5 Dollar Dinners Cooked in 5 Minutes From Top Chefs

Why not start a new year by learning some new dishes you can prepare at home?  Cooking at home can be healthy, inexpensive and fun.  Quick and easy, here are two dishes that can go from a stovetop to your plate in 5 minutes flat. Simple like ordering a pizza.  Costs about $5 a serving.  Eat like this for 30 days and as a bonus, you could lose 5 pounds.    

Michael Symon's Grilled Salmon With Carrot Peanut Salad

Ingredients: 

4- 6 ounce pieces of salmon

salt and pepper

4 ounce extra virgin olive oil plus extra for salmon

3 medium organic carrots

1 tablespoon cumin seed

1 bunch scallions

1 cup mint leaves

1/2 cup toasted peanuts

2 ounce red wine vinegar

Directions:

1. Season the salmon with salt, pepper and olive oil.

2. Grill for 2 minutes.  Now may be a good time to invest in a cast iron skillet.

3. While the salmon is grilling, shave the carrots, toast the cumin seeds, thinly slice the scallions and tear the mint leaves.

4. Place the carrots, cumin seeds, scallions and mint in a large mixing bowl with the peanuts.

5. Whisk together the oil and red wine vinegar and add to the shaved vegetables. Season liberally with salt and pepper.

6. Place the salmon on a platter and top with the shaved carrot salad.

This is delicious served with fresh spinach and wild rice.

                                

Bobby Flay's Low Calorie Filet Mignon

Ingredients:

For the Vinaigrette --

3 tablespoons white wine vinegar

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

½ small shallot, minced

2 tablespoons reduced fat mayonnaise

2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

2 tablespoons chopped tarragon

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Touch of clover honey

4 filet mignon steaks (2 1/2 inches thick each) – or lean steaks of your choice, i.e. whatever goes on sale.

Canola oil – I use extra virgin olive oil.

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Bobby Flays Steak Rub*

Tarragon sprigs, for garnish

Parsley leaves, for garnish

Directions:

1) For the vinaigrette, combine vinegar, lemon juice, shallot, mayonnaise, mustard, tarragon, salt and pepper in a blender and blend until smooth.

2) With the motor running, add the oil until emulsified. 

3) Add honey if needed.

4) Then, remove the steaks from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking and let sit at room temperature. 

5) Heat a large cast iron pan over high heat until almost smoking. 

6) Take each filet - brush both sides with oil and season with salt and pepper. 

7) Season one side with the rub. 

8) Place the steaks in the pan, rub-side down and cook until golden brown and a crust has formed, about 2 minutes.

9) Flip over and continue cooking until cooked to medium-rare doneness (internal temp of 135 degrees F).

Serves 4.  It tastes great with potatoes and a green salad. 

*To make your own steak rub:

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon cumin

1 tablespoon paprika

1 tablespoon granulated garlic

1 tablespoon granulated onion

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 tablespoon brown sugar

2 tablespoons kosher salt

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon white pepper

Directions: Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well.

Bon appétit!

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Crystal Heels For Glamour

I saw a cute line for these: "Pardon my back."

I love shoes with glitter.  Because I rarely wear heels, I only have 2 pairs of pumps. But both pairs have glimmer heels.  One pair is a little flashier than the other.  On occasions when I pull my glitter heels out of my closet, I get lots of compliments.  I think everyone likes sparkle.  Since many designers include them in their collections, they are available at every price point. Crystals are more expensive than rhinestones.

You will find bejeweled ballet flats too.  Shimmer can take you from the office to a night out on the town without having to change your attire.  Rhinestone-and-crystal footwear pushes a casual smart look up a notch and jazzes up an otherwise understated outfit.  You look dressy without trying too hard.  Worn with a little black dress, chiffon gown, or black velvet paints, the look is classic with a little extra pizzazz.  Stepping out with glitter accented feet adds a bit of glamour all year around.  It's a vintage look that never goes out of style.

Places to shop include: Zappos, Nordstrom and Endless.  

