Memorial Day…. not just a holiday to remember those who have fought and died in our military.
But it’s a holiday that surrounds itself in food. I mean, if you’re not going to a bbq? It feels like you’re missing Memorial Day, right?
RIGHT CHEF!
And I’m not the only one who see’s this holiday as a food challenge? A drinking challenge?
NO CHEF!
Good. Then this blog is worth writing.
I have to say I love all the bbq holidays….. Labor Day, 4th of July, Memorial Day. Actually for me, Memorial Day kicks off the bbq season. Now here in California, we bbq all year long. But I think there’s something special about everyone coming together to bbq!
So we’re talking hamburgers, hot dogs (really? Are people still eating mystery meat?), salad, coleslaw, macaroni salad, potato salad, pickles, flank steak, corn on the cob, watermelon…. and don’t forget beer and wine, right?
RIGHT CHEF!
Let’s talk about how we can eliminate GMO corn, portion control better how we can do less damage this holiday, gain less weight.
Our first comment has to be about corn because that’s the easiest answer: buy organic. It’s not that big a hit to your wallet and there you have it. Problem solved!
I’m doing something different this year – and you can do it too – white or wheat: Think sliders. Bites of food instead of hamburgers the size of New England that you can barely fit in your mouth. And you can even turn Pretzel Rolls, soft Pretzel Rolls (Trader Joes) into sliders – cut each roll into thirds.
Let’s face it, after 2 -3 bites, that craving is satisfied. And if it’s not? You can take another slider (and do less damage). Go with grass fed beef and add to it ground turkey or ground chicken. You’ll still get all the flavor, and less of the beef. Then add to your mixture (use the food processor) tiny pieces of onion and red pepper. Add bread crumbs (I just take one or two of the slider breads and buzz it in a food processor). If you want to keep the meat moist? Do a thumb print in the middle and in that tiny pocket you’ve created, stick some cheese. Then cover it, seal it with more meat and pat it down. Not a lot of beef, not a lot of cheese, not a lot of bread, but a lot of YUM! (An ice cube works too, if you’re not eating cheese). That’s my suggestions!
Want fries for the kids? Switch it up to sweet potato fries. Either grapeseed oil them up and throw them into the oven. Or pan saute on medium till brown. Equally yum. A tip about fries? Do what the restaurants do….. cut up the fries, flour them first (which makes them dry) then cook. (Chose an alternate flour, not white). It forms a thin layer around each fry. That’s Yum!
Onto beer and wine. Beer? I can’t help you there. Beer is beer is beer. The more you drink? The more you want to drink. But just with wine? Stay hydrated. Drink a glass of water in between drinks. And my friend? Skip, I say SKIP the soda. Quickest way to dehydration. And seriously not good for your body. Why can’t I lose weight? Why can’t I lose weight? Cause you’re drinkin’ soda! lol
All this being said, remember what the holiday is all about. Enjoy the bbq! Enjoy your friends and family. Make that the focus and remember…. small bites of everything!
Happy Eating,
Chef Marian