Holidays and First Day of Winter

No white Christmas for us here in East Tennessee. Late last week they were forecasting snow but now just rain. Bummer. My parents are driving up late Christmas Eve with my brother. We plan to go to Ober Gatlinburg so at least we will be able to SEE some snow! I've got a lot to do this week. From last minute Christmas shopping to grocery shopping, cooking, and cleaning. Our cat should have kittens any day now...Unfortunately. She only got out twice. Little whore. Haha. We've been meaning to get her spayed for some time but it seems like everytime we save up the money, something major happens such as Mulligan the Dachshund getting sick and having to go to the vet (400 vet bill) or going to get tires rotated and them telling you that you need new tires (400 more) etc etc....That's life though right...

Sigh*

Watching the early show on CBS. They are talking about easy switches to cut calories on your holiday baking. I figured I'd share since they are some easy ideas!

Pie - cut 700 calories by using half the sugar. You don't change the chemistry of the pie and you can really taste the fruit.

Puddings / Pie Fillings - instead of heavy cream use 2% milk, still get creaminess
Cut 744 calories and a lot of fat

Cookies - change flour to whole wheat flour, can do half and half....more about nutrition than calories

Cheesecake - use part skim ricotta cheese instead of cream cheese. Save 60 GRAMS OF FAT. Double the protein.

Brownies - use pumpkin puree instead of oil. Save 900 calories and 100 grams of fat. Makes MORE moist. Supposedly REALLY good.

Chocolate Cake - use 3 tbs cocoa powder instead of chocolate, save 80 calories instantly!

Happy Holidays!!!!