The Regional News - The Reporter
Thursday, November 20, 2014 Section 2
Out & About
9
Your Guide to Arts and Events in the Southwest Suburbs and Beyond
Wolfgang Puck’s Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck
Keep your side dishes light for a healthier holiday feast The holidays are fast approaching. Right now, home cooks everywhere are thinking about two important matters. The first involves planning what to cook for the best holiday feast ever. And the second, of course, is how to avoid gaining weight while enjoying all those festive meals. I’ve read reports saying that people can put on anywhere between one and five extra pounds during the holidays. Yet, too many people who dream of keeping their weight in check at this time of year fail to do any serious advance planning about how they might maintain some discipline. The result of such a lack of foresight can leave you all the more in need of making serious New Year’s resolutions. That’s why I’d like to share with you here a couple of my own favorite strategies for celebrating the season more healthfully. The first is, I think, the most important, and I can best sum it up by reminding you of one of Thanksgiving’s most enduring icons, the cornucopia or horn of plenty. This ancient Roman harvest symbol is always depicted as overflowing with fresh vegetables and fruits, and I always try to plan my own Thanksgiving and other holiday menus with the cornucopia in mind. That means including an abundance of produce, from appetizer salads to side dishes, stuffings and dressings to desserts. The more vegetables and fruits you serve and eat, the less room you leave for dishes that can be your downfall. At the same time, it’s important not to add too much fat, sodium, or sugar to that produce. The trick is preparing them in healthful ways that maximize flavor, texture and appearance. My recipe for Low-Fat Caramelized Brussels Sprouts, adapted from my book “Wolfgang Puck Makes It Healthy,” achieves that goal in several simple ways. In recent years, people have discovered that Brussels sprouts can be beautiful and delicious if you undercook them to a bright emerald color and crunchy consistency. People love them even more if they’re browned to a caramel color that brings out a natural edge of sweetness. Unfortunately, most such recipes achieve that goal by loading them up with lots of butter or bacon fat, plus too much sugar. The recipe you see here, though, achieves similarly delicious goals without compromising smart eating. No butter or oil is used — just some nonstick cooking spray. A hint of brown sugar per serving helps develop rich color and flavor. The amount of salt is entirely up to you. The result is a wonderful side that is easily doubled or tripled to serve larger gatherings. Yet, each serving contains just 64 calories, only 2 from fat. Now, isn’t that a holiday dish for which it’s worth giving thanks?
‘In 1994, the original “Dumb and Dumber” arrived and brought us two bumbling idiots: Jeff Daniels, as Harry Dunne, along with Jim Carrey, as Lloyd Christmas. Some 20 years later they are back reprising their roles as Harry and Lloyd In “Dumb and Dumber To.” The “to” is, sadly, not a misprint. That is the first of many unfunny attempts at humor in the film. The funniest part of the movie is that Jim Carrey, 52, and Jeff Daniels, 59, think they are not too old to play such idiots. Twenty years ago, it worked because they were younger and funnier. Now they are both at an age where this dumb humor doesn’t work for them. Honestly, this juvenile humor probably wouldn’t work well for anyone. Maybe this movie would have worked if it had been made soon after the first. This is a prime example that shows not everything needs a sequel, but in the world of Hollywood, money talks. This is a complete rehashing of the original, just far less funny. Instead of going on a road-trip to deliver a briefcase filled with
of others. In the first they were protagonists, but in this one they are just annoying bullies worth ignoring. Peter and Bobby Farrelly, who have written and directed decent by films such as “There’s Something Tony Pinto About Mary,” fail miserably here. It’s bad enough that this film is money, this time they just go on a rehashing of the first - it’s the a road-trip to deliver a different fact they needed the help of four kind of package. Both films end more writers to write the film up having so-called bad guys who that makes it even worse. This review can’t be all negajust want money. This time the bad guy is played by Rob Riggle. tive, so let’s talk about the lone Basically, the movie follows the positive of the film, not counttwo on a road-trip to deliver a ing the part when the film finally package to Harry’s daughter, who ends. Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels he just found out about. Nothing do a decent job in the roles they is as simple as it seems with these play. They do the best they can two, and unfunny gags ensue. As with such bad writing. Neither of stated earlier, if it happens in the them will win an award for this, first film, it happens again, just but they do show they can act no matter how bad everything else is. in a not so funny way. “Dumb and Dumber To” is a Number two, or ‘to’ is more mean spirited than the first, very accurate title as this movie which hurts its charm. Instead is much dumber than the first. If of being fun-loving idiots, they you want to see Harry and Lloyd are now mean-spirited idiots. In in all their glory, go watch the the original, they were the butt original and stay far away from of the jokes, but in this one the this crash grab. —Tony Pinto’s grade: F-minus so-called jokes are at the expense
Pinto’s Popcorn Picks
Broaden Your Horizons THIS WEEK
