Streamline Your Soul-Food RecipesGrowing up in Tennessee I have the opportunity to watch my grandmother prepare soul food meals. She used lard and butter for frying since they were plentiful and frying was preferable in the region's hot climate. This method of cooking didn't take as long as baking and didn't seem to heat up the house as much. Frying is still popular today, however, today there are healthier alternatives. Many believe that if its not fried, its not soul food. But contrary to that myth, fried foods does not define soul-food. Frying was only one method used by African American slaves to prepare their food. They also boiled, grilled, roasted, and baked their meals. When I think about soul food , I just don't just think about fried chicken, collard green, or sweet potato pie. Soul-food is not just about the food, its about the stories behind the food.
It’s about African American slaves during their struggles through hard and difficult times. It’s about nourishing families with meals they had no idea where they were coming from. And its about creating fond memories with family and friends that will last a lifetime. This is really what soul-food is all about. One of the biggest challenges preparing soul-food dishes is that people fear consuming too much fat and calories. But, the truth is -- you can consume too much fat and calories with whatever foods you’re eating. There are numerous ethnic foods from other cultures that are non-fried, yet high calories dishes. But when you add baked chicken, fresh fruit, and vegetables, you have a well-balanced meal. Again, it’s how you prepare your food. A friend of mine from Wisconsin own a bakery on the south side of town. With all the crave about low-fat cooking, she feared that people would stop patronizing her business. I suggested that in addition to her specialty items that she carried why not add reduced-fat versions of her customer's favorites. She could easily do this since she did most of the baking herself. After she advertised her reduced-fat bakery line, her business increased by 50% within a short period of time.
To be perfectly honest, you can take a simple low-calorie lettuce salad and turn it unhealthy just by adding loads of cheese, bacon bits, ham, and high-calorie salad dressing. So, it’s just a matter of how you prepare the foods you love.
Oven Fried Chicken, for example, is very tasty and a healthy choice from the traditional pan frying. And its low-fat. When you learn to prepare your foods differently, you will reap the health benefits. To control your weight, my best advice is to eat less fat, sugar, and consume less salt, calories with whatever food you're eating. We have reduced-fat and low-fat recipes for you to try that are both healthy and delicious. These quick and easy dishes will give you a head start on preparing great low-fat and reduced-fat meals for your family. You'll be amazed how delicious these recipes are and you're discover that with just a few ingredients low-fat cooking is a real winner. For more delicious low-fat soul-food recipes, visit our low-fat section.
End of Streamline Soul-Food - Click here for Low-fat Guide
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