Budget-Smart Chinese Feast is the Cat's Meow

By

The Writing Gourmet

“As long as there's pasta and Chinese food in the world, I'm okay."
--Michael Chang

Thanks to the warm snowstorm it's super slush outdoors here in the Sierras. Question: Do I like to walk the dogs in the slippery white stuff? Answer: Not so much. I'd rather stay indoors and whip up hot and spicey Chinese food. No kidding. I remember paying $25 for Chinese--enough rice, veggies, fried shrimp, and two fortune cookies for two. But last night after walking like a penguin on the snow covered ground, I cooked up a meal that's enough for four humans and a taste of shrimp for one fish-loving senior cat, Kerouac. (The Brittanys, a sporting breed--wannabe snowdogs--were are whooped and already ate.) The best part, homemade Chinese food costs less, and you can healthy it all up which is grr-eat...

Shrimp Stirfry

* * *

1 cup brown rice

1 1/2 cups cruciferous vegetables mix, pre-cut

jumbo shrimp, pre-cooked (about 3-4 shrimp per person; warning high in cholesterol)
orange extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon butter

1/4 teaspoon ginger (optional)

garlic, chopped (optional)

pepper as desired

Simply follow the cooking rice instructions on the package. Sautee veggies in oil. Repeat with shrimp (no more than two minutes on medium heat). Fold in al dente vegetables and fish with rice. Serves four or makes four meals for one.

But don't stop there! Include antioxidant, immune boosting green tea. And for dessert serve chocolate dipped fortune cookies. This tasty and easy to cook meal cuts the price a lot. Rice is budget-friendly. A large bag of cruciferous vegetables is less than five dollars. The shrimp (low in saturated fat, a good protein, vitamin B12 and iron source)? I got more than less for five dollars. I always have green tea, olive oil, ginger, and pepper. Not to forget no MSG. The vegetables aren't tainted with a meat sauce. And the orange flavored EVOO gives the dish a nice light citrus flavor.

And the cookies? (Check out Chocolate Fortunes--the blog post before this one tells you all about these gems.) And chocolate fortune cookies--the traditional or festive ones--are frosting on a flavorful and healthy homemade Chinese meal.

Festive Fortune Cookies Will Bring Holiday Success!

By Cal Orey, The Writing Gourmet

"Happiness can be achieved by using your patience." -- Chocolate Fortunes

I admit it. I like astrology. I like psychics. I like fortune cookies. In fact, often I use my own intuition to guide me about the future but if you are too emotional about a topic it can make your read fuzzy like a snowstorm whiteout. So, this weekend I also turned to a gifted astrologer with keen insight, a professional psychic (or two), and colorful fortune cookies with feel good fortunes that tickled my fancy during the crazy change of seasons...

It's odd. I first thought that the fortune cookie maker took time out to cook up custom-tailored the fortunes for me. However, this was impossible because the cookies came to my home too soon after my request. So, maybe it was fate. Or not. But the fortunes uplifted my mind and spirit--a lot. Keep in mind, I have a new book THE HEALING POWERS OF CHOCOLATE due to be released in a few weeks. Take a look at the fortunes I saved from last night; a group of lucky numbers are teamed with each fortune:

"The world will soon be ready to receive your talents."
"Your genuine talent will find its way to success."
"You will be fortunate in the opportunities presented to you."

During the summer I savored dark chocolate dipped Fortune cookies. I didn't forget these creative gems. No way. Yep, I'm the one who opens the cookie and reads the fortune before the meal. And now, I have found a place to get festive fortune cookies for all occasions including this holiday season. This weekend I enjoyed a potpourri of beautifully decorated chocolate fortune cookies (dipped in dark, milk and white chocolate). And yes, they are sprinkled with traditional winter holiday colors of red, green and white. (These are perfect for holiday stocking stuffers, gifts, and more.)

Not only are the fortunes fun to read but the cookies are a joy to look at and the creamy chocolate make these cute creations taste sweeter and special. Naturally, turning to these cookies are a shortcut to happiness and much easier to obtain (and uniform in size for perfectionists) than DIY fortune cookies (check out this link for a recipe and websites to help you create fortunes). Homemade fortune cookies made with olive oil and your choice of chocolate will be fun to do one day--but not in near future for me. Meanwhile, I'm savoring these upbeat Pollyanna-type cookies (yeah, the fortunes have got me hooked) throughout the hectic holiday season. The flavor and fortune pair helps make me feel warm, and fuzzy inside and out. And that's not all...

I predict one night in the near future that if you serve yourself, family and/or friends a different dinner, trying a healthful Asian cuisine meal complete with chocolate fortune cookies it will make you a big success. In my next blog post I'll show how I did exactly that--along with whole grains, veggies, fish, and herbal tea. Happy Holidays! from Chocolate Fortunes.

