Smart Food

At the Deering Seafood Festival earlier this year, I ordered Crawdads from The Golden Rule Seafood stand. I had no idea what it was. It sounded neat and I was in the adventurous mood. Then the plate arrived and this is what I had in front of me:

 
I wasn’t even sure where to start. How do I eat it? What parts shouldn’t I eat? My husband wasn’t there. I looked at my 5 year old and her look of disgust made me realize that she wasn’t about to help either. We stretched out our blanket and plopped down. I had a plate of conch fritters – yummy – and then the crawdads in front of me. I began to look around and see how others were eating them. They smelled delicious. I knew a generous amount of Old Bay Seasoning …

Ketchup. It’s pureed tomatoes and some spices. Yes, you can tell the difference between top brands and generic, but all in all they are about the same. Boy, was I wrong with that notion when I encountered gourmet ketchup. Last month on my adventure in New York with the Country Crock group, we dined at The National, a Geoffrey Zakarian restaurant at the Benjamin Hotel. We each ordered the “Ugly Burger” with a side of fries. 
The burger was delicious. The best burger I’ve ever eaten. The fries were seasoned well and just perfect. Then there was the jarred ketchup that sat at the table. It was passed around the table, with each diner scooping out a tablespoon or two. We were hesitant on the ketchup. It’s consistency certainly seemed thicker than the plastic squeeze bottle condiment that we each had …

Although Earth Day is the most celebrated, it is most certainly not the only holiday intended to honor Mother Nature.  A quick search online brought me to United Nation’s list of the 13 different “environmental” holidays. 

February 2: Wetlands Day
March 21: World Forestry Day
March 22: World Water Day
March 23: World Meteorological Day
April 18: World Heritage Day
April 22: Earth Day
May 22: International Day for Biological Diversity
June 5: World Environment Day
June 17: World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought
July 11: World Population Day
September 16: International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer (World Ozone Day)
September 28: Green Consumer Day
October 1-7: World Wildlife Week

That’s an impressive list. I’ve heard of three and celebrate just one, Earth Day. You?
Schools, families and communities are finding ways to celebrate Earth Day each year and now more than ever, every day. It’s impressive the creativity that is shown by these groups. …

The Crock Country Chronicles (say that 3xs fast) is getting “smarter” with its newest correspondent, Smarty Pants Mama! Yes, Crock Country Chronicles, Country Crock’s online newspaper will get a dose of my ideas each month! The newspaper is full of creativity, recipes and more to make meal time – especially veggie eating time – a more positive, successful experience in your home. I will regularly post articles on the chronicle and here about veggie eating successes in my home. I look forward to you sharing your experiences, too!
Earlier this month I joined three other fantastic moms, Laura of RealMomKitchen.com, Toni of TheHappyHousewife.com and Anne of CookingWithAnne.com in New York City for a Very Veggie World event by Country Crock. The few days were filled with loads of great conversation and delicious dining …

It was one of those days last week. Tired. Not much in the fridge. An un-seasoned pork roast was in the meat drawer. I had bought at a great price a few days before not once considering how I would cook it. What I did know, is that it was the only defrosted protein available for dinner that night. Had to cook it.
The veggie drawer didn’t offer much of a selection to use as ingredients. However, the kitchen counter produce bowl was holding a few onions and a sweet potato. My mind starting clicking. At this point I had a 2lb pork roast, 1 large onion and 1 medium sweet potato and about half a box of beef broth that I had opened a few days before.
The ingredients were certainly reminding me of a pot roast I like to make – although sweet potato was different …

We’re moms. Busy moms. Any moment we have to entertain, we’ll take. Often those moments are as simple and casual as having friends over, with kids, to kick back a relax. A parent playdate includes serving bite sized appetizers, opening a bottle of wine and letting the kids reek havoc in the playroom or run loose in the backyard, all without the need of babysitters or any formal planning. I love all of it! Parents need a playdate just like kids!
How often to do you do it? I’m sure not often enough. Make an attempt this month to invite friends over. Make it casual. Maybe turn on the BBQ if the weather allows. Invite the kids too so that no one needs to worry about babysitters!
Before the parent playdate, get these 3 things on hand to add a little heat and have a whole lot of fun!

