Salad --- Drink- Dessert- for Light Dinners

Celery - Butter Bean - Tuna  Salad

Total time: 30 Minutes   Serves: 4
Big, creamy butter beans give a tuna and celery salad terrific heartiness. The salad would also be delicious spooned over slices of warm grilled country bread.

2        tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2        teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/4    cup plus 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/4    cup snipped chives
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
4        3-1/2-ounce cans Italian tuna in olive oil, drained
3        celery stalks with leaves, thinly sliced on the bias
2       15-ounce cans butter beans, drained and rinsed
1-1/2   tablespoons drained capers

1 .  In a small bowl, whisk the lemon juice with the mustard, then slowly whisk in the olive oil. Stir in the chives and season the lemon-mustard vinaigrette with salt and pepper.
2 .  In a large bowl, gently toss the drained tuna with the sliced celery, butter beans and capers. Add the lemon-mustard vinaigrette and toss to coat the salad. Season the salad with salt and pepper and serve at once.
Serve with Crusty bread.

SUGGESTED PAIRING:
Crisp, citrusy Sauvignon Blanc.

In-Sandíary

                                      Makes 1 drink
This cocktail's name is a play on both the Spanish word for watermelon, sand?a, and "incendiary," referring to the peppery tequila and the spicy ancho chile rim.

CHILE SALT
1      teaspoon ancho chile powder
1      teaspoon kosher salt
1      teaspoon sugar
COCKTAIL
1      lime wedge
Ice
2      ounces blanco tequila
2      ounces watermelon juice
1/2     ounce fresh lime juice
1/4    ounce Simple Syrup

MAKE THE COCKTAIL In a small bowl, mix the kosher salt, sugar and ancho chile powder.

 Moisten the outer rim of a highball glass with the lime wedge and coat lightly with chile salt. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add all of the remaining ingredients and shake well. Fill the highball glass with ice and strain the drink into the glass.
Berries with Lemon-Thyme Sorbet 

Prep: 20 Minutes    Total time : 3 Hours    Serves: 4
Endlessly versatile, flavored syrups can be churned with ingredients like pureed fruit, fruit juice or fresh herbs in an ice cream machine to make sorbet. 

Lemon-Thyme Syrup
6       ounces strawberries, halved, or sliced if large
6       ounces raspberries
6       ounces blueberries
6      ounces sweet cherries, halved
Thyme sprigs, for garnish

1 .  Pour the Lemon-Thyme Syrup into an ice cream maker and freeze according to the manufacturer's instructions. Transfer the lemon-thyme sorbet to a plastic container, cover and freeze.
2 .  Shortly before serving, in a bowl, toss the berries with the cherries. Scoop the sorbet into bowls. Spoon the berries on top, garnish with the thyme sprigs and serve.
TIP :
The sorbet can be frozen for up to 3 days.
Heart healthy

Bad Lip Reading of Star Wars

Hey! This isn't the Star Wars I remember! 

Maxy sez : Drinking and Type 2 Diabetes ---Have a safe Memorial Day

 By Marijke Vroomen-Durning, RN | Medically reviewed by Pat F. Bass III, MD, MPH

Alcohol doesn't have to be off-limits if your diabetes is controlled, you're otherwise healthy, and you know how to handle your blood sugar when it veers off path.
Popping a champagne bottle, clinking glasses for a toast, or sharing a beer with friends are time-honored rituals. If you have type 2 diabetes, does this mean those rituals can no longer be part of your life?

Type 2 Diabetes: Questions:

You should ask yourself these three questions before you consider drinking alcohol:

Is your diabetes under control?
Do you have any other illnesses that could be made worse by drinking alcohol?
Do you know how to manage your blood sugar if it dips too low or rises too high  ?
If your diabetes is not controlled; if other illnesses affect your liver, your heart, or your nerves; or if you don’t know what to do if your blood sugar fluctuates too much, alcohol may cause some significant side effects.

Finally, if you didn’t drink alcohol before you were diagnosed with diabetes, you probably shouldn’t start now.

Regular drinking can also interfere with good diabetes self-care. A large study of nearly 66,000 patients with diabetes found that the more patients drank, the less likely they were to adhere to important self-care behaviors like getting enough exercise, not smoking, eating a healthy diet, and taking their diabetes medications.