Healthy Holiday Giveaway: The Healing Powers of Olive Oil & Vinegar

By Cal Orey, The Writing Goumet

'Tis the season for creative gift giving. But wait, times are tough and finding time and/or the funds to buy good for you presents is a challenge. Vinegar and olive oil come to the rescue...

I will send a signed copy of The Healing Powers of Vinegar or The Healing Powers of Olive Oil (mass market format) to the first ten people who log onto http://www.calorey.blogspot.com/ The Writing Gourmet--click on the Follow gizmo (beneath The Foodie BlogRoll and yummy chocolate slideshow)--and leave a comment on one of the recent posts. That's it. These two books will make a great gift for you, a family member or friend. (Self-gifting is healthy for the body, mind, and spirit.)

Both books provide timeless information, including:

* Health Benefits * Home Cures * Eco-Friendly Tips * Natural Pet Care

* Super Beauty Concoctions * Great Recipes Created by Pro Chefs

One more thing: You can get another Healing Powers book--The Healing Powers of Chocolate--by pre-ordering (a discount). A book on chocolate is a year round gift just as is vinegar and olive oil. Pair it with real chocolate and you'll put a smile on any chocolate lover's face.

OFFER EXPIRES DEC. 20 FOR FREE OLIVE OIL OR VINEGAR BOOK

Room Service Pancakes with Honeycrisp Apples

By Cal Orey, The Writing Gourmet

“The laziest man I ever met put popcorn in his pancakes so they would turn over by themselves.” -- W. C. Fields

I'm a self-professed night owl. Sure, it's my fantasy to jump out of bed at the crack of dawn and go straight to the kitchen and whip up a creative gourmet breakfast. But in real life I'd rather dial for room service and get yummy pancakes in a flash. Since I'm not at a hotel with a menu in my hand, I'm going to Plan B. I just made an experimental breakfast and wow. So, here I sit thinking hot pancakes--drizzled with premium gourmet maple syrup--(like the one I just devoured) is the way to go for a pre-wintery Saturday morning...

Tomorrow I'm going to warm up the low-fat oat bran pancakes that I just made. It's so easy: Complete Mix--just add water. Use a nonstick pan and no fuss or muss. These pancakes contain no trans fat, are a good source of protein, calcium, and iron. And they really taste good--light and fluffy.
Plus, I wanted to add something special. Those delicious crunchy Honeycrisp apples are still hanging around Lake Tahoe. A bit more pricey than a month ago, but they are worth every bite. This time, I chopped up one and sauteed it in a small bit of butter, cinnamon and sprinkled it with brown sugar. Several minutes later I knew this special touch was going to work--fresh, warm, sweet, tart and spicy--and give me quickie gourmet pancakes in a flash.
Yeah, I have done the pancakes from scratch thing. But mix pancakes with some essential nutrients is so easy if you're not in the mood to cook in the a.m. and have other things planned. Read: Shovel snow, walk dogs in snow, shovel snow... (Plus, the post office is on the agenda for getting out advance copies of my new book The Healing Powers of Chocolate.)
News Flash: I just read the NOAA report. Two inches of the white power per hour? Fun. Fun. Fun. On the upside, no pancake boo boos from the first one to the last. That is a first. You know how the first pancake is sometimes imperfect? Not so this time. I put each perfect pancake into a container next to the apples. So, in the morning I'll have gourmet-style Oat Bran Pancakes with my fave apples and syrup to die for--in less than a minute. That's sweet, especially when you're getting buried in the white stuff.

The Scent of Pumpkin Nutty Muffins is Sweet & Spicy

By Cal Orey, The Writing Gourmet

"Sugar and spice and all things nice. That's what little girls are made of!"-- Mother Goose

I like pumpkin. A lot. I love pumpkin bread, pumpkin ice cream, and pumpkin pie. Pumpkin is a popular tradition during the fall and pre-winter days especially for pre-winter days and through Christmas. The pumpkin—an orange fruit from the gourd family--is symbolic of autumn harvest. And it's a feel-good food, too. Last year, in the fall after swimming and hot tubbing at one of our Stateline resorts, I purchased a tasty and large pumpkin muffin at Starbucks. But now I know I can also bake my own and spike them with quality dark chocolate or nuts of my choice, control the size and ingredients, and keep a stash in the freezer. And that’s not all…

Pumpkin is low in cholesterol and sodium. It’s also a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin A plus other essential nutrients. This fall fruit is a good for you food. Teamed with heart-healthy extra virgin olive oil and dark chocolate, I’ve created a scrumptious pumpkin recipe that’ll warm you up on those chilly, winter days ahead.

