Eggnog, A Holiday Tradition

The holidays are filled with a plethora of culinary delights.  Unfortunately, all of these tempting delights can be problematic for those on restricted diets, those with food allergies or intolerances or those simply trying to maintain their weight.  The average person gains one pound over the holiday season although some sources report the average gain is more like 5 to 8 pounds.  In order to lose one pound, a calorie deficit of 3,500 calories is needed.  The good news is, it doesn't matter what you eat be it all carbs or all fat the only requirement to lose weight is a calorie deficit.  If you require 1,550 cal for basic life functions and daily activities per day but you are eating 1,800 calories you will gain weight.  If you are eating 1,450 calories you will lose weight.  The calorie deficit does not need to come from reduced caloric intake though.  Add exercise or increased physical activity and you can eat the required 1.550 cal AND still lose weight because you are creating a calorie deficit through exercise.  One of the easiest ways to help prevent that holiday weight gain is portion control and the second is to be cognizant of the ingredients.  This is especially important if you are on a sodium reduced diet or have food allergies or intolerances.
 

Pictured are three of our mugs.  Eggnog is usually served in mugs.  The largest mug is 14 oz (397 ml), the medium size is 8 oz (227 ml) and the smallest is 6 oz (170 ml).  The smaller two sizes are the most common sizes for holiday servings of eggnog or hot chocolate.  If the smallest size is not offered, ask for your mug filled 2/3 full or better yet half full.  You will be avoiding the calories in at least 2 oz of eggnog without really missing the larger size.

Eggnog is often spiked with rum.  One ounce of rum will add about 100 calories per drink.  In general, those restricting calories are advised to omit the alcohol however, as long as you are eating your daily requirement for weight maintenance or creating a calorie deficit for weight loss, it really doesn't matter if you add the rum providing you budget your calories to do so. 

Eggnog is either homemade (traditional, dairy free)  or commercially made.  Our traditional eggnog is made just like my Mom made using whole milk and raw eggs.  Whole milk has 150 calories, 8 g total fat, 35 mg cholesterol, 120 mg sodium, 400 mg potassium, 12 g carbohydrates (11 g sugar) in an 8 ounces.  It also provides Vitamin A (6%), calcium 30%, Vitamin C 4%, Vitamin D (25%) and phosphorous (25%).  The other major nutritional ingredient in homemade eggnog is egg yolk at 55 calories per yolk.  Each yolk also has 210 mg cholesterol for those wishing to avoid dietary cholesterol.   Sugar adds another 15 calories per teaspoon.  Stevia can be substituted for the sugar to reduce the sweetener calories if desired.  A 6 oz mug of homemade eggnog comes in at about 225 calories. 

A 6 oz mug of commercially made whole milk eggnog is about 270 calories.  It is higher in sodium, lower in potassium, has no Vitamin D and double in carbohydrates.  Commercially made eggnog also contains yellow dyes #5 and #6 as well as corn syrup and carrageenan (thickener).  There are concerns with the aforementioned, all of which cause health problems.  Chances are very good at holiday gatherings, the eggnog will be commercially made.   Since commercially made eggnog is higher in calories, lower in nutritional value and contains at least three ingredients that can cause health problems, it may be one of those holiday treats you decide to not indulge in.  Homemade eggnog is high in nutrition and taste, with none of the problems of commercially made eggnog.  However, homemade eggnog can be problematic for those who are lactose intolerant.

A few days ago I came across a dairy free coconut eggnog recipe that would suitable for those who are lactose intolerant or for those following the Paleo diet.  Coconut milk is substituted for whole milk.  While coconut milk is a great substitute for either purpose, it is not suitable for those restricting calories.  Coconut milk has 93 calories in 2 ounces or 279 calories in 6 ounces without the calories of the egg yolks and sweetener which would put a 6 oz mug of this eggnog in the 420 calorie range.  Coconut milk is however, very low in sodium content (9 mg/2 oz) and carbohydrates (2 g/2 oz).

Of the three options, avoid the commercially made eggnog if at all possible.  Be sure to add a sprinkling of nutmeg and a cinnamon stick.  Cinnamon adds flavour while increasing sugar metabolism which aids in weight loss because sugar is burned rather than converted to fat in the body.  Cinnamon is also beneficial for circulatory problems.  Nutmeg improves concentration, increases circulation and lowers cholesterol.   Eggnog is a delicious holiday tradition that you can still indulge in without the guilt even if you are restricting calories. 

