Holiday Table Strategies

The F F F Plan, Extra!

It’s that time of year again and for most of us that will mean rounds of parties, get-togethers and holiday dinners. While the holidays are a great time to get-together with family and friends, they can be a real threat to our diets. This year instead of giving up holiday get-togethers all together or giving in to the decadent fare spread out before you and regretting it later learn how to successfully manage the holidays with some creative table strategies. When planning strategies to keep your diet intact throughout the holidays, there are two main fronts you need to wage on the Battle of the Bulge. First, you need to work on diet strategies for events that you host and second, strategies for events that you do not host.Hosting holiday events can be a lot of work, but it does give you a tremendous advantage in terms of managing your diet. Many people are reluctant to even attempt incorporating their diet plans into the foods they offer at holiday get-togethers because they are concerned they will offend their family and friends. First, not everything that you offer on your holiday buffet table needs to be diet related. Just make sure you have enough of the items that fit into your plan so that you have plenty to choose from without straying into forbidden territory. Also, consider ways that you can make traditional foods diet friendly. In many cases, your guests and family will never even know the difference; unless you tell them. Cocktail parties are always a big hit and it’s easy to incorporate diet friendly foods into such a party with low calorie dipping sauces, lean meat skewers, fresh vegetables and fruits. You will have less control over events that you are not hosting; but that doesn’t mean that you have no options. One of the best ways to defend yourself against the onslaught on tempting foods at most holiday parties is to eat a sensible small meal before you attend the party. This will take a significant edge off your appetite and you will be less likely to cheat when you arrive.

Another strategy that can work well is to bring a dish that fits in with your diet plan. Don’t make a big deal out of it or force it on anyone else and you’ll likely find that no one is really paying much attention to the fact that you brought your own food. Also, be sure to drink plenty of water; which can be a great tool to help you fill full. Finally, don’t forget to incorporate the help of a weight loss buddy to get you through any moments of temptations. Chances are, there will be at least one other person in attendance who is also trying to stick to their guns in terms of diet resolutions. Support one another by staying away from the food table and taking a brisk walk after the event to work off anything you just couldn’t resist sampling.

Holiday Food Binging May Not Be Safe

The F F F Plan, Extra!

Starting from around Thanksgiving to roughly the end of Christmas, people eat more than they usually do at any other time of year. This period of time is sometimes nicknamed the “season of gluttony,” where even the most health and weight-conscious individuals forget about the stress of watching what they eat and dig into whatever happens to be on the table at the time. For some, avoiding the stress and anxiety that comes with turning down food during the Holidays is often enough to make them go on eating binges until the 25th comes around and all this insanity ends.
After all, a little indulgence during this relatively short amount of time isn't going to have any harmful side effects on the body, is it? Well, medical science may have something to say about that assumption. For most, the worst things that can happen are things like indigestion, a hang-over (for those among you who drink), and the need to get looser-fitting clothing. However, science says that there may be more drastic side effects than that, some of which may appear immediately, while others may manifest later on.The immediate effects usually come in the form of flatulence and bouts of indigestion that vary in terms of intensity. Putting on a few extra pounds after a couple of meals is perfectly understandable and, for some people, even expected. Other, more dangerous side effects can appear, however. For example, it is quite possible for someone to experience nausea and drowsiness while driving home after a particularly big Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. Pain in the gallbladder and a mild dulling of alertness and reflexes can also come because of massive meals. However, these are just the preliminary things that people have to worry about.The higher the quantity that was eaten and the more fat content it had, the longer it takes for the meal to actually finish being dissolved by stomach acids. This causes an extra load to be placed on the body, forcing the circulatory system to pump more blood into the digestive system to keep up with the load. This deprives over areas of the body their regular supply of blood and nutrients, which results in things like nausea and drowsiness. For the average system, this is not a major problem, but for people with already strained cardiovascular systems, this can result in things like heart attacks and higher blood pressure levels.

The ability of the human mind to ignore things like being full is an evolutionary mechanism that allows humans to stock up on body fat in times of plenty. This, in theory, allows people to have a larger energy reserve when food is scarce. The body and mind does place limits on things like these, but during the Holiday season, most people are able to ignore this impulse in favor of eating more food. People find it much harder to turn down food during the Holidays, especially if they're not participating in the usual family conversations that happen during these times. However, reducing the amount of food eaten can be critical in avoiding a number of complications that may arise from over-eating during the season.

Holiday Eating Anxieties for Bariatric Patients

The F F F Plan, Extra! Most Bariatric Surgery Patients experience a wide range of Holiday eating anxieties which can actually ruin a perfectly good Holiday around friends and family.  

Prior to surgery, Holidays meant family, friends, and lots of food to indulge in and enjoy – often at a glutinous rate simply because Holiday foods are “special” because they are only provided during the season and they are prepared so carefully which adds guilt if you don’t partake of it.  
How many times do you hear these phrases said at a Holiday gathering?
“That’s ALL you’re going to have?  I worked so hard on that dish…”
“You better eat this now, because it won’t be here for another year….”
“It will hurt my feelings if you don’t eat this…..”
“These are very special ingredients I ordered specifically for this dish…”
“You can’t be NOT HUNGRY… it’s a Holiday!”
“Just ONE LITTLE BITE, PLEEEEEZEEEEZ…..”
“Have more, there’s plenty…”
“Take some of this home with you if you’re not going to eat it now…”
“Oh nonsense!  You’re allowed to eat a lot today!”
“You should have worn your FAT PANTS to gorge yourself like the rest of us…”
OH, how this list could fill a book, right?  Such comments add enough stress to non-surgery individuals who carefully watch their weight, let alone those who have had the Bariatric surgery and have to be careful what they eat, how much they eat, and how often they eat.  So you are NOT ALONE in feeling some anxiety about being around all of the special food at gatherings this season.
I’d like to offer some suggestions that have worked for me and others during this most stressful time when Holidays equates to special foods and the pressure to partake in them is way too much out of hand at times.  1.   Prepare you mind for the event:  Reflect on past Holiday experiences and evaluate what lies ahead this year for you.  Have it in your mind what you will say and do when those food-pushers taunt you or down-right threaten you to eat during the “special occasion.2.  Anticipate the food:  Reflect on past Holiday foods that are always provided to you within your social circle.  Predetermine what you WILL eat and what you WON’T eat.  Making a decision ahead of time will curb your gut-reaction to “cave in” to the urgings by others to eat what you shouldn’t eat.3.  Never try anything new at the party:  Not knowing how you will react to the food carries the high risk of making you ill and calling for you quick retreat to the bathroom or feeling sick for an hour or so.  This will draw attention to you, which is something you don’t’ want.  The host and guest will feel badly for you, so don’t put them or you in such a situation.  Only eat things that you are absolutely certain that you can tolerate.
 4.  Take baby-bites of the “special” foods:  Literally, take a baby-bite if you absolutely must partake of foods strictly for the social expectations.  If it’s too much for a baby’s mouth, then you’re putting too much on the spoon or fork.

