A Healthy New Year To You

This time of year I make promises to myself on what I'm going to do differently in the coming year. At the top of my list is to each a healthy lunch, something I rarely do in between tastings. And as with everything I eat, be it healthy or not, the standard is pretty high in terms of my taste and quality expectations. I don't think anyone would disagree -- I'm a very picky eater!

This past Christmas season, when time is at a premium, I tried something I've never done before. I ordered 10 fresh made lunches from a unique company, Personal Chef to Go. I was somewhat skeptical as to what I would receive as their website promised a lot: fresh, healthy, delicious meals delivered to your door, guaranteed to stay fresh for 8 days.

I am happy to say that they lived up to their lofty promises. I found each meal unique and delicious, even considering the ideal calorie/fat/carb ratio. I wasn't sure that something so healthy could taste so good. The only downside is that you do not get to pick your meals, but some that I tried were something I would not have ordered but did thoroughly enjoy.

Equally surprising was the incredible manner in which they were packaged. The box arrived in absolutely perfect condition, right on time. And true to the promise, the meals stayed in perfect condition for exactly 1 week. You are also able to freeze what you can't eat, which I did do also with great results.

So in the New Year I will definitely be utilizing the amazing services of Personal Chef To Go, and if your goals are anything like mine I encourage you to give them a try!

Last Minute Holiday Treats

With Christmas only 3 days away, you might think that it's too late to order in your favorite foods. Not true! Many gourmet food retailers understand that they'll be working and shipping packages until the final moments, which this year means December 23rd at 3pm. So as long as you don't mind paying for expedited shipping (I've not found many customers that mind the extra charges when they've waited so long to order) you're still in great shape for Christmas deliveries.

That is, weather permitting. This year is particularly challenging as there are pockets of storms throughout the country, and if you can't get around, then neither can Fedex and UPS. You may not realize that the major hubs for air freight carriers are located in places like Memphis, TN. So even if you're in San Fransisco and it's sunny and 60, your package might well be delayed because of weather the day before in Memphis. My advice is don't be afraid to order late, but have a backup plan in case your package is delayed.

Here are 2 last minute treats that I'll be ordering for myself today, things that I think no holiday should be without: great quality bacon and a show-stopping dessert.

Let's start with the good stuff, bacon from Nodine's Smokehouse. Lean, flavorful, and semi-thick cut, all the qualities I've come to love in a good bacon. My personal favorite is the Applewood Smoked, however you can't go wrong with any flavor, including the nitrite-free.

Let's get to the show-stopping dessert, and when I say that I mean a dessert so beautiful that it literally will delay the post-meal indulgence by an hour. That's what happens when I serve a cheesecake from Elegant Cheesecakes. Not only are they beautiful fully edible creations, but they are equally as delicious, and are guaranteed to arrive overnight in perfect condition. I was dubious that such a masterpiece could be shipped cross country and arrive in good condition, but I assure you that we've been shipping these for years with not one complaint.

The one to pick today (or tomorrow if you're feeling daring!) would be the Traditional Elegance Giftbox cake, a personal favorite of mine. They keep these made and in stock as a "rush" item, ready for all the last minuters.

Here's wishing you great Holiday entertaining, and as always, good health, good friends and family, and good food!