September 19, 2007
I'm enjoying the onset of Fall, but not enjoying the onset of my first cold of the season. I refuse to "fight" this cold, but rather "nurse" it as that sounds so much more positive and easy to do. So, Fall plus Cold equals Comfort Food, and I am going to share my super secret tip for making the best mashed potatoes ever!
Mashed Potatoes
(Sorry, but I come from a "no-measure" family of cooks so trust your inner chef on amounts and keep tasting as you go. Oh, and it's comfort food so forget about fat and calories and stuff like that.)
Peel some potatoes and boil until nicely tender when stuck with a fork. Drain and add milk and butter ... AND ... Hellman's Light Mayonnaise! My mother has always insisted that you can not use anything but Hellman's Light Mayonnaise or it won't taste as good. Now I know that the thought of mayo in your mashed potatoes may freak some of you out, but I promise it's the best thing ever for giving the potatoes a creamy texture. Use a potato masher to mash and whip it all up. Salt to taste, but don't be too skimpy on the salt (or the butter) as a good amount really brings out the flavor.
Now, what are your favorite comfort food recipes? And if you try mine, let me know what you think.
Menesa Pritchett
FineLiving.com
June 22, 2007
By ROSEMARY SADEZ FRIEDMANN
Scripps Howard News Service
Monday, June 11, 2007
What floor covering to use in a kitchen or bath is always debatable. With all the options available, the choice is a matter of durability, practicality, price and aesthetics. The real questions are, which of those options is most important and if possible, is there a flooring choice that satisfies more than one of those needs?
Since the kitchen and bath floors take the most abuse in the house, durability is always top on the list. Now durability can also be attractive. Vinyl floors, anciently called linoleum, offer many styles and performance options and also offer low prices.
The most expensive of these vinyls is the one that is topped with urethane wear layer which has the most shine retention, stain resistance and longest life. The prices for vinyl range from as low as $4.50 a square yard to as much as $50 a square yard or even a little more. But that's not bad, since we are talking in square yards and not square feet.
Then there is tile. A glazed ceramic tile is quite durable, easy to clean and always looks like an upgrade. There are also the unglazed tiles and stones that are more rustic looking. If you choose an unglazed tile or stone, it is imperative that it be properly sealed otherwise the maintenance will be unbearable. Every spill will sink into the pores of the stone and stay. Sealing of unglazed tiles and stones, even if done properly, will need to be repeated regularly.
Slate, travertine, marble and granite all fall under this tile/stone category. They are great and beautiful choices, offering the most aesthetic version of the floor covering realm.
Prices here are counted in square feet., not square yards and the range is anywhere from a bargain basement price of $3, up to as much as $45 a square foot, and even more if you are looking at rare tiles and stones. The natural stones and marbles will be on the expensive side.
Laminated wood floors are quite attractive and with the lamination, the floors are quite durable and have a moisture-resistant quality -- very important in kitchen and bath areas. These floors offer the look of hardwood with the durability of lamination. Since this flooring is installed as a floating floor -- plans glued to each other instead of nailing directly to the floor, it can be installed right over any existing floor covering.
This saves on installation costs. Laminated wood floors range in price from approximately $8 a square foot up to $20 a square foot.
There are other choices for floor coverings for kitchens and baths such as cork and in large bathrooms even carpet, but they aren't as popular as the options we've discussed.
(Rosemary Sadez Friedmann, an interior designer in Naples, Fla., is author of "Mystery of Color," available at Barnes & Noble Booksellers and Amazon.com.)
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Posted by fine-admin at 11:35 AM
By ERIN ALLDAY
San Francisco Chronicle
Monday, June 11, 2007
Apparently it's harder to shake a bad reputation than a caffeine habit.
Even after decades of study suggesting coffee is not harmful, one of the world's favorite beverages remains much maligned, with people afraid that it may cause everything from cancer to heart disease and high blood pressure.
But according to research, coffee might actually have some health benefits, and it's one of the few drinks available these days that doesn't come loaded with sugar and calories. It might guard against gout, diabetes and Alzheimer's disease, and other health problems.
Just make sure you stay away from the Frappuccinos.
Of course, the scientists performing these studies might be a bit biased.
