Beef Barley Vegetable Soup

A truly great soup for every occasion, beef barley vegetable soup is packed with protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and fiber. Aside from being really good for you, this is an amazing tasting soup that can be served at any time during the day. This soup is a meal by itself, perfect served with bread and salad, or as a side to a sandwich or dinner offering.

Despite the long list of ingredients, this is a fairly easy dish to prepare. The beef roast and barley are slow cooked in a crock pot to bring out the flavors and tenderize the tougher cut of beef. For convenience, the recipe calls for frozen mixed vegetables. These can be swapped out for your favorite fresh vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli, corn, and green beans. Most supermarkets sell great beef broth in 4-cup packages. Substitute one of these fine store bought products or homemade beef stock for the cold water and beef bouillon cubes and take this soup to a whole new level.

Cooks Notes: Substitute real beef stock for the water and beef bouillon, and 1 pound of your favorite fresh vegetables for the frozen mixed vegetables, if desired.

Beef Barley Vegetable Soup

Ingredients:
1 (3 pound) Beef Chuck Roast
1/2 cup Barley
1 Bay Leaf
2 tablespoons Canola or Vegetable Oil
3 Carrots, chopped
3 stalks Celery, chopped
1 Onion, chopped
1 (16 ounces) package Frozen Mixed Vegetables
4 cups Cold Water
4 cubes Beef Bouillon Cube
1 tablespoon White Sugar
1/4 teaspoon Fresh Ground Black Pepper
1 (28 ounces) can chopped Stewed Tomatoes
Coarse Salt, to taste
Fresh Ground Black Pepper, to taste

Preparation:

1. Add beef chuck roast to crockpot. Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 hours.

2. Add barley and bay leaf to crockpot. Continue cooking 1 hour.

3. Remove the beef roast, cool for 15 minutes. Cut roast into small bite-size pieces.

4. Discard bay leaf.

5. Set the beef pieces, beef broth, and barley aside.

6. Add canola oil to large stock pot. Heat over medium-high heat.

7. Sauté chopped carrots, chopped celery, chopped onion, and mixed vegetables until crisp tender.

8. Add cold water, beef bouillon cubes, white sugar, fresh ground black pepper, chopped stewed tomatoes, and beef, broth, and barley mixture

9. Bring soup to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer 15 minutes.

MIKEY ARROYO - DO YOU WANT YOUR PRES. ARROYO TO EAT AT TURO TURO?

video courtesy of jeansforjustice WHAT CAN YOU EAT FOR $20000 DINNER AT LE CIRQUE IN NEW YORK? MIKEY ARROYO ASKED, DO YOU WANT YOUR PRESIDENT TO EAT AT MCDONALDS OR AT SOME TURO-TURO? Wild Golden Osetra Caviar (1 oz.280) @$280.00 Ordered 5 $1400.00 Californian Osetra Caviar @$100.00 Ordered 5 $500.00 Chef's Seasonal Menu Three Courses @$58.00 Ordered 25 $1450.00 Chef's Tasting Menu (120+60 wine pairing) @$180.00 Ordered 25 $4500.00 Appetizers Le Cirque Salad @$22.00 Ordered 3$66.00 Lobster Salad @$58.00 Ordered 3 $174.00 Tuna @$21.00 Ordered 3 $63.00 Sauteed Gulf Shrimp @$27.00 Ordered 3 $81.00 Soft Shell Crab Tempura @$22.00 Ordered 3 $66.00 Spring Pea Soup @$24.00 Ordered 3 $72.00 Smoked Ham Hock and Parmesan Consomme @$24.00 Ordered 4 $72.00 Wild Burgundy Escargot @$29.00 Ordered 3 $87.00 Torchon of Foie Gras @$35.00 Ordered 3 $105.00 Main Courses: Paupiette of Black Cod @$49.00 Ordered 2 $98.00 Halibut Poached in Coconut Milk @$40.00 Ordered 2 $80.00 Dover Sole @$7.00 Ordered 2 $150.00 Saddle of Lamb @$52.00 Ordered 2 $104.00 Prime Dry Aged Strip Steak @$60.00 Ordered 2 $120.00 Tableside for Two Whole Roasted Fish @$45.00 Ordered 3 $135.00 Whole Roasted Chicke @$39.00 Ordered 3 $117.00 Champagne (est Krug @$510.00 each) Ordered 11 $5610.00 Total of Bill $15050.00 Tax (12%) $1806.00 Service Charge Tip (20%) $3010.00 Grand Total $19866.00



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icyy0flArCo&hl=en

Soup - How to Make Soup More Filling

Winter's coming and there is nothing better on a cold winter day than entering a kitchen that permeates with mouth watering cooking odors in anticipation of what's to come. That's what my Italian Sausage Soup will bring to your kitchen this winter. Your family will love the spicy sausage mixed with an array of fresh veggie's. Making a soup more filling is all in the ingredients you put into it.

Italian Sausage Soup -- always a favorite.

1 lb. Italian sausage (mild or hot), 1 cup coarsely chopped onions, 2 garlic cloves, sliced, 5 cups beef broth

1.5 cups water, ½ cup dry red wine, 2 cups chopped-seeded-peeled tomatoes (4 medium)

1 cup thinly sliced carrots, ½ tsp basil leaves, ½ tsp oregano leaves, 1 8oz. can tomato sauce

1.5 cups sliced zucchini, 8 oz. frozen meat or cheese-filled tortellini (or very small ravioli*)

3 tbs chopped fresh parsley, 1 medium green pepper cut into ½" pieces

Grated Parmesan cheese

If sausage comes in casing, remove from casing. In 5-quart Dutch-oven brown sausage. Remove sausage from Dutch-oven, reserve 1 tbs. dripping in Dutch-oven.

Saute onions and garlic in reserved drippings until onions are tender. Add beef broth, water, wine, tomatoes, carrots, basil, oregano, tomato sauce and sausage. Bring to boil.

Reduce heat. Simmer uncovered 30 minutes. Skim fat from soup, stir in zucchini, tortellini, parsley and green pepper. Simmer covered an additional 35 to 40 minutes or until tortellini are tender.

Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top of each serving.

Makes 8 (1.5 cup) servings; 1.5 cup, calories approx. 220

Tips: 8 oz. fresh meat or cheese-filled tortellini or very small ravioli can be substituted for frozen tortellini or ravioli. Simmer covered for 20-25 minutes or until tortellini are tender.

If tortellini or very small ravioli aren't available, 2 cups bow-tie egg noodles or spiral macaroni can be substituted. Simmer covered for 20-25 minutes or until tender.

Serve with Italian bread wedges or bread sticks, and red wine. Bon Appetite!

White Bean Soup Recipe With Ham Hocks : Mixing Batter for Cornbread Recipe

Learn how to mix the batter to make cornbread for aham hocks and white bean soup recipe in this free Southern food cooking video. Expert: David Postada Bio: David Postada is Chef and owner of the Big Easy Catering company in Santa Barbara, California. Filmmaker: Diana Bacon



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGKDw3yl1A4&hl=en

Weight Watcher Recipe - Potato Soup

There is nothing worse than having to eat uninspiring food. Not only is the resulting boredom likely to destroy your diet but it is no fun watching other people eat "nice food" if you are stuck with "diet food." The answer to this dilemma is to make healthy recipes, which taste good.

