Tips for Smart Grocery Shopping

   People have always told me that me that it is exceedingly more expensive to buy healthy food than it is to buy the frozen or pre-packaged meals that are loaded with saturated fat, unneccessary sugar, and an astronomical calorie count.  I absolutely refuse to believe this.  Why?  Proof.  I am used to feeding a very large Marine who requires a minimum of 3000 calories a day just to function (on the days he doesn't have a serious workout.) 

A normal day in my husband's food:

1. two large bowls of cereal for breakfast
2. a package of cracker sandwiches and a banana for mid-morning snack
3. a loaded sandwich (sometimes 2), Sunchips, fruit salad (that I force him to take), and a v8 for lunch
4. almonds and yogurt for afternoon snack
5. 2 regular sized servings of whatever I make for dinner
6. 3 cookies for dessert (I have to have them made... all the time.  Some batches, I don't even eat 1)

Needless to say, I was terrified of what our food bill was going to be.  I thought we would be spending $500+ a month just keeping up with his food intake.  I was wrong.  We purchased some packaged items, because we needed to, but we got the healthiest option.  Sunchips are better than potato chips, and whole grain crackers are better than club crackers.  Our grocery bill averaged about $350/month.  (Alcohol not included, but averaged probably $50/month)  We didn't go out to eat often.  I cooked almost every night, threw very little food away, and we did not have the same boring thing every night.

   I took our neighbors (in NC) to the grocery store a couple times  and was amazed by their cart.  It was loaded with sugary cereals, frozen pizzas, chips, snack cakes, and pre-made frozen meals like pot pies.  It was enough food for 2 weeks and their final tally was over $250.  That didn't include beer and cigarettes.  Shocked doesn't even begin to describe the red and brown cart before me.  The only color came from packages and the only items from the produce section were bananas and a lonely head of iceberg lettuce.  (I found out that he also bought his lunch on base everyday, so who knows how much that was.)

   It occured to me that it may be slightly cheaper to purchase frozen meals, but the people who do that probably are not satisfied with the food they eat so they load up on the chips and cookies in a vain attempt to shove nutritional satisfaction down their gullets.  It is a nutritionally-deprived cycle:  buy cheap food, eat, not satisfied, eat more cheap food, run out, buy more..... 

   When you have a plan and a goal, shopping healthy is not hard or expensive.  It may take a little more time to plan out, but it is worth it in the end.  These are my favorite, simple tips to keep the wallet and belt in check:

1. Plan your meals out for the week.  This eliminates food waste.  If you know you are going to use half a bell pepper in one thing, you can plan to use it in another dish.
2. Make a list and stick to it!  Deceivingly simple, but so helpful.  I have a tendency to see new veggies or fruit and want to buy them when I have no plans for them.  That is when stuff gets thrown out and money is wasted.  
3. If are tempted by certain items, like chips and candy, just don't go down the aisle.  This in combination with the list eliminates junk food in the house and therefore helps control mindless snacking.
4. Stock up on sale meat and cans.  Lean proteins can be pricey.  Buy on sale and freeze.  Cans won't go bad so buy a few more of the items you know you frequently use.
5. Store value cards, store brands, and sales.  I have four store value cards on my key chain.  Its ridiculous but they can save you a lot of money because rewards members often get much better sale prices.  (And most of them are free!)  Shopping on sale is always smart.  Many people do it with clothes but forget to do it with food.  And store brands are often names brands that are packaged differently; especially when it comes to canned goods and frozen vegetables.
6. Shop once a week.  Most fresh things will last an entire week (bananas, broccoli, apples, squash...) but aren't going to make it to the end of two weeks.  Once a week shopping allows you to be more focused on the immediate future and will help prevent the throwing away of precious produce.
7. Shop one store.  When you get used to one store, you know what and when things usually go on sale.  Two grocery store also works as long as you get used to it.  Shopping all over the place and not having a steady schedule usually ends up costing more. (Unless you are the crazy person pouring over all of the grocery circulars looking for the best price... My dad is this person.)
8. READ LABELS!!!  You might be shocked by some of your normal go-to items.  Stay away from goods with high DVs of sodium, processed sugars, and saturated fat.

