Basic Recipe Alterations for More Healthful Holiday Meals by Johanna Hicks

Basic Recipe Alterations for More Healthful Holiday Meals by Johanna Hicks
  • PublishedNovember 24, 2017


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                Thanksgiving weekend is a great time to stop and reflect on blessings.  It is also a great time to think about your own health and good nutrition.  Holiday meals can be healthier and taste just as good by using some basic recipe substitutions or alterations.  The sugar, fat, or sodium content of almost any holiday recipe can be reduced without a noticeable difference in taste.  Reducing sugar, fat, and salt are the most effective means of making holiday meals healthier.

                If a recipe calls for a cup of sugar, use two-thirds of a cup.  If it calls for a half-cup of oil, shortening or other fat, use one-third cup. Remember that low-fat doesn’t always mean low-calorie, so be aware of both when making holiday food selections. Using reduced-fat or non-fat cheese, milk, cream cheese, cottage cheese, yogurt or mayonnaise instead of their high-fat counterparts will make your recipes more health-friendly.

Processed foods typically have a higher sodium content, so consumers should be vigilant and check food labels for sodium content and other nutrition data.  If you would typically use one-half teaspoon of salt in a recipe, try a quarter-teaspoon or leave the salt out entirely (except in breads).

Modifying more complicated recipes may not always produce the desired texture, so it’s best to test the recipe before serving to friends and family.  Many traditional holiday foods can be healthy and nutritious choices as long as they are prepared properly and not ‘embellished’ in ways that take away from nutritional value.  Example: if cooking a turkey, leave the skin on to contain the flavor, but then remove it afterward to reduce the fat content.

For vegetables, the healthiest method of cooking is either steaming or roasting using a small amount of oil or cooking spray.  Try adding herbs and spices to enhance the flavor without adding any fat or calories.

Sweet potatoes have fiber, vitamins A and C, and manganese and are also low in calories, with a medium-sized baked sweet potato containing only about 100 calories.  The problem comes when you embellish them with added sugar, butter, and other ingredients.  A baked sweet potato with a hint of brown sugar and cinnamon is a far healthier option than one topped with butter and lots of marshmallows.

Another popular holiday item, the cranberry, which is loaded with phytonutrients and known for having anti-inflammatory properties and promoting health, as well as possibly reducing risk for disease.  Adding fresh cranberries to salads and baked items such as muffins, cookies and pies is a good way to sneak in some extra nutrition and flavor.

Even with healthier ingredients and preparation techniques, it’s important to remember to exercise restraint at holiday meals.  Because holidays provide more opportunities to eat due to social gatherings, office parties and other festivities, try to plan accordingly so you can keep your caloric intake in check…and don’t forget about getting some physical activity to help burn off extra calories and help relieve some of the stress often associated with the holidays.

Christmas Sewing Workshop

                Calls are beginning to come in about the Christmas Sewing Workshop.  Don’t miss this fun event!  We’ll have several make-and-take projects to help you save time and money…and they make great gifts for teachers, Sunday School class members, neighbors, or anyone else! Or if you have a project you would like to work on, bring it!  We’ll give you a short list of items you’ll need to bring.  I’ll have eight sewing machines available for using, or you may bring your own.  Regardless of sewing skills, you will have a great time!

                The dates are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, December 11-13, at the Extension Office, 1200 W. Houston, Sulphur Springs.  We’re located next door to the Southwest Dairy Museum and directly in front of the Civic Center.  We’ll start around 8:30 a.m. and end around 3:30 p.m.  Seating is limited due to the hands-on nature of the workshop, so please call 903-885-3443 if you would like to participate.

Closing Thought

Be a river of blessing, not a lake of accumulation – Vicki Hitzges

 

 

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Written By

 

 

 

 

Arturo's Wood Fired Pizza Gallery About

Hours
Tuesday - Sunday:
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
Closed
Dine in restaurant serving handmade, wood fired pizzas and beer.
 

Phone:(903) 951-1444

arturoswoodfiredpizza.com
 

221 Main St
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

 

 

 

 

Phinesse Farms Winery About

Hours
Tuesday - Sunday:
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
Closed
Dine in restaurant serving handmade, wood fired pizzas and beer.
 

Phone:(903) 951-1444

arturoswoodfiredpizza.com
 

221 Main St
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

 

 

 

 

Backstory Brewery About

Hours
Tuesday - Thursday:
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday - Saturday
12:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Sunday:
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Monday:
Closed
a production brewery located in beautiful downtown Sulphur Springs, Tx.
 

Phone: (903) 438-2337

backstorybrewery.com
 

211 Magnolia St
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

 

 

 

 

San Remos About

Hours
Tuesday - Sunday:
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
Closed
Dine in restaurant serving authentic Italian dishes, wine, beer and cocktails.
 

