You're such a peach!

True story: When I first arrived in Atlanta about two years ago for a job interview, I was staying in a hotel in the northern portion of the city. I had made dinner plans with some relatives up in Woodstock, Georgia, who were driving down to pick me up and show me around town. But then they got lost. Apparently, it doesn't help telling someone you're staying along Peachtree Street near Route 400. There are just too many possibilities. So what should have been a relatively short commute took hours, as my poor cousins drove from hotel to hotel on one Peachtree Street to the next. On the other hand, the situation certainly generated a lot of laughter among hotel employees who told me that was my first "lesson learned" about driving in Atlanta.

For those that have never visited the ATL, there are about eight billion streets with Peachtree in the title. Okay, okay...I'm exaggerating. There are more like 70 streets in Atlanta with a Peachtree variation. For starters, we have Peachtree Street and West Peachtree Street, which run parallel to each other and only a block apart. And then there is Peachtree Battle Avenue, Peachtree-Dunwoody Road, Old Peachtree Road, Peachtree Way, Peachtree Creek Road, Peachtree Lane, Peachtree Avenue, Peachtree Circle, Peachtree Drive, Peachtree Plaza, Peachtree Way, Peachtree Memorial Drive, New Peachtree Road, Peachtree Walk and Peachtree Valley Road. WHEW! And that's just off the top of my head. And yes, several of those streets DO intersect. Good times, I tell ya.

So what's the deal with all the dang peaches?

According to the always-trustworthy Wikipedia, Atlanta grew up on a site occupied by the Creek people, and the "peachtree" street was, in fact, not named for a peach tree, but for a large Creek settlement called Standing Pitch Tree after a tall lone tree. Reportedly, the Creek used trees with fresh pitch (the sap of a pine tree) for vows and treaties. The "pitch tree" was eventually transformed into "peach tree", either through error or simply because it sounded better to English speakers. So while peaches are commonly grown in northern Georgia and the Atlanta area, and although Georgia is the "Peach State," there was apparently no historical peach tree that led to the name.

Anyway, since I now live in the land of peaches, I suppose it's only fitting I celebrate National Peach Month before it ends in a couple days. That's right, folks, if you want to properly honor "the peach," whip up a tasty peach custard, pie or smoothie before Labor Day arrives. And because I'm such a peach, here are a few sucralose-sweetened, low-calorie tasty treats to help you honor Atlanta's favorite fruit. I say, take the Allman Brothers Band's advice and "eat a peach" this weekend.

Raspberry Peach Cobbler

Peach Flavored Green Tea Punch

Peach Frozen Yogurt

I no longer want my MTV!

Shame on you, MTV! I've been disenchanted with you for quite awhile, but this is the nail in the coffin, so to speak.
But let's back up a bit and talk about when the relationship first began to sour. For me, it was probably when you went and basically got rid of all the music videos, which is an interesting choice for a station with MUSIC in it's title.
And then you took The Real World, which was once a somewhat relevant show about the interactions of seven strangers from completely different backgrounds, (anyone remember Pedro from the San Francisco season?) and turned it into a giant hot tub party starring a bunch of dim-witted, self-obsessed kids.
As if that wasn't bad enough, you then forced those Hills nimrods onto the general public. Why is it that I have never seen more than five minutes of the show - and rarely read the gossip rags - and yet I know all about Heidi and Spencer? I don't care!! WHY ARE THEY ALWAYS IN MY FACE!!!
But why am I now cutting you, MTV, out of my life for good? Because of a potential steaming pile of a show called "Model Maker." According to MTV's Web site, they're currently in search of girls pining for the chance to strut down the runway. The catch is, they have to be willing to shed anywhere from 30 to 80 pounds in a three month timeframe. SAY WHAT? Eighty pounds in three months? How is that healthy? And what kind of message is that sending to an already weight-obsessed generation of young women?
Look, we all know there's an obesity crisis. And for health reasons, many people need to lose weight. However, a healthy weight loss takes time and energy - it's not something that can or should be accomplished overnight.
And thanks to a society and media that bashes any female over a size four, while simultaneously glamourizing actresses and models sporting skeletal proportions, I'm sure this show will only help reinforce all those existing bad body images and promote a completely unhealthy diet among our youth.

So thanks MTV for helping teenage women learn to appreciate their own bodies, love handles and all. Let's hear it for eating disorders. Bravo!