If you are a fan of potatoes, you might want to make something satisfying and tasty with them. Obviously creamy mashed potato is not the best dish for your diet but what about a weight watcher recipe for potato broth? Soup is great for weight watchers because the liquid helps to fill you up without adding extra calories. Creamy soups are not the most figure-friendly but using broth and low fat milk as a base can give you a similar creaminess without the calories or fat.

The following recipe contains carrot and cabbage for sweetness. It is satisfying and tasty and you can make it with leftover potatoes. If you are not using leftover potatoes, peel and cut raw ones into big pieces, then cook them in salted water, drain them and let them cool. You can make them ahead and chill them, so they hold together better in the soup.

If you want to cook this in a hurry, make sure you chop the vegetables into really small pieces. You can use any meat in this soup. Turkey, leftover roast lamb or ham are all nice. Feel free to adjust the broth and milk if you want a thinner or thicker consistency.

You will not need sour cream to garnish this dish because the low fat milk makes it creamy. Some chopped chives and black pepper are good on top instead, or you could use green onion or shredded cheddar as a topping.

What you will need:

2 1/2 lbs cooked russet potatoes
1 tablespoon butter or margarine
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
14 oz chicken broth
2 cups low fat milk
1 finely chopped onion
6 cups chopped green cabbage
8 oz cooked ham or bacon (or any other cooked meat)
2 peeled chopped carrots
Salt and black pepper, to taste
How to make it:

Put the butter or margarine and oil in a heavy pot over a moderate heat. Add the onions, carrots and cabbage and cook until they begin to soften, stirring sometimes. Chop the meat and add it to the pan.

Slice the potatoes, making some pieces tiny so they dissolve and thicken the soup and others larger so they add texture, and add them to the soup with the milk and some salt and pepper. Warm the soup through without allowing it to boil, then garnish it and serve.

Split Pea Soup Recipe : Searing Ham for Split Pea Soup

Soup is always the perfect recipe for a cold, winter day. Ham is an important ingredient for split pea soup, so learn how to sear ham in this free recipe video. Expert: Richard Buccola Bio: Richard Buccola is an entrepreneur and investor. He is also the owner of several popular food & spirits establishments in Queens, NY, including the former PJ's Bar & Grill, and The Ivy Room. Filmmaker: Buccola Richard



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mc2-8UuR7lo&hl=en

Vegetarian Food Party Planning Ideas

As a vegetarian, you almost certainly already know the disappointment involved in trying to find good food to eat at any parties you go to. You most likely usually offer to bring something for the host so that you know there'll be at lesat ONE thing at the party that you can eat. This year, why not take matters into your own hands and host your own New Year's Eve party - with vegetarian food all around. There are tons of wonderful vegetarian dishes to choose from. You could even prepare cards labeling some of your more exotic dishes on the buffet ( this is particularly beneficial for ethnic foods ) so people know what they are going to be eating. As a party favor, you could print a little recipe book or recipe cards with instructions on how to prepare a couple of your favorite dishes. ( Who knows, maybe they'll make it the next time they invite you over to their house!

Though some salad munchers, particularly those that eat vegetarian for health reasons, rather than moral or environmental reasons may opt to prepare meat-based dishes to serve along side vegetarian foods, many salad munchers do not like cooking beef and will decide to test their guests with a new and various menu of vegetarian party foods.

Another nice perk of serving vegetarian food is that it can be less expensive. Though, if you go hell for leather for fresh berries and fruit ( which isn't in season around New Year's Eve ) or a large amount of fancy wines and cheeses, your party may not be too cost-effective. One way to cut back on the cost of the party is to substitute hearty vegetarian dishes in the place of the more expensive beef dishes. If properly prepared, most guests won't even miss the presence of the meat. Heavy soups that are familiar to meat-eaters ( like bean chili, black bean soup, or split pea soup ) are a great choice as the tastes and appearance are familiar and the tastes mix together well even without the addition of burger or ham. When selecting these recipes, it is critical to follow each recipe punctiliously and not make any substitutions. This is important because items you may substitute into the recipes may contain animal products. Making these substitutions will result in your dishes not being totally vegetarian.

Alternately an alternative way to offer a various vegetarian menu is to make the event a potluck. However, if almost all of the guests are not salad munchers, they may have difficulty deciding what to bring and might also inadvertently include ingredients with animal products in the food. In this example, suggest what you'd like your guests to bring -'Jim, you're making a mean guacamole, would you mind whipping that up and bring it along with some salsa and chips?', 'Erin, I loved that hummus and pita bread you served last summer... Would you mind bringing that along to share?'

Another important thing to remember when planning a vegetarian New Years Eve party is that it is important to make sure the guests are mindful of your intentions. This is particularly important if the event is going to be a potluck. it's also pleasantness even if you'll be preparing all of the food so that the guests know what to expect when they attend the party. Some meat-eaters are extraordinarily wary about trying new dishes, so be sure to have some staples out that everyone will love. Bread, fruit, pretzels, chips and nuts are great vegetarian options that are popular among 'main stream' dieters also.

Remember, as the host of your party, the most vital role you can play is to be certain your visitors are comfortable and having a fab time. Inspire them to get to grasp each other by helping set up new conversational partners, plan some exciting pastimes (like toasting in the New Year 'around the world' each time the clock hits a new hour), and confirm everybody driving home is fit to do so.

Chef Bill Cooks 2008 02 10 Split Pea Soup with Ham

and croûtons. I had help, barely, from Eric. and I get to freeze the leftovers. the pea soup recipe ... as built 2008 02 10 ... take a pound of split peas, rinsed, boiled for two hours in a half pot of water. Didn't measure the water. Should have. I diced a pound of carrots, three medium-large onions and a bunch of celery. These went into another pot with a half can of chicken broth over high heat to "sweat" them. I diced a pound slab of ham into half inch or larger cubes and browned them in the large fry pan. This and a tablespoon of minced garlic went into the vegetables, as did the peas and pea water. Simmered this for about another hour or two. For the croûtons, I sliced a sourdough baguette into thin slices, then cut those slices in half. I tossed these large bread chunks with olive oil and mince garlic, then baked them at 350 for about 15 or 20 minutes. After baking, I tossed them with some grated Parmesan cheese. This made two bowls for now and three or four quart freezer zip lock bags for later.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCw9659-GIY&hl=en

White Bean Soup Recipe With Ham Hocks : Preparing Pan to Make Cornbread

Learn how to prepare a pan to make cornbread for aham hocks and white bean soup recipe in this free Southern food cooking video. Expert: David Postada Bio: David Postada is Chef and owner of the Big Easy Catering company in Santa Barbara, California. Filmmaker: Diana Bacon



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCIy95bC6Lo&hl=en

Lee's Pho 2010 Commercial

Lee's Pho Vietnamese Noodle and Sandwich. Located at 1630 Pleasant Hill Rd Duluth, GA As part of our one year aniversary, we are now introducing Happy Hours from the hours between 4pm to 6pm daily. Happy Hour includes a free XL upgrade for any Noodle Soup or Rice Vermicelli Bowl. Don't forget our delicious 8 inch Banh Mi sandwiches now with 6 choices of meat to choose from: BBQ Pork BBQ Chicken BBQ Beef Vietnamese MeatBalls Steamed Pork Roll Combination Ham, Steamed Pork, Pate Also we have many types of Che (Vietnamese Pudding), Steamed Buns, Desserts, and more! Check us out, mention our YouTube ad and get a free drink with your order! Please email leespho@gmail.com for more information, discounts and coupons, catering, and special orders.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCbMBcsiVOc&hl=en

Esther Delancy- accept a ham samwich

Italian grandmother



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTzFjUdFYEc&hl=en

The Lickey Chronicles - Ivatt 4MT

An Ivatt 4MT attempts Pea and Ham up the Lickey



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpdTs1cJUuc&hl=en

Bean & Ham Soup

Bean Ham Soup



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsZnYB0RVJ0&hl=en

#1 Bean Soup in the USA! (Old Commercial)

Hurst Beans www.hurstbeans.com



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3gbaC7kjq8&hl=en

Cheap Family Recipes - Dinners Under $8

One way to plan some cheap family recipes when you are just starting out and don't really know how to go about it, is to make a list of staples that are inexpensive in your area. The reason this works well is that the whole meal can be planned around that staple, and small bits of more expensive foods can be added to it to create interest, add nutrition, and round out the meal.

