Zealand gooseberries. The dealer renamed the product "kiwifruit" because of its resemblance to the fuzzy brown kiwi — New Zealand's funny-looking national bird. By the late 1960s, California began producing its own kiwifruit in the Delano and Gridley areas.

How to Eat A Kiwi

There's no "right" or "wrong" way to eat California Kiwifruit. But since most people find that slicing and scooping is a good way to get the most from their kiwifruit, we coined the word "slooping" to describe it! Here's how to sloop your kiwi:

Using a sharp knife, slice the kiwifruit lengthwise to create two identical halves. Then use a spoon to scoop the sweet, delicious meat of the kiwifruit from each half. Looking for maximum fiber and nutrition? Don't throw that skin away! It's loaded with nutrients and fiber, so rinse it off and bite right in! 



The kiwifruit is a rich source of Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Vitamin K, and Fiber. It is low in calories, low in sodium, has no cholesterol, and only a small amount of fat. 


One Large Kiwifruit weighs about 3.5 ounces (100 grams) and provides the following nutrition.


Kiwi Mint Lemonade

Makes 4 servings 



If you don't have mint, try fresh lemon balm. The lemonade is also delicious without the herbs. 

Ingredients
1 cup (250 mL) water
 ½ (125 mL) cup granulated sugar
 ½ (125 mL) cup packed fresh mint leaves
 3 California kiwifruit
 3 lemons
 Sparkling water

Directions
1. In a medium saucepan, heat water with sugar over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until sugar is dissolved. Simmer, uncovered, 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in mint leaves. Let stand 20 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, peel kiwifruit and cut into chunks. Puree in a food processor. Place puree in a pitcher. Strain cooled syrup into a pitcher, pressing on mint, then discard leaves. Refrigerate until cold. Squeeze juice from 2 lemons. Stir into kiwifruit mixture. Taste, squeeze in juice from remaining lemon for a tarter lemonade.


3. Pour into glasses. Top with sparkling water. Serve garnished with a slice of kiwifruit. Makes about 2¼ cups (550 mL) without sparkling water, enough for 4 drinks.


References.
1. 
Top 10 Ways to Enjoy Kiwifruit, Fruits and Veggies Kiwifruit


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