Planning for the holidays can be quite the stressor, especially if you are to play host, but let me put your fears aside because I'm going to help you walk through an organized task list that should you follow that will allow even you to put your feet up when company comes over.
* 1 (12"15 pound) fresh or frozen turkey, thawed * 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened * 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon salt, divided * 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided * 6 large sage leaves * 6 large flat-leaf parsley sprigs * 3 large thyme sprigs * 3 fresh or dried bay leaves * 1/2 medium onion * 1 garlic clove, halved * 2 cups fat-free low-sodium chicken broth
This year I'm getting smart and you can to, we are going to still enjoy the sweet tastes of the holidays however we are going to do so in moderation and did you know there are just as many sweet tasting treats out there with half the calories and fat- yep that right, let me share some with you: Remember how I dreamed of a white Christmas, well it can come true with my favorite sweet treat- Almond Meringues, they have the perfect crunch and if you dip them in a little chocolate and then powdered sugar walla you have a white Christmas- quite yummy too. If you remember moderation these delectable bites will only add 48 calories to your daily intake. (see recipe below)
Now it is time to plan a menu for your guests, you can do this alone or with the help of your guests when they arrive, either way make sure to keep your budget in mind. If your guest requests something you had not budgeted for, simply state that you had not planned on that item and would be fine if they still wanted to get it on their own. Most guests will not be offended but will in fact be glad you let them know so there are no hard feelings later.
Many a holiday host will include a dish for those who are not so carnivorous; you may be one of those yourself and not plan on any meat for the main course. Shrimp is a great appetizer but as a main course very high in calories and cholesterol.
Cooking spray * 1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons sugar * 1/4 cup 2% reduced-fat milk * 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa * 1 1/2 tablespoons butter * 1/2 ounce unsweetened chocolate, chopped * 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour * 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract * 1/8 teaspoon salt * 1 large egg white * 8 teaspoons semisweet chocolate chips
If you do a little research on line you will be able to find a varied sort of recopies with lighter fares for this dish, may I suggest one below that has only 165 calories and 7 grams of fat. (see recipe below)
Strawberry Almond Tarts * Crust: * 1/4 cup vanilla wafer cookie crumbs (about 6 cookies) * 1 1/2 teaspoons butter, melted * 1 teaspoon sugar * Cooking spray * Filling: * 1 cup 2% reduced-fat milk, divided * 3 tablespoons sugar * 5 teaspoons cornstarch * 1/8 teaspoon salt * 1 large egg yolk * 2 teaspoons almond-flavored liqueur * 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract * Topping: * 1/2 cup fresh strawberries
What an amazing holiday season I'm going to have this year, with yummy treats, no guilt and a home full of guests who will thank me later when their waist lines don't jump due to my thoughtful meal planning. These recipes are just some of my favorites you can find many lower calorie, low fat menu items if you do a little research- I know who has the time, ha-ha that will be my next article/blog.
* 1 (12"15 pound) fresh or frozen turkey, thawed * 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened * 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon salt, divided * 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided * 6 large sage leaves * 6 large flat-leaf parsley sprigs * 3 large thyme sprigs * 3 fresh or dried bay leaves * 1/2 medium onion * 1 garlic clove, halved * 2 cups fat-free low-sodium chicken broth
This year I'm getting smart and you can to, we are going to still enjoy the sweet tastes of the holidays however we are going to do so in moderation and did you know there are just as many sweet tasting treats out there with half the calories and fat- yep that right, let me share some with you: Remember how I dreamed of a white Christmas, well it can come true with my favorite sweet treat- Almond Meringues, they have the perfect crunch and if you dip them in a little chocolate and then powdered sugar walla you have a white Christmas- quite yummy too. If you remember moderation these delectable bites will only add 48 calories to your daily intake. (see recipe below)
Now it is time to plan a menu for your guests, you can do this alone or with the help of your guests when they arrive, either way make sure to keep your budget in mind. If your guest requests something you had not budgeted for, simply state that you had not planned on that item and would be fine if they still wanted to get it on their own. Most guests will not be offended but will in fact be glad you let them know so there are no hard feelings later.
Many a holiday host will include a dish for those who are not so carnivorous; you may be one of those yourself and not plan on any meat for the main course. Shrimp is a great appetizer but as a main course very high in calories and cholesterol.
Cooking spray * 1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons sugar * 1/4 cup 2% reduced-fat milk * 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa * 1 1/2 tablespoons butter * 1/2 ounce unsweetened chocolate, chopped * 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour * 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract * 1/8 teaspoon salt * 1 large egg white * 8 teaspoons semisweet chocolate chips
If you do a little research on line you will be able to find a varied sort of recopies with lighter fares for this dish, may I suggest one below that has only 165 calories and 7 grams of fat. (see recipe below)
Strawberry Almond Tarts * Crust: * 1/4 cup vanilla wafer cookie crumbs (about 6 cookies) * 1 1/2 teaspoons butter, melted * 1 teaspoon sugar * Cooking spray * Filling: * 1 cup 2% reduced-fat milk, divided * 3 tablespoons sugar * 5 teaspoons cornstarch * 1/8 teaspoon salt * 1 large egg yolk * 2 teaspoons almond-flavored liqueur * 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract * Topping: * 1/2 cup fresh strawberries
What an amazing holiday season I'm going to have this year, with yummy treats, no guilt and a home full of guests who will thank me later when their waist lines don't jump due to my thoughtful meal planning. These recipes are just some of my favorites you can find many lower calorie, low fat menu items if you do a little research- I know who has the time, ha-ha that will be my next article/blog.
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