5.  No-Guilt in Tossing it:  In a social event where you don’t’ want attention drawn to how little you are eating, take a small plate with small portions of food, then take small bites of each item, then TOSS the rest away when no one is looking.  This gives the appearance that you’re “normal” and all will assume you have gotten your fill.  This spares hurting the feelings of Great Aunt Gerdie who truly does cry if you refuse her special 60%-sugar/90%-fat/carb-loaded/stroke-on-a-plate pie.  Tossing out the unwanted uneaten portions is just a “different” way of consuming… so don’t’ feel guilty about it.  All that matters is that Great Aunt Gerdie delights in seeing her pie disappearing.
6.  Eat healthy before you go and bring your own essentials:  Never go to a Holiday party hungry… NEVER!  This is self-sabotage in the worst way!  Enough said?  Take along your own treats and drinks that are RNY-Friendly to you.  Don’t request an extra effort on your host.  You know what you need, so take it with you.  While they are eating pies and cakes, you can have the sugar-free fudge sickles you brought along or those sugar-free pudding cups.  And if they are serving only sodas or alcohol and you cant’ do them, bring your own herbal teas or no-sugar-added hot chocolate packets.  This will make you, the host, and the guests feel comfortable and nobody will feel that you are “suffering” as they eat your NO-NO’s.  7.  Talk more than you eat:  The Holidays should be about PEOPLE, not food.  So be social.  Focus on the people; laugh with them, tell stories, listen to their tall tales, play games, etc.  If you do these things, you’ll be amazed at how well the gathering will go for you simply because you didn’t focus on food.  And when the food-pushers come along, just glance by them off into the distance and make your exit because you “want to talk to so-n-so or your cell phone is vibrating and you’ve got to excuse yourself for the call…. Perfectly acceptable to have a pre-planned “way out” when you need one.  8.  Change the food-subject:  Others may want to cry boo-hoo with you if you keep telling them of all the foods you’re missing out on this year.  Don’t do that!  Rather than mourn the loss of your favorite Holiday treats, brag on the fact that you’re feeling so much healthier, your clothes are getting baggier, and you’re dreaming again of all the great things that are in store for you now that you are slimming down.  Don’t’ allow anyone to pity you for not eating like you used to eat.

9.  Wear a “knock-out” outfit:  WOW them all this Holiday season by wearing a special outfit that you feel very proud to be seen in.  The food isn’t special to you anymore… you’ve swapped that for the special outfits you can now wear!  Let people whisper to each other how great you look rather than how little you are eating.  The stress of not eating so much will be far away to you when you feel good about yourself and look good too.10.  Make your visit brief:  if you are getting too much pressure from others or are experiencing too many anxieties, let leave the gathering earlier than you originally planned.  Maybe you’re tired, the roads are getting bad, you realized you need to do something… remember that “pre-planned” escape should be there for you if you need it.
I can attest that these are tactics that I’ve used and STILL use in social gatherings when it is expected to eat special foods during special times.  Granted, I am three years post-op, so my anxieties are not as high as they once were… but they certainly threatened my Holiday happiness not too long ago!
Remember this most of all…. The more prepared you are ahead of time, the less you’ll feel nervous about those awful Holiday Eating Anxieties.  Now go have fun!

Holiday Eating Anxieties for Bariatric Patients

The F F F Plan, Extra!

Most Bariatric Surgery Patients experience a wide range of Holiday eating anxieties which can actually ruin a perfectly good Holiday around friends and family.  Prior to surgery, Holidays meant family, friends, and lots of food to indulge in and enjoy – often at a glutinous rate simply because Holiday foods are “special” because they are only provided during the season and they are prepared so carefully which adds guilt if you don’t partake of it.   How many times do you hear these phrases said at a Holiday gathering?“That’s ALL you’re going to have?  I worked so hard on that dish…”
“You better eat this now, because it won’t be here for another year….”
“It will hurt my feelings if you don’t eat this…..”
“These are very special ingredients I ordered specifically for this dish…”
“You can’t be NOT HUNGRY… it’s a Holiday!”
“Just ONE LITTLE BITE, PLEEEEEZEEEEZ…..”
“Have more, there’s plenty…”
“Take some of this home with you if you’re not going to eat it now…”
“Oh nonsense!  You’re allowed to eat a lot today!”
“You should have worn your FAT PANTS to gorge yourself like the rest of us…”OH, how this list could fill a book, right?  Such comments add enough stress to non-surgery individuals who carefully watch their weight, let alone those who have had the Bariatric surgery and have to be careful what they eat, how much they eat, and how often they eat.  So you are NOT ALONE in feeling some anxiety about being around all of the special food at gatherings this season.
I’d like to offer some suggestions that have worked for me and others during this most stressful time when Holidays equates to special foods and the pressure to partake in them is way too much out of hand at times.
1.   Prepare you mind for the event:  Reflect on past Holiday experiences and evaluate what lies ahead this year for you.  Have it in your mind what you will say and do when those food-pushers taunt you or down-right threaten you to eat during the “special occasion.
2.  Anticipate the food:  Reflect on past Holiday foods that are always provided to you within your social circle.  Predetermine what you WILL eat and what you WON’T eat.  Making a decision ahead of time will curb your gut-reaction to “cave in” to the urgings by others to eat what you shouldn’t eat.

3.  Never try anything new at the party:  Not knowing how you will react to the food carries the high risk of making you ill and calling for you quick retreat to the bathroom or feeling sick for an hour or so.  This will draw attention to you, which is something you don’t’ want.  The host and guest will feel badly for you, so don’t put them or you in such a situation.  Only eat things that you are absolutely certain that you can tolerate.
4.  Take baby-bites of the “special” foods:  Literally, take a baby-bite if you absolutely must partake of foods strictly for the social expectations.  If it’s too much for a baby’s mouth, then you’re putting too much on the spoon or fork.
5.  No-Guilt in Tossing it:  In a social event where you don’t’ want attention drawn to how little you are eating, take a small plate with small portions of food, then take small bites of each item, then TOSS the rest away when no one is looking.  This gives the appearance that you’re “normal” and all will assume you have gotten your fill.  This spares hurting the feelings of Great Aunt Gerdie who truly does cry if you refuse her special 60%-sugar/90%-fat/carb-loaded/stroke-on-a-plate pie.  Tossing out the unwanted uneaten portions is just a “different” way of consuming… so don’t’ feel guilty about it.  All that matters is that Great Aunt Gerdie delights in seeing her pie disappearing.
6.  Eat healthy before you go and bring your own essentials:  Never go to a Holiday party hungry… NEVER!  This is self-sabotage in the worst way!  Enough said?  Take along your own treats and drinks that are RNY-Friendly to you.  Don’t request an extra effort on your host.  You know what you need, so take it with you.  While they are eating pies and cakes, you can have the sugar-free fudge sickles you brought along or those sugar-free pudding cups.  And if they are serving only sodas or alcohol and you cant’ do them, bring your own herbal teas or no-sugar-added hot chocolate packets.  This will make you, the host, and the guests feel comfortable and nobody will feel that you are “suffering” as they eat your NO-NO’s.

7.  Talk more than you eat:  The Holidays should be about PEOPLE, not food.  So be social.  Focus on the people; laugh with them, tell stories, listen to their tall tales, play games, etc.  If you do these things, you’ll be amazed at how well the gathering will go for you simply because you didn’t focus on food.  And when the food-pushers come along, just glance by them off into the distance and make your exit because you “want to talk to so-n-so or your cell phone is vibrating and you’ve got to excuse yourself for the call…. Perfectly acceptable to have a pre-planned “way out” when you need one.

8.  Change the food-subject:  Others may want to cry boo-hoo with you if you keep telling them of all the foods you’re missing out on this year.  Don’t do that!  Rather than mourn the loss of your favorite Holiday treats, brag on the fact that you’re feeling so much healthier, your clothes are getting baggier, and you’re dreaming again of all the great things that are in store for you now that you are slimming down.  Don’t’ allow anyone to pity you for not eating like you used to eat.