WHEW! Now that I've finished my rant (yes, thank you, that soapbox is mighty tall these days), here are two German-influenced, sugar-free dishes for the weekend - inspired by the German Bierfest I will be attending in Atlanta tomorrow.

Have a good one!

German Apple Pancakes

Hot German Potato Salad

Pump pain is no gas...

Is anyone else tired of blowing major bucks every time they fuel up the car? And if folks from Europe are reading this, YES, I KNOW! You pay ten times more than we do. But I'm an American - we kvetch constantly.
What's that you say? Gas prices are finally going down? Bah! It's still too high. To put things into perspective, this time last year, the average price of unleaded in Atlanta was about $2.664. Today, it's $3.608. Woof-dee.
Either way, I'm tired of spending a chunk of my hard-earned change each week filling up my poor, banged-up Honda. Sadly, this is Atlanta - and I have few other options. Our mass transportation system stinks. I spent my first few months in the city taking the bus and train, only to realize it took two to three times longer to get to work that way than it did by car - traffic and all. And, unfortunately, I can't start up a work carpool because nobody in my office lives near me.
So after extensive research today (er, about 20 minutes trolling the Internet), I've come up with a few tips for conserving gas. Here's hoping they work.

1. Don't be idle. Savings can be made by switching off the engine at long lights, while sitting in traffic or when waiting to pick someone up.
2. Slow down, you move too fast. Simon & Garfunkel apparently had it right. The Department of Energy calculates that for every five miles a motorist drives above 60 mph, a fuel efficiency loss occurs. Most cars get the most efficient mileage figures between 45 and 55 miles per hour. Any jump to 65 mph significantly reduces fuel efficiency, while a further jump to 75 mph over long periods can result in an expensive return to the pumps. Cruise control also helps avoid wasteful engine revving.
3. Maintainence is key. Keeping your engine properly tuned can result in significant efficiency savings. This means you should regularly change the vehicle's oil, check and replace air filters to prevent engine damage and improve mileage and keep tires properly inflated. It will help out.
4. Lighten the load. If you're like me, you've probably got some clothes, a sleeping bag, beach chairs, tool kit - all sorts of odds-and-ends - taking up space in the trunk of the car. Clear it out! The EPA estimates that for every 100 pounds of weight your car carries, fuel efficiency dips by 2 percent.
5. Plan your road trips wisely. Are you driving from one end of the city to the other simply to visit your favorite market, hair salon or fitness center? Find ways to condense the trips. Seek out spots that are closer together or combine them all into one outing - rather than separate trips.
6. Do your homework. There are lots of Web sites out there with insight on where to buy the cheapest gas. Check out this site for one such example.
7. Keep it cool on the highway. When driving at lower speeds, roll down those windows. However, while crusing the highway, roll them up and crank the A/C. According to experts, opening your windows while driving at high rates of speed will actually increase drag and turbulence.
8. Join the club. Some gas stations, department stores and grocery stores offer lower gas prices or other incentives if you join their membership club. Or you could apply for a credit card that coughs up gas savings with purchases, similar to frequent flyer mile rewards. However, be careful of credit card interest rates which may negate said savings. Also verify that the stations you use don't charge higher prices to credit card customers.
9. Wait until the traffic dies down. Rather than sitting through that rush hour traffic, hang out for a bit. Head over to the closest fitness center. Or stop by a nearby coffee shop and stick your nose in a good book until traffic dies down. This can help lighten your wallet and your mood!
10. Make it a hybrid. Time to change vehicles? Most automakers are offering up a range of fuel-saving models these days. So do your research and find out which hybrids, SUVs or small cars provide the most bang for your buck. Don't forget, there are often tax breaks for people utilzing gas-saving cars.

And just to show you what an extra-special awesome person I am, here are a few sucralose-sweetened drink recipes designed to help cool off red-faced drivers whose tempers are revved up by the high gas prices.

Enjoy!

Coconut Horchata

Endless Summer Lemonade

Iced Almond Mocha

Lemon Meringue? So much better than Strawberry Shortcake!

Growing up, I was never really into Barbie dolls all that much. It's not that I was some scabby-kneed tomboy who would snort with disdain any time friends starting playing with dolls...although I did love playing sports...I just didn't like the Barbie brand all that much. Strawberry Shortcake dolls on the other hand? LOVED 'EM! As a child of the 80s, I used to own most of the line of characters, all of whom I would create fantastical stories about, then stick in my parents' shoes and drag up and down the hallways - as if they were riding on floats in a parade. Yup, I had a pretty overactive imagination.

