I just finished baking a raspberry rhubarb pie that we will have with a grilled flank steak and salad......so what you ask?
Well the rhubarb is only available this time of year - and this signals the beginning of some great things to come! We all know strawberries and asparagus are big Spring time items. And not the imported from god knows were, but right here at our local farm stands - which are beginning to open. Another wonderful springtime tradition.
With the budding trees, tulips and pollen comes the farm hands protecting those tiny little green sprouts that will become zucchini, tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplant, beans and many other favorites. That delicious salad blend with the edible flowers will be back next to the corn on the cob and heirloom tomatoes. Watermelon, blueberries and peaches are coming later in the summer. Grills will be fired up for many of us. BBQ season begins next weekend with Memorial Day and fruit salads, grilled veggies and iced tea will reign! Or perhaps a lighter wine, a summer ale or a mojito - whatever your pleasure.
Can you feel the excitement? No? Well open the windows, take the dog for a walk and look around. Homes are planting their little plots of farm. Nurseries are bursting with flowers, shrubs and herbs. Everyone has emerged from their winter cocoon to breathe the fresh air, feel the sun on their pale little faces and adjust to the longer days.
Support your local farmers - eat local produce, visit a farm stand for fresh goodies, including wonderful breads, jams and other seasonal items. Buy a pot and do a small herb garden of your own. Or a tomato plant...if you have the room - do a larger plot. Get back to nature - because we all know we spend too much time behind a desk, inside looking out wishing we could play in the dirt like we were kids......
Happy Spring from Home Plate Advantage - your personal chef service for Greater Boston.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Monday, April 13, 2009
Kitchen Wisdom
Some light kitchen humor for tax season - Martha Stewart has her way, Maxine (of Hallmark card fame) has a different approach....
Martha says: Stuff a miniature marshmallow in the bottom of an ice cream cone to prevent ice cream drips.
Maxine says: Just suck the ice cream out of the bottom of the cone, for Pete ' s sake! You are probably lying on the couch with your feet up eating it anyway!
Martha says: To keep potatoes from budding, place an apple in the bag with the potatoes.
Maxine Says:Buy Hungry Jack mashed potato mix. Keeps in the pantry for up to a year.
Martha says: When a cake recipe calls for flouring the baking pan, use a bit of the dry cake mix instead and there won ' t be any white mess on the outside of the cake.
Maxine Says: Go to the bakery! Hell, they ' ll even decorate it for you!
Martha says: If you accidentally over-salt a dish while it ' s still cooking, drop in a peeled potato and it will absorb the excess salt for an instant ' fix-me-up.
Maxine Says:'If you over-salt a dish while you are cooking, that ' s too bad. Please recite with me the real woman ' s motto: ' I made it, you will eat it and I don ' t care how bad it tastes!
Martha says: 'Wrap celery in aluminum foil when putting in the refrigerator and it will keep for weeks.
Maxine Says:Celery? Never heard of it!
Martha says: Brush some beaten egg white over pie crust before baking to yield a beautiful glossy finish.
Maxine Says: The Mrs. Smith frozen pie directions do not include brushing egg whites over the crust, so I don ' t.
Martha says: Cure for headaches: take a lime, cut it in half and rub it on your forehead. The throbbing will go away.
Maxine Says:Take a lime, mix it with tequila, chill and drink! All your pains go away!
Martha says: If you have a problem opening jars, try using latex dish washing gloves. They give a non-slip grip that makes opening jars easy.
Maxine Says:Go ask that very cute neighbor if he can open it for you.
Martha says: Don ' t throw out all that leftover wine. Freeze into ice cubes for future use in casseroles and sauces.
Maxine Says: Leftover wine???????????HELLO!!!!!!!
If you find yourself somewhere in the middle, or perhaps more Maxine than Martha, call a personal chef for dinner! I recommend Home Plate Advantage!
Martha says: Stuff a miniature marshmallow in the bottom of an ice cream cone to prevent ice cream drips.
Maxine says: Just suck the ice cream out of the bottom of the cone, for Pete ' s sake! You are probably lying on the couch with your feet up eating it anyway!
Martha says: To keep potatoes from budding, place an apple in the bag with the potatoes.
Maxine Says:Buy Hungry Jack mashed potato mix. Keeps in the pantry for up to a year.
