Food is always a big part of holiday celebrations. During the holidays, it can often be difficult to make wholesome meals for the family. Fortunately, with a little planning, you can make meals for the family that will be both healthy and tasty. Although not for breakfast, below are a few wholesome healthy recipes and holiday meal ideas for the family.

1. Smoked Turkey Breast with Collard Greens: Ingredients include: 1.5 pounds collard greens, pound smoked turkey breast, cup chicken broth, minced onion, tsp. red pepper flakes, tsp. minced celery, and tsp. ground black pepper. Place the cut up pieces of collard greens and turkey in a pot. Cover them with water and cook on medium heat, covered, for 20 minutes. Add the onion, celery, red pepper flakes, chicken broth, onion, red pepper flakes, and black pepper, and cook on medium heat for approximately an hour.

2. Peppercorn Honey Mustard Pork Roast: Ingredients include: 1- pound pork loin roast, 1 orange, a 12-oz package of cranberries, 1/4 cup honey, 2 tbsp. honey mustard, 2 tbsp. crushed peppercorns, 1/2 tsp. 1 tsp. minced thyme, and 1/2 tsp. salt. Chop up orange and cranberries. Place in saucepan and blend in honey. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook 3 to 4 minutes. Cool. Place the pork around the roast in a roast cooking pot. Mix the honey mixture and other ingredients in a bowl. Baste the roast and pork with the sauce. Cook at 325 degrees for 30 minutes. Remove and baste the meat. Cook for another 20 minutes. Let it sit for about 15 minutes and then serve.

3. Honey Mustard Glazed Turkey: Ingredients include: 5 pound turkey breast , 1/4 cup apricot preserves, 1 tbsp. honey-style mustard. Place turkey breast in roast pan. Bake for 2 hours at 325 degrees. In a bowl, blend the mustard and apricot preserves. Baste the glaze over the turkey breast and cook for another 20 min. Remove and serve.

4. Rib Eye Roast with Gravy, Potatoes, and Mushrooms: 1 tbsp minced rosemary, 2 minced garlic gloves, 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp ground black pepper, one 4-pound rib eye roast, 4 pounds small potatoes (cut in small portions), 1 tbsp vegetable oil, 1 pound chopped white mushrooms, 1 tbsp butter, 1 tbsp all-purpose flour, 1 can beef broth, and 1 tbsp tomato paste. In a bowl, mix rosemary, garlic, and salt and pepper. Baste the roast. Cook for 40 minutes at 350F (175C). Add potatoes to the roast pan. Cook for another 20 minutes. Put mushrooms in the roast pan, swirl, and cook for another 40 minutes. Mix butter and flour together in a bowl. Remove roast and vegetables from oven. Remove food from the pan. Add beef broth to the pan juices, boil, and cook for 2 minutes. Reduce the heat and mix in flour mixture and tomato paste, and blend. Pour the gravy in a bowl. Slice beef and serve with gravy, potatoes and gravy.

The holidays do not have to be a time of eating unhealthy foods. Careful meal planning and healthy preparation will give your family plenty of wholesome meals to eat over the holidays.

Eating healthy isn’t always easy. Help your family eat healthier by including nutritious delicious eggs to your diet. Healthy recipes with eggs can be found online.

We tend to take our crock-pots for granted these days. They sit in the cupboard, unloved and unused until we really need to throw in a pot roast or something before we head off for work. Slow cooking has been around for hundreds of years, though. We do not realize how good we have it now.

Way Back When

People have been slow cooking their meals ever since they learned how to smelt iron and make a pot. A large kettle could be simmering over the fire throughout the day, or a small, covered Dutch oven could be set into the coals for cooking. It has long been known that slow cooking has many benefits for our food. The downside to the old methods is the constant tending needed for the fire, as well as frequent stirring of the food.

Meats cooked slowly are tenderized because the low heat softens the fibers. It also melts the natural collagen found within the meat, creating a gelatin-rich, delicious meal chock full of goodness. Fibrous vegetables like parsnips, turnips, and rutabagas also benefit from slow cooking. Dried crops like beans and lentils are slow cooked to create delicious, hearty meals.

