Fruit Salad

Did you know there are approximately 6,000 different fruits in the world?  Not one of the 6,000 known fruits has cholesterol.  They're low in fat, sodium, and calories.  Summer is here, and with it comes bright, fresh, zero points on Weight Watchers' PointsPlus program fruit.  Fruit can be your best friend in the summer.  Summer (at least in Texas) is peak fruit season, so I suggest you stock up.  My mom used to make a fruit salad that had kiwi, strawberries, and bananas in it- it was simple and healthy- a great alternative for this (at the time) no-veggies-in-my-diet girl.  All of my life, I've loved fruit- any fruit.  Strawberries and watermelon and bananas are my favorite, closely followed by apple, grapefruit, grapes, and blackberries.  If the delicious, refreshing, coldness of fruit on a hot summer day isn't enticing enough for your skeptics out there, I've listed a few of the things you may not know about fruit below.  Enjoy!

Hungover? Believe it or not, it is an amazing hangover cure, offering water and antioxidants and nutrients found in their purest form.  Rough morning? Slice up some watermelon and strawberries and bananas- you'll be feeling great in no time.  Any type of melon is going to be packed with water, and really refreshing for you.

Post Workout? Your body needs both protein and simple-carbs (sugars) after a workout, so grab a banana.  Bananas don't have a crazy amount of protein, but they do have some. Grapes are great, too, but don't offer the protein.  (For a more tasty post-workout treat, Andy swears by low-fat chocolate milk.  Low-fat chocolate milk has protein, simple-carbs, calcium, and nutrients are in a more pure form than found in Gatorade or sports drinks.)

System backed up?  Gross, I know, but it happens.  Grab an apple- the fiber will help bring relief.  This is true for cramping (yes, all kinds of cramps), too.

Lack of nutrients?  Has your doctor ever told you that you need more iron in your diet? How about more folate?  Instead of rushing to the pharmacy for iron-in-a-pill, grab some fruits instead.  

Thanks to http://www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov/, I've made a list of some of the common nutrient deficiencies, and fruits (and some veggies) that can help.  Remember, as a general rule- the more colorful they are, the better they are for you!

• Fiber: beans, beans, beans (all kinds of beans!), but beware refried- filled with cream and butter, apples, artichokes
• Folate: spinach
• Potassium: sweet potatoes, carrots, bananas
• Vitamin C: kiwi, strawberries, cantaloupe, pineapple, oranges, mangoes

BIG NO-NO! DO.  NOT.  THROW.  OUT.  EXPIRING.  FRUIT.  There's just no excuse for it.  If your bananas are turning black or your watermelon is looking soggy, throw it in a ziplock bag and freeze it for smoothies- there's no excuse to throw out any of it.  You can also use frozen fruit to make margaritas- see post here: El Grado Watermelon Margarita.

To buy organic, or not to buy organic- that is the question.  "Organic" just means that the fruits were grown without using pesticides.  If you can afford organic, of course, go with the organic.   If you're like me and on a budget, buy organic when you need to.  

"Need to buy organic" foods are those without skins.  Bananas, cantaloupe, watermelon- those are all okay to buy non-organic because they're protected by that outer layer of skin.  Strawberries, grapes, and apples, however, all all examples of fruits you want to try to buy organically grown.  If you can't afford the organic line or it isn't available near you, just be sure to wash the fruit throughly.

Health Advantages:  If someone told you that you could increase vitality and decrease health problems in one easy step, you'd do it, right?  So grab your fruit and check this out.  Incorporating fresh fruit in your diet has been linked with the following:  (thanks to http://www.mypyramid.gov/)

• Reduced risk of stroke and other cardiovascular diseases
• Reduced risk for type 2 diabetes
• Protection against some cancers like mouth, stomach, and colon-rectum
• Reduced risk of coronary heart disease
• Reduced risk of developing kidney stones
• Decreased bone loss
• Lower calorie intake
• Lower blood pressure
• Lower cholesterol 
• Repairing body tissues
• Healthier teeth & gums 

So next time you go to the grocery store- you have no excuse.  Spend some time in your fresh produce section- do your body good.

