Preportioning is a great way to enjoy homemade food in moderation. Portioning meals also allows for easy transportation in lunch boxes or dinner at grandma’s house.
Prep and cook once, then enjoy over and over.
Grab the good deal: From a jumbo pack of pork chops to a whole beef tenderloin or a side of salmon, main ingredients are the perfect place to start when looking for cooking inspiration., Even if you’re not going to cook up all that meal or fish now, in just a few minutes you can create individual filets for the fridge or freezer.
Divide and conquer: Whip up super-size batches of favorite recipes, then package in smaller size portions. That way, whether you’re setting a table for one or cooking for company, it’s easy to thaw just the right amount.
For more ideas and time-saving techniques, visit www.glad.com.
Healthy alternatives
Don’t want to blow your diet this season? Try incorporating these healthy habits into your eating choices.
* When entertaining, include plenty of fruits, vegetables and grains. Make low-fat dips with plenty of fresh veggies.
* Include fat-free and low-fat dairy products in holiday menus and cooking.
* A handful of almonds, low-fat yogurt, fresh fruit or a homemade snack mix made with a salt-free seasoning blend is a good health alternative to many of the high-fat, high-calorie snacks during the holidays.
* Emphasize time spent with family instead of food.
* Drink plenty of water.
* Balance physical activity with calorie intake.
* Limit foods high in saturated fat, trans-fatty acids and cholesterol.
* At the grocery store, look for foods that do not list hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oil in the contents on their food label.
Symbolic foods
Many foods carry special symbolism in the Chinese culture. Whether it’s Chinese New Year or any other special occasion, serving these dishes can bring good fortune to everyone at your table.
* Noodles reflect long life, the longer the noodle, the stronger its symbolism.
* Chicken symbolizes happiness and is said to lead to a long, happy marriage.
* Peanuts and green beans both stand for longevity.
* The word “shrimp” sounds like the word for “laughter” in Chinese, so eating shrimp is associated with joy and happiness.
* Oranges and tangerines symbolize wealth and prosperity.
* Dumplings and pot stickers convey good wishes.
That’s why they’re ‘gifts’
Practical or whimsical? You make the call:
Tierra Negra, the handsome earthen cookware from Colombia, can be used on any stovetop or in the microwave. We tried the 15-inch wok ($74.95), which was light and easy to use (after a slight seasoning step); there’s also a small lidded casserole ($34.95); at Crate &Barrel stores or go to www.crateandbarrel.com.
A hot beverage inside causes some of our rights to go missing temporarily on a ceramic Disappearing Civil Liberties mug; microwave-safe (but not dishwasher-safe), $12 each; www.uncommongoods.com, or 888-365-0056.
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