Party Healthy This Holiday Season (Healthy Holiday Recipes)

The holidays are a time to reconnect with the joy of togetherness. We have family gatherings. We have Holiday potlucks or buffets at work. We get together and have "Secret Santa" or "White Elephant" Christmas parties with our friends. Some of us bring in the New Year on it's eve with parties. Some of  us gather after Watch Night services and have a late night meal. Many of us have a gathering on New Years day and hang out,

No matter how we hang out with one another, we All have to eat. Parties, family gatherings, and feasts make keeping off the pounds a difficult task. I said difficult not impossible. The holidays don't have to mean weight gain. We can't can expect everyone not to cook fattening foods to parties but we can bring our own healthy & tasty treats & share.

The colors in this dish scream Christmas. It is a simple healthy recipe and requires minimal cooking.

Zu-Canoes (Eating Well have a great recipe to make this)
Ingredients
• 2 medium 2-inch-wide zucchini
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper, divided
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon white-wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon minced shallot
• 1 cup quartered grape tomatoes
• 1/2 cup diced mozzarella cheese, preferably fresh
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil

Preparation:
1. Trim both ends off zucchini; cut in half lengthwise. Cut a thin slice off the backs so each half sits flat. Scoop out the pulp, leaving a 1/4-inch shell. Finely chop the pulp; set aside.
2. Place the zucchini halves in a microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Cover and microwave on High until tender-crisp, 3 to 4 minutes. (Alternatively, steam in a steamer basket over 1 inch of boiling water in a large skillet or pot.)
3. Whisk oil, vinegar, shallot and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Add tomatoes, cheese, basil and the reserved zucchini pulp; toss to combine. Divide the filling among the zu-canoes.

Nothing says holiday party to me like a wing. They are full of flavor and portable. My only issue is most are fried with butter based sauces. But here is a baked wing to rival any fried wing out there. Oh I have other healthier sauce recipes, you want a different flavor. Email me or leave me comment and I can send you a copy.

Balsamic Soy Glazed Chicken Wings (Inspired by THIS Recipe)
Ingredients
• 4 pounds chicken wingettes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 3/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Preparation:
1. Put oven racks in upper and lower thirds of oven. Line 2 large shallow baking pans (17 by 11 inches) with foil. Put pans in oven and preheat oven to 500°F.
2. Pat wings dry, then toss with oil, ginger, garlic, and pepper in a large bowl and divide between preheated pans, spreading wings in 1 layer. Roast, without turning, until golden and tender, about 35 minutes.
3. While wings roast, simmer vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar in a 1- to 1 1/2-quart heavy saucepan, stirring occasionally, until reduced to about 1/3 cup, 12 to 14 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in butter until melted.
4. Remove roasted wings from oven and let stand in pans 1 minute (to make wings easier to remove from foil), then transfer with tongs to a clean large bowl.
5. Pour balsamic mixture over wings and toss to coat well. Let stand 5 minutes, then toss again.

Oh my Jewish readers, I didn't leave you guys out. A Latke is a variation of a Potato Pancake (what I grew up eating) and it is usually fried. The oil for cooking the latkes is symbolic of the oil from the Hanukkah story that kept the Second Temple of ancient Israel lit with a long-lasting flame that is celebrated as a miracle. But us Gentiles are not the only ones watching our figures. Try this baked version of this traditional dish  and take it to this year's Hanukkah.

Baked Latkes (Recipe is found HERE)
Ingredients
• 2 lbs potatoes (shredded or grated)
• 1 onion (shredded or grated)
• 2 eggs
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste
• 1/4 cup matzo meal or 1/4 cup flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• Nonstick cooking spray

Preparation:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Drain excess liquid from potatoes. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl.
3. Spray two baking sheets.
4. Add latke mixture by 1/4 cup; flatten.
5. Bake 15 minutes; turn latkes; and bake 10 minutes longer.
Serve with applesauce or sour cream.

My cousin, Clory made this punch for Thanksgiving and it was delicious. Alcohol has empty calories and we don't need them anyway.

