No Fries in ’09 — #9: The simple panini
You don't need a fancy panini press to make the famous flat Italian sandwich that's been sweeping every restaurant, frozen food section and Food Network show over the last few years.
I use a George Foreman G...
No Fries in ’09 — #8: Have a frickin salad!
The most under-rated french fry substitute has to be the simple garden salad.
Think about it: yes, it's the polar opposite of french fries. You hardly ever think "hey, I can really go for a super size salad ...
No Fries in ’09 — #7: Turkey and Quinoa stuffed peppers
Stuffed peppers are an old Italian standby. Usually it involves fatty ground beef and white rice, maybe with some cheese crammed into a bell pepper. It's delicious homestyle comfort food that's easy to prepare....
No Fries in ’09 — #6: FAILED! Baked onion rings?
Onion rings.
They're not good for you.
According to About.com, a single serving of 8-9 onion rings contains 276 calories, 15.5 grams of fat, including 7 grams of saturated fat, 14 milligrams of cholestero...
How do you avoid fries at a burger joint?
NEW HAVEN, Conn. -- Meeting my mom on her lunch break was nice. Having my father join us was even better. Gazing at the menu trying to determine combinations that didn't include french fries ... not quite as pl...
No Fries in ’09 — #5: Colorful Peppers and Onions
Summer church carnivals bring the old familiar tastes of sausage, pepper and onion subs.
Unfortunately, there are very few diets that will let you eat sausage on Italian bread.
Fortunately, there are ple...
No Fries in ’09 — #4: Virtually Fat-Free Chicken Tenders
Even if you're not eating French fries for a whole year, deep fried and heavily battered chicken tenders, while absolutely delicious, can still ruin a perfectly good diet.
On a health kick, my father threw t...
No Fries in ’09 — #3: Baked Sweet Potato Wedges
Sage, meet the readers. Readers, sage.
The problem with cooking healthy is that it is a widely-known fact that the flavor is often in the fat. But fresh herbs, however daunting that section of the produce d...
Bar food alternatives?
BRANFORD, Conn. -- Being on a diet doesn't mean you have to shed all social contacts, does it?
So, I'm visiting the family in Connecticut, and my brother and I decide to run out to the bar Sunday night after...
No Fries in ’09 — #2: Tasty Broccoli
You first have to get past your fear.
It didn't happen overnight for me either.
I was the pickiest eater in my family growing up, and forget about veggies. I actually gagged the first time I really sat do...
The first major test of No Fries in ’09
MIDDLEBOROUGH, Mass. -- Did somebody say McDonald's?
Oh my god this is painful. I am working on‚ a story for the Boston Globe here in Middleborough, and the only place I could find with wireless Internet to ...
No Fries in ’09 — #1: BBQ-infused green beans
This is the first in a 50-part food series called "No Fries in '09." I am pledging not to eat a single french fry in 2009 (as well as eat sensibly and exercise regularly) all year and come up with 50 delicious ...
Letter from the editor: A “Dear John” to the French fries
My dear, dear French fries,
We need to talk.
The years have gone by so fast for us. From my first McDonald's fry 24 years ago to the wide crinkle cut deliciousness at Glenwood in Connecticut and Town Spa ...