Type 2 Diabetes: Your Physician’s Input :

Kathy Honick, RN, CDE, a diabetes educator with Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, says people with type 2 diabetes should talk with their physician about how often — and how much — they drink.

If you’re healthy and your doctor doesn’t see any reason why you can’t drink alcohol, as always, moderation is the key. Robert Ruxin, MD, an endocrinologist in Ridgefield, Conn., says moderation means “limit to one alcoholic drink equivalent per woman and two per men, if they’re used to it,” each day. A "drink equivalent" is one beer, six ounces of wine, or 1½ ounces of hard liquor.

Type 2 Diabetes: Why the Fuss About Alcohol?

Your liver plays a role in balancing your blood sugar-to-insulin ratio when you’re not eating or drinking. Dr. Ruxin explains, “Alcohol slows down your liver’s ability to produce sugar during the fasting state or overnight, which is when our sugar levels drop to the lowest [level.]”

Honick adds that if you drink alcohol before you’ve eaten, your blood glucose level will start dropping, and that’s a problem. “The liver will be unable to release the necessary glucose into the bloodstream to correct it because it has to focus on clearing out the alcohol first.”

So, before having that drink, Honick suggests that you prepare for it. Have a balanced meal or a snack that has protein, carbohydrate, and fats in it beforehand. You need the food to provide sugar to your body, counteracting the alcohol’s effects.

Type 2 Diabetes: Precautions:

If you are going to have a drink or two, there are some precautions you should take to reduce the risk of low blood sugar, also called hypoglycemia. Aside from eating, as Honick suggests, they include:

Take your glucometer with you so you can monitor your blood sugar levels.
Be sure your companions know how to recognize the signs and symptoms of low blood sugar and what to do if they see them.
Because glucagon, an emergency shot some diabetics carry to inject if their sugar gets too low, doesn’t work if you have alcohol in your blood, make sure someone knows to call 911 if you become unconscious.
Wear a medical alert bracelet or some other type of identification that notifies emergency personnel of your diabetes.
Having diabetes doesn’t mean you have to give up those time-honored rituals. But it does mean you need to prepare and be careful.

Food for Thought : Memorial Day --- Remember Why !

                        Significance of Memorial Day 2016
Memorial Day 2016 formally known as Decoration Day, is a federal holiday observed yearly on the last Monday of May. Memorial Day 2016 is a day that commemorates all men and women who have died while serving in the military for the United States of America. 

                        History of Memorial Day:
The history of Memorial Day 2016 dates back to the American Civil War. It started as an event to honour soldiers who had died during the war. It is said to be inspired by the way people in the Southern states honoured the dead. The original national celebration of Decoration Day took place on 30 May 1868. There was over twenty four cities and towns across the United States that claim to be the birthplace of Memorial Day. Waterloo (New York) was officially declared the birthplace of Memorial Day by President Lyndon Johnson in May 1966. In the late 19th century, the holiday (previously known as Decoration Day) became known as Memorial Day and was expanded to include the deceased veterans of all the wars fought by American forces. Originally, the holiday used to be celebrated on May 30, regardless of the day of the week that it fell on. In 1968, the Uniform Holidays Bill was passed and as a result the day changed. 

                    Traditions of Memorial Day:
Traditionally Memorial Day is viewed as a time of honour and remembrance. Throughout the United States it is common to visit cemeteries, particularly military ones, and decorate graves of the deceased with flowers, small flags and wreathes. Other common traditions of Memorial Day 2016 that are still practiced today include the raising the U.S. flag quickly to the tops of flagpoles, slowly lowered to half-mast, and then it is raised again to full height at noon. The lowering of the flag at half-mast is meant to honour the fallen soldiers who have died for their country over the years. While re-raising the flag is meant to symbolize the resolve of the living to carry on the fight for freedom so that the nation’s heroes will not have died in vain. On the United States Capitol Building’s West Lawn, a Memorial Day concert is held annually and is broad casted live around the country. Additionally, there are thousands of Memorial Day 2016 parades all across the country in cities small and large. Many will wear or put on a display of red poppies on this day as a symbol of fallen soldiers. This tradition grew out of the famous poem by Canadian John McCrae known as ‘In Flander’s Fields’, where Moina Michael conceived an idea to wear red poppies on Memorial day in honour of those who died serving the nation during war. 

