Katherine Cooks

Holiday Weight Loss Plan

2007-11-24T10:40:00.000-08:00

The holidays are dominated by our desire to eat. This is not a good thing, especially if you already need to lose weight, like me. I am currently the heaviest I've ever been - and I am usually a very thin, lean person. I don't like it. That's why I need a good Holiday Weight Loss Plan.

So instead of resigning myself to gaining even MORE weight because of all the holiday goodies that I'll be near, I decided to do something about it. So, I purchased the Weight Loss Black Book, and I love it!

Why? This guide actually encourages you to eat 6 times a day, and gives you advice on how to make room for all of those sweets. This is a plan I can stick with because it's relaxing, and I don't need to think too hard. I tried Weight Watchers for a time and found the constant point counting to be extremely annoying. I am also not into counting calories. This book encourages you to think in terms of "portions" - something that is a lot more manageable.

Purchase it here - it's available for immediate download once they get your payment information.

Holiday Baking Ideas

2007-11-24T09:44:00.000-08:00

I love baking - especially during the holidays. Here are some of my favorite ideas that will make baking a snap.

* Modify your favorite sugar cookie recipe. Substitute vanilla extract for almond extract, for example, to make an entirely new cookie.

* If a recipe calls for chocolate chips - try adding butterscotch or peanut butter cups to try something new. Or, just add half. For example, you can add 1 c. peanut butter chips and 1 c. chocolate chips to your favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe.

* Search online for easy holiday baking recipes. There are so many recipes, it's just a matter of finding something you like.

Check out Epicurious.com, one of my favorite websites to find recipes, to get you started.

Too Hot To Cook - What Now?

2007-07-06T07:38:00.001-07:00

It's summer and often too hot to cook. Here is a short list of things I do:

Make one dish suppers in a skillet
Eat lots of salads
Use the crockpot
Grill and cook the entire meal outside

Seasonal Eating for Summer in Greece

2007-05-10T16:32:00.000-07:00

This week's BellaOnline.com Greek food article is about seasonal eating in the summer in Greece. I remember visiting Greece in August and being amazed at how delicious the watermelon and the tomatoes were.

As it turns out, this is a common thing for that time of year. The article focuses on ways you can apply this form of seasonal eating to your own cooking.

Greek Food Editor at BellaOnline.com

2007-05-04T06:06:00.000-07:00

I am the Greek Food Editor at BellaOnline.com and have been for a while. I write articles on recipes, the culture, and other fun things.

There is also a free newsletter that I publish once a week that you can sign up for. If you love Greek food, check it out!

Cinnamon in my Hot Chocolate

2007-02-24T09:07:00.000-08:00

Yes, spring is coming. But it is still cold here. That means that hot chocolate is still an important part of my life. In summer, I like to pour hot chocolate over vanilla ice cream, but that is another story...

My favorite garnish for hot chocolate is cinnamon. Beautiful and warm, it helps keep off the chill. And it certainly is chilly today!

Cooking With Wild Greens

2007-01-18T08:09:00.000-08:00

I can't help it. I like to go in the woods and see which plants are edible. I am an herbalist, so that also fits with my desire to learn about medicinal plants. I have a beautiful patch of chickweed growing by our water spigot. It is a tasty green that has a mild spinach flavor. It is very good as a salad green with just a touch of lemon and olive oil.

This site is great for giving information about plants and even some recipes:

http://www.wildmanstevebrill.com/

My Favorite Recipes Websites

2007-01-16T10:04:00.000-08:00

There are some places that I visit all the time to find recipes. Each of these has something to offer:

Epicurious

Epicurean Table

Ciao Italia

Food Network

Jacques Pepin

Leite's Culinaria

My Favorite Recipes Websites

2007-01-06T16:17:00.000-08:00

I have a few places that I visit often to find recipes. These sites always seem to have something that I need.

www.foodtv.com

www.epicurious.com

www.epicureantable.com

I love experimenting with ingredients and cuisines and both sites have a really good variety.

Foods You Can Freeze Recipe 1 - Cream Cheese Crescents

2006-11-11T14:49:00.000-08:00

In the November issue of Family Circle, I had a tip in there about freezing foods in advance to prepare for unexpected company. So, my next few posts will involve ideas concerning that.

Cream Cheese Crescents

I love Crescent rolls because they are easy to work with. To freeze, I wouldn't cook them before freezing them. I would put them in the freezer unbaked and then when company comes, I would thaw them out a little and pop them in the oven.

2 packages crescent rolls
1 package softened cream cheese
1/2 cup mixed fresh herbs such as parsley, oregano, sage, dill (Choose the herbs you have on hand or buy any mix that you want)
Salt and Pepper to taste

Open crescent rolls and separate as usual. In a food proccessor pulse cream cheese, herbs, salt, and pepper. If you do not use a food processor, chop the herbs and combine the herbs, cream cheese, and salt and pepper in a bowl until well mixed. I prefer the food processor because of the consistency you end up with. Before rolling the crescents, spread some cream cheese in the center. At this point you can either bake it following the package directions or freeze it to bake for later.

