April 7, 2014
10-Second Recipes: Waldorf-Style Salads are Rich Easter Touches for Pennies a Serving (10 seconds each to read and are almost that quick to prepare) By Lisa Messinger The original, usually served on a bed of lettuce, was first created in 1890 at the hotel and at that time, although it tasted ritzy and was served at the exclusive hotel, included only apples, celery and mayonnaise. Over the years, chopped walnuts were included. As time passed, imitators usually didn't go further than adding golden raisins or substituting yogurt or plain sour cream instead of the mayonnaise. Mimic the aforementioned original versions, with ingredients to taste, and you'll have a lovely Easter addition. Recently, too, interesting takes have cropped up; and many of those are perfect ideas for the Easter meal. Use these as inspirations, with ingredients to taste: "The Waldorphian" at On the Thirty includes grilled chicken (though grilled lamb could be substituted), celery, herbed goat cheese, apples and dried cranberries. It's tossed with honey-Dijon vinaigrette. You can just whisk some honey and Dijon mustard into a store-bought vinaigrette to enjoy the flavors. AllRecipes.com features a wonderful tuna Waldorf. Mix your drained water- or oil-packed canned tuna with chopped shallots, diced Granny Smith apples, chopped celery, chopped walnuts, sweet pickle relish, salt and pepper, curry powder and mayonnaise. When accomplished chefs jump into the mix, seasonal ingredients often become part of the package and are easy steps to make the original version even more appealing as part of Easter festivities. For instance, to mimic TV chef Rachael Ray's interesting take, just add some fresh dill. For results like those of award-winning chef and cookbook author Gale Gand, make your choice fresh mint. Dishes like these prove innovative food preparation can be easy, nutritious, economical, entertaining - and fast. They take just 10 seconds each to read and are almost that quick to prepare. The combinations are delicious evidence that everyone has time for tasty home cooking and, more importantly, the healthy family togetherness that goes along with it! Another benefit: You - and your kidlet helpers - effortlessly become better cooks, since there are no right or wrong amounts. These are virtually-can't-go-wrong mixtures, so whatever you choose to use can't help but draw "wows." QUICK TIP OF THE WEEK: Sometimes when enjoying a buffet at a restaurant or at a party kids, and often adults, too, overload their plate with just a grouping of indulgent favorites, like French toast, muffins, potatoes or cakes. For a nutritious and fun change of pace, challenge your kids (or maybe even yourself!) to bring back a helping that includes a balanced meal, representing all the vital food groups. It's a contest that can be fun and reinforces nutritional knowledge.
Posted by Staff at 11:25 AM |