For those who missed out on the Strawberry Shortcake fad, each doll had their own dessert-themed name with clothing to match, as well as a dessert-named pet. And even better, all had delicious-scented hair to match their sweet theme. The characters lived and played in a magical world known as Strawberryland. Of course, not everything was roses in Strawberryland. The mustachioed Purple Pieman was a wee bit mischievous, living up in his Pie Tin Palace on Porcupine Peak. In retrospect, he was kind of a creepy character, running around doing a tap dance and constantly chanting "Yah-tah-tah-tah-tah-tah-tah-tah, tah-tah-tah-tah! Cha!" At the time, though, he was simply the somewhat slapstick bad guy of the bunch.

Moving on...in addition to Strawberry Shortcake, some of the other top-selling dolls in the series included Huckleberry Pie, Apple Dumplin', Raspberry Tart, Crepe Suzette, and one of my personal favorites, Lemon Meringue. Miss Lemon was a famous model and could often be found lugging around her pet, Frappe Frog.

Stop making fun! I had lots of friends who loved their Strawberry Shortcake dolls. Plus, it was popular enough to generate a video game, TV show, clothes and music...so there! Just so you know, I also lurved My Little Pony, Rose Petal, Care Bears and don't even get me started on the fabulous Jem cartoon.

So why am I babbling on about Strawberry Shortcake dolls? Well, it's simple really. Today is National Lemon Meringue Pie Day. So what better way to give you a sucralose-sweetened, low-calorie receipe then to preface it with a long, rambling intro about dolls from the 1980s? Hee.

Here's your recipe for the day.

Lofty Lemon Meringue Pie

And for my fellow Strawberry Shortcake fans out there, or even just retro TV buffs, here is an old-school cartoon clip for your weekend enjoyment.

Going for the Gold

So in case you've been living under a rock lately, the 2008 Olympics start today. And I, for one, am uber-excited. I can't wait to see how many world records the part-man-part-fish Michael Phelps shatters - or to watch Tyson Gay race around the track for the gold. While I do love professional sports, there is something so heart-warming about watching little-known athletes compete solely for the love of the sport, rather than for the fanfare or money. And there always seems to be one particularly awe-inspiring moment that just brings tears to your eyes - such as the infamous Miracle on Ice game of 1980 or Romanian gymnast Nadia Comaneci scoring the first-ever perfect 10. I personally feel nothing sums up the spirit of the Olympic Games more than speed skater Dan Jansen finally winning the elusive gold or the sight of the injured British runner Derek Redmond hobbling across the finish-line with the help of his father.

For that same reason, I also enjoy watching So You Think You Can Dance - one of only two reality programs I tune into regularly (the other being the fabulous Project Runway.) The show takes enormously talented young dancers - who will most likely never achieve any significant level of fame - and gives them the opportunity to work with some of the nation's top choreographers. By the way, congratulations to Joshua for winning the season four title last night.

Back to the Olympics...does anyone remember the hi-LAR-ious SNL skit featuring John Belushi as a top athlete with a penchant for cigarettes and little chocolate donuts? Well guess who found a link to the video! AND, for all you chocolate donut lovers out there, check out this sucralose-sweetened, low-calorie version donut mix from Dixie Carb Counters.



And now, for a few more moving moments, check out the Redmond race as well as one of my favorite So You Think You Can Dance performances from the fourth season. Enjoy!

An onion a day keeps the doctors away?

Ever think that if you just ate the right foods, you could avoid cancer? Well, some studies do support this theory, showing a correlation between diet and certain cancers and illnesses. The Chicago Tribune even has a short but educational quiz online today to test your knowledge when it comes to the latest cancer/food research. Check it out!

For those who refuse to invest the approximately two minutes needed to take the quiz, here's an uber-short recap. Yes, studies show that cabbage can help prevent breast cancer, while flaxseed helps prohibit colon cancer and white button mushrooms can potentially help suppress prostrate cancer cells. In addition, people who eat pumpkin may have lower rates of gastric, breast, lung and colorectal cancers, while men who eat more onions may be less likely to develop lung cancer. There's more but it's all covered in the quiz.

So to support these theories, I've pulled a few sucralose-sweetened recipes heavy on the cancer-fighting ingredients.

Cabbage and Cranberry Slaw

California Broccoli Salad

Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Cucumber and Onion Salad

Bon appetit!

Skin healthy, footloose and fancy-free...that's me!

