And now, a few words about one of my favorite things: FOOD!

Did you see the applesauce section in Everyday Food magazine, with a few variations to try?    I decided to try all 4 variations, and last night was our cranberry orange. I made up a chart where each person got to rate it 1-5, with comments. I announced that on applesauce night everyone gets dessert no matter what so that took the pressure off. Dinnertime can be a fight, on other nights.  I'm sure this isn't only in my house right?  RIGHT? 

Anyway, I gave it a 4 - it was great but didn't blow my mind. The kids all gave it a 5, with comments like 'just right ' (#1 son) and 'it's so good' (daughter). I assumed #2 son gave it a 5 because he had 3 servings.  My husband's comment was 'very good' but he still only gave it a 2. This is typical of my husband. The two cats gave it a 0 and their comment was 'not enough fish.' I crack myself up sometimes. 

That's all for me about food. Time to get in the shower while Elmo is still hypnotizing my kids.

Happy new year!

New Year's has always been my favorite holiday.  This, in spite of the fact that I've had some freaking bad new year's eves.  On the worst one, I got stood up by a boyfriend.  But, what better time to turn over new leaves?  I love fresh starts.  I love the feeling that today, you can reinvent yourself, begin to be a better person in whatever way you choose.  It's liberating, and inspiring. 

I wish you a happy day and a happy 2012.

5 Things to Think about as You Stuff Your Face This Holiday Season

1. Sugar cookies actually don't taste very good.  They're more fun to decorate than to eat.  In fact, most things people bake this time of year aren't very good.    I can't tell you how many times this week I've put out my hand to take something, then realized it actually wouldn't even be worth it.  It's a conspiracy, man.

2. If children are involved in the making, plating, or serving of any holiday foods, you should abstain.  Not only will you save yourself some calories, you might manage not to have a cold on Christmas, either.

3. You want to look good on New Years Eve, don't you?  Put down the second serving of yule cake, sister.  Otherwise you might as well slap it on your thighs.

4. Alcohol counts too.  Eat your calories or drink them; they're all going to the same place.

5. Take time to eat the things you really love this week.  The things that make you think of home, and happy moments.  What are your best holiday memory-foods?  I would love to hear them.  Mine are all Italian: 7 fishes, panettone, stuffed vinegar peppers.  Eating them will satisfy you.  Even just a few bites will take you where you want to go.