2011 HOLIDAY EVENTS

December 10-11 Holiday Home Party

HOLIDAY REVIEWS

Thank your staff for preparing a wonderful holiday meal. Everyone raved about the Mahi Mahi with the mango sauce. The tri-tip roast was fabulous as well and the mushroom sauce it came with was a hit.
Thanks again,
Lisa, Dana Point


As always you guys are awesome!!! Pancakes were delicious!
Thank you for always being there for us when needed! You ROCK!!!
Have a joyful and prosperous holiday.
Rita, Costa Mesa


It was fabulous!! Had plenty of food. The plaid decorations was perfect it matched our decorations perfectly.
Thank you,
Margaret, Aliso Viejo


The holiday party was a huge hit. We were so pleased with the quality of food, great service and lovely decorations. Your team really aced this one (again), and we appreciate it very much. We hope you and your outstanding staff have a wonderful holiday season.
Thank you,
Mary-Frances, Santa Ana


Just want to thank you and your staff for a terrific job Monday and Tuesday. Our clients were very happy with all. We will definitely call you again.
Thanks again,
Pam, Costa Mesa


Holiday Luncheon for 450 guests:
1) The holiday event catering that Posh did was a success! We received a lot of compliments from our employees! It was well run and we had plenty of food! Your staff are one of the best to work with!
Thank you for making this event so easy and delightful!
Rhonda, Orange

2) Today's holiday lunch was amazing, you all did a great job. I heard lot's of compliments from my employees! It was fun serving too!
Thank you,
Terry, Orange


Great party last night thanks to Posh! Everything was perfect.
Thanks again,
Jayne, Newport Beach


Everything went GREAT!! The decorations were amazing and everyone was super happy with the service and overall atmosphere. Once again, thanks for a successful night!
Caroline, Beverly Hills

31 Days of Healthy, Happy Holidays New tips for more joy and less stress this December Holidays got you stressed? Bury your inner Scrooge with these delightful to-dos of fun, food, friendship, and more. Trying even a few of them throughout the holiday season will ensure your December is filled with happiness, health, joy, and inspiration. Consider them a gift from us to you. December 1: Seek Icy Thrills Winter activities such as skiing, ice-skating, sledding, and tubing aren't just great calorie burners, they're exhilarating. "The speed and fresh air give you a sense of elation that you just don't get with many other workouts," says Robyn McKay, PhD, a positive- psychology researcher at Arizona State University. December 2: Belt Out "Santa Baby "Singing is linked to stress reduction. Even better, join a choir. One study revealed that on average, choral singers rate their satisfaction with life higher than the general public does--even when the actual problems the singers face are more substantial than those of the rest of us. December 3: Enjoy a Candy Cane Studies show that just the menthol smell alone will pep you up to enjoy the holiday festivities. It's also yummy for your tummy, helping to calm an upset stomach. December 4: Munch Meringues These holiday cookies have fewer than 20 calories a pop--and zero fat--so you can eat a handful without breaking the calorie bank. December 5: Add 27 Dresses to Your Netflix Queue Even the expectation of watching a favorite comedy ups mood-boosting endorphins by 27%, shows new research. December 6: Skip the Baubles Instead of requesting jewelry, ask your husband to take you dancing. People are happier when they have life experiences instead of receiving material items, experts say. December 7: Tap Into the Power of Flowers People feel better and perkier when they see a bouquet first thing in the morning, and the energy boost lasts throughout the day, reports Harvard researcher Nancy Etcoff, PhD. December 8: Get a Helper's High A recent study shows that people who were asked to perform a different kind act every day--small courtesies such as helping a neighbor shovel her walk--reported a marked increase in happiness after 10 days. Whether you do it with money or time, giving is good for you. "Helping others increases your own level of gratefulness and positive emotions," says Sheela Raja, PhD, a psychologist and stress researcher at the University of Illinois. December 9: Send Your Old Pillow Packing To wake up feeling your best, you need a comfy headrest. If your pillow doesn't quickly spring back after you fold it in half, it's time for a new one. December 10: Hold Hands With Your Sweetie When couples were more affectionate for a month, researchers saw a dip in their stress hormones and blood pressure and an increase in a hormone thought to calm and counter stress. December 11: Cut Down Your Own Tree Being in the great outdoors reduces stress, improves mood, and boosts happiness, reports Eeva Karjalainen, PhD, of the Finnish Forest Research Institute. It may also strengthen your immune system by increasing the number and activity of cancer-destroying cells. For a feel-good feeling to the season, be sure to "treecycle. December 12: Stargaze "Concentrating is very meditative," says Boston-based psychologist Alice Domar, PhD. "And you really have to focus to see things in the sky--the Milky Way doesn't have a sign on it! December 13: Become a Softie Dry, flaky skin is a downer. Keep your skin baby soft by switching to a superhydrating body cleanser. Two that leave you silky smooth: Dove Winter Care Beauty Bar ($7 for six bars; drugstores) and Melvita Extra-Rich Shower Cream ($17; melvita.com). December 14: Window-Shop The same brain chemicals that make sex so pleasurable rise sharply when you're window-shopping. (No wonder Sex and the City had such a winning formula!) To avoid overspending, peek through the glass when stores are closed or you've left your wallet at home. December 15: Bask in a Nutcracker Ballet Performance Haven't seen Clara and the Sugar Plum Fairy twirl and leap since you were a little girl yourself? Get tickets to a local community performance. New research shows that people who regularly attend cultural events feel healthier and more vital than those who don't participate. December 16: Grin While You Shop Having a cheery attitude during the holiday season increases the chances that those around you will feel warm and fuzzy too, according to one study. December 17: Treat Yourself to a Salon Facial "I love facials for a relaxing experience and a temporary glow," says New Orleans dermatologist and Prevention advisor Mary Lupo, MD. Schedule it a day away from any big event, so the pinkness has time to fade. December 18: Make Holiday Cards Gratitude Cards Instead of signing your cards with a generic "Hope all is well," take time to express to friends and family what they really mean to you. Studies find that showing gratitude increases your own happiness by as much as 25%.