I spent a long time avoiding a trip to the dermatologist for a much-needed skin checkup. I figured that after spending several summers lifeguarding at beaches and outdoor pools to help pay for my college tuition - as well as almost three years of tanning regularly while living in South Florida - my skin was a mess of cancer cells just waiting to be diagnosed. By the way, I HEART the beach. I could easily spend every waking moment of my life parked on the sand, book in hand, listening to the waves crash. Sadly, as much as I love my friends in Florida, the ocean is probably what I miss the most about the Sunshine State.
Anyway, although I've often rocked a golden tan over the years, I still know the sun and surf doesn't always like my skin so much. There have, of course, been the occasional bouts of sun burn and subsequent peeling over the years, as well as the appearance of various new moles and freckles.
So imagine my excitement when, after finally forcing myself to see a dermatologist, I was given the all-clear. No skin cancer!!! YAY!
Yes, I know that doesn't mean I should run out tomorrow and bake in the sun for hours without any type of UV protection. But it does mean that I made it through my 20s without completely destroying my skin. By the way, for all you young 'uns, dermatologists believe that how we treat our skin in our 20s impacts how our skin ages. By the 30s, small lines and wrinkles begin to show on the face and the repercussions of all those years of tanning finally start to show up. More sun exposure means more wrinkles. Eek.

So I have a few tips for all you sun-bunnies. First, always wear sunscreen. But look for waterproof products that protect against both UVA and UVB rays. According to the experts, many sunscreens just don't adequately do the job.
Also keep an eye on moles and dark spots. They could be signs of developing cancer lesions.
At the same time, in addition to regular exercise and drinking plenty of water, there are several dietary steps you can take to boost skin health. This includes eating a variety of nutrient-rich foods.

Need some examples?

* Carrots are a good source of beta-carotene and Vitamin C, which helps prevent the premature aging of skin and aids in skin collagen formation.

* Sweet potatoes also contain beta-carotene and Vitamin C, in addition to Vitamin E. Foods with high quantities of vitamins C and E are effective antioxidants for skin protection.

* Berries such as blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, cranberries and strawberries are also good for the skin since they are loaded with antioxidant compounds able to neutralize damaging free radicals (that lead to skin cell damage and premature skin aging) generated in the skin by excessive UV exposure.

* Pomegranate juice contains anthocyanins that act to strengthen the walls of the tiny blood vessels that supply nutrients to the skin. This means drinking pomegranate juice can help stop the formation of spider veins.

Now that I've thrown all that out there, here are a few sucralose-sweetened, low-calorie recipes packed with some of these complexion-boosting ingredients. Here's to a happy and healthy glow!

Berrilicious Salsa

Copper Penny Salad

Pomegranate Julep

Sweet Potato Pound Cake

Never too full for ice cream

So, I attended a work function last week - and after two days of eating everything in sight thanks to an array of high-calorie breakfast, lunch and dinner offerings, I was basically walking around so full I could barely breathe, wishing desperately I'd brought along pants with an elastic waistband. And yet despite my bloated belly, the organizers went and opened up a sundae buffet at the very end of the event. How does one possibly turn down a sundae bar? I tried...I really, really tried not to go anywhere near it. But it's siren call was too strong for me...I was weak. Still, I only took one scoop of ice cream - and tried to limit the hot fudge, strawberry and caramel toppings to a mere drizzle. So I feel I did triumph just a wee bit.
Anyway, you'd think after that frozen treat that I wouldn't be so tempted to celebrate National Hot Fudge Sunday Day tomorrow. But if you know me at all by now, you know I love to honor the food holidays. So I just may have to indulge the tiniest bit.
Luckily, there are so many low-fat, sugar-free sundae variations now available, I no longer have to worry about eating a day's worth of calories in one sitting.
Here are a few examples:

CARAMEL APPLE ENCHILADA SUNDAE

DOUBLE WHIP COOKIES AND CREAM CUP

CRUNCHY APPLE PIE SUNDAE

Finally, if you're completely lazy in the kitchen (like I often am), I've discovered that the SmartOnes Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Sundae (found in the frozen meal area of your local grocery store) is absolutely delicious and low in calories. Apparently many others agree, since Women's Health Magazine chose it the winner of the Best Ice Cream Sundae (for packaged foods) in 2007.

That's all I got for now so...enjoy!

Mojito Madness...

