Archive for December, 2008

Moms Making Noise confess their regifting experiences – yes, we all have participated one way or another.  Jodi has one that is missing in action, Body Paint - it’s a mystery.  She also has mom stories for the worst presents – seems her mom was an expert at selecting the most off-the-wall gifts.  One dynamite gift received from a husband was a snow-blower, the latest and greatest of course… Yes, it really was for him.  These moms talked about holiday treats (snowballs, carrot cake) meals and frustrations…  You’ll learn from their good and bad ideas!  Have fun and tune into this archived show aired Dec. 26th!

I urge you to listen to this archived radio show.  Tom Stone shared many important facts you’ll want to know about how poultry is raised by both the conventional growers and Bell & Evans.  For instance, did you know that fresh chickens heading to the market are chilled with cold water baths.  Once plucked, etc., they are put into cool water together, an invitation for cross contamination. Plus, during the hours they are there, their bodies draw in enough water to add 7 to 8 percent to their weight – weight that you pay for when you purchase them.  This is why you find a “diaper” underneath them in the package in order to help soak up some of the secreted water.   Bell & Evans “air-chill” their poultry to prevent the addition of chicken-soaked water and avoid contamination.  Their diligent care in feeding their poultry healthy grains explains the melt-in-your-mouth taste and texture of their products.  Plus, their housing practises are exceptionally clean.  When listening to this show, you will hear how much you, their consumer, is on their minds.  Take a few minutes to get to know Tom!

… for the health of your family,
ellen

Irene  Rosenfeld, CEO of Kraft, is quoted as saying that “40 percent of the food supply is being diverted for use in fuel.”*  That is just short of half.  Now you can see why our food prices have skyrocketed.  Someone needs to do a better job of thinking forward.

… for the health of your family,
ellen

* USA Today CEO Forum at Duke University, December 11, 2008, p. 4B

If you love to bake, and bake and bake for your friends and family during the holiday, bless you!  For those of us either have no time to do so, don’t want to do so, or both, Wholly Wholesome is your answer.  Their frozen baked cakes, pies, pie shells, cookies, bun and breads taste like they are home-made and all you do is follow the directions: heat and serve.  Your guests will be asking for the recipes!

Baking without Baking happens when you buy their pie crusts.
Baking at Home  – that describes the process of simply heating up their frozen pies.
Place and Bake is the extent of your cooking with their cookies.
Thaw and Serve – that’s my favorite … easy cheesecake directions!

We love these products because there are no NO ingredients in them – all are natural (really) and some are organic.  When it is time for treats, this is the way to go.

Don’t forget about the Wholly Wholesome “Winter Wonderland” orange cranberry cake.  Check out their website to see a photo of this holiday treat.  I am taking one to a party tomorrow night!

… for the health of your family,
ellen

Check out our Blog Talk Radio show, “Better Food Choices.”  (www.BlogTalkRadio.com/BetterFoodChoices)

Lynn Battels, our radio guest chef from The Whole Foods Market in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, revealed her secret to entertaining without stress – Planning!  Isn’t that the secret to most successes?  Why is it that we resist sitting down and planning when entertaining – I know I do.  For a smooth-running, hassle-free party that the host can enjoy, begin planning two weeks in advance.  Whether it will be a buffet, snacks and drinks for adults or kids, or a sit down dinner, Lynn says she begins with selecting the menu, beginning with the entree(s).  She works outward from there, taking into account the number of guests, time of day and year, a balance of protein and carbohydrates, and a nice array of naturally-sourced colors.  Lynn creates a chart of what needs to be done when, including allowing time to dress and relax before the party.  She pointed out on the radio show, that there are several recipes which can be prepared a day or to before the party.  It sounded so logical and easy – even fun!  Listen to the blog talk radios show archive of our interview with Lynn Battels.  She has so many easy and delicious ideas for entertaining menus. (www.BlogTalkRadio.com/BetterFoodChoices)

Lynn’s System to Plan/Organize for Entertaining is being posted on www.BetterFoodChoices.com.  Print it out and have it by your side the next time you plan a party menu.

… for the health of your family,
ellen