Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

Drunks On The Set

As long as actors stay sober on the set, movie studios will generally put up with their off screen behavior. Colin Farell often showed up at six in the morning to work on Swat (2003) so hung over from an all night bender that his bodyguards would carry the nearly unconscious Irishman into his trailer. His co-star Sam Jackson was constantly amazed that the young actor was on time, knew all his. . .

The Official "Parenting" Cheesecake Recipe

Whoever writes all those fancy cookbooks has never been a parent. To begin with, the pages are never spill-proof, almost guaranteeing that somewhere in the middle of mixing ingredients, a spill will cover the remaining two ingredients listed. This means that parents must learn to improvise. Some would suggest that the very thrill of cooking is experimentation. So what’s the big difference b. . .

Chicken Korma

(NC)—The Royal chefs of the great Moghul Emperors made an enormous contribution to the richness of the celebrated Northern Indian cuisine, using cooking techniques which were mainly similar to those of the western world but raising them to new heights with their exquisite blends of spices and herbs.Kormas were created for festive occasions and are considered by many experts top be the greatest . . .

Red Pepper Lamb Kofta in a Rogan Josh Sauce

(NC)—Kofta is similar to kebab, except for the fact that ground meat is used, shaped into golf ball-sized servings. Like many classic Indian dishes, it comes in various forms, some of them requiring elaborate and lengthy preparation. Here is a simple recipe for succulent morsels of lamb and red pepper served in a garlic-cream rogan josh sauce that can be prepared and served in less than half an. . .

Uncovering The Whole Truth About Whole Grains

(NC)—A research poll recently revealed that only seven percent of Canadians understand the important distinction between a complete whole grain product and a grain product*. Even though Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating recommends five to twelve servings from the grain group each day - clearly emphasizing whole grains - most of us aren't making the wisest of food choices! To help you boost . . .

Low Carb Christmas Enchiladas!

FELIZ NAVIDAD... IT'S A LOW CARB CALIFORNIA CHRISTMAS FIESTA!We low carbers tend to think that Mexican food is “off limits”... NOT! This girl lives in California and I have some awesome recipes from friends for some Mexican food that is “music for your mouth”... not to mention your tummy! CHICKEN ENCHILADAS Before you start to build the enchiladas... whip out that Girl Scout motto and “be prepa. . .

The Coffee Culture in the USA

It wasn't until I moved to the US that I started drinking coffee regularly and became what they call in the Netherlands a 'koffieleut', which translates literally into ‘coffee socialite.’ Although the average European drinks more coffee per year than the average American, the cultural importance and its effects on the average European seems to me smaller than that on the average American. After. . .

Fiber – More Appealing Packaged In A Pear!

(NC)—Fiber is a very beneficial substance for your body. And when fiber is delivered in the delicious and sweet package of a fresh pear, it takes on a whole new level of appeal.Pears are one of the most fiber-filled fruits around. With 4 grams of dietary fiber per serving (one medium sized pear, think the size of a baseball), pears are a good source of fiber – one pear will give you about 18% o. . .

Plum Good Apple Pie

Flaky Crust:2 1/4 cups (550 ml) Five Roses Cake & Pastry Flour1 tsp (5 ml) sugar3/4 tsp (3 ml) salt1/4 cup (50 ml) cold butter1/2 cup (125 ml) shortening1 eggIce waterFilling:1 lb (500 g) red plums, stoned and sliced3 large apple peeled, and chopped1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice3/4 cup (175 ml) granulated sugar3 tbsp (45 ml) Five Roses All Purpose Flour3/4 tsp (3 ml) cinnamon1 egg yolk1 tsp (5 ml) . . .

The Taffy Pull (A Story and a Recipe)

One year when I was growing up on our Wisconsin dairy farm, the Brownie leaders had announced we were going to make some extra-special candy at our next meeting.So — when school let out one winter afternoon — I lost no time getting to the gym where we always had our meetings. For once nobody was late, and when we entered the gym, the Brownie leaders already had everything set up."What's in the. . .

