My Thanksgiving at AA

Among the turkey, mashed potatoes and classic pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving dinner, there is always drama.
Yes, I said drama.
This may not seem like a foreign concept to some, and certainly not to me, but without fail every year my family gets harder and harder to be around.
It is the constant bickering about nothing, having to explain your life plan and “future” to the grandparents I see twice a year and drunken or high, embarrassing slurs in front of family friends that wears on my patience.
Oh yeah, and there are about five dogs, big and small, barking and clawing at my legs begging to be petted that also wears not only on my patience but also my wardrobe.
I love my family of course, but is it too much to ask that they behave themselves? I think not.
This year was different however.
This year will go down as the first time that I can remember since a young girl that everyone actually got along and sober.
My aunt who was hosting dinner said there is to be no alcohol whatsoever, which, I’m not going to lie, wasn’t that great for those of us who don’t have a drinking problem but it’s a small sacrifice to make.
It was almost unbelievable the way that everyone helped out and didn’t have anything to complain about, even me.
To keep myself from complaining too much, I kept busy.
I went to an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting with a close family member.
I know that doesn’t scream holiday fun but it was important for me to support my loved one and also to be reminded of how I have it so great when many others do not.
All of the people listen to each others stories, feeling their pain and rubbing their backs in support and comfort, which silently tells the person in pain, “I understand. I’m here for you.”
When I first got there I met a woman who seemed to be friends with everyone.
She was hugging and talking to everyone outside the meeting and when the meeting started she even waved hello to a bunch of people in the room.
She was smiling and looked like miss popular.
Then right before the meeting was over, and people were sharing about the story we had just read, this woman decided to share too.
Except her story was about to make everyone cry, including me.
Her story was long and very sad but her point of sharing was to tell everyone how important they were to her, especially in hard times like the kind holidays bring.
As tears streamed down her face she held a mans hand that was sitting beside her and she thanked everyone in the room for coming to a meeting on a holiday and that we will never know how much it was helping her coup with her problems just by being there.
It was inspiring to say the least.
In a very Hallmark sort of way this woman made me even more grateful for my family, even if we do have a few bad times because there are people out there who have it bad all the time.
When we got home from the meeting I was suddenly filled with ease and glad that I went to a meeting even though I didn’t have to.
My family member doesn’t have to, she is not ordered by the court, she chooses to and that choice is helping her and all of the people that choose to go also.
My Thanksgiving was not a traditional one but it was still the best one I’d had in years.

Passion for Pinot

For those of you that are of age to drink, I have just the thing for you to bring to your significant other’s Thanksgiving dinner or even your own. And if you’re family is as crazy as most peoples, listen up.
This month is a great time to try a new wine, or wine in general if you are not that familiar.

Pinot Noir is the wine of the month, say it with me, PEE-noh nwahr. Very good!
According to The Wine Club, A Month-by-Month Guide To Learning About Wine With Friends by Maureen Christian Petrosky, November is a great time to try Pinot Noir because of all the great food that goes along with Thanksgiving.

Pinot Noir is often called the “noble grape of Burgundy” because it is the red grape from this world-famous winegrowing area in France. So, if the wine is red and it says it’s from Burgundy (or Bourgogne in French) then the grape is most likely Pinot Noir.

This wine is very special because it may take awhile to really appreciate its unique aroma and flavor.
It is said to have the aroma of a barnyard, so Petrosky says. I know, I know it doesn’t sound that appetizing but the juice beneath the aroma, especially ones from France, can be the best you’ve ever tasted. It just may take a couple of tries.
Anything worth having is worth the wait right?

To help you properly taste the wine, Miguel Garza, host of winetasterstv.com can be found on you tube.com and is waiting to give you the tips you need to have the best wine tasting experience yet.


For most wine you can usually just use a basic red wine glass or white wine glass (yes they are different) and it won’t matter that much. This is not as true for Pinot Noir.
A Pinot Noir glass is larger than other red-wine glasses, with a bulbous shape that allows more flavor and aroma to develop. If all you have is an all-purpose red-wine glass, no worries it’ll be just fine.
To get the “bang for your buck” Petrosky suggests Castle Rock Pinot Noir 2003, Carneros California; $10. It holds strong flavors such as black cherry and vanilla with the aromas of mocha, cedar and spice- all for just $10!

Pinot-Noir is a “true food-loving wine” says Petrosky, because it is made to enjoy with food.
Here is a delicious, and no bake, twist on a Thanksgiving favorite that will go fabulous with a glass of Pinot Noir.
Leftover Pumpkin Pie Parfaits
1 leftover 8 or 9 inch pumpkin pie
2 cups sour cream
¼ cup pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons orange juice
½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
2 cups whipped cream
¾ cup crumbled graham crackers

1. Remove pumpkin filling from piecrust; discard the crust.
2. In a medium bowl whisk together sour cream, maple syrup, orange juice and pumpkin pie spice.
3. In the bottom of 10 small parfait glasses (or bowls) place 2 or 3 tablespoons pumpkin pie filling. Add a layer of the sour cream mixture to each.
4. Top with a layer of whipped cream and crumbled graham cracker.

