While there are things to focus on adding to your diet when you're pregnant, there are also foods and beverages that should be bumped. And it is super important, obviously, to be on top of the things that should be avoided because the list seems to change ever-so-often. Every mommy wants to make the healthiest choices for their baby and having a solid understanding of their pregnancy diet's do's and don't's are a necessity.
So, let take a look at what's on the naughty list ...
Caffeine: This, I am sure, is going to be a tough one for a lot of new mommies out there. I know that I need a good strong cup of coffee in the morning just to get me going. However, whether it's soda, coffee, tea, or energy drinks, caffeine should be avoided in large doses. This is because it causes a higher risk of miscarriage and can also affect your baby's heart rate. So start reading labels, cut your morning caffeine binges to just one cup of coffee, and stay away from energy drinks. And when you're feeling a caffeine craving coming on, opt for decaffeinated drinks instead.
Seafood High in Mercury: Although seafood is an awesome source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, it also can be dangerous. This definitely doesn't mean that you should cut out our fishy friends altogether. Fish is great for a baby's brain development, skin, and hair. But, seafood that has too much mercury is harmful for a baby's nervous system. So remember this: check the age and size of the fish. The older and bigger the size, the more mercury it likely contains. "No-no" fish include swordfish, albacore tuna, mackerel, and shark. But it's healthy to have 12 ounces per week of good fish, such as salmon, shrimp, or catfish. Check out our delicious Balsamic Salmon recipe for an easy, baby-friendly weeknight dinner.
Raw Meats and Seafood: Sorry sushi and deli lovers - this one's gonna hurt. Eating raw or undercooked foods can be seriously harmful. This is because raw and undercooked foods contain viruses and bacteria and because of changes in your body it increases the risk of food poisoning. It is crucial to make sure all your food is fully cooked. Fish should separate and be even in color throughout. Meats and poultry should have clear juices, but to be sure, use a thermometer for precise internal temperatures. Cold cuts can also be risky because they may have been contaminated during handling. In other words, stay away from deli meats and hot dogs unless you want to cook or steam them. For a healthy dinner option, check out our Garlic Rosemary Chicken.
Unpasteurized Foods: You can forget that yummy cheese platter at your next ladies night. Yup, you heard me, unpasteurized food, like soft cheese can be harmful for you and your baby. This is because they are not aged and therefore carry a greater risk for miscarriages, pre-term birth, and food-borne diseases. So, again, it is strongly encourged to read all labels when grocery shopping. If you find cheeses that are pasteurized then you're safe - so go for it!
Unwashed Fruits and Veggies: This is a no-brainer and I am sure most of your already do this, but it's always better to make sure. Wash all your fruits and veggies, especially the root ones, before cooking or eating. This is to eliminate any harmful bacteria that still may be lurking about!
Alcohol: I'm sure you already know not to drink while pregnant. However, it has been said that a drink once in a while may be okay. Just know that there are no studies to actually prove that the occasional drink is alright. It may just be best to think about it like this: if you drink, then your baby is most likely going to absorb some of the alcohol and therefore it is safest to not drink at all. Drinking while pregnant can lead to huge disabilities, pre-term birth, and other terrible disorders. Better safe than sorry! If you are really craving a drink, try our Margarita Spritzers but substitute the type of margarita mix that doesn't have alcohol. We promise it still tastes great and will hit the spot!
So to all you expecting mommies out there: good luck and good eats!
Having a child changes a lot of things, including your (and your baby's) diet. If you are expecting an addition to the family, then it may put a tiny bump in your everyday eating habits. No matter how healthy you think you are, there are probably things you will have to change. It might be beneficial to make a list of all the things you can and cannot eat and put it somewhere, like your refrigerator or iPhone, so you can remember until it becomes routine.
There are no magic recipes or foods for your pregnancy diet. But what you can do is focus on the things that are essential for the baby's overall health and growth. The key elements in your diet should be folate and folic acid, calcium, protein, and iron.