December 19: Savor Your Sunday Pick any Sunday this month and make it an errand-free day. Better yet, fill it with as many pleasurable activities as possible. Research shows that people have better attitudes, more energy, and fewer aches and pains on the weekends--a benefit that comes from having more control over your schedule and being able to spend time with loved ones. December 20: Dive Into a Good Book "Reading can have a tranquilizing effect," says Timothy Shanahan, PhD, a professor of urban education and reading at the University of Illinois at Chicago. "I usually read before going to bed--it stops my mind from racing and allows me to get away from myself for a few moments, which helps me relax and sleep well." December 21: Get on a Roll A foam roller, that is. This hot fitness tool also has a more pleasurable use: rolling on it to massage tight glutes, deltoids, triceps, and hamstrings (about $25; sporting goods stores). "It's the next-best thing to a professional massage," says Michele Stanten, Prevention fitness director. December 22: Hit the Snooze Button Sleeping 7 1/2 hours a night for 3 straight nights guarantees you'll get through at least five full sleep cycles a night, garnering the full benefits of stage-4 sleep (the most nourishing and restful)--and bolstering your immunity. December 23: Pamper Your Peds Give shopped-out feet a well-deserved time-out with a 10-minute soak in the spearmint-, rosemary-, and eucalyptus-infused Aromafloria For Feet's Sake Perfectly Soft Spa Foot Soak ($10.50; aromafloria.com). Or, for instant relief, spritz them with Freeman Bare Foot Cooling Foot Mist ($4; freemanbeauty.com). December 24: Make Friends With Hot Cocoa Just holding a warm beverage makes us more generous and friendly, find Yale University researchers. Turns out warm hands are linked to warm hearts by way of a part of the brain called the insula, which helps process both physical temperature and emotions. December 25: Sit By a Crackling Fire Tuning in to the sounds of nature--listening to tweeting birds or rain on the roof also qualifies--quickly reduced stress in one recent study. December 26: Buy a New Lipstick The daily pick-me-up you'll get from it will be more satisfying than clothes or accessories, which you'll only wear every once in a while, finds new research. December 27: Plan Your Next Vacation Looking forward to a trip can boost your mood for as long as 16 weeks prior to the departure date, finds Dutch research. December 28: Mellow Out to Mozart Yes, even if you're usually a Lady Gaga fan. After three 28-minute sessions of listening to Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, people felt more peaceful, more relaxed, and less stressed than those who tuned in to other music; they also felt higher levels of awe, wonder, and mystery. December 29: Make a Date With Your College Roommate Simply spending time with a favorite friend increases levels of the hormone progesterone, which can lower feelings of anxiety and stress, finds a recent University of Michigan study. December 30: Peel Yourself a Clementine When researchers mapped the moods created by certain fragrances, they found the scent of this sweet, juicy fruit more likely to boost joy. Not only will a whiff of one help keep you happy, the vitamin C, calcium, and potassium in it will help keep you healthy too. December 31: Go for a Moonlight Walk Two-thirds of British women recently confessed to being bored by their daily routine. You too? Then shake things up: Eat breakfast for dinner, reroute your commute, or take a new exercise class. Source: Prevention.com