Bon appetite!

Boring "American Cooking" Anyone?

When someone asks you what your favorite kind of food is, you normally give examples like Italian, Japanese or Mexican. Not once have I ever heard someone say American Cooking. What does that even mean?

That is how Malabar, a Natomas based restaurant, describes itself.
So, what does “American Cooking” mean to them?
It means that they specialize in many different kinds of food. I guess they are trying to say that their menu is very diverse, just like America.

There are Asian, Mexican and Italian references and tastes for almost anyone’s craving.
Unfortunately the first thing that I thought when I saw so many different dishes was, “Can they possibly do them all well?”

Upon arriving the outside of the restaurant was huge and seemed as though it was a business casual place, although I showed up late in jeans and a t-shirt and fit right in.
The front door however had the appearance of a back door that might lead to the dumpsters and did not give you the “Come on in!” appeal.

The dining area and especially the bar was surrounded by big flat screen televisions that were set to the presidential election coverage and football. Very pro-American.
The lights were dim and it had a very cozy feel along with the booth that comfortably fit five people.

The waitress came to the table with a sincere smile ready to take our orders.
It didn’t take long before there was a glass of chardonnay and colorful plate of rare ahi tuna sitting in front of me. Along side the tuna came a balance of hot and sweet cilantro-wasabi vinaigrette and a soy glaze.
As I looked around for chop sticks I realized I was not in a Japanese restaurant where I might normally order this, so I ate it with a fork instead.

After taking my time to eat and enjoy the company of my fellow classmates, some of us decided to order dessert.
After salivating over the classic cheesecake description, I decide to order it and share it among the others at the table.
It was a classic cheesecake with a drizzle, emphasis on drizzle, of raspberry sauce.
When it was placed in front of me the cheesecake looked amazing but the “drizzle” of raspberry sauce was a couple of little swirls on the plate.

It was after seeing this that the waitress explained that it is more of a garnish, but that wasn’t going to cut it for me and I decided to order a side of raspberry sauce to pour on top.
The cheesecake was light with a slight vanilla bean flavor and was not too rich as some have a tendency to be.

When it came time to get the check the waitress didn’t hesitate to get us all separate checks.
All in all it was a good dinner, although very mundane. It wasn’t great but it wasn’t terrible, it just was.
It looked, acted and tasted like every other chain restaurant I’ve been to. There were no sparks or unique flare that stuck out, just a forgetful face in the crowd.

Rules for Dining on a First Date

　
So, you’re on a first date and everything is going great.
He brings you flowers, she laughs at all of your jokes and you have so much in common that time is flying by and before you know it, 10 p.m. turns into 2 a.m.

The last thing you want to worry about is whether or not you have something stuck in your teeth or if your breath smells bad, right?
We can fix this little problem.

The first date is all about making a great first impression and hopefully getting that wonderful goodnight kiss or something more if you're lucky.

There are certain rules to follow when your first date involves food.

Rule number one, do not order pesto pasta or spaghetti.
The little green pieces of pesto will get stuck in your teeth and you‘ll be chatting away about your annoying roommate with green all in your teeth. It‘s not a good look.
Spaghetti was cute for the dogs in Disney’s Lady and the Tramp, but it is too messy for a date.
If you have to keep putting the napkin up to your face and you are even a little bit worried about the spaghetti sauce splattering everywhere then don’t order it.

Rule number two, do not order something with a lot of garlic, or a medium amount for that matter.
If you’re not sure just ask the waiter. Your date will greatly appreciate this and hopefully get the hint too.

Rule number three, do not order anything that might upset your stomach even a little bit.
If your date wants to go to a new Indian place and you want to get lucky at the end of the night, I’d suggest Chili’s.

Some of these rules may seem like no brainers but sometimes we are so comfortable with ourselves and used to what we like, we forget to think of how it will affect other people.
You need to be able to eat and carry on a conversation because that is the whole purpose of a date, whether it‘s the first one with a really hot girl or a family member.
Here are some more helpful hints to help you lock in the make out session at the end of the night.

Try to eat more protein and less bread.

We all get nervous sometimes and eat way too many chips with salsa or bread sticks because we don’t know what else to do but bread along with the rest of your entrée will feel too heavy and protein will give you energy for whatever it is you will be doing after dinner. Wink, wink!

