FIRST KITCHEN BLOGS

Be honest- how many of us made a resolution to eat healthier or lose weight?  Probably the same one we made last year, right?  But we don't have to give up on it mid-January.  There is a way we can make this a year-long reasonable change.  We can start cooking at home. 

It doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming. There are many simple but quick recipe ideas for making healthier meals in our own kitchen. Making it yourself will take the mystery out of what you are eating and help to save some dollars too.  One tasty dish is our chicken-penne-pasta.
Another time saving idea- You're at the store and don't remember what ingredients to get.  Just grab your mobile phone and and look up the recipe and ingredients on the our web site. How slick is that?!

After a summer of outdoor activities, eating healthy fruits and vegetables of the season, not to mention free meals with the ‘rents- things are about to change.  

Does this sound familiar?

·      Late night studying  -and snacking

·      Late night studying- and sitting, sitting

·      Partying -and snacking and consuming caloric beverages

·      Grabbing quick and cheap meals in (or out) of the cafeteria

This can add on the pounds.  No wonder the term the freshman 15 has caught on.   But with a little planning, this does not have to happen.

Sure we can give you a list of what to avoid, but we’d rather talk about what you can do.

While studying and snacking, maybe try a yogurt and pretzels or an apple and string cheese as an alternative to the many trips for chips or candy bars from the vending machine. How about a party where you make our own pizza? A simple prepared crust with lots of healthy ingredients – It is not only good for you, but it takes the focus off of only eating and/or drinking. 

The cafeteria is a handy place eat, but know their sneaky philosophy – they put the dessert out first and when you are hungry they are tempting.  Dessert is ok, but let’s not make it the main item on your tray. 

These are just a couple of hints, but as recent graduates we know a few more trick that we can share with you on our First Kitchen DVD

Good luck!

 

 

 

We discovered a really simple and refreshing, but impressive dessert to serve to our friends.  On a recent trip, we were served this elegant dessert in a restaurant and we thought – hey we can do that.  So here it is if you want to give it try.   It’s just lemon sorbet and some real lemons.   

Cut a lemon in two- making one part larger than the other.  The one side is just the “hat” for the dessert. 

Scoop out and discard the lemon to make a lemon cup.  Fill the cup with lemon sorbet, top with the hat and place them in the freezer.  Allow them to freeze until firm.  They’re ready to serve.  If you want to get creative, add a few berries and sprig of mint on the side or maybe a cookie or maybe a chocolate. Yumm!

 

So if you’re a first time cook or just looking for a simple recipe, try this idea of your next dinner party.

Stay cool!

 

 

 

 

 

False, False, False- How often do we hear “It is too difficult and it costs too much to eat healthy”. 

Good news- studies of young women  have shown that the more meals we eat at home, the healthier our diet will be. And we know it certainly costs less to eat home than to eat out and it really doesn’t have to be time consuming- a little prior planning goes a long way! 

 

Have a good morning-

Warning: you may have to refrain from hitting the snooze button but it’s worth it!

For example, we used to go to the coffee shop every morning for coffee --- and a muffin.  Depending on the drink you order that adds up to over $5 a day, and that's just breakfast!  Now we make and take our coffee (if you like cream, buy a flavored kind at the store like French vanilla or hazelnut) and bring along a maybe a juice and cereal-to-go bar, or a yogurt or sometimes our own homemade muffin.  Yes, occasionally on the weekend we make our own muffins-you’d be surprised how easy they are - freeze them and grab one as we go out the door in the morning. 

 

Pack your lunch the night before-

Packing a lunch like a veggie wrap or an entrée salad made with the leftover chicken we grilled for dinner are couple of ideas for simple, healthy and low cost options. And the added bonus of bringing our lunch –it gives us time for a walk on our lunch break.  How healthy is that?  It feels good on your pocket book and your waistline… not to mention how great it is to get outside now that summer has finally arrived! 

 

We can help you learn to cook with our many healthy and low cost ideas and recipes on our First Kitchen DVD  but we’d love to hear your ideas for making healthy and money saving meals.