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Eating, Not Meating

January 28, 2010 by wendalicious

Got an email this morning from my friend Jennifer, telling me about a webinar happening today at Culinate.com, a food website of which I was not previously aware (but it looks great so far!). The webinar is called “Eating, not Meating,” and is hosted by Kim O’Donnel, a chef and food journalist who is writing a cookbook for people trying to eat less meat. According to the website, Kim does this web chat every Thursday.

Considering my journey towards near-meatlessness, Jennifer thought I would be interested in this seminar. And, of course, I am! Based on the description of Kim’s work from Culinate’s editor, it sounds like Kim and I have the same meatless-eating goals:

Kim O’Donnel has finished recipe-testing and writing for her soon-to-be-book,Licking Your Chops: A Meatless Guide for Meat Lovers. I e-chatted with Kim about what that multi-month project has meant for her own diet. “I definitely have less of an appetite for meat,” she says. “Get a craving about once a week these days — and when I do eat it, it tastes GREAT. Looking forward to roasting a chicken this weekend.”

Many months ago, Kim and I talked about the idea for her book, something for people (like her own mother) who really like meat, but just want to eat less of it. From the sounds of things, Kim’s managed just that. “I had no idea vegetarian food could taste that good,” wrote one of her testers.

I’m in.  And for those of you who can log in at 1:00pm today (January 28), here’s the link: http://www.culinate.com/columns/table_talk/table_talk_january_28

And Daniel: for the record, you were right (but you already knew that): going cold tofurkey probably is not for me, since I do enjoy a nice flat iron steak.

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A Good Start

January 24, 2010 by wendalicious

Lord, I’ve been neglecting my blog. I’ve been so busy both at home and at work these days, I’ve been using any spare time I have trying to sleep and catch up on my reading. Or perhaps it should be: read and catch up on my sleeping.

I know that I owe you at least two blog posts: one on my trip to Washington DC with Shannon back in November (!!!), and one from the Albany Wine and Dine that I attended with Chef Mark as his sous-chef. I will get to them – there’s just so much to write and I don’t have the energy right now…you’ll have to amuse yourselves for now by looking at my photos (there’s a link to my Flickr page over to the right).

But I do have one thing to mention today – I’ve begun the process of becoming a vegetarian. I know it’s going to be a long transition, but I’m making some positive steps in the direction in which I’d like to head. What, you ask, gave me the kick in the ass? This book I picked up at the library: “The Face on Your Plate: The Truth About Food,” by Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson. I was barely into the chapter about factory chicken farming and I had to go throw up.  Blech. I was also startled by a statistic that Masson mentioned: going vegetarian saves the lives of nearly 2000 animals – not a trivial thing. Very eye-opening and motivating.

So, today’s trip to the supermarket was the first trip in which I consciously made vegetarian/vegan food choices. Now, hubs isn’t going quit being a carnivore, so I had to purchase some chicken to keep him happy. And, I’m not going to waste the meat that we have in the fridge. So, it’s going to be a transition from some meat to no meat.

In the interest of full disclosure, I had a ham sandwich for lunch today.  I felt bad the whole time, though.

Posted in diet | Tagged , | 3 Comments »

Are You Kidding Me with this Taco Bell “Drive-Thru Diet”?

January 16, 2010 by wendalicious

Have you noticed those new commercials from Taco Bell, promoting the “Drive Thru Diet”?  You know, the ones with the beautiful, bikini-clad woman who claims to have lost weight by eating at Taco Bell? At first, I thought the promotion was a gag – along the lines of SNL’s commercial parodies.  But sadly, I was wrong.  It’s real.

Here’s the deal: this woman (her name is Christine Dougherty) claims to have lost more than 50 pounds over two years by eating the “Fresco” items on Taco Bell’s menu.  Sounds a lot like Jared from Subway, does it not?  Actually, it sounds like a lot of crap (insert Taco Bell joke here).

Of course, there’s always the fine print associated with a claim as staggering as Christine’s.  For instance, take a look a this image from one of the spots:

The fine print behind Taco Bell's "Drive-Thru Diet"

1250 calories a day.  Uh, that’s what your doctor (and other reputable weight-loss programs) would tell you is the bottom of the calorie range for weight loss in women.  So, stay with me here, it’s a simple matter of calories in, calories out.  Burn more than you eat, and you will lose weight.  I haven’t seen the statement about Christine “incorporating Taco Bell’s healthy choices into a regimen of diet and exercise,” but I’d be willing to bet my bottom burrito that it’s somewhere on their website.  You can’t lose weight any other way (except surgery)!

And the “Drive-Thru Diet” conveniently ignores other valuable nutrition information – fiber, vitamins, sodium – that one needs to determine of a diet is healthy or not.  My guess is NOT.

Bottom line, as usual: To lose weight, you can eat anything you want, as long as you burn more than you consume.  This is just a clever marketing ploy by Taco Bell, strategically placed at the beginning of the new year.  People are always searching for the magic bullet, a plan which will erase years of treating their bodies like garbage disposals.  I can say with complete certainty that eliminating Taco Bell food from your diet is a good way to start.

