After sounding off on the beer choice (Bud Light) a guest drank, I was asked "what beer do you drink Keith?"  Bass or any dark brew, I answered. A past time for me is to go to the beer section of my Whole Food  Market and yearn to taste some of the "cute" named beers. Back in my 20's, when I first became familiar with the pleasures of beer, the selection was few.  Today,  one can pick from  over 100 labels. From that dismal period, the USA is now the most vibrant beer culture in the world according to The WSJ. We now make countries like England, Germany and Belgium re-examine their own traditions and to invent new lines. The new book, "Oxford Companion to Beer" is a new and wonderful resource for paring foods with beer. Ah! This Samuel Adams is mellow, with an acidic wheat taste and a hint of fruit.

Healthy Cookin' Down Home

The National Cancer Institute asks you to broil, steam, roast or braise instead of frying and cooking in fatty sauces.
Try this recipe of the week:
Baked Pork Chops
6 lean pork chops, 1/2 inch thick
1 egg white
1 c evaporate skim milk
1 c cornflake crumbs
2 T Spicy seasoning*.
1/2 tsp salt
Nonstick spray coating

Oven 375*
Beat egg white with milk. Place chops in a zip lock bag with milk mixture. let stand 5- 10 minutes.
Mix together cornflake crumbs, and salt seasoning. Remove chops from bag and coat with milk mixture.
Spray 13 x 9 baking dish. Place chops in pan; bake in 375* oven for 20 minutes. Turn chops , bake 10 minutes more or until no pink remains.

*Seasoning:

Mix together;
1/4 c paprika
2 T dried oregano
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp dry mustard

Where have I been?

Every where but up! I can't blame it on the new social media wave or work, it was "I."
So what goes on in the food pecking order?
For one thing, think small, especially with deserts.
I am hearing a buzz about fusion foods.
Combining unrelated cuisines that challenge the appetite.
Mexican with Chinese, Asian with Caribbean bring lots of possibilities.
Chickens in the back yard and rooftop gardens tell us we can't make excuses.
At Lakemont"s Wellness Club this month, they served ice pops in a variety of flavors.
A visit to a gadget store I saw a DIY soda maker, makes you in control.
And how about The White House getting school children to eat right.
I"ll call it Choices...sounds like the name of my next joint!