this and that

This and That March 2009

To Do: Read Relish
Most of us live in a sea of "to do" lists. So what could be more helpful than an issue of lists on how to eat better? Better meaning a lot of things—tastier, healthier, cheaper, faster, even "funner."

One of my ways to eat better is to write down a week's worth of menus on a big chalkboard that hangs over my kitchen table. Food Stylist Teresa Blackburn recommends filling your kitchen with music. (I agree—it's world's better than SpongeBob). Recipe Tester Liz Shenk suggests eating a simple plant-based diet. Sales Rep Sandi Baylis keeps a bowl of cherry tomaotes on her counter instead of high fat nuts. Spry Editor Lisa Delaney eats like a child—she carries Cheerios in a plastic bag when traveling. And Relish Food Editor Candace Floyd advises "cook your own food—don't eat out." Our selection of convenience food products with tips and recipes on page 10 and our quick soups on page 4 make that easy to do.

What are your ways to eat better? Write us at editorial@relishmag.com

-Jill Melton, Editor-in-Chief

Read It & Eat
5 book-food matches from The Book Club Cookbook by Judy Gelman and Vicki Levy:
1. The Secret Life of Bees  by Sue Monk Kidd - Honey Cake.
2. Life of Pi by Yann Martel - Tandoori Shrimp.
3. Snow Falling on Cedars  by David Guterson - Mrs. Shibayama’s Fresh Strawberry Pie.
4. The Da Vinci Code  by Dan Brown - Death by Chocolate Cake.
5. Cane River by Lalita Tademy - Joan and Lalita’s Peach Cobbler.
For the top 100 books that book clubs found most provocative, along with recipe pairings, go to bookclubcookbook.com 

-Monica Bhide

8 REASONS TO HEAD FOR  THE KITCHEN
1. Have it your way. Really. Despite the fast food restaurant slogan, the only real way to “have it your way” is to cook it yourself.

2. Money, money, money. Anyone who’s scanned a menu knows that eating out is far more expensive than eating at home.

3. Boost your ego. Whip up something glorious, and bask in the raves that follow. Then just try to remember the last time someone praised you for scrubbing out the toilet.

4. Real cooks don’t get fat. (Ditto for their families.) There’s no shortage of studies that link restaurant meals to obesity. One survey claims that kids gobbled up 55 percent more calories in a restaurant meal than in a home-cooked meal.

5. Be a control freak. The surest way to gain control of what you’re eating is to cook it up yourself.

6. Eliminate stress. Cooking is the ultimate stress-buster. Kick off the shoes. Light a candle. Pour a glass of wine. Stirring risotto can be downright meditative.

7. Cooks are unforgettable. We all have lasting food memories: Bubbie’s chicken soup, Aunt Ruth’s oatmeal cookies. If you’re lucky enough to have kids, pull them up to the counter. Immortality can be yours if you’re willing to stir things up.

8. Your dog will love you for it. Never mind who walks the dog or buys the squeaky toys. In our experience, dogs go straight for the master whose hands smell like garlic and bacon. A dog’s best friend is whoever’s at the cutting board.

-Jo Marshall

4 Ways to Eat out Healthier
1. The Colonel is adding a grilled option. Kentucky Grilled Chicken will have between 60 to 180 calories and 3 to 9 grams of fat per piece. That’s a substantial savings from Original Recipe® which has between 130 to 360 calories and 8 to 24 grams of fat.

2. Starbucks added Perfect Oatmeal last fall. With 140 calories and 4 grams fiber,
it’s a slam-dunk. Jamba Juice is adding oatmeal too.

3. Check out Baskin-Robbins new healthful ice cream called Bright Choices, which includes reduced-fat/no-sugar-added ice cream,
sorbet and fat-free frozen yogurt.

4. Pizza Hut has introduced The Natural, a pizza made with all natural ingredients and a multi-grain crust.

-Dr. Jo Lichten, R.D.

1 Great Show
Tune into NPR’s The Splendid Table with Lynne Rosetta Kasper for an hour of recipes, tips and yummy food. To find a station in your area, go to splendidtable.publicradio.org

Beet This
Wrap beets in foil. Toss in the oven at 400F for 30 minutes. Rub off skin. Cut into wedges and toss with arugula, feta and walnuts.

Food for Thought

A nickel will get you on the subway, but garlic will get you a seat.  -Old New York Proverb
Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day; teach him how to fish and you can get rid of him the entire weekend. -Zenna Schaffer
Never eat more than you can lift. -Miss Piggy