Food for Thought : July marks the second half of the year .

Technology , such as fitness trackers , can help you track all aspects of your health 

Are you half way to completing your  Ne Year's Resolution? Take a good look back at the goals you set for your health and wellness for 2015 and evaluate how you are doing .It is important to remember the path to any wellness goals is usually not straight line . Many times the path is full of challenges and obstacles that we must figure out a way to overcome The important thing to remember is not to give up and do better today than you did yesterday.
   Here are a few tips to help you get back on track with your health and wellness goals .

1 . Be realistic with your time and resources :
 If you know it's normally takes you one hour to plan your family's meals , then schedule a full hour to do so . Thinking you can quickly plan meals in the parking lot of the grocery store is not realistic .You will feel rushed and most likely end up with less-healthful and more costly foods.

2 .  Find a partner :
Having someone who knows and shares your wellness goals can be just the motivation and accountability you need  to get going . When friends who know you are trying to eat more healthfully or get more exercise , they will be more likely to suggest options for social gatherings that fit your goals.

3 .  Look for help in the form of technology :
There are many websites , applications and programs that help you track all aspects of your health . Some devices track steps and heart-rate , some help you with tracking food intake and others can help you plan meals on a budget . Many of these are free or offer trail versions.  

Pimento Cheese Fritters with Green Tomato Jam

Makes about 2 dozen fritters

                          Green Tomato Jam: 
3 large green tomatoes, cored, seeded, and diced 
Scant 1/2 cup brown sugar 
1/2 cup cider vinegar 
1/4 cup honey 
1-1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper 
Salt to taste 
1/2 sheet gelatin 

                              Fritters: 
2 cups grated sharp white cheddar cheese 
2 cups grated sharp yellow cheddar cheese 
1 cup cream cheese 
Heaping 1/3 cup jarred pimento peppers, seeded and finely diced 
1/4 cup sour cream 
1/2 bunch chives, finely chopped 
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 
1/4 teaspoon onion powder 
Salt and white pepper to taste 
1 cup flour, seasoned with onion powder, salt, and pepper 
1 cup milk 
1 cup panko bread crumbs, seasoned with salt and pepper 
Peanut oil for frying 
This dish contains: Dairy, Eggs, Wheat

1 . Make the green tomato jam: combine the green tomatoes, brown sugar, cider vinegar, honey, crushed red pepper, and salt in a heavy sauce pot over low heat. Bring to a simmer and continue simmering over low heat for 30 to 45 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool for 10 minutes.
While the jam cools, add the gelatin to a bowl of cold water and let soak for 10 minutes.

2 . Transfer the jam to a blender and purée until smooth. Transfer to a medium bowl. Remove the gelatin from the bowl and squeeze gently to remove excess water. Add to the puréed jam and whisk to dissolve. Refrigerate until needed. (Can be made a day ahead.)

3.  Make the fritters: combine the white cheddar, yellow cheddar, cream cheese, pimento peppers, sour cream, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and white pepper. Form the mixture into 1-inch balls.

4 .  Dip a ball in the seasoned flour, then dip in the milk. Roll in panko bread crumbs and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining balls. Freeze the fritters for at least an hour.

5 .  Pour 3 inches of oil into a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Heat to 350ºF. Working in batches, fry the fritters until golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate to drain. (Be sure that the temperature of the oil returns to 350ºF before frying a new batch.)
Serve the fritters warm, with green tomato jam on the side for dipping. 

Words of Wisdom :

“Healing is more about accepting the pain and finding a way to peacefully co-exist with it. In the sea of life, pain is a tide that will ebb and weave, continually.
We need to learn how to let it wash over us, without drowning in it. Our life doesn't have to end where the pain begins, but rather, it is where we start to mend.” 

“Your life is a movie. You are the main character. You say your scripts and act to your lines. Of course you do your lines in each scene. There is a hidden camera and a director who you can ask for help anytime up above.” 

“Words themselves aren't that important. Even if somebody says words that shock you, or make you want to kill them, or make you tremble with emotion, the words themselves you tend to forget in time. Words are just tools we use to express or communicate something.” 

A proud grand-poppa    G.