As seen on KMGH - TV 7
May 11, 2010
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
Channel 7 May 11, 2010
1. What is Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month?
The month recognizes focuses national attention on the concerns, contributions and history of Americans of Asian and Pacific Islander descent in the United States. Chance to showcase a vibrant and very diverse culture.
2. Why was May chosen?
The month of May was chosen to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese to the United States on May 7, 1843, and to mark the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869. The majority of the workers who laid the tracks in the west, including my great-grandfather, were Chinese immigrants.
3. When you say Asian-Pacific American, what groups does that term encompass? A rather broad term, Asian-Pacific includes people from the entire Asian continent and the many Pacific islands of Melanesia including Fiji, and the Solomon Islands, Micronesia and Polynesia.
3. How did start?
Like most commemorative months, Asian-Pacific Heritage Month originated in a congressional bill. In 1977, a resolution was introduced to proclaim the first ten days of May as Asian-Pacific Heritage Week. In 1978, President Jimmy Carter signed a resolution designating the annual celebration. Twelve years later, President George H.W. Bush signed an extension making the week-long celebration into a month-long celebration.
5. How will it be recognized in Denver?
There are many events, some of which are open and free to the public, as well as ticketed performances. One free event to note is: Asian Roundtable's Asian Pacific Heritage Month Community Celebration. Saturday, May 15, Noon to 3 p.m, Wells Fargo Hershner Room, 1700 Lincoln St., Denver. Includes food and performances.
The Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Project kicks off its inaugural tour to educate students across five local elementary schools about AAPI history on May 10. Cultural performances from various countries will take place, Le said, including taiko drumming from local group Mirai Daiko. There will be presentations and teachers will be given weeklong lesson plans focusing on AAPI history. In addition, organizers will hang posters that will stay in the schools throughout May.
For a listing of more events go to the Channel 7 website. (These can be listed on website. List is below.)
6. And like in all cultures, food is always an important part of any celebration.
Today I have brought samples of dishes from an appropriately named cookbook, The Asian Grandmothers Cookbook. The author gathered treasured family recipes from Asian grandmothers of all Asian ethnicities from all over the United States, including two recipes from my 94 year old mom.
Beef, Tomato and Pepper Stir-fry (mom’s)
Steamed Beef Meatballs with Tangerine Peel (mom’s)
Chinese Broccoli in Oyester Sauce
Rice Cooker Casserole (demonstrate)
Cultural Events in celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
Asian Roundtable's Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Community Celebration
Date: Saturday, May 15
Time: Noon to 3 p.m.
Place: Wells Fargo Hershner Room, 1700 Lincoln St., Denver
Price: Free and open to the public
For more information, call Peggy Yujiri at 303-931-2034 or Lily Shen at 720-256-8888.
11th annual Indian Dance Festival
Date: Saturday, May 15
Time: 4:30 p.m.
Place: Abraham Lincoln High School, 2285 S. Federal Blvd., Denver, 80219
Cost: $15/preferred seating; $8/general seating; $5/students (with valid ID), children under 10 and senior citizens
Organized by the Kerala Association of Colorado. For more information, go to www.colorkerala.org.
Pan-Asian Events
Asian Student Alliance presents eXpressions
Date: Wednesday, May 12
Time: 6 p.m.
Place: Davis Auditorium in Sturm Hall on the DU campus
Cost: Free and open to the public
2010 Asian-American Heroes of Colorado ceremony and brunch
Date: Saturday, May 15
Time: 11 a.m.
Place: Saigon Landing, 6585 Greenwood Village Blvd., Greenwood Village, 80111
Cost: $20
2010 Miss Colorado Asian Pacific American Pageant
Date: Saturday, May 15
Time: 5 to 9:30 p.m.
Place: Lakewood Culture Center, 470 South Allison Parkway, Lakewood, 80226
Price: $20/seniors and students; $25/silver; $50/gold; $100/VIP
For more information, go to www.cocnews.com/misscoloradoasian.
12th annual Asian Model Mother's awards ceremony
Date: Sunday, May 16
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Place: Empress Seafood Restaurant, 2825 W. Alameda Ave., Denver, 80219
Cost: $25/adult; $20/senior
The Denver Chinese Culture Center and CACEN (Colorado Asian Culture & Education Network) will host the 12th Annual Asian Model Mother's Awards Ceremony. Please make reservations with Nai-Li Yee at 303-368-7866.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Monday, March 15, 2010
Licking the Salt Habit
Before surging obesity rates made villains of trans fats and sugars, salt was the big nutritional bad guy in the American diet, linked to hypertension, heart disease and stroke.
• Then waistlines expanded, and the focus shifted to fats and sugars.