Non-Alcoholic Apple Pie Punch (Great recipe HERE)
Ingredients:
• 4 Cups Apple Cider
• 1 Cup White Grape Juice
• 3 Cups Ginger Ale
• 1 Apple, diced

Preparation:
1. Combine apple cider, white grape juice, and ginger ale into a pitcher or punch bowl.
2. Throw in the apples and enjoy!

Now, just because We will bring healthier dishes does not mean we can't eat what other's brings. Here are some tips to enjoy some of our favorite holiday dishes without overindulging.

• Snack Beforehand - Do Not go hungry.

• Be The Last In Line - Once a large amount of people have gone through, the food loses its luster

• If You Must Drink, Drink A Wine Spritzer - Remember, many holiday drinks are loaded with calories that add up quickly!

• Avoid Elastic Waisted Holiday Outfit - Elastic waistbands are cheerleaders to overeating. Fitted waist & belts give your appetite discipline.

• Stand at least 4 Arms' Length Away from the Munchies or Buffet - Causes you not to want to walk back to get seconds.

Well, I won't be back until February 2016, if God says the same, with Healthy Eating Recipes. I promise to come back a little sweeter (Yes, that is a hint). Happy Holidays to all you reading this. Be blessed & ready to for me in 2016.

As Always, Talking to You in Adult Terms

I HATE PWI ~vs~ HBCU/HBCU ~vs~ PWI Debates

I was taught I could Hate things not people. So, Hate is the best emotion for this issue. Debating whether a Historically Black College & Universities (HBCU) or Predominantly White Institution (PWI) is right for a black student is one the most loathsome arguments to me. Today, Missouri System President Tim Wolfe resigns amid campus protests, racial tension. I barely read the headline before I saw "They should've went to a HBCU" from a few Black tweople (what I call people on Twitter). I gave my two cents on the whole Mizzou situation including PWI vs HBCU debates on the situation were null and void. HERE. I was not for the troll, today and blame him for this post.

Yes, He gets a Side Eye stamp.

Well, then this Twitter troll told me I was in denial and commence to school me off of One of my tweets. After I told him to go read ALL my tweets on this subject and how saying that the Black Mizzou students "They should've went to a HBCU" was "low key victim blaming", he got quiet or blocked me.

With Football Nerd, a HBCU graduate

I am a Black woman who received her Bachelor's in Family Consumer Sciences with Emphasis in Nutrition from Lamar University, a Predominantly White Institution. I also went to another university & community college (UT-Arlington & El Centro) prior to Lamar and they were PWIs. I am proud of my accomplishments. I am the first 4-year college graduate of all of my maternal grandparent's offsprings. Both my maternal grandparents have siblings, in-laws, & nephews that coincidentally received their Bachelor's degrees at Historically Black College & Universities. Both my grandparents have Associates degrees from HBCUs. My mother went to a PWI. My sister attended an HBCU and PWI. But never in my family's history of debates & discussion were there ever HBCU vs PWI. I was Never told I needed to attend an HBCU until my senior year of high school.

I grew up with this girl, blog name will be Weeble Wobble, who graduated from a HBCU. She was a year older. Weeble Wobble felt like since we hadn't attended an all-black school since elementary, I needed to go to an HBCU. There were only two HBCUs on any of my lists of possible colleges. Those two were Howard University & Tuskegee University. Howard was not financially sound for me and I only wanted to Tuskegee University because the guys I saw during a tour were handsome & fine.

My top 4 choices were PWIs and that is where I applied. One day, Weeble Wobble wanted to visit me at my PWI at the time, the University of Texas at Arlington but I had an organization function. She asked what organization (also one of those people shocked that I do secular activities, I complain about) and I told her NACWC, National Association of Colored Women's Clubs. She said, "Oh I've never heard of that". Now I could've left the statement there, but me taking the jerk road I didn't. I said, "Really? It's the oldest African American secular organization. But UTA is the first college chapter." After that discussion, she never brought up me going to an HBCU. She may not remember the exchange. 

I will Never disrespect an HBCU. I just know that an HBCU would not have benefitted my future. I also will Never know the answer to which is better for the Black student, PWI, or HBCU. I don't think there is a definitive answer. And to tell these Black students at Mizzou hurting because of race that they "should've went to a HBCU" is rude. No matter what race people that say it is gross. I don't care if you use education & finances (like that troll twerson), it is an unnecessary cherry on top of a wound.