9.  Wear a “knock-out” outfit:  WOW them all this Holiday season by wearing a special outfit that you feel very proud to be seen in.  The food isn’t special to you anymore… you’ve swapped that for the special outfits you can now wear!  Let people whisper to each other how great you look rather than how little you are eating.  The stress of not eating so much will be far away to you when you feel good about yourself and look good too.

10.  Make your visit brief:  if you are getting too much pressure from others or are experiencing too many anxieties, let leave the gathering earlier than you originally planned.  Maybe you’re tired, the roads are getting bad, you realized you need to do something… remember that “pre-planned” escape should be there for you if you need it.

I can attest that these are tactics that I’ve used and STILL use in social gatherings when it is expected to eat special foods during special times.  Granted, I am three years post-op, so my anxieties are not as high as they once were… but they certainly threatened my Holiday happiness not too long ago!

Remember this most of all…. The more prepared you are ahead of time, the less you’ll feel nervous about those awful Holiday Eating Anxieties.  Now go have fun!

Holiday Diet And Weight Loss Tips

The F F F Plan, Extra!

The approaching holidays are a nightmare for anyone engaged in a weight loss or diet regimen and with very good reason. With all of the temptations that seem to lurk around every corner, office get-together and holiday party; it can be easy for even the most determined dieters to get sidetracked and lose sight of their weight loss goals. This year; however, by giving your choices and portions a little carefully aimed attention you can avoid destroying all the hard work you have put into your diet the rest of the year. One of the biggest challenges for many dieters during the holiday season is avoiding the hectic round of get-togethers and parties that almost always come hand in hand with the holidays. The good news about such events; however, is that many of them tend to be buffet and pot-luck types of affairs; which gives you numerous options that can help you to stick to your diet plans. While buffet tables are typically laden with heavy casseroles and fatty appetizers, you can usually find at least one platter of fresh vegetables served with a nice low-fat dip. Also, opt for fresh fruits instead of the abundance of baked desserts that are typically offered. Instead of stocking your plate up with diet dangerous foods, choose steamed vegetables and healthy grains such as wild rice and wheat bread. Opting for white meat instead of dark meat can also help you to stay on the straight and narrow, by avoiding additional calories. Whenever possible, limit the amount of alcohol based beverages that you consume. Just a few alcoholic beverages contain a surprising amount of calories; not to mention the fact that they only serve to increase the appetite of most people. Choose a light bear, wine spritzer or carbonated flavored water instead. When it’s your turn to prepare the mound of requisite holiday food, remember that there are several tricks you can employ in order to stay true to your diet goals and keep family and friends pleased at the same time. One way to do this is by substituting evaporated skim milk for regular milk or cream in your holiday recipes. This will help to tremendously cut down on the amount of fat and calories included in your dishes without sacrificing taste. Unsweetened applesauce makes a great substitute for calorie laden oil while egg substitute can easily replace the requirement for eggs in most recipes without any noticeable change to the taste.

Finally, one of the best ways that you can avoid overindulging this holiday season is to take it slow and easy. Remember that the entire point of this time of year is to get together with friends and family members; many of which you might not see for months to come. Focus on the fun and conversation instead of rushing through a heavy meal and you’ll find that not only did you enjoy this year more, but that you made it through with your diet intact.

Healthy Holiday Eating – Bring Something Good To The Party

The F F F Plan, Extra!

It seems that we’re invited to a party or family get-together every other night in the weeks before the Holidays. Unfortunately most of the dishes that are brought to those events are not exactly healthy. We all tend to overindulge during the holiday season, tempted by all the unhealthy treats around. But to be honest with you, I get tired of all the rich and fattening food rather quickly and welcome a healthy fresh alternative. This is your year to shine with that healthy dish the next time you are asked to bring something to a holiday party. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
1. Veggies and DipJust cut up some fresh veggies. Good choices are celery, broccoli, cauliflower and cucumber. Add some baby carrots and grape tomatoes. Serve it with a low fat ranch dip and you’re good to go.
2. Fruits and Dip Serve some fruit that’s in season in bite size chunks with a side of low fat vanilla yogurt. Wash some strawberries, peel and cut up some apples, pears, cantaloupe and even some fresh pineapple for a sweet treat that’s actually good for you. 3. Cheese and CrackersMake a platter of several low fat cheeses and get a box of whole-wheat crackers. To make it even more fun, use some holiday cookie cutters and cut shapes out of the cheese. Just arrange everything on a platter and take it to the party. 4. Bring A SaladA salad of mixed greens with some other veggies mixed in always makes for a great side dish and will go with any other foods that are served. Start with some basic mixed greens, preferably dark greens. I like to mix baby spinach with some other dark greens. Dice up some red and yellow peppers for color and some slices of cucumber for crunchy texture. Top it off with some grape tomatoes and you will have a colorful and yummy salad. I like to bring several ready-made l

ow fat dressings form the grocery store to serve with the salad. Go ahead; give one of these ideas a try. You’ll be surprised how well received your healthy dish will be. Plus you’ll know there will be at least one dish at the party you can fill up on that is actually good for you and your health.
Happy Holidays!

Fun Christmas Cooking for Everyone

!The F F F Plan, Extra

Christmas is a time of year that brings friends and family together who may not have the pleasure of one another's company at any other time throughout the year. While family ties may be a bit difficult to maintain in the world in which we live today, the traditions of Christmas for many families is what keeps us grounded and in touch with one another no matter how far apart we are geographically. The problem is that if one person is doing the cooking for all, that person tends to spend endless hours in the kitchen and misses out on the joys of the company of others year after year. One way to avoid this is by rotating locations for the festivities from one year to the next. Another way, a much simpler way, is to delegate items of contribution from all guests in attendence each year so that the cooking and meal preparation duties are shared among the masses.Of course this isn't a perfect plan but it is a good plan. Another great plan is to prepare pieces and parts of your Christmas dinner ahead of time. With careful planning there are items that may be prepared as much as a few weeks ahead of the big day and stored either in air tight containers at room temperature or frozen for heating or baking on the big day or within a reasonable time frame of Christmas for best results. Any of the prep work that can be taken care of before the big day is one less thing to be taken care of when the time comes and that becomes a load off your mind.Make lists. Lists are wonderful things. If you learn to live by your lists you will wonder how on earth you ever got anything done without them. When you are planning your Christmas dinner right down everything you plan to have, who is bringing what, what you are making, and what ingredients will be needed to complete each and every single dish. Go through your pantry and see which items you have in abundance and which items you will need to prepare the meals. Head to the store at least a week ahead of the big day and purchase all but the fresh ingredients you will need in order to prepare your Christmas feast.Another thing you will need to do is make sure you have a list of all the non food items you will need to stock ahead of time. Make sure all the bathrooms are stocked, that you have plenty of garbage bags,

waste baskets, paper plates, cups, napkins, cutlery, and other items that will be needed in order to make things go smoothly when your guests begin to arrive. These are little things that matter and may get overlooked if you fail to plan ahead. You should also make a list of decorations, invitations, and gifts or games you may need to purchase for the day too. You want your day to go as smoothly as possible and you want everyone to fill wanted, appreciated, and anticipated. It may be a great idea to pick up a couple of generic gifts for a male or female in case someone unexpected shows up (you really never know) and have extra wrapping paper and supplies on hand in case someone has an emergency rewrap (as in a kid opened a gift intended for someone else). Most importantly plan to be able to sit back, relax, and enjoy as much of the festivities as possible.

Favorite Foods of Christmas

The F F F Plan, Extra!

