Honor Veterans Meal

For the honor of Veterans
Grilled Steaks
Baked Beans
Cherry tomatoes, fresh onion and radish Salad

Whole Wheat Roll

Fruit Topped Flag Cake
Sunshine tea

Tip: Decorate with veteran’s memorabilia. Use American flag decorations. Make an oblong shaped cake. Cover a blue star field with blueberry filling and dots or stars of whipped cream topping. Make red and white strips of cherry and apple fillings. Coat edges with whipped cream topping. Keep chilled until served. May place a small flag cake in a food gift basket decorated with flags and take to a veteran. Talk about his memories.

Food for Thought:
You are to tell them that these stones are reminders of this amazing miracle…tell them that the Lord God…did this so that all the nations of the earth will realize that Jehovah is the mighty God, and so that all of you will worship Him forever. Joshua 4: 21-24 LB

Family Meal Planning




Eating Well for Wellness

It has been said, “People are what they eat.” In reality, people may be what they think about food. For example, people may think and even feel hungry when they actually have a desire for certain foods. Most people never think about eating well for either wellness or health. When people over-indulge in food or drink, are they thinking about their health? If a person consistently chooses fried foods, is he or she focusing on health related issues? Often we never think about the relationship of health to foods until someone has a medical problem. Then it becomes the family meal planner’s challenge to help the family member readjust to healthier choices. When God made us, He made people with individual physics and physical limitations. Even if there are bodily restrictions, we are still challenged to keep our body working as well as we possibly can. Since health is vital to life, a family meal planner’s focus should be on foods that keep the bodies of the family members in maximum healthy condition. A daily combination of meats, vegetables, fruits and breads in nutritious menus, not only encourage family members to try different tastes, but keep them alert to maintaining a wholesome lifestyle. Family members may wish to take on the Christian monk’s, St. Frances of Assisi, attitude to change what can be changed and accept what cannot. All family members should blend nutritious food choices with plenty of exercise, deep breathing and adequate sleep. Take time to commune with the Creator and reflect upon a Bible verse like “ becoming all that God has in mind for us.” Romans 5:2 LB. Adopt the motto to eat well for wellness.

Niacin in foods

Have you ever considered that dementia may be related to the amount of niacin that people are getting from foods? The lack of the vitamin B complex called niacin causes pellagra. Pellagra is commonly called the “three Ds disease” because of dermatitis, diarrhea and dementia in some people. Pellagra is fatal if left untreated. However, niacin is found in one of America’s favorite foods, peanut butter. It is also found in fortified breads and cereals. Chicken, beef liver, halibut and legumes are sources that are often found in American diets. In our menu the steak, beans, whole-grain wheat roll and a slice of cake supply 1/3 of the recommended day’s requirement of niacin.

From the Nutritionist: Steak and beans supply protein to the meal. Serve the fresh garden salad on a bed of lettuce leaves with favorite dressing. If fresh fruits are used for the topping of cake, more nutrients are provided. The vegetables and fruits provide Vitamins A and C and minerals. If whipped cream topping is served with the cake, calcium is supplied. The rolls, beans and cake are three bread exchanges. Family meal planners can serve this menu to diabetics or special-need dieters by converting the dishes to diabetic recipes or special diet recipes. Diabetics may wish to use fresh fruits and omit the cake. Make sunshine tea by placing tea bag and water in the sun for several hours. Serve with ice and garnish with lemon slices, if desired. Store any leftover foods in airtight storage containers and refrigerate within an hour after the meal.

Recipes are available upon request.
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Honoring a Graduate Meal

Suggested Menu
For the honor of
Graduates

Filled with Nuts
Diploma Pork Roast With mashed potatoes
Book of Squash
Turn Over a New Leaf Salad
Good Luck Bread
The Graduate Dessert
Mind Over Matter Tea



