What's Your Superpower?

In a time when mothers baked bread while fathers changed the oil in the family car –

When casserole was a buzzword and trans fat wasn’t - 

There were always homemade cookies in the cookie jar and a pantry full of home-canned goods. 

STEROTYPE, but…

They were smart -

                They were savvy -

                                They were superheroes!

You may be picturing your mother or grandmother in her frilly apron – her superhero “cape,” putting a perfect dinner on the table.  In reality, even grandma took advantage of convenience items.  The fact is the ‘50s was the birth of convenience items including the home microwave oven in 1955.  From canned soup to cake mixes, life was becoming easier.  The need for convenience is actually a relatively old idea.   

FAST FORWARD to today

We work longer -

                Play harder -

                                Sleep less.

Convenience is not a new fad; it’s a way of life.  How can you be the superhero that your ancestor was?  Superheroes have super powers and your Hy-Vee chef can provide yours.  We may not have lasers or X-ray vision, but we are smart and savvy and are here to save the day.

Fake Fry 101

While fried food is delicious and we can't  seem to get away from it, the fact of the matter is we sometimes have to just say NO.  But what are we saying no to?  Is it the flavor, crispness, or fatty goodness?  Well, if you guessed fatty goodness you are halfway correct.  You can still have the flavor, crunch and goodness with a fraction of the fat and calories.  Take for instance a delicious dish we made for St Patrick's Day.  We filled egg rolls with corned beef, kraut, cabbage, carrots and Swiss cheese.  These reuben egg rolls were not only fried but dipped in homemade 1000 island dressing.  SPLURGE!  So, you don't want to waste your entire workout on one tasty treat?  There is another way.  We like to call it frying on a curve.  It's our way to cheat the system.  We are getting an A for health with these tips on oven frying. 

Lesson 1:
Shake n' Bake

It is totally underrated and underused.  There are a variety of flavors and the box has picture instructions!  Cheat sheets if you will.  From oven fried chicken to fish and chips there is endless possibilities.  Check it out in aisle 7.

Lesson 2:
A Little Spray Goes A Long Way

Like our egg roll idea?  These little gems can be baked.  Take any recipe that calls for won ton wrappers or egg roll wrappers, follow the directions until you get to the part that says "deep fat fry".  STOP!  Place items on a sprayed baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees until golden brown and crisp.

Lesson 3:
Don't Skip the Starch 

Who doesn't like french  fries?  I mean, who doesn't love french fries.  These too can get an A for health by simply baking instead of frying.  Cut your potatoes in wedges, cubes or french style, toss in a little olive oil, season and bake.  All it takes is 30-45 minutes in a 350 degree oven, depending on the size of cut.

Well kids, class is over.  If you would like recipes for delicious oven fried foods email Two Girls 'n' a Grocery Store at 1092clubmgr@hy-vee.com.       

Council Bluffs Hy-Vee Wellness Team (5)

Check out our Facebook page. Yet another way you can get updates on classes by Two Girls 'n' a Grocery Store.
Council Bluffs Hy-Vee Wellness Team (5)

Coupon Clippin' and Coffee Sippin'

It's Sunday and like the Bangels said "wish it were Sunday, my I don't have to run day".  Well, I don't have to run today and I am using this time to organize my weekly menu, clip some coupons and drink endless amounts of coffee.  Did you know you can go to http://www.hy-vee.com/ and get weekly coupon match-ups?  It matches our ad to the Sunday paper coupons.  Take a look under Helpful Ideas.

Back to my list.  What to make, what to bake, and since it is a busy week, what to fake.  These are the questions I ask myself.  I know I am a chef, but I can't cook from scratch all the time.  Just incase you are wondering, you can still be a domestic diva and cheat a recipe or two every now and then.  One of my favorite cheats is using rotisserie chicken.  Believe it or not, Stacey and I have come up with 101 tasty things to do with a rotisserie chicken.  So yes, what I am saying is you can prepare a fast chicken dish almost twice a week for a year and never repeat a recipe!  Here is one for tonight.

Chicken Tacos with Cilantro Lime Crema

Ingredients:
1 rotisserie chicken, shredded
1 cup salsa verde
1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup fat-free mayonnaise
1/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream
zest and juice of 1 lime
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 garlic clove, minced
8 soft corn tortillas
shredded lettuce or cabbage

Directions:

In a small skillet on medium heat combine shredded chicken and salsa.  Stir ocassionally until heated through. 
For the crema, combine the next 7 ingredients and set aside.
Wrap tortillas in a damp towel and heat in microwave on high for 1 1/2 minutes or until softened. 
Place a mound of chicken in center of tortilla.  Top with crema and shredded lettuce.  Fold in both sides of tortilla and enjoy. 

For more recipes and meal planning ideas go http://www.hy-vee.com/ and click on Meal Solutions.  Search for 2323 West Broadway on Hy-Vee.com for our events calendar of classes by Two Girls 'n' a Grocery Store.