Get …

We learned through experience what to do when making the Rice Krispie Hidden Surprise Easter Egg Treats. These tips will help you keep this experience a tradition you’ll look forward to each year.

Cooking Spray! Rice Krispie treat batter is sticky, very sticky! As you mold the eggs and press them in to the plastic egg shell be sure to spray your hands – BIG TIME – before each molding or else you’ll end up a sticky mess!
Have materials ready! This is a standard craft and cooking tip, but when dealing with sticky materials, it’s much easier to grab the M&Ms out of a bowl than opening the bag and grabbing from inside.
It’s okay if they fall apart! You are not Betty Crocker, Martha Stewart or June Cleaver. Your eggs aren’t going to be perfect. One egg may look more like a pancake, or fall apart after …

A classy cocktail without the guilt. I love a great cocktail, but there are many times when alcohol can’t be part of the picture (preggo, sick…) or times where calorie content matters – when doesn’t it?).  Making mocktails is the way to get the taste of the classy cocktail without the alcohol, but the calories typically still linger, big time.
There are fantastic 100-calorie cocktail recipes out there, but how about ones with just 5-calories? Crystal Light who has been a go-to low-calorie drink maker for many years has heard this Smart Mamas need! They have now launched limited-edition Pomtini and Peach Bellini flavors! Samples were recently provided for me to try and I fell in love! Without the worry of calories or too much alcohol!
These new flavors join permanent Crystal Light Mocktail flavors, Margarita, Mojito and Appletini, which were first introduced last summer …

Pinch me or Kiss me because I married Irish! I’m a Murphy! A nice big slice of Irish Soda Bread is necessary St. Patrick’s Day or any other day you’re in the mood for delicious bread!
In our home we go all out with a dinner of corned beef, cabbage and potatoes with big slices of Irish Soda Bread to nibble on throughout the day.  I also made some fantastic green popcorn too!
What is Irish Soda Bread?
Irish Soda Bread is a yeast-free bread, that uses baking soda as the rising agent.  It is typically very dry and engulfed by raisins or currants. There are loads of variations throughout Ireland and many countries have their take on this bread
This year I opted for Ida Garten, the Barefoot Contessa, as she has never failed me.  Her recipe is very simple and delicious.  I made 2 changes, which I highlight below.

Green popcorn on St. Patrick’s Day – why not? Adding some green to our traditional snack favorites is a great way to get into the spirit!
Green popcorn is fun and sweet! Inspired by Skip to My Lou, I created the popcorn and devoured it with the family in no time! Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Skip to My Lou’s Recipe:
1/2 cup of popcorn kernels, then popped in a air popped machine
1 1/2 Cups sugar
1/2 Cup light corn syrup
2 Tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon baking soda
green food coloring – just a few drops
In heavy saucepan on medium heat melt butter then add sugar, corn syrup, cream of tartar and salt. Increase temperature to medium high and bring mixture to a boil, stirring constantly to dissolve sugar. Once mixture boils, add in food coloring and stop stirring. Boil for …

Show Team Spirit with Your Snack Foods on Game Day
I’m going green. I’m actually going green and grey. My alma mater, Loyola University Maryland, has made it to the big dance for the 2nd time in its basketball history. The 1st time was my freshman year in college. I’m beyond ecstatic and proud.
Showing my team spirit won’t just be wearing green and grey for the Loyola Greyhounds as they take on Ohio State. We’re going green on game day when we snack on a bowl full of guacamole, Wholly Guacamole of course! Alongside a big bag of tortilla chips, guacamole makes a perfect Go Hounds snack to have while watching the game!  I also have their great 100-calorie snack packs that makes portion control much easier! Guacamole is a yummy, chock full of nutrition …

Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent – the 40 days of reflection leading to Easter Sunday by Christians worldwide. Roman Catholics additionally share their reverence by fasting Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, and abstaining from eating meat on all Fridays during Lent.
Time to pull out the seafood and pasta dishes for the next 7 Fridays!  To help you along, I want to share a delicious meat-free pasta dish that is a childhood favorite of my husband.  It’s easy. It’s healthy. It’s yummy. It’s perfect during Lent!  I did share it once before as part of a weekly menu plan, so you might have read it from me before.

1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
1 box of pasta – penne is the favorite for this dish here!
3 tbsp of olive oil
4 cloves of garlic, minced
¼ cup of grated parmesan (tastes much better if this is …

The Super Bowl is approaching, and March Madness will be here before you know it.  Chips and dips will be covering our coffee tables as we feed the sports fanatics in our homes.  Using a large can of chopped chicken, such as the Hormel Chunk Chicken (a pantry staple in our home,) plus a few additional ingredients you can easy have a crowd pleaser, even if their favorite team is losing. Try adding it to a spinach artichoke dip or a Mexican Layer Dip. Delicious!

This spread is a sport fan favorite.  It was originally shared to me by my cousin, who had adapted it from another cousin.  Yes, it’s one of those that’s been around the block and keeps getting better! When I 1st had it at her home a few months ago, I was so excited to make it myself.  It was one of those dips that I want …

“Something yummy, Mom!” is what she wants.  I gave them a taste test to see.  I made her smile, even my dad, with the new KRAFT MILKBITE Milk & Granola Bars.
Blindfolded, my 5 year old and in-his-70s dad sampled the chocolate and the strawberry bars.

Isabella thought it was a candy bar and my dad, “something with cereal.”  Both the chocolate and strawberry MILKBITE bars got big thumbs up from the grandfather and granddaughter testing team!
These bars officially launch February 13th but I’ve already spotted them at my local Winn-Dixie.  Did I mention they’re healthy, too?  Each bar is equal in calcium as an 8oz of milk.  Not bad! The bars are made of whole grain granola and other tasty and nutritious ingredients like fruit or roasted nuts, all while offering 30% of your daily recommended value of calcium.

The bars can be found in the dairy or refrigerated …

A cosmo, a delicious “skinny” cosmo…who’s interested?  I know many of you are.  Last weekend I hosted a BBQ and Cocktails night. Armed with a vat of Truvia, delicious cocktail recipes, and the martini & monogrammed double old-fashioned glasses that I received on my wedding day eons ago, I put together Skinny Cosmos and Raspberry Lojitos for my guests! It was a great opportunity to try a few new recipes…a new sauce for juicy ribs, a chicken dip that I had heard about and most importantly, new cocktails!
 
Sticking to the Resolution Not to the Thighs
In our continued promise to lead healthier lives this year, I am avoiding added sugar in my meals.  The challenge, especially for a Smart Mama who enjoys a yummy cocktail every so often, is finding a healthier alternative to sugary liquors or straight white sugar found in many cocktail recipes like the mojito, cosmopolitan, and …

Zingers Deli – NY Deli Hits Streets of Boca

Living out of the NY tri-state area doesn’t mean depriving oneself from the delicacies we find in a quality NY deli.  A Reuben, matzo ball soup, latkes, rugelach, and egg salad are staples in delis in NY but are often hard to come by, in good quality, when out of the area.
I recently visited Zingers Deli (ZingersDeli.com) in Boca Raton, FL.  This restaurant opened last year.  It’s where you go to get phenomenal pastrami on rye, a very satisfying warm bowl of beef barley and a HUGE slice of chocolate cake!
The bread is homemade, including many other pastries, soups, and more. They are quite proud of their cheesecake.  I must admit, after having a bite, okay several bites, I would certainly recommend it. The menu is stacked with sandwiches galore.  Their veggie burger is made of …

The Hormel Extended Blogger Family program has inspired me to share my New Year’s resolution progress!  I’m eager to hear about your’s!
We are half way through the 1st month of the year.  How are you doing on your New Year’s resolutions!? Be honest!  This is a fantastic time to reflect on your accomplishments and rework how you will meet the resolutions that may have been a bit more difficult to stick with.

