November Newsletter Header
  Thanksgiving Comfort Foods                                                                  November 2009
In This Issue
HMSA Supports Our Meals on Wheels Mission
Thanksgiving Meals To Go, Go!
NEW Catering Menu
How to Make Healthier Homemade Mashed Potatoes
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 The Good Table Highlights

HMSA Supports Our Meals on Wheels Mission 

Our Xpress Chefs Cookin' at the HMSA Island Scene Festival

A BIG mahalo goes out to our friends and supporters over at HMSA, for again inviting us to participate in their Annual "HMSA Island Scene Festival." 
 
The great event was held on October 3, at Kakaako Gateway Park, and included fun activities for the keiki, informational booths, a Farmers Market (hosted by Xpress Chefs!), entertainment & cooking demonstrations throughout the day. In one of the cooking demonstrations, our very own Chef Frank Chun and Chef Alan Cabebe highlighted their ono-licious fresh fish tacos! 
 
We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to HMSA for selecting Lanakila Meals on Wheels, for the third consecutive year, as the recipient of the proceeds from their event, in addition to their generous support for the program throughout the year! We would like to thank their food & beverage participants who donated as well, they include India Café, Stanley's Chicken and Meadow Gold Dairies.  HMSA was also so generous as to match our proceeds from sales in our Farmers Market!! 
 
We would also like to give a shout out to Barry Cutler (of Cookin' With Cutty on OC 16) and Kristine Cuthrell (Hawai`i Foods Senior Project Coordinator from UH Center on the Family) who assisted our Chefs while on stage, as well as provided the audience with nutritional tips and information about Lanakila Meals on Wheels.  And lastly, we would like to say mahalo to radio personality, Lina Girl who shares her passion for our mission with all her avid listeners!
 
Of course all of this couldn't be possible without our generous volunteers from American Savings Bank. For the second year in a row, they all came down to assist in our Farmers Market, making sure all our customers were taken care of and everything was stocked. Mahalo to our special friends at American Savings Bank!
 
 
Here's to another successful event, and hope to see you all next year at the HMSA Island Scene Festival!
Greetings!
Harvest Veggies
The holidays are just around the corner, bringing with them a time for family and friends and for sharing the most delicious fall comfort foods.  
 
We have much to share with you, including our new and improved catering menu, our Thanksgiving Meals To Go, the fun time we had at the HMSA Island Scene Festival, plus a spotlight on creamy mashed potatoes along with a recipe you might enjoy. 
 
All of our proceeds support Lanakila Meals on Wheels and more!  So when you order from Xpress Chefs, you can take comfort in knowing that you are helping our kupuna receive meals as well as supporting our training programs for people with challenged lives. 
 
Thanksgiving Meals To Go, Go!
  
With Thanksgiving almost here, it's time to start planning your holiday meals! Before you start to fret, let us start by telling you about our homemade holiday meals to go. 
 
Pumpkin PieYou can get a succulent roast whole turkey and all the trimmings, plus a delicious pumpkin crunch pie, for only $79!  Or you have the option of purchasing just the whole roasted turkey for $39.
 
For more information, click here or call us at 533-3054 by November 19.
 
In the true spirit of Thanksgiving, all proceeds go back to support Lanakila's Meals on Wheels program, helping Hawaii's senior's in need.
Xpress Chefs' Introduces New and Improved Catering Menu!


If you're planning a holiday party, a breakfast or lunchtime meeting, you gotta have some fresh and tasty food for everyone to enjoy. 

Why not call Xpress Chefs, where our new sandwich box and individual packed lunches have become a hit. Why? Because they are made to order, fresh daily. No plates to think about, no stress, no mess! And you still have the choice of buffet style catering, just let us know and we can help customize a menu for you. 
 
Fresh Baked Oatmeal CookiesWe've also added some delicious homemade sweet treats to our menu that are sure to bring smiles to your guests or gift list: Okinawan Sweet Potato Pie, Pumpkin Crunch, Oatmeal Cranberry White Chocolate Walnut Cookies and Lilikoi Bars to name a few! Best of all, we deliver, or you can stop by our booth downtown at Fort Street Market on Tuesday's and Friday's.
 
 
For your next get together, call Xpress Chefs at 533-3054 or visit us on the web at www.xpresschefs.com.
How to Make Great Homemade Mashed Potatoes
 
Garlicky Mashed PotatoesHomemade mashed potatoes are an ultimate comfort food. What is better than a steaming serving of real mashed potatoes with your holiday turkey? You know - mashed potatoes that are thick and smooth and rich and buttery. You take a bite and the creamy texture and rich taste take you right back home to Mom's cooking. Mmm-mmm.

While they may taste wonderful when prepared with heavy cream and butter, have you considered the calories and fat lurking in such a side dish?

For a healthier version without giving up the great flavor, instead of using butter and cream to mash potatoes, save the cooking water when you boil the potatoes.  The starchy water will give the potatoes a creamier texture than plain water would.  You can also add turkey or chicken broth, evaporated skim milk, fat-free buttermilk or fat-free sour cream.  For extra flavor, stir in roasted garlic and herbs.  For added nutrition, add pureed cooked cauliflower, parsnips or turnips to the potatoes. 
Quick and Healthy
Mashed Potatoes
Recipe
 
 
You'll love this version of mashed potatoes that's low in fat and calories but high in taste.

Cooking time: 30 to 40 minutes
Prep time: 15 minutes

You Will Need
1 1/2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled or scrubbed and cut into 2-inch pieces
1 tablespoon olive or canola oil
3 tablespoons reduced-fat sour cream
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

What to Do
1. Place potatoes in a large saucepan and add enough water to cover. Bring to a boil over medium heat and simmer until potatoes are fork tender, 20 to 30 minutes.
2. Drain potatoes, reserving 1 cup cooking liquid. Press potatoes through a ricer or mash in the saucepan.
3. Stir in oil, sour cream, salt, and pepper until well blended. Gradually stir in some of the reserved cooking liquid until the potatoes become creamy and smooth.

Serves 4.

Per serving: Calories 125, fat 4 g, saturated fat 1 g, cholesterol 2 mg, sodium 83 mg, carbohydrate 20 g, fiber 2 g, protein 3 g.
Share and Enjoy!
Did you know one medium-size potato has just 110 calories and is absolutely fat free?
When eaten with the skin, potatoes have more potassium than a banana!