Fancy Gourmet Dessert Cakes

Now that the holidays are over and we adjust to the New Year; a strange lull sets in, like a big “happy” balloon slowly deflating. I think that is one of the reasons Valentine’s Day is celebrated in February. The lengthy gray winter months are a little drab in my opinion. Well, I have an idea for the post holiday blues. It’s called “The Arts”.  Have friends or potential friends bring a picture or poster of their favorite piece of art work to a get-together. I have had friends for years that I really didn’t know until we went to museums and concerts together. It’s nice to appreciate the unique characteristics of a person while learning about and enjoying something artistic. 

I am also a believer in sharing cultural customs. I enjoy gatherings where people from different countries bring something from their homeland to share with the other guests. Most Americans have families that originate from another country, so sharing aspects of their nationality gives everyone a chance to appreciate their country and how far their families have come. Full breed Americans are hard to find nowadays and may know of recipes and foods that are uncommon or unknown to many in modern day America.  Meanwhile décor is a wonderful addition to the celebration; works of art from different countries can offer an educational experience as well as new and exciting surroundings.  I hope these ideas help, if in fact you suffer from the post holiday blues like I do.  

Written by Delightful Biteful   

It’s the New Year again and although the holiday season has passed the desire for rich foods hasn’t; at least not for me.

Life is too short and after all, another year past is one less holiday season to enjoy. I keep going until I absolutely have to check the scale. So out comes a thick piece of cake to keep my coffee company.

 I have some strawberries that are nice and ripe due to the green house growth process, so I can still have my serving of fruit to help with the needed nutrients, and tonight, I will have a nice salad instead of a large meal. A Caesar salad, yes that’ it, and it works too. I manage to hold off my weight gain more effectively with this sort of logic. If you want to try it, here’s a recipe that I like to use.

 

You only need a head of Romaine lettuce and a few ingredients.1/2 tsp. Fresh Ground Pepper½ tsp. Salt1 egg yolk¼ cup Parmesan Cheese ¼ cup virgin Olive Oil1 tbls. Lemon3 Anchovies ground up½ clove finely chopped garlicMix all ingredients thoroughly and let sit for about 1 hour.Don’t forget your regular exercise! (If applicable) Written by Delightful Biteful

The holidays are synonymous with turkey, gravy and mashed potatoes so if you would like a few tips for each; here goes. To really lock in the juices, butter baste your turkey. Put about three tablespoons of margarine and three tablespoons of cooking oil into a microwavable cup. Heat the mixture until both are melted together. Baste the turkey thoroughly with the mixture and cook your turkey as you normally would. You’ll be amazed at how juicy the bird turns out. Oh, by the way, get a kitchen thermometer and cook your turkey at a slightly lower heat, even if it takes a little longer, it will keep the bird from drying out too much. The thermometer will ensure that the turkey is safely cooked so you won’t get thrown off track by the change in degrees. 

Gravy is relatively simple to make. You can take about 11/2 cups of the juice which melted off the turkey during cooking (this is assuming that you are cooking an 18 to 20 pound bird), mix it with about 1/4 cup of flower and stir the mixture thoroughly in a large skillet over a low heat. The flower thickens the leftover juice and creates a nice gravy texture. Adjust the measurements accordingly to your bird’s weight.  

For mashed potatoes, you can add a little garlic powder along with the butter and milk before using the mixer on your boiled potatoes. It makes the potatoes a little more flavorful. Some people use a dash of Cheyenne pepper on the potatoes but I would recommend doing a test run before hand so that you are sure you like the flavor. We all develop little tricks over the years and I hope these come in handy. There is nothing like enjoying a fine meal, especially one that you have prepared yourself. Happy eating everyone!  Written by Delightful Biteful 

Looking at the traditions of Christmas and Chanukah it seems that these celebrations have common traits.

For Christmas hanging lights around town and in the home is an important part of the celebration.  On Chanukah, lighting of the Menorah for each day of the celebration is what gives this holiday the name “holiday of lights”.

Caroling is a wonderful Christmas tradition and has been part of the holiday for a great many years. During Chanukah, Hallel “Jewish Praise” is chanted each morning from a selection of Psalms. 

Giving of presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas day is a tradition for most people.  The giving of small gifts or money to children and some adults too is a popular way of celebrating through Chanukah. 

Traditional Christmas dinners are turkey, goose, duck or ham with stewed fruit, pudding or rich cake for dessert. Many people enjoy a late night dinner consisting of fried fish fillets or shell fish. 

Eating of fried foods (potato pancakes are very popular), to celebrate the “miracle of the oil” is a common Chanukah tradition.

