Thursday, January 24, 2013

Oh, snap! That's my jam!

I really want to try this recipe.  Over half the items can be found in my kitchen.  Including the crockpot.  Oh, the joys of having a well stocked pantry!!

OK, so I don't have pounds, and pounds of tomatoes stowed away, because that goes beyond being well stocked.  It would also make me weird.  Obsessively, stocking tomatoes...Anyhow. I got to try some tomato jam at Waffle & Wolf in Brooklyn.  Now, Waffle & Wolf is by no means a low calorie dining experience... You're eating waffle sandwiches, filled to the brim with some indulgent toppings and ingredients.  But, when you are eating well overall, indulgence has a place, too, in your diet.

Oh myyyyyyyyyyyy....


Sadly, I won't be able to eat there everyday.  It's not close to me, and again, it's more of an indulgence than a staple.  That's why I really want to make some tomato jam.  First, I like saying it... Tomato Jammmmmmmmm!  Also, it packs a lot of flavor, being both sweet and savory, so I could use it in multiple ways, and use on healthier eats....top off whole wheat breads, make mini waffle sandwiches at home, add bit of oil as and turn it into a salad dressing...

Oh man, I have to start stocking tomatoes.

Monday, January 21, 2013

It's all Greek to me...

Greek Yogurt has been sprouting all over the place. You name it: supermarkets, Duane Reade, commercials, even a store in Times Square. But, what is it?

Greek yogurt is yogurt with less whey than regular yogurt. Whey, the liquid part, is mostly strained out. The majority of what remains is the curd (the other stuff that little Miss Muffet digs). It has less calcium than regular plain yogurt, but 2x the protein. This makes in an excellent snack or side accompaniment to a meal. The plain types can also be swapped for fattier dairy products in various recipes, such as sour cream.

As popularity of Greek yogurt increases, be leery of bars, dips, sauces made with Greek yogurt; they may contain little next to no yogurt at all. If you want the full benefit, stick with the yogurt itself. Best picks are kinds that have 0-2% fat. Some types are fruit flavored, or have fruit flavored packets that you can add in on the side. Just be sure to read the Nutrition Facts label to make sure it's added fruit, not added extra sugars and calories. A 6 oz cup should range about 120-190 calories, give or take.

I personally like to take a container, or just a ½ cup serving, and add vanilla, sweetener, spice, a tad of olive oil and dump it on a halved banana. It’s my version of a healthy “banana split,” and a well rounded side or snack with fiber, calcium and protein.

If Greek yogurt isn’t for you a la carte, try adding it to your favorite smoothie recipe, or cooking with it. Despite the changes I make in my diet, Greek yogurt remains a staple. The Greeks gave us democracy, the Olympics, and John Stamos! They must be onto something.