In general, the following staples can be purchased fairly cheaply in most areas and are filling and healthy.

* Legumes- dry beans, peas, lentils

* Grains- barley, rice, millet, cracked wheat or bulgur, oats, flour

* Pasta

* Vegetables- potatoes, cabbage, onions, carrots

Try a rich, tasty split pea soup. You could combine this with discount or homemade buns and serve canned peaches for dessert. The cost for this soup is $4.00 and it serves 6 people.

Rich Split Pea Soup

2 tbsp oil, 1 chopped onion, 1 cup red lentils, 5 cups water, 2 chicken bouillon cubes, 1 (11oz) can condensed split pea soup, 1 (11oz) can condensed cream of potato soup, 1 (5 oz) can evaporated milk.

In large pot, combine oil and onion. Cook over medium heat about 10 minutes until onion is browned. Stir in water, bouillon cubes and lentils. Bring to boil, cover and reduce heat. Simmer 10 minutes.

Add soups to pot and stir well. Bring back to a simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in evaporated milk and turn off heat.

Serve immediately.

Pesto Pasta Salad

This recipe serves 8 and costs $6.40 to make. Serve with deli ham and orange wedges on the side.

1/2 cup Spinach Pesto, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup salad dressing, 2 Tbsp milk, 1 (16 oz) bag bow tie pasta, 2 cups frozen peas, 1 chopped green pepper, 3 stalks celery chopped, 1/4 cup chopped green onions.

Bring to boil a large pot of salted water. Meanwhile, combine in large bowl the pesto, mayo, salad dressing, and milk. Mix well. Cook pasta until al dente. Place frozen peas in strainer and drain pasta over peas to warm them. Add pasta and peas to pesto mixture and stir in pepper, celery, and green onions. Cover and chill for 3-4 hours before serving.

Cheap Family Recipes can be made with beans and rice. These 2 ingredients together make a complete protein, so no need for meat. Cost of this dish is $6.55; serve with carrot sticks on the side for a great color combination.

Red Beans and Rice

1 1/2 cups long grain rice, 3 cups water, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 Tbsp olive oil, 3 Tbsp butter- divided, 1 chopped onion, 1 chopped green pepper, 3 stalks chopped celery, 2 (15 oz) cans red kidney beans drained, 1 (4 oz) can green chilies with juice, 1/2 cup chili sauce, 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper.

Cook rice according to directions. Meanwhile, heat olive oil and 1 Tbsp butter in large skillet; add onion and cook 3 minutes. Add pepper and celery; cook 4 more minutes. Add beans, chilies, chili sauce and pepper. Bring to a simmer.

When rice is cooked, add 2 Tbsp butter. Put rice on serving plate and make an indentation in the center. Pour bean mixture into center and serve immediately.

Hearty Soups For Cool Autumn Days

Looking for some easy soup recipes for quick autumn meals? These soups are easy to prepare and big hits even with young kids!

Easy Taco Soup

Two chicken breasts
4 c. chicken bouillon
1 tbsp. oil
1 large onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 carrot, peeled and sliced
2 tsp. garlic salt
2 tsp. chili powder
2 tsp. cumin
1 can chopped tomatoes
1 can white kidney beans
1 can yellow corn, drained (optional)
1/3 c. uncooked rice
Cheddar cheese
Tortilla chips

In a large soup pot, make up the bouillon and simmer chicken breasts in it for 10 minutes or until tender. Remove chicken and reserve broth. Over medium heat, add oil to pot and cook onion until soft but not brown (approx. 3 minutes). Add pepper and carrots and cook for another three minutes. Stir in garlic salt, chili powder and cumin, then add tomatoes and reserved broth. Simmer for 15 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Add beans, rice, and corn to soup and cook for another 15 minutes. Just before serving soup, cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and add to the soup. Cook until heated through. Serve garnished with cheddar cheese and tortilla chips.

Chicken and Rice Soup

1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 (6-oz.) box long-grained rice (try herb and butter)
2 1/2 c. chicken, cooked and diced
2 c. mushrooms, sliced (optional)
1/2 c. onion, diced
1 c. carrot, grated

In a large saucepan, combine all ingredients with 6 c. of water. Simmer, covered, until rice is cooked, approximately 30 minutes. Great with fresh bread.

Cheeseburger Soup

1/2 lb. ground beef
3/4 c. chopped onion
3/4 c. shredded carrots
3/4 c. diced celery
1 tsp. dried basil
1 tsp. dried parsley
4 tbsp. butter
3 c. chicken broth
4 c. potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/4 c. flour
1 c. cheddar cheese, grated
1 1/2 c. milk
1/4 c. sour cream

Brown beef; drain and set aside. Saute onion, carrots, celery, basil, and parsley in 1 tbsp. butter for about 10 minutes. Add potatoes and beef, bring to a boil. Simmer 10 minutes or until potatoes are tender. In a small skillet, melt remaining butter. Add flour. Cook and stir for 2 minutes. Reduce heat. Add cheese, milk, salt, and pepper. Cook until cheese is melted. Remove from heat, stir in sour cream.

Split Pea Soup

1 1/2 c. green split peas
1/2 c. onion, chopped
1/4 tsp. garlic salt (optional)
1 c. diced carrots
2 qt. water
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/4 tsp. marjoram
1 tsp. parsley flakes
1 meaty ham bone
Salt to taste
1 c. diced celery

Cover peas with water and soak overnight. Drain and add 2 qts. water, ham bone, onion and seasonings. Bring to boil, cover and simmer 2 hrs. Stir occasionally. Remove bone; cut off any meat bits. Return meat to soup and add remaining ingredients. Cook slowly 45 minutes more.

Homemade Scalloped Potatoes & Ham From Scratch Recipe

Some of the best Scalloped Potatoes & Ham you will ever eat. Feel free to comment.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXP5iIShG8Q&hl=en

Cuban Sandwich recipe! Pork, Ham & Swiss Recipe

Cuban Sandwich recipe. Made with Pork ham and swiss! This is an authentic Cuban that will please the family! Don't forget to subscribe



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUctXgDvgis&hl=en

White Bean Soup Recipe With Ham Hocks : Mixing Dry Ingredients for Cornbread Recipe

Learn how to mix the dry ingredients to make cornbread for a ham hocks and white bean soup recipe in this free Southern food cooking video. Expert: David Postada Bio: David Postada is Chef and owner of the Big Easy Catering company in Santa Barbara, California. Filmmaker: Diana Bacon



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NU-ATUkL-3E&hl=en

What's For Dinner? 30-Minute Menus For 2010 - 24th Edition

This is the 24th edition of the weekly 30-minute menus for 2010. These are published on a weekly basis; I like to develop the weekly menus on Thursday or Friday, grocery shop on Saturday, and start the week's menus on Sunday.