The Crock Pot

The Naxon Utilities Corporation in Chicago developed what we recognize as a slow cooker in the’50s. They called their new pot the Beanery All Purpose Cooker. It was meant to help make baked beans. The Beanery was a ceramic pot situated inside a metal pan equipped with heating elements around the sides. This heated the ceramic pot evenly, while keeping the heat away from directly contacting the food.

Rival purchased Naxon in’70. The Beanery was renamed the Crock Pot and marketed to the many women who were leaving the home to go to work every day. Crock Pots helped many women feed their families every night. It made their lives easier knowing that a hot meal was waiting when they got home.

As the years have progressed, so has the Crock Pot. Now they feature removable ceramic pots for easier cleaning and storage of leftovers. The old ones were a single piece, making cleaning difficult due to the attached electrical cord. The new ceramic liners are even dishwasher safe, making them even more convenient for busy families. Many of the newer slow cookers also feature a warming setting as well as Low and High. Some are electronic and will automatically switch to warm when the food is done.

While women made many dishes slow cooking the old way, today’s crock-pot is even more versatile. Beans, stews, casseroles, and roasts are the most common dishes made in the crock-pot. You can also make foods like lasagna, barbecued pork, and even your favorite chicken noodle soup recipe in your crock-pot.

Like the traditional methods, crock-pots can also be used to bake breads and cakes. The more you play with your crock-pot, the more you may enjoy it. Desserts and other great recipes are waiting to be tried.

Chicken noodle soup can be made with all types of noodles. Fusilli, linguine, fettuccine, wide egg noodles and orzo are all fun to add to your soup. Alphabet noodles, wagon wheels and bow ties make a soup more fun. Pick some of your favorite noodles and add them next time!

Pumpkins are a great source of nutrition. These orange wonders are full of beta-carotene like all orange fruit and vegetables. It is also a good source of vitamin C, calcium, and fiber. Pumpkin seeds and the oil pressed from them are full of zinc and unsaturated fatty acids… the ones we need to stay healthy.

For the calories you are consuming, pumpkin gives you a lot of nutrition. Even if you ate it for fiber alone, it is known to fill you up so you can naturally curb your appetite without harmful pharmaceuticals. Fiber is also good for your bowels. This squash is also full of potassium.

We all need iron to help our red blood cells oxygenate our bodies. Pumpkin will give you what you need! In addition, the zinc will help prevent osteoporosis. Did you know it can affect the hips as well as the spine? Zinc is also beneficial to your reproductive system… especially if you are trying for a baby.

Lutein and zeaxanthin are important compounds found in pumpkin that help neutralize the free radicals that can damage the lenses in your eyes. This can help prevent macular degeneration and cataracts as you get older. Isn’t it amazing that this simple vegetable can protect your eyes, your bones, and your reproductive system? It is also good for your skin. How many vegetables can do all this and still taste great in both sweet and savory dishes?

When you add more of this healthy food to your diet, it does not matter if you use a canned pumpkin soup recipe or use fresh pumpkin. Both are healthy and full of nutrients your body needs to remain healthy. Pumpkin soup can be prepared so it is low in calories or you can make it rich in cream and other luxurious ingredients. It is a simple food that is elegant and rustic all at the same time.

By adding pumpkin to your diet, you not only add all these fabulous nutrients that your body needs to stay well and thrive, you are making the choice to add a good food to your diet that is mostly overlooked in this country. Instead of regulating pumpkins to the celebration of Halloween and the occasional pie during the holidays, pumpkin should be allowed to take its place in the culinary world and shine.

The versatile pumpkin needs to be celebrated. It is one of the few foods that are equally good in both sweet or savory dishes. Add pumpkin to your menu several times a month using various recipes. Try it as a bread, as a soup or as a roasted vegetable. Do not relegate pumpkins to being a novelty-serving dish. Eat some!

Once you have added more pumpkin into your diet, you will be amazed how you ever did without its rich flavor. You will realize that you are feeling better, looking better and that you are healthier. Pumpkin can help you avoid major health issues and help you lose weight. Not bad for something that most people think of as a decoration!

