It’s hard to believe it’s almost time for Labor Day already! Growing up, we always did two things: watched the Jerry Lewis Telethon and feasted. The telethon is a sad shell of its former glory, but good food still abounds. I’m hoping for a low-key holiday, with nice weather that’s not too hot or humid!

As usual, I will be planning my menu around the store sales. The best ones seem to be at Hannaford. I’m not sure about Shaw’s, since their Labor Day ad isn’t out yet. (Their ads start on Friday for the upcoming week, while every other store in my area starts on Sunday.)

Here are the best Hannaford sale items:

* Ground beef, $2.29/Lb  (That’s the cheapest I’ve seen it in ages!)

* Corn, 5/$1.00. (Other than Memorial Day, this is the cheapest price and will probably be the last fresh corn for the season.)

* Whole watermelon, $3.99. (Have I mentioned how addicted I am to watermelon? Yum!)

* Boneless, skinless chicken, $1.99/Lb. (Good sale price, but not extraordinary.)

* Coke product 12-packs, $2.00. (Same price as Memorial Day and I will be stocking up on Diet Coke, big time!)

My Labor Day Menu:

*  Hamburgers

*  Green salad

*  Corn on the cob

*  Slices of watermelon

*  Buffalo chicken strips

*  Potato salad (No special sales, we just want it!)

All of these tasty treats will be paired with tons of soda and for dessert, some awesome Klondike bars (very big sale, which I will feature in Super Savings Saturday).

What do you eat on Labor Day?

In an effort to use up a bunch of cheap berries, I embarked on a jam making adventure! I’ve eaten plenty of jam and jelly in my life, but I’ve never actually made any.

To simplify things, I used a no-cook recipe for “freezer” jam (the whole boiling/sterilizing the jar part seemed like drudgery.) An easy one is found on the back of Ball’s instant pectin packet.

To make this jam, you will need:

•   1 2/3 cup fresh fruit  (I used raspberries, but you can substitute if needed).
• 1 packet of instant pectin
• 2/3 cup sugar  (Splenda can be substituted for low-sugar jam)
• 2 half pint jars

Finely crush the fruit and set aside. In a large bowl, mix the sugar and the pectin.

Add the crushed fruit to the sugar/pectin mixture and stir for 3 minutes. Spoon into the jars. Let stand for 30 minutes and dig in.

The process was easier than I expected and the taste was delicious! I would give it 5 stars for ease, but not price. I paid $0.97 for the pectin, $4.29 for 4 jars, and $1.98 for the fruit. (I had sugar on hand, but that would be an additional expense.)

Jam will keep 3 weeks in the fridge or up to a year in the freezer. I don’t think it will spoil since the jars are so small. I loved this jam on English muffins served with eggs for an awesome breakfast. 

On an unrelated, side note, any time I see pectin it makes me think of the Anne Frank case, because Anne’s father owned a pectin company. Anne’s story, and the book and movie developed from her writing, was very moving for me as a youngster. I so wish Anne could be here today, enjoying life as she should! She was a beautiful soul, taken way before her time.

Isn’t it funny how something as simple as jam can spark a reminder of the Holocaust? I guess this Jewish Lady sees things from a Judaic perspective.

You know the old saying, “Beauty comes from the inside out?” It’s so true! One of the easiest—and healthiest—ways to look better is by eating beauty-enhancing foods. Cosmetics and skin care routines are vitally important, too, but nothing can replace a well-balanced diet.

Try incorporating these foods into your diet for a boost:

1. Salmon

Loaded with Omega 3 fatty acids, this can improve the look and feel of skin—especially if yours is dry. Even with mercury concerns, salmon can be eaten safely 1-2 times weekly.

2. Lemons

Freshly squeezed lemon juice promotes Vitamin C production. Combine lemon juice with hot or cold water for a soothing drink, or add into a homemade salad dressing.