All week long I've been preparing myself to bake up a batch of sweet and spicy pumpkin chocolatey chip muffins with a Mediterranean taste. But this time around I'm leaving out the chocolate (I can pair the muffin with a cup of hot cocoa) and using nuts, nuts, nuts. I'll use orange extra virgin olive oil, European Style butter, allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a mix of nuts (almonds, hazelnuts and pecans)--a super food with mononunsaturated fats, like dark, chocolate that does your body, mind, and spirit good.

Pumpkin Nutty Mountain Muffins

* * *
3 cups all natural whole wheat flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

2 teaspoons baking soda

3/4 cup golden brown sugar

1/4 cup white granulated sugar

1 teaspoon pure vanilla1 teaspoon allspice

1/2 teaspoon (each) cinnamon, nutmeg

4 large brown eggs

1 cup European Style butter, melted

2 teaspoons orange extra virgin olive oil
2 cups canned pumpkin
1/2 cup hazelnuts
1/4 cup (each) pecans and almonds

Mediterranean sea salt

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. In a bowl, measure the flour, powder, and spices. In a separate bowl, whisk together until well blended the eggs, oil, pumpkin, and vanilla. Pour this mixture over the dry ingredients and mix. Stir in nuts. Spoon the batter evenly into a muffin tin. Use the rest of the batter in a small sized bread pan (unless you want larger-sized muffins) and lightly grease with orange olive oil. Yes, it works. Drop nuts on top of muffins (and bread). Bake for about 20 minutes (it takes a bit longer in higher altitude) till a firm golden brown (or until a knife inserted into the center of the muffin comes out clean). Sprinkle granulated sugar or sea salt on top of muffins. Makes 12 medium-sized muffins and one small-sized bread.

The scent in the kitchen, dining room and living room will smell like fresh baked spicy and sweet pumpkin. Last time I baked these muffins, the flavor of one of these warm and moist creations sweetened with the chunks of melted chocolatey chips was so good and something to write home about. But the crunch of the mixed nuts and saltiness of Mediterranean sea salt (like what is used on gourmet dark chocolate caramels) this time around is also a perfect Italian-style combo. If you don’t want to overindulge--put some muffins into the freezer.

So, while the past pumpkin chocolate baking experience was fun (I used gourmet dark chocolate chips) and a treat to taste the season of the pumpkin. It was the next best thing to whisking away to a town by the Mediterranean Sea. Ah, but to warm up one of these feel-good pumpkin nut muffins in the microwave tomorrow morning and savor a fresh brewed cup of bold java will be heaven amid the pine trees (hopefully without snow) at Tahoe.

Psst! The word is, there may be an upcoming shortage of canned pumpkin after Thanksgiving. Blame it on Midwest weather woes. But note, you still can find pumpkin delights: Cheesecake, Loaf Cake, Mini-Muffins, Pie (at major grocery stores); Bagels, Bread, Muffins, Specialty Drinks (at coffee shops); Canned Pumpkin, Cheesecake, Ice Cream, Pie (at major grocery stores). And today, yep, I'm going to stock up on plenty of canned pumpkin. It'll help get me through the winter storms ahead. OMG: I'm sensing a craving for homemade pumpkin fudge.

Sweet Survival Secrets to Pre-Winter Blues

by Cal Orey, The Writing Gourmet

“One reason a dog can be such a comfort when you're feeling blue is that he doesn't try to find out why." -- Anonymous

Imagine: It’s snow one day, sunny skies the next, and slush or black ice are lurking outdoors morning and night. It’s pre-winter at Lake Tahoe and around the nation, and you may find yourself with unwanted winter body fat, irritable, and fed up with the upcoming zero temperatures. It’s enough to make a person feel blue and out of whack, but you don’t have to be miserable during the change of seasons with its shorter days and longer, colder nights...

Welcome to the World of SAD

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a pesky condition that causes those nasty blues, packing on pounds, and anxiety—especially in the pre winter months and can wreak havoc on your mind and body. Here's some quickie sweet tips that can give you a jumpstart for surviving the change. These tried and true remedies come to the rescue and may help you, and me, to lighten up during the "hump month" before Old Man Winter arrives.

* Eat a Happy Diet
While light therapy may ease pre-spring discontent, nutritional experts believe that happy foods are important, too. Dietitians believe people with depression often have low levels of serotonin—a neurotransmitter believed to be involved in modulating mood and appetite. By eating tryptophan-rich foods we can naturally boost levels of serotonin. Low-fat milk and cottage cheese are good but so is the Mediterranean diet, which includes plenty of seasonal fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and more monounsaturated fats—like olive oil and nuts. And dark chocolate, which contains the compound serotonin, can help to boost your mood. Baking with dark chocolate and all natural products--including olive oil--can warm you up, too.