Folate and Folic Acid:
Basically, folate is a vitamin B that helps prevent birth defects. If you are not getting enough, then it makes you more susceptible to pre-term delivery. An expecting mommy should have about 1,000 micrograms a day. So try our Toasted Chevre Salad for the spinach, Four Bean Salad for the beans, Roasted Asparagus with Garlic Lemon Sauce for the asparagus, or our Asian Citrus Salad for the oranges.
 Toasted Chevre Salad |  Four Bean Salad |
 Roasted Asparagus with Garlic Lemon Sauce |  Asian Citrus Salad |
Calcium:
It's super critical for you and your baby to have strong bones and teeth. So try having 1,000 milligrams of calcium a day. If there is not enough calcium in your diet, then the baby will take what it needs from your body, which is obviously not good for you in the long run. Foods that contain a good amount of calcium are yogurt, milk, cheese, juice, and spinach. Take a look at our delicious Berry Parfait, Kiwi Honeydew Smoothie, or our Cheese-Stuffed Tomatoes.
 Berry Parfait |  Kiwi Honeydew Smoothie |
 Cheese-Stuffed Tomatoes | |
Protein:
Protein is also key for babies' growth. You should have at least 71 grams a day. Lean meats, poultry, certain types of fish, and eggs are all great sources of protein. And for those of you who prefer veggies, you can try dried beans, peas, tofu, dairy products, and even peanut butter. Check out our Citrus Ginger Chicken, FunnySpoon's Turkey Chili, or our Sesame Teriyaki Noodles.
 Citrus Ginger Chicken |  FunnySpoon's Turkey Chili |
 Sesame Teriyaki Noodles | |
Iron:
Iron is awesome for preventing anemia and making sure more oxygen is carried to all your tissues. Also, your blood volume actually doubles during pregnancy to make up for all the changes going on. If you do not get enough then it can leave you feeling tired and open you up to more infections. It also increases the risk of pre-term delivery and low birth weight. Try getting at least 27 milligrams a day. Iron is found in lean red meats, poultry, and fish. But for you veggie-eaters out there, try iron-enriched cereals, nuts, and dried fruits. Look at recipes like our Clean-Out-the-Fridge Veggie Soup, Oriental Coleslaw, Mediterranean Pita, or Marc's Cheater Lentil Soup.
 Clean-Out-the-Fridge Veggie Soup |  Oriental Coleslaw |
 Mediterranean Pita |  Marc's Cheater Lentil Soup |
Note: Iron found in animal products are the easiest for the body to absorb, but you can also pair them with a drink or food that is high in vitamin C, like orange or tomato juice or strawberries.
As you can see, eating the right foods can make a huge difference in you and your baby's health. So add sliced fruit to your breakfast cereal, chop up some extra veggies for your favorite dish, and when you're craving something sweet, opt for some low-fat yogurt instead of ice cream ... because every mommy wants only the best when they are expecting!
It's funny how something so tiny can make such a difference in our diet. Nuts are giant powerhouses filled with essentials like protein, fiber, calcium, good fats, etc. Now, don't be scared off by their fat content. They can actually do more good for a slimming waist than harm when eaten in the right amounts and are fabulous for improving health on various levels. So let's break it down...
ALMONDS:
Almonds have the most nutrients and are great for the heart. Toasting improves their already fabulous taste and creates a slight texture. Also, throwing sliced or crushed almonds in any simple veggie dish adds a little sass to an otherwise boring side dish. Check out our Red Cabbage Salad.
Red Cabbage Salad
CASHEWS:
Cashews are pretty awesome for those of you watching your waistline and need a little burst of energy or crunch, but not the extra fat. They are also great in Asian-inspired dishes, like our Chicken Stir-Fry.