Fruit Salad

Kate Strickland
Servings: 2

Weight Watchers PointsPlus Value: 0. zero. ZERO. nada!

• 1 c blackberries
• 1 c strawberries, sliced
• 1/2 green apple, sliced
• 1/2 red apple, sliced
• 1 banana, sliced

1. Chill serving bowls in freezer for 30 mins.
2. Combine all fruit in a large bowl.
3. Divide up into smaller, chilled bowls for serving.

**I have also seen a cool idea of putting the fruit slices on wooden skewers and serving them as a side.  This way, the softer fruits like blackberries and bananas won't get squished.  Also, some people are picking about their foods mixing- I think that'd be a really great way to serve a fruit salad at a large party.

Candied Almond Salad

My whole life, we have had a sailboat named Cracker Jack that we keep at the Fort Worth Boat Club.  In May of 2005, I was leaving dinner at the Boat Club with my parents when they suggested that we drive down to the waterfront where the cabanas are.  We had always admired the cabanas from afar- right on the water, on club grounds, and only a thirty minute hiatus from town.  We pulled up to the blue and white a-frame that we had talked about before, and my parents stopped the car.  Thinking we were just going to walk around, I hopped out of the car and heard the jingle of keys in my dad's hand.  "Surprise!" they both said together.  They had bought the a-frame lakehouse from Jim Sundberg, former catcher for the Texas Rangers.  I. was. stoked.

The lakehouse/cabana has changed in so many ways over the past 6 years.  We put up white wooden blinds, built a tough shed, replaced the couches (twice), moved the twin beds to make room for futons, replaced said twin beds with white bunk beds, put in all new master bedroom furniture, pulled up the carpet and installed hardwood floors, replaced the remaining carpet with new carpet, white washed the front wall, replaced the dock, built a kayak rack, replaced both the downstairs and upstairs air conditioners, put in new cabinets, pulled out the stove, put on a new side door and screen door, installed an alarm system (unfortunately due to a break-in), replaced the fridge (twice), AND installed new counter tops.  Phew! That was a mouth full.  Needless to say, our little gem has come a LONG way.

Easter Eve 2011

My Granny Poirot, from who I inherited many of my cooking abilities, absolutely loved the lakehouse.  Specifically, she loved the sunsets at the lakehouse.  No matter what we were in the middle of doing, when the sun started to set, Granny called everyone out onto the porch or down by the water.  For 15-20 minutes, we stopped.  We stopped cooking, renovating, replacing, worrying, and stressing.  We stopped planning, organizing, cleaning, texting, talking, and we watched.  "Have you ever seen anything so beautiful?" Granny asked me once.  "God is good, Katherine, He knows we're making memories."

Easter Sunday 2011

When Granny's heart started to give out for the final time in November of 2008, I curled up in her hospital bed with her, squeezing her hand as tight as I could.  Even in as much pain as she was, Granny turned and looked out the window of the Cardiac ICU.  "Wow, Katherine, look at that sunset," she said, "God is good sweet girl.  I love you."  My eyes welled up with tears as I told her that I loved her more than anything in the world.  My Aunt Rhonda's text to let loved ones know read, "Gertie left with the sunset this evening."  Her obituary read "Gertie Poirot went home to be with her heavenly Father at sunset."  What a perfect ending to her wonderful story, and not a sun sets without our family thinking of our amazing, funny, loving, optimistic, selfless, faithful Granny.

Granny watching the sunset

This past Easter weekend, my parents, their friends, Mike and Sondra Cochran, and Andy and I all had dinner out at the lakehouse.  It was fun being together, but no holiday at the lakehouse is the same without Granny.  We had her/my mom's Candied Almond Salad, ham, and chili rice casserole.  Although Granny wasn't there to remind us on Easter night, we all still gathered on the porch, like we do every night when we are at the lakehouse, and stopped.  For 15 minutes, we stopped doing, and we made another memory and watched the sunset, just like Granny would have wanted.