                          When is Memorial Day 2016:
Slaw with Poppy-Seed Dressing

2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1-1/2 teaspoons honey
1-1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1-1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh dill
1 teaspoon poppy seeds
1 teaspoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup thinly sliced green cabbage
1 cup thinly sliced red cabbage
1/2 cup pre-cut matchstick carrots

Combine first 8 ingredients (through pepper) in a bowl. Add cabbage and carrots; toss to coat.
                                                          Strawberry-Lemon Mojitos

My son is the mixologist in the family  , this is a a smoothing  drink  for  relaxing  outside   . Strawberries sweeten these mojitos . "This is a great drink when you're in the mood for something fruity," says Simo. Use a molasses-based rum (like white Brugal) for a smoother drink, or a sugarcane-based rum (such as white Barbancourt) for a drier cocktail.
8 lemon wedges
24 mint leaves, plus 4 mint sprigs, for garnish (optional)
4 strawberries, plus 2 halved strawberries, for garnish
Ice cubes, plus crushed ice
8 ounces gold or aged rum
3 ounces fresh lemon juice
2 ounces prepared sugarcane syrup or agave nectar
In a cocktail shaker, muddle the lemon wedges with the whole strawberries and mint leaves. Add ice and the rum, lemon juice and sugarcane syrup; shake well. Strain into crushed ice–filled highball glasses. Garnish with the berry halves and mint sprigs.


Memorial Day 2016 is a federal holiday and falls on the last Monday of May. The date of the Holiday changes each year but always remains on a Monday .

A proud grand-poppa     G .
Stay safe  and  drink responsibly -- always  have a designated driver .

Cute story for Cubs

Real life can be just as wonderful as a Disney movie



Maxy sez : Who Should Make Up Your Diabetes-Management Team?

Your primary-care physician, endocrinologist, podiatrist, eye doctor, and dentist should be on your diabetes-management team. In addition, you should find a certified diabetes educator who can teach you about nutrition and care specific to diabetes.
Which specialists should be a part of your diabetes-management team?

Ping H. Wang, MD: Patients can manage their diabetes with a team that includes a physician, a diabetes educator, and a dietitian. The following specialists can also be part of a patient's management team: endocrinologist (hormone system), podiatrist (feet), optometrist/ophthalmologist (eyes), and dentist. Patients with long-term diabetes or complications may require the care of one or more of the following specialists: neurologist (diabetic neuropathy), nephrologist (kidneys), or other specialists. Controlling blood sugar, blood pressure, and lipid levels is proven to delay or thwart complications altogether.

Melissa Meredith, MD (with assistance from Barb Uselman, RN/CDE, and Carol Sargent, RD/CDE) : Diabetes is a chronic and potentially complicated disease that is best cared for by a team approach. The typical core members of the team are: the primary care provider and staff, certified diabetes educator (CDE), registered dietitian (RD), pharmacist and most importantly, the patient. Other members may be needed for some patients including: endocrinologist (for type 1 diabetes and complicated type 2 diabetes), ophthalmologist (for yearly eye exams), kidney specialist, cardiologist, neurologist, and/or mental health worker.
A diabetes doctor (endocrinologist) to assess and prescribe the best medicines for you

A certified diabetes educator to help you understand the best way to self-manage your condition (this includes a registered nurse, registered dietitian, licensed clinical social worker, pharmacist, or an exercise physiologist)

A primary-care physician for ongoing prevention and treatment of related conditions

An eye doctor (ophthalmologist or optometrist) for your yearly eye exams

A dentist for your twice-yearly cleaning

A foot doctor (podiatrist) to prevent or treat foot problems


Gretchen Scalpi, RD, CDE: Your team should consist of an endocrinologist or primary-care physician, certified diabetes educator (a registered dietitian or nurse), podiatrist, ophthalmologist, dentist, and any other specialist that a team member suggests for conditions related to your diabetes.