Well, we are sure in the thick (and muggy) of summer here in Atlanta! The menus this week will have you cool as a breeze and out of the kitchen in not time at all. Most of the menus are just fun to enjoy the spirit of the season - VACATION Days.

My mother is celebrating her 90th birthday this weekend. I am hosting a family gathering for her. The Spiral Sliced Ham will make the meal special while making it easy on me! For the appetizer course, I will serve an Easy Elegance menu consisting of: Brie Round with Mango Chutney; Smoked Salmon; Grapes, Endive, Snow Peas, and Asparagus Spears; Cucumber Dill Dip; Blue Cheese Sesame Seed Crackers and Simple Water Crackers; Citrus Stuffed Gourmet Olives. Our celebration meal will have a grand start.

You will find that I use several cooking methods, mix and match, to get dinner on the table quickly! (The ingredients in parenthesis show some of my quick-prep steps.) You can always substitute your favorite made-from-scratch recipes when you have more time.

I hope you have a great week!

Sunday:
Spiral Sliced Ham (fully cooked ham; save some ham for Wednesday)
Quattro Fromage (boxed pasta, shredded cheeses)
Peas with Mushrooms (frozen veggie mix)
Lemon Pound Cake with Fresh Strawberries (purchased pound cake)

Monday:
Chicken Taco Ring Bake (refrigerated crescent rolls, shredded cheese, canned tomatoes and chicken)
Salsa and Sour Cream Toppings with Shredded Lettuce (jarred salsa, bagged shredded lettuce)
Refried Beans (canned beans)
Red Onion - Orange Salad (canned Mandarin orange sections)
Heavenly Hash (canned fruits, frozen whipped topping)

Tuesday:
Spaghetti Bolognese (boxed pasta, jarred Bolognese sauce)
Italian Medley Vegetables (frozen veggie mix)
Jam Thumbprint Cookies (jarred jam)

Wednesday:
Ham Cheese Bake (ham from Sunday; canned potatoes and vegetables)
Pineapple Salad (canned pineapple)
Individual Cherry Pies(purchased tart shells, canned cherry pie filling, purchased ice cream is optional)

Thursday:
Not-Your-Mother's Tuna Salad with Tomato Salsa (bagged mixed spring greens, canned tomatoes with peppers and onions)
Rolls
Lemon Phyllo Cups (phyllo cups, lemon pudding mix)

Friday:
Weeknight Grilled Pizza (vegetarian; purchased pizza crust, jarred pasta sauce, shredded cheeses)
Lettuce Wedges (jarred salad dressing)
Grilled Pears with Honey Glaze

Saturday:
Hurry-Up Chicken Pot Pie (canned or deli chicken, biscuit mix, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, frozen vegetable mix)
Sliced Tomatoes with Blue Cheese (crumbled blue cheese, bottled vinaigrette)
Blueberry Stacks (refrigerated crescent rolls, jarred blueberry jam)

I sincerely hope you have fun with your meal planning and preparation,
Elizabeth Randall and Family

Betty's Ham-Seasoned Soup Beans with Cornbread Recipe

In this video, Betty demonstrates a quick, easy, nutritious, and thrifty meal--Ham-Seasoned Soup Beans with Cornbread, a favorite Southern Combo! Ingredients: (2) 15.5 oz. cans pinto beans (You may use any type of canned dried bean--red beans, butter beans, navy beans, Great Northern beans, etc. All of these are referred to generically in my region as "soup beans." You may make your beans from dry beans. This will be a cheaper meal, but a little more trouble for you. Just follow the package instructions on the dry beans.) 5 oz. Hormel chunk ham (You may use leftover ham chunks or other types of prepared ham chunks.) 3/4 cup self-rising flour 1 1/2 cups self-rising cornmeal mix (This is a mixture of cornmeal and flour. If you cannot find it, mix 1 cup of plain cornmeal with 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, add 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon baking powder.) 2 eggs 1 cup of milk (or enough to make a batter that is the consistency of cake batter) 1 tablespoon vegetable oil for baking pan (I used peanut oil.) NOTE: I FAILED TO MENTION ADDING THE OIL TO THE BAKING PAN, BUT IT IS NECESSARY FOR THE PAN TO BE GREASED, SPRAYED WITH COOKING OIL, OR HAVE 1 TABLESPOON OF VEGETABLE OIL ADDED. 1 chopped onion (for topping, if desired) Empty the 2 cans of pinto beans, including liquid, into a medium saucepan. Add the ham chunks, including liquid, to the beans. Stir together, and place over low heat while you prepare your cornbread. (Stir the beans occasionally.) In a large bowl, combine 3 ...



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRgpVWXn7CI&hl=en

The Money Secret!

"The Root of All Evil" or "The Bloom of Success" - Here is a little story passed down through the generations you may have heard or not ... but as far as the topic of money goes, it's worth repeating.

The "Secret"

A young man in his early years in the work field was depressed as he thought he was unsuccessful in that he had been working for several years and had nothing to show for it. No bank account to speak of and little in his pocket.

He remembered meeting an elderly man during his youth and also remembered how successful the older man was and thought that one day he would like to be like him. The young man especially marveled at the material things the older man had acquired and knew of his financial success.

So, quite despondent at his own failure and desperate to seek advice or additional learning to better himself he sought out the older man and arranged to meet him. He thought that if he could talk to him the older man would reveal his treasured "secret" on how he attained his wealth.

They met in a quiet setting and the younger man told his story of how he had worked for a number of years and though he tried very hard, he found it extremely difficult to save any money after his obligations and had little to show for all the years he worked. He asked the older man if he would share his secret and tell him how he managed to acquire his wealth.

The older man who might have been of any culture and denomination of faith as this is not a matter of importance, chuckled under his breath and it made the young man feel uncomfortable and embarrassed that he thought he had offended the man for asking. But before he could apologize for his abruptness and inquisitiveness, the old man spoke.

"My son, I have no "secret" regarding my wealth."

And the young man replied, "Oh, but you must have. You must have a greater wisdom than others as you are rich and it is well known that you have much money."

"Well, Yes, it is true that I am wealthy", said the old man, "but how I acquired my wealth is no secret. I shall be glad to let you know."

The young man leaned toward him and showed an astute attentiveness eagerly waiting for the old man's next words that would reveal a mystical magical mystery.

Then the old man spoke. "Son, It is really very simple. Every week you perform your duties and receive a wage, right?" The young man nodded in assent. "Well," continued the old man. "And you dole out your wages to pay your rent, the grocer, your doctor bills, your dentist bills, correct?" Again, the young man nodded. "Well, how much do you pay yourself?" the old man asked. The young man suddenly had an astonished look on his face. "Pay myself?" he blurted out. "Yes," said the old man. "Yourself. You worked just as your doctor did and as your dentist did, didn't you? How much did you pay yourself for the week you worked?" The young man didn't know what to say and sat motionless and stunned.

"You see, my son, that is the "secret" you are looking for which is no secret at all. Pay yourself first before you pay any of your other bills. Pay yourself a wage you estimate you are worth for the week you worked and place the amount you pay yourself into savings. Pay your remaining bills from the balance left. In a short time you will see how easy it is to accumulate a fortune."