Granny and me watching the sunset, July 4, 2008

Candied Almond Salad
Granny Poirot & Carolyn Poirot

• 1 c sliced almonds
• 1 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp sugar
• 4 little green onions, thinly sliced (yes, they're really called "little green onions")
• Honey mustard dressing (available in light)
• 15 oz mandarin oranges, drained
• 6 c lettuce, washed

1. Melt butter in a pan on the stove
2. Mix in sugar and almonds
3. Stir frequently until browned (careful not to burn them)
4. Combine lettuce, onions, oranges, and candied almonds in a large salad bowl
5. Add dressing as desired, or leave dressing off for each person to put on his/her own- this can always help avoid soggy salad

Grilled Chicken Salad

Abbie and My 2010 Holiday Card

This holiday season was one of the best (and busiest!) that I can remember.  I had the opportunity to be with my friends, loved ones, and, most importantly, family.  The kickoff to my holiday season was a Christmas party hosted by two of Andy's good friends, Clay and Michelle Montgomery.  Michelle and Clay's 2nd annual party was definitely a hit- they have a really fun group of friends.  Michelle has a DIY blog that I love love- check it out when you have time.  The party was complete with some of Michelle's custom wine labels, Alfredo Meatballs, Allie's cakeballs, chipotle cream cheese dip, grilled jalapenos, and pink panty droppers!  (Recipe to come later!)  For her party, Michelle had made some really cute wreaths, and I was thinking that I wanted to try to make one, too.  The next morning, there was Martha Stewart on The Today Show making a sparkly wreath, so I took this as a sign that I needed to scoot on over to Hobby Lobby and pick up some supplies.    Hey, if they could do it, I could, too.  This is what it turned out looking like- see below.  The pink feathers sticking out are from my best friend's bachelorette party that was back in April, so it is sentimental as well as sparkly!

The Christmas wreath I made!

Our next Christmas party was a week later at our friends, Natalie and Thomas McDaniels', house.  Andy knows Thomas from Midwestern State University, but I know him from high school in Fort Worth- small world, huh?  They had a White Elephant gift exchange.  I took a giant bag of peanut M&M's, but left with a couple of candles and Febreze to go.  Bank!  Andy took a jumbo pack of black Sharpies from Costco... gag gift, much?

Andy and Me at The McDaniels' Chinese Gift Exchange

The next day, Andy and I went to Henrietta, Texas, for his mom's family Christmas.  Henrietta is a tiny town just south of Wichita Falls, where he and I both have family.  The Coleman family is truly blessed, as they still have both of Andy's grandparents living.  I hadn't spent a Christmas at a grandparents' house in a long time, and it was bittersweet.  I loved being able to meet his grandparents, but it was tough remembering that I no longer have any of my own.  (Oh well, at least their recipes still live on!)  The adults on the Coleman side of his family do a Chinese gift exchange for gift cards... very fun and clever! I brought a Best Buy one that Mr. Jennings ended up with, Andy got a Dillard's one, and I, sneakily, managed to get the Target one that Andy had brought! I think I may do a Chinese exchange next year... hmmm...


Andy and his 7 month old nephew, Greyson

 After Henrietta, we hauled booty back to Fort Worth because it was the night of my 3rd Annual Holiday Cocktail Party! If you read my pots about MaryEllen's Texas Caviar, you've already gotten the history.  If not, click here for a background of my holiday cocktail.  This year had a great turnout!! We didn't stop partying until about 3:00am, so I'm pretty sure everyone had fun! Must've been the beer pong... or was it the prolific amounts of food?


Andy and me at my 3rd Annual Holiday Cocktail Party!



Christmas Decor ready and waiting for the Cocktail Party!

My DG Family- itb! Ashlea (my grandlittle), me, and JZet (my little)

The morning after the cocktail, Andy and I drug our exhausted selves out to Eagle Mountain Lake to meet my parents for the Fort Worth Boat Club's Annual Christmas Luncheon.  This has been a tradition in my family for as long as I can remember, and I was happy I got to share it with Andy this year.  I took my obligatory annual picture with Santa, and I even made Andy take one, too! But the holiday celebrations still weren't done!