I pat myself on the back for a job well done with:

Eating healthier!
Drinking more water!
Picking up the house more often!
Saying HI to more people!
Drinking green tea daily!

 
Still Need to Work On

Exercising 3xs a week!
Cleaning up my desk every few days! (You don’t even want to look at it now!)
Going to bed earlier! (Let’s just say I watched part of the end of Letterman last night!)
Getting up earlier! (Woops, forgot to set the alarm this morning! Thankful for …

In our quest to live healthier lives in 2012, a good, new recipe is always needed.
This is a 20 minute meal that’s so healthy, easy & delicious you’ll want to make it once a week. Because I use thin sliced chicken breast and tent my dish, this meal takes just 20 minutes and is delicious every single time. I love a little extra lemon so sometimes I add a little more to the recipe but feel free to put your spin on this recipe to call it your own.
Ingredients: 
Chicken (4 or 5 thin sliced breasts)
Lemons (3)
Capers (1/4 cup)
Sea Salt (to taste)
Fresh Ground Pepper (to taste)
Heat your oven to 425 F. Arrange your thin sliced chicken breast in a medium baking dish. Cut two lemons into 1/4 inch slices and completely cover your chicken breast. Squeeze the juice of one lemon over your chicken and lemon slices. Don’t worry about the pulp, it …

A deck of cards, palm of your hand, length of your pinky… we use visualizations to help us with our portion control.  It helps, but it’s not full proof!
#SmartMamaLUTION – Adhere to your portion control by adjusting how you serve the meal.
I recently made meatloaf in 4 mini-loaf pans.  Each meatloaf was the precise serving size that I should eat.  There was no temptation to cut a wider piece or have one more slice.  I bought the loaf pans at Publix for cheap.  Next I want to buy ceramic ones that I can use over and over again!

Later in the week I served dinner in a pepper!  Following a recipe from the Eating Well magazine, I stuffed red and green peppers with a ground beef mixture and it was delicious!  We even got to eat the “bowl!”  My daughter LOVED this!  Peppers are one of “her veggies,” so I thought …

Going beyond the standard chips & dips for an upcoming gathering such as New Year’s Eve is easier than you think!  Make a beautiful dish of olives, cheeses, roasted pepper slices, meat slices and gourmet crackers instead.  A festive platter, delicious finger foods and a handful of cocktail napkins and you’re all set!  It makes an attractive presentation, which is certainly yummy!
Secondly, if you’re transporting the appetizer to a party, you’ll just need to fill your bag with a jar or two of olives & peppers, a box of sliced meat, sliced cheese, a platter and a box of crackers and you’re set!  No more dip leaking out the side or something that needs to be heated up or requires extensive cleaning! Keep the chips and dip for the backyard parties and bring out the yummy meats, cheeses and olives instead!
Next time you’re at your grocery store take a look …

Last month our church provided a list outlining the specific food needs of typical migrant families in South Florida.  The church provides the food to a local mission who distributes the bags of food to the migrant families in need. When I saw the list in the back of the Sunday bulletin, including a basic photo of each item, I knew that it was something we could do.  I also knew that I would be teaching my daughter the importance of providing for others in need.

I kept the bulletin in my purse until my next trip to Publix.  Armed with my daughter, we went up and down the aisles with our cart and the list.  She would, very happily, put the items in the cart as we found them.  It really was exciting, especially to see her smile as she would say things like, “Wow, mom I’m …

Black beans and rice is one of the most served dishes in this house.  Whether its canned black beans or made from scratch, our tummies love it!
I am a 1st generation Cuban-American.  I was raised in a bilingual home with a ton of Cuban influence through food and tradition.  Our weeknight dinners were full of meals like bistec, picadillo and typically a serving of rice and black beans.

