Slow Cooker Lasagna Lite

My friend Norma is an excellent cook and a Crockpot enthusiast.  I am late to the party, but recently bought one.  So this summer I won't be slaving over a hot oven, or even be at home while dinner is cooking.  Some of the tastiest cuts of beef include (1) rump roast, (2) bottom round and (3) eye round roast.  They are lean, effortless to prep, but require hours of slow cooking to tenderize.  I usually slow cook a roast in a Dutch oven until tender, but I might try a few new Crockpot recipes as temperatures heat up ... just for variety.

Yesterday I gave my spanking new slow cooker a whirl, while I left the premises for 3 hours to run errands.  I altered a lasagna recipe to see if a healthy, low-fat version would taste great too.  Certainly, I'm not opposed to eating regular cheese and pasta.  Go to Italy and note:  Italians don't use whole wheat noodles, or low-fat cheese -- but yesterday I wanted to try another way.  And truthfully, it is a low-fat winner.

Italians are famous for cooking noodles al dente, meaning firm, but not hard.  Dr. Andrew Weil, a supporter of integrative medicine, says eating regular noodles is perfectly fine, if they are cooked al dante.  In my dish I used whole wheat noodles for heartiness since it was my first experience making lasagna in a Crockpot.  Here's Sunday's easy recipe:

Overstock is selling many sizes.  Click here.

Low-Fat Slow Cooker Lasagna 

Ingredients:

2-28 ounce cans crushed tomatoes

5 cloves garlic, finely minced

½ small onion, finely minced
--2 tablespoons dried oregano

1 teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

parsley flakes

dash of nutmeg

1 pound ground sirloin browned in a skillet

28 ounces dry cottage cheese (that's 2-16 ounce containers, minus 4 ounces), or part-skim ricotta cheese I use a mixture.*

2 cups grated part-skim mozzarella cheese (16 ounces)

¼ cup grated parmesan cheese

12 ounces whole wheat lasagna noodles (or regular lasagna noodles)

Directions:

1) Use 2 mixing bowls:  In one, combine the crushed tomatoes, garlic, onions, dried spices, and ground beef.

2) In the second mixing bowl, mix the cottage cheese, 1 cup of the mozzarella and all the parmesan.

3) On the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker, spread a thin layer of the sauce.

4) Top with a layer of uncooked noodles.  Break to fit; layer them densely without overlapping.

5) Spread the tomato sauce over the noodles, making sure you cover the noodles with the sauce so they will cook.

Know where your food comes from: Click to enlarge

6) Next layer with the cheese mixture; use a large spoon to dollop on top.

7) Repeat the layers.  If you have a round Crockpot, you will repeat the layers twice.  If you have a rectangle-shaped slow cooker, you will only repeat the layers once.  Both ways (2 or 3 layers) work.

8) At the very top, sprinkle with the remaining cup of mozzarella.

9) Cover and cook on low heat for 3 to 3 ½ hours.  When the noodles in the center of the Crock are tender, you are ready to eat.

I like to add a green salad, or a blend of steamed broccoli and carrots, along with a lovely glass of Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon.  Buono Appetit!
*Cottage cheese is lower in fat and has more protein, but ricotta is dryer.


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Going Organic: Face, Body And Hair Essentials

Although I buy makeup and personal care items from the corner drugstore, I also love organic products.  All things being equal, I prefer organic cosmetics, as well as, skin and hair care items.  But like everything else in life, I compare the benefits with costs and convenience.  No matter how outstanding a product is, if it's crazy expensive, who can afford to use it every day?

The Industrial Revolution has been both a blessing and a curse.  It's made products cheap and available for the masses, but it has also brought us new worries like stripping products of their natural benefits and the safety of using certain chemicals to manufacture and preserve them.  So whether it's as an individual or a society, there's not one simple answer for choosing products:  In every instance, benefits verses costs, convenience and availability.

In the 21st century the masses are living relatively well, at least in industrial societies.  Nowadays we do more than just subsist.  We are exceptionally good at producing plenty of affordable products.  We now have the luxury of asking:  Can we make smarter products?  Can our products be better and healthier and good for our planet?  Are you like me (still shopping at drugstores) but leaning towards organic?  As our demand for organic products increases, their costs should come down.  Only products certified as organic can claim the label.  I use "certified organic" products and read "natural"  product ingredients carefully since there are no regulations to use the term.