New Year, New Food

"People are so worried about what they eat between Christmas and the New Year, but they really
should be worried about what they eat between the New Year and Christmas."

--unknown, foodreference.com

-------

   I have only had one New Year's resolution in my life.  In third grade, I promised myself I would stop biting my nails.  I accomplished that task and felt like I never needed another New Year's resolution.  This may not count as a resolution, but as I have told you, I am making January all about healthy eating.  Normally I do eat really healthy because that is the way I was taught to cook and eat.  My mother never soaked a pan in oil or butter; she always used the freshest, least processed items available; and made sure that every meal was a balance of protein, veg, and carb.

   October through December tend to be a rather unhealthy--or at least less healthy--time for most people.  I am no exception.  Lots of amazing food (and sugar) was enjoyed, but I have started to feel the burden of those meals.  I am not even talking about weight, that has nothing to do with it.  But I notice myself starting to feel a little sluggish, and that is not a good feeling.  Already, I feel my spirits and energy lifting because there are no huge, heavy meals in my immediate future.

   Losing weight is always a popular New Year's resolution.  Or maybe your resolution is simply to eat better and healthier.  Those resolution usually fall apart around mid-February when the red and pink candy boxes start rolling in.  Six weeks is also about how long it takes most people to get bored of a diet.  I am not proposing a diet plan here.  Nothing like that.  I am just talking about simple tips, tricks, and recipes that are easy to follow if you are committed.  A simple shift in the way you think about food and cooking is all it takes.  The South Beach Diet and Weight Watchers do the same thing of making you conscious about what you put into your body and how much, but you don't have to pay to read my blog!

   Tell yourself you can do it, because you can!  Throw away the left over Christmas cookies (they've probably been sitting on your counter for too long anyway.)  Say goodbye to butter laden meals and cream drenched dishes.  Vow not to frequent the drive-thrus.  And rest assured that you won't have to eat Lean Cuisines for dinner. 

Chilled Spinach Arichoke Dip

   Still trying to decide what to make for that fast approaching party tonight?  This is a quick and crowd pleasing dip that will have people clamoring for the carrots.  Yes, it is so good, everyone will want to eat their veggies!  It's a take on a classic, fatty restaurant appetizer but you could eat a whole bowl of this and still have consumed less fat and calories than the kitschy, chain restaurant version.

   Even if you don't like spinach or artichokes, chances are you like spinach artichoke dip.  It's a culinary conundrum, but whatever the reason people just can't seem to get enough of this 70s creation.  My version is not only healthy it is easy to take to a party because it isn't hot.  No messing with someone else's oven or bothering with a crock pot.  Also, it doesn't have to be meticulously chilled because there is no mayonnaise in it.  It's perfect at room temperature.

   I like to have this on hand at home for snacking because it will keep in the fridge for up to 10 days.  I can just grab some and a few veggies and munch away guilt-free!  It is a little more on the expensive side to make, but it works out to only $0.50/serving.  And you can totally leave out the goat cheese; that will knock about $2 off the cost and cut a few more calories.

Sorry that isn't all fancy right now.

Chilled Spinach Artichoke Dip

6 oz Greek yogurt (plain, fat free)
2 Tbsp cream cheese, softened
2 oz goat cheese, softened
1/4 C grated parmesan cheese
2 tsp minced garlic
1 can artichokes in water, drained and chopped
5 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed and water squeezed out

   Combine cheese and yogurt.  Mix in veggies and garlic.  Serve with carrots, celery, and cucumber slices.
   Makes 3 C.  Serves about 12.  In a party setting, it is probably enough for 20.
Per 1/4 C serving:  Calories 50, Fat 0.5 g, Protein 4 g, Total Carb 3 g
Daily Values:  Vit A 10%, Calcium 6%
Total Ingredient Cost:  $6.00

If you really want something crunchy and salty with the dip, I suggest:
Nabisco Wheat Thins 100% Whole Grain Toasted Chips

