Healthy Dessert and Pot-Luck Contribution

One does not need to get all fancy, high calorie when making desserts. This is a photo of what I brought last Saturday night to Pre-Rosh Chodesh celebration at a neighbor's. I make the same sort of fruit plate when I need to contribute to a Kiddush in shul or even when I have guests for a meal. I simply take fruits in season, cut and add toothpicks for easy serving and eating.

This flower-like arrangement has a red grapefruit, an apple and a banana. That's it. You can add more fruit, sprinkle with raisins or other dried fruit, add nuts etc. This sort of fruit plate is relatively hygienic for serving large groups, because almost all of the pieces have their own toothpick, so people don't handle the food.

And obviously, it's not laden with sugars and fats. So it's good for a group trying to stay healthy. And of course it can be made at the very last minute.  I hope this helps you with ideas.

Hidden Corners of the Shuk and Bargains

Recently, I've been doing a bit of shopping Wednesday noonish in the Jerusalem open air market, Machane Yehuda aka the "shuk."  Wandering around looking for bargains, I've found them plus pleasant spots I had no idea existed.  If you want to save money, this is definitely the way to shop, even on a Wednesday when prices begin to edge up.

I don't buy all that much, because there's a limit on how much I can carry, but if I had a wagon I'd really stock up.  I shop after my Matan studies, so I also have books with me.  Also it's hard to take a wagon along to my studies.  But if I ever need to just go in to shop, I'd do it with something to wheel and a backpack.

It's a real bargain, because I don't pay extra bus/train fare.  I can squeeze in the shopping within the 90 minute free transfer time after getting on the bus near Matan and then taking a bus or train to my next stop to get to the bus station or trempiada home.

Simple Sliced Fruit Plate

Healthy Entertaining Made Easy

I'm very lazy and that includes my food preparation. I can't stand doing anything difficult and complicated.  So, if you need cooking and menu ideas that are easy, I'm the one to ask.  Since I changed my way of eating and lost over fifteen (15) kilo (35 pounds) I've tried to stay away from serving, not only eating, cakes and cookies.

I served these fruit plates last week to the movie club.  All I did was slice up apples, oranges, bananas and a "star fruit."  Toothpicks were added for cleaner eating, and that's it.  Whatever fruits, fresh and dry, can be served.  You can provide small plates/bowls or just paper napkins.  This is easier than a fruit salad which must be served in a bowl or cup and eaten with a spoon.

I've discovered that if I eat enough fruit a day, at least three servings, I have no desire, no craving for any candies, chocolates, cake or cookies.  We do need something sweet in our system, and fruit is best.

PS Even diabetic guests can enjoy this, since they are permitted a certain amount of fruit, and the slices can be small and savored by eating slowly.