Phone:(903) 558-1200

sanremoitalian.com
 

226 Connally St
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

 

 

 

 

Don Lalo's About

Hours
Tuesday - Sunday:
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
Closed
Dine in restaurant serving classic Tex-Mex dishes and cocktails.
 

Phone: (903) 558-1859

 

912 Gilmer St
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

 

 

 

 

Tierra Del Sol About

Hours
Sunday- Saturday:
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Offers a variety of Tex-Mex dishes, chips and salsa and drinks.
 

Phone: (903) 885-5845

 

1402 Mockingbird Ln
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

 

 

 

 

Juan Pablos About

Hours
Sunday- Thursday:
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday - Saturday
11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Offers a variety of slow smoked Texas BBQ meats with a relaxed vibe here in beautiful Sulphur Springs, TX. They have outdoor covered/ shaded seating for your dining pleasure.
 

Phone: (903) 885-0066

 

1216 Mockingbird Ln
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

 

 

 

 

Los Mochis About

Hours
Sunday- Thursday:
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday - Saturday
11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Offers a variety of slow smoked Texas BBQ meats with a relaxed vibe here in beautiful Sulphur Springs, TX. They have outdoor covered/ shaded seating for your dining pleasure.
 

Phone: (903) 919-3760

losmochistexmex.getbento.com
 

101 Gilmer St
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

 

 

 

 

Slaughter's BBQ Oasis About

Hours
Wednesday - Saturday:
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Offers a variety of slow smoked Texas BBQ meats with a relaxed vibe here in beautiful Sulphur Springs, TX. They have outdoor covered/ shaded seating for your dining pleasure.
 

Phone:  (903) 243-7187

slaughtersbbqoasis.com
 

1000 Gilmer St Suite Q
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

 

 

 

 

Ihop About

Hours
Monday - Friday:
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday:
24hrs
Sunday:
12:00 AM -10:00 PM
Long-standing chain serving a wide variety of pancakes & other American breakfast & diner fare.
 

Phone: (903) 885-2406

ihop.com
 

150 E Shannon Rd E
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

 

 

 

 

Panda Express About

Hours
Monday - Sunday:
10:30 AM - 9:30 PM
Fast food  restaurant chain that serves American Chinese cuisine. With over 2,200 locations, it is the largest Asian-segment restaurant chain in the United States
 

Phone: (903) 439-3293

pandaexpress.com
 

150 E Shannon Rd E
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

 

 

 

 

Broadway Buffet About

Hours
Monday - Thursday:
10:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday - Sunday:
10:30 AM - 9:30 PM
Takeout, Dine In, Delivery. Made to order Sushi, Burgers, Stir-Fry and other Asian Fusion menu items. Burgers, Sushi, Stir-fry and more!
 

Phone: (903) 885-7959

broadwaybuffettx.com
 

1145 S Broadway St

Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

 

 

 

 

MAAK About

Hours
Sunday - Monday:
Closed
Tuesday - Saturday:
11 AM - 8:00 PM
Takeout, Dine In, Delivery. Made to order Sushi, Burgers, Stir-Fry and other Asian Fusion menu items. Burgers, Sushi, Stir-fry and more!
 

Phone: (903) 689-2334

themaak.com
 

 208 Main St

Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

 

 

 

 

Sakura Sushi & Seafood Grill About

Hours
Wednesday - Monday
11 AM - 9:30 PM
Dine in sushi and seafood grill.
 

Phone: (903) 438-0088

sakurasushitx.com
 

 1408 S Broadway St suit 150

Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

 

 

 

 

 Big Smith's BBQ  About

Hours
Monday - Friday
10:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Counter-serve chain offering fried fish & seafood combos, plus chicken & sides.
 

Phone: (903) 439-6067

ljsilvers.com
 

1338 S Broadway St

Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

 

 

 

 

 Big Smith's BBQ  About

Hours
Sunday - Wednesday
10:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday - Saturday
10:30 AM - 12:00 AM
Established, no-nonsense BBQ institution preparing smoked meat & fried seafood dinners & sandwiches.
 

Phone: (903) 438-1547

 

4858 TX-154

Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

 

 

 

Soulman's BBQ About

Hours
Sunday - Wednesday
10:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday - Saturday
10:30 AM - 12:00 AM
Casual counter-serve chain serving a variety of barbecue & sides.
 

Phone: (903) 919-3617

soulmans.com
 

1310 Hillcrest Dr N

Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

 

 

 

Wing Stop About

Hours
Sunday - Wednesday
10:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday - Saturday
10:30 AM - 12:00 AM
Casual counter-serve chain serving a variety of chicken wings & sides.
 

