Christmas Dinner Ideas from the South and North

Simon's Simple Hydroponics Plans Giant Ebook

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

Simon's Simple Hydroponics Plans Giant Ebook

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

Simon's Simple Hydroponics Plans Giant Ebook

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!

Avoid Holiday Weight Gain

The F F F Plan, Extra!

As the holidays approach, a feeling of dread creeps in. Not only is money getting tighter, but your pants are, too. It's the same old story. Colder weather keeps you stuck indoors, while the yummy holiday cooking fattens you up. Not this year. Not me! I refuse to gain those holiday pounds and you can, too. No, you don't have to sign any contracts at an expensive gym. You can get the body you want on a limited budget. You may not realize it, but workout videos are more fun and exciting than they used to be. Workout videos are also much less expensive than a gym membership or buying home workout equipment like a treadmill or elliptical trainer. If the thought of buying workout videos reminds you of leg warmers and striped leotards, you've got some catching up to do. You're not stuck with the boring workout videos of the 80s and 90s anymore. Believe it or not, the same sought-after trainers who get paid the big bucks to train celebrities can be on call to train you in your own home for pennies a day. Some of the newest fitness trends are available on video. Ballet: Have you always envied a ballet dancer's lean and graceful body? Several ballet videos are now available as workout videos. One of the most popular choices right now was created by the famous New York City Ballet. Although you won't learn to be the next prima ballerina training with exercise video at home, you will shape and lengthen your muscles for a graceful body.
Belly Dancing:Shimmy your way to a great waistline. Whether you want an instructional video to teach you proper belly dancing technique or you just want to exercise with belly dance moves, you'll find a wide variety of videos available. Exotic Dancing: You read that right. If you've ever thought it would be fun to learn sexy moves, then this is for you. In the privacy and safety of your own home, you can bump and gyrate to your heart's content. I have also heard that laughter is good for your abs, so you'll have that covered as well, especially if you have a mirror in your workout room.

Yoga or Pilates: If you're looking for a sleek, lean body, firm core, or more flexibility, then there are hundreds of yoga and Pilates videos to choose from. You'll find yoga for adults as well as yoga for kids. Yes, kids get stressed, too. Yoga is a great way to teach them to relax.
Fitness videos for kids: Oftentimes kids can be the best motivators. If you put in a Sesame Street dance video and your three year old asks you to dance with Elmo, you can hardly say "no".
Once you've chosen a trend or video you are interested in, set a specific time each day to "meet" with your personal trainer. It's best to rotate at least two different forms of exercise (or videos) to avoid repetitive use strains. You can do different videos each day, or alternate a walk, bike ride or other activity you enjoy on your non-video days. As long as you are moving, you're keeping those spare pounds from firmly attaching to your body.So, don't sign that costly gym membership agreement just yet. Blow the dust off the exercise videos in your cabinet, get some good walking shoes, or check out the hottest trends at your favorite online store. It's the frugal way to go.

3 Non-Traditional Ways to Prepare Your Holiday Turkey

3 Non-Traditional Ways to Prepare Your Holiday Turkey
Deep-Fryed Turkey
3 gallons peanut oil for frying, or as needed
1 (12 pound) whole turkey, neck and giblets removed
1/4 cup Creole seasoning
1 white onion
In a large stockpot or turkey fryer, heat oil to 400 degrees F. Be sure to leave room for the turkey, or the oil will spill
over.***** Side Note *****
How to determine the amount of oil you need:
The easiest way I've found to determine the amount of oil you need is to place the turkey into the fryer and fill with water until the turkey is just covered. Remove turkey and allow to drain, pat dry with paper towels as well. Make note of the level of water in the fryer. Discard water and dry throughly. Fill frying vessel with oil to the level as noted above. This should help in preventing hot oil spill overs.
***** End Side Note *****
Layer a large platter with food-safe paper bags. Rinse turkey, and thoroughly pat dry with paper towels. Rub Creole seasoning over turkey inside and out. Make sure the hole at the neck is open at least 2 inches so the oil can flow freely through the bird. Place the whole onion and turkey in drain basket. The turkey should be placed in basket neck end first. Slowly lower basket into hot oil to completely cover turkey. Maintain the temperature of the oil at 350 degrees F, and cook turkey for 3 1/2 minutes per pound, about 45 minutes. Carefully remove basket from oil, and drain turkey. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh; the internal temperature must be 180 degrees F.
Finish draining turkey on the prepared platter.
Grilled Whole Turkey
12 pounds whole turkey
2 cups water
3 tablespoons chicken bouillon powder
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1/2 teaspoon chopped parsley
1 teaspoon paprika
Prepare an outdoor grill for indirect medium heat, and lightly oil grate. Rinse turkey, and pat dry. Place turkey breast side down on the prepared grill. Sear turkey on both sides until skin is golden to dark brown. In a large roasting pan, mix together the water, bouillon powder, garlic powder, onion powder, poultry seasoning, parsley, and paprika. Place turkey breast side down in the roasting pan. Scoop the pan mixture over the turkey. Cover tightly with foil and place on grill. Grill 3 to 4 hours, until the internal temperature of the thigh reaches 180F. Remove turkey from grill and let stand 15 minutes before carving.
Smoked Turkey
1 turkey 8 to 22 lbs., fresh or completely thawed
Sweet Pickle Brine (recipe to follow)
Maple syrup
Sweet Pickle Brine:
1 gal. water
2 1/2 cups salt, rock, pickling or canning salts are recommened
1/3 cup of light brown sugar
1 tablespoon Lquid garlic
1 oz. pickling spicesMix well. You may need to adjust the amounts depending on the size of your bird. This recipe should suit you fine for an 8 to 12 lb. turkey.