Serving size: 13 "chips"
Calories 130, Fat 5 g, Total Carb 19g, Fiber 2 g, Protein 2 g,
DV: Calcium 4%, Iron 4%

OR

Snyders of Hanover Pretzels Old Fashioned Dipping Sticks

Serving Size: 14 sticks
Calories 120, Fat 1 g, Total Carb 24, Fiber 1 g, Protein 3 g

Meaty Meatless Chili

   I got really excited there for a minute because I thought this was the first totally vegan main dish I've done for the blog.  But after going through the archives I found that it is the second!  Thai coconut soup beat this one for the title.  However, this is the the first dish I have ever made where I was conscious about its veganism.  (You're welcome!)  I personally don't subscribe to vegan beliefs (obviously...) but I respect those who make the decision.  I love eating vegetarian meals a few times a week because 1) I am not the biggest meat fan in the world and I easily get bored with it, 2) it mixes things up, 3) you normally feel better about yourself if you eat a huge bowl of butternut squash soup instead of a steak.

   Even those this is vegan, you wouldn't know it.  The mushrooms and lentils give it a meaty texture and appearance.  But it is cheaper than ground beef and much better for you!  Everyone knows chili is super hearty but most people don't think of it as super healthy.  This will change your mind and it will please any chili lover!  (Except maybe some of those crazy,Texans....  The Texans in my family would love it though!)  Also, if you have someone in your house who doesn't like mushrooms, just don't tell them about it.  In this, they'll never know.
NOTE:  Many canned red kidney beans have sugar/high fructose corn syrup added.  These are not the beans you ever want to buy.  Canned organic kidney beans often don't have added sugar.  Also, canned red beans, which are very similar in texture and flavor to kidney beans don't have sugar.  And all cans used are ~14 oz.

Totally looks like there is meat in it, right?!

Meaty Meatless Chili

1/2 brown lentils (dried)

2 C water

1 tsp olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

1 lrg carrot, diced

4 oz baby bella or button mushrooms, roughly chopped

1/2 poblano pepper, minced

1/2 jalapeno, minced

1 Tbsp minced garlic

1 chipotle in adobo, minced (2 tsp chipotle puree)

1 can diced tomatoes (no salt added)

1 can black beans, lightly drained

1 can red beans, lightly drained

1 1/2 Tbsp chili powder

1 bay leaf

1 tsp thyme

1 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp coriander

1/8 tsp cayenne

Salt and pepper

Chopped parsley and lime wedges (optional)

   Rinse lentils and pick out any tiny rocks or bad looking beans.  Put lentils in cold water, bring to boil.  Reduce to med-low heat.  Cook for 30 minutes with lid slightly tilted.  Mash beans up a little with a spoon.  This can be done a couple days in advance.

   In 3 or 4 qt pot, heat oil over medium heat.  Add onions and carrots.  Saute until tender.  Add mushrooms, poblano, and jalapeno.  Cook about 5-7 minutes, until mushrooms lose a little moisture and start to brown.  Add garlic, toss around a little just to taste the raw edge off.  Add the rest of the ingredients.  Simmer over medium heat for about 15 minutes.  Salt and pepper to taste.

   Serve with parsley and lime wedges.

   Since this is a chili, it obviously gets better as it sits.  Make this two or three days ahead of time and it will just get better.

   Serves 5.

Per Serving:  Calories 240, Fat 2.4 g, Protein 14 g, Fiber 12 g,  (Total Carb: 40 g)

Daily Values:  Vit A 38%, Vit C 12%, Iron 22%, Calcium 6%

Total Ingredient Cost:  $6.30, and this may be an over estimate.  Depending on the brand of spices and canned goods, it may only cost ~$5.50.

Vanilla Cinnamon Roasted Almonds

   Calm that snack craving, but please don't head for the chips and cookies!  Snacking is the easiest and fastest way to ruin any diet you happen to be on.  Obviously fruit is a great snack that is loaded with good-for-you things and very few calories but that can get a little old after a while no matter how much you love fruit.  As long as you make your snacks work for you and not against you, they are an essential part to a healthy lifestyle.  Little bites in between meals help prevent over eating and give you those needed boosts of energy during the day.