Favorite foods enjoyed by Americans for any given holiday, season or special occasion will likely include some ethnic
dish, given the many ethnic groups that reside in the country. Despite this variety of melting pot cuisine, there are some similarities in
dishes that will be a part of most meals during celebrations such as Christmas.
Christmas in the United States

comes almost one month after another big holiday, Thanksgiving, in which the traditional
meal must consist of a turkey as the main dish. This dish also carries over into Christmas as roast turkey is one of the main dishes that
may be served for Christmas dinner. But unlike Thanksgiving, which is solely devoted to turkey meat, Christmas dinners may also
include other birds or poultry.  These include roast goose or duck. Roasted ham may also be served. Cranberry sauce, vegetables,
pumpkin pie and a plum pudding or fruity Christmas pudding for dessert tops off traditional Christmas dinners. Mince pies and pastry
that is filled with a mixture of chopped, dried fruit may also be added to the menu.
For drinks at Christmas dinner, a bottle of champagne is very popular, as well as wines. But the everyday beverage of beer
is a must for many people to make a meal truly enjoyable.
Before Christmas Day and the big dinner arrives, there's also another type of food that Americans enjoy in large quantities
during the Christmas season. The consumption and sales of candies, gingerbread and other cookies and holiday treats increases rapidly

during the holidays. Similar to how department stores seek to attract shoppers to buy items for Christmas gifts, candy manufacturers
also put out special boxes and types of candies for Christmas and the holiday season.
A survey done in 2004 by the National Confectioners Association found that many adults derived much pleasure at
Christmas from giving and receiving candies and other treats. In their responses the survey participants said that giving decadent
boxes of chocolate to friends and family, placing candy canes on the Christmas tree and hiding candy treats in Christmas stockings
were favorite ways to give and receive candies, cookies and treats during the holidays.
Sweet treats remain popular at Christmas despite a constant message about dieting that is present in everyday life in the
media, in billboards and from some food manufacturers. At Christmas time, people feel free to enjoy the festive season without
constraints. But they also know that they can enjoy candies and cookies that are health conscious by eating ones that are targeted to the
low-carb dieter by having ingredients that are sugar-free and fat-free or both.
Cookies that are enjoyed at Christmas are often home-baked ones and usually include gingerbread items.  The tradition of
gingerbread cookies at Christmas is also believed to have originated in Germany and brought to America by German immigrants.
German bakeries began baking very fancy gingerbread houses with icing as edible snow and other decorations after the Grimm
Brothers published their children's story, Hansel and Gretel. That story had a description of a house that was made of bread,  a roof of
cake and windows of barley. The popularity of the creations by German bakeries gave rise to cookie cutters that were made in a
variety of shapes, enabling small gingerbread cookies of various shapes to be baked at home. Some of these cookies that had the
shapes of little people and animals were used to decorate Christmas trees.
More than one hundred years ago from today, German homes in Lancaster County in Pennsylvania would have cookies
that were up to one foot high in the front of windows of their houses as decorative items during winter. The cookies were often giant
gingerbread men and women that had colorful rows of buttons and big smiles. Passersby were often cheered and intrigued by the sight
and brought the idea to their homes on a smaller scale.
Being able to enjoy special dishes, candies, cookies and other goodies during Christmas and the holidays adds a sweet
flavor to the season and also helps to create warm and cherished memories.

Eating Heartily but Consciously During Christmas Season

The F F F Plan, Extra!
During the Christmas season, summer and its body-conscious state of mind
are distant memories. Hearty indulgence in the many foods shared at Christmas
therefore doesn't produce the same feelings of guilt. Nevertheless, its not a
pleasant thought to start the New Year carrying any extra pounds. So why then
eat yourself into a resolution to 'take off a few extra pounds' if you can
smartly avoid it?
Whether it's sharing cookies and candies at work, or having an evening out
at a party or dinner, you can have Christmas food and enjoy it. While you seem
to be eating heartily with a smile, the key is to have a secret strategy of
moderation. It involves sticking to a plan that can be called 'Eating on a
Budget.''Eating on a Budget' is not about the cost of what is eaten, but about the
quantity of what is eaten. It is important that a 'budget' or eating in
moderation plan is developed because it is almost impossible to avoid exposure
to a lot of cookies, candies and other sweets at Christmas. At work, you may
risk appearing like the Grinch who stole Christmas if your response will always
be something like, 'Uh..no..bah humbug' all the time that some Christmas goodies
are offered. It will seem as if you aren't in the spirit of the holidays
especially since at that time of year everyone is usually in a festive and more
relaxed mood, and the pace at work is usually slower.
A practical way to partake in Christmas goodies, for example, is to
substitute some holiday cookies for say the bagel that you usually have with
breakfast or for a mid-morning snack. And instead of just taking one cookie,
from the platter, which is noticeable and likely will encourage a colleague to
tell you to have more, take three instead. That's where the plan can come into
play. You can then enjoy the cookies over two or more hours, because nobody will
be watching how you really eat. You can always have a few candies, one cookie or
a cookie and a half by your desk and that way it will seem as if you are
heartily enjoying the holiday treats.
Another strategy is to bring - bake or buy - low calorie Christmas cookies
and candies to work to counteract others that are being offered. Since eating
healthy is highly encouraged, health-conscious cookies will not be looked down
upon so long as they taste great. A box of sugar-free Christmas chocolate
candies for example will look just as delightful as regular chocolate candies.
It's interesting to note that in a poll sponsored by the National Confectioners
Association in 2004, chocolate was the favorite food gift that Americans said
they preferred to receive for the holidays. The lowly and much maligned fruit
cake was last on the list. The second favorite holiday food gift was a fruit
basket and a plate of cookies was third on the list, according to the

Association.
For an occasion such as a Christmas party or a dinner, including Christmas
Dinner, where larger quantities and selection of food is available, the 'Eating
on a Budget' plan means that serving portions and the choice of food selected
should be carefully watched.
At a party where more desserts and sweets are likely to be available, a few of
the selections can be sampled. If the urge to try everything can't be resisted,
then do so, but then second helpings have to be severely limited. The same is
somewhat true for Christmas Dinners. One big difference is that the food served
during Christmas Dinner will be heavier, so by selecting portions wisely, one
can always say truthfully that the stomach is full.
And indeed, after a sumptuous Holiday Dinner, your body is likely to be full
from food and your soul full of joy from sharing another memorable holiday
tradition with family, friends and loved ones.

Easy Christmas Cooking that is Sure to Please

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Christmas is a hectic time of year. Many families find that they barely have time to breathe much less cook dishes to bring for this or that function. For this reason there are several great cheat dishes that can be purchased and prepared for the occasions and very few people will be the wiser. Though Christmas may be about being with friends and family it is not about broadcasting a possible lack of talent in the kitchen, time on hand, or a shortage of attention span that is required in order to prepare a stellar dish for your Christmas needs.Of course, you could begin preparing and freezing large casserole favorites as early as August for the Christmas season. In this instance you could freeze all your family favorites and have great dishes not only for family functions that require a pitch in dish but also for those nights when you are far too busy to be bothered with something as demanding on your limited attention span as actually preparing a home cooked meal. This is possible the best method for each Christmas cooking known to man. If you prepare casseroles and similar dishes that work well with a holiday theme throughout the year be sure to double your efforts next time and freeze half for busier months such as November and December.Of course there is one method that may be a little easier in the long run though a good deal more costly. This is the supreme cheater method. There are plenty of businesses that offer you the opportunity to put together or 'assemble' meals then bring them home to freeze and bake. This isn't quite home made though it tastes as good and might convince those at the parties and events you attend that you are in fact an excellent cook even if you have difficulties finding your way to boiling water. Some cities have several of these meal assembly stores while others have none or only one. You need to constantly check with the menu if you are a finicky eater because they often rotate some of the more popular dishes so that they aren't available all the time. Since the food is frozen you can typically plan your sessions for those times when they are offering the dishes you are interested in creating.A variation on the theme above is purchasing prepared meals in the freezer section of your local supermarket. There are a few surprisingly good meals to be had especially if you are considering macaroni and cheese or lasagna for your offering. These are meals that you bring home and heat in your oven.

They are often sold in foil pans, which are great for potlucks and pitch ins but not so much for looking good. If that isn't the utmost concern these are definitely a possible fit for your needs and your plans. They also happen to be fairly budget friendly which is something most of us can agree is a great thing.You do not have to have super powers or even a great deal of cooking talent in order to make a Christmas dinner that is delicious and easy to make when time is short. Careful planning well ahead of time is often the key to a successful Christmas season. Most of us begin our shopping early there is no harm in also beginning our cooking a little early too.

Developing Your Own Holiday Food Traditions

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Every holiday season, many of us look forward to eating special treats made using long-held and cherished family recipes.  Many families have holiday food traditions they hold dear.  There are those who cannot imagine a holiday without Grandma’s date pinwheel cookies or Great Uncle Peter’s cornbread stuffing.  Year after year, we enjoy these treats and use them as a way to stay connected with our families and personal histories.More than mere sustenance, the traditional foods we enjoy year after year are a source of family pride and lead to conversations about family members and fond memories of holidays past.  Family food traditions can be one of the most important parts of the holiday season for many people.There was once, however, a time in each and every family history before those recipes existed.  Grandma had to make those date pinwheel cookies for the first time.  When she did, she may have placed them right next to sugar cookies made with her Grandma’s secret recipe, having no idea they would become such an integral part of the holiday.  Great Uncle Peter’s cornbread stuffing only came about because Great Aunt Beth was sick years ago and he had to come up with some way to stuff a bird himself on Christmas morning.  His reliance on a simple recipe card with a few personal touches started a family tradition, too.  Grandma and Great Uncle Peter didn’t intent to create a longstanding tradition that generation after generation would enjoy.  They simply hoped that they could add a little bit to the holiday meal by doing something different.

The holiday food traditions to which we now look forward were the byproducts of experimentation.  The creators of the original dishes may have never intended to make them again.  They just happened to feel like doing something different or adding something new to the holiday table.
Holiday food traditions are special to many of us, and it is wonderful to experience those comforting recipes each and every holiday.  It’s a great idea, however, to remember how those traditions began.  By realizing the source of those traditions, we can be spurred to create our own.
This holiday season consider doing something new.  Think about adding a different plate to the dinner or treat table.  Make a side dish not generally found on your holiday table or produce a cookie with which you are not familiar.  Try a few new ideas and see what happens.  Some of the new notions may not be universally well received.  Others may be enjoyed, but not to the extent of your family’s holiday classics.  One, however, might receive such rave reviews that you decide to try it again next year.  Over time, that simple decision to experiment may turn into part of your family’s traditional holiday table.  The new cookie recipe you find in a holiday recipe collection this year may eventually become a staple item that your great-grandchildren cannot imagine missing.Traditions are important and enjoyable.  They form part of the essence of one’s family.  Wouldn’t it be nice to add your generation’s mark to the food traditions you all hold so dear?  Inventing new holiday traditions has no precise formula.  One cannot really intentionally “design” a new holiday food tradition.  They tend to grow over time.  However, new traditions do require a willingness to prepare an inventive new dish.  This holiday season, consider your potential role as a creator of a meaningful holiday tradition and add something new to the holiday feast.

Culinary Help Line Rescues Holiday Cooks

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Trying to get those awkward food processor parts together in time to prepare the hors d'oeuvres for a holiday party? Can't find the part you need for the coffee machine you've stashed away? Help is a free call away. Culinary Parts Unlimited, a company that maintains an inventory of replacement kitchen equipment parts and accessories, has staff on call seven days a week to assist home chefs with their culinary quandaries."We have a full staff of culinary experts, thoroughly trained and experienced in using all of the key appliances needed for holiday cooking and baking, such as food processors, stand mixers and blenders," said Lorraine Brady, president of Culinary Parts Unlimited. "We're delighted to help consumers not only figure out how to use that fancy food processor or bread machine they received as a wedding gift but also talk them through basic culinary steps so that they're completely comfortable preparing holiday recipes."Culinary Parts Unlimited also can help frantic holiday cooks locate parts, accessories and appliances for more than 40 well-known brands. The company stocks everything from Cuisinart food processor bowls and KitchenAid wire whisks to Krups and Braun coffee carafes as well as parts for juicers, ice cream makers and other specialty items. Orders ship within 24 hours; air shipping is available for "holiday emergencies."

Cooking Christmas Cookies with the Kids

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Christmas cookies are as much a part of the Christmas tradition for many as a visit from Old St. Nick himself. The cookies are often prepared in hopes of his pending arrival by children that are as excited as they can possibly be with all sorts of visions of great things to come dancing around in their bright and shining little eyes. Preparing the cookies in these instances can be a great time of bonding with your little ones but can also be a trying time if you don't follow a few of the tips and hints listed below.If you want to make cooking Christmas cookies and/or candy with your little ones the very best experience for you all that it can possibly be make sure you do it on a day when this is the only thing on your calendar. You do not want to rush through this time that is not only important for bonding with your child as a parent but also a time that is an important opportunity to lock in a few precious memories of great times you'll spend together. This is one thing that you want your children to look back at Christmas and remember doing with you and you want to be able to look back on Christmas and remember doing this with your children.

You should also make sure that everyone is well rested and well fed before beginning the process. This is important now more than ever before, as we know more about the dangers of foods, such as raw eggs, that are included in cookie dough as well as the dough for many of our favorite Christmas confections and candies. You do not want to risk the health of your children through temptation over raw cookie dough.

Be sure that every child gets a turn with the fun stuff. This includes of course using the mixer and watching things spin around as well as choosing their personal favorites for the next batch of cookies. You should also make a few cookies that you plan to let them paint, decorate, and play with just for fun and their own personal enjoyment. This will guarantee a few smiles while also scoring a few brownie points for mom.

Be patient and expect spills and messes. If you can afford a cleaning service once a year, the day after your cookie extravaganza is the day you want to splurge. Seriously, don't sweat the small stuff. We make little messes every day it shouldn't be such a shock when they make a really big mess in one day. This is one of the reasons why you want to plan your cookie making on a day when the calendar is clear-you will need time for clean up when all is said and done.

Make sure you have all the necessary ingredients for each and every single recipe before you begin. This is very important as cookie dough doesn't wait well for that final egg and children don't understand very well when they are interrupted from one project to run a quick errand (also, when was the last time you made it in and out of the grocery store in under an hour?). If you can make it through all the steps above you should be in for smooth sailing and Christmas cookie cooking.

Cocktails for a New Years Eve Party

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In planning a New Years Eve party, one of the most exciting items is the selection of cocktails for the party. New Years Eve is a holiday which is largely associated with alcohol consumption. Those who attend these parties are likely to expect an array of interesting cocktails to celebrate the coming of the New Year and many hosts are more than willing to oblige their guests with an assortment of delicious and interesting cocktails.
When planning a New Years Eve party which will include children, it is important to plan on serving a wide variety of non alcoholic beverages in addition to the alcoholic cocktails for the adults. This is important because it will prevent the children from being envious of the interesting beverages the adults are drinking. It will also prevent the children from being curious about the drinks the adults are enjoying and attempting to sneak a taste of these beverages. Non alcoholic cocktails are also considered mocktails and can often be created to look just like the real beverages in a wide variety of colors, flavors and textures. Beverages such as the pina coloda, margarita and a variety of martinis can all be made in non alcoholic versions.
In planning cocktails for a New Years Eve party, you should consider offering a wide variety of beverages throughout the night. This could include both hot, cold drinks and even frozen drinks. One of the most popular cocktail options for a New Years Eve party is punch which is served from a punch bowl. This festive cocktail is typically sweet and contains ingredients such as fruit juices, lemon lime soda and an array of alcoholic ingredients such as vodka and rum. Some hosts may even include champagne in the punch mixture. Adding a scoop or two of sherbet to the punch bowl also helps to cool the beverage and adds an additional layer of taste and texture to the mixture.

Another popular option of a New Years Eve party is to offer one signature cocktail throughout the evening. This can be an item such as a Martini created specifically for the occasion with a seasonal feeling. An eggnog martini is an example of a beverage which is a great deal of fun as well as appropriate for the season. Champagne cocktails are also appropriate for a New Years Eve party. You can create a simply champagne cocktail by combining champagne with sweet vermouth and grenadine. Hot cocktails are also popular options for a New Years Eve party. Spiked coffees and hot chocolates are always popular but for a more festive cocktail consider creating drinks with a hot cider base. You can create a luxurious hot chocolate cocktail by combining a butterscotch flavored liqueur with rich hot chocolate. An example of a hot beverage which is also quite festive is a hot cider spiced with cranberry juice and rum. Although hot cocktails are extremely popular, most guests will likely only drink one or two hot cocktails during the evening. Conversely they are likely to consumer significantly more cold cocktails during the course of the evening. For this reason, it is recommended to provide both hot and cold cocktails during your New Years Eve party.  Regardless of the type of cocktails you decide to serve throughout the evening, it is customary to offer a champagne cocktail at midnight. You should begin distributing the champagne a few minutes before midnight to ensure everyone has their glass in hand to make a toast and take a sip of the bubbly champagne at midnight. Offering the champagne in an elegant glass and including a strawberry in the glass can create a more elegant presentation. You should also use a fine champagne. During the evening, you may have served alcohols which fit your budget, but it is worthwhile to splurge on a more expensive champagne for the toast at midnight.

Christmas Dinner Ideas

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When the stockings have been filled then emptied and after Santa has made his appointed rounds families around the globe begin the preparations (or in some instances continue them) to prepare the family feast that is most often associated with Christmas Dinner. There are many traditions around the world though sadly far too few families have the opportunity to experience some of the rich traditions and delicious foods that mark the Christmas holidays in other corners of the globe, or even across each individual nation. In certain parts of Italy, because of the Catholic tradition of abstaining from red meat on Christmas Eve day, there is a tradition of having fish for the evening meal. This is commonly referred to as a 7 fishes dinner and is a fascinating tradition for those who enjoy seafood. It's certainly a new and refreshing dinner idea for many people if you are looking for something a little different from the ordinary. Even if fish really isn't your food of choice there is no rule that says you can't prepare a nice Italian feast for your Christmas dinner. The important thing is that you have friends and family gathered near and prepare the food with love. You do not have to have turkey or ham in order for the meal to qualify as Christmas and there is no reason that you have to stick with traditions that you really do not enjoy.A traditional German Christmas dinner might be a neat tradition to try in America as well if you are looking to introduce your family to various cultures or just want to do a little something extraordinary for Christmas this year. One thing to note is that many Germans have their Christmas Dinner on Christmas Eve rather than Christmas Day. A traditional German Christmas dinner often consists of dishes such as stuffed Christmas Goose, Potato Dumplings, Red Cabbage, and Baked Apples for dessert. Of course you do not have to choose a traditional Christmas dinner for your Christmas German cuisine there are plenty of great German dishes that can be enjoyed if you wish to bring a German theme to your Christmas table. Do whatever tastes good and it might be best to choose foods that are relatively easy to prepare rather than those that are time consuming so that you can enjoy time with friends and family rather than cooped up in the kitchen.If a taste of the UK is what you have in mind for your Christmas Dinner table then you might find the foods bring a flavor that is a little closer to home than you may realize. Popular Christmas dinner favorites in the UK include dishes such as roasted turkey, roasted potatoes, brussel sprouts, dressing, and pudding pie. One interesting tradition that is popular in the UK is that of Christmas crackers, which hold little gifts and goodies inside. Another interesting choice for your Christmas table may be to include your favorite Mexican dishes for dinner. Most Americans have a soft spot for Mexican cuisine and it is definitely warming to eat on a cold winter's day. The point is to make your Christmas dinner menu fun to eat, fun to prepare, and something that is likely to make your guests smile while building fond memories of your Christmas day.The same may be said of most cuisines, even those from cultures that do not traditionally celebrate Christmas. Thai, Indian, Chinese foods make w

onderful themes for a Christmas table if you are knowledgeable about the cuisine and willing to undertake the tasks of preparation as part of your Christmas dinner plans. The trick is really in finding dishes that are relatively simple to prepare, difficult to mess up, and can easily be skipped in the event that something does go wrong. There are tons of distractions on Christmas in most households and you do not want Christmas dinner ruined because one dish is proving difficult or impossible or (heaven forbid) gets burned, dropped on the floor, or eaten by the dog.

Christmas Recipes: Delicious Christmas Puddings

Christmas Recipes: Delicious Christmas Puddings
Pudding Recipes given here are easy to cook and absolutely delicious.  Properly made Christmas puddings will be extremely tasty and make your Christmas celebrations a memorable experience.  Enjoy these Puddings with your loved ones during this Christmas.
Christmas Pudding (1).Ingredients of Christmas Pudding:-
1 lb. raisins (stoned), 1 lb. chopped apples, 1 lb. currants, 1 lb. breadcrumbs, 1/2 lb. mixed peel, chopped fine, 1 lb. shelled and ground Brazil nuts, 1/2 lb. chopped sweet almonds, 1 oz. bitter almonds (ground), 1 lb. sugar, 1/2 lb. butter, 1/2 oz. mixed spice and 6 eggs.
Instructions:-Wash, pick, and dry the fruit, rub the butter into the breadcrumbs, beat up the eggs, and mix all the ingredients together; if the mixture is too dry, add a little milk. Fill some greased basins with the mixture, and boil the puddings from 3 to 4 hours.
Christmas Pudding (2).Ingredients:-
12 oz. breadcrumbs, 1/2 lb. currants, 1/2 lb. raisins, 1/2 lb. sweet almonds, 1 doz. bitter almonds, 3/4 lb. moist sugar, 3 oz. of butter, 2 oz. candied peel, 8 eggs, 1 teaspoonful of spice and 1 teacupful of apple sauce.
Instructions:-Rub the butter into the breadcrumbs, wash, pick, and dry the fruit, stone the raisins, chop or grind the almonds, beat up the eggs, mixing all well together, at the last stir in the apple sauce.  Boil the pudding in a buttered mould for 4 hours, and serve with white sauce.
Christmas Pudding (3).
Ingredients:-1 lb. each of raisins, currants, sultanas, chopped apples, and Brazil nut kernels; 1/2 lb. each of moist sugar, wholemeal breadcrumbs, wheatmeal, and sweet almonds and butter; 1/4 lb. of mixed peel, 1/2 oz. of mixed spice, 6 eggs, and some milk.
Instructions:-Wash and pick the currants and sultanas; wash and stone the raisins; chop fine the nut kernels, blanch and chop fine the almonds, and cut up fine the mixed peel. Rub the butter into the meal and breadcrumbs. First mix all the dry ingredients, then beat well the eggs and add them. Pour as much milk as is necessary to moisten the mixture sufficiently to work
it with a wooden spoon. Have ready buttered pudding basins, nearly fill them with the mixture, cover with pieces of buttered paper, tie pudding cloths over the basins, and boil for 4 hours.
Christmas Plum Pudding (1)Ingredients of Christmas Plum Pudding:-One cupful of finely-chopped beef suet, two cupfuls of fine bread crumbs, one heaping cupful of sugar, one cupful of seeded raisins, one cupful of well-washed currants, one cupful of chopped blanched almonds, half a cupful of citron, sliced thin, a teaspoonful of salt,
one of cloves, two of cinnamon, half a grated nutmeg and four well-beaten eggs.
Making of Christmas Plum Pudding:-
Dissolve a level teaspoonful of soda in a tablespoonful of warm water. Flour the fruit thoroughly from a pint of flour; then mix the remainder as follows: In a large bowl put the
well-beaten eggs, sugar, spices and salt in one cupful of milk. Stir in the fruit, chopped nuts, bread crumbs and suet, one after the other, until all are used, putting in the dissolved soda last and adding enough flour to make the fruit stick together, which will take all the pint. Boil or steam three to four hours. Serve with wine or any well-flavored sauce.
Christmas Plum Pudding (2)Ingredients:-