Tip: This menu can be served to honor a grade school, high school or college graduate.
Decorate the table with the school colors. For favors, a food gift basket or nuts cups, glue a nut cup or strip of construction paper in a round shape on top of a square. Make a tassel with thread or yarn. Fill with mixed nuts. Make ahead of time and store in an airtight food storage container until served.
Food for Thought:
Wisdom is it’s own reward. Proverbs 9:12
Family Meal Planning
Eating Well for Wellness
From time to time people fast. Fasting is doing without solid food for one day or several days. People may fast for medical reasons, to change a habit or spiritual reflections. Sometimes doctors or naturalists will suggest to people with allergies or arthritis to fast. During such periods of time, the body is cleared of residues. As foods are slowly added back, people can determine which food is causing the problem and can be eliminated from the diet. A word of caution: fasting is the withdrawal of solid foods from the body. People must drink water to remain hydrated. Obese people who fast to lose weight may not achieve their desired affects. Although pounds may be lost, as soon as eating is resumed, weight is added back. Habit changing requires at least 30 days. Although the Bible says that Christ fasted for 40 days, the maximum fast is recommended for 10-14 days. Changing of habits may not be accomplished in short periods of time but you can get a good start on the modified food behavior. Christ said, “ Cases like these require much prayer and fasting.” (Matthew 17:21) All fasts should be combined with Bible reading, spiritual reflections and mediations as well as deep breathing and exercise. Since eyesight and mental alertness may be impaired during fasting, vacation times may be more productive for the individual. Family meal planners should respect the faster’s wishes; yet provide plenty of water and other liquids as well as plenty of moral support. Children and family members with special needs like diabetes should never totally withhold food from their bodies.
Pork
Pork is an excellent source of protein. The favorite cuts of pork include, roast, tenderloin, chops, ham and bacon. Pork may be fried, baked, cooked and served cold or hot. Sausage is ground pork with seasonings like sage, salt and peppers. If people are unsure of the pork parts, the fat content and additives that are put in the sausage, they may grind and mix their own. Weight management diets may include pork, however, all fat should be trimmed away before cooking. When cooking pork recipes, it is recommended that the meat be thoroughly cooked. Pork dishes should be served well done because of a microorganism called trichina that is often in swine. Trichinosis, the infection caused by this microorganism, can be fatal, if undetected.
From the Nutritionist: In this menu the diploma can be made from a pork loin roast and mashed potatoes. Tie the roast with a string in the middle and bake. When the roast is done, coat the outside with mashed potatoes and brown. Pipe cheese spread around the middle to look like a ribbon tying the diploma. Make a squash casserole in a loaf pan or book shaped pan that has been sprayed with baking spray. When done, turn out and pipe cream cheese round the edges to look like a book. Write the name of the graduate’s favorite book or “School: Gone with the Wind”. Make the salad with mixed lettuce leaves and chopped tomatoes. Serve with choice of salad dressings. Forming a horseshoe of bread dough and baking makes good luck bread. The Graduate dessert may be school-colored gelatin with fruit and piped with whipped cream to resemble a person with a cap and gown. May make a graduate’s cap by baking a square layer of cake and a round layer of cake. Stack the square on top of the round and frost with school colors. Make the tassel by piping frosting from the center to the corner of the square. Pork and nuts provide protein. Lettuce and tomatoes, potatoes and squash give needed vitamins and minerals. The potatoes, bread and dessert are three bread exchanges. Diabetics or special dieters may wish to convert the dessert to a diabetic recipe or diet food by using sugar-free gelatin and fruit.
Recipes are available upon request.
Comments and questions are welcomed.
Please share this web site with a friend.

http://www.mealswithamessage.com/
Meals with a Message 18


Diploma Pork Roast

4-5 lb. pork roast
Salt and pepper
Oil

Sprinkle salt and pepper on roast. Tie roast in the middle to make a slight indention. Heat oil in skillet and brown edges of roast. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour or until done.
When done, cover with mashed potatoes and brown. Pipe cheddar cheese spread around the middle to look like a ribbon tied around a diploma.

Mashed potatoes

6 potatoes
¼ c butter
½ c cream
Salt and white pepper

Peel and thinly slice potatoes. Cover with salted water. Cook until done-about 20 minutes. Drain water and mash. Melt butter. Add butter and cream and whip to remove lumps. Add salt and pepper. Mix well.

Turn over a new Leaf Salad Meals with a Message 18


Diploma Pork Roast

4-5 lb. pork roast
Salt and pepper
Oil

Sprinkle salt and pepper on roast. Tie roast in the middle to make a slight indention. Heat oil in skillet and brown edges of roast. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour or until done.
When done, cover with mashed potatoes and brown. Pipe cheddar cheese spread around the middle to look like a ribbon tied around a diploma.

Mashed potatoes

6 potatoes
¼ c butter
½ c cream
Salt and white pepper

Peel and thinly slice potatoes. Cover with salted water. Cook until done-about 20 minutes. Drain water and mash. Melt butter. Add butter and cream and whip to remove lumps. Add salt and pepper. Mix well.

Turn over a new Leaf Salad

4 cups mixed lettuce
2 tomatoes

Chop tomatoes. Tear lettuce and toss with tomatoes. Serve with choices of dressings.