• Aware that Americans' salt consumption has risen by 50 % over the past 40 years largely because of an increased reliance on a diet of processed and restaurant foods, public health experts and politicians are attempting to put the spotlight back on salt and its harmful health effects.
• The latest big bad wolf in the American diet – SALT – current hot nutrition topic
Recent research shows that overall health in the United States could be significantly improved with only a modest reduction in the annual consumption of salt.
• A recent study published in January this year in the New England Journal of Medicine - calculated the benefits of a decrease.
• If everyone consumed half a teaspoon less salt per day, there would be between 54,000 and 99,000 fewer heart attacks each year and between 44,000 and 92,000 fewer deaths
• High levels of sodium are linked to hypertension, which leads to heart disease.
The definitions
• The terms salt and sodium are related but not interchangeable.
• Sodium refers to the chemical element, with 2,300 milligrams as the recommended daily allowance.
• Salt, refers specifically to sodium chloride -- 40 percent sodium and 60 percent chloride.
How much are we eating?
• Most Americans consume estimated average intake of 3,436 mg per day.
• 2009 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that more than 2 out of 3 adults are in population groups that should consume no more than 1,500 milligrams .
• These include people with high blood pressure, the elderly and African-Americans according to government recommendations.
• 1500 mg is also the amount the American Heart Association recommends.
• Everyone else should set a limit of 2,300 mg per day-equivalent of 1 teaspoon of table salt.
• Sodium equivalents in salt. <¾ teaspoon salt (AHA value); 1 1/2/ teaspoon salt (actual aver. Intake); <1 cup salt (aver. monthly intake)
Some controversy
• Not every expert in the field of salt science is persuaded that sodium reduction is necessary.
• Sodium is essential in regulating water balance, pH (acid balance), normal pressure in the fluids surrounding cells and in nerve transition.
• Health change, smoking would be No. 1 and salt intake would be somewhere well below it.
• Yet already the mayors of New York City and San Francisco are asking that restaurants in their cities voluntarily lower sodium content of the meals served.
• Theory that small changes in salt, such as lowering content in tomato sauce or breads and cereals by a small amount, would achieve small changes in blood pressure that would have a measurable effect across the whole population.
• Given the upside, which would translate into lower health-care costs, what are people waiting for? The challenge comes in the sacrifice.
What can you do?
• Obvious thing to do, but avoiding the saltshaker at home barely makes a dent in sodium intake.
• Seventy-five percent of the salt consumed by Americans is derived from processed foods and from foods served at restaurants - -not the salt shaker.
Avoiding processed foods is a good first step toward eating a more healthful diet
• Sodium has several functions in the processed food supply. Various forms of sodium, including salt are used as preservatives against food borne pathogens, to modify flavor, binds ingredients, enhances color, and serves as a stabilizer.
• Sodium is an essential nutrient, but very little is needed in the diet.
• Limit processed foods as they contain approximately 3/4 of the sodium we consume.
Begin with the basics
• Eat a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Choose from the large variety of low-sodium processed food products.
• Decrease taste for salt gradually.
• Learn to use spices and herbs to enhance the taste of your food. Most spices naturally contain very small amounts of sodium.
• Add fresh lemon juice instead of salt to your dishes.
• Don’t use the salt shaker. Use the pepper shaker or mill.
Pay close attention to labels
• Shy away from foods that have greater than 10 percent of the recommended daily allowance for sodium.
• The most important thing to know is just because food doesn't taste salty doesn't mean it's not high in sodium, so always check the nutrition panel.
• It is important to look at the label to check the amount of sodium in one serving and to determine the number of servings you normally consume.
The bottom line
• This spring, Institutes of Medicine to release report - Strategies to Reduce Sodium Intake.
• While there is a push on by federal agencies and municipalities to decrease sodium in the American diet, you don’t need to depend upon them to make changes.
• Although it can be tough to keep track of sodium intake, online food diaries, such as www.mycalorie counter and www.calorieking, can help.
• Go to www.maryleechin.com to get more information on salt and lowering your sodium intake.
Label language
Food labels give shoppers a clue as to how much, if any, sodium is contained in the product:
>> Sodium-free: less than 5 milligrams per serving
>> Very low sodium: 35 mg or less
>> Low sodium: 140 mg or less
>> Reduced sodium: reduced by at least 25 percent but still might not meet low-sodium guidelines
>> Unsalted or no salt added: made without salt but still contains any naturally occurring salt
• Then waistlines expanded, and the focus shifted to fats and sugars.
• Aware that Americans' salt consumption has risen by 50 % over the past 40 years largely because of an increased reliance on a diet of processed and restaurant foods, public health experts and politicians are attempting to put the spotlight back on salt and its harmful health effects.