This entry will be short and sweet today - but I promise to make up for it next week. Just wanted to say that I had the most dee-lish mojito at dinner last night. But instead of mint, they used basil. It was wondrous. Unfortunately, I couldn't pull a recipe out of them. But I'm guessing it goes something like this:

Basil Mojito
1.5 oz white rum (like Bacardi)
10 fresh basil leaves
1/2 lime
7 oz club soda
2 tbsp. simple syrup (or two packets of sucralose-based sweetener)

Also, on the mojito front, I noticed that Splenda.com has a recipe for a Mango Mojito Pie. Um, yes, I WILL be trying that one out soon.

If you beat me to the punch, let me know the pie's level of yumminess, on a one to ten scale!

You say pea-can, I say puh-cahn...

Harry: Repeat after me. Pepper.
Sally: Pepper.
Harry: Pepper.
Sally: Pepper.
Harry: Waiter, there is too much pepper on my paprikash.
Sally: Waiter, there is too much pepper on my paprikash.
Harry: But I would be proud to partake of your pecan pie.
—Billy Crystal & Meg Ryan, When Harry Met Sally

Growing up with Southern parents in the North, there were always a few words and phrases we all said that would make my Midwest friends snicker...and of course, the reverse was true when we'd head down South and relatives would poke fun at our "Yankee" accents. One such word was pecan - seems to be pronounced differently depending on the area of the country.

Anyhoo, no matter how you say it, tomorrow is National Pecan Pie Day. Good lawd, do I love me some pecan pie - particularly during the holidays and whenever the Kentucky Derby rolls around. But it's not like I need any more sweets after all of the recent food-centric weekends! Good thing I've been hitting the gym like a maniac or else these pants would certainly be fitting a bit tighter. Either way, because it's National Pecan Pie Day - and because I have a gal pal coming in town this weekend who just happens to love that particular dessert - I will be making a sucralose-sweetened variation of my mom's famous chocolate pecan pie.

Check it out!

Black Bottom Pecan Pie

Here's a non-chocolate version for all you traditionalists out there.

Sweet Southern Pecan Pie

And finally, because I kicked this entry off with a quote from the fabulous "When Harry Met Sally," I thought it would only be fair to end the recap with some more movie excellence. Check out this fabulous movie trailer mashup/spoof from YouTube. It certainly flips the movie's actual plot on it's head! Say hello to Stalker Harry!

Happy Friday gang.

Happy Almost Independence Day!

So who is looking forward to a long, hopefully sunny three-day weekend? (Raises both hands high in the air!) MEEEEE! Happy Fourth, y'all! I know it's tough to keep things healthy when surrounded by so much delicious-looking, high-fat food...but there are ways to attend that barbecue and NOT dive into the closest plate of brownies.

Here are a few tips to help control your food intake over the holiday weekend:

* Don't show up hungry. Take time to eat a light, healthy snack before chowing down.
* When fixing your plate, make sure the bulk of it is fruits and veggies, such as salad, baked beans, corn, watermelon and grapes. That way you can fill up your belly faster with healthier items.
* Eating smaller portions is key. Yes, you can indulge in some mayo-licious potato salad and that scrumptious looking slice of cake. But don't pile a mountain of it on your plate or eat half a pie in one sitting.
* If you're heading to a BBQ at a friend or relative's house, bring some low-calorie snack options such as a fruit salad or raw veggies and hummus.
* Avoid adding lots of butter, salt and fatty dressings.
* Try not to get seconds until a few hours after you've eaten the first plate.
* Always eat dessert last.
* Drink lots of water. It will help fill you up.

Remember, you can always bring along your own cooler with healthier food options - or serve as a second chef and whip up some low-cal favorites for the masses. Here are some items I'm going to ATTEMPT to make this weekend. It all depends on how ambitious I'm feeling in the kitchen tonight.

Cucumber, Tomato and Red Onion Salad

Panang Curry Barbecue Chicken

Fresh Mango Sorbet

Either way, have a happy and healthy Fourth of July weekend!

That deserves a triple snap...ginger snap, that is!

I've been a fan of Trader Joe's grocery stores for years. Not only do they have lots of yummy entrees and good, fresh produce, but I've thrown many a party that featured various TJ-brand apps and bottles of "Two Buck Chuck." One of my favorite Trader Joe's items is the uber-deelish Triple Ginger Snap Cookies. I always seem to have a tub of those bad boys lying around. They're especially yummy with a cup of hot herbal tea.

So where am I going with this story? Well, today would be National Gingersnap Day! According to the ever-reliable Wikipedia, gingersnaps are biscuit/cookies flavored with ginger, anise and other spices that date back to the Middle Ages. Oh, and apparently "Ginger Snaps" is also the name of a cultish "Canadian werewolf film" from 2000. Who knew?