Chicken Stir-Fry
PEANUTS:
Peanuts are probably the most enjoyed of the nut family. Although contrary to popular belief, they are actually legumes! So, if you're trying to cut down on a bad snacking habit, then peanut butter should surprisingly become your best friend. A tablespoon of peanut butter can actually cut cravings and make you eat less throughout the day because your tummy will be satisfied. Or, if you're not a fan of that idea, then carrying around a bag of yummy trail mix will also do the trick.
PECANS:
Pecans have the highest fat content of all the nuts, but that is what gives them their incredibly smooth and rich taste. This is probably why they are so often used in baking. Try our playful Monkey Bread, or our more sophisticated Brie Apple Pinwheels.
 Monkey Bread |  Brie Apple Pinwheels |
PINE NUTS:
Although pine nuts can be a little pricey, they are quite delicious and are great for making sauces. Try our Artichoke Pesto Pasta, but if you're trying to squeeze your budget like most of us, then you can definitely substitute walnuts for an equally satisfying taste.
Artichoke Pesto Pasta
WALNUTS:
Walnuts are super healthy. You can thank their high Omega-3 fatty acid content for that, but watch out because it also makes them spoil faster. Walnuts are very versatile and can pretty much be used in anything from salads to main courses, like sprinkled on top of our Quinoa with Mushrooms and Pasta, or even desserts. They are also great for reducing strokes and heart attacks.
Quinoa with Mushrooms and Pasta
So, go crazy; go nuts! Add them to steamed veggies, put some crunch in your yogurt, be creative and coat your meat or fish for some extra pizzaz, or simply eat them just as they are!
Glass of Sass: The Dreaded Shopping List
Posted by Vicki Labels: glass of sass, grocery shopping, time-savers, who knew?
Check out the latest Q&A in our new Glass of Sass column. We know our sassy fans have questions, and we've already poured a glass of wine so we're ready to fire off some answers!
Got a question of your own? Send it in and we will answer it in a future column!
I found a ton of easy recipes on your site that I can't wait to try. But I'm not familiar with some of these products - I'm totally new at cooking! Can you help me get out of the grocery store with the right stuff?
Glad you found so many recipes you want to try. Though we can't say we're surprised - I mean, we do think our easy recipes are quite tasty if we do say so ourselves!
As for your shopping dilemma, we've got you covered. Take it from shoppers who've been there before! We know what it's like to think you know exactly what you're looking for, then go to the store and get completely confused by all the options. Lucky for you, our shopping list makes grocery shopping a breeze. In just a few easy steps you'll be on your way.
- Create an account with us. It's free and all the cool kids are doing it. Plus, it only takes a few seconds and even the busiest of people has that. Or you can log in now if you already have an account.
- Browse your new favorite recipe site (FunnySpoon, duh) and click the "Add to Shopping List" button on each recipe that you want to add to your list.
- When you're done selecting recipes, click on MyShoppingList in the upper right. Here you can review the list, then click the icon to print. And because we love you, we let you pick if you want to print with images or without. The first time you try a new recipe you might want the images to help with your shopping, but then once you're familiar with the products you can save a little printer ink and just print the products.
Bonus: We know that you eat at least a few meals each week that aren't from FunnySpoon. We're OK with that because we know you still love us. So we went ahead and put your regular weekly grocery items on the list as well so you can pick them up at the same time. Happy shopping!
We all know we should drink more water because EVERYONE tells us all the time. Or, at least it can feel that way when you're not big on drinking water! If you're sick or have a headache, your mom says to drink more water. If you're dieting, you're supposed to drink more water to help you feel fuller. Even if you just had a relaxing massage, you're supposed to drink water to help flush out the toxins that were just rubbed loose. OK GUYS, we get it! More water!
So how do you get it down the hatch if you're just not that into it? Here are 5 quick and easy tips:
1. Just chug it. Use your college days as inspiration and finish the whole glass in one go. Nothing's that bad as long as it's over with quickly, right?
