Earth Day 2010

You have the ability to make your next trip to the store a GREENER experience. Here are some ways to be environmentally conscious when shopping.

1. Bring your own bags. Reusable shopping bags are all the rage and come in so many styles and colors. Bring them with you on every trip so you can skip the plastic bag. Also, check to see if your store offers a discount on your bill when you use a reusable bag.
2.Stock up on Produce. Much less energy is used to grow fruits and vegetables than raise animals for meat. Making produce the majority of your diet can reduce dependence on other foods.
3. Share Shopping. Bring a friend or neighbor shopping and car pool. It will really save on gas.
4. Shop Organic. Organic foods are grown without the use of harmful pesticides and fertilizers.
5. Buy in Bulk. Buying in bulk is beneficial because it reduces the need for individual packaging of products. Plus, you'll have to make fewer trips to the store, which saves on gas.
Source: Fargo Forum

Secrets to Easy Entertaining

Food and friends go together, how many times have we had people over for a meal and panicked that we don't know what to make? It doesn't matter what kind of a cook we are we all need some inspiration from time to time. Remember when cooking for friends they are coming to be with you not to test your cooking skills. Keep it simple, get organized and everything will go smoothly. (And if you just can't, Call Me!!!)

Some points to go by:

1. Choose recipes you know you can manage. Read recipes over before you begin, refer to a work plan, then just relax and enjoy shopping and cooking.
2. Simplicity is important. Make something you are comfortable with. Don't try something new for company. It may become to stressful not knowing if it will turn out.
3. Don't be afraid to cut a few corners in the kitchen. If you are short of time and energy buy a few ready made food items.
4. I find that choosing a style or theme is important as it can add a little extra drama and beauty to the meal. Be bold! Add a few personal touches such as napkins tied with ribbon, vases filled with herbs or fruit, like oranges, limes, lemons. Add a few flowers to that vase and you have a very unique centerpiece.
5. When the cooking is under control, set the table sooner rather than later. Its not something you want to do last minute.
6. Don't forget to pour yourself a glass of wine and put on some great music.

Asparagus

Spring is here and Asparagus is the spring season choice vegetable. Asparagus is usually sold in bundles, standing upright in water. Choose fresh looking, firm spears with tight tips. Smell them first to be sure they don't give off an unpleasant Oder(if they do they are old). Check the cut ends of the stalks, they should be moist, not dried out. Cook your asparagus with in 2 days of purchase.

The simplest preparation is to just toss the spears with olive oil and a little sea salt, add pepper before putting them in a 400 degree oven, or a hot skillet. Cooking time depends on the thickness of the spears and how crowded your pan is, but when the spears are just tender(a knife will meet slight resistance), they're done. Yum!!!

Asparagus pairs well with many foods, but some of it's best flavors are lemon, orange, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, eggs, mushrooms and shellfish particularly shrimp.

Classic Deviled Eggs

Easter is here and the wonderful egg. These classic Deviled Eggs will please everyone. Use it as a starter for your Easter Dinner.

First let me share with you a no fail hard cooked egg.

Place the eggs in a saucepan large enough to hold them in a single layer. Cover the eggs with cold water, about an inch above the eggs. Place the pan on the heat and bring to a boil. Just when the water hits a full boil, remove from heat and cover. Let the eggs sit, covered for 16 minutes. Then, drain immediately, cool under running cold water, and get ready to peel.






Classic Deviled Eggs

6 hard-cooked eggs, peeled, cut in half, and yolks mashed in a bowl
2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons mayo or miracle whip (or use half mayo and half miracle whip)
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
2 teaspoons white distilled vinegar
1-2 teaspoons sugar ( taste after you add the first teaspoon, that may be enough for your taste)
salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste.

1. Combine the thoroughly mashed yolks and mayo, then stir in mustard, vinegar and sugar. Salt and pepper then taste and adjust if necessary. Stir to achieve a smooth texture.

2. Take a gallon plastic bag and put yolk mixture in it. Press down to get the contents toward a point. Take a scissor and cut the tip off. You then can pipe into the eggs whites. Sprinkle with paprika if you wish.