Anyhow, for all my low-cal buddies out there, I'm attaching a sucralose-sweetened ginger snap recipe for y'all to try out tonight. I've also included a tasty ginger-pear lemonade recipe ideal for these hot, muggy days.

Don't worry kids. I'll be back later this week with several Fourth of July recipes that are easy on the waistline.

Ginger Snaps

Pear-Ginger Lemonade

RIP, George!

Some people always seem to be "great." Not me. I don't give them any superlatives; nothing to gossip around. I tell them I'm "fairly decent." Or "relatively okay." I might just say, "I'm moderately neato." And if I'm in a particularly jaunty mood, I'll tell them, ""I'm not unwell, thank you."
George Carlin

As many of you probably know by now, George Carlin died yesterday of heart failure. Although he was known for his edgy, envelope-pushing routines about drugs, religion and dirty words, in my humble opinion, George was much more than just a provocative hippie atheist with a potty mouth. Much like Lenny Bruce, Carlin was a brilliant social satirist - one whose irreverant world view has influenced generations of entertainers...and college kids.
I remember hearing a scratched vinyl version of "Class Clown" over at a friend's house back when we were kids, snickering away as Carlin described the "Seven Words You Can Never Say on Television." That skit essentially helped shape broadcast obscenity legislation in this country. But his comedy - while often raunchy - applies to so many every-day situations. To this day, many a friend has busted out a Carlin line when airline announcements begin...and I know I've cracked one or two Carlin jokes when talking to guys named Todd.
In honor of one of the bestest comedians ever, here is a clip of Carlin's infamous "baseball versus football" schtick, as well as a sucralose-sweetened pork chop recipe. I mean, he likes pork so much he referenced it in a book title!

Polynesian Pork Chops

G.C., we'll miss ya!

If you like pina coladas

Okay...enough already. I work out regularly. I watch what I eat. And up until recently, I was pretty successful at maintaining my weight. But now, all of a sudden, I've noticed a few new pesky pounds popping up and I feel completely unprepared for bikini season. And you know why? It's because of all the recent backyard BBQs and sipping of cocktails on outdoor patios with friends. How's a girl supposed to lose - and keep off - weight around here, once the weather warms up?
Anyway, I came across a fabulous article on the Weight Watchers site that discusses the caloric wallop of those fabulous frosty beverages. Take a piña colada, for example. The average eight-ouncer can set you back more than 400 calories. Wow.

So here are some Weight Watchers tips to lighten up the next drink order.
1. Never come to happy hour hungry. Arrive with a growling belly and you may find yourself downing a few handfuls of bar nuts (about 600 calories), or chowing down on nachos or chicken fingers. Instead, work in some extra exercise and eat a piece of fruit before hitting the bar.
2. Be mindful of mixers. Hard liquor runs 100-200 calories per shot, but add a sugary or creamy mixer and you'll double or triple the calories. So order your fave but make it lighter — a rum and Coke using diet cola, a gin and tonic using low-calorie tonic. Or skip mixers altogether and sip a light beer or a glass of red wine.
3. Make the cocktail your dessert. If you can't resist a daiquiri, drink seltzer during your cocktail hour and savor the mega-calorie libation instead of ice cream or a slice of cake.
4. Enjoy alcohol every other round. Alternate each alcoholic beverage with seltzer or water. It'll cut down on calories and help you keep count of how much you're drinking.

And here are a few lower-cal cocktail recipes designed to help you avoid moving up a dress size.

1. Caipirinha. Cut a room-temperature lime into quarters and drop it in a shaker. Add one packet of sucralose sweetener and one tablespoon water. Mash the mixture very well with a wooden spoon, dissolving the lime into mush. Add a shot (1½ ounces) of white rum and enough ice cubes to fit in an old-fashioned glass. Shake well. Pour mixture (including the peel) into a glass. Variation: Add slices of mangos or a few cherries along with the lime.
2. Mojito. Pour 3/4 of an ounce (about half a shot) fresh lime juice into a glass. Add one packet of Splenda and four or five mint leaves. Stir until the sweetener dissolves. Add a shot of light rum and several ice cubes. Top with 2 ounces club soda and a sprig of mint.
3. Margarita. To shaker, add 3/4 of an ounce (about half a shot) fresh lime juice, 1 to 1½ ounces low-calorie triple sec and 2 ounces tequila. Add ice. Count slowly to 10 while shaking. Rub a lime halfway along the glass's outside rim, then roll the moistened part of the rim in kosher salt. Pour margarita into the glass.
4. Long Island Iced Tea. To shaker, add 1/4 shot vodka, 1/4 shot rum, 1/4 shot gin, 1/4 shot tequila, 3/4 ounces fresh lemon juice and two packets of sucralose sweetener dissolved into 2 tablespoons of water. Shake. Pour into a tall glass filled with ice and top with diet cola. Squeeze lemon on top.
5. Sangria. Dissolve four packets of Splenda into 4 tablespoons of water. Pour into pitcher. Add slices of oranges, lemons, limes, peaches, plums or nectarines as well as grapes (for white wine sangria, red grapes; for red wine sangria, white). Add a bottle of red or white wine. Stir, then let sit. Before serving, top pitcher with a drizzle of club soda.