25th Annual Santa and me picture

Andy and me with Santa at the Boat Club

Round six meant off to Wichita Falls for Andy's dad's Christmas.  I met more family, and ate more food! Andy's dad made some delicious brisket and BBQ ribs- so good that Andy thought they surely had been catered.  We gave his younger cousin a Texas duffle bag (good man, right there, liking the Longhorns already!)  We then spent a few days in Falls Town.  I went to the infamous Casa Manana, P2, and Toby's, and we tried a new place called Denim and Diamonds.  All were fun, and it was good seeing some of our (randomly mutual) old friends!

Andy's Nephew, Greyson, at Jennings Family Christmas

"Hey, do you know Kacie Skipworth?" Just one of our random mutual friends!

Greyson's First Christmas

Christmas Eve, I returned home to Fort Worth for Christmas morning at my parents' house with my parents and brother, Geoff.  After hustling to unwrap our gifts and a few mimosas, it was time to pack up again... and then, yep, back in the car to go BACK to Wichita Falls. This time it was for my mom's family Christmas.  There were so many people and SO much delicious food!!   In attendance were my Aunt Rhonda, Uncle Richard, cousin Ashlea, cousin Kameron, cousin Tiffany, Rhonda's parents, Rhonda's nephew, Rhonda's best friend, Sherry, my parents, my brother and his girlfriend, Kristi, a few of Rhonda & Richard's friends, Andy, and Andy's parents were able to join us, too.  Despite being super nervous about our families meeting, it went off without a hitch!  Afterwards, my parents, Andy, and I bundled up and went to go walk around the Burns Family Festival of Lights at Midwestern State University- a tradition from my younger years, re-instated.

Mom, Geoff, me, and Abbie on Christmas morning at my parents' house

Geoff, Dad, me, and Abbie at my parents' house on Christmas morning

Me and Geoff modeling our new L.L. Bean vests!

Kameron and me ("Aunt Kate") at my Aunt Rhonda & Uncle Richard's house in Wichita Falls, Texas

My cousin, Ashlea, and me in Wichita Falls, Texas on Christmas Day night

Me and Andy trying to catch bubbles from the robot at MSU's Fantasy of Lights

Me and Andy and the Little Engine That Could at MSU's Fantasy of Lights

This was Andy & my favorite when we were little- Santa soaking his feet after a long day!

Me and Kameron after she made a giant cupcake

Christmas Tree at my parents' house- so many presents!

About now, I'm sure you're thinking how you really don't care about my bajillion Christmas parties and want to know what recipe I'm going to share... well, here it is.  I don't think I stopped eating from the start of The Montgomery's Christmas party until the next year.  This extensive list includes, but is not limited to, the following: cakeballs, Oreo truffle balls, white bean queso, bourbon meatballs, turkey, pork, BBQ, ranch dip, cookies, peppermint bark, pumpkin squares, cherry pie, pumpkin pie, cheesey potatoes, Texas Caviar, Chick-Fil-A, wine, beer, mimosas, and, of course, egg nog... oh, sick, I suddenly feel nauseous. 
Andy and I decided that we need a little green in our lives.  So, I got on my "Cook This, Not That," app on my iPhone, and found a recipe for Grilled Chicken Salad.  It's nothing special, but if, like me, you have had too much fat, grease, and sugar- get back on track with this easy salad!

Grilled Chicken Salad
Makes 4 servings- 500 calories/serving
WeightWatchers Points Plus Value: 8

• 12 cups arugula (or 1 prewashed bag)
• 1/4 cup Honey Mustard Vinaigrette (light honey mustard is the healthier option)
• 1 avocado, pitted, peeled, and sliced
• 1/4 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries (or Craisins)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 12 oz cooked chicken
• 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese (or feta)

1. Combine the chicken, arugula, cranberries, avocado, goat cheese, walnuts, vinaigrette, salt and pepper in a large bowl
2. Use your hands or 2 forks or salad tongs to toss.

I made this tonight, but forgot the cheese... it was still delish!