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Eating And Pilates Sure Beat A Cleanse

Brett Howard, center, is a master teacher

Many celebrities go on a cleanse diet designed to remove toxins and reset their bodies. Frankly, I think it's a bunch of bunk. Everything I read says there's no benefit to it whatsoever. Your liver and kidneys do a stellar and complete job of purifying your system, without the aid of packaged powders or unproven nutrients. Why not save big bucks and instead eat a balanced diet of real food?  It's tastier!  Follow the new USDA guidelines and eat meals consisting of a serving of protein, a portion of whole grains, 2-3 servings of fruits and vegetables, plus a serving of dairy. A portion of food is about the size of a clenched fist. Eat 3 balanced meals everyday and not only will you be healthy and feel fabulous, you will probably lose some weight. I think people who go on a cleanse are just trying to lose weight quickly, but eating healthy meals is a better way to sustain your proper weight. Why deprive yourself with expensive gimmicks when it's unnecessary?

If you need to lose a few pounds, eat more fruits and vegetables and cut back on sugar, butter and rich foods until you reach your desired weight.  

Nutritionists claim that artificial sweeteners sabotage our efforts to slim down, so watch your intake of diet soda.  As it turns out too much diet soda robs your body of nutrients.  When I drank diet soda daily, it also made my teeth sensitive. 

Another way to drop a few pounds is to energize the New Year with more physical activity. I don't think it matters what you do, as long as you find something you enjoy and stick with it. Personally, I like walking and classical Pilates. You may like to run, swim or kick box. Some people need to mix it up, or they will lose interest and quit. Just be sure to do something athletic 4-5 times a week. I like walking because I can easily fit it into my schedule, while getting to where I have to go. And I like Pilates because no matter what level you are, it keeps your mind active and your body challenged.  With Pilates, you never get sore.  The idea is not to go-for-the-burn, but to master a series of exercises flawlessly.  Pilates strengthens your core (waist, belly and butt) and helps you stay flexible. 

Perhaps you favor Yoga, dance, or going to a gym. The key is to select an activity you like, that's close to your home (or office) and one you can afford, so that you can do it several times a week.  I purposely pursue exercises I should be able to do all the decades of my life.  How depressing to have to hang it up once I get good at it. Because I've had success with classical Pilates, I can recommend 2 instruction books and 3 excellent DVDs, which help you do it correctly:

Books:

1. The Pilates Body (2000) by Brooke Siler

2. The Pilates Method (1999) by Sean P. Gallagher, Romana Kryzanowska and Steven Speleois -- Illustrated

DVDs:

1. Classical Pilates Technique: The Complete Mat Workout Series (2002) by Peter Fiasca (Start with this one.)

2. Classical Pilates Technique: The Complete Universal Reformer Series (2004) by Peter Fiasca

3. Classical Pilates Technique: Magic Circle Mat Series & Reformer Mat Workout (2003) by Peter Fiasca

The rest is up to you.  What exercises do you enjoy?

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Welcome A New Year: 2012

Practices I started in 2011 and will continue in 2012

This list is in no particular order and a bit uneven in significance:

1) Enjoy rich foods as a treat instead of a staple:  If I want to eat foods like cookies, biscuits and gravy, or french fries I have to make them myself.

2) Eat foods my grandparents would recognize as food.  [Thanks, Michael Pollan.]  For the most part, I've replaced boxed cereals with whole grains (such as oats, millet and quinoa) and canned soups with fresh made soup.  For convenience I buy canned whole tomatoes or beans, not tomato or bean soup, then make my own soup.  It's wickedly delicious and freezes well as single serves.

3) Wear the shoes and clothes already hanging in my closets before buying new things.

4) Use up scented soaps, lotions and personal care products before bringing more home.

5) Deciding not to spend money on storage containers.  The Container Store is very appealing, but even better: Either have a place for it, use the stuff, or give it away.

6) Not taking the people who sell fruit, newspapers, flowers, shine shoes and deliver your groceries, or mail, or pass out flyers for granted.  Realize that the folks who work at a fruit stand get up at 3 AM to buy their produce, plus stand outside in the cold, wind, or rain day-after-day earning their living.  Far from being faceless, these human beings have families and are pursuing the American dream.  Each worker is someone's son, father or brother.  Ever wonder what their lives are like over a 24-hour day?  You just may be their face of kindness.  Treat these workers with courtesy and respect.  Look them in the eye and smile.

A little bit of change matters.  No step in a positive or humane direction is too small.  

