Cantaloupe Smoothie & Top Tuna

by Ann Landi — September 18, 2006

Monday September 18th
Smoothie of the Week

We get so many requests for smoothies on the site that we’re going to add a new recipe each week. This one makes use of the last of the great summer cantaloupes (though you can serve it up year round), and is adapted from Everyday Food:

3 cups cantaloupe chunks (from ½ melon)
2 cups lowfat plain yogurt
2 to 3 tablespoons honey
Place the cantaloupe chunks, honey, and yogurt in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and serve over ice. (About 290 calories per serving.)

Tuesday September 19th
Ready, Set, Bake

One of our members, Louise L. from Fort Myers, Florida, is an avid baker and admirably efficient cook. Instead of fumbling around in cabinets for all the necessities, she keeps a big plastic container at hand to contain the staples: baking powder, baking soda, vanilla extract, cinnamon, a flour sifter, and so on. That way she can retrieve the basics in one easy motion.

Wednesday September 20th
Great Grate

Occasionally recipes call for grating soft cheeses—such as mozzarella or fontina—and the results are often a big gummy mess. Next time you need to shred or grate these babies, stick a hunk in the freezer for a few minutes, and then apply the cheese to the grater.

Thursday September 21st
Diet Tip

Salad dressings—both bottled and homemade—are loaded with calories, with often more than 100 per tablespoon. If you’re seriously cutting down, serve your dressing on the side in a small bowl and dip the tines of your fork in the dressing before you dive into your salad. You’ll be amazed at how little you use—and how the flavor of the greens comes through. Ask for salad dressing on the side when you’re eating out as well.

Friday September 22nd
Tops in Tuna

Tuna packed in water, as you may have noticed, tastes an awful lot like shredded cardboard. If you don’t mind the extra calories, choose light tuna packed in olive (not vegetable) oil for recipes like classic salade niçoise or tuna-and-pasta dishes (and check out the Post&Share message boards in Your Place for more recipes). Here at the WiredBerries kitchens, we like Progresso and Genova brands, or you can find more exotic (and expensive) labels like Ortiz Bonita del Norte in specialty food shops.

Do you have a kitchen or household tip, a beauty remedy, or a special product that you’d like to share with other WiredBerries members? If so, please send it to bettermousetrap@wiredberries.com, and we’ll be sure to give credit where credit is due!