Turkey Day is a Comin'

The biggest cooking day of the year is just around the corner.  Whether you are preparing dinner for a crowd or just a small gathering, Thanksgiving is still a big day.  Families come together from all across the country; over the river and through the woods...Family is what Thanksgiving is all about.  After all who we have around the table is more important than what is on the table.

Still food plays an important role in bringing people together, so, are you doing a giant turkey with all the traditional trimmings?  Or do you cook outside the box, making a local favorite, a family specialty or an ethnic delight?

Usually, we have several dinners.  One with my husband's family; they really like to do up the traditional dinner, with china, crystal, silver and lighted candles.  Some of the sides vary from year to year, but there are standards like curried onions.  This was something the boys' mother made, and now they are a much-liked regular. Either before or after this, we get together with friends for a less elaborate feast.  Last year I made a roast chicken, mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, rolls, and pumpkin pie.

Just in time for the big day, my Penzeys catalog arrived yesterday with a special line up of seasonings for your Turkey roasting pleasure.  There is a traditional poultry seasoning, a Bangkok blend to add a Thai-style flavor to your bird, and their Bicentennial rub full of tasty spices and golden color.
  
I've created several delicious dishes based on some of their seasoning blends.  Check out their link for more holiday cooking ideas, and for under $8 you can share the joy of Penzeys spices with a delightful mini 4-pack.  Offer good through December 31, 2009.

I'd love to hear your Thanksgiving stories in the comment section.

Cranberry Juice: Fab or Fad?

I have never been a fan of cranberries or cranberry juice.  I thought it had a harsh, strong taste that I didn't like.  I am the one who always passes on the cranberry sauce at Thanksgiving.  When I accidentally picked up a cranberry muffin, I picked all the cranberries out...yuck.  Well, I am proof of how your taste can change over time, although my change stems somewhat from a desire for healthier living, as well as a change in taste buds.

As such, I have been researching the health benefits of cranberry juice, beyond bladder infections, and have found that cranberry juice benefits a whole host of other issues.  It is high in antioxidants and vitamin C, which is why it is so good at fighting off infections including respiratory and middle ear infections.  For instance, some studies show that it changes the E. Coli bacteria in ways that prevent it from causing infection. 

Cranberries are also heart-wise.  The antioxidants may protect the heart by lowering bad cholesterol, relaxing blood vessels, and reducing plaque buildup in the arteries.  Seems like a good reason to drink it to me.

Cranberries contain a compound shown to kill or inhibits the growth of cancer cells in the laboratory.  It is not known if this can be repeated outside the lab. Drinking cranberry juice, however, will not cure cancer.

We have touched on some of the ways cranberries are good for us.  Later we will explore the cranberry from a culinary view.

Just Another Monday

It dawned a clear sunny day here.  It's really nice after all the dreary days last week.  Not that I am complaining about the rain after all the drought we've had the last several years, but a little balance is nice.  

About 5 years ago, we had an extended dreary period.  My husband was out of town a lot, and I had no family left in town so I was, for all practical purposes, alone except for my cats.  Every day I hoped for sunshine, and every day it was dark and dreary.  I'd rather it had rained and gotten it over with.  I had never before considered how the lack of sun could affect one's mood.  There is a real medical condition caused by the lack of sunlight called SAD (seasonal affective disorder).

These are the symptoms of SAD.

• Afternoon slumps with decreased energy and concentration
• Carbohydrate cravings
• Decreased interest in work or other activities
• Depression that starts in fall or winter
• Increased appetite with weight gain
• Increased sleep and excessive daytime sleepiness
• Lack of energy
• Slow, sluggish, lethargic movement
• Social withdrawal

I'm pretty sure I didn't have it, or if I did it was very mild.  I was definitely down in the dumps, though, and sad in the normal sense of the word.  I felt a keen sense of boredom even though there was, and always is, plenty to do around my house.  I did the chores, and worked in the yard, as it was fall, and the leaves were coming down, but I was always waiting for something...When this weather pattern finally broke and the sun came out, I cheered up somewhat.  Now I was still alone most of the time, but things did seem better.  I had read about SAD before, but hadn't experienced the glumness.  I believe it is a very real condition, and thankfully I didn't have it full out.

For those truly affected, there are treatments such as antidepressants and light therapy, and it will clear up on its own with the change in seasons.  Sometimes, however, SAD can progress to a major depression syndrome.

There is a lot of data on the internet about seasonal depression.  Check here for more information, or search on "Seasonal Affective Disorder".

I'm not a doctor and have no medical knowledge on this subject, so please seek professional help if you feel you may be affected by SAD.

Quote of the Week

Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.  

- Albert Camus

This is, indeed, a new way of looking at the fall season.  The turning leaves are just as colorful and compelling as first flowers of spring.  Though beautiful, I always feel a sadness for the passing leaves, as summer passes and winter waits just around the corner.

Junk Mail Is Not Trash!

How many of you get a mailbox full of unsolicited ads, catalogs, credit card applications, etc.?  The other question is what do you do with it?  Do you just toss it, unopened, in the trash?  Do you sort out the personal, financial stuff, and trash the rest?

I know it's a pain to process this unwanted barrage of junk mail.  Opening, sorting, shredding (we're all aware of identity theft) and recycling.  Did you know you can even recycle your shredded material?  Just place it in a bag that can be secured so it doesn't blow out.

Not only does recycling save space in our landfills and conserve our natural resources, it helps conserve energy, water and cuts down on air and water pollution.  We have but one planet, and its resources are not without limit.

The goal for paper recycling is to recover 60% of paper consumed by Americans by 2012. 

For more information on recycling, Paperrecycles.org has a section on frequently asked questions and other recycling facts, and Curb to Consumer has videos on paper recycling.