As Oprah remarked, "Cheers to a new year and another chance to get it right."  And Benjamin Franklin said, "Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man."  

Have a Healthy and Happy New Year everyone. Let's enjoy life!

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What Is A Snood?

Wearing a snood the high fashion way

Is it: A) a person with a disagreeable personality; B) a Dr. Seuss character; C) a foot condition; or D) an article of clothing. Still not sure?  Well then, read and learn.

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A hot fashion trend this winter will also keep your neck warm. Instead of traditional scarfs, men and women are wearing bulky, woven neck rings.  They are known by many names: an infinity scarf, a cowl, a shrug, or a snood.  They are loops of wool or cashmere, usually knitted, which slide over your head and fit snugly around the neck.  Designers say they are popular because of their versatility. A snood is easy to wear and looks great with, or without a coat.  Last year I spotted them at the Banana Republic, and this year many more designers have come out with them.  How do you like the look?  Here are a few styles from different retailers:

1. Burberry Check Snood
2. Marles Super Chucky Nick Ring
3. Nordstrom's Infinity Scarfs
4. Net-A-Porter - an assortment of designer styles
5. Edie O'Hara Chucky Knit Infinity Snood

Classic elegance

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Merry Christmas Everyone

The Monkees sing a lovely rendition of Riu Chiu.

Merry Christmas to you.  Have a festive holiday and much peace and love.

A Spanish Carol (1550s)

The English Translation

Riu, riu, chiu... La guarda ribera Dios guarde el lobo De nuestra cordera. Refrain: Riu, riu, chiu... El lobo rabioso la quiso morder, Mas Dios poderoso la supo defender; Quisole hazer que no pudiesse pecar, Ni aun original esta Virgen no tuviera. Refrain: Riu, riu, chiu... Este qu'es nascido es el gran monarca, Cristo patriarca de carne vestido; Hanos redimido con se hazer chiquito, Aunqu'era infinito, finito se hizera. Refrain: Riu, riu, chiu... Muchas profecias lo han profetizado, Y aun en nuestros dias lo hemos alcancado. A Dios humanado vemos en el suelo Y al hombre nel cielo porqu'er le quisiera. Refrain: Riu, riu, chiu...

Refrain: Riu, riu, chiu (nightingale's sounds) The river bank protects it, As God kept the wolf from our lamb. Refrain: Riu, riu, chiu... The rabid wolf tried to bite her, But God Almighty knew how to defend her, He wished to create her impervious to sin, Nor was this maid to embody original sin. Refrain: Riu, riu, chiu... The newborn child is the mightiest monarch, Christ patriarchal invested with flesh. He made himself small and so redeemed us: He who was infinite became finite. Refrain: Riu, riu, chiu... Many prophecies told of his coming, And now in our days have we seen them fulfilled. God became man, on earth we behold him, And see man in heaven because he so willed. Refrain: Riu, riu, chiu...

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Holiday Books, Bill Clinton's Picks

Someone should hire former President Bill Clinton to be a regular book reviewer. Regardless of politics, he has a brilliant mind, loves books and is excellent at reviewing them. And the fact that The Today Show, a news program, as opposed to, just another entertainment show, calls Clinton's selections "smarty pants" choices revels how often real news and issues are being dumbed down.  Too many interviews with celebrities and reality stars does that. Now I enjoy gossip just as much as the next person [Heck, yeah!], but when I read or watch the news from (what is supposed to be) the legitimate press, I want stories about important world issues ... and I want balance ... and the reporters to interview sources ... plus thoroughly do their homework. Hopefully, the folks who write, edit and produce the news, themselves, read compelling books.  By the way, Ann Curry was terrific this morning anchoring the segment.  It was the website -- probably a cyber editor trying to be cute -- that labeled Clinton's books a "smarty pants" list.

Listening to Bill Clinton review books on The Today Show this morning reminds me what critical thinking is.  There are many world issues and worthy ideas, which are bigger than politics and celebrity.  There are subjects and topics that say something about the human condition and help us understand who we are.

Clinton explains why books are important and make great gifts: Books "make you think" and "feel."  Reading "gives you time" [that's] "intensely personal, but you're completely involved. It's a wonderful way to get away from the helter-skelter of your life ..." [plus] "you can always be growing."  [It keeps] "your mind open and thriving." 