Fast forward a few decades and I am now responsible for the meals of my ½ Cuban-American home.  Tom is predominantly Italian with a little Irish thrown in!  In our home we enjoy Cuban, Italian and a few Irish meals!
There are a few “international” dishes that are certain to put smiles on all members of the family.  Black beans and rice is one.  It is one of the dishes, particularly the black beans, which my older daughter has always been fond of.
My favorite recipe can …

Sticky fingers? Crumbs, big & small, on the floor?  Spilt milk?  Does your dinnertime resemble this?
Ok, it’s not thaaaaaaat bad here.  Well, now with Baby C on solids, she’s pretty much a disaster at dinner.  Although I must say that it’s pretty darn cute!

Dinnertime, just like any other time in our homes, is a time when Smart Mamas must pick our battles.  If your daughter has the asparagus on her fork, are you really going to remind her that her elbows are on the table?
Or the meltdown (yes, we have many of those) when she refuses to try the delicious pork that you made…does it warrant a full of World War 3 on your end?
So what is dinner like at your house?  Battles, harmony or a little in between?
I’ve been inspired by Ragu® Mom’s the Word’s latest conversation!  Join me!  Visit Facebook.com/ragusauce and comment …

Homemade Taco Seasoning – Easy and Cheap!
Using spices that typically occupy our spice racks, a Smart Mama can make her very own taco seasoning.  We are lovers of tacos – hard & soft – and taco salad.  I keep a pack of ground turkey in the fridge for a yummy Mexican night!
Recently Isabella pleaded with, “Mom, can we pleeeeeeeeeasssssse have tacos tonight!”  Unfortunately, I didn’t think I could deliver because I had run out of the taco seasoning packets.  A quick glance at the spice rack, especially when I noticed the bottle of Chili powder, made me realize that I probably had everything the packets contain right here in my own kitchen.
There are tons of recipes online with varying ingredients to make your own taco seasonings.  The spices you need are more than likely already on hand in your kitchen!

I recommend that you hold onto an empty …

Silly Pasta Shapes – Become a pasta designer! Win a $100 AMEX card!
I get so excited when I hear, “Mom, can we have pasta and sauce for dinner?”  I honestly feel like it’s a special gift from someone upabove who is trying to cut me some slack after a chaotic day.

 
My husband is more often than not, not home for dinner these days – he works long hours.  With a preschooler and infant at home, well, you can just imagine what the witching hour (5-7PM) can be like around here!
I like love to cook, but have given up on complicated yummy recipes for nights when I’m the only adult eating.  Don’t get me wrong, I do make good, yummy dinner for me and the preschooler, but they do tend to be less complicated.
I have found that a jar of sauce and a box of pasta can be a busy mom’s …

I have found a new obsession. It’s only 100 calories, so I’m not feeling guilty about it! GUACAMOLE – specifically Wholly Guacamole and their 100-calorie packs.
I have always been a fan of guacamole.  I love avocados but don’t always have the patience to make it or the appetite to eat an entire big container before it spoils.  These 100-calorie packs are just perfect.
Not sure how to use them?  Here are 5 ways I have!

Mixed into an egg white omelet!
Taco salad addition!
With chips!
On toast!
As a dip with veggies…like sliced red peppers and carrots!

What ways have you used guacamole?
A yummy quiche is another great way to use some guacamole!  Here’s a recipe that I’m sure to try!
Mexican Quiche
1 frozen deep-dish pie shell
8 oz. ground beef (substitute ground turkey)
1/4 c. chopped onion
1 (4 oz.) can chopped green chiles
1 to 2 tbsp. taco seasoning mix
1 1/2 c. shredded Cheddar cheese (substitute low fat …