Jello Shooters

Today marks the start of the Canada Day (July 1) celebrations.  This weekend will be filled with outdoor gatherings, pool parties, camping, fireworks and just plain old summertime fun.  In preparation for a late evening house party we were invited to this weekend I made jello shooters at the request of the host.  The grill will be fired up and as long as the rain holds off the party will meander into the wee hours of the morning.  

Jello shooters are rather popular with younger adults but they tend to go over well at summer house parties, pool parties, stag & doe parties, and sitting around the campfire.  Quite often jello shooters are sold at a stag & doe to raise money for the engaged couple.  Traditionally, jello shooters are made with some type of liquor, usually vodka as it doesn't conflict with the flavour of the jello.   However, just about any liquor can be used.  Non-alcoholic versions can be made as well.

The ingredients for jello shooters are simply jello, liquor, water and/or alternative liquid.  The jello shooter cups (clear plastic or waxed condiment cups) can be found at party stores as well as at some dollar and box stores.  They are usually sold in a package of 24.  I personally prefer the clear plastic cups for appearance but the paper cups are popular as the jello shooter can easily be squished into the mouth.

I made two kinds of jello shooters, both alcoholic so not for minors.   Here is how I made them.  I've included a non-alcoholic jello shooter recipes below the two alcoholic ones for the younger ones at the party or for those who choose not to imbibe.  Jello shooters need to be supported while setting.  I fill each cup individually then place onto a baking sheet and place in the refrigerator to set.  Once set the jello shooters can be placed on a serving tray.

Vodka Jello Shooters
1 box orange jello (or flavour of choice)
1 c boiling water
1 c vodka

Bring the water to to a boil.  Pour into large measuring cup.  Stir in jello until the gelatin has dissolved.  Allow to cool until luke warm.  Stir in the vodka.  Carefully pour into jello shooter cups.  Chill until set.

Rum & Coke Jello Shooters
2 boxes cherry jello
1 c boiling cola
1 c cold cola
1 c rum

Bring 1 c of cola just to a boil.  Pour into large measuring cup.  Stir in both packages of jello.  Stir until the gelatin has dissolved.  Stir in the rum.  Lightly stir in the cold cola.  Carefully pour into jello shooter cups.  Chill until set.

Non-Alcoholic Jello Shooters
1 box jello flavour of choice
1 c boiling water
1 c club soda or ginger ale

Bring water to boil.  Pour into large measuring cup.  Stir in jello until gelatin has dissolved.  Allow to cool until luke warm.  Pour in the club soda or ginger ale then just lightly stir.  Carefully pour into jello shooter cups.  Chill until set.

Pictured are a couple of the rum & coke and vodka jello shooters I made.  Jello shooters are rather pretty with a jewel-like sparkle and the consistency of jello.  Be warned though that those made with alcohol are potent.  They should be enjoyed responsibly.  Jello shooters whether alcoholic or non-alcoholic made with soda are a taste bud sensation!  The soda gives a tingling, very slight almost but not quite burn that is quite pleasant.

Jello shooters can be served simply on a serving tray without garnish.   They should be kept chilled until serving.  I make 2 per guest which is usually enough with a few left over. 

Summertime Fun - Frozen Drinks

During our recent vacation in Aruba, we rediscovered frozen drinks.  They are usually referred to as slurpies or slushies if non-alcoholic and frozen drinks if alcoholic here but in Aruba they are simply frozen drinks.  They are a very popular way to cool down there.  Although there were fancy frozen drink makers in the bars, the timeshares were equipped with standard blenders.  We were gifted with a Margaritaville Frozen Concoction Maker so I was collecting ideas for summer drinks while sitting around the pool.  The beauty of the frozen drinks is just about any drink can be made into a frozen drink easily and inexpensively by adding ice and blending until smooth and slushy.  There's no need to leave the comforts of your home or change out of swimwear to head to the local variety store or ice cream shop to pay the high prices for a frozen drink when it only takes a couple of minutes to make one at home.  Oh, and you can use chilled coffee as well which is a good way to use up the left over coffee from the pot you made in the morning.