A Delicious Look at Cuban Food

The Internet is a great resource for food lovers. You can find everything from recipes to home delivery of gourmet meals. International foods are a real treat that you can explore and enjoy.In this article, we will explore Cuban food and offer you an easy recipe. There is a wonderful variety of Cuban food available such as coffee, fruits & jellies, rice dishes, sauces, spices, teas, meats, seaf. . .

Tea at Sea

Marylyn Monroe famed amongst other things for her love of Tea once said that, “World Peace would be with us if politicians drank tea at meetings” – or something to that effect. And she was very true in her words, very true indeed. A cup of Tea does wanders to all that drink it.Did you know that people in Britain and the Republic of Ireland consume the most tea per person in the world? I always . . .

Water on the Brain

I was in the supermarket this morning (nothing unusual in that) and pushing my trolley to the checkout. Well, my wife was pushing and I was away in airy-fairy land when it suddenly dawned on me that I was walking past water. Not just any water but a whole world of the stuff. A complete representation of nations: a veritable United Nations of water in one aisle.There, in your local Supermarket: . . .

Tropical Fruit Smoothie

1-1/2 cups (375 mL) cut-up, frozen tropical fruit (peaches, cantaloupe, kiwifruit, pineapple, mangos)*2 cups (500 mL) Ocean Spray® Cranberry CocktailCombine ingredients in a blender container. Cover and blend at high speed until smoothly combined. Makes 2 servings.For an adult version add coconut or golden rum to taste.* Or freeze any combination of cut-up fruit (strawberries, bananas, apples, . . .

Jack Daniel's Tips for the Summer Grill

(NC)-There is nothing that says summer like grillin' and chillin' at the backyard BBQ. Steaks, chicken, ribs or burgers, they all seem to taste better when cooked on the grill. But as good as they taste now, there are a number of "tips" that can help you make the most of your summer grillJack Daniel's has long been a part of BBQing in the US, sponsoring a number of BBQ contests and being a key . . .

Eat More Leafy Greens To Reduce Pms Symptoms

(NC)-Eating foods that are high in sugar and saturated fats, along with too much caffeine and alcohol can trigger premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in many women. PMS is controlled by the hormone estrogen - too much or too little causes moods to fluctuate, depression, anxiety, food cravings and bloating about a week before a period begins.To help keep estrogen levels balanced, avoid cravings for swee. . .

Let It Snow

(NC)-Yellow snow never tasted so good, thanks to the new Hamilton Beach electric Snowman™ Ice Shaver that produces mounds of soft, fluffy snow in seconds for cool snow cones, slushies, tropical drinks, sorbets and more. Unlike crushed ice, the fluffy consistency of shaved ice absorbs the ice flavouring so no puddling will occur at the bottom of the container. Entertaining…produce eye catc. . .

Recipes with Jack Daniel's

Jack Daniel's Lynchburg Lemonade1 part Jack Daniel's Whiskeyr1 part Triple Secr1 part Whiskey Sour Mixr1 part 7-Up or SpriterGarnish with lemon.Jack Daniel's Rib Glaze1 cup Jack Daniel's Whiskeyr1/2 cup dark brown sugarr1 cup ketchupr2 teaspoons Worcestershire saucer1/4 cup vinegarr1 tablespoon french lemon juicer3 cloves garlic, mincedr1/2 teaspoon dry mustardrSalt and pepper to tasterCombine . . .

Fruit Phyto Bars

(NC)-Forget those tasteless, over-processed energy bars you buy at the store which have been sitting on the shelf for who knows how long! These delicious bars will not only tempt your taste buds but will deliver some important nutrition benefits as well. Made with antioxidant-rich California tree fruits (pick your favorite or use a combination of plums, peaches and nectarines) these bars will h. . .

The Fruits Of Summer

Peaches, plums and nectarines are a rite of summer - and a must for healthy summer skin(NC)-It's a sure sign of summer: mounds of sweet, juicy peaches; plump, flavorful plums; and aromatic nectarines that seem to arrive with the warm days of late spring and leave with the first cool autumn breezes. Perhaps it's just a coincidence that these same peaches, plums and nectarines - long considered a. . .

