Healthy Fondue – A Guide To Making Broth and Hot Oil Fondues
Written by Anthony Tripodi
A pot of hot oil that you dip meat into sounds downright barbaric but it can also be heart healthy. Broth and hot oil fondues are much less decadent than their siblings, cheese and chocolate fondue but they’re just as tasty. If a little care is taken when selecting ingredients and overeating is avoided, then both broth and hot oil fondues can become a healthy meal.
Fondue Bourguignonne (also known as hot oil fondue) consists of diners who cook their own food on long forks in a pot filled with hot oil. The oil is heated in a fondue pot to about 325 degrees and guests spike cubes of meat and place them directly into hot oil. While waiting a minute or two for meat to cook and also to enjoy some wine and their company (the best part of fondue) cube is removed from oil and ready to be dunked into a variety of dipping sauces.
In order to make hot oil fondue healthier you need to start with oil. Peanut oil is low in saturated fat and cholesterol and high in monounsaturated fat. This means that that just like olive oil, peanut oil will improve ratio of “good cholesterol” to “bad cholesterol”. Next you will need to use lean cuts of meat. Beef tenderloin, pork tenderloin and loin of lamb are good but chicken or turkey breast are your best bets. And keep portions small. The general guideline is that portion should be about size of your palm of your hand.
Dipping sauces can also be made healthier with ingredient substitutions. Try using low sodium soy sauce or fat free sour cream. Take a small dip and don’t drown your food in sauce. Just say no to béarnaise or hollandaise sauce.
How to Host a Memorable July 4th Barbecue – and Have Fun Too.
Written by Neil Street
July 4th is right around corner, and it’s peak season for outdoor parties and barbecues. Here are some tips from a top professional - The Cantering Caterer, of Westport, Connecticut. Take a look at these great suggestions, and discover how to host an unforgettable barbecue, and enjoy it too.
It's hot outside! The garden is flush with fresh vegetables, great smells, and beautiful colors. Now is perfect time for outdoor entertaining. Whether you are planning an outdoor July 4th barbecue, or any outdoor entertaining, here are some helpful outdoor party planning hints: 1 - Serve appropriate foods: It is important to offer foods that will not wilt in heat or attract too many pests. There is nothing worse than having your guests square off with a swarm of bees every time they get near guacamole. Also, use recipes that you can prepare in advance, leaving you to enjoy your guests (and to hear them rave about great food). Crudités are great and there are lots of canapés that can be prepared day before and kept in refrigerator. Light is good in summer. 2 – Controlling bugs: An open can of cat food off in a corner will attract flying pests – it really works. Mint plants will keep flying bugs away from buffet tables, and ant sticks, set in place two hours before party, will draw them away. Citronella torches work too. 3 – Summer beverages: Plenty of cold drinks are a necessity when entertaining outdoors in summer. Have lots of bottled spring and sparkling water. Chilled ginger tea and cold lemonade are other crowd favorites. Juice a watermelon, serve it in glass pitchers with kiwi and star fruit slices. The kids will love it and it looks great too. Most wine served in summer is white. Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay are most popular. A good wine merchant is indispensable here. And … have lots of ice! Lots. 4 – Rain plan: If you can, plan on a tent… A sense of humor and ability to remain calm are also useful here. If you are not having a tent, be sure that you can move party indoors if need be. Plan early, you will be glad you did. In really hot weather be sure to have umbrellas, fans, and canopies.
hot oil. While waiting a minute or two for