I've had racist things happen to me in college. One night a member of the baseball team, who was white banged on my bathroom door and asked did I want some watermelon at 3 am while they were visiting my suitemates, who were also White and on the track team. My suitemates told him to leave my door. He said because I was a black girl should've been interested. I don't even eat watermelon. So, the joke is on him."Should've went to a HBCU" would have not help that or this Mizzou situation.

The Goal, we all are striving to achieve!!!

As the deaconess board at my foundation church says or use to say, "If you can't help, don't hurt"!!!

As Always, Talking to You in Adult Terms

Lighten Up on the Day After Thanksgiving (Healthy Holiday Recipes)

I can't in good conscious suggest healthy recipes for your Thanksgiving meal. I would be a hypocrite. I can and will suggest portion control but not a total healthy meal.

My mother will make her green bean casserole and I plan to have some on my plate.

Now, the day after Thanksgiving is a different story. There is no reason one can not eat healthier on that day. Just because those leftovers are calling your name, it can still be done. The major holidays of Thanksgiving & Christmas are celebrated in my home a*k*a Granny's House. It's where my grandmother is and that's where the family goes. That also means I have to do much of the clean up afterward. The only two items on our table of bounty (feeds 20-25 people) that are leftover is maybe (big maybe) 1/4 of the turkey (well except that one year LoL) & 3/4 of the jellied cranberry sauce. Do you want to see what you can make healthy with these two items? Of course, you do! You would still be reading this if you didn't.

Oh, the smell of hot muffins in the morning. I bet these would taste good sitting outside waiting for the store with hot sales to open.

Leftover Cranberry Sauce Muffins (Found the Recipe HERE)
Ingredients:
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup + 3 tablespoons rolled oats (reserve the 3 tablespoons for the tops)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 1/2 cups leftover cranberry sauce
• 1/2 cup 2% milk
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 egg

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Grease a 12-cup standard-size muffin tin (or add liners).
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, 1 cup oats, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon.
4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cranberry sauce, milk, vegetable oil, and egg.
5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until blended.
6. Divide the batter between the 12 muffin cups - about 3/4 to all the way full.
7. Sprinkle with the three tablespoons oats.
8. Bake for 20 minutes or until tops spring back when you touch them and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out dry.
9. Let cool for about five minutes. Serve.

I have actually made some kind of smoothie with the cranberry sauce for many years. The jellied version is bought for the kids and one adult that don't eat the whole berry. We always have this stuff left. This smoothie recipe calls for cranberry sauce ice cubes. To make these, spoon cranberry sauce into an ice cube tray and freeze. Once frozen, pop out the cubes to make this smoothie.

Cranberry Sauce Smoothies (HERE it can be found)
Ingredients:
• 6 cubes of frozen cranberry sauce
• 1 apple, cored
• 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or nonfat plain yogurt
• 1/2 cup non-fat milk

Directions:
1. Put all ingredients into a powerful blender or food processor. Blend until smooth.

There is more to make with leftover turkey than tetrazzini, soup, and pot pie. (I will admit tetrazzini is so delicious this time of the year.)  This tostada is simple and quick, unlike those common ways to use turkey leftovers.

Crispy Turkey Tostadas (More information is HERE)
Ingredients:
• 1 14-ounce can petite diced tomatoes, preferably with jalapeños
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cups shredded cooked turkey
• 8 corn tortillas
• Canola or olive oil cooking spray
• 1 avocado, pitted
• 1/4 cup prepared salsa
• 2 tablespoons reduced-fat sour cream
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 cup shredded romaine lettuce
• 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Directions:
1. Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven; preheat to 375°F.
2. Bring tomatoes and their juice to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and most of the liquid has evaporated, 15 to 20 minutes. Add turkey (or chicken) and cook until heated through 1 to 2 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, coat tortillas on both sides with cooking spray. Divide the tortillas between 2 large baking sheets. Bake, turning once, until crisped and lightly brown, about 10 minutes.
4. Mash avocado in a bowl. Stir in salsa, sour cream and cilantro until combined.
5. To assemble tostadas, spread each crisped tortilla with some of the avocado mixtures. Top with the turkey (or chicken) mixture, lettuce, and cheese.

