‘Tis the season for eggnog, Aunt Betty’s famous mashed potatoes, sugar cookies, and fruit cake (for the 3 people on earth that actually like fruit cake) … it’s also the season for gaining weight.  The average person gains 7-10 pounds between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day.  So how can we have our cake and eat it too?  Well we could get in a quick workout each day, but the calories going out rarely exceed the calories going in.  For instance, you can jog on a treadmill for 30 minutes and only have 3 oz of a cocktail or spin on a bike for 30 minutes and you can only enjoy 3/4 cup of egg nog or go on a walk for an hour and that will score you 2 buttered rolls on your plate.  So we thought we would come up with some recipes that are still festive, but won’t pack on the pounds.

Deviled Eggs

12 – hard-boiled eggs

24 Tablespoons – Green Chili hummus

Peel eggs, slice in half, dump out yolk, scoop 1 Tablespoon into each half, keep chilled and serve!

These eggs will knock your stockings off, they are so good!  Here are some more delicious recipes worth trying …

Low-Fat Eggnog 

Avocado-Feta Dip

Green Bean Casserole – Slimmed 

Winter Fruit Salad 

Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Pomegranate and Hazelnuts 

Secret Ingredient Dark Chocolate Brownies

Peppermint Meringues 

Cheers, enjoy!!!

It’s that time of year where everyone gets together for a football and food frenzy.  If you can’t be at the game, aim for the next best thing:  watch the game with friends in the comfort of your own outdoor living room.    So ditch the truck tailgate and fire up the grill in your backyard for a “pigskin” pregame party.

• Built-in gas grill
• Sideburner
• Pizza oven
• Drawers and cabinets
• Raised bar top and counter space
• Sinks
• Refrigerator
• Ice maker
• Wine cooler

… just something to think about!

Now to the game day grub!

• 101 Plank Grilling
• How to Grill the Perfect Burger
• Guide to Perfect Salmon on the Grill
• Simple Recipe for Grilled Corn on the Cob
• How to Cook Pizza on the Grill
• Grilling the Perfect Filet
• How to Roast a Chicken on the Grill
• Perfect Grill Marks 
• Smoking Techniques
• BBQ Techniques
• Searing Techniques
• Direct Grilling vs. Indirect Grilling 

How ’bout something to wash it all down?

Party on the Patio Cocktail

Ingredients

2/3 cup pineapple juice, chilled

1/3 cup vanilla flavored vodka

1 dash grenadine syrup

2 pineapple wedges

2 maraschino cherries

Directions

Pour the pineapple juice, vodka and grenadine into a shaker full of ice.  Shake, then strain into two glasses.  Garnish with a piece of pineapple and a cherry on a skewer!

The Fourth of July is about coming together and celebrating with family and friends!  Be the “it” patio party this holiday … just add a little red, white & blue for all the oohs and aahs!  We have decor demos, tasty treats, boozy sips and kid-friendly fun on our Pinterest page! It is stocked with patriotic pins great for ideas on how to perk up your patio.  Check out these clever ways to use mason jars, perfect for centerpieces, decorative candles and more.

Or load up a clear mason jar with the something salty, sweet and super cute like these Patriotic Pretzel Dippers!

Something fun for the kids … homemade edible firecracker popcorn, made with POP ROCKS!  Watch out for the tasty lil’ explosion in your mouth!

Salute to this super salad that will leave you refreshed on a hot 4th of July!

How ’bout some 50 Star Chicken and other festive foods for the main course?

End things with a real bang with these boozy bombs!

And top it off with some Star Spangled Sweetness!

Fourth of July is about coming together and celebrating with family and friends!  Be the “it” patio party this holiday … just add a little red, white & blue and of course, a little you!  Shall we start with the decor?  Our Pinterest page is stocked with patriotic pins great for ideas on how to perk up your patio.  Check out these clever ways to use mason jars, perfect for centerpieces, decorative candles and more.

Or load up a clear mason jar with the something salty, sweet and super cute like these Patriotic Pretzel Dippers!

Something fun for the kids are these homemade edible firecracker cakes, made with POP ROCKS!  Watch out for the tasty lil’ explosion in your mouth!

How ’bout some 50 Star Chicken and other festive foods for the main course?

And top it off with some Star Spangled Sweetness!

For some grown-up goodness … colorful cocktails!

Make your memories sparkle like the 4th of July.  Here’s a quick guide on how to take one-of-a-kind pictures using sparklers!

So whatever it is, enjoy this holiday weekend … Happy Birthday, America!