* Try Olive Oil

Speaking of oil, cozy up with extra virgin olive oil—a healthful monounsaturated fat. It's not the cure-all for SAD, but it can help you become energized again if you team it with a dark, leafy green salad with plenty of fresh vegetables. If you eat lots of veggies teamed with vinegar and olive oil (in moderation), which can fill you up, you’ll be less likely to fill out. And don't forget, yes you can cook and bake with EVOO. Plus, flavored oils, warming herbs and spices paired with all natural whole grain flour, pastas, and breads can make your holiday dishes healthier and you happier.

* Get a Move On
Like light therapy, exercise is another mood enhancer and way to dump extra pounds during the seasonal change. Feel-good endorphins are one of the ways exercise is beneficial. To stay clear of black ice and falls, walking or running on a treadmill indoors is a good alternative. And swimming in a heated indoor or outdoor pool is a great way to keep physical during colder months.

* Change Your Environment

While most people with winter doldrums need not escape to a tropical island, a change of environment can certainly lift your mood. Sure, taking a trip out of town with a warmer climate is tempting, but even going to a place in town with a different environment (i.e., an exotic-type indoor swimming pool, theater, walk in the woods or downtown) can give you a mini vacation and uplift your spirit.

* Warm Up, Cheer Up

Try enhancing light levels at home or in your workplace by installing more lights on the ceiling or placing more lamps in the room. For some, warming up may help, too. Warmth strategies to try include turning up the thermostat, enjoying a crackling fire with real firewood, using electric blankets (or a toasty waterbed which is like a giant heating pad), drinking flavored herbal teas--infuse coffee or hot chocolate--and layering on more clothing.

And sometimes, ancient remedies are best. Live in rooms full of light; indulge in cheerful conversation and amusements; and listen to music. And don't forget chocolate--in cooking (think a warming, spicy mole over pasta), solo, and cocoa--can be the perfect Rx to surviving the winter blahs.

For more tips on how to ease into wintertime, grab a copy of the new self-help health books, The Healing Powers of Olive Oil, The Healing Powers of Vinegar (trade cover and 2009 mass market format), and The Healing Powers of Chocolate (published by Kensington) by Cal Orey. Available on online booksellers' websites.

California Custard, the Ultimate Comfort Food

By Cal Orey, The Writing Gourmet

“You eat in dreams, the custard of the day."-- Alexander Pope

It is zero degrees outside. Lake Tahoe got its storm. It got its snow. And it's great to look at, play in, and super for a tourist town. But if you live here and do not ski or snowboard the snow thing is another job. Shoveling and walking the pooches on black ice is a challenge. On the upside, folks in the midwest and northeast tell me tales about the wind chill so I guess it could be colder. Plus, visits to the indoor resort pool/hot tub spa allows me to pretend that I'm living in a Mediterranean climate...

So, this whining session is leading into a treat that I've been craving all day long. Comfort food. Custard. Warm, creamy and rich egg custard with nutmeg. This dish can be served for dessert, breakfast, or even a light lunch with a salad. It's so easy to make and bake.

California Custard

* * *
1 1/2 cup whole evaporated milk
1 cup 2% low-fat organic milk
3 large brown eggs
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup premium maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 cup coconut
nutmeg

Combine milk in a saucepan and heat till scalded, but do not boil. Mix eggs and sugar. Add syrup, vanilla, and coconut. Pour into two large custard dishes or four small ones. Sprinkle nutmeg on top. Place dish in a pan of water in the oven. Bake at 400 degrees (I live in a high altitude so it may be different, a bit lower for you) for about 45 minutes until firm. Cool. Top with fresh fruit and/or real whipped cream (without artery clogging hydrogentated fats). Makes four servings.

I admit it. My California Custard hit the spot. I indulged in a few bites and will save for tomorrow. But it worked. The whole milk is worth it for the taste. The chewy coconut is a nice touch. And the earthy flavor of nutmeg is heaven. After all the swimming, shoveling, walking the dogs--the calories/fat/cholesterol counts are fine. You can enjoy dishes, like this, if you do it in moderation--and keep your portions in check. (Another version of the Golden State custard that I created is Sierra-Style Baked Custard 'n' Dark Chocolate. Both are worth the effort.)

Of course, this native San Francisco Bay Area native would rather be in the balmy city (I'm homesick) or Hawaii for real comfort. But now that the house is warm and toasty, the fire is crackling, doggies/kitty are sleeping, and the snow is shoveled--no worries. I almost feel like a die-hard local. Sort of. Well, I'm good till the next snowstorm--which may hit at the end of this week.

P.S. Surprise! I was approved to be one more devoted foodie blogger on The Foodie BlogRoll! (You can see The Writing Gourmet listed on the right column of this blog.) And oh yes, that news was comforting like the custard.

P.P.S. Want French Recipes? Click That Petitchef Link!