They shook hands and the young man thanked the older man for his "secret" and more so for his wisdom. The young man went away determined to put into practice what he had just learned from the old man. The old man went away with a smile on his face and a warm thought that he had brightened the life of the young man with his "secret".

The young man returned home that evening more enthused and energetic than he had been in a long time. He began to think about what the old man had said. "Simple, the old man said. More simple though in words rather than in actuality. "Pay yourself first." Sounds logical enough but then what amount should it be? It is true, I worked an entire week and I have nothing to show for it. Could this be the answer. Could this be as simple as it sounds. He tossed it back and forth and back and forth again. Well, it's certainly worth a try. I'll definitely give it a try this pay day." And he did. And so began the young man's climb to fortune. In no time at all he began to see an accumulation of savings and it made him feel good. "He was right, the old man was right and it really was very simple."

Sound easy? And simple? The secret to success? Well, it could very well be if every thing goes well and falls into place. But life doesn't always work that way. Obstacles keep popping up in a lifetime. Unforeseen expenses too. But aside from paying yourself which is a very nice position to be in, there are other quite apparent remedies available.

Also available, however, is the constant bombardment of advertisements consistent and persistently flashing before the consumer coupled with the equally availability of credit to the point of morally illegal. All of which prompts one to evaluate his or her own financial condition and make a most important decision as to the style of life, the priorities in the picture of one's finances and the goals to set for the future.

Life Style

The average family [census always indicates 4 with the absurd ½ individual members] usually is content with an average life style of a home, nice furnishings (renewed periodically), seasonal clothing and a yearly vacation. Most families are conservative and live within their means but in an electronic cyberspace age things are easily uncontrolled and the urge to live beyond means appears to be easier and easier. While it is difficult it is most important to remain within your income boundaries and not become indebted via credit cards and/or equity loans.

Single persons, some with career employment, supplying expense accounts and the life style, of course, have greater financial means but on a personal basis can easily exceed their own financial means attempting to keep up.

So it is important and best to determine how you want to live. That is, dinner and dancing, theatre and shows, cruises and travel, all beyond your means or a more quiet within your budget routine enjoying the best things in life which are free.

The Secret The illustration above of the old man's "secret" is basically very sound. Take the time to make a list of income vs. expenses. That is, the usual amounts expected to be expended monthly. The positive difference between the two would be a basis for the sum weekly deposited as "the wages to yourself."

Realistic Figures

Begin with a simple account of monthly income, single or joint for couple. List all monthly expenses and begin with the deposit illustrated above if the figures permit. If not, it is time to make adjustments. The income figure more than likely will remain the same so it is necessary to cut back or eliminate certain expenses. Don't be discouraged if this cannot be done immediately. It may take time to make the adjustments work into the plan. Some changes can be made immediately while others will take time. For instance, one might eliminate the lawn services at $30 a week and perform this chore oneself. A credit card balance might not be paid at once but additional charges on that card can and should be avoided. A careful review of the list can produce like changes in favor of a larger available monthly income. Some other ways follow.

Ways to Save

Make Use of Coupons/Discounts, etc.

While the internet, magazines and the daily mail are all diluted with ads, flyers and brochures of every kind and nature for coupons, discounts, promotions and super deals and sometimes they become irritably annoying, there is a great deal of saving to be had in perusing them. Supermarkets, fed by food manufacturers constantly compete with one another and it is wise to scan through the leaflets left at your mailbox to shop and compare.

It is not necessary to eat steak and potatoes every night. Ask Granma how she stretched the big pot of pea soup (with the Easter ham bone) and two loaves of oven baked bread between her family of six. Or Mom how she made two pounds of pasta (she got on sale) with sauce feed ten. There are a zillion low cost meals and recipes available and many are more delicious than filet mignon.

Fast food eating becomes a habit and is costly. Many times half the food ordered is left on the table uneaten. Break the habit and try to prepare less expensive but nutritional foods at home.

Department stores push seasonal sales throughout the year as well as appliances as new models with innovative ideas will appear shortly. Don't buy spontaneously. Read the newspapers and scan the internet for the best offers. It is not necessary to have the newest model in the latest color. Save big bucks by buying the clearance model but be sure to get your guarantees, etc.

Cars/Gasoline

The car, be it the family sedan or the mod single convertible, is a great possession. But in today's world, it has become one of the most money-eating necessities. When possible, plan your ride economically. Set down your chores in order of destination that is, line up your stops in an order so that you're not driving back and forth using too much gas. Go one way on one day stopping at all stores in one direction and go the other way on another day when you have accumulated chores in that direction. Don't use precious gas sitting in heavy traffic at lights on a Saturday or Sunday if it's not necessary. Drive on "off hours" on weekdays.

Shop around for car insurance. The insurance companies, like all other businesses, compete for your business. Find the best rates for your needs.

Credit Cards

Check out your cards. Yes, "cards" plural. Most people have more than one and some have as many as they can get. Look at the interest rates not only for the amount you charge, but also for the amount of cash you withdraw. And how about those "late fees". The original credit card was established for the ladies of the wealthy gentry. Today, while it is a most convenient way of shopping, no cash required in the store, it has become a pitfall with some actually addicted. Be sure not to go beyond your means, beyond the ability to pay for the items charged or the cash withdrawn. The only way to manage them is to make a payment above the amount shown due. To pay only the amount shown due means that the interest shown charged will be added to the balance and then you are paying interest on that interest! So, it amounts to "two steps forward and three back." Stay within your buying power. [If you only net $2,000 a month income, it is unrealistic to imagine that you can pay out $2,500.] If you find yourself being overwhelmed and out of control buying on credit, do not hesitate to cut up the card(s) and make every effort to pay down the balance(s). You'll find you will not only feel better for having no debt but you'll also sleep better at night.

Clothing-Apparel

Designer jeans - unheard of in the '40s. Little LuLu wore her older sister's dress when her older sister grew out of it and Brother Bobby wore his older brother's shirts and sweaters even with elbows darned. These clothes were washed and starched until the flowers and stripes were almost worn out of them but they weren't charged on any credit card and Momma an' Poppa didn't owe anyone anything for them. [An' more important, the kids never knew the difference!] The difference was the family lived within its means. Economical, yes, because of necessity and because of pride.

Likewise, it is impossible to keep up with the ever-changing appurtenances related to computers and cell phones and the cyberspace age. Keeping up because of a status situation can be severely damaging to the earning capacity of a family. The expectations of any member must be curtailed graciously with understanding in order to maintain financial stability. It is only natural to want to give as much as possible but it must be within reason.

Health/Cosmetics

"Hazardous to your health" appears on cigarette (and other tobacco products) today. The packaging might also add, "Hazardous to your pocketbook as well." Cut back on smoking to aid your health. Cut back also to aid your savings.

Have you checked out your toiletries lately? A quick look will produce a waste basket full in no time. A further review will provide a list of what NOT to buy as it is a waste. An immediate reduction can be made of the purchase of numerous bottles of aspirin, tubes of cream and all sorts of liniments and body curing remedies at enormous savings can be made. Purchase only what you need when you need it and then, compare shopping again.

CHANGE IS DIFFICULT

Most people fall into a habit or pattern both of which are very difficult to break or change. But today, with the constant pressure of rising prices but no rise in income, it is imperative to take heed and learn how to manage your finances. The burden of debt is a heavy one and not easily discarded. Above all, don't be embarrassed or feel uneasy to acknowledge that you cannot participate in certain costly events. An overhaul is urgently needed if you are in or nearing a financial crisis. Cautiously use judgment to avoid more embarrassing debt collections by taking steps to save money in whatever manner possible.

