First thing I want to talk about is brining. Has anyone brined anything? pork, turkey, a chicken maybe? No? Don't be afraid, once you do it, you might actually do it more often. Brining is the process similar to marinading.. Putting meat in a liquid to impart flavor. The difference between the two is; marinating, you are trying to penetrate the flavor of your marinade all through your protein. Brining, on the other hand, you are not trying to impart a flavor profile as much as keeping your protein moist and juicy. My favorite protein to brine is pork, which is what I did today. The one thing about brining is, you want to make sure you have enough time for the meat to soak in the liquid. I will give you the recipe I used, but there are many great recipes for different kinds of brines. So check them out, find one you like. Don't be afraid, you never know, you might just end up brining your next Thanksgiving turkey.
The next thing I want to mention and I think everyone could benefit from this. My lovely co-worker mentioned something she does for her family at dinner that I think I'm going start making a habit. She put's out a platter of some kind of fruit on the table with and as part of her dinner. I will actually starting doing this on a daily basis. However, I will be putting out the fruit before and keep it out with the dinner. Since we are all trying to eat healthier and since they all love to pick while I'm making dinner, this will be a great way for my family to get some of their fruit. I might actually include some cucumbers and carrots. The other benefit will be to possibly cut down on the portion sizes of dinner. So this week I have pineapple and cantaloupe.
The last thing I want to mention is, it is the holiday season. I know we are all running around with the season of stress. Shopping for parties and family, baking, decorating on top of the normal family life. I'm sure you hear this all the time about those less fortunate. One question that I have for you is this..... why is it that we should only remember the less fortunate during the holidays, why should it not be year round. I was kind of reminded of this today in church when they discussed their "Giving tree". Where you select a label of the gender and age of a child to buy them a gift. Besides the actual gift for the holiday, doesn't that child also have basic needs throughout the year? Something to think about. I was also reminded today when we went to a function for "People and Paws" hosted by our local animal shelter. Along with people in need, there are those who depend on us fully to provide for them, animals in shelters. These are helpless creatures that have absolutely no control over their circumstances. I plead to you to get involved more with your local shelters by donating food, old blankets, maybe time, if your able or financially, again only if your able. We are starting to coupon for food to be donated to the local shelter. One thing to keep in mind this season. It's always exciting to get a new puppy or kitten for Christmas, I know, I've been there. But just remember a few things, a puppy or kitten is a huge commitment. Make sure you have the time, the dedication and discipline to give this new addition to your family. Yes, just like a baby, it's a new addition, because let's face it... it is a baby, just not human. You don't want to go through a heart wrenching act of adding to your local shelter by donating your new addition, if you know what I mean. If you don't want to go through all the puppy/kitten stuff, consider an older shelter dog/cat that would fit into your life style. These older animals want and need a loving home. There are some great animals that need help, they just were in bad circumstances and need your understanding to get them through their difficult time. You have the opportunity to change that. We were blessed to get Flint when he was five, he is a wonderful loving dog and we are happy to provide a spoiled lifestyle for his later years. I hope you consider the same.
Just remember New Year's resolutions don't have to be; to go on a diet, get more exercise, or even to give up smoking It could be as simple as being more patient with someone who is difficult, getting more involved with your church, temple or charity of your choice, helping a neighbor in need, or even writing a letter to someone who needs some words of encouragement. Resolutions are about change, sometimes changes to self improve, but I think we tend to forget, that we can change ourselves by doing good for others. This is a priceless route to self improvement.
Enough ranting. I said what I have to say.
I encourage you to send me an email to let me know what your resolutions are and your progress on them. Also on a lighter note please offer up some recipes for me to try and I will give it shot and post those pictures of my successes.
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