Book Squash
4 c squash
2 c cracker crumbs
1 can mushroom soup
1 c cheese
1 egg

Slice and cook squash; drain. Slightly beat egg. Mix squash and egg, with crumbs, soup and cheese. Spray a loaf pan or book pan with baking spray. Pack squash into pan and bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees; until done when an inserted knife comes out clean.
Turn out and cool slightly. Pipe cream cheese around edges to make the dish look like a book.


4 cups mixed lettuce
2 tomatoes

Chop tomatoes. Tear lettuce and toss with tomatoes. Serve with choices of dressings.

Book Squash
4 c squash
2 c cracker crumbs
1 can mushroom soup
1 c cheese
1 egg

Slice and cook squash; drain. Slightly beat egg. Mix squash and egg, with crumbs, soup and cheese. Spray a loaf pan or book pan with baking spray. Pack squash into pan and bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees; until done when an inserted knife comes out clean.
Turn out and cool slightly. Pipe cream cheese around edges to make the dish look like a book.

Graduate dessert:
Make a gelatin mold. Pipe whipped cream topping to sketch the outline of a graduate or graduation cap. Use school colors.
Or make 2 layers of cake- one round and one square. Place the round on the bottom and top with square. Frost with school colors. Pipe with whipped topping a tassel from the middle of square to one edge.

Honoring Mothers or Mentors

Suggested Menu
For the honor of
Mothers or Mentors

Chicken in Oven
Pink Fluff Salad
Broccoli Corn
Blossom Rolls
Strawberry Pie




Tip: This menu can be used anytime to honor a mother or mentor. Decorate the table with her favorite flowers. Encase pictures in plastic and scatter around for guests to reminisce during the meal. For a food gift basket make a breadbasket of woven dough and fill with her favorite homemade candies and cookies. Make ahead of time and keep in an airtight food storage container until mealtime.
Food for Thought:
Honor your father and mother that you may have a long, good life in the land that the Lord will give you. Exodus 20:12

Family Meal Planning
Eating Well for Wellness
Things Mother taught you…
Jesus taught the Christians and Jews in the Bible to respect and honor their mothers. God told the Children of Israel that their days would be long and good if they honored their parents. Famous leaders like George Washington have attributed their successes to their mothers. As we consider eating well for wellness, we recognize that our mothers were influential in our health today. Many diseases and health conditions are inherited from the mother. The health condition of the mother before a baby is born affects the adult body. For example, the amount of calcium that the mother had before you were born may affect the condition of your teeth and bones today. The amount of vitamins in her body may be affecting your nerves today. Some mothers had rules or suggestions about your eating. She may have said, “Chew your food slowly-at least 25 times.” Studies have shown that the more the food is broken down in the mouth, the better it is absorbed into the blood stream and taken to where it is needed. A mother may have said, “Breathe deeply.” It has been proven that the body needs to re-supply oxygen and remove carbon dioxide from the cells. The deeper the breathing, the better this process works. Also breathing deeply causes the body to relax. Less tension means less water retention in the body. Mother may have said, “Take time to pray and read your Bible everyday.” Prayer and mediation helps the body to unwind. This aids the metabolic process. Digestion of food and absorption of vital nutrients are more effectively released in a calm atmosphere. When mother said, “Run out and play”, she was promoting exercise that is needed for the body to maintain proper balance between food consumption and burned energy. She may have caused you to laugh at yourself when things seem to be the end of the world. Laughter is said to be good for the soul as well as digestion. In conclusion, modern meal planners should encourage their family members to chew food well, exercise, breath deeply, pray, mediate and laugh for a healthy and wholesome body.

Poultry
Poultry is an excellent source of protein. Chicken is just one of the many poultry products available in the food market. It may be grilled, baked, stewed or fried. Chicken should be cooked well done before serving. The traditional southern style of chicken is fried. In the South fried chicken has long been associated with Sunday dinners and jokes about preachers. Often Mother’s favorite dish for a sick child is chicken soup. Studies now show that the broth in chicken causes a soothing affect that allows the body to rest and regenerate. It also may release endorphins that aid in the fighting of the virus or bacteria. Chicken is used in casseroles, salads, baked whole or in pieces and in the summer is frequently grilled. Chicken may be purchased fresh or frozen. If chicken is on sale, meal planners may purchase large quantities and freeze up to a year before use. Be sure to rewrap well to prevent freezer burn. Chicken is easily spoiled and also leaves residue on cutting boards that may cause problems. After cutting chicken, be sure to clean the surface and knife well with an antibacterial cleaner. Sponges that are used in the clean-up process should be placed in the dishwasher. Fresh chicken should be used within two days to prevent growth of bacteria. Fresh chicken with an odor or spots should be avoided. Family meal planners should serve chicken at least once a week.
From the Nutritionist: In this menu chicken pieces may be rolled in cracker crumbs or corn flakes and baked. The pink salad may be cottage cheese and red apple rings or gelatin base with yogurt and apples on a lettuce bed. The broccoli, corn, salad and dessert provide Vitamins A and C. If cottage cheese, yogurt or whipped cream topping is served, calcium is supplied. To make blossom rolls, use an angel food pan, circle the bottom of the pan with rolls and spread with honey butter. When done, turn out onto a plate and serve as a blossom or wreath. May place a cup of honey butter in the center of the hole. The chicken batter, piecrust and rolls are two bread exchanges. Honey butter is one fat exchange. Diabetics may convert the pie to a diabetic recipe by sweetening the strawberries with a sugar alternative. Remember this menu can be served to honor any woman who has been an influence in your life. Next issue will have a menu suggestion to honor family or friends who are graduating.