"I should probably mention that I start off every day with a double cappuccino," said Dr. Robert Rushakoff, an endocrinologist with the University of California-San Francisco.
Full disclosure aside, he said, coffee has shown promising results in recent studies that compare consumption with diabetes rates, including reports that suggest people who drink six or seven cups a day were 50 percent less likely to develop Type 2 diabetes.
No one understands quite why, although caffeinated coffee seems to have more of an impact than decaf. A lot more study needs to be done, Rushakoff said, especially since the results are based on historical observations and not clinical trials -- the gold standard for medical research.
American coffee consumption per capita has decreased since peaking in the 1940s, from 46.4 gallons a year per person in 1946 to 24.2 gallons per person in 2005, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The best explanation for the drop is the increasing popularity of alternative sources of caffeine -- primarily soda.
Even so, coffee consumption has picked up in the past 10 years with the explosion of Starbucks and other coffee chains, and today, more than half of Americans drink coffee regularly.
So we're drinking a lot of coffee, even if we don't think we should be.
In fact, two cups a day is probably just fine, most doctors say. The trouble comes when people start adding sugar and cream to their coffee, or even worse, buying thick, blended drinks -- with whipped cream on top, of course -- that have hundreds of calories.
A 12-ounce cup of coffee with no extra ingredients has only about 10 calories. But the same size Frappuccino from Starbucks -- a coffee drink enhanced with flavored syrups like chocolate, vanilla or caramel -- can be up to 370 calories. Twelve ounces is considered a small.
Once upon a time, doctors worried that coffee was causing a wide variety of common ailments, including heart disease, ulcers and indigestion. Almost all of those concerns have been disproved, but there's still some argument over coffee's effect on high blood pressure.
A Canadian study published this month showed that coffee may prevent gout. Diabetes has been the latest focus of research, and studies also have suggested coffee could lower the risk of developing Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. Coffee may also lessen the risk of depression and suicide.
Doctors are a long way from prescribing coffee, but they're generally not telling people to give it up, as long as they're drinking in moderation -- two or three cups a day.
"On balance, coffee is a wash," said Dr. Arthur Klatsky, a cardiology consultant with Kaiser Permanente in Oakland, Calif., who drinks one or two cups a day.
Nutritionist Jo Ann Hattner, who teaches at the Stanford University School of Medicine, said she's suggested patients drink coffee if they have trouble getting started in the morning, or if they're having problems with constipation.
"It's a stimulant. It helps everything get going, including the GI tract," Hattner said. "If people are tired, I tell them to get more sleep. Lack of sleep is not healthy and they could develop other symptoms from that. But if you need a jump-start sometimes, yes, drink the coffee."
So if the experts have known for decades that coffee is no big deal, why is it still considered such a guilty pleasure?
Partly because it feels like an addiction, Klatsky said. Most regular drinkers crave it every morning, and suffer headaches or other withdrawal symptoms if they try to cut it out. And partly because caffeine is a drug and an obvious stimulant.
"We have an emotional tie to coffee," Klatsky said. "We're a puritanical culture, and we still have a big holdover from the days when anything that felt good was a problem. There's this assumption that anything that feels good, there's got to be a payback down the line."
(E-mail Erin Allday at eallday(at)sfchronicle.com.)
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Posted by fine-admin at 11:34 AM
By CHRISTOPHER ELLIOTT
Fine Living Network
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
The words "affordable" and "San Diego" aren't often mentioned in the same sentence. That's because California's second-largest city isn't exactly known as a bargain vacation destination.
But it can be. Tina Toms and her two daughters discovered that on a five-day San Diego getaway recently, a vacation that included hanging out at the beach, visiting exciting attractions and eating authentic cuisine. Their price tag: just $1,300.
So how did they do it?
The Toms family recommended visiting this Southern California resort during the off-season. Hotel rates in the winter are significantly lower than during the summer, and some of the biggest area attractions, like the beach, are far less crowded. But the ladies found another way of lowering their lodging bill: They skipped a hotel and rented a condo. For only $100 a night, they scored accommodations in a choice area.
"It was right on the beach," said Tina Toms. "You couldn't beat it."