Jack Daniel's Brownies and Glaze

(NC)-This recipe was prepared by Camelback and Central, 1403 2nd Avenue, New York, New York.3/4 cup all-purpose flour1/2 teaspoon baking powder1/2 teaspoon salt6 tablespoons sweet butter3 ounces baking chocolate3/4 cup sugar2 eggs1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts1 teaspoon vanilla2 ounces Jack Daniel's WhiskeyJack Daniel's GlazeMix together flour, baking powder and salt; set aside. Melt butter an. . .

Pan Seared Scallops with Plum and Basil Sauce

(NC)-Made with delicious antioxidant-rich California plums, this recipe is a wonderful addition to your healthful summertime menus. Antioxidants are critical to maintaining healthy skin and counteracting the damaging effects of the sun's ultraviolet rays. Your friends and family will enjoy the benefits of this delicious recipe long after the scallops are gone.Olive oil12 fresh California plums,. . .

Slushies Made Easy As 1,2,3

(NC)-Amusement parks, arenas, convenience stores & slushies. For only pennies, doesn't a fresh nutritious slushie that could be made at home with your family make better "cents"? Hamilton Beach has introduced a Snowman™ Ice Shaver that makes soft fluffy snow shavings for fun drinks, and desserts that kids can help make. With the Ice Shaver's numerous safety features, children can help Mom. . .

The Snowman Cometh

(NC)-Summer breezes carry the sounds of kids clamoring for icy, cool treats. The local traveling ice cream truck is now passe, with the new kid on the block, Hamilton Beach Snowman™ Ice Shaver. The Snowman™ stands ready to deliver fresh, inexpensive snow cones, slushies, frozen drinks or desserts, easily made at home for just pennies per serving. Hamilton Beach's Snowman™ Ice . . .

Texas Pecan Treats

Come August, there is nowhere I'd rather NOT be than in Texas. Steamy, sultry, and hot, living in Texas in August is like trying to breathe in a tightly-covered pressure cooker.But in November, I remember the joys of Texas. Cool breezes and balmy fall days refresh the senses and invite us outside once again. On streets and in parks, pecans are ripe for gathering and shelling.Those of you who th. . .

The Skinny On Chicken

Tips on Healthy Eating are Served(NC)-Eating well isn't always easy let alone finding the time to cook. But if your secret ingredient is chicken, maintaining a healthy diet is much less work. Dishing up a high-protein, low-fat meal, chicken is one of the leanest meats on grocery store shelves. In fact, a skinless chicken breast contains less than 1.5 grams of fat per 100 gram serving, according. . .

Party Food & Fun: Vodka Blends Arctic Cool With Tropical ...

(NC)-Take a look at the vodka labeling next time you shop. The familiar "red dot" vodka in that ice-sculptured bottle has a new, and almost identical mate. This time, however, the same icy-white vodka has added a touch of lime - on both the outside, and inside the bottle. Finlandia, the vodka that uses a vivid red dot to signify the midnight sun, has added a refreshing new product this year. Si. . .

Peach Crab Stacks with Wasabi Remoulade Sauce

(NC)-An elegant appetizer or first course that keeps on giving! Flavorful and colorful, these crab stacks are as attractive as they are nutritious. Made with antioxidant-rich peaches from California, they are the perfect beginning to a healthy summer meal. Antioxidants are critical to maintaining healthy skin and counteracting the damaging effects of the sun's ultraviolet rays, so be sure to se. . .

Preventing Prostate Cancer

(NC)-It is increasingly recognized that diet plays a role in prostate cancer, a disease that affects one in eight men. For optimal health, it's important to exercise regularly and eat according to Canada's Food Guide, which recommends lots of fruits and vegetables, many of which contain the antioxidant selenium. "Antioxidants help neutralize the influence of free-radical oxygen molecules which . . .

Making The Food-Mood Connection

(NC)-Food is more that just fuel for our bodies. What we eat - and when - has a major influence on the hormones that control our moods and emotional well-being, according to Sam Graci, nutritional researcher and author of the new book - The Food Connection: The Right Food at the Right Time.For many Canadians, eating-on-the-go and opting for convenience foods - instead of healthy foods - is a wa. . .