Here are Bill Clinton's book recommendations:

Penned: Back To Work

1. Jerusalem

By Simon Sebag Montefiore (Knopf)

2. Lincoln 

By David Herbert Donald (Simon & Schuster)

3. Meditations 

By Marcus Aurelius (Simon & Brown)

4. The Way of the World: From the Dawn of Civilizations to the Eve of the Twenty-First Century  

By David Fromkin (Knopf)

5. The Cure at Troy: A Version of Sophocles' Philoctetes

By Seamus Heaney (Farrar, Straus and Giroux)

6. One Hundred Years of Solitude

 By Gabriel Garcia Marquez (Harper Perennial)

7. King Leopold's Ghost: A Story of Greed, Terror and Heroism in Colonial Africa

By Adam Hochschild (Mariner Books)

8. Nonzero: The Logic of Human Destiny

By Robert Wright (Vintage)

So if you have any last minute holiday shopping, head over to the bookstore. 

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Eggnog, An Old Holiday Tradition

Eggnog has oodles of calories, too many to mention.  But since we only drink it once a year, I want the real thing.  Down through history, people weren't afraid of fat or sugar, they just didn't overdo it.  Processed foods didn't exist until modern times, and the majority of people weren't rich enough to be couch potatoes.  So let's learn a lesson from our ancestors.  Enjoy a few holiday treats, but in moderation.  And whenever possible, make them yourself using the finest ingredients.  Trust me, if you prepare eggnog from stretch, you won't get fat, because you won't make it that often!

Eggnog comes to us from England, although some historians think it aquired its name in the New World.  The drink became popular with the British upper class, who could afford milk and eggs in an age before refrigeration.  They mixed it with brandy, Madeira wine or sherry.  When the beverage crossed the Atlantic, the colonists, in an effort to avoid a wine tax, used rum and later bourbon to make the brew.  Egg and grog (i.e. spirits, rum) got shortened to eggnog.  Ha! Alcohol has that effect!  

In Great Britain, Canada and the US, eggnog is served to celebrate Thanksgiving [USA], Christmas and New Year's.

Traditionally, it is a social drink.  When quality matters, and you want to give your guests the very best, make this recipe:

Old Fashioned Eggnog

Ingredients: 

6 pasteurized eggs  {sold at 7 Eleven, C-Town, Associated, Whole Foods and many grocery chains.  Or pasteurize the raw eggs yourself. Here's how.}

¾ cup sugar

4 cups whole milk

4 cups {whipping} cream

½ cup brandy

½ cup rum

3 tablespoons vanilla extract

½ cup confectionery sugar

sprinkle cinnamon

sprinkle nutmeg

Directions: 

1.  Separate the eggs: yolks and whites.

2. Beat the yolks, then add ¾ cup sugar, a little at a time.

3. Add in the brandy, rum and vanilla.  Beat, beat, beat.

4. Next add and whisk in the milk and half of the cream.

5. Set aside until serving.

6. Then beat the egg whites until stiff, and fold the whites into the eggnog mixture.

7. Combine the rest of the cream and confectionery sugar, and whip until thick.

8. Pour the eggnog into 8 glasses, and top each serving with the {whipped} cream.

9. Garnish with cinnamon and nutmeg. (Extra points if you grind your own.)

++++++++

I also make a tasty, easy, low-fat eggnog custard.

Ingredients:

6 eggs

¼ cup sugar

12 ounces evaporated skim milk

3 cups skim milk

2 tablespoons vanilla extract

½ teaspoon cinnamon

¼  teaspoon nutmeg

Directions:

1) Combine all the ingredients into a mixing bowl, one at a time, and beat with an electric mixer.

2) Pour into a sauce pan and heat on the stovetop, stirring continuously.

3) Simmer about 5 minutes until it thickens.

4) Let the custard cool a bit before pouring the mixture into a blender and mix for a minute or so.  This step produces a light custard.

5) Pour into 8 custard dishes.  Serve it warm, or refrigerate and eat cold.

You can turn this custard recipe into a low-fat eggnog drink by not cooking it, but be sure to use pasteurized eggs.  To make a beverage, you also have to separate the eggs; whisk the yolks and whites, separately, as well as, slowly add in, then beat each ingredient.  Enjoy!

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