I CAME, I SLAW, I CONQUERED

DIFFICULTY: OY!

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Sometimes, things don't go your way and you need to make a change.

Let's face it, you only have one option: go into the thick of things, get in there, and make it happen.

Give it all you got... while looking like a million bucks.

And if that doesn't work, retail therapy. Or food. (Sounds like my life.)

This slaw is a wonderful side dish for anything really: chicken, ribs, or my Teriyaki Turkey Burger-- a flavorful collection of julienned veggies that contains no mayo or cream!

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• Packaged Broccoli slaw (OR you can julienne broccoli, carrots and zucchini yourself -- take off your heels if so)
• 1/2 cup honey or duck sauce
• 3 tablespoons of red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup of olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon of minced garlic

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and mix thoroughly. Simple enough?

How to Plate: As a side, or in a burger, this is a great looking option to add some color to your dish!

Parve: This is a wonderful Kosher addition to any meat!

A CURE FOR THE SECRET STASH (AKA Getting Your Cheese Fix)

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: OY!

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It's okay. We all have it. Somewhere deep within our pantry, we have a Secret Stash.

No, I'm not talking about your man's porno collection. (Which is also something you need to come to terms with, by the way.)

Whether it's your favorite salty snack, (Mine: white cheddar popcorn)

Something for your sweet tooth, (Mine: fat free brownie mix)

Or a deep-rooted childhood craving (Mine: macaroni and cheese)

And as of right now, my Secret Stash has gone, well… public.

Your craving needs to come out of the pantry.

Because once we know how to make that not-so-healthy secret food a little bit healthier, there is no need to hide it. Below is a healthier dish that magically curbs my craving for Macaroni and Cheese.

As for his porn collection, please, by all means, keep it hidden away behind closed doors.

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* 1.5 cups Broccoli

* Handful of Shredded Mozzarella

* 3 triangles of Laughing Cow

* 2 oz. Gouda

* Dash of Milk

* Dash of Garlic Powder (optional)

Preheat the oven at 375.

On the stovetop, at medium heat, melt the cheeses and mix thoroughly with the milk to create a cheesy sauce. Add a dash of garlic powder if you'd like.

In a Pyrex dish, do a once over with some non-stick spray, and add the broccoli to the glass tray.

Once the cheese sauce is completed, pour over the broccoli and bake for 20 minutes.

Voila! The softened broccoli and cheese really fills my craving!

NO COOK SESAME SNAP PEAS

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: (LESS THAN) OY!

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No smoking.
No walking on the grass.
No carbs after 4pm.

But... No cook? How could this be?

Here, on a sexy little cooking website, how could a dish be "No cook?"

Believe it, those two little gorgeous words sum up this fabulous and tasty side dish.

Whether you are coming home late from work, are in need of a healthy quick snack, or are a just plain lazy Jane, you must give this recipe a try!

Talk about making food so easy, you can even cook in your heels...

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• Sugar snap peas (2 cups)
• Sesame seeds
• Salt
  
• Sesame oil (you can add a dash of extra extra virgin olive oil)

Wash your snap peas and dry thoroughly. In a large bowl, lightly coat the peas with sesame oil (and/or olive oil-- whatever you have on hand), then toss with salt to taste and a good amount of sesame seeds.

Easiest ever.

How to Plate: A cute little ramekin is appropriate for this side dish / snack!

CHEESE CHIPS?!

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: OY!

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Living in Los Angeles requires a LOT of schlepping, which means hours upon hours in your car. Bring this along as a low-carb kick in the touchas!

The below is a delightful snack that is BIG on flavor, and gorgeous on the plate.

It's a cheese chip. Or if you want to sound fancy, a "Parmesan crisp."

You can make these and use them instead of crackers for appetizers, or in place of potato chips with a sandwich.

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• Parmesan cheese (grated)
• oil spray
• garlic powder (optional)
• paprika (optional)
• cayenne pepper (optional)

Heat up your pan to medium-high. Spray your pan and sprinkle in the grated cheese in a small circular pile. You want to make sure the cheese grates are close enough to touch each other.

Add a bit of spice on top -- pick just one or none at all.

As the edges brown, slowly and carefully flip the cheese for the other side to brown.

After it's done, you can drain on a paper towel before plating.

Enjoy!

DRESS UP YOUR VEGGIES

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: OY!

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Sometimes, you get restless with the monotony of daily life.

Don't deny it. We all do.

To curb this feeling, I need to get dressed up and dolled up and have a night on the town.

I deserve it! You do too.

But when I don't have the dough to go out (or the excuse to be taken out) ... I have to dress up my meal.

Get rid of those BLAND veggies you are serving with your main dish-- and make this!

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• 2 zucchinis, sliced
• 1 shallot, sliced
• salt and pepper (to taste)
• Parmesan cheese

Spray your pan with olive or canola and set on medium heat. Toss in your shallots and cook, mixing often, until golden.

Toss in your diced zucchini until you get some nice char marks. Spray a little more oil if necessary.

Sprinkle some salt and pepper to taste. Then, add your Parmesan.

Toss and serve immediately.