Rinse turkey thoroughly with cold water, drain and pat dry. Prepare sweet pickle brine. Brine turkey according to the following schedule, 8 to 12 lb. bird 3 days, 13 to 16 lb. bird 4 days, 17 to 22 lb. bird 5 days. Remove from brine; rinse thoroughly in cold water and pat dry. Allow to dry in refrigerator for 24 hours.
Lock wings behind back and tie legs and tail together. Baste turkey with maple syrup before putting in smoker and every 2 hours while smoking. Position turkey on cooking grill. Smoke cook until done. The best way to determine doneness is to insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey (the breast) the internal temperature should read 180 degrees F.
Smoking food is more an art than a science; this recipe is not intended for the novice. Allot of factors go into determining the cooking time for a particular food when smoking.
Cool turkey in the refrigerator for 24 hours before serving to enhance the smoked flavor. You may serve the turkey right away if you wish.

Why You Should Let Your Kids Make Their Own Christmas Decorations

The F F F Plan, Extra!

Are you planning on decorating your home for the holidays this year?  If so, there is a good chance that you will be in need of decorations. When it comes to decorating for Christmas, many individuals automatically head to their local department store or specialty Christmas shop.  Buying your Christmas decorations is a great way to get the decorations that you need, but did you know that buying is not your only option?  If you are a parent, you are encouraged to let your children make their own Christmas decorations. You will find that there are, literally, an unlimited number of benefits to doing so.One of the greatest benefits to letting your children make their own Christmas decorations is the feeling that they will receive with the finished product.  No matter what the age of your child or children, there is a good chance that they will be pleased with their final products, whether that final product be a Christmas tree ornament or a Christmas picture.  And, since the whole point of Christmas decorations is to decorate, your children may be pleased to see their works of art hanging on your walls or on the Christmas tree.  As a parent, that could, hands down, be the biggest reason why you should allow your kids to make their own Christmas decorations.
In addition to the pride that they will feel, you should also let your children make their own Christmas decorations because it should be a relatively easy and fun process.  When it comes to making Christmas decorations, you will likely find that you have many of the craft supplies needed, already in your home. If not, you can easily purchase craft supplies, including Christmas supplies, from your local craft store or local dollar store.  The supplies that you need to purchase don’t even just have to be for Christmas decorations. You can use the leftover supplies for other projects, if you choose to do so. That is one of the many reasons why having your children make their own Christmas decorations is cheaper than buying store bought ones.  Although this article had a focus on letting your children make their own Christmas decorations, you may want to join in the process as well.  Not only can you give your children decoration ideas, especially young children, but you can also enjoy some quality time with each other.  Christmas is all about family; therefore, by making Christmas decorations with your children, you and your family will be off to the right start, when celebrating Christmas.  Whether you help out a little bit or make your own Christmas decorations, you and your children will likely enjoy the time that is being spent together.

Once the Christmas decorations have been made, whether they were made with your assistance or not, they will need to be displayed. When displaying your child’s homemade Christmas decorations, it is important that you give them time to dry, especially if paint or glue was used.  This extra time will help to ensure that the hard work put into the decorations doesn’t go to waste.  When the time is right, you and your child could spend the rest of the day or evening decorating your home for Christmas.  What better way to end out the perfect day then letting your children help you hang their handmade treasures.

Why You Should Let Your Kids Decorate Your Home for Christmas

The F F F Plan, Extra!

Are you a parent?  If so, are you children looking forward to Christmas this year?  Whether your children are toddlers or teenagers, there is a good chance that they are excited with what Christmas may bring.  In the weeks and days leading up to Christmas, you will find that their excitement just keeps on building.  To hang on to that excitement, you may want to think about decorating your home for Christmas.  Decorating your home for Christmas is a great way to keep your children’s excitement going strong until Christmas does finally arrive.When it comes to decorating for Christmas, you will find that you have a number of different options.  Your first impulse may be to decorate your home on your own, but you may want to think about letting your children help you.  You will find that there are, literally, an unlimited number of benefits to letting your children help you decorate for Christmas, no matter how young or old they are.  As previously mentioned, there are a number of benefits to letting your children help you decorate your home for Christmas, no matter what their age.  Despite the fact that children of all ages could benefit from helping you decorate for Christmas, there are some children who could benefit more than others.  For instance, young children, especially toddlers, are in the learning stages of their life.  This stage is where children can benefit the most from a small amount of responsibility and encouragement.  Encouraging your children to help you decorate for Christmas, by hanging up pictures or by completing another small task, you could be encouraging them to use their mind, their imagination, and their decorating skills!Perhaps, the best way to go about decorating your home for Christmas is together.  Unfortunately, in today’s world families don’t get to spend as much time with each other as they should. That is one of the reasons why Christmas is so important; it is one of the times when all families get to come together.  Instead of decorating for Christmas by yourself or letting your children do it all, you all should decorate for Christmas.  In addition to helping build up the Christmas spirit, decorating for Christmas as a family is one of the best ways to spending well needed bonding time together.  The best part of decorating, for your kids, may be the actual decorating process, but there is something else that your kids may also enjoy.  They may also enjoy helping you pick out Christmas decorations. By taking your kids with you to the store, they could easily help you pick out Christmas decorations. If you are shopping for Christmas decorations on a budget, you are advised to visit your local dollar store or department store.

These stores usually have low-cost Christmas decorations, many of which will appeal to children. If, by some chance, you can’t find the decorations that you or your children were looking for, you could easily make their own Christmas decorations.  In fact, making homemade Christmas decorations is another fun experience, all on its own.  Regardless of whether or not you ask your children for assistance, when decorating your home for Christmas, you are urged to decorate.  For children, Christmas decorations help to keep them excited about the upcoming holiday.  That is why Christmas decorations are an important part of the holiday season.