• The latest big bad wolf in the American diet – SALT – current hot nutrition topic
Recent research shows that overall health in the United States could be significantly improved with only a modest reduction in the annual consumption of salt.
• A recent study published in January this year in the New England Journal of Medicine - calculated the benefits of a decrease.
• If everyone consumed half a teaspoon less salt per day, there would be between 54,000 and 99,000 fewer heart attacks each year and between 44,000 and 92,000 fewer deaths
• High levels of sodium are linked to hypertension, which leads to heart disease.
The definitions
• The terms salt and sodium are related but not interchangeable.
• Sodium refers to the chemical element, with 2,300 milligrams as the recommended daily allowance.
• Salt, refers specifically to sodium chloride -- 40 percent sodium and 60 percent chloride.
How much are we eating?
• Most Americans consume estimated average intake of 3,436 mg per day.
• 2009 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that more than 2 out of 3 adults are in population groups that should consume no more than 1,500 milligrams .
• These include people with high blood pressure, the elderly and African-Americans according to government recommendations.
• 1500 mg is also the amount the American Heart Association recommends.
• Everyone else should set a limit of 2,300 mg per day-equivalent of 1 teaspoon of table salt.
• Sodium equivalents in salt. <¾ teaspoon salt (AHA value); 1 1/2/ teaspoon salt (actual aver. Intake); <1 cup salt (aver. monthly intake)
Some controversy
• Not every expert in the field of salt science is persuaded that sodium reduction is necessary.
• Sodium is essential in regulating water balance, pH (acid balance), normal pressure in the fluids surrounding cells and in nerve transition.
• Health change, smoking would be No. 1 and salt intake would be somewhere well below it.
• Yet already the mayors of New York City and San Francisco are asking that restaurants in their cities voluntarily lower sodium content of the meals served.
• Theory that small changes in salt, such as lowering content in tomato sauce or breads and cereals by a small amount, would achieve small changes in blood pressure that would have a measurable effect across the whole population.
• Given the upside, which would translate into lower health-care costs, what are people waiting for? The challenge comes in the sacrifice.
What can you do?
• Obvious thing to do, but avoiding the saltshaker at home barely makes a dent in sodium intake.
• Seventy-five percent of the salt consumed by Americans is derived from processed foods and from foods served at restaurants - -not the salt shaker.
Avoiding processed foods is a good first step toward eating a more healthful diet
• Sodium has several functions in the processed food supply. Various forms of sodium, including salt are used as preservatives against food borne pathogens, to modify flavor, binds ingredients, enhances color, and serves as a stabilizer.
• Sodium is an essential nutrient, but very little is needed in the diet.
• Limit processed foods as they contain approximately 3/4 of the sodium we consume.
Begin with the basics
• Eat a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Choose from the large variety of low-sodium processed food products.
• Decrease taste for salt gradually.
• Learn to use spices and herbs to enhance the taste of your food. Most spices naturally contain very small amounts of sodium.
• Add fresh lemon juice instead of salt to your dishes.
• Don’t use the salt shaker. Use the pepper shaker or mill.
Pay close attention to labels
• Shy away from foods that have greater than 10 percent of the recommended daily allowance for sodium.
• The most important thing to know is just because food doesn't taste salty doesn't mean it's not high in sodium, so always check the nutrition panel.
• It is important to look at the label to check the amount of sodium in one serving and to determine the number of servings you normally consume.
The bottom line
• This spring, Institutes of Medicine to release report - Strategies to Reduce Sodium Intake.
• While there is a push on by federal agencies and municipalities to decrease sodium in the American diet, you don’t need to depend upon them to make changes.
• Although it can be tough to keep track of sodium intake, online food diaries, such as www.mycalorie counter and www.calorieking, can help.
• Go to www.maryleechin.com to get more information on salt and lowering your sodium intake.
