Author Archives: The Jewish Lady

Simple Garnish Ideas for Food

It’s been said that we eat not just with our mouths, but also with our eyes. For me, that’s definitely true! I find that even the most simple meal can be improved with a garnish. The obvious strategy is to place a few parsley sprigs on the plate (attractively arranged, with the main dish in the middle), but there are so many other foods that works just as well and don’t take a lot of time or effort.

Unless it’s a special meal like a birthday or a holiday, I don’t want to pick up an expensive or obscure item that may spoil, so all of these suggestions use common ingredients.

Desserts: Ice cream, cakes (especially cheesecakes), and pies can be jazzed up with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, sliced berries and/or chopped nuts.

Mexican Food: Garnish with fresh cilantro, lime zest, or chopped green onions.

Garlic bread: Add chopped parsley (dried or fresh) or chives to the butter before baking.

Homemade Pizza: Sprinkle dried basil or Italian seasoning on top of homemade pizza before baking. After baking, sprinkle with crushed red pepper.

Salads: Finely shred some carrot or cheese to garnish a green salad. Black olives add a nice contrast. Fresh herbs are also gorgeous. I find that using a red onion rather than white or yellow makes for a more attractive presentation.

Coffee/Tea: Sprinkle with cinnamon.

Water: Mix berries, thinly sliced cucumber, or any type of citrus slices into plain water for refreshing drink.

Chicken Dishes: Sprinkle with parsley flakes, freshly chopped chives, freshly cracked pepper, or kosher salt.

Breads: Brush beaten egg over bread tops and sprinkle with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, sliced almonds, rolled oats, or wheat bran before baking.

Breakfast foods: Sprinkle waffles, French toast, lattes and even oatmeal with a pinch of powdered sugar.

Dairy meals: Butter and chocolate can be poured into decorative molds that make pretty shapes.

Serving tray: Line with heart greens like kale or fresh herbs like rosemary and sage.

Cheese Plates: Try adding red grapes or whole nuts.

For the truly creative, you can make flowers and animals out of fresh produce or use the rind to make a serving dish (think hollowed out watermelon or pineapple). My knife skills are not up to par, but I once attended a vegetable carving class on a cruise ship and it was incredible! Very special if you have the extra time/ability.

Dealing with Aggressive Panhandlers

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While shopping at CVS this morning, I had an unusual experience. It was still early and the parking lot was nearly deserted, expect for a strange couple. The man was riding a bicycle aimlessly while his female companion sat by the entrance on a crate. Neither said a word to me when I went in, but as I left, they became aggressive and demanded money. At first, I was confused and thought it might be a charity collection because I live in a safe, suburban area where things like this just don’t happen. Not wanting to be rude, I asked who they represented.

Big mistake! “We need help,” the man claimed, with the woman echoing, “Do you have cash? There’s an ATM here,” adding, “C’mon, you can afford it,” when I shook my head no. I then realized that not only were they panhandling, they were obviously professionals.

Two bags were in my hand that contained some snacks. Now, I know when I’m being hustled and I didn’t want to engage them, but it was so uncomfortable and unexpected, I offered them something anyway.

Would you believe that they refused and started haranguing me: “Don’t be so cheap. It’s just $20 dollars!” Again I refused and then they swore at me. Disgusted, I made a beeline for my car and bicycle man starts riding in circles, blocking me in!

Beeping the horn did nothing to scare him away, but it did create a commotion that alerted the store manager. Since I’ve been shopping there consistently since 2008, we know each other and he was more than willing to intervene by calling the police.

Throughout this ordeal, I didn’t really feel scared, but I did feel almost embarrassed, even though I’d done nothing wrong. In the end, the couple was escorted away and given strict orders to never return. No harm came to anyone, thankfully, but it was unnerving just the same.

As someone who likes to give people the benefit of the doubt and help those who are truly in need, I find their behavior sickening. Not only are they trying to scam innocent folks, they’re abusing those who don’t comply with their games.

It really makes you wonder what society is coming to…

Super Savings Saturday – 1/9/16

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Welcome to another edition of Super Savings Saturday!

This week was pretty quiet, just a few random food deals and some much needed toilet paper.

Shaw’s:

3 Frosted Mini Wheats cereals, on sale 3/$5.00. I used 3 $0.50 manufacturer’s coupons (doubled). Total: $0.67 each plus a $1.00 Checkout 51 rebate!

1 pack boneless chicken thighs and 1 pack drumsticks, BOGO plus 2 $2.00 mark down coupons. I was charged for the more expensive thighs which were $4.69, got the $2.87 drumsticks free and both coupons were deducted. Total: $0.69 for both!

1 banana, regular price $0.49/lb. Total: $0.23, plus a $0.25 Checkout 51 rebate so a moneymaker! (No pic because I ate it in the car before I even returned home. Way too tired/hungry/grumpy!)

CVS:

Scott Extra Soft toilet paper, on sale $6.99. I used a $0.75 manufacturer’s coupon. Total: $6.24. (Not the greatest deal, but we really needed it, and I had 5 ECB’s to use. Out of pocket cost was only $1.24.)

Rite Aid:

I was hoping to pick up 4 bottles of Nexxus shampoo, free after points. I shopped way too late in the week and the shelves were empty. Looks like the early bird caught the worm and I left empty handed!

Did you find any freebies? Share/link in the comments.