Martha says: When a cake recipe calls for flouring the baking pan, use a bit of the dry cake mix instead and there won ' t be any white mess on the outside of the cake.
Maxine Says: Go to the bakery! Hell, they ' ll even decorate it for you!
Martha says: If you accidentally over-salt a dish while it ' s still cooking, drop in a peeled potato and it will absorb the excess salt for an instant ' fix-me-up.
Maxine Says:'If you over-salt a dish while you are cooking, that ' s too bad. Please recite with me the real woman ' s motto: ' I made it, you will eat it and I don ' t care how bad it tastes!
Martha says: 'Wrap celery in aluminum foil when putting in the refrigerator and it will keep for weeks.
Maxine Says:Celery? Never heard of it!
Martha says: Brush some beaten egg white over pie crust before baking to yield a beautiful glossy finish.
Maxine Says: The Mrs. Smith frozen pie directions do not include brushing egg whites over the crust, so I don ' t.
Martha says: Cure for headaches: take a lime, cut it in half and rub it on your forehead. The throbbing will go away.
Maxine Says:Take a lime, mix it with tequila, chill and drink! All your pains go away!
Martha says: If you have a problem opening jars, try using latex dish washing gloves. They give a non-slip grip that makes opening jars easy.
Maxine Says:Go ask that very cute neighbor if he can open it for you.
Martha says: Don ' t throw out all that leftover wine. Freeze into ice cubes for future use in casseroles and sauces.
Maxine Says: Leftover wine???????????HELLO!!!!!!!
If you find yourself somewhere in the middle, or perhaps more Maxine than Martha, call a personal chef for dinner! I recommend Home Plate Advantage!
Friday, March 13, 2009
Why we are fat
Check out this website, and ask yourself - do you see yesterday's lunch? Are you drooling over the photos wondering where you can get these items? Or is your stomach upset, and your gag reflex in overdrive?
http://thisiswhyyourefat.com
Sure bacon tastes good. But we all know it is best in moderation. Fried food - again can be tasty and satisfy that need for salty, crunchy, greasy foods. Heck I had some fried calamari last night for dinner...and it was good! But fried cookies? Twinkies? Batter dipped bacon? Blehhh.
Why do we always look for the bigger, layered, if one is good six are better foods? I mean seriously, do you really feel good after eating 2 pounds of anything, even if it is wrapped in bacon? I have been guilty of downing a pint of ice cream myself...but I sure didn't feel good afterwards.
What is wrong with actually tasting the food you are eating? Fried food often does not taste like anything but the batter and the oil it was fried in. Compare fried fish to a piece of grilled fish with lemon. Do you see the difference? Now now, stop yelling boring! Diet Food! health nut....really fresh fish tastes good! As does well prepared anything. Think of a great restaurant you have eaten at - do you see fried anything? No it is typically grilled, braised, or roasted really good quality dishes.
Enjoy the chocolate crunch of an oreo - why fry it and make it greasy, and covered in a batter that now covers up the unique taste that is an oreo? Better yet, have fruit dipped in a great rich dark chocolate, melted over a small flame. Or in the microwave. Dark chocolate has health benefits, and you will have less fat overall and the benefit of the vitamins and fiber in a fruit.
So come on everyone - go for a walk, take up yoga, and look for the fresh options of the foods you like. Your bottom line will love you for it! And if you need help in making healthy food - give me a chance at www.homeplateadvantage.com
http://thisiswhyyourefat.com
Sure bacon tastes good. But we all know it is best in moderation. Fried food - again can be tasty and satisfy that need for salty, crunchy, greasy foods. Heck I had some fried calamari last night for dinner...and it was good! But fried cookies? Twinkies? Batter dipped bacon? Blehhh.
Why do we always look for the bigger, layered, if one is good six are better foods? I mean seriously, do you really feel good after eating 2 pounds of anything, even if it is wrapped in bacon? I have been guilty of downing a pint of ice cream myself...but I sure didn't feel good afterwards.
What is wrong with actually tasting the food you are eating? Fried food often does not taste like anything but the batter and the oil it was fried in. Compare fried fish to a piece of grilled fish with lemon. Do you see the difference? Now now, stop yelling boring! Diet Food! health nut....really fresh fish tastes good! As does well prepared anything. Think of a great restaurant you have eaten at - do you see fried anything? No it is typically grilled, braised, or roasted really good quality dishes.