  Almonds are a great snack because they are crunchy, which helps alleviate stress, and good for you.  Yes, almonds have a significant amount of fat, but they are very low in saturated fat and really high in monounsaturated fat--you know, the kind of lipids that are good for your skin, hair, nails, and heart?  They are also a great source of niacin (B3) which helps lower cholesterol and vitamin E which is a strong antioxidant.  The other great thing about almonds, ladies: is that a serving size is 1/4 C which is roughly the equivalent of a handful (unless you have freakishly large hands).  Easy portioning!  Guys will probably need to measure out 1/4 C.

   I know that nuts can be a little on the expensive side, but keep an eye out for raw, bulk nuts on sale (in the produce section or top shelf in nut section).  Stock up and store them in your freezer for up to 6 months.  The last time almonds were on sale we got them $4/lb... I know, awesome.  Roasting them yourself give you creative control over the flavor and helps keep the salt and sugar in check.  I like raw sugar for roasting nuts because it gives them more crunch and is a less processed carbohydrate which means your body works a little bit harder to break it down (ie... less is converted to fat.)  These almonds aren't overly sweet, you can add a little bit more sugar if you would like, but I think there is enough sweetness in them to satisfy that mid-day sugar craving.

TIP:  If you feel, or know, you have problems controlling portion size, pre-measure your snacks into little baggies.  That way it is easy to just grab and throw in your purse or back pack.  Easy to take, healthy snacks on-the-go are great way to avoid the fast food drive through or vending machines that can bust three good days worth of eating in a single blow.

Vanilla Cinnamon Roasted Almonds
1 egg white (or equivalent amount of egg white substitute)
2 Tbsp raw sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp salt
2 C natural almond (dry roasted without salt, or raw)
cooking spray

   Whip egg white until it reaches a medium peak stage.  When held up right it will keep its form but the tip will fold over.  Like this:

  Fold in vanilla, cinnamon, sugar, and salt.  Stir in almonds.  Make sure everything is coated.  Spread out into a single layer on lightly sprayed cookie sheet.
   375 deg F for 10 minutes (350 is you know your oven runs hot).  Toss, put back in oven for 5-7 more minutes.  Allow to cool completely in a single layer!  (If you pile them together they will steam and not be as crunchy.)
   8 servings
Per Serving:  Calories 208, Fat 18 g, Dietary fiber 4 g, Protein 7.5 g;  Daily Values:  45% Vitamin E, 9% Calcium, 9% Iron, 7% Potassium, 7% Niacin
Cost: about $5 (on the expensive side, shop wisely and it will only cost about $2.50), it may be more than a bag of chips but your body will thank you!

Cabbage and Udon Soup

   I told myself I was going to wait until January to start this, but I can't help myself.  I am watching three houses worth of animals (two neighbors and my own), and I needed some stimulation that 4 cats, 1 fish (at least I hope there is only one fish...), a doberman, and a maltese couldn't provide.  Also, my right arm is sore from thrashing about wildly for several hours trying to play Swords on Wii.  That didn't go as well as I had planned.

   Anyway, last night I got a jump start on my healthy January recipes.  (I really need to come up with a name for this.... any suggestions???)  I am going to prove that eating healthy isn't hard and isn't expensive!  Ingredient amount cost will be calculated, calories and fat counted, easy no-brainer tips given, and you won't be hungry an hour after eating!  First off you should know that in order get really tasty dishes in the future there will be some up-front cost like making sure you have well stocked spice and condiment cupboards.  You have to think of it this way though:  this bottle of (_____) may be $5 right now, but you can use it in 30 dishes... that is pennies a serving.  Also, if you buy a more expensive ingredient, use it in 3 or 4 dishes.  For example, this dish uses lemongrass.  It was $2.50 for 2 oz; I used 1/2 oz and can freeze the rest.  Also, look around the grocery store to see if ingredients are in various places.  Dried shitakes in the produce department can be up to $5.  In the Asian section, they are only $2.50.

Look at how much you get to eat!

