I am sure some of you must have seen the commercials for the Ziplock product.

We cut some zucchini, steamed it per directions.

I sprayed it with Can't Believe It's Not Butter then sprinkled with parmesan cheese.

veggies came out perfect, not overcooked. Tasted great.

They are STILL in my cabinet. Tried it, liked it.

But I'm a die hard, stainless steel person. I spray PAM. I dice up some veggies, spray on a product like Olivio, add some garlic, cook it and there you go.

But I have used those steam bags. Veggies came out perfectly.

Guess what arrived today from EBAY??

Our new Poplite, Air Pop Corn Maker.

Alan went to town. He eats popcorn every night. I sprayed some Olivio on it and it smelled just like the popcorn at the movies.

Take care and keep eating them veggies!!!! lol

I thought of you when it came to those ziploc bags!!!

I have only tried the Salmon and it came out perfect, loved the honey sauce and now, the zucchini.

popcorn, that makes me hungry.

lol..melody..i still have my air popper from the 80's. Presto PopCorn Now. fast and even the kids can use it.

i also have a commercial popcorn machine just like from the movies. it's HUGE. but man...the popcorn is to die for. my hips are thankful i don't have room for it right now.

cyn, i love those bags.

You know, I was under the impression that Popcorn (for non-diabetics), was a non-fattening snack!!!

I mean, if it's plain, and you just spray on Olivio, what is the harm.

No trans fat, no cholesterol, no sodium.

I can't see where it's fattening. (I mean if you eat ten bowls, then yeah).

Oh, about he Salmon.

Did you ziplock and steam the salmon?? Man, I gotta try that.

How many minutes??

I sure do miss Lara and have been thinking of her sooo much cos this delish frangipani pie has become an all time fave at our home....if you like pineapple and coconut you are going to LOVE this!!

btw 180degC is about 360 def F and I leave it in for 20min to get that yummy crispness to the meringue topping

I am still in my Zip 'N Steam mode. This time, broccoli. Amazing results.

I was making a broccoli and chicken casserole.

Steamed broccoli really stinks up the house for hours. not this time.

I am thinking that I should just be able to put the broccoli in a microwave bowl and get the same thing.

I was never a micro person. I may just be a convert.

I have a microwave pot with a lid that vents. When I'm in the mood to cook, I just add a bit of water, throw in some broccoli florets, some shredded carrots, some shredded zucchini, (and whatever else strikes my fancy). Add a splash of extra virgin olive oil, and some fresh garlic. And if you want a zip, add some creole powder.

Well, let me tell YOU, this is a vegetable dish that will really be a nice side dish.

It's all made in one pot. And you can put the pot (it's hot so use pot holders), right on the table.

But lately, it's just too hot. So I just grab my frying pan, spray some PAM. and cook everything in one pan. I throw in my grilled chicken, and that's it.

I do things EASY in the summer.

Oh, have any of you discovered the new GREEN PANS from Joy Mangano. Didn't get many good reviews but it's a new non stick coating that is supposed to be safe!!!

Anybody else hear of these things.

You gotta know that once they become affordable, I'm buying them and I'll do one of my infomercials. lol

Hi all

I thought I would share this with you. I realy enjoyed reading your post.

Spinach Cheese Rice
Ingredients
1 bunch spinach leaves washed, drained
1/2 cup grated cheese
1 1/2 cups basmati rice
5 green chillies
1" piece ginger
1 tbsp butter
1 onion slice into thin long strips
salt to taste
1/2 tsp dalchini (cinnamon)- clove powder
1 cup cabbage thinly chopped
juice of 1 lemon
1/4 cup milk
Method
Keep plenty of water to boil. When hot add salt, 8-10 drops lemon juice and rice.
Cook till almost done.
Drain in colander. Cool by spreading on a thali or plate. Keep aside.
Put spinach, green chillies and ginger in a blender. Do not add water. The sustained
water is enough for blending.
Warm butter in kadai (pan), add the spice powder and onions.
Fry till they are light brown. Add cabbage, lemon juice, salt and spiach paste. Fry
for 5 minutes.
Add the above fried masala to rice leaving behind 1 tbsp mixture. Add half cheese.
Delicately blend the masala with rice till evenly mixed.
Preferably with finger so grain does not break. Transfer to a casserole, spread the
leftover paste on the rice.
Sprinkle the remaining cheese and the milk. Bake for 15 minutes, covered with foil
or cling film depending on the oven. Serve hot.

Here is something quick and easy for those of you that have a sweet tooth

ps this probably goes straight to your hips too

CHOCOLATE CUPCAKE IN A MUG
(5 minutes)
-------------
4 Tablespoons cake flour
4 Tablespoons sugar
2 Tablespoons cocoa
1 Egg
3 Tablespoons milk
3 Tablespoons oil
1 Mug
Mix Flour, Sugar and Cocoa - Spoon in 1 egg; Mix - Pour in Milk and Oil; Mix well - Put in microwave for 3 minutes on maximum power (1000watt) - Wait until it stops rising and sets in the mug. Tip contents out of mug onto a saucer and enjoy!