3. Blueberries

Loaded with antioxidants, these little gems promote overall health by neutralizing free radicals. I love these in Purple Perfection Smoothies for breakfast!

4. Olive Oil

Essential fatty acids in olive oils hydrate and can reduce inflammation. Oils are high in calories, however, so use judiciously.

5. Cinnamon

This can help to stabilize blood sugar and is especially important for  diabetics and those with pre-diabetes. Try sprinkling over apple slices or mixed into oatmeal.

6. Nuts

Another great source of essential fatty acids and Vitamin E. Nuts help with satiety, so a little goes a long way. I love to eat nuts as a snack or mixed into chicken salad. My favorites are almonds and pecans.

7. Kale

This is a super food! Low in calories and high in fiber and vitamins, kale is great eating. Many people don’t like the taste, but I find it’s most palatable when just slightly wilted. Overcooking is what makes it bitter.

8. Artichokes

Full of antioxidants and fiber, these tasty little gems can also help with indigestion. Did you know a single artichoke contains 15% of daily Vitamin C? I love to add artichoke hearts into pasta dishes.

9. Kefir

Kefir is a creamy, tart drink similar to yogurt that’s a great source of probiotics. The distinctive flavor is not universally-appealing, but if you enjoy it, by all means drink it up.

10. Green Tea

A delicious drink that’s low in calories and high in polyphenols. It may also aid in weight loss. I love to brew my own iced green tea. Very refreshing on a hot day! Don’t buy bottles of the pre-made sugary variety.

11. Turmeric

A relatively unknown spice in most American kitchens, turmeric increases circulation and helps red blood cells to keep from clumping. Turmeric can be found in Moroccan and Indian cooking.

12. Sweet potatoes

High in beta carotene, which is essential for Vitamin A production. I loved sweet potatoes almost every way—whipped, roasted, baked. Combine with cinnamon and nuts for a triple slam!

13. Eggs

A great, cheap source of protein, eggs are also loaded with iron, zinc, selenium, and sulfur—all of which help to create glowing skin and hair.

14. Flax Seed

Another great source of  Omega 3, flax seed can be added to baked goods, soups, meatballs, hummus, or pureed drinks. Flax seed may lessen the pain of TMJ and it can help infertility issues. I buy the ground variety. Store in a cool, dry place.

In addition to these wonderful foods, don’t forget about drinking water! Dehydration is a huge enemy to beauty. Yes, all foods have water in them, but it’s not enough to be fully hydrated.

Have you ever tried fruit-based salsa? I always thought salsa had to be tomato-based (anything else just seemed weird). For a long while, I was hesitant to try it. I don’t know why I waited so long, because it’s definitely delicious. Since I had 2 ripe pineapples that needed to be used up anyway, this recipe for homemade Pineapple Salsa worked perfectly!

To make Pineapple Salsa, you will need:

*  2 Cups pineapple, diced

*  1 red onion, finely diced

*  1 red pepper, finely diced

*  1 jalapeno, finely diced  (Can use 2, but it’s very spicy)

*  1 TSP of garlic

*  Juice of 2 limes

*  Salt/pepper  (be generous)

*  3 TSP chopped cilantro  (optional)

Combine all of the ingredients in a mixing bowl. Allow the flavors to marinate for at least an hour. Pineapple salsa is best served at room temperature. I love to spoon it over pita or tortilla chips. If you want to be adventurous, try the blue corn variety.

Salsa doesn’t have to be strictly a snack food. Try incorporating it into any of these dishes:

*  Burger topper

*  Mixed with rice

*  Layered on a sandwich

*  Used like a chutney with meat

*  Tacos

*  Stuffed eggplant, peppers, or zucchini

*  Bruschetta

*  Gazpacho

*  Meatloaf  (beef or turkey)

*  Chicken salad

If you don’t have any pineapple, feel free to substitute mango, peaches, or nectarines. I’ve only made the pineapple kind, but the other fruits are on my list for future cooking projects.