2. Enhance the flavor with a packet of Emergen-C (which is also packed with vitamins) or Crystal Light on the Go. You'll only add a few calories and it will make it taste MUCH more interesting.
3. Allow yourself a soda or alcoholic drink only if you drink water first. Getting through the glass of water will be much easier if you know you have a reward waiting for you on the other side.
4. If you're eating broth-based soup, add in a little extra water. It will only dilute the taste a tiny bit but you'll squeeze in extra water. Tip: start with small doses and build up - you don't want to ruin your soup by adding too much water.
5. Eat fruit. If you simply can't down a glass of H20 then eat an orange or an apple. They're full of water and at least you'll get a little more of the good stuff in your system.
Try one of these tips and let us know how it goes! Or, if you think we're all being a bunch of babies then share your tip on how you get more water in your diet.
Today is Blog Action Day and this year's topic is water. We're participating in this event by sharing just a few shocking facts about the world's water usage and supply:
- Unsafe drinking water and lack of sanitation kills more people every year than all forms of violence, including war. Unclean drinking water can incubate some pretty scary diseases, like E. coli, salmonella, cholera and hepatitis A. Given that bouquet of bacteria, it's no surprise that water, or rather lack thereof, causes 42,000 deaths each week.
- Every day, women and children in Africa walk a combined total of 109 million hours to get water. They do this while carrying cisterns weighing around 40 pounds when filled in order to gather water that, in many cases, is still polluted. Aside from putting a great deal of strain on their bodies, walking such long distances keeps children out of school and women away from other endeavors that can help improve the quality of life in their communities.
- The average American uses 159 gallons of water every day – more than 15 times the average person in the developing world. From showering and washing our hands to watering our lawns and washing our cars, Americans use a lot of water. To put things into perspective, the average five-minute shower will use about 10 gallons of water. Now imagine using that same amount to bathe, wash your clothes, cook your meals and quench your thirst.
Want to help? Get on board with one or more of these easy solutions:
- Be more aware of how much water you use. Turn it off when you can, use less where you can. You don't need to put a bucket in your shower to capture reusable water or stop shaving - we're not trying to turn the world into hippies. But maybe take a shorter shower or water your lawn a little less often.
- Donate to water.org. Hey, if Matt Damon's involved, we're interested! And for just $25, you can give one person clean water FOR LIFE.
- Spread the word on your blog or Facebook page, or slap it on a post-it note on your friend's back. Beats "Kick Me" for originality!
It's Spa Week!!
Posted by the jaynes family Labels: easy recipes, no brainer tip, Sous Chef Program, who knew?Other than the Chilean miners being rescued this week (thank goodness they're all safe!) the most amazing news is that it's SPA WEEK, October 11-17. This is not just permission - it's your duty - to have a spa treatment at someplace fabulous - mani, pedi, massage, facial, body wrap, whatever little pick-me-up moves you!
In honor of this week, Vicki and I have decided to give our famously hot sous chef & intern, Bradley Cooper, the week off from foot massage duty. Instead we're going to treat him to a little spa treatment. Jealous girls? You should be!
And when you make a sassified, simple FunnySpoon meal for dinner no one will ever know you spent the better part of the afternoon relaxing!
Enjoy ... and happy hump day!
Be Green ... Not Gross!
Posted by the jaynes family Labels: eco-friendly, kitchen tips, no brainer tip, who knew?We're all trying to be nice to our planet: reduce our waste, recycle whenever possible, reuse products, etc. Right? Right!
And as a part of this, I'm sure you're using canvas, reusable grocery totes, right? Did you know that these bags, while great for the environment, need a little TLC from your washing machine every once in a while? It's true - they grab little pieces of bacteria and contaminants from the groceries & produce you put in them, hold onto them and attach them to the next round of groceries. So while they probably don't need to be laundered as often as your kids' smelly soccer clothes, you should wash them about once per month. Toss them in with the sheets and towels and keep your family healthy & safe from icky, weird food bacteria!