Cabbage and Udon Soup

7 C water (total)

1/2 medium onion, cut into large chunks
1 1/2 inch knob of ginger, peeled and sliced
4 medium garlic cloves, crushed
1/2 oz lemongrass stalks, cut into pieces
1/2 oz dried shitakes (8-10 mushrooms)
1 chicken bouillon cube
1 1/2 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
2 1/2 C shredded green cabbage (1/2 small head)
3 oz dried udon noodles (1 inch bundle)
3/4 lb white meat chicken, very thinly sliced
1 tsp dark sesame oil
1/4 tsp salt
sriracha (optional)

   Place dried mushrooms and 1 C of water in a bowl.  Microwave on high for 30 seconds.  Flip mushrooms over and microwave 30 more sec.  (Quick reconstitution.)  Squeeze water of mushrooms, cut off stems.  (Slice mushroom caps.)  Add stems and water to pot.  Add 5 C water to pot.  Put onion, ginger, garlic, and lemongrass into pot.

This little bit gives SO much flavor

Bring to boil.  Dissolve bouillon cube in a little bit of the hot water, add to pot.  Turn to medium-high heat, cook for about 15 minutes, until liquid has reduced by 1/3.  Strain through a mesh sieve to remove chunks.  Return broth to pot.  Add last 1 C of water

  This was plain ol' water 15 minutes ago

Add cabbage to broth.  Bring to boil.  Add udon noodles.  Boil for 4-5 minutes.  Turn down to medium-high heat.  Add chicken strips that have been tossed in salt and thinly sliced shitakes to pot.  Cook 3-5 more minutes until chicken is done.  Serve with a little bit of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce.

Vegan Option!  Use 1 Not-Chik'n bouillon cube and use 8 oz of slice fresh baby bella mushrooms or 1/2 block of firm tofu instead of chicken. 

   Serves 4 very generous portions.
   Per serving:  Calories 215, Fat 3 g, Dietary Fiber 3 g, Protien 23 g 
   My ingredient cost was $7.50.  That is less than $1.90 per serving! And this soup is way better for you than one of those $4, just-add-water, microwave Asian noodle bowls (which are 2 servings by the way.)  To bring the cost down even more, use 1/2 lemon in place of the lemon grass and 3 oz linguine in place of the udon noodles.

Make Ahead:  Make the broth up to 1 week in advance and store it an air-tight container in the fridge.  Then when you go the make the soup it will only take about 15 minutes!

Side note:  Green cabbage is a great source of vitamin K which is good for your bones and is important in blood coagulation, so eat up hemophiliacs!!!

Tomato and Seafood "Stew"

   After the heavy holiday meals is it so nice to have something lighter.  I find that many people have problems eating healthier in the colder months because it can be confusing to find healthy recipes that are still hearty and soul-warming.  Which is why January will be devoted to healthy, hearty food that isn't too expensive and can either be made ahead or in about 30 minutes.  Just so you know what to look forward to next month.

   This soup--or stew-- is delicious and great for the colder months.  My influences were French bouillabaisse and the San Franciscan classic, cioppino.  My version is a little more on the Spanish side.  I hesitate to call it a stew because it doesn't take very long to cook and has a thinner broth more like a soup, but it has big chunks of seafood similar to a stew.  I guess semantics aren't important.  What is important is how delicious it is!  There is bacon in this, but it is still healthy!  There is less than one slice of bacon per serving.  Also, the flavor is really good and it provides all the fat needed in the dish.  If you don't like bacon or don't eat pork, don't worry-- use about 1.5 tsp of olive oil and it will be just as good.

