“Celebrate the happiness that friends are always giving, make every day a holiday and celebrate just living!” - Amanda Bradley
It would be a blessing if every day we were giving unselfishly and it was a holiday. A holiday without the shopping, the crowds, the bustling and endless commitments.
Every day should be a holiday for you. Make every day a new day. A day of happiness, health, serenity and peace. I am so looking forward to the warm blanket in from of the fireplace in Virginia. I just want to relax, watch an old movie or two and of course do some needle work. It is a gift of just living ! How grateful are you ? It is always gratitude not attitude especially at this time of the year The Internet has saved me from entering some of the stores this year. Actually to be honest, I am growing rather fond of my Internet shopping every year at this time. For the last ten years I do less and less shopping and more and more hand-made gifts. I find it gratifying. I hope the person receiving it does also. It is never about what you give, but it is how you give. It should come from your heart and soul.
So before the cheese dishes and before the main entree you might put a bowl of nuts before your guests. Which types of nuts do you use ? Do you think it makes a difference? Well, there should be no peanuts. Nuts are an excellent source of B complex vitamins and Vitamin E. Although Vitamin E can be controversial, it is a very potent anti oxidant. Nuts are also a useful source of protein, but can be high is calories. This means you cannot eat a bagful or handful(s) in one sitting.
Here are some nut facts:
1. Brazil nuts - high in saturated fat, but low in cholesterol. Rich source of selenium
2. Chestnuts - usually seen at this time of the year- Holidays; very little fat but high in potassium.
3. Pecan nuts - high in fat; I prefer you do not eat a lot
4. Walnuts - great source of omega 3 fatty acids ( better than almonds) They are also useful for inflammation especially of the joints. Walnuts are rich in potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc , copper and selenium
In my childhood after the main dinner came the nut and fruit platters. The nut crackers were put on the table. Then the espresso pot went on the stove and the pastries. It was a wonderful time of my life when 30 people gathered around the table.
NEVER eat a rancid nut as they are linked to formation of free radicals.
Until tomorrow...
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