Choosing Wisely - A Program for Healthful Eating

Step 1. Take Stock

Step 2. Keep a Journal

Step 3. Learn the Basics

Wise Choices — Making Them Last

Before you embark on your journey, choose your snack wisely.

 

Still Time to Enter Spa Sweepstakes

2007 Recipe Calendar

This year, the California Raisins 2007 Recipe Calendar will feature a collection of outstanding recipes from a library of hundreds of raisin recipes. Creations from Celebrity Chefs and home cooks, plus Flavors of the World, are all included in this calendar and it's available just in time for the New Year! Requests for calendars will be accepted online as of December 18th. To order yours and ones for your friends, go to LoveYourRaisins.com or send names and USPS mailing addresses to the California Raisin Marketing Board/Calendar Requests at 3445 North First Street, Suite 101, Fresno, CA 93726.

Choices for Healthful Eating

Choosing a healthful eating plan is the secret to the life you will live tomorrow. Making those choices is not easy. However, mypyramid.gov and healthierus.gov can help and other Internet resources abound. Registered dietitians and health professionals have good inputs and we will have more notes each month, as well.

Step 3. Learn the Basics

Up to now, Step 1. Take Stock and Step 2. Keep a Journal have pretty much established what has been happening. The next big step requires some basic information about healthy eating habits.

Basics for Eating Healthfully 

Variety — Eat foods from all food groups
From These Groups — Eat more fruits, vegetables, whole minimally processed grains, fat-free or low-fat milk products, and less foods high in saturated or trans fats, added sugars, cholesterol, salt and alcohol
Moderation — Choose forms of foods that limit intake of those saturated or trans fats, added sugars, cholesterol, salt, and alcohol
Activity — Be physically active at least 60 minutes per day

Age determines the amount of the different foods that you need to eat each day. So, each member of the family needs

• At least 3 ounces of whole-grain cereals, rice, or pasta every day
• Low-fat or fat-free milk, yogurt and other milk products
• Fruits and dark green vegetables
• Food and beverages low in added sugars and fats.
• To be physically active every day

The USDA Food Pyramid lists quantities of foods for all ages. Go to mypyramid.gov for a quick review.

For A Rollicking Raisin New Year's Eve Party Filled with Wise Choices

Beverages and More

Get the party going with your favorite eggnog or include nonalcoholic Citrus Cider or, better yet, mix a little mulled wine with aquavit or vodka to make a rollicking Fireside Glogg.

Little Bites

For a sumptuous buffet, spread it generously with little bites of Seared Sea Scallops with Mushroom Raisin Goulash or, better yet, Seared Sea Scallops with California Raisins and Red Onion Relish . Maybe, even live dangerously and serve both!

Follow those with Amazing Appetizer Cups — ready in a flash and so easy to make. Fill some small tortillas with the filling for Beef Picadillo Empanadas to bring a Spanish flare to the party and Crunchy Vegetable Pakoras with Raisin-Tamarind Chutney will kick it up a notch with some Indian curry. Divide the Fiesta Brunch Strata into 2 pans and cut into bite-size cubes for tasty tidbits. Roast Beef Tenderloin with Red Onion Jam and Gorgonzola Cheese goes both ways -- cut into tiny finger sandwiches or serve full-size to slake heartier appetites.


Some Sweet Things
It really wouldn't be a party unless there were some small sweets to top it off, now, would it? Apricot Pillows , Rum Raisin Treasures and Apricot Raisinots will fill that bill very nicely.

About New Beginnings and Holiday Feasting

If your plans include a much bigger meal to get the New Year started off right, may we suggest Braised Moroccan Lamb, Grilled Filet Mignon with California Raisin-Onion Jam, Baked Tomatoes and Spinach-Peanut Sauté, or the Chili-Sugar Cured Pork Tenderloin featured in the Recipe of the Month.

Recipe of the Month

Chili-Sugar Cured Pork Tenderloin with Smoked Corn-Jalapeño Whipped Potatoes, Raisin-Port Chipotle Demi-Glace. This Chef's Select recipe has everything including unforgetable taste!

Chef of the Month - Antonio Rodriquez

It is said that "one taste and you'll realize why dining is considered an amenity" at the Omni Tucson National Golf Resort & Spa. Much of the credit for this can be attributed to Antonio Rodriquez, chef extraordinaire, whose creativity leans toward tasty, natural products like California Raisins. Next time you are in Arizona, check it out.

• Catalina Salad with "Plumped" California Golden Raisins, Mandarin Oranges, Caramelized Pecans, Queso Fresco and Prickly Pear-Habañero Vinaigrette

• Chili-Sugar Cured Pork Tenderloin with Smoked Corn-Jalapeño Whipped Potatoes, Raisin-Port Chipotle Demi-Glace