By: Deb Campbell, P.H.Ec.

​​Adapted from a previous OHEA media release for the Ask a Professional Home Economists (P.H.Ec.) series.

​Is this really possible or is it just another oxymoron? Healthy eating during the upcoming holiday season is absolutely possible and, like anything else, in order to succeed you need to do some planning. 

​You may think you can only control your intake when you are the host, but it is very easy to make wise choices anytime. You know there are going to be some difficult occasions when food and drink are plentiful because we all want to try new recipes and flavour combinations on our guests. ​

As a guest, you can enjoy the party and go home without having all those leftovers around to tempt you. When you are the host, plan your menu with a variety of guests’ needs in mind. ​

By: Mary Carver, P.H.Ec.

​Adapted from a previous OHEA media release for the Ask a Professional Home Economists (P.H.Ec.) series.

A familiar tune reminds us that “chestnuts are roasting on an open fire”, yet most don't experience such an event as we scramble to write cards, wrap gifts, host parties, prepare food, and create our own memories. Despite all the preparations we make for the “perfect” holiday season, many times the best part really does begin in the kitchen.

​Foods served at this festive time can become family favourites, creating wonderful traditions and warm memories to pass along to other generations. If you don’t have seasonal food traditions at your house, it’s never too late to start some. And a gift from the kitchen comes from the heart and is always in good taste!

Professional Home Economists (P.H.Ec.) were asked to share some of their favourite family recipes. Here are a few that we think you will enjoy, year after year. Much of the fun is sharing “family time” in the kitchen, so grab a partner and cook up some culinary memories this holiday season. 

Get a head start on holiday preparations by making delicious and colourful jars of a cranberry relish or chutney. Cranberries celebrate the season with their rich colour and bright taste and are easily turned into a welcome hostess gift or a treat for a special friend.

Quick Apple Cranberry Chutney has a rich mellow taste and is perfect to serve with chicken or pork. The Cranberry Rum Relish is a splendid accompaniment to the holiday bird. Both of these require less than 15 minutes cooking time.

​A dollop of chutney on a cracker spread with cream cheese makes a superb appetizer requiring little preparation. And a bit of either the chutney or relish stirred into yogurt becomes a delicious low-fat veggie dip.

H​ome preserving is easy and can be done safely if proper processing procedures and times are followed. It is essential to use mason-type jars. These jars are widely available in 125 mL (1/2 cup), 236mL, 250 mL (1 cup) and 500 mL (2 cups) sizes which are perfect for creating small gifts.

​They often come with lids decorated in a holiday motif or, to personalize your gift, cut a circle of holiday fabric and tie it to the lid with ribbon and a card. One short evening spent now will provide you with several tasty gifts ready for holiday giving. 

The Ontario Home Economics Association (OHEA) is here to help during the  holiday season with entertaining tips, recipes and healthy holiday eating advice. These media releases were submitted in previous years and have valuable advice as you prepare for the holiday season! 

Did you know that Celery is a major allergen within Europe and the UK? It is actually listed as one of the top 14 allergens and must be included on food packaging whenever used, in any level in pre packaged foods.

It might come as a surprise but celery is also a known allergen that can cause anaphylactic shock comparable to peanuts and is as common an allergy in Eastern Europe and the UK as peanut allergies are in North America.