Serving your soup in a pumpkin shell is lots of fun. Your kids will think it is a great treat to eat their soup from a small pumpkin bowl. This can make dinner much more enjoyable and break the family out of the normal rut we all get into by making the same things.

The chicken and the crockpot are made for each other. Chicken is arguably the most versatile meat on the planet. Using a crockpot makes it easy to make everything from soup to entrees with your chicken. You could probably make a different chicken dish every night of the year using your crockpot without worrying about duplication.

Cooking chicken in the crockpot keeps it tender and juicy. To lower the fat content in any chicken dish, all you need to do is remove the skin and any fat beneath. Unlike in the oven, your meat will not dry out in the crockpot without that skin or fat. If you like the skin on the chicken, you can brown it before setting it in the pot. Browning will make your finished meal look terrific.

Making chicken in the crockpot lets you create one-dish meals, soups, stews or a main dish easily. Just add all your ingredients in the pot in the morning, and when you come home, you will be greeted with the delicious fragrance of your waiting meal.

Easy to Make

You will find a great many easy ways to prepare chicken with the crockpot. You can make anything from chicken stroganoff to a roast chicken that falls off the bone. The sheer variety of recipes will astound you. If you like ethnic foods, you can try Chicken Parmesan or chicken tacos, all made in the crockpot.

A chicken soup recipe is a good, easy meal to try in the crockpot. Just add your vegetables and chicken into the pot when you get up and you will find a delicious bowl of soup waiting for you when you get home. This is a perfect meal on a cold night. To top it off, serve it with bread or rolls.

Get Creative

Just because you are using a crockpot does not mean you cannot get creative. Try something new like a chicken ratatouille, chicken teriyaki or make your own version of chicken pot pie. For something filling, you cannot beat a good chicken stew. Use thighs for extra flavor and goodness. If you want your meals to be extra healthy, try chicken quinoa or a hearty chicken and lentil soup.

Kids will love recipes like brown sugar chicken. Just place your chicken in the crockpot with brown sugar, seasonings and a bit of vinegar. This dish is a surefire hit. You can also add chicken parts and canned soup to make a wonderful dish to serve with pasta or rice. Try different flavors like cream of chicken, cream of mushroom or even tomato soup. Another way to spice up your chicken is to add some of your favorite salsa to the chicken with vegetables.

So go pull out the crockpot and dust it off. Put in some chicken and a few delicious ingredients. Set it to cook all day while you are all about your various activities. When you come home, you and your family will find a meal all waiting for you to enjoy.

Cream of chicken soup recipes are rich, creamy and delectable. Did you know they are also pretty easy to make? Simply pay closer attention once you add your cream. The rich flavors blend and develop into a wonderful bowl of soup. Serve it as an appetizer or as a lunch by itself or with homemade bread.

Pumpkins are a specific type of squash in North America that is usually orange in color. In some places, however, any winter squash can be called a pumpkin. While this may be a bit confusing for those of us in North America, it is refreshing to know that there are more things to do with a pumpkin than carve it or make it into a pie.

Both the seeds and flesh of the pumpkin are edible and can be used in many recipes. The seeds are full of zinc, which is a mineral that is necessary for good health. Add the roasted seeds into cereals, snack mixes, breads or just eat them as a snack. If you have tasted pumpkin pie and butternut squash, you have a general idea how the pumpkin flesh will taste. This vegetable can be made into both savory and sweet dishes your family will love.

A whole roasted pumpkin can be quite a sight on the table. Pumpkin can be used to make delicious sweet breads. Drop in a handful of cranberries for a holiday dish. Spread pumpkin butter on your toast in the morning instead of butter. You can also use it in your morning granola with a dollop of yogurt for breakfast. Toss in a few toasted pumpkin seeds too.

Make pumpkin into cupcakes, muffins, and cakes. Pour the batter into a jellyroll pan to make a flat cake. Use cream cheese filling and roll it up for a yummy pumpkin roll. Pumpkin cheesecake is a common fall offering in many restaurants and grocery stores. Try making your own instead… it is not difficult. Use pumpkin in cookies and puddings to add more of this tasty vegetable to your diet.