Posted in diet, disgusting food, health | Tagged , , | 2 Comments »

Shilling for Dunkin’ Donuts

January 16, 2010 by wendalicious

But you can get some free joe too, by clicking the link, so that’s why I’m sharing!

Dunkin' Donuts. Dunkin' keeps me blogging. Try Dunkin' Donuts Coffee For Free. Get a Sample

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »

At the Schenectady Greenmarket, Jan 17

January 16, 2010 by wendalicious

News from the folks at the Schenectady Greenmarket:

Schenectady Greenmarket January 17
Inside Proctors, Sunday 10-2
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New hoop houses, storage facilities and planting fields with the market in mind have all helped ensure that our winter market has plenty of fruits and vegetables. However, you will see some changes over the next couple of weeks. Barber’s, Buhrmaster, Painted Goat, and Wellington’s are taking a few weeks off while Cornell, Full Quiver, Madura, Migliorelli, and Underwood/Shushan have expanded their offerings of fruit and produce.

Our biggest baker, Our Daily Bread, will be on vacation for two weeks but Abbey Farm, Josephine’s and Naga Bakehouse have been busy baking to provide you with bread and other baked goods. The Placid Baker, who you may remember from our Outdoor Market, will be making a guest appearance on January 24. Please take time to stop at a new booth. We think you will be pleasantly surprised!

Remember for the month of January we are sponsoring an EBT promotion. No fewer than 16 of our vendors will have special pricing for those who use their EBT cards at the market. Ask at the market table for a list of participating vendors and their offers–eggs, honey, vegetables, tarts, bread, spreads and more.
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Market Stage: Anonymous Fig Leafs–original, folksy country music. Rick Sacchetti, lead vocals and guitar, “Uncle Bootsy” on vocals, mandolin and guitar, Ethan Waldman, fiddle and backing vocals, and Arya Chowdray, bass and backing vocals. (http://www.myspace.com/theanonymousfigleafs)

Jam Circle: (11am) Tim Barker and Friends–Bring your guitar, violin, mandolin, banjo, bass and play and sing along.
Children’s Activities: Mark-IT Art A new mini art project each month. Be creative and make art.

Community Table: Ozone House from Union College. Ozone house has recently created a calendar promoting environmentalism and sustainability. Funds raised from the sale of the calendar support the Engeye Health Clinic in Uganda. (http://engeye.org/)

Variety vendor: Mary Ann Thomas, Sistah’s Vintage Aprons, Abbey Farms
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Greenmarket on the web: www.schenectadygreenmarket.org, or become a fan on Facebook.

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At the Schenectady Greenmarket This Sunday

January 8, 2010 by wendalicious

Just got this update from the good folks at the Schenectady Greenmarket:

According to the New York Times,1 in 8 Americans receives food stamps.  In an effort to make the market more accessible to everyone, the market organizers are sponsoring EBT (electronic benefit transfer) promotion.  At least 16 of the Greenmarket vendors will have special pricing for those who use their EBT cards – a list of participating vendors and offers will be available at the market table.

Entertainment at the Greenmarket this weekend, too:

  • Market Stage: Peter David and Friends–Sponsored by the Dance Flurry Festival
  • Jam Circle: Quebecois Jam with Steve Fry, John Guay, Vonnie Estes–Bring your accordion, fiddle or feet and participate!

What’s Fresh at the Market This Week:

  • Cornell Farm: greens, carrots, potatoes, garlic, leeks, squash, onions and more
  • Underwood/Shushan Hydro: tomatoes, mixed heads of lettuce, spinach, arugula, herbs and green beans!
  • Cooper’s Ark Farm: Eggs and frozen bulk chicken sausage
  • Barber Family Farm: squash, carrots, garlic, fresh greens, cabbage, kale, brussel sprouts, potatoes
  • Mariaville Angus: black angus beef, hickory smoked boneless hams, pork roast, bacon, flank and skirt steak

I’ll be there!  Hope you will, too.

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Hangin’ with the Chef

January 7, 2010 by wendalicious

I have plans for Saturday, now – Chef Mark has invited me to help him do the tasting at this weekend’s Wine and Dine for the Arts benefit at the Crowne Plaza in Albany.   The tasting runs from 1-4pm, and tickets are $50 per person (available on the event website).

There will be photos forthcoming – Chef Mark instructed me to show up at his restaurant “at 11am, with a camera and casual pants”.  Woo-hoo!

Posted in events, friends | Tagged , | 3 Comments »

Best of 2009…New in 2010

January 1, 2010 by wendalicious

The annual post…the best things about 2009.  Kind of a crappy year for me overall, mostly because nothing really exciting happened (and because a few bad things did).  But I will try to come up with a few things, just so I don’t sound like such a whiner.