MEATLESS MONDAY RECIPE

Hope everyone had a great Labor Day weekend.

Meatless dishes are full of vitamins, minerals and other important nutrients that are good for your body. The following recipe is packed full of herbs, spices and delicious flavors to satisfy your taste buds.

Curried Sweet Potato & Lentil Soup

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

• 2 Tbsp canola oil
• 1 med onion, roughly chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Tbsp minced fresh ginger
• 2 Tbsp curry powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 4 plum tomatoes, chopped
• 1 c dried lentils
• 1 qt unsalted vegetable stock (we used Kitchen Basics) or water
• 1 can (14 fl oz) light coconut milk (we used Thai Kitchen Lite) or 1 1/2 c stock or water
• 1 lb sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2" chunks
• 1 sm zucchini, roughly chopped
• 1/2 c green beans cut into thirds
• 1/2 c chopped cilantro or fresh parsley

1. HEAT oil in deep frying pan or medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and ginger and cook 1 minute longer. Stir in curry powder, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until powder is darkened and fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes.

2. STIR in tomatoes and lentils. Add stock and coconut milk. Bring to a boil. Partially cover and reduce heat to low so soup bubbles gently.

3. COOK, stirring occasionally, until lentils begin to soften, about 15 minutes. Stir in potatoes and more stock or water if mixture looks dry. Cover and cook about 10 minutes. Stir in zucchini and green beans, adding more water if needed to keep everything brothy. Cover and cook until lentils and all vegetables are tender, 5 to 10 minutes longer. Stir in cilantro and salt and black pepper to taste.

NUTRITION (per serving) 446 cal, 17 g pro, 63 g carb, 20 g fiber, 15 g fat, 6.5 g sat fat, 974 mg sodium

Best Ever BBQ Chicken

A last minute BBQ chicken recipe to add to your Labor Day cookout.
Give your tastebuds a tingle with this healthy tasty BBQ chicken.

Makes: 4 servings

Ingredients
1/4 - cup chili sauce
2 - tablespoons low-sodium ketchup
1 - tablespoon honey
1 - tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 - teaspoon ground ginger
1 - teaspoon Dijon mustard
3/4 - teaspoon black pepper
1/4 - teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 - teaspoon red pepper
12 oz. - boneless, skinless chicken breast

Directions
1. Coat a grill rack with nonstick spray. Fire up the grill and heat up to 350 degrees.
Place rack on grill.
2. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, mix the chili sauce, ketchup, honey, vinegar, ginger, mustard, black pepper, garlic powder and red pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then remove from the heat. Set aside.
3. Place the chicken on the rack over the heat. Grill, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Turn the chicken over and brush with the sauce. Grill until the chicken is no longer pink, 5 to 10 minutes. Brush with the remaining sauce before serving.

Per Serving: 120 calories; 1 g total fat; .3g sat fat; 48mg cholesterol; 233mg sodium; 6g carbs; 2 g sugars; 19g protein

Picnic Salads

Here's a few healthy salads to go with your Labor Day BBQ.

Summer Tomato, Onion & Cucumber Salad
Makes: 6 servings, about 1 1/2 cups each
Prep Time: 50 minutes (including 30 minutes marinating time)

Ingredients
3 - tablespoons rice vinegar
1 - tablespoon canola oil
1 - teaspoon honey
1/2 - teaspoon salt
1/2 - teaspoon freshly ground pepper
2 - medium cucumbers
4 - medium tomatoes, cut into 1/2 inch wedges
1 - sweet onion, halved and very thinly sliced
2 - tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh tarragon

Directions
1. Whisk vinegar, oil, honey, salt and pepper in a large shallow bowl.
2. Take fork prongs and run them down the sides of cucumber to make a stripped decoration.
3. Sliced cucumber into thins rounds. Add the cucumber slices, tomatoes and onion to the dressing; gently toss to combine.
4. Let stand at room temperature for a least 30 minutes and up to 1 hour.
5. Just before serving, add fresh tarragon and toss.

Per serving: 58 calories; 3g fat; 0mg cholesterol; 8g carbs; 1g sugars; 1g protein; 2 g fiber; 202mg sodium


Country Potato Salad
Makes: 8 servings, about 1 cup each
Prep Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients
2 - pounds small potatoes
1 - cup chopped celery
1/4 - cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 - cup sliced green onions
2 - tablespoons chopped fresh dill
2 - tablespoons minced carrots
3/4 - cup nonfat buttermilk
1 - tablespoon lemon juice
1 - tablespoon canola oil
1/2 - teaspoon salt
Freshly ground pepper to taste

Directions
1. Place potatoes in large saucepan, cover with water and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium and cook, partially covered, until just tender, 12 to 20 minutes, depending on their size. Drain and let cool for about 15 minutes.
2. When the potatoes are cool enough to handle cut into bite-size pieces and put them in a large salad bowl.
3. Add celery, onions, carrots, parsley and dill to potatoes. Toss to combine.
4. In small bowl combine buttermilk, lemon juice, oil, salt and pepper. Pour over potato salad and toss gently. Chill before serving.

Per Serving: 139 calories; 4g fat; 1g sat; 2g Mono; 58mg cholesterol; 20g carbs; 6g protein; 2g fiber; 272mg sodium

Healthy Tips for Labor Day Grilling

Everyone loves to grill out on Labor day with family and friends. Here are a few tips and tricks to enjoy these barbecue favorites guilt-free.

Chicken Brats: 148 calories, 9g total fat, 0 carbs, 60 mg sodium, 16g protein.

Hot Dogs; 98% fat-free Turkey Wieners: 40 calories, .5g total fat, 3g carbs, 470 mg sodium, 5g protein

Lean Turkey Burgers: 160 calories, 9g total fat, 0g carb, 85mg sodium, 18g protein

Whole Wheat Sandwich Rounds: 100 calories, 0g trans fats, cholesterol free

Condiments: Go light on the ketchup, sweet relish and mayonnaise. Heavy on the mustard it’s less in calories. Watch the sweet pickles they are high in carbs and sodium. Try Cucumber slices with a bit of lemon-pepper seasoning.

Hold the Sautéed Toppers: Raw bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, cucumber, etc add a few vitamins and minerals and make a small burger into a thicker bite.

Boycott Cheese: Skip the cheese on hamburgers to reduce saturated fat and calories. Instead, add flavor enhancers such as salsa, hot sauce, wasabi, or Worchester sauce.

Go Topless: Hold on we're talking about hamburger buns. Use only half the bun to cut carbs. Opt for a whole grain bun when you have the choice. If available, use a lettuce-leaf topper to help keep your fingers clean. Or use sandwich rounds that are the same size as a half of regular bun.

By Hope S. Warshaw, R.D., CDE