I wonder when more people try to lose weight?  Is the number fairly well equal throughout all twelve months?  There are probably always a given number of people wanting to lose weight and take the best fat burner they can find during any month of the year, but I would think the number would be higher after the holidays.  But then again, maybe more people are wanting to lose weight during summer’s swimsuit season. It would be interesting to know which season has the highest number.

(However a person chooses to lose weight, they need to check with their doctor first.)

#1. TheSaladCaper’s question. Give me one weird food combination which has always been your comfort food.
Hmm…it’s hard to think of anything.  I guess the closest thing I can think of is when I was a little girl, my daddy would put salted peanuts in a cup of cold Dr. Pepper.  I thought that was so cool!  Just recently I did that because it reminded me of my daddy (who passed away 15 years ago).

#2. Name a food that begins with B.

Broccoli
#3. Name a drink that begins with B.

Banana Pineapple Smoothie
#4. Share  a recipe for something that calls for broccoli.

Brown Rice, Turkey, and Broccoli in Mushroom Sauce

(This is good topped with extra sharp shredded Cheese.)

Need a quick & easy dessert?  Here’s a new twist on an age-old recipe for S’mores.

I remember making S’mores in Girl Scouts when I was growing up, and Girl Scouts are actually credited with the first written S’mores recipe in their 1927 Girl Scout Handbook.  (I wasn’t born for decades later, just in case you’re wondering.)

Here’s the simple recipe:

INGREDIENTS:

• Graham Crackers, broken in half to make squares
• Marshmallows
• Hershey’s Chocolate Bars
• Maraschino Cherries
• Canned Whipped Cream

Place squares of chocolate bar on a graham cracker half.  Then place marshmallows and top with another graham cracker.  Cook in microwave just until the marshmallow puffs up big.   Drizzle melted chocolate on top.  Serve on a pretty plate with chocolate covered marshmallows*, whipped cream and a cherry.

*To make chocolate covered marshmallows, place marshmallow on a toothpick and dip in melted chocolate.  Place on waxed paper to cool.

MEATBALLS ARE COOKED IN A COVERED SKILLET.  YOU DON’T HAVE TO USE THE OVEN AND HEAT UP THE KITCHEN!

Here’s a good recipe for meatballs.  I adapted it because I didn’t have Italian seasoned bread crumbs, and we really liked the way they turned out.  This recipe makes 12-14 meatballs and feeds 3-5 people, depending on how many meatballs each person eats.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 (16-20 ounce) package ground turkey (93% fat-free)
  
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/3 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs, OR crushed cereal or crackers plus seasonings (I use Grape Nuts Cereal,  crushed Wheaties Cereal or crushed Ritz crackers for the crumbs.  For seasonings, I use:  approx 1/2 to 3/4  t. each of oregano, thyme, basil, 1/2 t. rosemary, 1/4 t. sage plus 1/4 t. salt & 1/8 t. pepper)
• 2 T. olive oil

Mix well.  Form 12-14 large meatballs.  Preheat large skillet on medium with a little olive oil, place meatballs in skillet and cook COVERED for 12-15 minutes, turn and cook 5 more minutes.  Serve over pasta with sauce along with garlic bread and salad.

#1. Lynne’s question. Do you cook items besides meat on the bbq grill, and, do you prefer gas or charcoal grills?

Meat only, charcoal grill.
#2. Name a food that begins with A.

Arugla came to mind.  Here’s a little info I found:
It’s rich in vitamin C and potasium.

It has a rich, peppery taste.

It’s used in salads, which we know.

It’s also used in pizzas in Italy, which I didn’t know.

.

.

#3. Name a drink that begins with A.

I found this recipe in one of my cookbooks:

ALMOND TEA

#4. Share  a recipe for something that calls for American Cheese.

GRANDS Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

This makes a delicious tea!

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 quarts water
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 sliced lemon
• 2 cups strong tea
• Juice of 3 lemons
  
• Juice of 2 oranges
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Boil water, sugar, and sliced lemon for five minutes.  Add remaining ingredients.  Chill.   (also good served warm)

Are you in the market for a laptop?  Check out wholesale laptops for savings.  Maybe you need one for your business or have a college student in the family who needs a laptop for college work.  Or maybe you would like to have one for home to check email and do searches on the Internet.  Whatever reason, in today’s market it’s great to be able to save money on your purchase!

Here’s an interesting little tidbit of info.  Today is 7-8-09, so when the clock says “10:11″ then you will have five consecutive numbers.  Some kids (of all ages) might think that’s fun!  It’s noon right now, so 10:11 AM has passed, but if your kids are up after ten this evening, they might think it’s cool to look at the clock on 7-8-09 @10:11.

A lot of families move during the summer if they’re planning a move.  That way the kids can complete their school year and start the next school year in their new neighborhood.  If a family uses moving companies San Francisco to move their belongings to New York, for example, they want to be assured their belongings will be taken care of.  When a move is planned, people want movers who offer high quality service at a reasonable price.  If you are planning a move, check out California New York Express Movers.  Call to get a free moving quote.