a blog for women… I'm just sayin'

Did you know that today is National Eat Your Veggies day? According to Practically Edible dot com, the holiday came about on the front lawn of the White House. National Eat Your vegetables day falls in the middle of National Fruit and Vegetable Month, officially named by Hillary Clinton on June 23, 1994. The goal of this holiday is to eat a vegetable with every meal as well as consuming vegetables as a snack during the day.

My youngest son is a vegetable lover and has been since his toddler years. One very humorous veggie incident I will never forget came about when he was about two years old. After making the morning coffee, I proceeded to prepare the daily lunches. Upon opening, the vegetable draw I found one of the big beautiful green peppers had a toddler sized mouth impression missing from the side. The vision of that tiny mouth print made me laugh aloud. Of course, I addressed the issue. The quite innocent and comical response from my then two year old was, “Mommy I only wanted was one bite!?” I am blessed to have children that truly enjoy vegetables.

In honor of Eat Your Vegetables Day, I have some fun and interesting Veggie Links for you, check ‘em out!

Eat your Vegetables Word Search

Yummy Spring Salads

Grilled Eggplant Marinara Parmesan

Fruits and Vegetables Matter

Breakfast Migas

Family Features is one of my favorite places to visit. They always provide top notch articles that feature names we all know and love. This month they featured a household favorite combo – the world renowned Bobby Flay and Hellman’s.

“Chef Bobby Flay has teamed up with Hellmann’s(r) and Best Foods(r) Mayonnaise to help parents prepare a holiday meal of real, nutritious ingredients the whole family will love.”
Complement your holiday dinner with delicious sides that satisfy family and guests alike. Roasted New Potatoes with Blue Cheese Ranch Dressing and Green Onions are sure to please even the pickiest of palates. For an appetizing main dish even the kids will eat, try “Stuffing” Crusted Turkey Cutlets. I can tell you that these Turkey Cutlets are fabulous. Finish the meal with a simple, seasonal dessert like Oven Roasted Apple-Cranberry Crisp with Creamy Spiced Chantilly.
Lost when it comes to leftover ideas? Celebrate the day after the holiday by using your leftover turkey and traditional holiday sides to create a Turkey Cuban. For a simple twist on the classic day-after turkey sandwich, mix some mayonnaise with leftover cranberry relish to create a creamy cranberry sandwich spread.

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Healthy cooking that tastes great

There’s fruit, and then there’s superfruit. What’s the difference? A superfruit has unique phytochemicals not found in other fruits – and that translates to unique health benefits.
As more and more information emerges about the power of superfruits – from açai to goji berries – an American favorite that’s been here all along is stepping into the spotlight: California Dried Plums.
Dried plums are packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber. And they’re loaded with surprises. Today’s dried plums are sweet, moist and tasty. Compared with other fruits, they’re surprisingly affordable, conveniently portable and always available.
California Dried Plums are the easy way to enjoy superfruit nutrition every day in cooking, baking, salads or as a quick snack anytime. Find delicious recipes at www.californiadriedplums.org.

Dried plums. What’s in ‘em for you?
-Improved digestion: A single serving (four to five dried plums) has three grams of fiber, to help you maintain good digestive health.
-Tasty nutrition: Dried plums are a nutrition powerhouse that includes B vitamins, potassium, magnesium and boron.
-Antioxidants: Dried plums have phenolics that promote good health.
-Blood sugar control: Dried plums can help maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
-Cholesterol management: Fiber and other compounds in dried plums can help maintain healthy cholesterol.
-Beauty: A study among elderly people suggests dried plums may help reduce skin wrinkles.
-A perfect fit for healthful diets: Dried plums promote satiety and have only 100 calories per serving.

“Dried plums are bite-size nuggets of superfruit goodness … and they’re super-affordable and easy to fit into your busy life.”
- David Grotto, RD, LDN, author, “101 Foods That Could Save Your Life”

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Sophisticated Entertaining Made Simple

To add an effortless note of elegance to your next get-together, select a special hors d’oeuvre. Chef Bradford Thompson of Lever House in New York City has created some surprisingly simple recipes for a sophisticated party. He chose Carr’s(r) Table Water(r) Crackers as the perfect complement to his recipes’ robust flavors.

You can also try a new twist on traditional favorites by revving up the relish tray with these new olive recipes from Lindsay Olives(r) – delectable bites and an easy fresh vegetable dip are a delicious part of a fun evening with friends and family. With minimal preparation, each new olive ensemble is sure to impress as a prelude to a dinner party or impromptu gathering.
For more sophisticated entertaining recipes and nutritional information, visit www.carrscrackers.com.
For more tips and quick olive recipes, visit www.lindsayolives.com.

information, visit www.carrscrackers.com.
For more tips and quick olive recipes, visit www.lindsayolives.com.

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AUTHORS COOK UP MORE THAN GOOD BOOKS

Forty-three internationally known authors share more than a hundred recipes in a simple and fun cookbook you will enjoy for years! From simple dishes prepared in a few minutes to exotic dishes from around the world, this cookbook will become a treasured addition to any kitchen! And best of all, it’s FREE!

While these authors tempt our imaginations by creating entertaining and informative books, they tempt themselves in the kitchen with everything from homey, comfort food to exciting, innovative recipes. Now they’ve decided to share their culinary secrets with you as a thank you for supporting them and their books.

“Now We’re Cooking! – 43 Authors in the Kitchen”
is a cooperative effort of authors whose books are published in electronic bindings. Representing every genre, these authors prove they are just as talented in the kitchen as they are at a keyboard.

Eva Kende, project coordinator, says “This cookbook composed of contributions by a community of authors is like the cherished and collected church and community cookbooks of yesteryear. The recipes are as diverse as the authors’ usual genres are. The Internet made it easier for the contributing authors from various corners of the world to get together in this effort and technology made it possible to offer this exciting collection free as an e-book to readers and collectors.”

Click to Open Now We’re Cooking requires adobe reader