We used the blender in Aruba to make Pina Coladas to take down to the pool area and the beach.  This is a nice, cooling drink that just so nice with blue skies and sandy beaches!  Traditionally, it is an alcoholic drink but you could make it a virgin drink by omitting the rum and adding a light splash of rum extract.  The following recipe is written for the Margaritaville Frozen Concoction Maker but can be modified to use a standard blender.
  
Pina Colada
source: Margaritaville Cargo Recipes

1¾ oz White Rum
3½ oz Pineapple Juice
1¾ oz cream of coconut

Fill ice reservoir with ice cubes.  Pour ingredients in glass blending jar.  Blend until smooth and creamy.  Pour into a goblet glass. Garnish with a slice of pineapple and serve with a strawberry (optional).

Kids love frozen drinks as well.  When the grandkids (ages 5, 4, 3) last visited for a pool party I wanted to make special frozen drinks for them.  I made raspberry lemonade then Papa turned it into frozen drinks for the little ones.

Raspberry Lemonade Frozen Drink
source:  Garden Gnome

1 can frozen lemonade concentrate
water
1 c fresh raspberries
3 - 4 mint leaves (optional)

Mix the frozen lemonade concentrate with the amount of water specified on the container.  Pour 4 c lemonade into blender.  Add ½ c of the raspberries and mint leaves.  Blend until smooth.  Pour into a large pitcher.  Repeat with the remainder of the lemonade and raspberries.  Pour that into the same pitcher and stir well.  This will give you about 64 oz of raspberry lemonade.

to make frozen drinks:  [concoction maker] Fill ice reservoir with ice cubes.  Pour raspberry lemonade in glass blending jar.  Blend until smooth and creamy.  [blender] Pour about 2 c of raspberry lemonade into blender.  Add several ice cubes.  Blend adjusting to get the right consistency with either more ice cubes or lemonade.  Pour into plastic drinking cups.  Add a straw and long handled spoon.

Caesar (cocktail)

As a Canadian I like sharing aspects about Canada that are unique, especially Canadian cuisine. The Caesar cocktail is a good example of a uniquely Canadian drink. Born in Canada it has remained widely popular in Canada to earn the well deserved title of Canada's National Cocktail.

Caesar (cocktail)

The Caesar cocktail was created by Walter Chell at the Owl's Nest Bar in the Calgary Inn (now Calgary Westin Hotel) in Calgary, Alberta in 1969. It was to celebrate the opening of the new Marco's restaurant. The original cocktail contained tomato juice and mashed clams. The same year with the help of Chell the Mott's company began producing Clamato which is now used to make the cocktail. In the 2000's Mott's began printing the recipe on the Clamato labels including those sold in the USA however the cocktail never caught on so remains mainly a Canadian cocktail. Like so many popular Canadian foods (poutine, peameal bacon, Diana® sauce, white vinegar on fries, ketchup chips and etc) there may be very limited availability in US towns directly on the USA- Canada border but for the most part unless an ex-patriot living outside of Canada makes them they remain as only part of Canadian cuisine.

Pictured is a Caesar I enjoyed at one of out favourite boating haunts. I ordered it extra spicy meaning extra Tobasco® and pepper were added. This drink can also be ordered as a virgin cocktail meaning the vodka is omitted. Either way, the Caesar is an excellent cocktail!

Caesar (cocktail)

6 oz. Clamato juice
1½ oz. Vodka
2 dashes Tobasco® hot pepper sauce
2 dashes Worcestershire sauce
celery salt
freshly ground pepper
lime/lemon wedge
1 crisp celery stalk
3 large stuffed olives (optional)
1 quarter dill pickle spear (optional)

Rim a highball glass with the lime wedge. Turn the glass upside down into a saucer with celery salt to coat well. Fill the glass to about the ¾ mark with ice cubes. Pour in the vodka then Clamato juice. Add the hot pepper sauce, Worcestershire sauce and freshly ground pepper. Place the celery stalk or dill pickle spear and straw in the glass. Thread 3 large stuffed olives onto a bar pick and place across the rim of the glass. Serve.