Here are my picks of earth-friendly personal care products to try:

Jurlique Skin Care – A company founded by two scientists, the skin care is blended from herbs and botanicals harvested from a 153-acre farm in unpolluted South Australia.  The company has serums and moisturizers to treat dryness, oiliness, sensitivity and aging.  Costs: $17-$75.

Karma Organic Nail Care – It's organic, 100% biodegradable, non-toxic and non-carcinogenic.  And it supports Farm Crops.  The polish is long lasting, and the polish remover comes in lavender, tea tree, or unscented with vitamin E.  Costs: $10-$12.

Korres High-Drama Antioxidant Color Collection – A 7 piece makeup collection featuring eye shadows, eyeliner, mascara, and lip gloss, all formulated with good-for-you ingredients like cherry oil, evening primrose oil, vitamin E and more.  Jewel-tone colors with rich pigments.  Costs: $29.50.

Aveda Hair Care – Shop by hair type and solutions, from straight to curly to damaged to controlling dandruff.  The Sampure shampoo cleans and fortifies any hair type.  It is a calming mix of 25 plants and flowers and is infused with a smooth botanical aroma of your choice.  Costs: $10.50 for 8.5 Fluid ounce.

Ecotools By Alicia Silverstone – Cute cosmetic bags and quality brushes made with 100% eco-friendly materials and practical details.  Great for traveling and storing your makeup.  Costs: $7.99-$14.99.

Dr. Teal's Therapeutic Solutions Epsom Salt – Epsom salt is used to rid the body of toxins, relax tense muscles and revitalize the skin.  Lavender induces a good night's sleep so you wake up looking fresh and beautiful.  Costs: $5-$6 for 3 pounds.

The Body Shop's Hemp Body Butter – Dermatologically tested for very dry skin.  It moisturizes for 24 hours and contains Community Trade hemp seed oil.  The Body Shop looks for natural ingredients from around the globe for their assortment of face, hair and body products.  They have always been environmentally responsible and against animal testing.  Costs: $16 for 8 ounces (without a deal).

If demand increases, going organic will be good for you, the environment and your wallet.  Look closely: Organics are starting to appear in the aisles of the corner drugstore for less!


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Blogger.com Problems

Hello Readers, 

You may have noticed.  Blogger had a few problems the last two days.  Google seems to have fixed them, and we're back up and running.  However  for some strange reason, I lost all of my edits in my last post.  I had to redo the post, i.e., try to remember the final version. It reminds me of the movie, "Groundhog Day."  And everybody's comments have disappeared.  Google, thanks a lot!  Hopefully, we'll have smooth sailing from now on.

Buy Flowers For Less

I love flowers.  And now that Spring is … well … in full bloom, with summer to follow, fresh flowers are a no brainer way of bringing beauty, elegance and nature into your home … or showing someone you care.  I rarely cross paths with anyone, male or female, who doesn't appreciate flowers.  But depending on where you buy them, flowers can be expensive.

Here are some ways of finding nature's perfect brilliance without spending a fortune:

1.  Always buy flowers that are in season … and be flexible.  You don't have to buy the rarest and most expensive, or even a great quantity.  A few flowers will look beautiful by tying them together with a bright ribbon.  You know pretty when you see it.  Buy what you like, but can afford.

2.  Select short stems over long steamed roses.  People usually cut long stems before placing roses in a vase anyway, so why pay for inches of stem that end up in the garbage?  Roses are beautiful both ways, but short steams are cheaper.

3.  Shop outside of a florist:  My friends don't care how much I spend on flowers, it's the effect – the thought and how they are presented that counts.  Many grocery stores, Home Depots and Targets have entire flower departments, where you can get beautiful arrangements for $7 - $30.  I find bouquets and potted plants at Home Depot and Food Emporium that are so lovely you'd never know they didn't come from a florist.