The return of the cook

2006-11-05T17:27:00.000-08:00

I have been neglecting this blog. In fact, I've been neglecting the creative side of cooking. Dinner is quite often scrambled eggs and cereal, and maybe a salad or some fruit.

But all that (thankfully) changed last week and I'm back! I cooked this great pork loin with a maple glaze, roasted vegetables, and romain and roasted asparagus salad with maple smoked bacon. Yes, the chef is back.

Hey, check out p.16 in the Nov. 2006 issue of Family Circle. That tip about freezing the appetizers- that's me! I'll post some recipes here soon.

Cook Greek

2006-06-03T18:40:00.000-07:00

I love Greek food. I am a Greek-American. My comfort foods are spanakopita and avgolemono soup.

Yet, it has been so long since I've cooked a good old fashioned Greek dish. Perhaps it's time. Maybe I'll cook something I've never had before.

Sure, my family has all their own favorites. Dolmades, tiropita, pistitsou, baklava, etc. But, a trip to Santorini was all I needed to understand that Greek food is so much more.

I have authentic Greek oregano in my pantry. I think it's time I put it to use.

Mediterranean Picnic

2006-05-31T13:02:00.000-07:00

I am just popping on to say that I updated my Mediterranean Cuisine site at Suite101.com. The article is about having a Mediterranean picnic.

Click here to view the page.

Roasted Chicken Recipe

2006-03-23T11:46:00.000-08:00

I am roasting a small chicken tonight. Here is my usual recipe:

Rub the skin of the chicken with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Quarter an onion or lemon. (Or both). No need to peel. Stuff in the cavity. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine. Roast at 300 degrees until skin golden, 1 1/2 - 2 hours.

Healthy Snacks

2006-03-22T20:55:00.000-08:00

Here are some healthy snack ideas. I'll need them because I am on a quest to lose fifteen pounds.

- celery and hummus
- 1 cup air popped popcorn
- half a container low fat yogurt
- salsa and one serving whole wheat crackers
- fruit
- vegetables
- one english muffin pizza on whole wheat muffins

What are your favorite healthy snacks?

Food from the Pioneers

2006-03-19T21:05:00.000-08:00

I am staying in Winthrop, WA at the moment. It is a town that looks straight out of the Old West. There's a saloon, an old fashioned style hotel, and other Old West looking shops.

Mostly, I am wondering what the townsfolk ate back then. I see old fashioned, painted signs advertising pizza, hot dogs, and cinnamon rolls. I doubt very highly the people of the Old West ate like that.

I found a really great link. This site is called The Chuckwagon. Most of the recipes seemed geared toward people in wagons heading west. But, they look authentic and fun nonetheless.

I have a new food blog

2006-03-11T17:53:00.000-08:00

I have a new food blog now called This Girl Cooks. At first, I was going to stop posting here. But I decided to continue with this blog after all.

The new blog takes a sassier approach. This one has a more classic theme. I am both. So therefore, both blogs will stay.

Now, I've had a request for that cookie recipe I developed for a contest I apparantly didn't win. I'll find it and post it soon.

I need to find new contests. I've had a busy month. Now I have time to cook again!

Greek Heirloom Cooking

2006-02-14T07:46:00.000-08:00

I've decided to put together a little cookbook to give to the family with my yiayia's recipes. I thought it would make a nice gift and a fun project for me. So yesterday my dad came over and he tried to recall all the Greek soups she used to make. Next step is to see if any relatives have an original recipe. If not, I'll have to test it myself and have my dad taste it to see if I got the flavors right. I'll keep you guys posted.

Yorktown, VA

2006-01-23T07:15:00.000-08:00

We are currently in Virginia. Yesterday we spent some time in Historic Yorktown, VA. We found this cute restaurant for lunch called the Carrot Tree Kitchens, located in the Cole Digges House, circa 1720. The chef, Debi, makes everything fresh each morning. My husband had the Seafood Newburg with sea scallops, shrimp, and mussels and was served on a bed of cilantro pasta. I had the tomato basil soup as a starter and a wrap called "The Yorktown Onion" with hummus, greek olives, and vegetables. The hummus doesn't sound like a traditional colonial dish, but the entertaining menu informs us that the Greeks sent General Washington a hummus recipe so that he can usee some of his home grown chick peas. We then shared a brown apple betty dessert which was excellent. It came with my husband's meal.

Carrot Tree Kitchens
Cole Digges House, 1720
corner of Read & Maine
Historic Yorktown
ph: 757-246-9559
email: carrottree@msn.com

Last Minute Gift

2005-12-25T06:26:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas everyone! Do you need a last minute gift? here is a really quick idea. It just takes a bit to harden in the freezer.

