Author Archives: Catherine Ipcizade

Chewy and Crispy Chocolate Cookies

Most chocolate cookies are white with big chocolate chunks. This cookie is uniquely delicious because the cookie itself is chocolate, while the chunks spread throughout are white. Delicious by themselves, this cookie is big and can also easily be paired with vanilla ice cream and made into an ice cream sandwich. No matter how you choose to prepare and serve these cookies, they are certain to be gone in a flash. If you’re looking for a Valentine’s treat to serve your kids, this just might be the perfect cookie. For this recipe you’ll need: ½ pound unsalted butter, at room … Continue reading →

Baba Ghanoush

Baba Ghanoush is a Middle Eastern dish that has become increasingly popular in America. Made with eggplant, the dish is pureed and typically served with pita bread. I’ve come across many recipes for Baba Ghanoush over the years. My mother-in-law’s recipe, for example, doesn’t include Tahini. It’s a simpler version with eggplant, olive oil, and lemon. Personally, I prefer the addition of Tahini. If you’re not familiar with it, Tahini is a paste made from ground sesame seeds. The texture and flavor are very similar to natural peanut butter. In fact, in recipes such as Hummus, natural peanut butter can … Continue reading →

The Ghost Robbers—What Should You Do About Childhood Fears?

“There’s a monster in my closet!” Most parents have heard this statement. In fact, most parents have said this statement at one time or another themselves. The fact is, childhood fears existed when you were a kid and they still exist now. Last night, my son was very upset because a toy of his had “mysteriously” disappeared. Forget the fact that he obviously misplaced it; this event sent his imagination into overdrive. A few hours later, when he was getting ready for bed, I walked past his bedroom in time to see him running out of the room at warp … Continue reading →

Diary of an Overweight Mom: It’s a Bumpy Ride, But Somebody’s Gotta Take It!

Weight loss isn’t easy. It’s not fun. It’s not instant—well, not the kind that sticks anyhow. I’ve been reading the blogs lately about weight loss journeys, and I must say I’ve found a common theme: The Roller Coaster Theme. Weight is up. Weight is down. Weight is back up again. This happens for millions of people every year. For some people, this roller coaster of the pounds lasts a lifetime. Unfortunately, it is this exact up and down then up again that leads to more heart attacks and strokes than most people know about. Did you know it’s healthier to … Continue reading →

Betcha Never Thought of This—A Sandwich You’ve Got to Try

If you’ve been reading my food blog for a while, you likely know I love sandwiches. In fact, I can easily say there aren’t many sandwiches I don’t like. They make a delicious meal any time of the day. They can be dressed up to feed a party or dressed down to fit into a hectic weekday. Anyway you make them, sandwiches are a delicious choice for breakfast, lunch or dinner. You can imagine my delight when I came across this recipe. It takes the chewiness of a traditional Greek Gyro sandwich and pairs it with classic American-Mediterranean ingredients for … Continue reading →

Xenical Over the Counter? The FDA Just Said Yes

This is breaking news for diet-conscious individuals around the country. The FDA has just approved Orlistat, currently sold under the name Xenical, to be sold over the counter. Xenical is a fat-blocker. Essentially, what is does is to reduce the amount of fat absorption in your body. Approximately ¼ of the fat you consume (which equates to 100-250 calories) is absorbed by the drug, aiding in weight loss. The fat is expelled in loose stools. In order for this to happen, users take the recommended dosage with meals. People taking Xenical are advised to follow a low-fat eating plan and … Continue reading →

A Success Story–Are YOU Next?

Today on the Rachael Ray Show, they featured a woman, (Renee Rheney) who wanted to lose weight, but just didn’t know how to go about it (sound familiar?). Renee was paired with another viewer (Jennifer Tuma) who had lost an amazing amount of weight, and today they brought both women back for an update. After two months, Renee has lost more than 25 pounds. So how did she do it? She started with a game plan. She first had to understand why diets don’t work. Then she figured out what to eat (and not to eat), started a food journal … Continue reading →

Hugs and Kisses Cookies—Just in Time for Valentine’s Day!

Love is in the air in February. Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and you know what that means—sweets! Want to surprise a special someone this Valentine’s Day? How about brightening up a neighbor or co-workers day? Here’s an extra special treat that’s sure to melt any heart, young or old. And if you have young kids, these make a great treat to bring to school. Kids of any age will love helping to mix the dough, cut out the cookie shapes, and decorate the finished cookies. You can glam up these cookies any way you’d like, but I … Continue reading →

Flour is Flour—Right? WRONG. What You Need To Know Before You Bake Your Next Cake

Have you ever wandered into the baking aisle at the grocery store and stared at the flour, not knowing what to get? I used to, before I learned that there is a difference between flours. When it comes to flour, it’s all about the grain and the processing method. Rather than bore you with all the scientific details, I thought I’d give you a general breakdown of the types of flour available on the market today. By the time you’re finished with this article, you will be able to walk down the baking aisle with confidence, knowing you are now … Continue reading →

Who Invented The Burger? The Debate Rages On

You may have heard the popular statement, “American as apple pie,” but I think the statement would be just as popular, “American as a burger.” Americans have long enjoyed burgers. With bun, without the bun, with cheese, without cheese, with or without mayo, mustard, pickles, lettuce, tomato, and just about anything else you can think of. There are burgers for spicy-food lovers. There are burgers for barbecue lovers. There are even burgers for pineapple lovers. Regardless of what type of burger you like, chances are someone in your state makes it. So who invented the first burger in the United … Continue reading →