Four Tips and Tricks for Cooking for Father’s Day

Father’s day is right around the corner, and planning for dad has begun! We know that most dads love to cook and grill, but how about giving dad a break this Sunday and treating him instead? Instead of going out and trying to fight with the crowds, high menu prices, and waiting to get seated, why not stay in and enjoy a nice time at home? Never cooked before or not as skilled in the kitchen?  No worries, we’ve got some cooking  tricks and tips to make it as easy and delicious as can be! Go ahead, and treat dad this Sunday with a home cooked meal.

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  1. Think about buying large beef roasts or pork shoulders to make during one of your weekend nights. After you have this for dinner, store it in your fridge so that you will be able to create many different types of sandwiches, as the week progresses. Maximize your value and limit your expenses by conserving food.
  2. Saute tired salad greens. If your salad greens have seen better days, don’t discard them – saute them! Salad greens such as radicchio, arugula and endive make a tasty side dish when sauteed. Cook them quickly in olive oil, chopped garlic and sea salt. Sprinkle with a little bacon and goat cheese, and you will be happy that you didn’t throw away those unused salad greens!
  3. To reduce the fat and calories in a recipe that calls for a lot of mayonnaise, simply replace half the mayonnaise with sour cream. Since mayonnaise serves primarily a textural purpose in many of these recipes, replacing it with similarly textured sour cream gives you the same texture with a lighter, healthier taste.
  4. Vegetables are just better all-around the faster they are cooked. Using a slow cooking method is sometimes suggested, but the results are less nutritious and don’t taste as good. The quick cook methods generally make the vegetables tastier and more nutritional. You should only cook them just as long as it takes for them to be done.

Impress your dad with your new-found cooking skills. With a bit of effort, some love poured into the cooking, you can take your cooking up a notch. Time in the kitchen should be enjoyed. Use what you have learned, and go cook up a storm for dad!

Happy Easter from Bridal Hot List

Good morning lovelies! It is a beautiful Easter morning here at BHL headquarters in Southern California. We are taking a break from blogging today to wish all of you a very Happy Easter.  Whatever today’s agenda looks like today, we hope that each and every one of you has a very blessed day full of happiness, love, laughter, and joy with friends, family, and loved ones. From our family to yours, Happy Easter!

Take a look at some of our favorite Easter inspirations: (yes they are all flowers, but we love them!)

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Healthy Super Bowl Party Ideas

Super Bowl Sunday is here. The party is about to begin, and all you can think of is how to avoid stuffing yourself with all those delicious salty, sugary and saucy Super Bowl snacks. After all, you have been getting in shape,working out and eating well, all in preparation for your wedding day. But, do not despair. Just because you have opted for a healthier life style, it does not mean that you have to give it up for one day. Follow these easy steps and you will have a great time without the guilt!

Step One: Preparation

Make all your food ahead of time. Focus on what you made for yourself, and don’t go looking for something else.

Step Two: Variety

Avoid the one type food thing. You know it will lead you right in the trap. Before you know it, you will be reaching for the chips and salsa and pigs in a blanket.

Step three: Don’t Eat for the Sake of Eating

Keep your focus on the game. Not the food.  In this case, you have more than one game to look for….the Super Bowl and your Wedding Day.

To help you stay on track, here are some easy and healthy recipes:

Dip without the Guilt

We all love the fatty, delicious and high calorie dips. But guess what? You can still have dip without all that! Yes it is possible.

Mint/Basil Greek Yogurt dip

Mint/Basil Greek Yogurt dip

Mint/Basil Greek Yogurt dip

Here is how to prepare it:

  1. Chopped fresh mint
  2. Chopped fresh basil
  3. Non fat Greek Yogurt

Can it be any easier? Paring with Cucumbers, Carrots and Celery for a crunchy snack!

Crunch without the Guilt

Have you heard of the wonder world of Kale? Kale is a power food, full of fiber and vitamins. Most importantly, when baked right, it becomes the best crunch you will ever crave. The good news? You can have bowls after bowls and not have one ounce of regret!

Kale Chips

Kale Chips

How to prepare Kale Chips:

  1. Chop some fresh Kale
  2. Toss with salt and olive oil
  3. Spread on a baking sheet
  4. Cook at 400 degrees for 10 minutes then broil for another 5 minutes
  5. Enjoy!

For the Sweet Tooth

You will never believe it, but this is not your average pudding. Not at all. The main ingredient? Avocado! Believe me, you won’t even taste it. This will satisfy your sweet tooth.

Choc-ado Pudding

Choc-ado Pudding

Choc-ado Pudding

Here is how to prepare this yummy treat:

  1. In a food processor or blender, add one avocado, chocolate powder (the one without sugar), and honey
  2. Blend
  3. Chill for one hour
  4. Devour

Drinks

Cappuccino

Cappuccino

I am not going to lie. You have to stay away from the soda, the alcohol and the mixed drinks. Don’t worry, there are other options.  With the following substitutes, you will not feel the craving and you will still enjoy the party spirit.

  1. Lemon Spritzer: Sparkling Water with lemon
  2. Steamers: Warm drinks which will delight you. Here is how:
    • Microwave some milk
    • Add sugar free vanilla syrup (or any other syrup)
    • Dress up with a cinnamon stick
    • Sip to your life
  3. Cappuccino
    • Hot milk, Foam and Espresso. This sophisticated drink is the party VIP.

ENJOY THE SUPER BOWL!