Melt some chocolate chips. Stir in some chopped nuts. Drop on parchment or waxed paper in teaspoonful amounts. Let harden in freezer (takes about 30 minutes). Place in a pretty bag and tie with a ribbon. Store in freezer until you leave the house so they can set.

Pomegranate Soup

2005-12-22T14:01:00.000-08:00

I love a good book that is centered around food. I just finished Pomegranate Soup by Marsha Mehran about three sisters who are forced to flee Iran and try to make a life for themselves elsewhere. Their travels eventually lead them to Ireland, where they set up a Middle Eastern cafe. I enjoyed watching the sisters come to terms with their past, fall in love, and yes, cook.

Ms. Mehran includes recipes within its pages for traditional treats such as elephant ears, a fried dough confection, baklava, a yogurt drink, and lentil soup. Through her words, I felt inspired to try new flavor combinations and explore a new cuisine.

Crockpot Pot Roast Recipe

2005-12-01T12:07:00.000-08:00

I love cooking pot roasts in the crockpot. They get so tender! Here is my method:

One small pot roast (chuck)
one small onion
1 tbs. wine
1 1/2 cups water or chicken broth
1/4. tsp. paprika
1/4 tsp. celery salt
1 tsp. oregano
salt and pepper to taste

Cut a small onion in quarters. Lay it in the bottom of the crockpot. Place pot roast on top of onions. Add water or broth. Sprinkle roast with paprika, celery salt, and oregano. Add salt and pepper to taste. Set crockpot on low and cook for 8-10 hours. This is wonderful served with gravy.

NBC Weekend Today Cookie Contest

2005-11-26T13:24:00.000-08:00

I just found out about the NBC Weekend Today cookie contest .

Entries are due in by 6 PM- for me that means an hour and a half. I developed a cookie recipe this morning. My efforts are in the oven now. I have my fingers crossed that they come out good. The batter was good, so hopefully they cook up well.

At last minute, I changed things around and added some chunky (and yummy) ingredients. I have no idea what that means for the cookie, as it was a huge risk. (Especially given the time constraints).

If it comes out good, I'll post the recipe for y'all after I figure out if I won or not. The contest rules don't permit it until then.

Thanksgiving Turkey with Pan Gravy

2005-11-25T14:46:00.000-08:00

This year, I cooked the turkey at 300 degrees because I didn't want it to be finished before everyone arrived. (Our guests were running late because we got snow in the morning). I basted it every thirty minutes.

To prepare the turkey, I stuffed it with one onion that I cut in half and a large bundle of fresh herbs (sage, thyme, and rosemary). I heard somewhere that the onions help keep the turkey moist. I only put one in because I didn't want to overpower it. Then I trussed it and put it in my roasting pan.

The result- the herbs and onion gave the turkey a lot of flavor, which gave the gravy an extra flavor boost. Still, I have a "gravy routine" which I didn't alter. I always add paprika, onion powder, pepper, salt, and celery salt to my gravy. Not sure the amounts- I know when it is set by the smell.

Seared Halibut with maple and apple cider

2005-11-23T07:39:00.000-08:00

For the spice rub:

2 parts sugar
2 parts oregano
1 part garlic powder
1 part onion powder

For the braising liquid:

1 c. apple cider
1 T. maple syrup
1 T. soy sauce

Rub spice blend on halibut filets. Sear on high heat in fry pan until browned, about two minutes each side. While filets are searing, add apple cider, maple syrup, and soy sauce to a sauce pan and heat gently on low until the maple syrup dissolves. After filets are seared, spoon apple cider mixture over fish and pour the remainder in the fry pan. Cover pan and set heat to low. Simmer for ten minutes, or until halibut is cooked through. Remove fish from fry pan and set aside. Raise heat to medium and reduce apple cider to about half. Pour over halibut. Garnish with chopped chives or roasted sesame seeds.

My Pantry

2005-11-22T16:48:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is coming and soon, there will be people in my kitchen, eating.

I had it all planned to do some advanced cooking today... That never happened. I can't function in there in its current state. Cabinets in disaray. Pots mismatched from their lids. Ugh.

I'm about halfway through organizing the cabinets. I feel my sense of calm returning. When my kitchen is clean and tidy, I am more free and creative. I found ingredients I forgot I had, spices I hadn't seen in months.

No longer will I make scrambled eggs for dinner in order to avoid being in the kitchen for too long. On the menu for tonight- poached halibut in apple cider served with salad. Now that's much better than eggs!

My New Blog

2005-11-22T10:29:00.000-08:00

I love cooking. I love eating. This new blog celebrates both! I eat healthfully. I indulge. I mix cocktails and create desserts. I want to share with you the best that I encounter and the best of what I create.

Stay tuned. I'll include some recipes soon, just in time for Thanksgiving!