Zagarella Italian Restaurant

When trying to stay trim this Holiday season you might want to start by thinking about the menu. A good menu planner will start with the main course and work out from there. Traditionally pot roast makes for an inexpensive meant however if you are trying to keep calories and fat in check this might not be the best choice of meat; even trimmed a 3-ounce serving could rack up to 280 calories and 20 grams of fat, and that's not adding on gravy. If you want to keep the main course light try Herb Roasted Turkey (see recipe below)

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas- powdered sugar cookies, rich chocolate cake, lobster Newberg, prime rib, endless shrimp, eggnog, hot buttered rum...yummy. It's probably no surprise to you as to why this might be my wish every year, yes it's true I do indulge in these rich, high in fat oh so popular indulgences.

If beef is your thing, such as I love a good prime rib, unfortunately prime rib comes from the fattest part of the cow. One slice of this tender meat can add 45 grams, 750 calories, and 450 milligrams of cholesterol to your diet in one meal. If you are still craving beef try beef tenderloin which has only 3 grams of fat and 43 calories per small serving. (see recipe below)

* 2 teaspoons dried thyme * 6 garlic cloves, minced * 1 1/4 teaspoons salt, divided * 3/4 teaspoon black pepper * 1 (2 1/2 pound) center-cut beef tenderloin, trimmed * Cooking spray * 4 teaspoons butter * 12 ounces sliced cremini mushrooms * 1 cup less-sodium beef broth * 1/2 cup port or other sweet red wine * 2 teaspoons cornstarch * 2 tablespoons water

If you are a chocolate fan as I know I am you will love Chocolate Decadence- the name alone should send you running, not to exercise but for more! This scrumptious dessert believe it or not has only 310 calories which makes it perfect for that chocolate craving with out the guilt. (see recipe below)

If you are no Betty Crocker than take out or visiting a local dinning establishment is ok just remember to include your guest in the planning of this kind- of event. Having someone cater may also be an alternative route for one of your fancier meals if you just don't want to take on the work load of cooking for all your guests, just remember your budget because your guests will expect you to foot the bill for this.

Your recipes have been decided, the menu is planned, now look over your list again and ask yourself if you can really make these dishes, have you made these in the past, did they turn out well? You never want to try a new dish on your guests and getting too fancy will cause you a big headache in the end because you will end up spending all your time cooking and not enjoying the company of your guests.

* 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice * 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil * 1/4 teaspoon sea salt * 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper * 2 cups cooked lobster meat, coarsely chopped (3/4 pound) * 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved * 1/4 cup chopped shallots * 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives * 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

Finish the week before guests arrive with a good house cleaning then make a day just for you. Get your nails done, have you hair colored, get that much needed and deserved massage- If you don't take care of yourself you can't take care of your guests.