Enjoy the chocolate crunch of an oreo - why fry it and make it greasy, and covered in a batter that now covers up the unique taste that is an oreo? Better yet, have fruit dipped in a great rich dark chocolate, melted over a small flame. Or in the microwave. Dark chocolate has health benefits, and you will have less fat overall and the benefit of the vitamins and fiber in a fruit.
So come on everyone - go for a walk, take up yoga, and look for the fresh options of the foods you like. Your bottom line will love you for it! And if you need help in making healthy food - give me a chance at www.homeplateadvantage.com
Friday, February 13, 2009
Unique Gifts from Home Plate Advantage
As we head into spring, there comes a multitude of events that demand some attention....yes, Aunt Mary's birthday and your anniversary. But there are a myriad of holidays that require us to use our creative juices to find a unique gift that will charm the recipient, not cost a fortune, and well, c'mon, admit it, be better than your sibling's gift!
So what will you do for Mother's Day, Father's Day, Grandparent's Day, Easter, Passover, Graduations, and of course Valentine's Day?
Well, Home Plate Advantage has some great ideas for those hard to buy for loved ones in your life - and the best part - I do all the work. Think about it - how much would mom love someone else to cook for her - and do the dishes?
How would a romantic dinner for two, prepared in home and served discreetly go over with that special someone? Restaurants are good, sure....but how about a gift that requires no driving, no dressing up, no waiting in lines, shouting over the noise, or being disappointed with bad service? No tipping either (well if you really want to I won't say no) !
And if you want to take credit for the meal - I can prepare everything early, and you can heat and serve, and take all the credit - I don't mind.
Wouldn't you love to have your favorite dish, just once, with no peppers in it? Or that favorite family recipe made for you, instead of trying to figure out what julienne really means?
Maybe your siblings want in on the deal - get a gift certificate from all of you! Someone getting married - what a nice surprise to relieve some of the pre-wedding stress.....new baby? graduation? new home? loss of a loved one? teachers gift or client appreciation? So many people to do something wonderful for.
Sure I am tooting my own horn, but if you read the testimonials on my website - you'll see others have been very happy. So come on - give a really good gift - one size fits all. Order a personal chef gift certificate today and stay on everyone's good side all year long!
If you need a little help for the holidays - I am here to help there too! And for you loners, orphans or members of non existent families - treat yourself to a culinary treat and invite a few friends over......you'll feel better, I promise.
Good eating!
So what will you do for Mother's Day, Father's Day, Grandparent's Day, Easter, Passover, Graduations, and of course Valentine's Day?
Well, Home Plate Advantage has some great ideas for those hard to buy for loved ones in your life - and the best part - I do all the work. Think about it - how much would mom love someone else to cook for her - and do the dishes?
How would a romantic dinner for two, prepared in home and served discreetly go over with that special someone? Restaurants are good, sure....but how about a gift that requires no driving, no dressing up, no waiting in lines, shouting over the noise, or being disappointed with bad service? No tipping either (well if you really want to I won't say no) !
And if you want to take credit for the meal - I can prepare everything early, and you can heat and serve, and take all the credit - I don't mind.
Wouldn't you love to have your favorite dish, just once, with no peppers in it? Or that favorite family recipe made for you, instead of trying to figure out what julienne really means?
Maybe your siblings want in on the deal - get a gift certificate from all of you! Someone getting married - what a nice surprise to relieve some of the pre-wedding stress.....new baby? graduation? new home? loss of a loved one? teachers gift or client appreciation? So many people to do something wonderful for.
Sure I am tooting my own horn, but if you read the testimonials on my website - you'll see others have been very happy. So come on - give a really good gift - one size fits all. Order a personal chef gift certificate today and stay on everyone's good side all year long!
If you need a little help for the holidays - I am here to help there too! And for you loners, orphans or members of non existent families - treat yourself to a culinary treat and invite a few friends over......you'll feel better, I promise.
Good eating!
Boston Area Personal Chefs Walk for Hunger with Project Bread
A personal chef will come to your home to prepare wonderful food, all created just for you and your family. They shop, cook, and cleanup, so that you can enjoy the comforts of your home and delicious, freshly prepared hot meals. But what if you don’t have a kitchen to call your own? What if your kitchen is a food pantry?
