Cory's Corner: February

Hi Cory,
I love salads, but I hate oil and vinegar and low- or no-fat dressings. Is there some way to make a ranch or French dressing that is low fat that doesn't taste nasty?
Thanks,
Sheila

Hey there Sheila,
When given the choice, I too prefer a non-bottled dressing. One of the simplest non-vinegar-based dressings uses fresh-squeezed lemons, limes or orange juice and a mild oil, like canola or a walnut oil, plus salt and pepper. Tossed lightly on salad greens, it's worth a try. I've also included a recipe for homemade ranch dressing. Of course, you can substitute lower-fat ingredients (yogurt or buttermilk for all or part of the mayo) in any of your recipes.

Good luck,
Cory

Hi Cory,
What ingredients can I use instead of mayonnaise?
Thanks,
Amy

Hi Amy,
This depends, of course, upon how you use mayonnaise. As a spread for sandwiches, a few things work well: mustards--sweet, Dijon or whole-grain; oil and vinegar dressings; soft cheeses; tapenades or even an avocado spread. (There is nothing like a smoked turkey sandwich on an Italian roll and a splash of balsamic dressing on the bread to complement the tomatoes!) For salads--including potato--oil and vinegar is tasty and has fewer calories than mayonnaise. Or a combination of buttermilk and light sour cream with chopped herbs works well as a creamy replacement. However, if you have an allergy, there is always egg-free, soy-based mayonnaise available in the organic section of your grocery store.

Hope these work for you,

Cory

Dear Cory
I love trying out new recipes for my husband. Any suggestions for Valentine's Day? Oh yeah--we aren't vegetarians!
Sincerely,
Susan

Susan,
I love your willingness to take the risk on this romantic day! Here are some menus paired with wine that should satisfy any palate.

Happy Valentine's and happy cooking,

Cory

• Entertaining  The secret here is to prep and set up as much as possible in advance. Chop ingredients, set the table and make a to-do list. You'll feel less harried and have time to relax and enjoy your guests.
• Decorating  If you have a large punch bowl, dust it off and fill it with ice and beverages, or with cut flowers, as a centerpiece on your table.
• Patience  It is so tempting to lift the lid on your slow cooker--but trust that the job is getting done! Avoid removing the lid during cooking, since stirring isn't usually necessary; otherwise you will lower the internal temperature and may need to add another 15 minutes to your cooking time. If you must lift the lid, lift it straight up and off so that the condensation does not fall into the crock and dilute your cooking liquid.
• Surprises Treat your loved ones to heart-shaped pancakes. Use a 2-3 inch cookie cutter to cut your pancakes, once they’re cooked, and sprinkle with powdered sugar and sliced strawberries. Warm your syrup for that extra loving touch.

• Heart-Shaped Cookie Cutters  They're not just for cookies! Keep various sizes on hand.
• Microwavable Glass Measuring Cups  Very handy and available in 1- to 8-cup capacities. Use as mixing bowls, for melting chocolate or butter in the microwave, and--of course--for measuring.
• Slow Cookers  They're my favorite sous chefs! All busy homes should have one; they're great for entertaining large groups.
• Lidded Porcelain Ramekins  You can never have enough containers for storage, baking or prepping your ingredients.
• Not a must-have, but fun! Chocolate Fondue Fountains are all the rage. Provide endless hours of chocolate happiness for all ages: just cut up some fruit and cake into bite-size pieces and dip away!