Nibble to Noodle Archives - Page 2 of 3

Nourish Yourself in the New Year: Make a Night of It

In this month’s theme of giving you tools and practical strategies for eating smarter throughout the year, this one is low-hanging fruit; a super-easy step that will radically simplify your meal planning. Rather than start from scratch each week with what you’re going to make, designate two or three nights as themes. The beauty of this approach is that it allows you to structure your meal planning while still leaving you open to creative interpretation. For instance, I’m not starting from scratch when deliberating what to make on a Thursday night; I already know I’ll be making seafood. But that could be as varied as Curried Mussels or Blackened Catfish or Barramundi with Shallots and Chile.

Nourish Yourself in the New Year: Love Your Lists

Originally, I was just going to write about keeping a par stock list to keep track of your (fabulously efficient) pantry. But then I looked around my own kitchen and realized I have three lists working synergistically to help me keep the basics well-stocked and use what I have on hand. Here’s how I use them and how they work together.

Build a Healthy Pantry

Healthy meals start with a healthy pantry. Stock up on these basics, from cooking oils and vinegars to whole grains, beans, legumes, salt and spices.

Nourish Yourself in the New Year: Consider a Fast

The topic of fasting may seem strange on a site dedicated to eating, but I'm going to argue that it's apropos. Fasting—even for a handful of hours—can help you recalibrate and enrich your awareness of how food affects you physically, mentally and emotionally.

Feast without Frenzy: Put People to Work

For whatever reason, I often feel like I have to do everything myself when guests gather—plan, cook, serve, clean (alright, I admit, Christopher does that). But the truth is, involving others in the meal makes them feel even more welcome, more at home. Here are five strategies for putting people to work during the holidays in a way that will bring cheer to all.

Feast without Frenzy: Make Ahead

The big day is drawing near and, if you’re like me, so is family. In this series, we’ve talked about planning ahead, freezing ahead and keeping it light. Our next strategy for enjoying time together instead of toiling endlessly in the kitchen is making certain dishes ahead.

Feast without Frenzy: Freeze It

One of the easiest ways to free up time once house guests arrive is to have an arsenal of frozen meals already prepared. And I don't mean Birdseye. I’m talking chili, soups, braises, grains, pulses and even meat like pork carnitas and duck confit. Here are three tips for scrumptious freezer meals.

Feast Without Frenzy: Plan Ahead

Mention the phrase “meal plan” and you’ll likely hear a litany of reasons for why there's no time. Yet even fifteen minutes can help you set a simple framework that will make your holiday feasts less stressful. Here are three steps to crafting a plan.

Get a New Grain: Oats

With all the different types of oats out there it can get confusing. Is one superior to the other? Is one healthier than another? Here’s the simple scoop . . .

Pair the Wine to Your Thanksgiving Turkey

It’s got to be the second most popular question circulating these days (just below, “how do I brine a turkey?”): “what wine should I serve with the Thanksgiving bird?” Here are four mock menus of birds and fixins to illustrate how ingredients intermingle with wine—some complementing, some contrasting—and how being aware of their interplay can help you create a memorable pairing.