4.  When buying for a friend or relative, deliver the flowers yourself.  Flowers make wonderful hostess gifts, and supermarkets will even deliver for a small charge if you can't hand them to the recipient in person.  But if possible, don't you want to see the look on someone's face when they open the door and see their bouquet or arrangement?  I realize I'm doing it for someone else, but I don't want to miss out on the fun.  It's such a joy to make someone happy when they have no reason to expect it!  Surprise!  Gotcha!!

5.  Herbs and spices are a cheap and healthy way to decorate your home.  Instead of plants you can't eat, consider a window-box herb garden.  Not only are they green and beautiful, they are easy to grow.

6.  Buy aromatherapeutic flowers like lavender and eucalyptus plants that can be dried. Each smells divine, looks fantastic and lasts a long time, so you really get your money's worth.  I purchased a wicker ring at a dollar store, wrapped eucalyptus leaves around it and decorated my wreath with the blossoms of tiny silk roses, baby's breadth and sunflowers.  It makes my home smell so clean, and I love it!  (So does my neighbor.)  I don't think of myself as crafty, but I just had an idea in my head of what I wanted to hang on a wall and tried it.  I needed 4 bunches of eucalyptus, 3 twigs of different colored, silk flowers and the circle.  My total cost: $25.00.

Now it's your turn.  With a little ingenuity and knowing places to shop, you can enjoy beautiful flowers at very affordable prices.

Extra tip: I once attended a wedding reception where the table centerpieces were small clay pots of African violets, which guests were encouraged to take home.  It was simple, charming and probably saved the bride's family a bundle.

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Since 1875: The Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby is the most famous horse race in the world. It always occurs on the first Saturday in May. This year will be the 137th run for the roses, which takes place at historic Churchill Downs in beautiful Louisville, Kentucky.

I was lucky when I attended The Derby.  Not only did I pick the Derby winner, along with a “win,”“place” or “show” horse [one ticket: the horse has to come in 1, 2, or 3 to win], my friends and I chose a spot in the infield to stand, that turned out to be only a few yards away from a direct, eye-level-view of the starting gate.  After the horses are (loaded into the gates and) off, the gates are pulled away and that area on the racetrack becomes the finish line!  So we saw the most meaningful and exciting parts of the race up close.  I watched my horses come in first and third, and we did a lot of jumping up and down ourselves.  It was also beginner's luck, and I haven't bet on 3-year old thoroughbreds since, other than drawing names out of a hat.  Since I'm not a gambler, I'd hate to mar my horse racing, winning streak.

The Kentucky Derby has many traditions that add to the joyful exuberance of the race, itself.  Some are very practical.  You must wear a big hat to cover your head at Churchill Downs, or else you'll sizzle like a walking-talking piece of bacon in the hot sun.

An icy Mint Julep is THE drink to quench your thirst at The Derby.  Here's how to make an authentic one:

Ingredients for each serving:

5 fresh mint sprigs

2 teaspoons fine sugar

About 2 tablespoons water

2 ounces good Kentucky bourbon [guidance]

Crushed Ice

Directions:

1. Rub the mint leaves with your fingers and drop into a silver Mint Julep Cup.  (Or use a glass tumbler.)

2. Crush the mint leaves at the bottom of the cup with a spoon.

3. Add 2 teaspoons fine sugar

4. Add about 2 tablespoons water and stir.

5. Add 2 ounces bourbon.  Stir.

6. Overfill the cup with crushed ice -- over the top snow cone-style.  If you use a silver cup, it will frost on the outside.

7. Garnish with a fresh sprig of mint.
 

The Kentucky Derby is, indeed, the most exciting two minutes in sports.  If you can't make it to Louisville this year, you can still throw a great Derby Party with all the traditions and food.  Don't even think of serving your guests bourbon, without feeding them a hearty meal.  Deviled eggs, country ham, Hot Browns (open-face turkey with Mornay sauce) and Derby Pie (chocolate and pecans) are customary … and scrumptious!