Like I said, we all get nervous on first dates and along with eating or fidgeting with everything around us, we tend to drink a lot more alcohol than we normally would.
This can be a very bad decision if you cannot hold your liquor.
You could end up talking about things that you will regret the next day and possibly not even remember.
Depending on your size and weight, you should probably only have two drinks maximum.

If you think the end of the night could be a little more than just kissing, there are some foods that can work in your favor.

According to Foxnews.com, protein is a good energy source and it also provides an increase in stamina.
You can find protein in foods besides meat like beef or chicken, there is also a lot of protein in pine nuts.
Asparagus contains foliate which is necessary for histamine production and histamine is necessary for both males and females to reach orgasm.
Oysters are a well-known aphrodisiac and contain zinc which increases libido.

Last, but certainly not least is dessert!
Chocolate is known to release serotonin, which can provide a calming effect in your brain and helps get you in the mood.

Good luck! And remember, just be yourself (unless you love garlic like I do and tone it down a notch).

Different Types of Vegetarians

Girls Next Door blonde bombshell, Holly Madison, poses nude while saying, “I’d rather go naked than wear fur.”

Do I have your attention now?

Madison, along with many other celebrities like Paul McCartney, Alicia Silverstone and the rock n’ roll goddess herself, Joan Jett, have all been apart of spreading information about vegetarianism.

In a time when the percentage of obese Americans couldn’t be any higher, it is no wonder why so many people are choosing to eat more natural and organic foods.
People are not just eating natural and organic but they are also becoming vegetarians.

Vegetarian seems to be a very confusing word and topic for some people.
When I tell people I’m a vegetarian I often get the response “ So does that mean you don’t eat cheese or eggs either?” or “Why? Is it because of animal cruelty or you just don’t like the way it tastes?”

There are so many questions because so many people know nothing about being a vegetarian or the different types there are and why.

According to Dictionary.com the definition of vegetarian is “A person who does not eat or does not believe in eating meat, fish, fowl, or, in some cases, any food derived from animals, as eggs or cheese, but subsists on vegetables, fruits, nuts, grain, etc.”
But it doesn’t stop there because there are many different kinds of vegetarians out there.

Lets jump right in there and start off with Lacto vegetarian.

A Lacto vegetarian eats dairy products but they do not eat eggs or anything made with eggs like pancakes, bread, cookies or cake.
Lacto-ovo vegetarians eat dairy products and eggs just not meat of any kind.
A Pesca vegetarian eats dairy, eggs and seafood only.

The last one and the one that confuses almost everyone is the dreaded Vegan.
Yes they have tattoos that say vegan and they do not wear or buy anything that is animal related like leather shoes or fur coats, but they are regular people too, I promise.
The vegan is the most extreme vegetarian there is.
They do not consume anything that was made with eggs, milk or anything else that has a face.

So you might be thinking, “What do they eat then?”
In a country that prides itself on diversity with numerous fast food and chain restaurants to choose from, we have yet to make it easier for Vegans or even regular Vegetarians.
There are stores and some restaurants in big cities that support vegetarianism but let me tell you, it’s not easy for them.

Think about how hard it would be if you were lactose intolerant and everywhere you go you have to explain your dietary restrictions like when you go to a dinner party or casual BBQ.
It is even harder for vegetarians and especially hard for vegans.
Luckily there are many different foods that can substitute the protein and other nutrients in meat.
Tofu, beans, nuts, peanut butter and seeds are a great source of protein for vegans.

For Pesca vegetarians they can add tuna or other fish to their diet for protein and Lacto-ovo vegetarians can add eggs and cheese to the list for meatless protein.
Although it is surprising how many food products there are, essentially for non meat eaters, that are made with tofu but look like a chicken nugget.

What’s up with that?!
Who knows, maybe it makes them feel cool because they can still eat a “chicken” nugget too.

Vegetarianism is sweeping the nation and you might even have a friend that is a vegetarian and not even know it.

The point is, next time someone tells you they’re a vegan or vegetarian you will be able to sympathize with them and have a better understanding of where they’re coming from.

This is only scratching the surface, so for more information go to Peta.com or chooseveg.com and I bet you’ll be surprised at the amount of information they have and how many celebrities are supporters of the vegetarian movement.

Peta.com also has tons of yummy vegetarian recipes available for you to try and experiment with like their recipe of the week Caramel-Apple French Toast, so get cooking!