Salad --- Drink --- Dessert --- Add the meat from the Grill

                                           Italian Salad

Total time : 30 Minutes     Make    6 SERVINGS
Part green salad, part antipasto salad, this recipe combines lettuce, celery, onion, peperoncini, olives and cherry tomatoes--all tossed in a dressing made with olive oil, vinegar and a little mayonnaise. 

1   garlic clove, smashed
Salt
2   tablespoons mayonnaise
2   tablespoons red wine vinegar
1/2   teaspoon dried oregano
1/4   cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Freshly ground pepper
1   large romaine heart, chopped
1   small head of radicchio—halved, cored and coarsely chopped
1/4   head of iceberg lettuce, coarsely chopped
1   tender celery rib, thinly sliced
1/2   small red onion, thinly sliced
1/2   cup cherry tomatoes
1/4   cup pitted green olives, preferably Sicilian
8   peperoncini
2   ounces Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, shaved (1 cup)

In a large bowl, mash the garlic to a paste with a generous pinch of salt. Whisk in the mayonnaise, vinegar and oregano, then whisk in the olive oil. Season with pepper. Add all of the remaining ingredients and toss well. Serve right away.
Strawberries sweeten these mojitos . "A  great drink when you're in the mood for something fruity."  Use a molasses-based rum (like white Brugal) for a smoother drink, or a sugarcane-based rum (such as white Barbancourt) for a drier cocktail.
Kids around , omit the liquor , it makes them feel so grown up .  
Lemon - Strawberry- Mojitos 

8     lemon wedges

24    mint leaves, plus 4 mint sprigs, for garnish (optional)
4    strawberries, plus 2 halved strawberries, for garnish
Ice cubes, plus crushed ice
8    ounces gold or aged rum
3    ounces fresh lemon juice
2    ounces prepared sugarcane syrup or agave nectar

In a cocktail shaker, muddle the lemon wedges with the whole strawberries and mint leaves. Add ice and the rum, lemon juice and sugarcane syrup; shake well. Strain into crushed ice–filled highball glasses. Garnish with the berry halves and mint sprigs.

Passion Fruit Ice Cream Pie with a Ginger Crust

Prep : 30 Minutes    Total tome : 3 Hours       serves   8 TO 10
This isn't the kind of ice cream pie you'd make for a kiddie birthday party. Instead of a plain cookie crust,  a crispy, chewy one with crumbled gingersnaps, dried pineapple and candied ginger. And instead of the usual caramel or chocolate sauce on top, prepare a delectable mix of dulce de leche and passion fruit nectar from the supermarket.

1     8-ounce box gingersnaps, lightly crushed
1    dried sweetened pineapple ring (1 1/2 ounces), coarsely chopped
2    tablespoons coarsely chopped candied ginger
4    tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1-1/4    cups dulce de leche (16-ounce jar)
1/2       cup passion fruit nectar (see TIP)
3         pints vanilla ice cream, slightly softened
1/4      cup salted roasted pistachios, coarsely chopped
2         tablespoons shredded sweetened coconut

1 .  In a food processor, combine the crushed gingersnaps with the pineapple, candied ginger and butter and process until fine crumbs form. Press the crumbs evenly over the bottom and 1 inch up the side of a 9-inch springform pan. Freeze until firm, about 10 minutes.
2 .  In a blender, blend the dulce de leche and passion fruit nectar until smooth.
3 .  Spread 1 pint of ice cream in the chilled crust. Using a very small ice cream scoop (2 tablespoons), scoop the remaining 2 pints of ice cream into the crust, leaving some nooks and crannies. 4 .  Drizzle 3/4 cup of the dulce de leche sauce over the ice cream, allowing it to pool in spots. Sprinkle with the pistachios and coconut and freeze until firm, at least 2 1/2 hours.
5 .  Remove the ring and cut the pie into wedges. Serve the extra dulce de leche sauce at the table.
Make ahead :
The pie can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
TIP :
Look for passion fruit nectar at supermarkets, preferably the Looza brand.

School will be out  soon  , the summer will be  very busy , your family can still have healthy meals .Family loves eating outside in the garden , not much clean up  , fresh vegetables are plentiful . Come back  , we will post more  light  dinners for you .
Heart Healthy