Speaking of beaches, there's no shortage of them in San Diego, with 70 miles of shoreline to choose from. Coronado Beach (http://www.coronado.ca.us/) is popular with families. Or try La Jolla, which is known for its tidal pools. Best of all, the beach doesn't cost a penny.
With the money they saved, the Tomses decided to splurge on admission to San Diego's signature theme park, SeaWorld (http://4adventure.com/SWC/). Regular admission for three to SeaWorld set them back by about $150, which let them spend a full day enjoying shows that feature dolphins, Orca whales and seals, plus aquariums full of Beluga whales, polar bears and sharks.
Tina and her daughters made the visit extra-special by springing for the dolphin encounter, a 10-minute experience that gets you up-close and personal with the friendly mammals for $40 a person.
"There's just absolutely no price that you can put on interacting with these animals," said Toms.
SeaWorld San Diego cost the Tomses $460, but the adventure was worth it. And since the family still wasn't theme-parked out, they plotted a course to Legoland in Carlsbad (760-918-5346; http://www.legoland.com/california.htm) for a day of fun with more than 50 rides, shows and other attractions.
There are more than 15,000 Lego models -- everything from replicas of famous buildings to a real Lego roller coaster -- giving every member of the family something to enjoy. "It's geared toward the younger preschool age all the way up to 13 and above," said Toms, "so I had as much fun as the kids."
Tickets to Legoland are $57 for adults, $44 for kids. For these vacationers, the high point at this park was touring the mini-cities of skyscrapers, a Mardi Gras parade and even the Eiffel Tower, all built with Legos. Plus, they sampled Legoland's specialty snack: one-of-a-kind apple fries dipped in vanilla cream.
On a $1,300 budget, that left plenty of money for the main course. They found fresh seafood on Scott Street in San Diego and authentic Mexican cuisine in Old Town. (If you're indecisive, go to 5th Avenue, better known as Restaurant Row, where you can find just about anything.)
So here's how the Tomses managed their five-day vacation to San Diego for $1,300: The condo cost $400 for four nights (and the beach was free). Add in $250 for food, $160 for Legoland and $460 for SeaWorld, and these vacationers came in under budget, spending just $1,270.
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Posted by fine-admin at 11:32 AM
By MARTY MEITUS
Scripps Howard News Service
Monday, June 18, 2007
When Little Red Riding Hood trotted off to Grandma's house, the wolf might have skipped the granny-burger if Red's picnic basket had been just a little more exciting. Rumor has it that Mama Hood stopped at the local takeout -- the one at Forest Avenue and Gingerbread Lane -- loaded up Little Red with some crispy fried chicken strips and sent her on her way. But picnics in the 21st century don't have to be grab-and-go affairs. Thanks to cool gadgets and gear, and modern approaches to totable fare, a picnic has become a gourmet affair to tame even the biggest and baddest of wolves. (Note: Prices of items may vary.)
Oval Picnic Hamper
With its cool geometric shape, this modern take on a wicker basket is actually woven of lampakanai, from the seagrass family, and has collapsible rattan handles. $39.95, Crate & Barrel.
4-in-1 BBQ Multi-Tool
Trading on the Swiss Army knife concept, this has a knife, meat fork and spatula that swing out, and an instant-read thermometer that fits snugly on top. $19.95, Brookstone.
Two-Pack Wine Chiller
These have an insulated metallic finish on the inside that retains the cold for hours. $25, Brookstone.
Picnic Wine Glass
Cut-glass wine glasses at a picnic? Yes, but only if they look the part -- these are acrylic. $1.95, Crate & Barrel.
Steady Stick Wine Bottle/Wine Glass Holders
A blanket isn't exactly the best place to steady a wine glass and wine bottle, but these wire stakes will minimize the risk of spills. $9.95 to $11.95, Crate & Barrel. Also, Target.com.
Monstera Leaf Placemats
Just because it's a picnic doesn't mean you can't dress up the table. Six placemats. $29.70, Z Gallerie.
Aladdin Heat and Go, With Spoon
Microwave in this container and food will stay hot for hours. The shallow compartment has two sides, so you can tote the mac-and-cheese and the peas along for the kids. $9.95, Target.