  • My nephew Michael was born in October.  He’s a perfect baby, named after my dad.  Say what you will about my sister and her husband, but they make beautiful children!  Just kidding – you guys are awesome.
  • My baby sister (she hates it when I call her that) had two major exciting events: graduation from the police academy, and her engagement!  I’m so proud of her…she has become such an incredible woman.  And her fiance is just terrific – I’m so happy for them.
  • Schenectady County’s Bicentennial Celebration is now over, and you have no idea how happy I am about that.
  • Became President of the Kiwanis Club of Schenectady on October 1.  What a great bunch of people, doing great things in their community.
  • Celebrated 2 years of marriage to the hubs.  Took an awesome trip to the Adirondacks, and was incredibly pampered.  Love you, honey!
  • Got to cook (well, prep work, really), in an actual restaurant kitchen.  Thanks to Chef Mark for the great experience.
  • Got to make a return trip to Nashville.  My prior visit made me think I didn’t care for the city, but my return was completely different and quite fun!  I attended the Grand Ole Opry (which was great), went to the Country Music Hall of Fame (loved it), and got to spend some quality time with my in-laws, who drove down from Kentucky to show me the sights.  There are still a couple things I missed, so I hope I get to go back again.
  • I discovered social media.  And the world will never be the same.

And because no end-of-the-year restrospective would be complete without a look forward, I have come up withsome goals for the year ahead.  I try not to make New Year’s Resolutions, because they never work for me.  But, I thought I’d compile a list of things I would like to accomplish before 2010 ends.  Since they are positive, fun, and meaningful to me, there’s a really good chance that I’ll actually be able to make them happen.

  • Take a French class, to re-learn that beautiful language.  Not sure where I’d use it, but I’d at least like to be fluent in something other than English.  No more stupid American for me!
  • Become a vegetarian, or at least a flexatarian (no red meat, some chicken perhaps).   I’ve discussed this before, but this time I really mean it.
  • I would like to have dinner at Angelo’s 677 Prime in Albany.  Seems like a small thing, but I’ve heard so many good things, that I feel like I’m missing out on a very important Capital Region event.
  • Add a podcast to my blog.  No details yet, but I’ve got some irons in the fire, and a video podcast will hopefully be debuting here very soon.
  • Take my dog to the beach.  I just think it would be cute.
  • Manage to put $1500 in my savings account.  Trust me, this is huge.
  • Get an iPhone or iPod Touch.  My birthday is coming up in February, so I hope to have this goal wrapped up quickly.
  • Finally compile that cookbook I keep thinking about.  I would like to gather all the recipes from my family and Bob’s, throw in a few that I’ve developed, and produce a cookbook.  Not necessarily for sale, but at least printed and suitable for gifts.

My best wishes to all of you for a fantastic 2010, rife with love, laughter, and prosperity.  Happy New Year!

Posted in Love, fun, health, life | Tagged , , | 3 Comments »

Things I Often Wonder About…

December 29, 2009 by wendalicious

  • Where and when can one find fresh figs in the Capital Region?
  • Why is it that you can find hundreds of successful Italian restaurants in Schenectady, but hardly any successful “other type of ethnic” one (take-out Chinese does NOT count as ethnic)?
  • Why does Dunkin Donuts coffee taste so sour?
  • Why won’t my husband eat anything?
  • Can someone please explain Dave Matthews to me?
  • Why do people rant and rave about the health dangers of high fructose corn syrup, then head outside to smoke a cigarette?
  • When did it become socially acceptable to wear pajamas out in public?
  • Why does one 6-foot sub cost two and a half times more than six 1-foot subs?
  • How can people possibly like celery?
  • Why does labeling something “European” or throwing the prefix “Euro-“ in front if a name automatically make it more appealing to Americans? Do Europeans label their otherwise-unsellable crap “American”?
  • Why is everyone so obsessed with cupcakes?
  • Why don’t dumbasses advertising professionals proofread things before they send them out?

Seen on the back of a CDTA bus...

Posted in life, silliness | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments »

Holiday Baking, Day Two

December 24, 2009 by wendalicious

Well, Day Two was actually four days ago, but this is the first chance I’ve gotten to sit down and blog about it!  I spent much of Sunday in the kitchen, finishing up my baking.  Most of my cookies and candy were given as gifts – to coworkers, friends, and my aunt (who made a special trip to my house last night and was sent home with a dish full of goodies!).  Here are some photos of what I made:

Chocolate Chip Shortbreads

Russian Tea Cakes

Chocolate-Dipped Coconut Macaroons

I was so busy packing up the tins for gift-giving that I neglected to take photos of the finished gifts – trust me when I say they were lovely!  I saved a container-full for myself and Bob, though it’s likely that I’ll be the one to finish them off.  As I write this, there are only two surviving Russian Teacakes, a couple pieces of toffee, and a handful of shortbreads.  My stomach hurts.

Merry Christmas to you and your family!

Posted in holidays | Tagged , , | 4 Comments »

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