Phone: (903) 335-8431

wingstop.com
 

1602 S Broadway St

Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

 

 

 

Chilis Grill & Bar About

Hours
Sunday - Thursday
10:45 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday - Saturday
10:45 AM - 12:00 AM
Family-friendly chain serving classic Tex-Mex & American fare in a Southwestern-style setting.
 

Phone: (903) 885-5242

chilis.com
 

128 Shannon Rd E
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

 

 

 

Metro Diner About

Hours
Open 24/7
Comfort food with a flair.
 

Phone: (903) 885-6446

 

105 Industrial Dr W

Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

 

 

 

El Charro Restaurant About

Hours
Saturday - Tuesday :
Closed
Wednesday - Thursday
11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday:
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Classic Tex-Mex dishes and more.
 

Phone: (903) 885-5669

 

215 College St

Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

 

 

 

Here's 2 Us About

Hours
Tuesday - Friday:
11:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Sunday:
11:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Monday: Closed
Bar & restaurant atmosphere serving delicious burgers, sandwiches and more.
 

Phone: (903) 689-4563

 

109 N Davis St

Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

 

 

 

Flip's Burgerland About

Hours
Monday:
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Tuesday - Saturday
11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
Family restaurant atmosphere serving delicious burgers, sandwiches and more.
 

Phone: (903) 919-5031

 

210 Main St

Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

 

 

 

Pioneer Cafe About

Hours
Monday - Friday
6:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Saturday - Sunday
Closed
Family restaurant atmosphere serving delicious country food, breakfast, sandwiches, desserts and more.
 

Phone: (903) 885-7773

 

307 Main St

Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

 

 

 

Muddy Jakes About

Hours
Sunday - Thursday
11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday - Saturday
11:00 AM - 2:00 AM
Bar and family restaurant atmosphere serving delicious steaks, burgers, fries, sandwiches, desserts and more.
 

Phone: (903) 885-1600

muddyjakes.com
 

229 Main St

Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

 

 

 

Burgers and Fries About

Hours
Sunday:
Closed
Monday - Friday:
10:30AM - 7:00PM
Saturday:
10:30AM - 6:00PM
Serving delicious burgers, fries, sandwiches, desserts and more.
 

Phone: (903) 885-9496

 

208 College St

Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

 

 

 

Bodacious BBQ About

Hours
Sunday-Saturday
10:30 AM-8:30 PM
Serving delicious BBQ , sandwiches, desserts and more.
 

Phone: (903) 885-6456

bodaciousbbqsulphursprings.com
 

1228 S Broadway St

Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

 

 

Romas Italian Food

Roma's Italian Restaurant   About
     

Hours
Tuesday - Saturday:
8:00 AM - 9:00PM
Sunday:
8:00AM - 3:00PM
Monday:
Closed
  Roma's Italian Bar & Grill in Sulphur Springs has a wide variety of delicious menu options delicious Italian specialties, sandwiches, salads, soups, desserts, pizza, steaks and offers live music, and catering! 
 

Phone:
(903) 919-5100

   
 
400 Shannon Rd E
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482
CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

 

 

 

Haystacks  About

Hours
Tuesday - Saturday:
8:00 AM - 9:00PM
Sunday:
8:00AM - 3:00PM
Monday:
Closed
Serving delicious sandwiches, salads, soups, desserts and more for 20 years! We look forward to serving you breakfast or lunch!
 

Phone: (903) 689-2991

haystackstexas.com
 

206 Main St

Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

 

 

 

Redneck Bar and Grill  About

Hours
Sunday-Monday:
Closed
Tuesday- Thursday:
11am-2pm
5pm-8pm
Friday - Saturday:
11:00am - 9:00pm
Serving delicious sandwiches, salads, soups, desserts and more for 20 years! We look forward to serving you breakfast or lunch!
 

Phone: (903) 885-1600

 

211 Main St

Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

 

 

Corner Grub House About

Hours

Monday - Friday:
7:30am - 4:00pm
Saturday:
10:00am - 4:00pm
Serving delicious sandwiches, salads, soups, desserts and more for 20 years! We look forward to serving you breakfast or lunch!
 

Phone: (903) 885-9225

 

cornergrubhouse.com

 

 

120 Main St.
Sulphur Springs, Tx 75482

 

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

 

 

Plain & Fancy About
120 Main St.
Sulphur Springs, Tx 75482

Hours
Monday - Friday:
7:30am - 4:00pm
Saturday:
10:00am - 4:00pm

Serving delicious sandwiches, salads, soups, desserts and more for 20 years! We look forward to serving you breakfast or lunch! Serving delicious sandwiches, salads, soups, desserts and more for 20 years! We look forward to serving you breakfast or lunch!
(903) 885-9225
plainandfancyshoppe.com
CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS