I blinked and it was mid-December already. How did that happen? Seems like everyone I talk to these days is stretched to the limit and time is whizzing by. That makes it more important than ever to take a deep breath and relax over a beautiful, tasty, healthy meal or snack. Pause to reflect on the year and just enjoy life to the fullest. December is a perfect time for pretty food. It is also a time when I attempt to use up what is in the freezer and refrigerator so I can start fresh in the new year.
Normally, December is a time for entertaining at my house. Parties, brunches, big dinners. This year was different, however. Pretty Food Press, LLC (in conjunction with Great Chefs International) is publishing the next George Stella cookbook – Still Livin’ Low Carb. The cookbook will hit the streets February 14th and will be sold exclusively through QVC initially. Tune in to QVC on Sunday, January 1, 2012 to the In the Kitchen with David segment to watch George demo recipes from the book. Since some of the recipes were prepared here and some of the photos were shot here, we’ve had an opportunity to taste test and all I can say is “WOW!” They are fabulous! You will love them!
So, the last month took me out of the kitchen repeatedly, as it entailed a trip to QVC for vendor orientation, photo shoots at our house, and a major vacation trip to New York City. (All on top of my “normal” work.) In the middle of all that, I performed a magic show for a large party.
We all make magic in our own way, don’t we? Take a bow for all the “rabbits” you’ve pulled out of hats this year!
Most magicians amaze their audience. I can even manage to amaze myself!
With relatives scattered about this year, it will just be the two of us for Christmas Eve and Christmas day and I am grateful for that. Don’t assume for a moment that just because we’re alone we won’t make the table and food beautiful. You’re not going to catch us eating off paper plates or out of containers. We will sit down to a beautiful table and gorgeous food. I’ll take pictures, of course!
On Christmas Eve, I think I’ll do an “all appetizer” meal. We have some classic Christmas movies on DVD, courtesy of my friend Paula. We’ll break out the lovely platters, pop open a bottle of champagne, and enjoy little snacks as we stay up late. Santa arrived early this year (we attended the auction of Elizabeth Taylor’s jewelry!), so I won’t be staring at the fireplace waiting to see boots coming out.
Many people throw caution to the wind this time of year and eat whatever they please, rationalizing that “it’s the holidays.” The result is holiday weight gain, lethargy, frustration. My friend Kathy held the opinion that the time to make positive changes to eating habits was right before Halloween (the candy season). If a person could exercise moderation from Halloween through New Years, the new year would start off on a positive, healthy note. I like that idea.
Merry Christmas to all of you, dear readers. One of my favorite recipes is below. Want to make it low carb and sugar-free? Substitute low carb tortilla crackers in place of the Ritz. Use Natural (no sugar added) peanut butter, and dip the little things into melted sugar-free chocolate. You don’t have to do without, you know. Just choose wisely.
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