Label language
Food labels give shoppers a clue as to how much, if any, sodium is contained in the product:
>> Sodium-free: less than 5 milligrams per serving
>> Very low sodium: 35 mg or less
>> Low sodium: 140 mg or less
>> Reduced sodium: reduced by at least 25 percent but still might not meet low-sodium guidelines
>> Unsalted or no salt added: made without salt but still contains any naturally occurring salt
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Chinese New Year Lion Dance Calendar 2010/ Dim Sum Restaurants
Far East Center-Denver
Corner of Federal and Alameda
SCHEDULE OF LION DANCES by GROUP
Sunday, February 14th
12:00 noon Shaolin Hung Mei
1:30 Wah Lum
3:00 Dong Tay Hoa
4:30 Wu Shu Martial Arts
Saturday, February 20
12:00 noon Chua Nhu Lai
2:00 Tai Kung Ha
DIM SUM RESTAURANTS
Palace Chinese
6265 E Evans Ave
Denver, CO 80222
(303) 782-0300
Empress Seafood Restaurant
2825 W Alameda Ave
Denver, CO 80219
(303) 922-2822
www.empressseafoodrestaurant.com
King's Land Chinese Seafood
2200 W Alameda Ave
Denver, CO 80223
(303) 975-2399
Palace Chinese
Star Kitchen
2917 W Mississippi Ave #5
Denver, CO 80219
(303) 936-0089
Corner of Federal and Alameda
SCHEDULE OF LION DANCES by GROUP
Sunday, February 14th
12:00 noon Shaolin Hung Mei
1:30 Wah Lum
3:00 Dong Tay Hoa
4:30 Wu Shu Martial Arts
Saturday, February 20
12:00 noon Chua Nhu Lai
2:00 Tai Kung Ha
DIM SUM RESTAURANTS
Palace Chinese
6265 E Evans Ave
Denver, CO 80222
(303) 782-0300
Empress Seafood Restaurant
2825 W Alameda Ave
Denver, CO 80219
(303) 922-2822
www.empressseafoodrestaurant.com
King's Land Chinese Seafood
2200 W Alameda Ave
Denver, CO 80223
(303) 975-2399
Palace Chinese
Star Kitchen
2917 W Mississippi Ave #5
Denver, CO 80219
(303) 936-0089
Chinese New Year Traditions for Tiger Year
Bringing In the New Year and expelling the old
• Everything you do on this day sets precedent for the rest of the year
• While many Chinese people today may not believe in these do's and don'ts, these traditions and customs are still practiced.
• Kept because these very traditions, whether believed or not, that provide cultural continuity and link with the past.
• Courting happiness, togetherness and abundance for your family always good
Predictions of what to expect for Tiger Years
• The Tiger is rich in Chinese history and tradition and a symbol of power and authority
• The year of the Tiger is traditionally associated with massive changes and social upheaval.
• 2010 is very likely to be a volatile one both on the world scene, as well as on a personal level
• The Tiger's influence will offer us courage, while inviting bold actions and risk taking.
• Tigers will provide steely resolve, fortitude and determination to accomplish goals.
• Given that, practice traditions that will court good luck and good fortune
Traditions and rituals
• Shooting off firecrackers on New Year's Eve is the Chinese way of sending out the old year and welcoming in the New Year.
• All debts had to paid by this time. Nothing should be lent on this day, as anyone who does so will be lending all the year.
• If you cry on New Year's Day, you will cry all through the year. Therefore, children are tolerated and are not spanked, even though they are mischievous.
• All cleaning should be done before New Years. Don’t use brooms on New Years Day as you do not want to “sweep away” good fortune.
• Fish also play a large role in festive celebrations. The word for fish, "Yu," sounds like the words both for wish and abundance. Fish. As a result, on New Year's Eve it is customary to serve a fish at the end of the evening meal, symbolizing a wish for abundance in the coming year. For added symbolism, the fish is served whole, with head and tail attached, symbolizing a good beginning and ending for the coming year.
Courting good fortune and prosperity
• Encouraging everyone to hedge their bets this economic year with symbols of health, happiness, wealth and abundance
• Lai See: red envelopes called "lai see" to give to young, unmarried children for good luck.
• Use a lot of the color red, which is the color of rejoicing and happiness
• Serve golden food to represent wealth: Golden oranges and egg rolls (golden ingots)
Invitation to celebrate with the Asian community for Chinese New Year
• The Lion Dance Tradition and Symbolism: The lion dance has been part of the Chinese culture for thousands of years.
• The lion, a symbol of power, wisdom, and good fortune, chases away evil spirits and brings happiness, longevity, and good luck.
• The lion dance is also performed at many business locations during the Chinese New Year's Celebration for the lion brings prosperity and good luck to the business for the upcoming year.
• Everything you do on this day sets precedent for the rest of the year
• While many Chinese people today may not believe in these do's and don'ts, these traditions and customs are still practiced.
• Kept because these very traditions, whether believed or not, that provide cultural continuity and link with the past.
• Courting happiness, togetherness and abundance for your family always good
Predictions of what to expect for Tiger Years
• The Tiger is rich in Chinese history and tradition and a symbol of power and authority
• The year of the Tiger is traditionally associated with massive changes and social upheaval.
• 2010 is very likely to be a volatile one both on the world scene, as well as on a personal level
• The Tiger's influence will offer us courage, while inviting bold actions and risk taking.
• Tigers will provide steely resolve, fortitude and determination to accomplish goals.