You can also make a huge pot of Kentucky Burgoo and cornbread.  Here's how:

Ingredients:

1 chicken, 3 to 4 pounds

1 ½ pounds chuck roast beef cubes

4 cups beef broth

2 cups water

1 ½ teaspoons coarsely ground pepper

½  teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 can (about 28-32 ounces) tomato puree

6 medium potatoes

2 large onions, chopped

4 stocks celery, chopped

1 medium head cabbage, finely chopped

2 28 ounce cans tomatoes

2 16 ounce bags frozen corn

1 pound fresh carrots, sliced

1 cup fresh sliced okra 
*16 ounces green beans

16 ounces lima beans

2 bell peppers, red and green, finely chopped

Salt to taste, begin with 1 tablespoon

1/4 to 1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce

Optional: 2 cups red wine

Other spices to taste: Garlic, cilantro, parsley, red pepper flakes, etc.

Optional:  Some folks use ham hocks, lamb and/or rabbit in this dish.  I do not.

Directions:

1) Stew the meat, beef broth and water in a stockpot for one hour.

2) Remove from the stove, reserve the liquid, but remove the skin, fat and bones from the meats.

3) Shred the meat and return it to the pot.

4) Add the vegetables, spices and other liquids.

5) Simmer on low heat for 4 hours.

Watch The Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 7th on NBC.  Post time is about 6:30 pm, right after the University of Louisville band plays and people sing, “My Old Kentucky Home.”  No need to stand in your living room for the state song ... unless you wish to show your Derby spirit.🌹

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Chocolate Biscuit Cake (Prince William's Favorite)

Just like two billion people all over the world, I watched much of the royal wedding today.  I loved it.  It was a perfect ceremony.  Breathtaking dress.  Stunning diamond earrings ["new" from her parents].  Elegant tiara ["borrowed" from the Queen].  And that was just the bride.

William and Catherine seem lovely; Harry, a fun-loving and likable best man.  Nice in-laws too.  Now, if only the press will leave them alone for a while.

Here's the recipe for Prince William's groom's cake, which we can easily make at home:

Didn't get invited to the wedding?  Eat the cake.

Chocolate Biscuit Cake

(recipe by Darren McGrady, the royal chef)

Ingredients

½ teaspoon butter , for greasing
8 ounces rich tea biscuits

4 ounces unsalted butter, softened

4 ounces granulated sugar

4 ounces dark chocolate, for the cake

1 egg

8 ounces dark chocolate, for coating

1 ounce dark chocolate, for decorating

Directions

1. Lightly butter a 6" by 2 ½ " cake ring and and place on a tray with a sheet of parchment paper

2. Break the tea biscuits into ½ inch pieces by hand and set aside.

3. Cream the butter and sugar in a bowl until the mixture starts to lighten.

4. Melt 4 ounces of dark chocolate and add to the butter mixture while constantly stirring.

5. Beat the egg into the mixture.

6. Fold in the biscuit pieces until they are coated with the chocolate mixture.

6. Spoon the mixture into the prepared cake ring. Be sure to fill all of the gaps on the bottom of the ring because this will be the top when it is done.

7. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for 3 hours.

Next decorate: 

1) Remove the cake from the refrigerator and let it stand while you melt 8 ounces of dark chocolate.

2) Slide the ring off the cake and turn it upside down onto a cake wire.

3) Pour melted chocolate over the cake and smooth the top and sides with a knife.

4) Allow the chocolate to set at room temperature.

5) Carefully run a knife around the bottom of the cake where the chocolate has stuck it to the cake wire and lift it onto a tea plate.

6) Melt the remaining 1 ounce of chocolate and use to decorate the top of the cake.

Makes 8 - 10 servings.

Click here for Wedding photos in big, beautiful digital color.  To watch it on YouTube, go here.  I don't believe in fairy tales.  But with wealth, privilege and supportive families, if this couple can't be happy, who can?  They seem right for each other.


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The Voice Premieres On NBC

A new reality show is about to hit the airwaves tonight.  The Voice, a singing competition, looks promising ... and for all the right reasons.  It's based on talent.

Allow me to digress momentarily:  Most reality shows are dreadful.  Just as processed foods are food-like substances, a show such as Kate Plus 8 is a show-like substance.  I have zero interest in it, or in pseudo-celebrities like Kate Gosselin.  She seems perfectly nice, but I don't need to know about her life.  When I see her being interviewed on The Today Show, I use that time to blow-dry my hair.

