Weekly Meeting Topic: Seasonal Mindset

Tonight we talked about how during summer we tend to gravitate towards the outdoors and socialize more. Because of that, it also tends to be filled with more unexpected invitations that may lead to challenging food situations.

So we brainstormed some ways to handle those situations, should they arise. Planning is a huge part of the whole process and this is another example that proves how important planning can be...

Since summer tends to be the season of barbecues and other outdoor get togethers, we talked about grilling - how grilling is a faster and usually healthier way of cooking. And the leader reminded us that grilling can happen indoors too - something I haven't done in a while. I used to grill vegetables often and want to get back into the habit of doing it again. They would be a great addition to my morning bean tortillas or a night time veggie burrito. They also work great on sandwiches or even as a side dish. Who doesn't love grilled vegetables?!

Some vegetables that work very well on the grill are (I am sure there are others that work well. Feel free to list them in the comments.):

• asparagus
• portabello mushrooms
• onions
• zucchini
• peppers
• eggplant
• squash
• corn

Occasionally, I even assemble veggie kabobs and they are always wonderful. They can be made in the broiler of your oven. Mine usually consist of onion, peppers, mushroom and a grape tomato on top. But now that I worked with seitan for the first time, I am sure that would be great on there too - for a shot of protein. Your vegetables can be 'naked' or you can brush on olive oil, balsamic vinegar or soy sauce.

We also talked about grilling fruit - something I have never done, but will definitely be trying soon. That would make a great dessert or a nice addition to some of the meals I prepare that already call for some of these delicious fruits:

• Pineapple
• Papaya
• Mango
• Peaches
• Banana
• Apples
• Pears
• Nectarine

Some serving ideas we discussed were having them with a little honey or agave syrup, or with some whipped cream, or yogurt, or a little drizzled chocolate syrup.

If you host or have to attend an outdoor summery festivity, those are some great ideas. I think fruit and vegetables are often overlooked, and my opinion is that you can never bring enough. At the very least, you know *you* will enjoy them, but likely many people will.

Some other things I would suggest for managing what could easily turn into an all-day points nightmare is:

1- Manage your alcohol: Don't drink fruity syrupy cocktails exclusively. Typically, only the first one tastes really good. Switch to lower point alcohol after that if you continue to drink. Also, alternate between an alcoholic and non-alcoholic (seltzer, water, etc) drink to slow you down.

2- Be a good guest: Offer to help with serving, setting up, cleaning up, etc. It will keep you busy and force you from that tendency to just sit and eat mindlessly.

3- Be active: If there is a game of frisbee, horseshoes, or even hide and seek - get involved. Have fun. it's not just about sitting there and stuffing your face.

4- Mingle! Again, these events have a lot of food, but it's not just about the food. Catch up with friends and family. Meet new people. You're there to have fun, first and foremost. The food just happens to be there too.

5- Be selective: Don't just eat anything within reach. Choose carefully. Enjoy things you might not have ever tried before, or that you rarely get to enjoy. Don't waste your tastebuds and points on stuff you've had a million times before and can get on any given day.

6- Set a time limit: My friends know that I'm famous for this- If they invite me to these types of events, I tell them "I can attend for 3 hours" or whatever amount of time I'm willing to give up. I realize not everyone is as nutty and time obsessed as me, but this works great! It helps me manage my thoughts and my behaviors (before, during and after the event) and helps me enjoy my time at the event much better by knowing that it's limited.


Hopefully that will give you some ideas for this upcoming Fourth of July weekend, but they're good tips for any event. I don't think I have any plans like this over the weekend, and that's fine with me. I'm not much for outdoor food events anyway. In fact, I hate eating outside. Besides, I'd much rather ride my bike and take photos. :)

The one thing that's disappointing is that they moved the Macy's Fireworks Display this year - it's usually on the East River, which I have a spectacular view of from my neighborhood. But this year, they moved them to the West side of Manhattan, on the Hudson River, so I'm not sure how or where I will be catching them. (Here are a handful of great photos I took last year.) I'll just have to work harder to photograph them this year.

Oh, and if anyone is having a rooftop party to view the fireworks in Manhattan, I will be happy to attend. I'll even bring a dish or some delicious beer. Just let me know :)

Have a great week everyone! And Happy Fourth of July, America!