Avoid Holiday Excess with Tasty, All-Natural Recipes

(ARA) - The holidays have long been viewed, from a food perspective, as a time of excess. An extra helping of stuffing for Thanksgiving, a few cookies at the office party, an extra glass of champagne to ring in the New Year, and most people just give up on their good intentions to eat healthy foods. After all, healthy foods and celebrations seem like mixing oil and water, right?Wrong. Americans. . .

What'S That In My Food!

If you drop a bomb, you kill not only your enemies but your friends as well. This is the effect food additives have on humans. Man has existed for thousands of years, and only started using additives at the start of the industrial revolution, when women were set free. Most animals eat their food when and where it is grown. Not humans. Man, because of his concentrated urban areas, was forced . . .

The Romance of Coffee

(ARA) - As the great composer Johann Sebastian Bach once said, '"Ah! How sweet coffee tastes! Lovelier than a thousand kisses, sweeter far than muscatel wine!"Since its introduction to Paris in the late 17th century, romance has surrounded the coffee bean. Whether it was served to two lovers on a cobblestone street or enjoyed in front of an evening fire at home, coffee has stood the test of tim. . .

Canarian Recipes for Shrove Tuesday

For the British at least, Shrove Tuesday is probably better known as Pancake Day. Those wonderful delicacies, smothered in sugar and lemon and often tossed around in village competitions. As you will see from the recipes below, the Brits certainly don't have the monopoly of this type of fare for the occasion: REBANDAS DE CARNAVAL This a great way to use up stale bread at any time.Ingredients:1 . . .

Meal Planning Help: Meal One

It's nice when I find a meal where the foods compliment each other because it simplifies my life by knowing what to serve with what. Of course I don't have to stick to any one meal plan; I can mix and match the main dishes and sides, but a lot of the time I'm in a hurry and don't have a lot of time to think about it. I already have quite a few meals like this up my sleeve, but when I find a NEW. . .

Meal Planning Help: Meal Two

One meal planning challenge for me has been to `lighten up' for my family's and my health. My husband and I were both raised on `meat and potatoes' so it has been a difficult change. But we are making gradual progress. One way to lighten up is by substituting ground turkey for ground beef. To us, this is a huge taste difference and hard to get used to when we're used to the ground beef flavor. . . .

My Mother's Recipe Box

Remember the days when cookbooks weren't so readily available, and you or your mother relied on only one or two different cookbooks for cooking all of your family's meals? I still have my mother's old cookbooks, as well as my grandmother's. Each one is worn from age and use--if you flip through the tattered pages it is obvious which recipes were turned to time and time again. These cookbooks wi. . .

Balance Your Moods With Food

(NC)-Here are some helpful hints on the nutrients you need to stay "emotionally fit" and help prevent mood-swings. These foods help keep you "hormonally" healthy - see Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating to ensure that you get all of the nutrients needed to maintain a well-balanced diet for optimal overall health.Before breakfast: Start your day with greens+™, a balanced formula of 23 h. . .

A Cocktail Is Not A Cocktail Without Lime

(NC)-Citrus is the fruit of good health and well-being - and indeed, for many of us there is nothing more rejuvenating than the taste and aroma of freshly squeezed lime. It makes for great cocktails too. Vodka cocktails are very popular at any time of the year and the makers of Finlandia, who have been producing vodka for more than 400 years, tell us that the next time you plan to mix your Limo. . .

Cooler Summer Expected

(NC)-A long, hot summer is the right time to sample the growing number of coolers now available. They come in just about every flavour imaginable from the traditional lemonade to the exotic passion fruit. But, just as new favourites are introduced each year, some old favourites become difficult to find. A perfect example is Jack Daniel's Country Cocktails. No longer in general distribution in C. . .

Eat Your Way To Healthy Hormones

(NC)-Reaching for a mid-afternoon candy bar instead of ripe fruit or raw vegetables can have serious consequences on our physical - and emotional health. According to a recent survey, 70% of Canadians are not getting the recommended five to 10 servings of fruits and vegetables in their diet. As a result, poor eating habits are making Canadians "hormonally" unhealthy.Poor eating habits not only . . .

Chicken Scoop: Why Is Chicken A Dieter's Best Friend?