Want a sassy FunnySpoon grocery tote? Just share one of your fave recipes, with a photo, and we'll send you a tote like one of these!
You're My Obsession
Posted by the jaynes family Labels: all-natural, light and healthy, no brainer tip, snacking, sweet stuff, who knew?We're starting a new series about our newest grocery store finds, incredible new shortcuts and, ultimately, our latest obsession.
This week we're spotlighting GREEK YOGURT. This likely isn't a new product to many of you - it's been around for quite some time. It has historically been something you found in health food and all-natural stores. I don't know about you, but that's not where I usually do my frenzied grocery shopping. However, recently it's popping up on the shelves of every grocery store around. There are a few brands from the health food stores (like Chobani) appearing in mainstream groceries and now, even better, our friends at Dannon and Yoplait are getting on the bandwagon, too.
What's the big deal with Greek Yogurt, you ask? Well, it's packed with protein. A typical container of Yoplait yogurt has 5 grams of protein while Greek yogurt contains 12. TWELVE grams of protein! That will keep you filled up and focused for hours.
Greek yogurt comes in tons of flavors (vanilla, honey, strawberry, blueberry, etc) and is perfect with granola and fruit for breakfast, a snack or lunch. And ... my picky 4 year old loves it. As a bonus: Chobani is developing a whole line of 'Carrie-friendly' flavors like chocolate. Whoops, I meant kid-friendly!
So, what are you waiting for? Give it a whirl. I'm sure you'll love it. And if not, you'll at least get a protein-packed snack instead of a handful of M&Ms.
Don't you hate it when people say the best tip for a hangover is to not drink too much in the first place? Hello, we KNOW we made a mistake but shaking your finger is just making us dizzy! So check out these tips to get over a hangover as quickly as possible (which is still never quick enough, ensuring we have plenty of time to think of what we've done and swear we won't drink as much next time. Until next time.)
Hydrate!! The main reason you're feeling like crap is because you treated your body like crap. You turned your body into a desert. Things aren't moving through and toxins aren't pushing out because there's nothing to encourage them along. Drink a lot of water. Then drink a lot more. Keep drinking it even though you are SO totally sick of it.
Drink orange juice with calcium to restore nutrients and electrolytes and give you energy while HYDRATING! Water is great, for sure, but it gets BORING. Plus you need electrolytes and energy. So go ahead and have some juice or Gatorade to give you a boost.
Eat lean protein like grilled chicken. Lean protein absorbs ethanol, removing it from your system. Throw in some whole wheat toast or pasta as well. We know you want a greasy burger (and you can go that route if you want) but you'll feel much better if you do this. You probably already have the ingredients on hand to make this easy Garlic Rosemary Chicken, getting you on the road to recovery that much quicker.
Sleep it off as much as you can. Hey, it's a decent excuse to catch up on all the shows you secretly enjoy or snooze on the couch guilt-free.
Eat a banana or make a fruit smoothie and take 2 aspirins. Foods that are liquid or not super solid are much easier to get down. And keep down.
Do NOT drink coffee. It will dehydrate you even more. Yes, it sounds good. Yes, you love your morning cup. But you messed up, missy, so today you're going to have to skip the coffee and learn your lesson. Get hydrated and tomorrow we'll let you have your cup o' joe.
OK, enough with the lecture. Go rest up and feel better soon!
Now that the kids are back to school and we're all spending more time indoors, it's more likely the germs are a-spreadin' and colds are on their way. The best way to prevent a cold is to frequently wash your hands and drink lots of water (preferably kicked up with a bit of Emergen-C). But when the inevitable cold strikes, here are some of the best foods to eat to help you get over it quickly:
Chicken soup with rice or noodles. There's a reason you've been hearing about this since your first cold as a child – it works! The amino acid cysteine, found in chicken, helps lessen inflammation of sinuses and bronchial tubes. This soup is also a great way to get nutrients from vegetables and energy from carbohydrates. Make it in advance for lower sodium content and freeze for sick days!
