Wednesday, August 20, 2014

So how long is something good?



How long is something good... What a question. It can be used for many things actually. Relationships, work, food, music.. it is endless what you can apply this question to. In life, we often hear "too good to be true" or "its so good it wont last long" and unfortunately this may be true. But what if we could just try to put a little extra effort into making good things last. Hmm, what a concept. I have said before that we are so busy trying to get through the day that we forget to enjoy the moment of something good.

How about if we just opened our eyes and right at that moment that we are either doing something good or experiencing something good and stop mentally pause and embrace the moment- build a memory-smile and take it all in. There is a multitude of experiences waiting to be remembered.. for example- every time I smell a good cologne or perfume I close my eyes and just saber those few seconds. Also, when I am in the car and all of the sudden that one song comes on- the volume goes up and I sing and dance and just forget the world. If only... if only we all did that on a daily basis. What a challenge.

Just like with make-up...food has a shelf life also. I want to share with you some of the usual things you may be keeping in your pantry for longer than you thought. If you cannot remember how it has been sitting there...maybe you need to toss it out.



Baking powder/soda: 1 yr
Cake, frosting and cookie mixes: 1 yr
Canned meats, veggies, fruits, soups, milks and gravies: 1 yr unopened
Cereal: 6 months
Chocolate chips for baking: 1 yr
Coffee: 1 yr (refrigerate after opening)
Flour: 1 Yr
Herbs and spices (ground): 1 yr, keep in a cool place (not by the stove), refrigerate the red ones like paprika
Honey, molasses and syrups: 1 yr
Oils: 3 months
Pasta: 1 Yr
Peanut butter: 6 months
Rice: 2 yrs
Sugar: 2 yrs
Vinegars: 1 yr

OK..NOW we eat!
                                                   

Couscous Salad

What you need:
1 1/2 C Water
2 tsp Evoo
1 C uncooked couscous
4 Oz Feta cheese, crumbled
1/2 C Kalamata olives
1 C Cherry tomatoes
1/2 Cucumber, chopped
Parsley
Salt & Pepper- to taste

How to make:
Boil water and evoo. Stir in couscous and remove from heat. Cover and let it stand for 3 minutes. Fluff. Add all the ingredients and toss.

Dressing:
2 Tbsp evoo
2 Tbsp Lemon juice
1/4 Tsp salt
Pepper

Whisk all ingredients and add to couscous.

~Enjoy!