Tomato and Seafood "Stew"
3 slices bacon, chopped
1 med onion, chopped
1/2 red bell pepper, diced
1 tsp garlic
1 tsp flour
1 (14 oz) can low-sodium chicken broth (seafood or vegetable works too)
1 (14 oz) can petite diced tomatoes
1/2 C dry sherry
1/2 C dry red wine
1 tsp thyme
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
3/4 lb peeled deveined shrimp (medium-ish size)
3/4 lb (skinless) white fish (halibut, cod, or even tilapia)
salt and pepper
lemon wedges and chopped parsely (optional)
good, crusty bread

   Cut fish into bite sized chunks, about the same size as the shrimp.  Salt and pepper seafood.
   In a pot, render bacon until crisp over medium heat.  Remove bacon and drain on a paper towel.  Saute onion and pepper until tender.  Add garlic and flour.  Stir to make sure there are no lumps of flour.  Cook about 1 minute.  Add wine and sherry.  Turn to high.  Bring to boil; cook about 2 minutes.  Add broth and tomatoes. Bring back to a boil.  Reduce to medium.  Add thyme and pepper flakes.  Cook 7-10 minutes, until liquid has reduced a little.  Add seafood and cook until done, about 6-8 minutes.
   Top with crispy bacon and parsley.  Serve with lemon wedges and bread.
   Serves 4-6

  

Vinturi Wine Aerator

   I have been playing Wii for too long now so I thought I'd make myself take a break and tell you about the awesome gift my brother got me for Christmas.  The Vinturi Aerator.  It was really cute how excited he was about this giving this gift to me.

   Red wine is supposed to "breathe" before you drink it.  That is the purpose of a decanter.  Pour the wine into the crystal decanter, pour into wine glass.... that mixes in the right amount of air.  However, most of us don't have a crystal decanter lying around and probably don't want one.  I don't.  That is way too breakable to have around while drinking.  The Vinture is acrylic.  And is cheaper than a nice decanter.

   I saw one of these a few weeks ago.  My first reaction was,  "Hey!  That is cool!"  My second reaction was, "That is probably bullshit."  But it isn't!  It is crazy the difference that it makes.  We tried it on a $6 bottle of Little Penguin Merlot and holy crap... pouring it through the aerator added like $15 to the wine!  I was amazed.  The little amount of air that is mixed in makes the wine taste more like it is supposed to taste; the same concept as adding salt to sweet desserts.  I can't wait to try this on a nicer bottle of wine.  Because I will say that the funneling my Bota Box (boxed...) wine through this made me feel a little trashy, even though it is perfectly decent, lovely wine!  Didn't stop me though.  My only negative about this is you have to be really careful not to pour the wine too fast or else it leaks out of the teeny air spouts on the side.  Likewise you can't pour too slow because then the wine goes straight through and the air isn't mixed in.  When it makes a weird sucking sound, you are doing it perfectly.  I absolutely recommend this to any wine lover!

Set Includes: aerator funnel, sleek modern stand, a fine mesh basket if you happen to drink really fancy wines that may have a bit of sediment, and a travel pouch for the aerator for wine drinkers on the go.

Christmas Loot and Joy

   I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!  Even though the hubs wasn't here it was a very awesome Christmas.  He got me a Wii and the in-laws got me Cooking Mama: Cook Off which is why there haven't been pasts the last couple of days.  As far as presents, this year was probably the best ever!  I've mentioned the Wii already and I also got brand new Giada DeLaurentis cookware, a wine aerator, and Rocco Disperito's Italian American cookbook.  The cook book is fantastic and loaded with delicious recipes, but it was a sort of a joke present from my mom.  About 90% of the food she makes is Italian; she doesn't like me to make fun of her for it.

   Believe it or not, but I have never owned a cohesive set of pots and pans.  My kitchen stock is made mostly of things my mom didn't want anymore.  Also, many of the items were practically ruined by a former roommate and her squatter boyfriend.  I don't care what they say, you DO NOT put non stick pans or knives in the dishwasher!  But everything has changed now, the set is gorgeous!  Everything is shiny stainless steel with simple, clean lines.  The nonstick is silky smooth and perfect free of the garish gouges in my current ones.  The bottoms are nice and heavy to ensure even heating and heat-retention.  And everything that needs to have a lib has one; no more covering my little sauce pan with aluminum foil to cook rice!  It is everything I need when combined with the only pieces of equipments I want to keep from my current supply.  (Full review once I actually get to use them!)  I am now SO happy I didn't get any of the cookware from my wedding registry because this stuff is so much better (and wasn't available a year ago.) 
Pieces received:  8 qt mutlicooker (steam tray and stock pot), 10 in nonstick saute pan, 4.5 qt nonstick chef's pan, 10 piece Tri-clad Professional Series set (8 in saute pan, 9.5 in saute pan, 5 qt dutch oven, 3 qt, 2 qt, and 1 qt sauce pans) 