Try a pumpkin soup recipe for yet another delicious way to use this versatile food. Pumpkin soup can be made so it is creamy or spicy. Try it roasted for a delicious sweet flavor. Use it as an appetizer for a formal meal or as a complete meal. Improve your presentation by adding a dab of crme fraiche on top or try sprinkling on some toasted pumpkin seeds for a little crunch.

Chunks of pumpkin can be added to rice or pasta. Make a rich pumpkin risotto for something a little different. Make a filling from pumpkin to use in ravioli or other stuffed pasta. Mix it with other vegetables like greens or fennel for a delicious side dish. Try mixing it with polenta and cheese for a new dish. Pumpkin is full of beta-carotene and many other vitamins and minerals. Adding this vegetable to your menu helps your family get these needed nutrients to remain healthy.

Have pumpkin for breakfast by making pumpkin pancakes, muffins, scones, or donuts. This versatile vegetable easily makes the transition from savory to sweet without a problem. Serve the pancakes with a whipped cream topping or maple syrup. You can even add cooked crumbled bacon to the batter before cooking the pancakes.

For a dessert that is not as sweet as cookies or cake, try pumpkin ice cream, tarts, or pies. They will add the flavor of the season to your meal. While fresh pumpkin is seasonal, you can always-used canned pumpkin the rest of the year.

Cold pumpkin soup can be sweet or savory. This is a great way to serve soup in the heat of the summer. It is cool and refreshing. Top it with sour cream or with a few roasted pumpkin seeds for a savory soup. For a sweet soup, garnish with cinnamon and whipped cream.

Do you have trouble telling your steaks apart? Many of us do, especially if we eat mostly steak prepared for us in restaurants. That can make it pretty tricky if you decide you would rather start preparing your own gourmet steak dinners. Here is a look at what kind of steaks you can buy and how they are best prepared, to help you in your steak cooking endeavors.

Rib Eye – One of the best cuts for all around cooking, this is a steak with a high fat level that makes it almost impossible to ruin. Even beginners can turn out a tender, flavorful, juicy rib eye steak with minimal difficulty. This steak is great under the broiler, in the pan, or on the grill.

New York Strip – A tender, versatile cut of meat, New York Strip is also pretty flavorful, and is prepared best by grilling or pan-frying. Skip broiling this one, and trim fat only after you have cooked the steak to retain the most flavor.

Tenderloin – Steaks from the tenderloin are among the most expensive cuts available, but are lean and extremely tender, due to the limited use these muscles receive. The low fat of this steak causes many people to wrap it in bacon before cooking or sear it in butter. High in price, tenderloin is usually a choice for important occasions.

T-Bone – This is one of the classic steaks, combining a tenderloin and a New York Strip. The familiar Porterhouse is a kind of t-bone steak cut further up the loin, and known for tenderness and size. They can be tricky to cook, since the bone makes it hard to get the center fully done – this is not a steak for those who like theirs well done. Avoid searing or pan frying this steak in favor of putting it on the grill or under the broiler.

Flank Steak – A long, thin cut that is usually used in London Broil; this is also a favorite in grilling season. The large size of this cut makes it great for serving more people. Remember that this is a flavorful steak, but the flavor comes with toughness. Marinate it and broil or grill whole, then slice on the diagonal, across the grain.

Skirt Steak – A lot like a flank steak, this is a piece of meat that can be cooked a number of different ways. Many choose a pan, but cooking steak on a grill works well here, too. Use this kind of steak in traditional fajitas and have a great Mexican or Tex-Mex themed cookout.

Top Sirloin – A popular budget steak, top sirloin is more tender than flank steak but tougher than tenderloin. This lean cut ought to be pounded and marinated, and is great in kebabs. However, it can be cooked in an assortment of other ways.

There are some important food safety issues that must be addressed when you use marinades. Please be sure to follow all safety protocols to keep your foods safe and uncompromised. You can find out all about marinade safety at EasySteakMarinades.net. Following these easy guidelines will keep you and your family safe.