The New England chapter of the United States Personal Chef Association has committed to helping feed the hungry on an entirely different level. On Sunday, May 3, team “Boston Area Personal Chefs” will be walking the 20 miles of Project Bread's 2009 Walk for Hunger to raise awareness of the USPCA and to raise money for a very worthy cause. Team leader and president of the chapter, Christine Todaro of Fusion Personal Chef Services in Attleboro and team secretary Laura Finnerty of Home Plate Advantage in Stoughton will be coordinating the team, and hope to raise over $2,000 for Project Bread.
“Personal Chefs and the walk for hunger just seems like a natural pairing” said Finnerty. “Our services revolve around food, and to support a cause that feeds people is a great opportunity for us.”
Team Boston Area Personal Chefs are accepting donations online at: www.projectbread.org/site/TR/Walk/General?pg=team&fr_id=1110&team_id=36450
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The New England chapter of the United States Personal Chef Association has committed to helping feed the hungry on an entirely different level. On Sunday, May 3, team “Boston Area Personal Chefs” will be walking the 20 miles of Project Bread's 2009 Walk for Hunger to raise awareness of the USPCA and to raise money for a very worthy cause. Team leader and president of the chapter, Christine Todaro of Fusion Personal Chef Services in Attleboro and team secretary Laura Finnerty of Home Plate Advantage in Stoughton will be coordinating the team, and hope to raise over $2,000 for Project Bread.
“Personal Chefs and the walk for hunger just seems like a natural pairing” said Finnerty. “Our services revolve around food, and to support a cause that feeds people is a great opportunity for us.”
Team Boston Area Personal Chefs are accepting donations online at: www.projectbread.org/site/TR/Walk/General?pg=team&fr_id=1110&team_id=36450
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Sunday, January 18, 2009
Welcome Home Service hits the Press!
Welcome Home Dinner Packages for Travelers
You are back from a long vacation or a hectic business trip. The refrigerator is empty. What are you feeding your family for dinner tonight? Takeout or prepackaged meals are quick, but loaded with fat, salt and taste, well OK. Wouldn’t you rather serve a nutritious, preservative-free meal that tastes great? You can if Home Plate Advantage is your Personal Chef Service.
Laura Finnerty started Home Plate Advantage to solve the “what’s for dinner” dilemma for busy people. “While the rich and famous folks have private chefs, a personal chef is someone who comes every two to three weeks and is within the budget of many people,” she said.
After a free consultation to determine food preferences, dietary needs and restrictions, Laura will plan a menu for your approval, and on the day before you return from your trip, will arrive at your home with pots, pans, utensils and the groceries to prepare five different dinner entrees with four servings each. When finished the foods are labeled and stored, the kitchen is cleaned, and you’ll come home knowing your family will be well-fed with little or no effort on your part. She will even pick up the milk and bread for breakfast!
Laura gives you healthy ready to eat meals, and the gift of more personal time. “Clients say this service is a dream come true,” she said. “They also agree that compared to the costs of take-out and restaurant meals, the service is truly affordable and a saving grace for weary travelers.”
Personal Chef Laura Finnerty has been serving clients in the greater Boston area since July 2008. She is a member of the United States Personal Chef Association (USPCA), Neponset Valley Chamber of Commerce, and is dedicated to excellence in the industry.
Contact us at www.HomePlateAdv.com for more information!
You are back from a long vacation or a hectic business trip. The refrigerator is empty. What are you feeding your family for dinner tonight? Takeout or prepackaged meals are quick, but loaded with fat, salt and taste, well OK. Wouldn’t you rather serve a nutritious, preservative-free meal that tastes great? You can if Home Plate Advantage is your Personal Chef Service.
Laura Finnerty started Home Plate Advantage to solve the “what’s for dinner” dilemma for busy people. “While the rich and famous folks have private chefs, a personal chef is someone who comes every two to three weeks and is within the budget of many people,” she said.
After a free consultation to determine food preferences, dietary needs and restrictions, Laura will plan a menu for your approval, and on the day before you return from your trip, will arrive at your home with pots, pans, utensils and the groceries to prepare five different dinner entrees with four servings each. When finished the foods are labeled and stored, the kitchen is cleaned, and you’ll come home knowing your family will be well-fed with little or no effort on your part. She will even pick up the milk and bread for breakfast!