Available from Target

  My mother-, father-, and sister-in-law braved the unusual Tennessee Christmas snow to come spend the evening with us.  We had a lovely meal.  Starting off with a mishmash of super yummy appetizers:  blackberry baked brie that my sister-in-law Sarah made, sauerkraut balls, and smoked salmon with cream cheese, capers, and red onion.  For dinner, we roasted about 5 lbs of perfectly gorgeous beef tenderloin.

Simple sides complimented the medium-rare (some medium slices) beef.  My mother-in-law made a salad with strawberries and mandarin oranges (and everyone knows that mandarin oranges are one of the best things you can put with lettuce).  We had ridiculously easy thyme roasted zucchini, summer squash, and tomatoes.  And the main side dish of mushroom pasta was loaded with buttons, shitakes, and [dried] chanterelles. 

I am sorry that I didn't snap any pictures of dessert because it was really pretty.  Sarah made white chocolate bread pudding and we topped it with cherries jubilee.  Ultra decadent!  

Last Minute Stocking for the Person with No Hobbies

   My dad has no hobbies.  Walking and working are the closest thing he gets to a hobby. Needless to say, he can be very hard to shop for.  Walking requires little "equipment" and there are no gadgets or accessories that can be bought.  Last year I got him a really nice pedometer, but after that, his "hobby" needs were totally filled.  Socks and underwear are the things he gets most excited about around Christmas time.  He is very particular about his socks and underwear; they can only be bought at JC Penny.  However, he refuses to set foot in the mall, so those are the only things he ever asks for for Christmas.

   We have to get really creative with him sometimes.  He loves grilling, but has everything he needs for that because he's not exactly the most inventive with the grill.  Just slap the meat on, turn it, take it off when it's done.  He also loves sausages and cold cuts.  Cured meats are the next closest thing to a hobby that he has.  Trail bologna, pepperoni, prosciutto, salami, capicola... anything ground and encased or left to dry until it will keep indefinitely is right up his ally.  So for his stocking this year we got a few seasonings for grilling and sausages.

1. World Market Mesquite Seasoning ($3)-- Basic seasoning blend of paprika, garlic, and onion with the flavor amped up by cumin, orange peel, and chipotle powder
2. World Market Chicago Chop and Steak Seasoning ($3)-- An all American blend characterized by ground mustard, lemon peel, and celery seed
3. Olde Thompson Peppercorn Mix ($9 on website, $7 in stores)-- Black, green, white, and pink peppercorns in a disposable grinder  (my dad adores fresh cracked pepper!)
4. World Market Blood Orange Milk Chocolate ($2)-- Classic combo with a twist, I'll probably be the one who ends up eating this.
5. Sweetridge Dark Chocolate Cocoa ($1)
6. Volpi Romano Salame ($5)-- All natural, dry-cured, and aged salami crusted in cracked black pepper
7. Daniele Hot Abruzzese Sausage ($5)-- Dry, spicy, full flavored pork sausage from the Abruzzi region of Italy
8. Market Classics Split Pea Soup Dry Mix ($4)-- My dad loves split pea soup but we don't often indulge in the request because we don't usually keep split peas in the house.  This base has all the essentials; you just have to add an onion, some stock, and a couple other kitchen basics.  Also, there is a recipe on the back so he can make it himself!

   Dried meats and seasoning blends are readily available in many grocery stores.  All of these items were purchased at World Market.  Other great, easy to find, last minute, food-oriented stocking stuffers include:

• small sample sized coffees
• mini bottles of hot sauce
• trial sized oils and vinegars
• chocolate stirring spoons, purchased or home-made
• chop sticks and oriental soup spoons for the Asian food lover in your family

   You still have one day left to finish and finalize your gifts!  I hope this was helpful either for today, or for a jump start on next year's ideas!