2 cups ground suet, 2 cups bread crumbs, 2 cups flour, 2 teaspoons Baking Powder, 2 cups sugar. 2 cups seeded raisins. 2 cups currants, 1 cup finely cut citron, 1 cup finely cut figs, 1 tablespoon finely cut orange peel, 1 tablespoon finely cut lemon peel, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon ground mace, 1 tablespoon salt, 1 cup water or prune juice and 1 cup grape or other fruit juice
Instructions:-
Mix thoroughly all dry ingredients and add fruit; stir in water and fruit juice and mix thoroughly. Add more water if necessary to make stiff dough. Fill greased molds 2/3 full, and steam two or three hours.  This pudding should be prepared and cooked a week or more before used. Before serving steam one hour and serve with hard, lemon or foamy sauce.

Christmas Cookie Recipe: Chocolatey Church Windows

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When it comes to the holiday season, there are just certain things we can’t live without. Or at least, there are certain things we think we can’t live without. One of those items for me is a family Christmas cookie recipe that has been handed down for at least three generations. It’s called Church Windows.Now, this nifty little cookie gets its name because it resembles a stained glass “church” window. The chocolate will form the frame and the marshmallows are the colored “glass” inside. Take my word for it, because if you see a plate of these cookies go by, grab one. I’ve never seen anyone sit and study the design, only devour the cookie.Even though this cookie doesn’t have any decoration on it that resembles Christmas, like a tree or Santa Claus, it is only made near the holidays. Why? I’ll never know, nor will I ever make it during a “non-holiday” time of year! Family tradition says so!So, what makes this little cookie so great, you ask. First, it is simple to make. The kids can play a large role in making them, however they need supervision since it involves use of the stove. Second, they are very colorful and brighten up any holiday dessert table. Last, they have chocolate in them! What else needs to be said? Without further ado, here is the recipe for Church Windows.
Church Windows
1 package semi-sweet chocolate chips (milk chocolate won’t work, I’ve tried)
1 stick margarine (NOT butter)
½ c walnuts, optional
1 10 oz bag of colored marshmallows
2 c coconut
Wax paperIn a large saucepan, melt the margarine and the chocolate chips over medium heat. Stir often and watch closely so the chocolate does not scorch. When the mixture is completely smooth, set aside to cool slightly, for about five to ten minutes.While you are waiting, prepare the wax paper. Tear off two sheets that are both approximately 18” in length. Lay on a flat surface. Cover each sheet evenly with 1 cup of the coconut.When the chocolate mixture is slightly cooled, stir in the walnuts and the marshmallows just until coated. Stirring too long will make the marshmallows melt (and that’s bad!)Pour half of the mixture

on the prepared wax paper lengthwise, in order to form a log. Pour the second half on the second sheet of wax paper. Using the extra coconut on the wax paper, cover the top of the chocolate mixture. The coconut will prevent the wax paper from sticking in the future. Take one side and roll over the mix, and keep rolling to form a log. Shape it so it makes a nice circle. Twist the edges so they are secure and to keep coconut from escaping! Immediately place in the fridge or freezer until they harden, at least 6 hours. When hardened, slice off ½ to 1” thick slices.
Church Windows can be stored in the refrigerator or the freezer one month. Keep in an air-tight container or bag to keep it from drying out.

Christmas Cheesecake

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This is a cheesecake that I have been making for over 20 years if you follow the recipe to the “T” you won't have any problem, it is also colorful as well as the most wonderful piece of pastry that you ever put in your mouth.
1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
2 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons butter or margarine melted
2 pounds cream cheese
1cup sugar
8 ounces sour cream
2 eggs
1cup flour
¾ cup heavy whipping cream
2 cup in total chopped candied cherries red and green raisins, walnuts, candied pineapple
½ cup small chocolate chips
In a 5 quart mixing bowl place 2 pounds of cream cheese and 1 cup granulated sugar and mix on low speed until cream cheese is softened and smooth, place in bowl 8 ounces sour cream and continue mixing until well blended, at this time add 2 eggs, mix for 2 minutes then add 1 cup flour, and 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream, mix on second speed until your cheesecake batter is smooth and creamy. At this time your cheesecake mixture should be fluffy like ice cream as it comes out of the ice cream machine.
Add the candied fruit, raisins, walnuts, pine apple, chocolate chips, fold everything together.
Prepare your 10 inch x 2 inches spring form pan, in a large bowl place your graham cracker crumbs and 2 tablespoons sugar, and your melted butter or margarine, then with a wire whisk, whisk them together until well combined, brush onto the sides of your spring form pan a little softened butter so the crumbs have something to hold to, place the crumbs on the sides and bottom of the pan.
Now you add slowly to the pan your cheesecake mix as not to disturb the crumbs too much, now you should have a full pan.

The total weight of the cheesecake with the crumbs on the sides should be 5 to 5-1/4 pounds if you have some batter leftover just chill it, put some whip cream on it and enjoy.
Preheat your oven to 275 degrees and not more, when your oven is hot place the cheesecake in it and bake for 55 minutes then shut off the oven and let it in there for 3 hours, at the end of this time you should have the most beautiful cheesecake you ever seen, let the cheesecake on the table for 1 1/2 hours then place it in the refrigerator for about 2-3 hours. Now remove it from the pan and enjoy.
Before serving sprinkle some red and green edible glitter that you can purchase at any store that has decorating supplies.