Recipes are available upon request.
Comments and questions are welcomed.
Please share this web site with a friend.

www.mealswithamessage.com

Cinco de Mayo Family Mealtime

Meals With A Message
www.mealswithamessage.com
Family Meal Planning
Cinco de Mayo
Suggested Menu:

Frijoles Casserole
Taco Salad
Mexican Cornbread
Mexican Wedding Cakes
Bolero Fruit Cup
Fiesta Tea



Tip: Decorate the table with Mexican or South Western décor. Use cacti for centerpiece.
Hang sombreros and guitars around the room. May use tablecloth, napkins and plates with sombreros or cactus. Talk about people you know from the area or invite guests to share with the family about their native area. Christians may talk about the religious practices there.

Food for Thought:
The good man eats to live, while the evil man lives to eat. Proverbs 13:25 LB

Eating Well for Wellness
When God created people, He placed plenty of food on the earth for healthy survival and enjoyment. Family meal planners should always be concerned about maintaining a healthy family. There are 4 Ps that can help family meal planners be certain that the family eats well for wellness. These are plan and prepare nutritious choices, promote exercise and pray.
The primary concern of family meal planners is to plan and prepare wholesome meals and snacks. Help the family to make wholesome choices throughout the day to balance the nutrient and caloric requirements for their ages. Talk with your family about the food they’ve eaten and adjust home menus. Remind family members that soft drinks are high in sodium and may increase hypertension. Discuss the physical activity of the family members and participate in sports with children, if possible. Encourage deep breathing.
The last P is for prayer. Pray with and for your family. At mealtime set aside a time for quiet reflection and prayer-thanking God for His blessings. As a calm atmosphere is established, food will be digested more efficiently. Heartburn or acid reflux may be avoided. Some food begins to become absorbed into the blood stream as it enters the mouth. For example, bread is begun to digest by the salvia glands so that it can break into starch and be stored in the liver as glycogen. With a pleasant and peaceful environment, the food is chewed slower and the brain may sense greater satisfaction. Therefore, less food is desired; overeating is avoided. To keep the family well, family meal planners are challenged to plan and prepare nutritious meals and snacks, promote physical activity to release stored energy, and pray with and for the family.
Peppers:Peppers are part of a Southwestern meal. They probably originated in the East Indies. Pepper is used as a vegetable, spice or medicine. Some people mix black peppers and honey for a cough remedy. Pepper pods contain vitamin A and C as well as carbohydrate called cellulose. Green or bell, yellow and red peppers may be cooked, served raw as in salads or stuffed. Red pimentos are often mixed with cheese and served as a spread. Berries from pepper plants are called peppercorns. White and black are ground from ripened berries for table use. These are tastier when ground at the time of eating. Red berries are considered exotic. Cayenne and paprika range from hot to mild taste. Green berries may be used in the unripened sate in cooking. Chiles are red and green and very hot. Sauces and chili condiments are often associated with Mexican dishes. Vinegar based hot pepper sauces often compliment southern vegetable dishes like black-eyed peas. Chilies may be dried for future use or decoration.
From the Nutritionist: Our menu has a Southwestern flavor. The Frijoles or beans and meat provide protein. The salad, fruit cup and cornbread supply needed vitamins and minerals. For diabetics the cornbread and wedding cakes are two bread exchanges. The Fiesta Tea is a tea-based punch. Via Com Dios a que proxima publicacion sobre Dia de la Madre- God go with you until next issue about Mother’s Day.
Recipes are available upon request.Comments and questions are welcomed.Please share this web site with a friend. http://www.mealswithamessage.com/