Getting You Going

This is a soft and cool, one of the best reasons in the world to get out of bed in the morning. It is also the perfect food for taking medication. Remember, always eat half of the entire meal, take the medicine, and then eat the other half.

• 6 oz. flavored yogurt
• 3 tablespoons wheat germ
• 4 ripe strawberries and/or half banana
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup (optional)

Section the fruit in bite-sized pieces, or smaller. Cover with yogurt. Drizzle with maple syrup. Garnish with fresh berries Sprinkle wheat germ.

Quick Hints: The secret here is, as always, the best quality ingredients make the tastiest foods. Buy one of everything that looks good, just to sample, then you can buy ten more if you are pleasantly surprised.

YOUR NOSE WILL NEVER LIE TO YOU. SNIFF LIKE A BLOODHOUND. TRUST YOUR JUDGEMENT. EVERYTHING THAT SMELLS O.K. IS O.K..

(serves 1)

The only good thing about being ill is the return to childhood! Cool, sweet and easy to eat, this simple meal qualifies as a nourishing snack or a light meal! The only thing easier to make is a frozen banana!

• 2 graham crackers
• 1/2 pint blueberries
• 1/8 pint half and half or milk

In a favorite bowl, crunch graham crackers roughly, add berries and half/half or milk. Turn off your radio. Find the sunniest window in the house. Enjoy every bite.

IF FOOD STARTS TASTING “METALLIC”, SUBSTITUTE PLASTIC OR WOOD UTENSILS AND SERVICEWARE.

START EGGS TO BOIL IN COOL TAP WATER. THEY WON’T EXPLODE IF THEY EXPAND SLOWLY WITH THE WATER.

(serves 1-2)

Thelma was born and raised in Goochland County, Virginia. In Mr. Jefferson’s country, dogs and horses lived outside. Thelma however, made exceptions for her border collie! Buttermilk is one of the most beloved of all the forgotten foods of yesteryear. And if eggs are nearly the perfect food, egg salad is among its most adaptable formulations! If the buttermilk proves too acidic, substitute heavy cream.

• 2 diced, hard-cooked (boiled) eggs
• 1/8 teaspoon dry mustard
• 2 tablespoons real buttermilk (see note below)
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• dash salt

Whisk dry mustard, buttermilk and mayo until thoroughly creamed. Fold in diced egg. Serve on barely toasted bread slices. Remove crusts prior to toasting if circumstances warrant!

VERY FRESH EGGS ARE EXTREMELY HARD TO PEEL. ALLOW TO “AGE” ON THE COUNTERTOP FOR A DAY OR TWO BEFORE BOILING!

A great, fast fix for anytime food. The secret is to use clarified butter so it doesn’t burn the solids that are present in regular butter, using a medium burner turned to low after starting, covering with a lid to thoroughly heat and melt cheese.

• 2 slices crestless bread
• 1 red, very ripe tomato
• 2 or 4 slices Swiss, jack or mild cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon clarified butter

Thinly slice tomato. Stack cheese, tomato in center and add more cheese. Glaze with butter, press with saucer and brown in pan covering with lid to melt cheeses.

Quick Tip! Use a non-stick pan, low heat stovetop and a lid to melt everything together. As circumstances permit, add seafood, particularly baby shrimp, meats and thinly sliced vegetables.

IF YOU BURN IT, THROW IT AWAY. NO ONE HAS EVER BEEN ABLE TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO REMOVE THE TASTE OF “BURNED” FROM BURNED FOOD.

(per person)

If “crummy” is the best description of how you feel, take yourself “out” for a “brunch” This is so easy to make, you can invite a neighbor over and do a little socializing. If no one comes wants to join, leaf through a favorite catalogue while it’s cooling.

• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon real mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon sour cream
• 1/4 teaspoon yellow, prepared mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon real lemon juice
• dash salt

Soft, medium or hard cook the egg by poaching. Poaching, by the way, is the gentlest way to cook anything, from eggs to fish. Cooking eggs by baking or frying make an interesting change of pace although fry with caution unless you can use non-stick cookware to minimize fat. While the egg is cooking, combine all “hollandaise” ingredients in saucepan.

Quick tip! Real lemon juice can make a big difference here.

WHEN POACHING EGGS, A FEW DROPS OF VINEGAR IN THE WATER COMPACTS THE EGG IN THE WATER..

THE EASIEST TREATMENT FOR NAUSEA, IS SWEETENED WATER. GINGER ALE BEATS OTHER SOFT DRINKS BECAUSE OF THE GINGER.

This beverage sounds simple and it is. It is a wonderful example of how basic foods can nourish and satisfy. Try it! And see how many different ways it lends itself to cooking, as a syrup, a tincture and a beverage.

• 2 tbsp finely chopped Valencia orange zest (the orangier and oilier the better)
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• peeled orange sections, no skins (optional)

With vegetable peeler, remove orange “zest”, being careful to leave behind ALL white, pulpy parts. You only need enough to make two tablespoons! Look for the side part of the orange that had direct exposure to the sun, the brightest, orangiest part! Mince as finely as you have the patience to do. Combine zest, water and sugar and simmer, just barely boiling, 30 minutes covered. Allow to cool. Drinkit is now a syrup. Freeze it for a lollipop. Pour it over peeled orange or grapefruit sections if you want a simple, tasty dessert. Add a tablespoon of whipped cream to boost the calorie count. It also serves as a perfect base for a smoothie.

Lastly, dilute Drinkit! in up to a gallon of water or club soda and chill, use for general hydration. It makes a great change from unflavored water! And the sugar will help keep you going!