Christmas Dinner Ideas from the South and North

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Are you tired of Turkey for your Christmas Dinner? Here are some yummy ideas to serve at Christmas dinner that may please your family and your guests.Love the southern flavor? Try serving Shrimp and Grits for Christmas dinner (serves two people). Double for 4.
You will need cooked grits (2 serving sizes)
Olive Oil (2 Tablespoons)Diced Tasso Ham (1/2 cup)Diced Leeks (2 Tablespoons)Diced Onion (2 TablespoonsDiced Green Peppers (2 Tablespoons)Large Shrimp (20 medium, peeled, de-veined, with tails onWhite Wine (1 to 2 TablespoonsHeavy Cream (1 cup)Salt and Pepper to tasteChopped Green Onion Tops
Instructions:

Cook grits according to package directions, then set aside and keep them warm.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.Add the tasso and saute until crisp
Add the diced vegetables and saute until the onions are translucent.Add the shrimp and saute for an additional 30 to 45 seconds or until the shrimp are pink.
Remove everything from the pan and set aside.Deglaze the pan with a little of the white wine.
Slowly add the cream and let reduce until thickenedSeason with salt and pepper.
Divide the grits onto two plates.Pour the sauce over the grits. Garnish with the onion tops. Add the shrimp mixture and enjoyNortherners, say “MMMMMMM my favorite Christmas Dinner Pot Roast!” It smells heavenly cooking and is oh so tender.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

You will need:
1 (4-pound) boneless Chuck pot roast (tied).
Salt and pepper to taste2 tablespoons of Vegetable oil
1 finely chopped cup of onions1 finely chopped cup of carrots
1 finely chopped cup of celery2 bay leaves
2 teaspoons of thyme
4 cups of beef stock
4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
4 tablespoons of butter, allowed to soften
First, pat the roast dry and season well with salt and pepper.
In a Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium heat until hot but not smoking.
Add the roast until all sides are brown. (this should take about 15 minutes)
Put the roast on a plate.
Pour out all but 1 tablespoon of oil from the Dutch oven.
Add onions, carrots, celery to the Dutch oven and cook over medium heat. Stir occassionally until golden.
Place roast back into the Dutch oven. Add the bay leaves, thyme and enough beef stock to come 2/3rds of the way up.
Bring to a simmer, skim, cover tightly, and set in the lower third of a 350 degree preheated oven.
The liquid will need to remain at a simmer for 2 1/2 to 3 hours or until the beef is tender.
You will need to turn the roast over several times during the cooking time.

At the end of the time and when the roast is tender, carefully take the Dutch oven out of the oven with oven mitts.
Take the roast carefully out of the Dutch oven and place on a cutting board. Let it sit for 10 minutes. Cover it with aluminum foil during the 10 minutes. Make a gravy out of the liquid in the Dutch oven while you are waiting on the roast.
Slice the roast and serve with a salad and dinner rolls.

Chew Your Way To Diet Success This Holiday Season

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If you’re looking for a new and innovative way to stay away from all the holiday goodies this year, you might not need to look for anything other than a pack of sugarless gum. A survey conducted by the Mayo Clinic revealed that chewing gum can actually raise your metabolic rate by as much as 20%. The study suggested that chewing gum may also make it possible to lose as much as an additional 11 pounds per year. Above and beyond the benefits of increasing your metabolism and burning calories; chewing gum may also have significant advantages when it comes to staving off the temptation to indulge in holiday foods.A recent study conducted by Wrigley confirm that an astounding 70% of Americans eat more at holiday parties than they normally would any other time of the year while 72% find it difficult to maintain their diet during this time of year. Chewing gum; however, may make it possible to not only avoid eating more but to stick to your diet as well. Here are some tips on ways that you can incorporate gum into your diet plans this holiday season:

Instead of giving into temptation, keep a steady supply of gum available at your desk at work as well as in your purse or pocket when you’re out and about this holiday season. That way you’ll be able to pop in a stick of gum whenever you feel tempted to cheat on your diet. You may very well find that if you chew a piece of gum for a few minutes and engage in another activity, such as shopping, wrapping gifts or visiting with friends and family; the temptation to snack will have completely subsided.If you plan to bake holiday treats for others this year, chewing gum while you’re doing it can keep you from snacking while the goodies are baking. While it might not seem like much at the time, all those little taste tests can really add up. Keep a stick of gum in your mouth and you won’t be nearly as likely to sample.If you’re concerned that the calories associated with the gum will backfire on your diet plans, there’s good reason to believe that you can lay those fears aside. According to a registered dietician at Baylor College of Medicine, the average stick of sugarless gum contains just five to ten calories. If you opt for low calorie gum and not one loaded with sugar, you can be sure you’re not replacing one problem with another. Most gums containing sugar can have 25 calories per piece and while that might not seem like a lot, if you chew several pieces per day it can start to add up. Instead, be sure to choose a sugarless brand with whatever sweetner you prefer.

This type of gum usually has less than 10 calories per piece; which is really quite insignificant when compared to what you might be consuming instead. If you’re substituting it for a high-calorie dessert or snack as well as participating in an active and healthy lifestyle; you can actually reduce your overall calorie intake.

Avoid Weight Gain During The Holidays - 5 Easy Tips

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If you're worried about gaining weight over the holidays you're not alone.
The average North American gains 7 to 12 pounds over the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. But it doesn't have to be that way. Follow these simple holiday diet tips and tricks and you'll avoid the holiday weight gain that afflicts so many other people:
1 Drink Water - and Lots of It. 
Boring I know - but the reason this tip stays around year after year is because it works. Adequate water intake keeps your metabolism humming along at a maximum rate and staves off hunger cravings as well. In fact many people mistake thirst for hunger and end up eating to quench their thirst. This results in more calories than you body needs and - you guessed it - excess pounds.
Models and celebrities all know about the powerful slimming effects of drinking water which is why you often see them holding a bottle of water in their hands as they dash through airports or stand around at fashion shows. #2 Increase Your Exercise A Little Bit Every Day 
Everyone deserves to indulge in holiday treats. Part of the fun of the holiday season is the amazing treats that are only around at Christmas and/or Thanksgiving.
Accept the fact that you're going to indulge a bit - and then enjoy it! But make sure you make up for it elsewhere by increasing your exercise.

You don't have to double your exercise time or sweat till you fall off your treadmill. Just increase your exercise time a bit every day, maybe ten minutes here, fifteen minutes there. It all adds up.
You'll burn off those holiday treats and easily avoid extra weight gain. I have several girlfriends who have been doing this trick for years and they never gain a pound over the holidays (in fact they often lose a few!).
#3 Cut Back Where You Can At Other Meals 
Did you know that the average number of calories consumed by one person during a typical Thanksgiving dinner is 7,100! That's about 2 pounds strictly in terms of calories alone.
But not to worry. All you have to do is make small calorie cutbacks at other meals the week before and you'll easily make up for the extra calories.
For example, instead a huge slice of pecan pie (which normally will run you about 500 calories) for desert, why not try some blueberries mixed with low fat yogurt? Instead of the bag of potato chips you usually indulge in for the big game, why not munch on air-popped, low fat popcorn?
You can save as much as 500 calories and you're still having a salty, satisfying snack.
Bottom line: cut back where you can in little ways. You won't miss the little sacrifices and you can then enjoy your holiday meals - guilt free!
4 Eat What You Like - But Only A Few Bites 
If you absolutely cannot imagine giving up any of your favorite treats this holiday season, give yourself permission to have a bite of everything - but only a bite!
I read somewhere that Jessica Simpson never denies herself any of her favorite foods - but she only allows herself one or two bites. And let's face it the first couple of bites are the best tasting anyways!
5 Don't Eat After 7:00 pm
Experts tell us that the earlier in the day food is eaten, the more likely it is to be burned off. However when you eat late at night, this food is more likely to be stored as fat.

Celebrities like Oprah use this knowledge to their advantage and refuse to eat after a certain time like 7:00 p.m. So if you know you absolutely must have a sweet indulgence during the day, try to have it before noon. Then towards the end of the day, snack on healthy, lower carb foods like salads, vegetable broth, fruits or lean protein.
This keeps your metabolism elevated but won't pack on the pounds. I've personally used this trick before every holiday Christmas party for 5 years running and it certainly helps for getting into those slinky Christmas party dresses! So those are 5 diet tips to avoid holiday weight gain this year. Follow them and you're guaranteed to save yourself the stress of unwanted weight gain. Heck, you'll probably even lose a few pounds, all in time for New Year's Eve!