• Given that, practice traditions that will court good luck and good fortune
Traditions and rituals
• Shooting off firecrackers on New Year's Eve is the Chinese way of sending out the old year and welcoming in the New Year.
• All debts had to paid by this time. Nothing should be lent on this day, as anyone who does so will be lending all the year.
• If you cry on New Year's Day, you will cry all through the year. Therefore, children are tolerated and are not spanked, even though they are mischievous.
• All cleaning should be done before New Years. Don’t use brooms on New Years Day as you do not want to “sweep away” good fortune.
• Fish also play a large role in festive celebrations. The word for fish, "Yu," sounds like the words both for wish and abundance. Fish. As a result, on New Year's Eve it is customary to serve a fish at the end of the evening meal, symbolizing a wish for abundance in the coming year. For added symbolism, the fish is served whole, with head and tail attached, symbolizing a good beginning and ending for the coming year.
Courting good fortune and prosperity
• Encouraging everyone to hedge their bets this economic year with symbols of health, happiness, wealth and abundance
• Lai See: red envelopes called "lai see" to give to young, unmarried children for good luck.
• Use a lot of the color red, which is the color of rejoicing and happiness
• Serve golden food to represent wealth: Golden oranges and egg rolls (golden ingots)
Invitation to celebrate with the Asian community for Chinese New Year
• The Lion Dance Tradition and Symbolism: The lion dance has been part of the Chinese culture for thousands of years.
• The lion, a symbol of power, wisdom, and good fortune, chases away evil spirits and brings happiness, longevity, and good luck.
• The lion dance is also performed at many business locations during the Chinese New Year's Celebration for the lion brings prosperity and good luck to the business for the upcoming year.
Chinese New Year: The box of "health and harmony"
The Chinese New Year of the Tiger begins on February 14, 2010 and is celebrated for the next 15 days. More food is prepared and consumed during this holiday than any other time of the year, and much of the food has symbolic connotations.
The Box of Harmony
The box of candies traditionally offered at New Years is round or octagonal, the form resembling togetherness, and contains dazzling rows of fruit and candies to begin the New Year sweetly.
• Each candied fruit is symbolic—though highly sugared, so eat in moderation!
• Symbolisms of and prosperity – a good thing as we deal with current economic realities!
o Kumquat - gold, hence fortune, wealth
o Mango-Golden color symbolizes wealth
o Lotus seeds, crystallized - a full wallet, many (male) offspring
o Candied melon symbolizing good health and growth., having a large number of children
o Coconut: promoting togetherness and friendship
o Water chestnut – unity
The Box of Health and Harmony: A registered dietitian and making healthy recommendations.
• Modernized and updated fruit offerings to also reflect healthy choices.
• These are representative of a food group to encourage: Fruit food group
• Nutrient-rich. That is, they provide much more nutritional value in terms of vitamins, minerals and other healthful components, for the low amount of calories they contain.
o Tangerines are very popular as, among other things, they symbolize abundant happiness.
• Excellent source of fiber and vitamin C
o Walnuts- happiness of the entire family
• Source of omega-3-fatty acid for heart health
o Raisins - wealth, abundance, fertility, many descendants, family harmony
• Only ¼ cup of dried fruit like California raisins counts as one fruit serving and helps meet your recommended 4 servings of fruit/day.
• And try golden raisins-another symbol of gold and prosperity
o Walnuts- happiness of entire family + omega-3 for heart health
o Apricot, dried - gold, wealth
• With anti-oxidants beta-carotene and lycopene
o Apple - wisdom, peace
• Excellent source of soluble fiber and a kid favorite
o Banana - wish for education, brilliance at work/ school
• Potassium to help bone health
Chinese New Year's Eve and New Year's Day are celebrated as a family affair, a time of reunion and thanksgiving.
• Events that take place during this time set the tone for the rest of the year.
• Take this opportunity to celebrate health, and happiness with your family, and focus on getting your four servings of fruit/day—even in the winter
The Box of Harmony
The box of candies traditionally offered at New Years is round or octagonal, the form resembling togetherness, and contains dazzling rows of fruit and candies to begin the New Year sweetly.
• Each candied fruit is symbolic—though highly sugared, so eat in moderation!
• Symbolisms of and prosperity – a good thing as we deal with current economic realities!
o Kumquat - gold, hence fortune, wealth
o Mango-Golden color symbolizes wealth
o Lotus seeds, crystallized - a full wallet, many (male) offspring
o Candied melon symbolizing good health and growth., having a large number of children
o Coconut: promoting togetherness and friendship
o Water chestnut – unity
The Box of Health and Harmony: A registered dietitian and making healthy recommendations.
• Modernized and updated fruit offerings to also reflect healthy choices.