Let's Ask the Experts(NC)-Did you know a skinless chicken breast contains less than 1.5 grams of fat per 100 gram serving? Offering expert advice just in time for bathing suit season, Bryan Hughes, New Product Development Manager at Maple Lodge Farms raves over the nutritious merits of chicken."One of the leanest meats on grocery store shelves, chicken is an excellent source of protein that off. . .

Bartender Quick Tip: Buy Vodka Evenly Blended With Lime

(NC)-Special occasion gatherings and parties take a lot of planning and preparation, especially for the food and beverages. An occasional short-cut therefore, with a guaranteed taste-pleaser is very welcome indeed. Lime is one of the most natural and appropriate flavour enhancements to any vodka cocktail and now you can buy it already perfectly blended in one bottle, with Finlandia Vodka Lime. . . .

Beauty Drinks

(NC)-Cool and refreshing, these delicious smoothies are not only a great energizer on a hot summer day, they're great for your skin too. Made with antioxidant-rich California peaches, plums and nectarines, these drinks will help your skin ward off the damaging effects of the sun's ultraviolet rays. Instead of a soda or a milk shake, try one of these delicious drinks…and enjoy the healthful bene. . .

What's Cookin' - Warm Chicken Salad with Orange Sesame Dr...

(NC)-Serves 46 cups mixed salad greens1/2 red pepper; cut into strips1/2 small red onion, sliced1/2 lb Maple Lodge Farms Premium Rotisserie Seasoned Chicken Breast cut into strips1 tbsp olive oil1 cup bean sproutsDressingjuice of 1 orange1/2 tsp grated orange rind2 tbsp sesame oil1 tsp dijon mustard freshly ground pepper, to tasteMethod1. Combine dressing ingredients; set aside. 2. Divide gree. . .

Big Daddy's Fruit Freezer

(NC)—Real men eat this yogurt! It's a truly fabulous frozen dessert or snack. So fast and easy that even your favourite I-hate-to-cook guy will like to make it, and so good that he'll want to make it every day. Makes one delicious man-size portion.Ingredients and Preparation3/4 cup (175 mL) or 175 g container vanilla yogurt1 cup (250 mL) raspberries, blueberries or strawberries, frozen1/2 very . . .

BACARDI BBQ Sauce for Chicken and Ribs

1/2 cup 125 mL butter or margarine3/4 cup 175 mL BACARDI White, Gold or "1873" rum3/4 cup 175 mL ketchup1/2 cup 125 mL orange juice1/3 cup 75 mL honey1/4 cup 60 mL fresh lemon juice1 tbsp 15 mL chopped garlic1/2 tsp 2 mL salt1/4 tsp 1 mL pepper1/8 tsp 0.5 mL cayenneBACARDI BBQ Sauce for Chicken and Ribs(NC)—In saucepan, over medium-high heat, melt butter. Stir in BACARDI rum, ketchup, orange ju. . .

Keep Cool In The Summer

(NC)—A long, hot summer is the right time to sample the growing number of coolers now available. They come in just about every flavour imaginable from the traditional lemonade to the exotic passion fruit. But, just as new favourites are introduced each year, some old favourites become difficult to find. A perfect example is Jack Daniel's Country Cocktails. No longer in general distribution in C. . .

Southern Mama

Ingredients and Preparation2 cups (500 mL) cold milk1 medium-size ripe banana, peeled and quartered1/2 cup (125 mL) frozen orange juice concentrate(or more to taste)Blend ingredients together on high speed until smooth and frothy. Pour into wine glasses and enjoy!Here's what you get from a serving of our Southern Mama (250mL/serving) based on Health Canada's RDI's for nutrients:Nutrient % RDI N. . .

Toasty Plum Pecan Waffles with Fresh Plums and Maple Syrup

1st Prize – Breakfast CategoryRecipe created by Alexandra Jersyk Ricciuti, Dorchester, MassachusettsMake It Special Chef Recipe ContestChef Quote: "I enjoy working with plums because of their versatility and their ability to pair with a wide variety of foods. This recipe brings out the diverse tastes of plums by using them both cooked and fresh." – Alexandra Ricciuti(NC)—Made with juicy Califor. . .