Maybe Some Pie will Cheer You Up

Sacramento Magazine is pretty notorious for having a great food and wine section. A dedicated team to let readers know the best wines with what food, the best summer salads and, of course, the best restaurants.
While on their website, Sacmag.com, I noticed that there are numerous columns by Kira O’Donnell, that are not only good but always leaves my mouth watering.
O’Donnell’s recent column is about one of my favorite things in this world- cheese.
She writes about the different kinds of cheeses from gruyere to one of my favorites, Stilton, how to use them, what to drink them with and where to buy them.
She starts off by naming the specialty food shops in Sacramento such as Corti Bothers, David Berkley and the Sacramento Natural Food Co-op, then lists each cheese and how to use it when cooking.
She uses words like tangy, nutty and creamy to get you in the mood for a cheesy pizza or a simple quesadilla.
For November, O’Donnell has chosen to review the restaurant Biba, an authentic Italian restaurant, calling Biba Caggiano the “Doyenne of Italian cusine in Sacramento.”
She describes Caggiano’s dedication, persistence and passion for writing cook books, cooking and even hosting a cooking show called “Biba’s Italian Kitchen.”
One thing O’Donnell said in her review really caught my attention.
“For those of us restaurant diners used to loud background music, saccharinely friendly waiters and oversize televisions in every available corner, this was a refreshing and genteel step back in time.”
This was a great observation, only I am too young for it to be a “step back in time” but I know exactly what she means.
Besides the appearance, every detail in the food is mentioned, from the way it looks on the plate to every sensation of how it tastes.
The final verdict was that it simply wouldn’t be right to compare Biba to other Italian restaurants because it would be like comparing “biscotti and breadsticks” or “pantyhose and tube socks.”
What has this talented food and wine columnist done in the last year?
This pastry specialist, who used to work at restaurants like Auberge du Soleil in the Napa Valley, Original Joe’s in San Francisco and Chez Panisse in Berkeley, definitely knows what she is talking about.
Not only are her columns delectable but she has opened up her very own pie shop called the Real Pie Company, located on 1201 F St. in Alkali Flat.
While doing an interview with food columnist Mike Dunne, she explains, why pies?
O‘Donnell says, "I have had a lifelong love affair with pies - there's just something special about them. And they make people happy.”

Life is Just Better on the Dark Side

Come to the dark side. Of chocolate that is.
Chocolate, dark chocolate, is the healthiest of all the chocolates.
You might be thinking, “chocolate is healthy?!”
And the answer is yes, it can be, in moderate doses.
According to WebMD.com, dark chocolate has less sugar than milk chocolate does.
Plus, dark chocolate bars with a high-cocoa content, like Dove Dark Chocolate bar is loaded with something called epicatechin. Epicatechin is a particularly active member of a group of compounds called plant flavoniods. Flavoniods keep cholesterol from gathering in blood vessels, reduce the risk of blood clots, and slow down the immune responses that lead to clogged arteries.
In fact, dark chocolate keeps up to 95% of its falvonoid.
So, the higher the percentage of cocao on the label, the better it is for you.
This means that if you have high blood pressure, it can help you lower it and you will be on your way to a healthier heart.
It is also a great source of anti-oxidants.
But studies have shown that eating it with milk can interfere with the way your body absorbs the anti-oxidants.
Dirk Taubert, MD, PhD, and colleagues at the University of Cologne, Germany, signed up six men and seven women aged 55-64.
All had just been diagnosed with mild high blood pressure -- on average, systolic blood pressure (the top number) of 153 and diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) of 84.
Every day for two weeks, they ate a 100-gram candy bar and were asked to balance its 480 calories by not eating other foods with similar nutrients and calories. Half the patients got dark chocolate and half got white chocolate.
Those who ate dark chocolate had a significant drop in blood pressure (by an average of 5 points for systolic and an average of 2 points for diastolic blood pressure). Those who ate white chocolate did not.

For those of you that are willing to try something new and very fun here is a recipe from Foodnetwork.com that will get you in the right direction:
Ingredients
4 medium ripe but firm bananas
8 wooden craft sticks
3 tablespoons finely chopped lightly salted peanuts
6 ounces good quality dark chocolate (60 to 70 percent cocoa solids), chopped
Directions
Peel, then cut each banana in half crosswise and insert a craft stick into each half. Place on a tray, cover with plastic wrap and place in the freezer until frozen, about 3 hours.
Place the peanuts in a shallow dish or on a plate. Melt the chocolate in the top of a double boiler over slightly simmering water, over the lowest possible heat, stirring frequently. Make sure the water is not touching the bottom of the top pan. Pour the melted chocolate into a tall glass. Dip each frozen banana into the chocolate, turning it to coat, and immediately roll in the peanuts. Place on a tray covered in waxed paper. Serve immediately or wrap individually in plastic wrap or waxed paper and freeze for up to 2 weeks.
This recipe is really easy and is good for those times when you have a sweet tooth and don’t want to feel guilty.
There are so many choices out there for an unhealthy snack so spread the word and get messy with a little gooey, melted chocolate.
Or, if you’re feeling lazy, Haagen-Dazs makes ice cream bars made with pomegranate ice cream covered in dark chocolate.
Bon Appetite!