And now, because I've referenced pina coladas in this entry, I have the dang Rupert Holmes song running through my head. Of course. So because I love you all so much, I decided to share it with you...Don't hate. Appreciate!

That's all 300 calories will get me?!?

A friend directed me to this site and, well, I'm not sure if I find it enlightening or depressing. Unfortunately, it seems to be a combination of the two.

Anyway, the author of this entry decided to calculate the weight of various foods and beverages adding up to 300 calories and then photograph it for the visual impact: 300 calories, for example, will get you about two pounds of watermelon but only two ounces of milk chocolate. In some of the pictures, 300 calories looks surprisingly generous, like the heaping pile of cooked spaghetti and the deep bowl brimming with chocolate corn cereal. Others, however, made me a bit blue, such as the wee portion of almonds. The gouda cheese image particularly bummed me out - because as I mentioned in my last entry, I love me some cheese. And I've been known to eat that 300-calorie amount on a single, solitary cracker. Okay, okay...I exaggerate. But you get the idea! Thanks to today's super-sized meals and steadily growing plates, I think many of us have lost sight of what a portion should really look like. I read once that many restaurants will quadruple portion sizes, just so consumers feel they're getting their money's worth. And we wonder why there is an obesity epidemic in this country??
At least I can squeeze three glasses of red wine out of 300 calories. Sigh.

I assume it goes without saying that you have to pay attention to more than just a meal's calorie count? Don't forget to check out fat grams and carbs and dietary fiber, for example. But obviously, the less calories you consume, the less weight you'll carry.

To wrap up the week, and this particular entry, I'm attaching a few recipes hovering around the 300-calorie mark that I found on www.Splenda.com. Later skaters!

Thai Grilled Chicken with Chile Dipping Sauce

Dulce de Leche Sandwich Cookies

Homemade Risotto Topped with Caramelized Apricots

I hanker for a hunk a cheese

So I was recently told I had a bit of an addiction...to cheese. Well, DUH! I DID grow up in the Midwest, after all. And I DID attend school in Wisconsin, the proud home of many a cheesehead. Several of my friends here in the South have noticed my fondness for the dairy product and it's apparently become a source of entertainment to them. Pffftttt...
So what if my cheese drawer is always brimming with goods?! I don't remember y'all turning down the brie and crackers I offered a few weeks ago. And there were more than a few takers when I busted out the mozzarella, prosciutto, basil spread only recently. SO THERE! Leave me to my cheese - and lay off the jokes, would ya?
Anyway, today must be my lucky day because it's all about cheese. That's right, folks. It's National Cheese Day. So go home, bust out a tray of crackers and cheese - whether it be Camembert, Gouda, Cheddar or Gruyere - and enjoy.
By the way, here are a few recipes to check out. The final two are sucralose-sweetened and low in calories so you can still squeeze into that bathing suit in upcoming weeks.

Cheese Scones

Potato Gratin with Munster Cheese

Cream Cheese Stuffed Apple Bread

Marvelous Mocha Cheesecake

By the way, if you're hosting any parties in the near future, I just came across this little gem of a guide provided by the American Dairy Association. It helps you pair the appropriate wines and cheeses. Cool, huh? They also have a short cheese quiz to determine your best match. In case you care, the "cheese profiler" has determined that I'm attracted to excitement and tend to jump into endeavors head-first. My food preferences are apparently equally as adventurous and include ethnic dishes featuring bold, unique flavors. "You are apt to choose cheeses that dare to defy the limits, like spicy Jalapeno Jack, smoked Gouda or an intensely flavored Gorgonzola." Oookay...I'll give you the adventurous food thing.

