Home Entertainment and Party Tips

I was breaking out the decorations, and planning the “what, where, and when” of everything. After thinking about some of my favorite Christmas customs, I wanted to touch on a little bit of history starting with those beautiful Poinsettia plants.  The plant originated in Mexico where the sap was believed to control fevers and the leaves were used to make red dye. The plant was eventually inducted into the homes of millions of Americans for the holiday season. As a child, Poinsettia plants always filled our home at holiday time. They made a perfect decoration with their festive colors of red and green. (Try not to let the cat eat it because it can cause a tummy ache.)  

Then there is Mistletoe; the tradition started in Europe where it was believed that the plant could protect against illness and promote peace and love. Eventually it was adopted by Christians for celebration purposes. It is a lot of fun, especially when catching someone off guard with plant and camera in hand. Yes, I have had my obnoxious moments. 

Germany and many believe it was originally used for pagan worship. Others say that the custom began with the Lutherans but I think it was a little bit of several situations that evolved into the tree tradition. One favorite story is that St. Boniface chopped down a pagan oak tree and discovered a fir tree hiding behind it. Believing that it was a sign, he used it to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

However it all happened, it is apparant that our traditions have been brought about by many caring people and that it is a “Wonderful Life” really. Folks who are so inclined to celebrate but are without family or friends should celebrate for themselves and remember that the joy of the holiday is in the hope for peace among us all and not just for those in a particular circle.

Written by Delightful Biteful 

Give something to someone that will enhance the moment. Have you ever sliced up an apple and covered it with melted caramel? How about a dollop of sour cream on a sliced banana with some sugar sprinkled on top? Maybe a sliced pear with honey drizzled across it? Cool weather or not, fresh fruits can be located just about anywhere. These kinds of snacks are perfect for late nights during the Holiday season. That quiet time when the snow is coming down and the world seems calm. These snacks are also an alternative to packing on solid fat and calories when there is no chance of working them off before bed.

Speaking of not sleeping, I have enjoyed a cup of warm milk with a piece of dark chocolate, stirred right in. It adds some nostalgia to the intoxicating dairy. I drift right back to the days of my youth and enjoy the moment while it lasts. Now for the few sacred days leading up to the Holiday’s Eve, I have a little ceremonial selection I indulge in. Maybe you will see something you like, but be warned, it is a “No holds barred” kind of eating bash.

Here is an example of the menu; in the morning I enjoy some eggs Benedict with a slice of toast and a half an orange. For lunch I like cheese and crackers (brie please) some sliced apple is a healthy accompaniment. For dinner (this is the important part), I select some black olives and pimento peppers and lay them across a couple of large Romaine lettuce leaves.  I add some marinated artichoke hearts and lay on thin slices of Italian salami, ham, pepperoni, provolone and mozzarella cheese.

If you want a nice Italian dressing, just pour about six tablespoons of vinegar into a cup, add about 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and rub a pinch of oregano between your hands while you sprinkle it into the mixture. For added taste, you can add some salt and pepper (one or two shakes),  and a little bit of grated Romano cheese. It tastes best when marinated overnight. 

I eat breadsticks instead of bread, why eat too much fat and calories? I will say that I do eat early (4:30 at the latest); I do not eat again for the rest of the day. If I get too hungry I will have two unsalted crackers or pretzels. I also dance all night. It works! I do not carry that much extra weight. It’s in the jeans and they fit pretty well afterwards.

It’s just a thought but hey, we only go around once. When I look at my family, I see people who break all of the rules of diet and exercise but enjoy life to the fullest come what may and they’ve lived quality lives for a really long time and have enjoyed shockingly good health. You just can’t tell.

This article written by Delightful Biteful

Well here we are again and it’s time to indulge in the gourmet madness we fight off all year. Don’t worry, the average American puts on at least 5lbs. during the holidays. You may as well let yourself go for awhile.

I myself like to slice fresh mushrooms and sauté them in butter with chopped garlic and fresh parsley. I also enjoy boiling baby carrots and coating them with butter and sprinkling on a little cinnamon. If you haven’t tried it, your missing something special. To relieve the guilt I steam a few asparagus heads and work on self-forgiveness.

As for the Turkey; Coating it with a warmed butter and oil mixture before placing it into the oven helps keep the moisture in and the meat tender. They say that filling the bird with stuffing can be dangerous (I still do it and cross my fingers.) A way to solve that potential problem is to use a toaster oven to bake the stuffing in. You can place it into the mini oven about 25 minutes before the bird is ready. It keeps the stuffing crispy on top.

Then there is dessert… A lovely piece of Black Velvet Cake with a cup of espresso coffee is the perfect combo. A lighter alternative is a slice of New York Cheesecake and a cup of Sumatra Coffee. Dessert for the whole gang should entail a variety of sweets. A Tart and a Cake such as; Carrot Cake is a win win combination.  Team them with a Chocolate Satin Cake and the gang’s all here! 

A little Beethoven and Bach make for some heavenly background music. It will also keep everyone calm while they wait for the food. The holiday specials are coming on T.V. so have the schedule ready in case your guests want to tune in to something fun. Loading the DVD player with classic movies is another idea to entertain the folks, just click click, and they’re on.

Written by Kim LaBarbera of Delightful Biteful