Oatmeal or whole wheat toast. Whole grains help you recover by boosting the immune system since they're high in zinc. Additionally, the warmth of oatmeal is soothing and a little spread of peanut butter on your toast ensures you're getting enough protein when you're probably not in the mood for a big juicy steak.
Chamomile tea with lemon and honey. Tea reduces inflammation and is a good way to stay hydrated. Honey and lemon both soothe irritated throats, and the lemon provides a tiny kick of vitamin C.
Yogurt. Its active cultures, known as probiotics or live healthy bacteria, can help kick a cold to the curb (and can even help prevent colds in the first place if eaten regularly).
Drink citrus juice and water. Orange juice is great but you can drink any citrus juice you prefer, just try to make sure it's low in sugar and high in vitamin C. Alternate glasses of juice and water – you can never have too much water when you're sick!
Of course, it's important to be sure you eat a wide variety of foods when you're sick to be sure you're getting all the different nutrients your body needs. But when you're not feeling great and don't have much appetite, you can at least focus on the items above to get the most impact. Get well soon!
It's Friday and that means it's the last day of our 5 Days of Meat series. Today we're featuring seafood, and while some people might not call it meat, we still wanted to share a few quick tips and recipes about it. Dive in!
- Types: There are so many types of seafood it's impossible to name them all! From mollusks to fish, seafood is one of the most versatile options you have. Choose a white fish like sole or flounder for a lighter meal, and a heavier tuna or swordfish for a meatier dish. Scallops complement a light vegetable medley or risotto beautifully. With seafood, just choose what you like and get creative!
- How to cook: Seafood can be boiled, grilled, fried, baked, broiled, steamed - you name it! Overall, with a handful of exceptions like salmon and tuna, fish should be cooked through but still maintain its natural moistness. Raw sushi quality seafood is delicious as well, but make sure it's grade A quality!
- Wine Pairing: The cliché is to go with a white – a sweeter white for drier fish, and a drier white for meatier fish. But be rebellious and try a Malbec with a medium-rare filet of salmon and you won't be disappointed.
- Veggie pairing: Seafood goes great with everything. Try it with spinach and asparagus for a high iron kick!
Miss a post? Catch up for the week:
Monday: Turkey
Tuesday: Chicken
Wednesday: Beef
Thursday: Pork
Friday: Seafood (above)
Like our 5 Days of Meat series? Then check out our 5 Days of Cheese, 5 Days of Fruit and 5 Days of Veggies series too!
 | We are happy to have Nola Solomon on board as an intern for FunnySpoon.com. As a French-American, she offers unique culinary insight on how to enjoy your food and efficiently plan for a hectic schedule. Give her recipes and tips a try! |
And the week continues! This week we've been providing a brief overview of different kinds of meats along with a few of our favorite recipes for each. Today's featured meat is "the other white meat": pork!
- Cut: The least fatty part of the pig the pork loin, but pork is commonly bought as bacon/ham/sausage, rips, and chops. As they say, everything's better with bacon!
- How to cook: Roast a whole piece of pork in the oven or fry in a frying pan. Ribs can be boiled and then barbecued just until crispy. Pork is best eaten somewhere between medium and well done.
- Wine pairing: Choose a succulent red like Beaujolais.
- Veggie pairing: Try with roasted potatoes, carrots, and peas for a delicious medley.
Miss a post? Catch up for the week:
Monday: Turkey
Tuesday: Chicken
Wednesday: Beef
Thursday: Pork (above)
Friday: Seafood
Like our 5 Days of Meat series? Then check out our 5 Days of Cheese, 5 Days of Fruit and 5 Days of Veggies series too!
| We are happy to have Nola Solomon on board as an intern for FunnySpoon.com. As a French-American, she offers unique culinary insight on how to enjoy your food and efficiently plan for a hectic schedule. Give her recipes and tips a try! |
This week's theme is meat, with a quick overview and some of our favorite recipes each day. So far we've featured turkey and chicken; today's featured meat is beef. Dig in!