Red and green and gold and white are symbolic colors for these holidays. When these colors are displayed it is clear that ‘tis the season.

Wonderful Christmas and Chanukah cards are a long time tradition. Many people have begun to create their own cards with software programs that are perfect for that kind of thing, and fun too.  

Of course in the past years many people complained that the holidays were becoming too commercial and that the meaning of it all was being squashed. Recently some folks have made a concerted effort to keep the spirit in mind and the materialism secondary. I myself am enjoying the change.  

Celebrating and rejoicing are a precious right that we are so blessed to have. May your season be a wonderful one. 

Written by Delightful Biteful

For many people decorating the tree is one of the most rewarding activities of the year. Here are some ideas I’ve come across in years past. Frosted white Christmas tree balls placed in front of the tree lights create an iridescent glow. If your conventional tree top keeps drooping over, try putting a big velvet bow on top of the tree, it adds a homey feeling. Many folks like using a strict color theme when decorating their tree; white and blue or white and green; another popular combination is maroon and gold. Satin balls and bows are usually the main decorations for this sort of thing. If you have some bright silk flowers on hand, you may want to place a few of them on your tree. Dried wild flowers in small bunches are also very nice (safest on artificial trees). A new and fun garland wrap is beads. A string of gold or silver beads really brightens up the tree during the day so you can refrain from lighting the tree all of the time. The best part is that the decorations are not hidden from view as with old fashioned garland. 

Popcorn balls for the kids wrapped in thin ribbon and hung from the tree branches are an old fashioned favorite. Remember? Melt five tablespoons of butter in a medium sauce pan and add about 15 large marshmallows and eight small squares of caramel, stir them together over a very low heat until the mixture becomes a thick liquid texture. Pour over half a bag of popcorn (medium size), careful not to burn your hands; mix together and mold into 21/2 inch balls. 

It is my opinion that, since we only get to do this once a year, we should dress things up as much as possible. It may help to keep the holiday spirit alive for the rest of the year. 

Written by Delightful Biteful

One sense that can have an overwhelming effect on our mood is the sense of smell. Warm folks up to the holidays with some simple tricks and get the most out of the time together.

Dried flowers and half a Cinnamon stick wrapped up in mesh cloth and tied with a thin ribbon make an instant potpourri. Cinnamon or flower scented oil is a convenient way to keep the scent strong. You can even hang a couple of sachets from the Christmas tree.

Pine cones are perfect for creating pleasant scents. Gently baste a pine cone with pine oil and it will retain the seasonal fragrance for some time.

Before adding the Christmas lights, spray the tree with the cologne of your choice (men’s cologne works best). You can usually catch the scent for a good while when standing next to it.

If you do not like conventional air fresheners, just spray a strong but stylish smelling perfume mist generously onto cotton balls and place them discreetly in different corners of the house. Places they can be hidden are; corners of window sills, under furniture, behind mirrors or pictures, under a chair or couch and so on. You can use scented oils in place of perfume if you prefer. You’ll be amazed at how quickly food and stale odors disappear and the house doesn’t have that “Supermarket Air Freshener Scent”.

To wind it all up, have wonderful smelling and tasting food. The smell of fine coffee is always a winner and don’t forget the aroma of a thick piece of chocolate cake!

Written by Delightful Biteful

BELEIVE! We all need to hang on to our beliefs and emphatically reinforce them at least once a year, so let’s do it with joy and fervor. If you really want to feel the spirit of the holidays, I have a few simple suggestions that may help.

There is an opportunity that many folks have but do not take advantage of. Late on a snowy night when all is quiet and a special twinkling light comes up off the soft, icy blanket, put on your goulashes and step outside for a moment of beauty and peace.

Many times during the holidays, we are harried and rushed to decorate and organize and keep everyone happy. Try to remember that decorations are more than superficial. They are symbols for the significance of the holiday. Stop and take a good look. A holiday Menorah or Christmas tree lights are especially useful for this.

A classic drink to help enjoy these moments is Eggnog. I have a quick refresher course for anyone who hasn’t made some in awhile.Add one egg for every cup of whole milk (1 serving).Normally 1 teaspoon of sugar is preferred per serving but sweeten to taste. A pinch of salt and/or 3 tablespoons of whisky per serving are optional. Blend it until frothy and top with nutmeg or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Another simple classic is the hot toddy made with a cup of hot brewed tea, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 shot of brandy and a squeeze of fresh lemon.

And so, after all is said and done, it is the little joys and special moments that make a life well lived.

Written by Delightful Biteful   

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. 

As for that beautiful Christmas tree, it all began in

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