Once a new pattern is established with care and consideration it will become as easy to follow as the old one but definitely more advantageous to you. The little time and effort taken will prove to be a huge saving in many more ways than one.

Cowbella's Cue: The little cents you save here an' there now ... will add up to be a big dollar difference later. Once you're underway an' you can see savings accumulate you can begin to think of the future and how it will help when you reach the age of retirement, the "Golden Years".

Split Pea Soup (lyrics/J.Eagle)

Lyrics John Eagle / music & performance by edro On a moonless night The lights of the shrimp boats Are like floating stars In the blackest sky They are clear me In just the same way An arching jet stream Appears across a summer sky We know what they are Because we associate Connect the dots From a place as dark as night Yet we still fail to see That which is just as clear I smelled the change Long before it came It smelled like split pea soup With ham hocks and garlic Truth be known I'd smelled it before The only excuse can be I love split pea soup There is much I love And still love But as I sit on the quay I only see stars I see stars Stars that blink on the blackest sea Or is that just the sky? I am craving Split pea soup and you



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qy_08TNMm_0&hl=en

Soup - A Staple Food For Busy Vegetarians

If Japanese cooking is known for the sushi and noodles for the Chinese, vegetarians have soup as the foundation of vegetarian cooking. The soups' outcome particularly the taste greatly depends on the cook in mixing several of herbs and vegetables. Soup allows the cook to be free to create a variety of taste and texture. Soup, during the cooking process, draws out most of the nutrients of the ingredients and as a dish, it coincides with the highest nutritional standards as well as being healthy, satisfying and delicious.

Another big advantage when it comes to satisfying your vegetarian diet regime is that stews and soups are staples that greatly fit those on the busy lifestyles of a vegetarian. Vegetarians are still some of the busiest people, but with a crock pot, they can prepare themselves satisfying food in the quickest way possible. When it comes to soups, the leftovers are still good for the next usage when refrigerated and this makes these soup recipes ideal for snuggle fitting into the busy lifestyles of vegetarians.

Busy people, particularly vegetarians, need only to be just a bit creative when preparing soup recipes. In fact, it really works well when prepared in weekly quantities. Of course, you want your family to enjoy the best soup recipes every week. So you may start with basic soup stock and from there let your creativity take over from there. Use onions, garlic, and some vegetables like celery and carrot as foundation for your soup stock. You can put a variety of vegetables in your soup and surprise your guest or family on how great the taste really is.

Pretty much, vegetables like cabbage, potatoes, peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes and much more can totally spice up the way your soup tastes and can keep the soups from becoming boring for your family. Once you get your spices just right... your soup might just be a blockbuster. Just remember that every ingredient of your soup has reactions to the spices you put in it. You can actually change the tast of your soup with just a little addition of spices. For example, your tomato soup might turn vegetarian chili with a little chili powder and cumin. Add Mexican spices to make your mill bean soup a vegetarian raw soup.

Be creative. Experiment on the taste and spice usage and discover the personalities of every spice like parsley, cilantro, lemon extract, rosemary, thyme and oregano. Soups can actually give you a chance to put in some ingredients that your family is not used of eating. Since the main objective of vegetarian meal planning is to reach the nutritional requirements of your family, you can always add tofu, rice, beans, and others staples you like.

Even with the best of soups, your family will eventually get tired of soup when you cook soup too often. So you may want to experiment by thickening the soups into a tasty stew. Most cooks use flour or cornstarch to make the broth heartier and thicker before serving. Just be creative with your soup creations and you may surprise yourself with the results it may provide for your busy vegetarian lifestyle.

White Bean Soup Recipe With Ham Hocks : How to Soak White Beans

Learn how to soak the beans to make a ham hocks and white bean soup recipe in this free Southern food cooking video. Expert: David Postada Bio: David Postada is Chef and owner of the Big Easy Catering company in Santa Barbara, California. Filmmaker: Diana Bacon



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nw6sJr4x2Y&hl=en

Potato Soup Recipes : Ingredients for Country Potato Soup

Basic ingredients for Country Potato Souprecipe; find them all in this free online cooking video. Expert: Josiah Owen Bio: Josiah Owen has worked in the food service industry for the past 9 years. Josiahs cooking experience spans from Fast Food, Fine Dining, working as a Camp Chef to being a Kitchen Manager. Filmmaker: josiah owen



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8DcK3OntDk&hl=en

Leftovers - What Could Be Better?

With Thanksgiving a thing of the past for the year 2006, many of us already have several plastic containers, baggies and/or foil pouches in our refrigerators and freezers. I say "What could possibly be better?"

This year, due to surgeries and injuries, the three "top chefs" of the family decided to have this year's meal catered. Somehow we were still doling out literally cartons of food to family members as they departed. Being one of the usual cooks, I took home some of those said leftovers with definite thoughts on what I'd be doing with them to make not only the rest of the weekend easier, but quite probably most of the next week!

Here's what I took home and my plans for all of the packages:
1 whole peppercorn crusted and roasted turkey breast

3 huge roasted yams (One will be used in some Sweet Potato-Banana Bread, one I will split and stuff with some turkey and cranberry relish and send for the men's lunch)

1 quart fresh cranberry-orange relish

1 ham bone w/ about 1/2 pound of ham still attached (freezing to use in a traditional pea or lentil soup)

The first night for the three members of our household:
Just as they were packaged! Just slicing and reheating the turkey, one of the huge yams will serve all three of us and topping it with some of the cranberry relish. All I'm adding is a salad with romaine lettuce and tomatoes.

Second night:
Shredding about 3/4 of a pound of turkey and adding it to some store bought pasta sauce with mushrooms. Serving it over some linguine. Using some golden delicious apples and stuffing them with some of the relish and baking them as a side dish.

Third night:
Cutting the remaining turkey into chunks and stir-frying it with some bell peppers, onions, bean sprouts and sweet and sour sauce made with more of the cranberry relish. Serving it over brown rice and topping it with some toasted slivered almonds.

Fourth night:
Whatever's left will be made into "must go soup". This is an ever changing comfort food that my family has come to love. Depending on what's actually left in the refrigerator I simply put in the tidbits and add some sad looking vegetables, chicken stock and fresh herbs at the end. Serve it with some of my homemade award winning Sweet Potato Banana Bread. (recipe to follow)

By then it's time to go replenish the old homestead. Then I will add those lentils or split peas to my shopping list and defrost the ham bone and make a nice big pot of soup in the crockpot. Again, it will be served with the homemade quick bread.

With a little ingenuity, leftovers can be a wonderful thing! And now for your further enjoyment:

Sweet Potato-Banana Bread

Pre-heat oven to 350 and prepare two large loaf pans

2 C AP Flour

1/2 C whole wheat flour

1 tsp salt

1 tsp powder

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1 C mashed, roasted sweet potato or yam

1 C mashed banana (2-3)

1 C butter flavored shortening

1 C sugar

1 C packed brown sugar

4 eggs

2 tsp pure vanilla

1 tsp rum extract

In a medium bowl, stir together all dry ingredients and set aside. In another small bowl, combine the potato and banana, set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugars until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating until well mixed. Beat in vanilla and rum extracts. Alternately add flour mixture and banana mixture. Beat well after each addition. Divide batter and spread evenly into prepared pans.