- Cuts: There are so many! Most common are rib eye, t-bone, filet mignon, flank, or ground. They are all good, but offer different ratios of fat to protein and tenderness and flavor.
- How to cook: On a grill! If that is not possible, opt for a frying pan or simply stick into the oven. Beef is best medium rare but can be cooked anywhere from rare to well done. Ground beef tends to be lower quality meat that steak cuts, so medium is often a better heat choice for burgers.
- Wine Pairing: Choose a fruity, full-bodied red to complement the iron-rich beef.
- Veggie Pairing: Great with roasted brussel sprouts, broccoli and mashed potatoes.
Miss a post? Catch up for the week:
Monday: Turkey
Tuesday: Chicken
Wednesday: Beef (above)
Thursday: Pork
Friday: Seafood
Like our 5 Days of Meat series? Then check out our 5 Days of Cheese, 5 Days of Fruit and 5 Days of Veggies series too!
| We are happy to have Nola Solomon on board as an intern for FunnySpoon.com. As a French-American, she offers unique culinary insight on how to enjoy your food and efficiently plan for a hectic schedule. Give her recipes and tips a try! |
Hope you enjoyed yesterday's overview on turkey. Today in our 5 Days of Meat series we're featuring chicken. So check out our quick info below and try some of our easy chicken recipes!
- Cuts: You can buy chicken, like turkey, whole, breast, wings, legs, and ground. We love using Tyson's pre-cooked chicken strips because they make dinner time SO much easier and you never find any gnarly bits!
- How to Cook: Chicken should be cooked all the way through so there is no pink left in the middle, but still be moist.
- Wine Pairing: You can eat chicken with pretty much anything, thought white wine goes well in particular. Try a dry Riesling to complement the moistness of the chicken.
- Veggie Pairing: Chicken goes excellent with spinach, asparagus and pretty much anything green. Add to soup with carrots and celery or on top of a salad for a low calorie punch.
Miss a post? Catch up for the week:
Monday: Turkey
Tuesday: Chicken (above)
Wednesday: Beef
Thursday: Pork
Friday: Seafood
Like our 5 Days of Meat series? Then check out our 5 Days of Cheese, 5 Days of Fruit and 5 Days of Veggies series too!
| We are happy to have Nola Solomon on board as an intern for FunnySpoon.com. As a French-American, she offers unique culinary insight on how to enjoy your food and efficiently plan for a hectic schedule. Give her recipes and tips a try! |
This week we're doing a quick overview of different kinds of meats with a few of our favorite recipes for each. We're kicking off the week with turkey, which we think is very underrated and should be celebrated year-round!
- Cuts: Turkey comes in many different packages; the entire bird, the breast, legs, or ground up. Ground turkey is our secret weapon - it's lower calorie than ground beef and still tastes great!
- How to cook: Treat turkey as you would chicken. Meat should be thoroughly cooked but still moist. Stick in the oven to roast, sizzle in a pan for stir fry, or steam.
- Wine pairing: Turkey goes nicely with a light red, like a pinot noir, or a dry white, like Chardonnay.
- Veggie pairing: People always think of Thanksgiving when it comes to turkey so why break up a winning combo? Pair your turkey with sweet peas and sweet potatoes!
Miss a post? Catch up for the week:
Monday: Turkey (above)
Tuesday: Chicken
Wednesday: Beef
Thursday: Pork
Friday: Seafood
Like our 5 Days of Meat series? Then check out our 5 Days of Cheese, 5 Days of Fruit, and 5 Days of Veggies series too!
| We are happy to have Nola Solomon on board as an intern for FunnySpoon.com. As a French-American, she offers unique culinary insight on how to enjoy your food and efficiently plan for a hectic schedule. Give her recipes and tips a try! |
