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18 Independent & Free Press,Thursday, December 2, 2010 What's Cookin': Tips to avoid over-indulgence at holiday parties this season Did you know that the average North American gains 11 pounds over the holiday season? And then most never lose it. Kind of depressing eh? Well, for this year anyways, I have vowed not to be one of the over-indulging victims. I'm sure there's been many a year when I've exceeded the national average but not this year. So, in that spirit, today's recipe is a simple-to-make tasty little dip that you can bring to a holiday party. It tastes pretty decadent, because it does have avocado (filled with good fats) and a bit of mayo, but assuming you aren't going to eat the whole bowl on your own, it's not a bad snack. If you want to cut the calories even lower, skip the mayo and substitute with a bit of chicken or vegetable stock. Try serving it with an assortment Lori Gysel & Gerry Kentner of fresh vegetables and some rice crackers or baked tortilla chips-- something light. A couple of other hints for not putting on the holiday pounds that have worked well for me... 1. At cocktail parties do not stand near the food. If I stand beside the buffet, I eat all night long, but if I have to stop talking and actually go seek out the food, I eat less. 2. Eat before you go. I know it sounds weird to eat before a big party, but if you go and you are starving, you'll eat anything and everything. But if you have a giant salad before you leave, you'll still be hungry enough to sample some of the goodies, but not so hungry that you lose control. 3. Stay away from the booze. We all know there are lots of empty calories in alcohol, but for me, it's not the alcohol calories that are the problem-- it's the loss of will power once I've had a few drinks. 4. If it's not a "10" don't eat it. Why waste calories on something that is not great-- save it up for something you really love! 5. Remind yourself that you or more to taste · 3 tbsp mayonnaise · 1 large handful of fresh basil · pinch sea salt will have the opportunity to eat food again-- mincemeat tarts will be available again, so no need to eat them all in one night! Have fun and keep cooking! Email questions and comments to whatscookin@independentfreepress.com cado, shallot, garlic, oil, lemon juice, mayonnaise and one-quarter cup reserved cooking liquid in a food processor. Season with the salt. Blend in more cooking liquid or a little more olive oil if too thick or chunky. Serve with tortilla chips, raw vegetables, rice crackers or pita chips. GEORGETOWN JUNIOR "A" Edamame Dip Ingredients · 14 oz bag frozen shelled edamame, unthawed · 1 ripe avocado · 1 shallot, peeled and cut in quarters · 1 clove garlic, peeled · 3 tsp olive oil (or more, if needed to create a smoother dip) · 2 tsp fresh lemon juice, Method Cook edamame in a large saucepan of boiling salted water until tender, approximately 4 minutes. Drain, reserving an half cup cooking liquid. Place cooked edamame, avo- GEORGETOWN JR. A GEORGETOWN TOYOTA RAIDERS vs MILTON ICEHAWKS Saturday, December 4, 2010 7:30 pm Mold-Masters SportsPlex (Alcott Arena) www.georgetownraidersjra.com GAME OF THE WEEK Beautiful Christmas Specials Until December 11th 2010 UP TO Laser Hair Removal Full Face Package of 5 $400. $ Bikini Package of 5 420. Silkpeel Full Face Package of 4 $300. Endymed 3Deep Skin/Body Tyte $ Face Package of 4 350. $ Neck Package of 4 300. 60 % OFF REG . PRICES 200-1225 MAPLE AVENUE,MILTON 905.693.6400 (BEST BUY & BRICK PLAZA) www.mmc1.ca