Bake for 55-65 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in centers come out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes. Remove and cool completely on wire racks. Makes 2 loaves (32 servings)

Classic Clam Chowder

Broth and clams are contained in the several types of chowders and in making clam chowder you will need the basics like onions and potatoes occasionally sautéed from salt pork drippings. You will need very few types of vegetables such as small carrot strips which are primarily used for color. Celery is also frequently used. For garnish and flavoring, sometimes bay leaves are used.

In the olden days the reason why clams were used was because they were readily available and they were easy to collect. From what used to be a year round requirement for Catholics, making clam chowder was usually done on Fridays in restaurants purposely as an option for sea foods especially for people not taking meat during lent. In England for example, clam chowder was made using bacon or salt pork, hardtack or flour, onion, clams and potatoes.

A 1939 bill in England made it illegal to add tomato in clam chowder. In Manhattan it was a different affair since tomato was used for flavor and for the red color. It was referred to as New York clam chowder in the 1890s. It was later in the 1900s that the name Manhattan clam chowder was adopted from people in Maine. Making chowder has been done since the 18th century, the origin being in England.

Being a traditional of their cuisine, it is said that the idea of adding tomatoes in place of milk was introduced by the Portuguese who had migrated from the Rhodes Island. There are many types of chowders depending on the making clam chowder style that you prefer to use. There are restaurants which are known to have their own unique chowders that do not imitate any type of chowder from any country.

What they use to serve with the chowder is hexagonal small oyster crackers or saltine crackers. In the San Francisco it is served with sourdough bread bowls. Regions which have their own unique ways of making chowder are Rhodes Island's clam chowder which has a clear broth, Minorca clam chowder which has a tomato broth base, Outer Banks etc.

Some of the ingredients that are used in making classic chowder, you require olive oil, 1/2 cup white wine, 1/2 cup lemon juice, 3 cups water, 2 cups of heavy cream.

The Other ingredients that you need include 2 smashed garlic cloves, 1 chopped onion, 1 bay leaf, 6 sprigs fresh thyme, 4 slices chopped bacon, 2 Idaho peeled and diced potatoes, 2 minced garlic cloves, common cracker recipe follows, salt and freshly ground black pepper.

15 bean soup

good too



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGvspacTw04&hl=en

Getting Rid of the Stomach Fat

How to start getting rid of the stomach fat is a question which seems to be more complicated than a long mathematical equation. And it may get complicated and difficult to solve just like a mathematical equation IF the rules applied are not correct.

The quickest and Easiest way to lose fat is relative to what you consider quick and easy. While there are no true fixes, there are definitely strategies and rules that you can apply to get your goals the best way.

First of all lets start off with the first rule..

1. To lose weight you must create a caloric deficit in your body.in simple words, you must eat less calories than you are burning in a 24 hour time period.

2. Get good at rule number 1 and you wont need anything else.

Calories are burnt doing everything and anything. Working, walking, brushing your teeth, typing on your keyboard,sitting idle... EVERYTHING. Even thinking burns calories.Thought requires glucose transfer and neurochemical production and synapses to fire. All require calories to be burnt to make it happen.

This does not mean that I recommend thinking your way to lose fat. Although you are burning calories when thinking, its not an efficient way to lose fat. Efficiency is time spent vs. results received.

There are two ways of creating a caloric deficit:

1) Increase activity

2) Lower calorie intake

Although you can use either method mentioned above, it is better to use a combination of both.

I am giving you a few tips on how to use both to do so...

1) INCREASE ACTIVITY First of all, you need to get moving. Do high intensity exercises, high intensity exercises has been shown to beat the pants off low intensity, long duration carsio. it quite simply gives you the most calorie burn for the time you spend exercising.

A person preforming 20 minutes of high intensity exercises will burn more calories than someone performing low intensity exercise at the end of a 24 hours time frame. This is due to metabolic changes in the body, including exercises post post oxygen consumption. Basically this amounts to a higher metabolic rate all day long. At the end of the day you can easily create an extra 300-500 calorie burn through high intensity exercise. Add to this the deficit we are going to create with lowering intake, and you"ll be ready for swim suit season in no time.

Lets take a look At a second way of creating a caloric deficit.

2) LOWERING CALORIE INTAKE- Now, depending on your personal experience, this may seems like the tougher of the two ways to create the deficit. What I"ll do here is give you the easiest and most effective way to lower calorie intake. Lowering calorie intake does not mean suffering. It means making wiser choices about your total intake. This could be as easy as exchanging regular sugar filled beverages for the diet versions.

A pound of body fat is equivalent to about 3,500 calories. So if you cut 100 calories a day by reducing the intake of calories plus the 300 approx. calories burnt by working out for 31 days, you're cutting 12,400 calories--or about approx. 4 pounds. WOW!

Losing 4 pound a month doesn't require drastic changes in your eating habits. It can be as simple as eating two egg rolls with your Chinese stir-fry instead of three. Here are 100 painless ways to cut 100 or more calories a day. As a bonus, they all reduce fat or sugar, which means, calorie for calorie, you're getting more vitamins and minerals.

1. Spread 1 tablespoon of all-fruit jam on your toast rather than 1 1/2 tablespoons of butter.

2. Replace 1 cup of whole milk with 1/2 cup of nonfat milk.

3. Eat 2 poached eggs instead of 2 fried eggs.

4. Replace 1/2 cup of granola with 2 cups of Cheerios.

5. Instead of using whole milk and eggs to prepare 2 slices of French toast, use nonfat milk and egg whites.

6. Snack on an orange and a banana instead of a Snickers candy bar.

7. Munch on 35 pretzel sticks instead of 1 ounce of dry-roasted peanuts.

8. Replace 1 cup of sweetened applesauce with 1 cup of unsweetened applesauce.

9. On your lamb-and-vegetable kabob, replace 2 of the 4 chunks of meat with fresh whole mushrooms.

10. Dip an artichoke in 1 tablespoon of low-fat mayonnaise instead of 1 1/2 tablespoons of regular mayonnaise.

11. Steam your asparagus rather than sauté it in 1 tablespoon of butter or oil.

12. Instead of a 5-ounce glass of wine, opt for cherry-flavored sparkling water.

13. For a chewy snack, have 1/2 cup of dried fruit rather than 9 caramels.

14. Replace 3 slices of bacon with 3 slices of Light & Lean Canadian bacon.

15. Eat a Lender's egg bagel instead of a Sara Lee egg bagel.

16. Select 1 cup of home-style baked beans instead of an equal serving of baked beans with franks.

17. Replace 2 biscuits with 2 dinner rolls.

18. When making a sandwich, use 2 slices of Roman Light 7-grain bread instead of Pepperidge Farm wheat bread.

19. Eat 1/2 cup of steamed fresh broccoli instead of 1/2 cup of frozen broccoli in cheese sauce.

20. Make a burrito with 1/2 cup of fat-free re fried beans and 1 ounce of nonfat cheese instead of the same amount of traditional re fried beans and cheese.

21. Replace an apple muffin with a high-fiber English muffin.

22. Reduce a typical serving of chocolate cake (1/8 of a two-layer cake) by one-third.

23. Switch from 1 cup of whole-milk hot chocolate to 1 cup of steamed 1% milk flavored with a dash of almond extract.

24. Replace 1 cup of caramel-coated popcorn with 2 1/2 cups of air-popped popcorn.

25. Switch from 1/2 cup of yogurt-covered raisins to 1/2 cup of plain raisins.

26. Snack on 1 cup of nonfat plain yogurt instead of 1 cup of custard-style yogurt.

27. Top your celery sticks with 2 tablespoons of fat-free cream cheese instead of 3 tablespoons of regular cream cheese.

28. Replace 2 fried-chicken drumsticks with 2 roasted drumsticks and a cup of peas and carrots.

29. Instead of eating 5 chocolate-chip cookies, savor the taste of 2.

30. Lighten your 2 cups of coffee with 2 tablespoons of evaporated nonfat milk instead of 2 tablespoons of half-and-half.