Oh, there is something about a turkey sandwich that screams THE DAY AFTER THANKSGIVING. How about jazz up your sandwich and make it Philly-style. Yes, deli slice paper thin turkey makes for the most authentic "cheesesteak" experience. But you can use leftover cooked turkey instead if you like: Freeze up to an hour until firm but not frozen solid, then slice as thinly as you can

Turkey Philly Sandwiches (Find it HERE)
Ingredients:
• 2 teaspoons butter
• 1 cup thinly sliced onion
• 1 cup thinly sliced green bell pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 3/4 pound turkey breast
• 4 (2-ounce) sandwich rolls
• 4 (1-ounce) slices low-sodium mozzarella or provolone cheese

Preparation
1. Preheat oven to 375°.
2. Melt butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and bell pepper; sauté 5 minutes or until tender. Stir in black pepper.
3. Divide onion mixture and turkey evenly among bottom halves of rolls; top each serving with 1 cheese slice. Cover with top halves of rolls.
4. Place sandwiches on a baking sheet. Bake at 375° for 5 minutes or until cheese melts.

Oh, I told you I will suggest a few tips to help you not feel like a Butterball on that blessed day.

• Don't Fast or Skip Meals Before the Thanksgiving Meal On Thanksgiving, people may forgo breakfast or lunch to save room for a feast in the evening. "You're ravenous, and you just eat like crazy. You're completely irrational,", nutritionists say. By eating a regular meal prior to the anticipated meal, you'll likely eat fewer calories overall than you would if you skipped the meals

• Police Your Portions Thanksgiving tables are bountiful & beautiful displays of traditional family favorites. Before you fill your plate, survey the buffet table (we eat buffet style but this works for sit down settings also) and decide what you're going to choose. Then choose reasonable-sized portions of foods you cannot live without (Like my mother's green bean casserole)

• Skip the Seconds Try to resist the temptation to go back for second helpings. "Leftovers are much better the next day, and if you limit yourself to one plate, you are less likely to overeat and have more room for a delectable dessert," experts say

• Be Realistic The holiday season is a time for celebration. With busier schedules and so many more temptations, this is a good time to strive for weight maintenance instead of weight loss.

Now, I only covered what I know to be leftover at my home. If you need ideas on what to do with other dishes that I didn't cover, leave me a message in the comments and I'll help you out

You might be celebrating with family, friends, co-worker or even alone don't forget the reason for the day, To be Grateful for All that you do have. Somebody wish they could have what you have even your problems. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!!!

P.S. Anybody shopping on Black Friday (not Thursday) pick me out something nice and bring it by after 12 pm, Noon,  (Yes, I'm taking that day off). I'll have a Cranberry Sauce Smoothie ready for you. *wink*

As Always, Talking to You in Adult Terms

Settling These Thanksgiving Food Debates

It's November!!! So, that means that Thanksgiving is soon to come. Lots of food talk happens during November. I know am not the only person that watches food & cooking shows or segments and answers Food Debates. It seems that no other holiday brings about food debates like Thanksgiving. I think they are funny. They are such first-world issues. But let me add my two cents (well my 20 cents) and give you my opinion

Ham vs Turkey

I say both. Both will be on my plate. I only get turkey during this time and the next time I should get ham will be Easter. The people who pick ham, usually say that Turkey is just a big chicken or it is too dry. 

There are so many debates about the subject of turkey that it is unreal. I have experience in making a turkey. Made my first one 8-10 years ago. I watch Tyler Florence make this RECIPE and I volunteered to make the turkey for the family. But in Bag vs Tent, I say bag.

I've never made a turkey any other way. Also tenting requires basting. And in the debate of Bag vs Basting, bag will win every time. I'm not getting up all the time to keep the bird moist. The bag handles that quite well.

Oh, how do you like your turkey, Fried, Roasted, or Smoked? All 3 ways.

Most people have only had it roasted. Smoked turkey is a great alternative to ham. And my friend  ID's father makes the best fried turkey. As long as the turkey is fully cooked, I have a preference that is not so picky.

Speaking of fried turkey, how do you like to "season" it? Do you like Brining or Injecting? Taste-wise I prefer either.

But when it comes to preparation, brine, I injected a turkey I roasted, once and it is not as easy as it looks.