I am amazed by how much time legitimate journalists spend on scandals and meaningless news.  Everyday a barely recognizable name is speaking out about fluff.  Fine.  But why are Meredith and Matt and Barbara interviewing them?

It's not like we're short of issues that could be examined on the air.  Aren't we wondering how to extricate ourselves from a war in Iraq?  What about the popular uprisings against tyranny in the Middle East?  What's going on with that oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico?  Oh, and how are the Tea Partiers faring in Congress?  Has anybody on Capitol Hill solved our economic woes yet?

Now back to The Voice.  Of course, not everything on the small screen has to be hardcore.  There are times when we watch television for the pure joy of it.  Entertainment has its place, and we need it to unwind.  But please, no more banal show-like substances.  Personally, I'm a sucker for shows that provide spotlights for someone with a God-given talent to be discovered.  Even after years of hard work, it's an uphill battle for any singer to get a lucky break.  And it's exciting when a gorgeous, but totally unknown voice, steps up to a mike and SHINES!  That's the kind of reality show I want to watch.

On The Voice, the singers will do their auditions blind and be judged solely on their voice.  Nice.  The Voice will have four “coaches” all currently successful in the music industry, namely: Christina Aguilera, Adam Levine, Cee Lo Green and Blake Shelton.  The music pros will mentor the amateurs through all the phases of the competition until America selects a winner.  If the show lives up to it's potential, everyone wins.  Viewers get a show featuring real talent and the best performance.  And the contestants will have a chance to gain experience and confidence in front of a national audience.  I like the concept.  Let's hope America, along with a few TV execs, take notice.  We need a reality with beautiful voices, genuine talent and a few goosebumps. Hosted by Carson Daily, tune in tonight at 9pm for the two-hour premiere.

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It's Easter Sunday

The custom of giving eggs began as a pagan practice, but was adopted by early Christians.  Easter eggs are used as symbols of new life, the arrival of spring and the resurrection of Jesus.  Plus, kids love dyeing them.

Michelangelo's Pieta, which depicts the body of Jesus on his mother's lap after the Crucifixion, is poignant, equally human and divine.  Easter remembers this, but more importantly, celebrates the resurrection of Jesus -- a miracle in the Christian faith -- showing how it is possible for good to conquer evil and life to overcome death.

Happy Easter Everyone!  Enjoy your Easter egg hunt, basket of treats and family dinner. And take a moment to remember ...

Life is good.

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Booking Cheap Airfares Like A Pro

With the sun peeking out, is it time to book your summer getaway?  Pauline Frommer, a budget travel writer (and daughter of Arthur Frommer) thinks it's the perfect time for June.  As for July or August, you should watch and wait.  Her tips for finding the best airfares include:

1) Book on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for the lowest fares.

2) Include a Saturday night stay for the best deals.  Business travelers don't want to stay the extra night.  Airlines know this, and charge accordingly.

3) To get the cheapest fares, book from 24 days up to 2 months in advanced.  If you book too far in advanced, for example, 10 months before a trip, you are less likely to get a discount.

4) Avoid booking on weekends.  Prices can be slightly higher, and since decision-makers are off, fares rarely drop on Saturdays and Sundays.

5) Some hotels will reimburse your “checked baggage fees,” so remember to ask.

6) You pay an extra $25 for booking over the phone, therefore go online to save $25, instantly.

7) Usually you get lower fares by booking on aggregator sites versus the individual websites of airlines, or 3rd parties.  Aggregator sites search for cheap fares on multiple travel sites simultaneously -- including airline and third party sites -- without charging booking fees.

Travel experts stress:  Compare several aggregator sites for deals.  And be persistent.  Check back often for drops in ticket prices.

Here is a consensus of reliable aggregator sites to check.  The following 3 appear on everybody's list:

Kayak

Mobissimo

Bookingbuddy

Other websites give you great budget travel advice:

Bing Travel – Tries to predict the best time to book airline tickets.

Trip Advisor – Is user-generated content; fellow travelers post information and reviews.

Pauline Frommer's “Spend, less, see more”page – Is an overview of helpful hints.

Armed with tips from the pros and the ease of the internet, you can book your flight and still have money left to spend on vacation.


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