• These are representative of a food group to encourage: Fruit food group
• Nutrient-rich. That is, they provide much more nutritional value in terms of vitamins, minerals and other healthful components, for the low amount of calories they contain.
o Tangerines are very popular as, among other things, they symbolize abundant happiness.
• Excellent source of fiber and vitamin C
o Walnuts- happiness of the entire family
• Source of omega-3-fatty acid for heart health
o Raisins - wealth, abundance, fertility, many descendants, family harmony
• Only ¼ cup of dried fruit like California raisins counts as one fruit serving and helps meet your recommended 4 servings of fruit/day.
• And try golden raisins-another symbol of gold and prosperity
o Walnuts- happiness of entire family + omega-3 for heart health
o Apricot, dried - gold, wealth
• With anti-oxidants beta-carotene and lycopene
o Apple - wisdom, peace
• Excellent source of soluble fiber and a kid favorite
o Banana - wish for education, brilliance at work/ school
• Potassium to help bone health
Chinese New Year's Eve and New Year's Day are celebrated as a family affair, a time of reunion and thanksgiving.
• Events that take place during this time set the tone for the rest of the year.
• Take this opportunity to celebrate health, and happiness with your family, and focus on getting your four servings of fruit/day—even in the winter
Dim Sum means "touch the heart": Celebrate Chinese New Year and Valentine's Day
Celebrate Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day with Treats that “touch the heart”
Dim Sum means "the heart's delight" or "touch the heart."
Chinese New year, can fall anywhere between late January and the middle of February, due to cyclical lunar dating.
• On the Chinese calendar, 2010 is Lunar Year 4708.
• On the Western calendar, the start of the New Year falls on Sunday, February 14, 2010 — The Year of the Tiger.
• This year, the date has special significance since it also happens to fall on Valentine's Day making it a doubly auspicious day to celebrate in the West.
To celebrate both Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day this year, indulge in a variety of dumplings called dim sum.
• In Cantonese, dim sum means "the heart's delight" or "touch the heart."
These delicious little treats come mainly in the form of steamed and fried dumplings containing a wide array of fillings.
• They are usually served in tiers of bamboo steamers or small to medium-sized plates (so that many different varieties can be sampled)
• Or they are served like "dessert carts" that is a cart filled with several different types for people to pick and choose from.
You can make your own—or even better go to one of the many Chinese restaurants that have opened in the metropolitan area.
• It is a fun experience as little carts are wheeled around the restaurant.
• Even if you don’t know what these are, it is easy to out which ones you want from the cart to the server.
• And a picture menu is usually provided to remove some of the mystery.
One of the best known desserts is eight precious rice pudding. A steamed dish decorated with honeyed or candied fruit that is served with a sweet syrup.
• Usually it contains eight kinds of dried candied fruits, and popular at New Year’s as eight is considered an auspicious number.
• The word eight sounds similar to words that mean “prosper” or “wealth.”
• Only ¼ cup of dried fruit like California raisins counts as one fruit serving and helps meet your recommended 4 servings of fruit/day.
• Sometimes a coin will be inserted into the pudding. The person who finds the lucky coin will have the most fortune for the rest of the year
Tiger characteristics and predictions
• Tiger years are explosive. They usually begin with a bang.
• The Tiger's essence is that of nobility.
• In life and in love, the tiger personifies grandness.
• Tigers are loyal, humanitarian and fiercely protect those entrusted to their care
• Tigers will rule the jungle this year!
Dim Sum means "the heart's delight" or "touch the heart."
Chinese New year, can fall anywhere between late January and the middle of February, due to cyclical lunar dating.
• On the Chinese calendar, 2010 is Lunar Year 4708.
• On the Western calendar, the start of the New Year falls on Sunday, February 14, 2010 — The Year of the Tiger.
• This year, the date has special significance since it also happens to fall on Valentine's Day making it a doubly auspicious day to celebrate in the West.
To celebrate both Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day this year, indulge in a variety of dumplings called dim sum.
• In Cantonese, dim sum means "the heart's delight" or "touch the heart."
These delicious little treats come mainly in the form of steamed and fried dumplings containing a wide array of fillings.
• They are usually served in tiers of bamboo steamers or small to medium-sized plates (so that many different varieties can be sampled)
• Or they are served like "dessert carts" that is a cart filled with several different types for people to pick and choose from.
You can make your own—or even better go to one of the many Chinese restaurants that have opened in the metropolitan area.
• It is a fun experience as little carts are wheeled around the restaurant.
• Even if you don’t know what these are, it is easy to out which ones you want from the cart to the server.
• And a picture menu is usually provided to remove some of the mystery.
One of the best known desserts is eight precious rice pudding. A steamed dish decorated with honeyed or candied fruit that is served with a sweet syrup.
