Dining in style = dining with confidence. And nothing spawns confidence when dining quite like knowing your way around the table -- including the array of flatware that can loom ominous and downright confusing.
As fork etiquette goes, however, not to fret. This enchanting work from Julia Rothman lays it all out in splendid and colorful detail. Armed with this piece as your reference, you'll never have to hesitate to stick a fork in it ever again!
Happy Eating!
To say today is an historic day in the United States is an understatement, indeed. For today, we honor the powerful legacy of one of the greatest leaders, visionaries and public servants our nation has ever known, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. And, if that wasn't enough, we also commemorate the Second Inauguration of President Barack Obama, our 44th President.
It's a jubilant, expectant time, where differences are (hopefully) laid aside, and the spirit of unity and pride of country lead the day. It's American History--up close and personal--even down to what history will record that our nation's leaders ate at the Inaugural Luncheon.
And if you're wondering about that historic menu, you won't have to wait to visit the National Archives to find out; we've got the full menu--and the recipes--right here!
I love that we can all bring a piece of history into our lives and homes as we take to our kitchens and recreate these dishes for years to come. So, here's to a taste of American History...and to Happy Eating!
57th Presidential Inauguration, January 21, 2013: Inaugural Luncheon Menu
What can I say about a frittata? For starters, this Italian-style omelet, as it's been referred to, is one of the most versatile dishes (think breakfast, lunch, brunch and breakfast for dinner), the perfect canvas for vegetables, herbs, meats and cheeses, and translates beautifully for entertaining a crowd or your own private indulgence. Oh, and, I'm a fan.
As easy to pull together as grabbing whatever you have on hand in the fridge (exactly what I did for this recipe), a frittata cooks up with very little fuss, while yielding what I find to be one of the best egg preparations around. Eggs + filling + technique = another great recipe for your mornings, afternoons, evenings, or whenever you're simply in the mood.
Happy Eating!
Vegetable and Herb Frittata
Servings: 2*
Ingredients:
4 large eggs, plus one large egg white
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 shallot, diced
1 tablespoon olive oil
Fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Splash of milk
3 dashes of hot sauce (optional)
Preheat oven broiler.
Combine eggs, Parmesan, a generous sprinkling of salt and pepper, milk and hot sauce in a bowl and beat eggs with a fork until well blended. Set aside.
Heat oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat, add pepper and shallot and cook to soften (about 2-3 minutes). Pour eggs over the vegetable mixture and tilt pan to distribute eggs evenly over the mixture and around the surface of the pan. Continue cooking until edges become browned and the center is slightly set. Sprinkle on some parsley and put under the broiler for one and a half minutes (watching carefully to avoid burning!).
Remove from broiler when top is lightly browned and set. Finish with another sprinkling of parsley. Cut into wedges, serve and enjoy!
(*Cook's Note: You can easily increase the servings by increasing the number of eggs in the recipe.)
It's always a good time to make better choices about eating smarter and healthier. But this is especially true following the holiday season, where we break more comfortably (and frequently) for extra-indulgent fare. Following such escapades, fresh starts are generally in order.
Whether you're rebounding from a run of decadent eating or simply want to give your existing regimen a boost that will yield greater health and nutrition payoffs--sans extreme measures or deprivation--these simple tips for smarter and healthier eating will supply you with extra fuel in your arsenal. They are tips that easily evolve into habits that will keep you on the right track (or get you back there) for a new year (and lifetime) of good eating in the truest sense.
1. Read food labels carefully. Knowledge is power--and that couldn't be truer when it pertains to understanding what you're feeding your body. Taking a few extra moments to evaluate the amount of fat, sugar, or other contents, in packaged foods can mean all the difference between smart (and healthy) vs. poor choices.
2. Pay attention to serving sizes. This is a must, especially when your goals include a healthy body weight. Frequently, the packaging of that favorite beverage or goodies (chips, cookies, candy, crackers, etc.) will make it seem as if it's all one serving. But, in keeping with tip #1, if you read the label more closely, you'll often discover that you have multiple servings (and multiplied calories!) tied into that neat, "little" package.
3. Cook your food. The best way to know what you're eating and control serving portions is to cook and serve yourself. The benefits, health and otherwise, of home-cooked meals far outweigh the extra time and commitment it involves (and you can always count on DMRFF for inspiration.) :) So even if you increase your "nights in" by only one or two days a week, you'll reap hearty benefits on food cost savings and with more balanced, wholesome meals.
4. Keep healthy snacks on stash. Whether you're lounging at home or running errands, keep healthy snacks like fresh fruit, nuts, yogurt, popcorn and bite-sized veggies on hand. Not only will having these snacks readily available avert the temptation to eat more unhealthy snacks, especially when hunger pangs strike suddenly, but you'll likely notice a correlation to improved fitness and energy levels.
5. Go natural when possible. If you have access to farmers markets or organic selections at your local grocery store, opt for the best selections possible. I'm especially keen on organic dairy, produce and meat selections.
Combine these tips with your personal goals for eating smart, without sacrificing taste, variety or the joy of eating.
What smart eating habits do you follow?
Happy Eating!
