The Snow Day Playbook

Brrrrrr – it’s definitely cold outside!

Do you just have that feeling that you want to hibernate and eat appeasement foods?

Add snow, ice and sleet to the already frigid temperatures and now you have a Mother Nature imposed snow day.

So you ask, “Self, what should I do besides constantly checking my email, scouring the web for news and information and returning calls (if anyone made it to the office)?”

Well, after you’ve done a light day’s work, it’s time to get warm and cozy and take your mind away from the daily hustle – if only for a few hours.

These are the times when I really love watching movies (suspense, action and sci-fi) along with some really tasty and healthy food.

Let me set-up the scene:

First, I try to choose a movie or two without the movie selection itself turning into a film shoot – so many choices. If you still rent DVDs from , the RedBox or a neighborhood movie shop, you definitely have to pick-up the DVDs the night before.

But, if you want instant access without leaving the warm comforts of your home, then order from Netflix.

It’s easy and convenient. Not only does Netflix have a catalog of the latest releases, the service streams the movie directly to your TV, PC or Mac.

Isn’t technology just wonderful? Those technology elves are definitely working overtime to deliver movies with such speed and without messing up the order. Great customer service!

I ABSOLUTELY love this option and prefer Netflix versus the video store field trip. Does anyone still do that? I can sit on the comfy couch under my warm blanket and browse the database.

Also, you can always flip through the premium cable channels: HBO; Sleuth; Cinemax; or (TCM). Two of my favorite TCM movies are Notorious (Cary Grant, Ingrid Bergman) and North By Northwest (Cary Grant, Eva Marie Saint). Love those vintage flicks.

Now that the home cinema screenings are under control, I can discuss something more important -- the appeasement food menu. By now, many of you know that I have lots of fun remixing foods and recipes.

Without further delay, let me share some of my favorite dishes for this day of relaxation and slumber.

I'm a fan of variety when it comes to healthy foods. For example, one of my favorite appetizers is avocado salsa – passed along by a friend via MyRecipes. This is definitely one of the stars of the Snow Day Playbook. Of course, a dish isn’t a personal palate pleaser unless it’s made to order.

This salsa is super delicious when you add feta cheese and serve it along with chicken or vegetable tacos, hot sauce and a little ranch or Caesar dressing. YUMMMMY!

This is better than having pizza delivered.

What’s a day of movies, food and self-imposed laziness without a mouth-watering dessert? One of my favorites is strawberry shortcake a-la Roy Rogers restaurant fame. Okay… don’t start panicking -- I haven’t lost it. I mean lets make this eye pleasing delight from the comforts of home.

Here are the ingredients: one can of biscuits (serves 8); fresh strawberries (about 12 berries); and vanilla ice cream (1/2 gallon).

MOM’s sells natural buttermilk biscuits by the Immaculate Baking Company. These are delicious! The strawberries and ice cream can be bought there as well.

Preparation is very simple. Bake the biscuits according to the directions. Cut the strawberries, place on the biscuits and top with a scoop of Breyer’s All Natural Vanilla Bean ice cream. Simply DELIGHTFUL!

Can you smell the aroma of the biscuits baking? Sometimes, I sprinkle a bit of cinnamon on my ice cream! This is your healthy snow day treat. No preservatives or additives.

Oh – and don’t forget your refreshments. I suggest iced tea, water or a fruit juice – nothing too sweet.

Wow – this definitely sounds like a winning day! Movies. Lunch. Dessert. What could be better?

All recipes, movie selections and ways to relax are ripped straight from the pages of the Snow Day Playbook.

Also, this is a reminder: the Playbook can be modified to fit your order!