Boat Ride Food - Decker's Landing

The summer is in full swing so our lives revolve around water activities. After all our property backs onto the water, we have a boat and we live on the beautiful Great Lakes waterway. We boat on Lakes Huron, St. Clair and Erie as well as the connecting waterways and waterways flowing into these waters. Most times we pack a picnic lunch or snacks, eating out mainly when staying overnight but my husband. Quite often when boating you have to walk a block or more from the marina to find a good restaurant. We've discovered all the best stops for eating along these waterways and I have to tell you that Decker's Landing in Algonac, Michigan is one of the best! It is right at the marina so all we do is dock and find a seat!

Decker's is hosting a Margaritaville Weekend Memorial on July 18 and 19, 2008 in memory of Susan Bell, Joe Hamilton and Katy O'Neil who We went to Decker's last week. The one thing about boaters aside of being some of the friendliest folk you have ever met is they stick together and help each other. I saw where they are holding a Margaritaville tragically lost their lives in a boating accident on Lake St. Clair on May 24, 2008. Brian Lepp and Robert Diegel were seriously wounded with severe facial injuries. Trust funds have been set up for Austin and Lucas Bell as well as Lydia Hamilton. If you would like more information on this event, would like to book a boat slip or donate to the cause please call Deckers at 1-810-794-0581. Please support this cause if you can.

Decker's Landing can be reached by land or water. Outdoor seating overlooks the water where you can enjoy boat traffic while enjoying your favourite meal. Indoor seating is spacious with a good view of the water or you can sit around their pleasant bar. The wait staff is likely one of the friendliest you will ever meet! The food is wonderful especially their onion rings of which I will explain a bit further in this post. They have live entertainment on the weekends during the summer as well.

Great Lakes

We docked the boat then found an empty glider seat. That's one of the neat things about Decker's is most of the outdoor seating is covered gliders overlooking the water. You can watch the boats docking as well as other water traffic. It is just a real pleasant spot to while away a few summer hours!

My husband ordered a Great Lakes as a drink before dinner. The Great Lakes is a beautiful looking specialty drink, a deep turquoise frozen drink served in a frosted wine carafe. The colour reminded me of the colours of the wake behind the boat. It was a perfect The ingredients are light rum, dark rum, blue caraco and pineapple juice.


Please Note: Boating and drinking do not mix! We were there for a couple of hours so one drink was fine for the Captain of the Vessel aka my husband as he is a large man and it was with a meal. [I don't advocate drinking and boating as in drinking en route or stopping simply to drink without eating. I think you know what I mean.]
Onion Rings

We really aren't into fast food restaurants. Seriously for the price you pay at one of those restaurants you can get a much tastier meal at mom and pop type restaurants. For the most part the meals will be healthier for you as well.

Decker's has the most awesome onions rings aside from homemade. These are a must have appetizer whenever we stop there. The onion rings come in a paper lined plastic basket. They are fried to perfection with a crispy, golden crust covering sweet, tender onion slices. These onion rings are the perfect snack while watching the boats. Our boat was docked in a slip almost in front of us so we snacked on onion rings while talking about what we needed to do for the boat. The outside needs a cleaning and polishing. We need to hang a couple of new flags. All that will wait :)

Canadian Walleye

My husband ordered the Canadian Walleye entrée. The large walleye portion was beautifully done with light breading fried to golden perfection. It was presented pleasantly but not fussy. The light, fluffy and tasty fish was accompanied with a vegetable medley of broccoli, cauliflower and carrot coins, boiled red potato halves and a choice of soup or salad for $12.95. He ordered the French Onion soup instead of the optional salad. This is just a lovely meal right from the presentation to the quality of food. My husband gave it two thumbs up!

Decker Burger

I'm seriously not a huge burger fan. I love my husband's homemade burgers, burgers from one bar and grill we frequent and from Decker's. That's it! I'm rather picky that way. Seriously the meal choices were reversed! It was a beautiful, warm day so I ordered the Decker burger for $7.95 with cheese for an additional 50¢. It came with fries and coleslaw along with lettuce, dill pickle slices and onion slices. This is seriously a beautiful burger. The only complaint I have is they use processed cheese (American cheese) slices instead of actual cheese slices. Again, I'm being very picky here but I can tolerate actual cheese because the processed cheese slices really do a number on me being lactose intolerant. I just pre-treat because this burger is worth it :)

Decker's is the perfect boating spot to spend a few hours in the summer.

[Waving hi to my friends from Decker's. We'll see you soon and thanks for your wonderful hospitality!] - no affiliation just a boater who appreciates a good marina.]