• Usually it contains eight kinds of dried candied fruits, and popular at New Year’s as eight is considered an auspicious number.
• The word eight sounds similar to words that mean “prosper” or “wealth.”
• Only ¼ cup of dried fruit like California raisins counts as one fruit serving and helps meet your recommended 4 servings of fruit/day.
• Sometimes a coin will be inserted into the pudding. The person who finds the lucky coin will have the most fortune for the rest of the year
Tiger characteristics and predictions
• Tiger years are explosive. They usually begin with a bang.
• The Tiger's essence is that of nobility.
• In life and in love, the tiger personifies grandness.
• Tigers are loyal, humanitarian and fiercely protect those entrusted to their care
• Tigers will rule the jungle this year!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Easy Thanksgiving recipes starting with convenience products
Thanksgiving dinner doesn’t have to be the kickoff to a month of holiday overeating, ending with a regretful New Year’s resolution and a January diet.
What is the ingredient that makes your Thanksgiving meal most enjoyable? The answer is easy: Less stress. Simplify your entertaining and enjoy the day more. You need the right blend of great food with family & friends, and above all - relaxed hosts.
I will demonstrate a number of recipes that uses convenience foods wisely to free up time, and allow you to be a relaxed host—not a frazzled cook.
While there are treasured, made from scratch favorites that are crucial to each family’s tradition, not everything has to be time-consuming, homemade and high caloric.
And by the way, the term “turkey stuffing” does not mean that you are supposed to stuff yourself until you are comatose.
The examples:
• Roasted Raspberry Chipotle Sauce & Cream Cheese Appetizer
• Curried Mango Chutney Dip
• Stuffing with apple juice and raisins
• Rice Pilaf with raisins and cashews
• Rustic Apple Tart
• Canned cranberry sauce: For many families, it’s not Thanksgiving unless you have cranberry sauce with the can striations showing!
A little bit of savvy planning can make your Thanksgiving meal easy. These are simple recipes to knockout your guests with your hospitality, not your anxiety.
And here are tips to ensure you enjoy the closeness of family and having everyone together for a day of sharing.
Stress-free strategies
• Plan your menu, make a list and shop. No last minute dashes out to the store for high calorie expensive last minute items.
• Clean out your fridge to make room for all those prepared foods and make-ahead dishes. Set and dress your table before your guests arrive- like the day before.
• Pick up the living room, dining room and bathrooms. Plan to keep guests out of the rest of the house.
• Empty your dishwasher.
• Start cooking one or two days ahead.
• Stock up on disposable containers and food wrap so you can immediately put away leftovers, or send them home with your guests. You’ve taken care of food safety, and decrease your temptation to nibbling.
• For nutrient-rich and tasty recipes that already provide calorie and nutrient analysis information, go to www.loveyourraisins.com
The Original Roasted Raspberry Chipotle Sauce & Cream Cheese Appetizer
Ingredients Recipe by Fischer & Wieser
1 (3-oz.) package cream cheese* 1/3 cup Fischer & Wieser The Original Roasted Raspberry Chipotle Sauce Fresh raspberries and mint for garnish, if desired *For an 8-oz. package of cream cheese, use 1/2 to 3/4 cup of sauce.
Place cream cheese on serving dish and pour Raspberry Chipotle Sauce over top, allowing it to drizzle down sides of cream cheese. Garnish with fresh raspberries and mint. Serve with gingersnap cookies or assorted crackers.
Curried Mango Chutney Dip
Stir curry powder to taste into low-fat sour cream. Swirl in bottled spicy chutney sauce and handful of golden raisins. Serve with fresh snow or sugar snap peas. Sweet, spicy, crunchy and full of healthy nutrients, all in one dish.
Golden State Stuffing
Recipe from loveyourraisins.com
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1-1/2 cups California raisins
1-1/2 cups chopped fresh apple
1 package (7 ounces) herb seasoned crouton stuffing
1-1/2 cups chicken stock
Sauté celery and onion in butter until tender. Combine in large bowl with raisins, apple and stuffing. Add chicken stock, a little at a time to moisten as desired. Makes 10 cups.
Rice Pilaf with Raisins and cashews
Recipe from Real Simple
1 6- to 8-ounce box rice pilaf
1/4 cup golden raisins
1/4 cup chopped roasted cashews
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Cook the rice pilaf according to package directions.
Stir in the raisins, cashews, and cumin before serving.
4 servings
Rustic Apple Tart
Recipe from Real Simple
1/2 15-ounce package refrigerated piecrust (1 crust, not the pie-plate version)
2 10-ounce packages frozen cinnamon apples, partially thawed
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons sugar
Heat oven to 375° F. Lightly coat a baking sheet with vegetable cooking spray.