Anyhoo, for more fun, here is the fabulous Cheese Shop skit from the Monty Python crew, followed by an old-school PSA about cheese. Happy eating!

Zoinks, Scooby!

Wow! I mean, I figured restaurants probably underestimated the calorie and fat counts on their "guilt-free" menus a bit. But I had no idea it was to this extent.

Have y'all heard about this new study?
Egads. Apparently reporters from a group of Scripps TV stations took a sampling of diet menu items from chain restaurants including Applebee's, Macaroni Grill, Chili's, Taco Bell and Cheesecake Factory. Lab technicians then tested a total of 23 items, finding that 78 percent had higher fat content than listed on the menu and almost 69 percent exceeded the calorie count listed.

For example, Macaroni Grill’s "Skinny Chicken" was listed at 500 calories. Test results, however, showed it was about 1,022 calories. And while the fat grams per serving are listed at six, technicians discovered it was actually 49 grams of fat. FORTY-NINE!!! Gulp.

Granted, not all of the cases were so severe, but it certainly is a wakeup call to calorie-counters out there, particularly those who rely on these menus for say, their daily food tracking points?

Anyhoo, to help ease the pain, I've dug up a few recipes - many utilizing sucralose - that are designed to replace those not-so-guilt-free restaurant meals. While not a perfect match, the lower calories should help put a smile back on your face.

1. Instead of the On the Border Mexican Grill chicken fajitas, which clock in at 654 calories and 26.5 grams of fat, check out Hungry Girl's
Fajitas Fantastico. They only have 320 calories and 8.5g of fat.

2. Ditch the 641 calorie, nearly 50g fat Pear & Endive Salad from Cheesecake Factory for this 7g fat, 130 calorie Orange-Almond Salad.

3. Macaroni Grill's Simple Salmon dish sports 555 calories and more than 35 grams of fat. Check out this 360 calorie Grilled Glazed Salmon, which also features 10 grams less fat.

Smile!

Asheville, here I come!

Well, not quite...but that will be the case around this time on Friday, when we hit the road for some Memorial Day fun! Don't get me wrong - I like Atlanta and all. But good grief, do I ever need to get away from this city for a few days!! I feel like it's been eons since I've had any type of vay-cay.
So I'll be heading up to North Carolina for a long weekend packed with music and camping. It's going to be a blast. But it's been almost three years since I spent the night sleeping under the stars so...what's a girl to pack?
Well, for starters, we've got a camping stove, tent, air mattress, sleeping bags, tarp and rain gear in case of bad weather (Mother Nature, please work with me this time!). I'm also bringing weather-appropriate, comfy clothes and shoes. Other things to think about? Towels, TP, anti-bacterial soap, First Aid kit, sunscreen and plenty of water. As for food, we're bringing lots of snacks, Ramen, veggies and dried fruit. And there will be beer, of course. Anyhoo, I've been asked to contribute at least two meals to the three-day menu, so I'm whipping up some awesome Splenda-sweetened oatmeal on-site and pre-making a sugar-free pie and spicy peanuts to bring along. How's this look?

Sweet and Spicy Snack Mix

Apple Pie Oatmeal

S'Mores Campfire Pie

Later Toby!

Any other fans of "The Office" out there? Well, if you dig the Dunder Mifflin crew as much as I do, than I'm sure you enjoyed last night's season finale. From the first minute, when it went old school with Jim and Pam pulling another genius prank on Dwight, it was truly guffaw-inducing...particularly any of the scenes involving Kevin and Holly, Toby's replacement.
By the end of the episode, we discovered a number of crazy things: Jan is preggers! Ryan is in jail! Andy and Angela are engaged?! Well, they might not be for long if the last scene is any indication of what's to come next season.
Either way, my hat's off to the entire writing crew.
Poor Toby, though. While his send-off party did include fireworks and live music, he never did win over Pam's heart OR get that yummy buttercream cake Angela was planning to purchase.
In honor of our favorite paper sales folks, I'll leave you with both a funny clip of Jim and Dwight (from a previous season) as well as two sucralose-sweetened buttercream recipes (one for a cake and one for a frosting) - just in case Toby happens to stumble across this blog!

Buttercream Cake

Low-Carb Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

Also, here are a couple of my favorite quotes from the last episode.

"The real crime, I think, was the beard."
"Oh, hello Mutter. Good news. I've married. Tell Vater."
"I am now his cruise director and my name is Captain Bruisin."