Christmas Ham

Ham is the pig's hind leg, and it is usually cured and smoked in various ways. The curing process can give the ham either a sweet or sharp, salty flavor.

What to look for when buying ham:

• Smoked ham has a dark, firm, but elastic golden brown rind and dark red flesh.



• Stale ham can be recognized by its brown, dry appearance and unpleasant smell.



• Freshly cooked ham should look moist and fresh with white fat and pale pink flesh.



• Ham on the bone is expensive but has better flavor than boned ham.

I Won! I Won!

I'm so happy! I just won in a blog contest. This is my first time to participate in a contest as I am very new to blogging.

I now have a SnowMan themed lay-out. Thanks to Sheila of Designs by Sheila. She really makes cute lay-outs. Visit her blog to check out some of her lay-outs.

Party Tips

The month of December is surely a month of parties. It sure is fun but a lot will be having a problem keeping the weight. :) Though it's not a sin to gain a pound or two during the Holidays, but some might be interested in some tips that could help you maintain your weight:

1. Don't arrive hungry; eat something before you go.
2. Pass up peanuts, pretzels, chips and other everyday snacks. Spend your calories on the special treats you really want.
3. Wear a form-fitting outfit, with a belt if possible.
4. Make socializing, rather that food, the focus of the event.
5. Keep your portions in check -- to keep calories under control.
6. Plan how much alcohol you'll drink.
7. Don't stand near the buffet table. In fact, keep your back to it, so you won't even see it!

What other tips can you add on the list?
I would want to know. ;)

Hair That Shines

How to:

• Work a teaspoon of avocado oil through dry ends. Leave on for 30 minutes; then wash out.
• Massage shampoo into scalp (where oil accumulates).
• Rinse well. Shampoo residue dulls hair.

Tea Tip

Healthwise, it makes no difference if you sip tea steaming hot or chilled. But pass on bottled teas. A study shows they lack major antioxidant found in tea, plus they may be loaded with sugar.

To get maximum health benefits when you brew your own iced tea: Pour two cups of boiling water over four tea bags. Allow the tea to steep for five minutes, then press down on the bags. Remove bags, add cold water and ice cubes.

How To Cook The Perfect Steak

Before you grill:

• Bring out the food from the refrigerator at least an hour before grilling to ensure even heat penetration and quicker cooking.
• Preheat the grill on high heat for at least 15 minutes. Add food items to the grill one at a time.

Once you start:

Once your food touches the grill, leave it there. Trying to reposition it will just damage the item. Don't press down on foods being cooked or you will lose the juices and fat. Without the juices, the result is a dry and tasteless product. Pressing out the fat will cause flare-ups and product carcinogens compounds that are harmful.

Simple rules in grilling:

• Turn over the food item only once.
• Don't press down to avoid flare-ups and the leaking out of juices during the cooking process.