Choosing Wisely - A Program for Healthful Eating

Step 1. Take Stock

Step 2. Keep a Journal

Wise Choices - Making Them Last

Whatsoever you do, be sure to include California Raisins

California Raisins are always the wise choice and California Raisin growers want to know about your wise choices. Just go to LoveYourRaisins.com and enter the California Raisins Wise Choices Spa Sweepstakes.  Then, take the Wise Choices Survey and compare your responses with others from across the nation.

Choices for Healthy Eating

Speaking of holidays — Thanksgiving is coming up fast! Do you think the Pilgrims had raisins at the first Thanksgiving? The Crusaders brought these dried grapes back from the Middle East. Surely, those frugal, seafaring adventurers made a wise choice and packed a barrel or two on the Mayflower!

Step 2. Keep a Journal

Last Month, Step 1. Take Stock

Advocated a good look at the family's eating habits and the foods in the cupboard. Now, it is time to get really serious about developing a healthful eating plan.

Step 2. Keep A Journal

Keeping a journal will help make changes in that direction for the whole family. Review the family's food diaries from step 1 and look for low calorie, low fat, high fiber, nutritionally rich food alternatives and ways to include more activity everyday.

Then, start adding information to a journal on a regular basis. Jot down menu ideas and healthier alternatives to those high fat, nutritionally poor foods the family eats now. Use a binder, notebook, or computer file. Whatever is convenient and easy to keep on a regular basis. A big bonus is that it will be filled with all those happy nutritious meals throughout the holidays. Take pictures and add those, too.

For Thanksgiving Dinner

Speaking of Holidays - Thanksgiving is coming up fast! Do you think the Pilgrims had raisins at the first Thanksgiving? The Crusaders brought these dried grapes back from the Middle East. Surely, those frugal, seafaring adventurers made a wise choice and packed a barrel or two on the Mayflower!

A Good Start...

To Thanksgiving Dinner is Spicy California Raisin-Pumpkin Caponata served with low fat baked chips.Not too spicy and low calorie, cook it without oil in a skillet coated with cooking spray to reduce the fat, too. Warm Apple Cider Soup with Crispy Apple-Raisin Turnovers is a healthy choice for the soup course. Use cooking spray instead of butter to make the turnovers. Lighten up the Harvest Butternut Squash Soup with California Golden Raisin Crostini by omitting the butter and substituting milk for the heavy cream. Either nutrient rich, low calorie, low fat Sweet and Sour Coleslaw or more traditional Waldorf Salad would be a wise choice salad, or serve a plain tossed vegetable salad with a slice of Whole Wheat Raisin Bread on the side.

The Main Course

Breast of Turkey Stuffed with Chestnuts, Pistachios and California Raisins is a departure from plain stuffed turkey. Braised Portuguese Pork Chops with Clams and California Raisins is new and different. If chicken is on the menu, think about Stuffed Chicken (Gallina Rellena) or go way out to Sweet and Spicy Jerk Chicken. All are chock full of California Raisin goodness and nutrients galore. Don't forget the sweet potatoes! Sweet Potatoes with Raisins and Poblano Chile Rajas bring a piquant touch loaded with fiber and iron - truly a wise choice.

Of course, there's nothing better than California Raisins' Dried Fruit and Sausage Stuffing or Raisin, Pecan and Sausage Stuffing for that big roasted turkey that starts cooking before breakfast.

What About Breakfast?

As the family gathers, tantalize them with Chef Nancy Silverton's Dried Fruit and Nut Scones or Bran Muffins with California Raisins. Raisin Peanut Butter Balls may be just the ticket for the children, now or later to tide them over until dinner.

Recipe of the Month: And For Dessert!

The La Brea Carrot-Raisin Baby Cakes

All American Raisin Pie with apples, cranberries and raisins is — well, All-American! But Chef Nancy Sliverton's La Brea Carrot-Raisin Baby Cakes topped with a low fat whipped topping will build lasting memories.

Chef of the Month - Nancy Silverton

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Nancy Silverton made her name with breads and desserts at Los Angeles' Campanile Restaurant and La Brea Bakery. Recently she sold the La Brea Bakery to an Irish conglomerate that distributes her trademark breads across the nation. Having reduced her involvement in Campanile, Nancy is now exploring other restaurant opportunities in the LA area.

Trained professionally as a baker, not a cook, Nancy is known for her 'incredible palate'. "When I taste a dish, I'll know exactly what it needs," she says as she adds a drop of lemon juice, a scattering of sea salt, or a handful of California Raisins to bring the flavor to another level.