And once the bird is prepared and on the table, Dark or White? I prefer white on my plate. I like dark meat for a good leftover stew or casserole.

Ok so we've tackled the meat, Let's talk side dishes.

Mashed vs Sweet Potatoes

I don't eat sweet potatoes as a side item. So, I have to say mashed. We have sweets on our table, but I fixed mashed to eat the next day with some leftovers last year. Turkey with mashed potatoes was good.  I just topped it off with a bit of my aunt's gravy that goes with her cornbread dressing.

Yes, I said dressing. And that is my answer in Stuffing vs Dressing. I always thought if it was cooked in the turkey it was stuffing.
We don't stuff the bird with it. We put it in a casserole dish, so it is dressing. Oh, I'm Southern, I eat cornbread or wild rice dressing. White bread or sourdough dressing is weird to me and prefer not to eat it again, in life.

Now Canned vs Homemade cranberry sauce is very easy.

Unless my cousin, Clois is making the cranberry sauce, it will be canned. We have both jellied & whole berries because there is one adult & some kids that don't eat the whole berries.

And to round out this debate discussion I will take on dessert. Which one is do you prefer, pumpkin pie, apple pie, or pecan pie.

I've never had pumpkin pie (Pumpkin roll is delicious). I don't like pecan pie at all, So, apple pie wins. Sweet potato pie actually wins, if I should tell my truth. Well, if my mother is really in the holiday spirit and makes my favorite, Millionaire wins.

Okay, so those are my picks in the Thanksgiving Food debate. What are your picks? No matter what you pick, Be Grateful that you have something to pick at all.


As Always, Talking to You in Adult Terms

Halloween Is Coming, Let's Talk

Probably telling my age, now
LoL

I like Halloween. I have happy great Halloween memories. Even the year I had the flu in the 1st grade, I had some fun.  My mom still let me wear my Care Bear (I was Tender Heart) costume in the house all day. I just had to wear my mask on the back of my head so I could breathe. So, Halloween is good.

But,  we need to talk about some of the bothersome parts of this holiday. First up, slutty costumes. Well, not all slutty outfits. I mean if your costume is of a slut then, it has to be slutty. I have issue with slutty versions of children's cartoons and toys.

Like sexy Big Bird seems very perverse. Who watches Sesame Street and thinks about sex? I feel like that about all sexy versions of kids stuff. In my opinion, they should be banned. Apparently, I am not the only person. Buzzfeed feels the same way. I had never heard of a sexy Charlie Brown until I saw this video. He is so right, Charlie is a bald depressed little boy. What is Sexy about a Bald Depressed Little Boy? Or at least if the consumer stop buying this stuff, the makers will stop making them. And I not saying an adult dressing like a child's cartoon is perverse.

These Minnie Mouse costumes are tasteful and very sassy. But only wearing some panty style shorts and a bandeau bra in the colors of the characters is not classy or cool.

If I see offenders about blackface this year, I will cry. I don't how many time it has to be said to get it through the skulls of those that want to do it. DON'T DRESS IN BLACKFACE!!!

This year I am not buying into not knowing any better. If I see it done I am deeming the offenders Racists from this day forward. That will go for celebrity and non-celebrities alike. It is okay for anyone to dress like someone of another race and not change their racial skin tone.

Ellen and Miley Cyrus have done it. Oh, I know Lil' Kim and Nicki Minaj may not be what you want to dress up as, let's use Olivia Pope as an example.

Here is an example on how to dress up as Olivia Pope without the use of blackface. Many different models dressed as Livvie as their race. 

Oh and black people, I didn't forget about you. Don't Dress In Whiteface. Don't let Nick Cannon and Snoop make you be offensive also.

Hollywood is not paying you for that role so, go as that character with black skin. 

Yeah, my sister's kids always have the good stuff.

However you are celebrating this holiday, let it be classy, intolerant, safe & fun. If you have a couple of Pixy Stix, can you send them my way. They're my favorite and I'm not passing those. LoL I have no clue what is going to be passed out & I'm not in charge of door snacks this year. I'm preparing dinner, Candy Corn Quesadillas (Recipe found HERE) & Salad.

Happy Halloween!!!

As Always, Talking to You in Adult Terms