Laura gives you healthy ready to eat meals, and the gift of more personal time. “Clients say this service is a dream come true,” she said. “They also agree that compared to the costs of take-out and restaurant meals, the service is truly affordable and a saving grace for weary travelers.”
Personal Chef Laura Finnerty has been serving clients in the greater Boston area since July 2008. She is a member of the United States Personal Chef Association (USPCA), Neponset Valley Chamber of Commerce, and is dedicated to excellence in the industry.
Contact us at www.HomePlateAdv.com for more information!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Happy New Year
As we wind down from the holidays, and count the calories and pounds we have accumulated in less than a month, many of us look to the New Year as a fresh start. Who hasn't vowed to exercise more, eat better, and lose weight.
Then about a month later, many of us fall off the wagon. The good news is that there are many ways to make small changes in our favorite recipes that make a big difference in our waistlines. Of course, eating less of even a good thing doesn't hurt either!
Fresh herbs add a huge punch of flavor without calories, fat or carbs. Many grocery stores have expanded their offerings of these items, so experiment. Thyme and rosemary are great with salmon, chicken and pork. A simple marinade of garlic, olive oil and herbs on a flank steak is a beautiful thing.
Add citrus juices to the above (Orange and Rosemary are wonderful together on pork and chicken) for a healthy option to plain old grilled chicken. Tarragon is a lesser know fish that is great with eggs, potatoes, and lighter fishes. Arugula adds a nice peppery flavor when added to a dish just before serving.
Cilantro is a key ingredient in Mexican and many Thai and Indian dishes. Smoked paprika adds a delicious earthiness to dishes - think comfort food Spanish style. Chicken, potatoes and shrimp are great with this unique paprika. Toss cubed veggies with olive oil and smoked paprika and roast for a wonderful vegetarian dish.
Chilies come in all sizes shapes and heat levels - some smoky, some sweeter, some very hot. Chop a few up into a lighter version of chili - ground turkey, white beans and your mix of veggies, and experience a whole new level of flavor. Add spinach, fennel, swiss chard to add fiber, veggies and color to chili. Make it a stew by adding chopped sweet potatoes or even eggplant instead of the beans. Beans come in all flavors too - black are great in chili!
Grains are a wonderful source of fiber and iron - check out the many variations and get a few recipes from BobsRedMill.com. Why eat just pasta? Or try spaghetti squash for a healthy, lighter version of pasta.
Looking for a healthier way to eat? Do you tend to snack too much while cooking? A personal chef can do all the cooking for you and help make your comfort food favorites a bit healthier.
Then about a month later, many of us fall off the wagon. The good news is that there are many ways to make small changes in our favorite recipes that make a big difference in our waistlines. Of course, eating less of even a good thing doesn't hurt either!
Fresh herbs add a huge punch of flavor without calories, fat or carbs. Many grocery stores have expanded their offerings of these items, so experiment. Thyme and rosemary are great with salmon, chicken and pork. A simple marinade of garlic, olive oil and herbs on a flank steak is a beautiful thing.
Add citrus juices to the above (Orange and Rosemary are wonderful together on pork and chicken) for a healthy option to plain old grilled chicken. Tarragon is a lesser know fish that is great with eggs, potatoes, and lighter fishes. Arugula adds a nice peppery flavor when added to a dish just before serving.
Cilantro is a key ingredient in Mexican and many Thai and Indian dishes. Smoked paprika adds a delicious earthiness to dishes - think comfort food Spanish style. Chicken, potatoes and shrimp are great with this unique paprika. Toss cubed veggies with olive oil and smoked paprika and roast for a wonderful vegetarian dish.
Chilies come in all sizes shapes and heat levels - some smoky, some sweeter, some very hot. Chop a few up into a lighter version of chili - ground turkey, white beans and your mix of veggies, and experience a whole new level of flavor. Add spinach, fennel, swiss chard to add fiber, veggies and color to chili. Make it a stew by adding chopped sweet potatoes or even eggplant instead of the beans. Beans come in all flavors too - black are great in chili!
Grains are a wonderful source of fiber and iron - check out the many variations and get a few recipes from BobsRedMill.com. Why eat just pasta? Or try spaghetti squash for a healthy, lighter version of pasta.
Looking for a healthier way to eat? Do you tend to snack too much while cooking? A personal chef can do all the cooking for you and help make your comfort food favorites a bit healthier.
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