Unfold the piecrust and place on sheet. Place the cinnamon apples in the center of the crust and mix in the lemon peel. Fold the edges over the filling, making pleats as you go.
Brush the edges with the egg; sprinkle with the sugar.
Bake 20 minutes or until the crust is golden. With a spatula, transfer from baking sheet to a platter. Serve warm or at room temperature.
6 servings
For more nutrient-rich holiday recipes go to www.loveyourraisins.com
What is the ingredient that makes your Thanksgiving meal most enjoyable? The answer is easy: Less stress. Simplify your entertaining and enjoy the day more. You need the right blend of great food with family & friends, and above all - relaxed hosts.
I will demonstrate a number of recipes that uses convenience foods wisely to free up time, and allow you to be a relaxed host—not a frazzled cook.
While there are treasured, made from scratch favorites that are crucial to each family’s tradition, not everything has to be time-consuming, homemade and high caloric.
And by the way, the term “turkey stuffing” does not mean that you are supposed to stuff yourself until you are comatose.
The examples:
• Roasted Raspberry Chipotle Sauce & Cream Cheese Appetizer
• Curried Mango Chutney Dip
• Stuffing with apple juice and raisins
• Rice Pilaf with raisins and cashews
• Rustic Apple Tart
• Canned cranberry sauce: For many families, it’s not Thanksgiving unless you have cranberry sauce with the can striations showing!
A little bit of savvy planning can make your Thanksgiving meal easy. These are simple recipes to knockout your guests with your hospitality, not your anxiety.
And here are tips to ensure you enjoy the closeness of family and having everyone together for a day of sharing.
Stress-free strategies
• Plan your menu, make a list and shop. No last minute dashes out to the store for high calorie expensive last minute items.
• Clean out your fridge to make room for all those prepared foods and make-ahead dishes. Set and dress your table before your guests arrive- like the day before.
• Pick up the living room, dining room and bathrooms. Plan to keep guests out of the rest of the house.
• Empty your dishwasher.
• Start cooking one or two days ahead.
• Stock up on disposable containers and food wrap so you can immediately put away leftovers, or send them home with your guests. You’ve taken care of food safety, and decrease your temptation to nibbling.
• For nutrient-rich and tasty recipes that already provide calorie and nutrient analysis information, go to www.loveyourraisins.com
The Original Roasted Raspberry Chipotle Sauce & Cream Cheese Appetizer
Ingredients Recipe by Fischer & Wieser
1 (3-oz.) package cream cheese* 1/3 cup Fischer & Wieser The Original Roasted Raspberry Chipotle Sauce Fresh raspberries and mint for garnish, if desired *For an 8-oz. package of cream cheese, use 1/2 to 3/4 cup of sauce.
Place cream cheese on serving dish and pour Raspberry Chipotle Sauce over top, allowing it to drizzle down sides of cream cheese. Garnish with fresh raspberries and mint. Serve with gingersnap cookies or assorted crackers.
Curried Mango Chutney Dip
Stir curry powder to taste into low-fat sour cream. Swirl in bottled spicy chutney sauce and handful of golden raisins. Serve with fresh snow or sugar snap peas. Sweet, spicy, crunchy and full of healthy nutrients, all in one dish.
Golden State Stuffing
Recipe from loveyourraisins.com
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1-1/2 cups California raisins
1-1/2 cups chopped fresh apple
1 package (7 ounces) herb seasoned crouton stuffing
1-1/2 cups chicken stock
Sauté celery and onion in butter until tender. Combine in large bowl with raisins, apple and stuffing. Add chicken stock, a little at a time to moisten as desired. Makes 10 cups.
Rice Pilaf with Raisins and cashews
Recipe from Real Simple
1 6- to 8-ounce box rice pilaf
1/4 cup golden raisins
1/4 cup chopped roasted cashews
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Cook the rice pilaf according to package directions.
Stir in the raisins, cashews, and cumin before serving.
4 servings
Rustic Apple Tart
Recipe from Real Simple
1/2 15-ounce package refrigerated piecrust (1 crust, not the pie-plate version)
2 10-ounce packages frozen cinnamon apples, partially thawed
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons sugar
Heat oven to 375° F. Lightly coat a baking sheet with vegetable cooking spray.
Unfold the piecrust and place on sheet. Place the cinnamon apples in the center of the crust and mix in the lemon peel. Fold the edges over the filling, making pleats as you go.
Brush the edges with the egg; sprinkle with the sugar.
Bake 20 minutes or until the crust is golden. With a spatula, transfer from baking sheet to a platter. Serve warm or at room temperature.
6 servings
For more nutrient-rich holiday recipes go to www.loveyourraisins.com
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