Sausalito Striped Picnic Blanket
Protect your flanks with this picnic blanket that folds into a pouch. It's laminated underneath, so if the grass is wet, it's got you covered. $32.95, Crate & Barrel.
Table in a Bag
What's a picnic without a table? This one rolls up into a pouch even though it's made of wood slats and is 17 inches high. How do they do it? $39.95, Crate & Barrel.
Picnic at Ascot Deluxe Backpack With Blanket
For those who go off on a picnic with a knapsack on their back, an all-in-one backback with service for four. $105, REI.
Shell Food Cover
Keep out the bugs with these food screens decorated with seashells, $8.95, and mini-seashell candles to match, $12.95, Z Gallerie.
Mini-Grill in Cooler Bag
Taking fire and ice to a new level, this mini-grill fits neatly into the soft insulated bag that doubles as a cooler so you can enjoy a brewski with your dog. $29.95, Crate & Barrel.
Citronella Mini-Torches
These 10-inch mini-candles in Crayola colors are sweet enough to tame the most ornery bugs. $5.95 for four, Crate & Barrel.
Neoprene Totes by Built NY
One Bottle, $15, Three Bottle, $30 or Six-Pack, $20, soft totes to haul your beverages. Brookstone.
Multi-Function Convertible Rolling Cooler/Picnic Table
Remember Transformers? This insulated cooler is more than meets the eye with fold-down sides that open into a picnic table and places to sit. $59.99, Target.com only.
GSI Vortex Blender
No plug required as you hand-crank your favorite smoothies and margaritas. $69.95, REI.
Light My Fire SL3 Knife
Did you remember the matches? How about something to cut open the bag of charcoal? Got you covered. $36.95, REI.
Snow Peak Compact Chopsticks
For the picnicker who has everything -- portable chopsticks to make picnicking a global affair. $24.95, REI.
RECIPES
GRILLED SALMON
Makes 2 servings
2 (4-ounce) salmon fillets
1/4 cup plum sauce
1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
1/4 cup sweet chile sauce
Grill salmon on both sides.
Mix all other ingredients together.
Brush mixture onto salmon and place in oven at 350 degrees just to glaze.
HONEY-MUSTARD BBQ RIBS
Makes 2 servings
2 racks pork back ribs
Sauce:
1 cup Cattlemen's barbecue sauce
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons honey
Dash Durkee Hot Sauce
Grill ribs over indirect heat in a covered grill or smoker for 1-1/2 to 2 hours. Turn ribs once, about halfway through. Mix sauce. About 20 minutes before ribs are done, baste heavily with sauce.
Note: To cook in oven, cook ribs in a shallow pan 45 minutes at 350 degrees. Drain. Coat ribs with sauce; turn every 30 minutes, until done (about 75 more minutes). (Tent loosely with foil if ribs start to burn.)
SKIN-ON POTATO SALAD
Serves 8
12 to 15 small red potatoes
3/4 to 1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced
1 celery stalk, diced
1/4 cup red onion, diced
Wash potatoes and rub with olive oil, salt and pepper.
Bake at 350 degrees until soft, 45 minutes to an hour. Cool down slightly.
Meanwhile, stir together mayonnaise and mustard and add diced vegetables.
Squeeze potatoes to break skins or smash potatoes and stir with other ingredients.
BLACK BEAN AND CORN SALAD
Serves 8
1 (15-ounce) can black beans
1 cup corn kernels
1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup green bell pepper, diced
1 green onion, diced
1/4 bunch cilantro, chopped
1 tablespoon chile powder
1 tablespoon cumin
2 tablespoons lime juice
Salt and pepper
Drain and rinse black beans.
Mix all ingredients together. Heat to warm. Add salt and pepper and adjust seasonings. Can be served warm or cool.
FIRECRACKER COLESLAW
Serves 8
1 head green cabbage, shredded
1/4 head red cabbage, shredded
1 carrot, julienned
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
Dash poppy seeds
Dash celery seed
Dash Tabasco sauce
Mix cabbages and carrot.
Mix all other ingredients together with a wire whip. Pour over cabbage mix and stir.
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Posted by fine-admin at 11:31 AM
