this and that

This and That - May 2008

Well, it’s May, time for Mother’s Day—a day most women relish as a day without cooking. Not me. My perfect day is a day without dishes, which is just one reason to love a picnic—where paper is always in order. Other reasons? There’s something romantic and playful about eating outside (for one you can take the dog). When you share your meal with Mother Nature, you can’t get too uptight about tableware and place settings. Food also tastes better outdoors—maybe because we’re more attentive to what we’re eating without the TV blaring. We recommend making our Lemon Chicken and Sesame Noodles (page 14), both of which are made ahead, then popped in the fridge until you’re ready to pack them. Or serve the Flourless Chocolate Cake (page 25) outdoors—no woman will argue with chocolate, no matter where it’s served.

-Jill Melton, Editor

“Catching” Obesity: Women who hang out with overweight girlfriends can start to think it’s OK to be obese and are apt to gain weight. Men can be influenced by other men, even if they’re not friends. But between the sexes, there’s no effect. (Nutrition Action)

A Better Burger
If you’re grilling burgers for dinner, try making them ahead. Form into patties, stack in between layers of wax or parchment paper and freeze. You can make a lower fat burger by using a lower fat beef (round or sirloin or buffalo), and they won’t shrink as much and will stay moister, too.

How Burgers Stack Up

ounces cooked	Fat (grams)	Calories
Ground buffalo	9	200
Ground chuck	23	290
Ground round	9	192
Ground turkey (breast)	7	140

Cool Tool
We love the small spoon-size rubber spatula from AR+COOK. The ergonomic metal handle fits much better in your palm than the typical flat wooden handle, and the shape of the rubber head (heatproof, no doubt) fits between beaters and into small bowls like a charm. Plus, its vibrant orange color stands out among your other utensils.

For more of our favorite tools and to tell us YOUR favorite kitchen tool, visit our blogs.