31. Replace a 12-ounce can of cola with a 12-ounce can of diet cola.

32. Thicken your cream sauce with 1 percent milk and corn starch instead of a roux of butter and flour.

33. At the appetizer tray, choose 4 fresh raw mushrooms instead of 4 batter-fried mushrooms.

34. Use 2 tablespoons of fat-free sour cream instead of regular sour cream (on baked potatoes or in stroganoff). If done twice in the day, 100 calories will be cut.

35. Reduce the size of your steak from 4 1/2 ounces to 3 ounces.

36. Grill a cheese sandwich with nonstick cooking spray instead of margarine.

37. Replace 1 cup of chocolate ice cream with 2/3 cup of nonfat chocolate frozen yogurt.

38. Snack on 2 ounces of oven-baked potato chips instead of regular potato chips.

39. Instead of topping your salad with an ounce of croutons, get your crunch from 1/4 cup of chopped celery.

40. Instead of 1 cup of macaroni salad, eat 3 1/2 cups of spinach salad with 2 tablespoons of low-calorie dressing.

41. Cut the peanut butter on your sandwich from 2 tablespoons to 1 tablespoon.

42. Serve your turkey with 1/4 cup of cranberry sauce instead of 1/2 cup.

43. Order a sandwich on cracked wheat bread instead of a croissant.

44. Complement your hamburger with 1 1/4 ounces of oven-baked tortilla chips instead of a side of fries.

45. Split an apple Danish with a friend rather than eat the entire thing.

46. Order 2 slices of cheese pizza instead of 2 slices of pepperoni pizza.

47. Grab a Dole Fresh Lites Cherry frozen fruit bar instead of a Sunkist Coconut frozen fruit bar.

48. Snack on 1/2 cup of fruit cocktail canned in water instead of 1 cup of fruit cocktail canned in heavy syrup.

49. Switch from 1 cup of fruit punch to 1 cup of sparkling water flavored with 2 teaspoons of concentrated orange juice.

50. Instead of eating garlic bread made with butter, spread baked garlic cloves on French bread.

51. Rather than snack on 1 cup of grapefruit canned in syrup, peel and section 1 small grapefruit.

52. Dip your chips in 1/2 cup of salsa instead of 1/2 cup of guacamole.

53. Switch from 1/2 cup of Frozen Glade butter pecan ice cream to Brewers butter pecan ice cream.

54. Use 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise in your tuna salad instead of 2 tablespoons.

55. Hold the tartar sauce on your fish sandwich, and squeeze lemon on it instead.

56. Replace 3 fish sticks with 3 ounces of grilled halibut.

57. In sandwich spreads or salads, use 3 teaspoons of mayonnaise instead of 4 teaspoons of mayonnaise.

58. Use 2 tablespoons of light pancake syrup instead of 2 tablespoons of regular syrup.

59. Top your pasta with 1 cup of marinara sauce instead of 1/2 cup of Alfredo sauce.

60. For each serving of pasta salad you make, reduce the oil or mayonnaise by 1 tablespoon.

61. Replace 1/2 cup of peaches canned in extra-heavy syrup with 1/2 cup of peaches canned in water.

62. Prepare 1/2 cup of steamed peas and cauliflower instead of frozen peas and cauliflower in cream sauce.

63. Cut back on sampling during cooking. The following "tastes" have 100 calories: 4 tablespoons of beef stroganoff, 3 tablespoons of homemade chocolate pudding, 2 tablespoons of chocolate-chip cookie dough.

64. At an Italian restaurant, snack on a large bread stick instead of a slice of garlic bread.

65. Eat a 3/4-cup serving of pudding made with skim milk rather than a 1-cup serving of pudding made with whole milk.

66. Choose 1/2 cup of brown rice instead of 1 serving of frozen rice pilaf with green beans or 1 serving of frozen Oriental rice and vegetables.

67. Compliment your sandwich with 3/4 cup of split-pea soup instead of 1 cup of chunky bean and ham soup.

68. Replace 3 tablespoons of strawberry topping on your ice cream with 3/4 pint of fresh strawberries.

69. Pass on the second helping of mashed potatoes.

70. Eat 3 grilled prawns with cocktail sauce instead of 3 breaded and fried prawns.

71. Make a pie crust with 1 cup of Grape-Nuts cereal, 1/4 cup of concentrated apple juice and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon, instead of using a traditional graham-cracker crust. You'll save 100 calories per slice.

72. Replace 8 sticks of regular chewing gum with sugar-free chewing gum.

73. Snack on a papaya instead of a bag of M&Ms.

74. Substitute 3 ounces of scallops for 3 ounce of lean beef in your stir-fry.

75. Rather than spread 4 tablespoons of cream cheese on two slices of raisin bread, dip the bread in 1/2 cup nonfat apple-cinnamon yogurt.

76. Munch on 1 cup of frozen grapes instead of an ice cream sandwich.

77. Rather than drink a strawberry milkshake, make a smoothie of 2/3 cup of low-fat milk, 1/2 cup of strawberries and 1/2 a banana.

78. Replace 2 brownies with 2 fig bars.

79. Eat 2 meatballs instead of 4 with your spaghetti.

80. On a hot day, quench your thirst with a glass of ice water with lemon or mint instead of a can of light beer.

81. Eat 1/2 cup of black beans instead of 3 ounces of roast beef.

82. Replace 1 1/2 tablespoons of I Can't Believe It's Not Butter spread with 1 1/2 tablespoons of Nucoa Smart Beat margarine.

83. Choose 1 serving of vegetarian lasagna instead of lasagna with meat.

84. Eat 2 Kellogg's Nutria-Grain bars instead of 2 Kellogg's Pop-Tarts.

85. Drizzle 3 tablespoons of low-calorie French dressing on your salad instead of 2 tablespoons of blue cheese dressing.

86. Replace 1 large flour tortilla with 1 six-inch corn tortilla.

87. Eat a turkey sandwich instead of a chicken salad sandwich.

88. Choose 4 1/2 ounces of tuna packed in water instead of 4 1/2 ounces of tuna packed in oil.

89. At Burger King, have a Whopper Jr. Sandwich with regular fries instead of a Whopper With Cheese Sandwich.

90. Order your Quarter Pounder without cheese.

91. At Jack in the Box, eat a regular taco instead of a super taco.

92. Fix 1 cup of turkey chili with beans rather than regular chili with no beans.

93. Use 1 cup of fat-free cottage cheese instead of regular cottage cheese.

94. Order a sandwich with barbecued chicken instead of barbecued pork.

95. Replace 1 cup of corn with 1 cup of carrots.

96. Reduce your helping of turkey stuffing from 1 cup to 2/3 cup.

97. Have a single scoop of ice cream instead of a double scoop.

98. Replace 2 ounces of corn chips with 2 ounces of SnackWell's wheat crackers.

99. Eat 1 hot dog at the baseball game instead of 2.

100. Shred 2 ounces of fat-free cheddar cheese on nachos instead of regular cheddar.