program to teach students how to make popular Thanksgiving side dishes. The Bridge Teen • Duct Tape Wallets - 2 to 3:30 Center programs p.m. Nov. 25, program teaches • Knitting - 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. students how to make their own today (Thursday), The Bridge wallet out of duct tape. • Movie Day: Divergent - 3 to Teen Center, 15555 S. 71st Court, Orland Park, will host a program 5:15 p.m. Nov. 26, a movie day to teach students the basics of for students as they watch the hit movie Divergent. knitting. These free events are for teens • Thanksgiving Sweet Tooth 4:30 to 6 p.m. today, a culinary in 7th through 12th grade. For program to teach students how more information call 532-0500. to make cupcakes and decorate them like turkeys. Fotolia.com Luncheon with • Family Feud Night with StanCaramelized Brussels sprouts make a light, tasty side dish. St. Nicholas dard Bank - 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. at The Center bowl of ice water. Leave them to Nov. 21, Family Feud game night LOW-FAT cool for several minutes. Drain for students with Standard Bank CARAMELIZED Actor Terry Lynch will porBRUSSELS SPROUTS thoroughly, and then pat the Brus- and with free food samples from tray St. Nicholas at a luncheon sels sprouts completely dry with White Castle. on Tuesday, Nov. 25, from noon Serves 4 a clean kitchen towel or paper • Brown Bag Lunch - 1 to 2 p.m. to 2 p.m., at The Center, 12700 • Kosher salt towels. Nov. 24, middle school students Southwest Highway, Palos Park. • 1½ pounds (750 g) Over medium heat, heat a cast- bring a packed lunch to eat with Lynch will tell tales about the medium to large iron skillet or saute pan large The Bridge staff. traditions of St. Nicholas throughBrussels sprouts, enough to hold all the Brussels • Thanksgiving Side Dishes - out the world. The Yuletide trimmed and halved sprouts in a single layer; or if 4:30 to 6 p.m. Nov. 24, a culinary spirit will come shining through lengthwise necessary, use 2 or more smaller • Nonstick cooking spray pans. Spray the bottom of the • ½ tablespoon packed pan or pans evenly with nonstick dark brown sugar cooking spray. Sprinkle the bot• Freshly ground toms evenly with the brown sugar black pepper and quickly place the Brussels • ¼ cup (60 ml) organic, sprouts cut sides down in the pan low sodium chicken by Jay Bobbin or pans. Sprinkle lightly with salt broth or vegetable broth and pepper to taste. • 1 tablespoon chopped Cook until the undersides of fresh Italian parsley (NOTICE: Ratings for each film Good As It Gets,’’ the two films Half-fill a large saucepan with the Brussels sprouts are caramel- begin with a ‘star’ rating — one share a screenwriter (Mark Anwater and bring the water to a boil ized and a deep brown color, 5 star meaning ‘poor,’ four meaning drus). Douglas portrays a cranky over high heat. Meanwhile, place a to 7 minutes. Drizzle them with ‘excellent’ — followed by the Motion realtor who needs help when his colander in the sink. Partially fill the broth and continue to cook, Picture Association of America rat- granddaughter (Sterling Jerins) is a large bowl with ice cubes and stirring, to dissolve the caramel- ing, and then by a family-viewing left with him by estranged son, so he water and place it near the sink. brown glaze on the bottom of the guide, the key for which appears appeals to a widowed-singer neighbor (Diane Keaton) with whom he’s When the water in the saucepan pans and lightly glaze the sprouts below.) is boiling, salt the water, if you with the liquid, 1 to 2 minutes STARTING THIS WEEK: never gotten along. Reiner gives like. Add the Brussels sprouts and longer. “22 JUMP STREET’’: Channing himself a co-starring role as well, Serve the Brussels sprouts di- Tatum and Jonah Hill reteam as and also features Frances Sterncook them just until they turn bright green, 1 to 2 minutes. rectly from the skillet or skillets, the police detectives who are too hagen and pop music icon Frankie Drain the Brussels sprouts and or transfer them to a serving bowl. old for school, but go back there Valli in the supporting cast. DVD immediately but carefully transfer Garnish with the parsley. Serve anyway, in a comedy sequel that’s extra: theatrical trailer. ** (PG-13: them from the colander to the immediately. pretty much a replay of the first AS, P) (Also on Blu-ray) “INTO THE STORM’’: The movie that satirized TV’s “21 Jump Street’’ ... but still yields its own cast includes such television-series share of fun. This time, the cops veterans as Richard Armitage are sent to a college to track down (“Strike Back’’) and Sarah Wayne the source of a lethal drug; Ice Cube Callies (“The Walking Dead’’), but and Nick Offerman also return, and not surprisingly, the real stars of a couple of cast members from the this disaster saga are the specialby Jeraldine Saunders original show turn up ... though effects technicians who effectively not the same, hugely famous one generate the tornadoes that level a SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22- who had a cameo last time. DVD town. The major characters include LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): The future is hard to predict. Don’t Dec. 21): Get a fresh perspec- extras: “making-of’’ documentary; storm chasers who head toward become complacent that past suc- tive. A friend or mentor may be audio commentary by Tatum, Hill such twisters rather than away cess will continue, as conditions able to provide valuable advice and directors Phil Lord and Chris- from them ... thus giving the story are likely to change. Take precau- or insights that will allow you topher Miller; deleted and extended its slant. Jeremy Sumpter (“Friday tions this week because things to get past a problem this week. scenes; “Line-O-Rama.’’ *** (R: Night Lights’’) also is in the cast. Shop carefully, as that item you AS, N, P, V) (Also on Blu-ray and DVD extra: “making-of’’ documenmight not go in your favor. tary. *** (PG-13: AS, P, V) (Also VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): want now may go on sale later. On Demand) CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. Bargains are in the eye of the “SIN CITY: A DAME TO KILL on Blu-ray and On Demand) “IF I STAY’’: A car accident beholder. Saving a few dollars on 19): Bite your tongue. Offering FOR’’: Expectedly, the striking and a useless item really doesn’t do criticism or meddling in the af- graphic-novel-styled visual tech- puts a young woman (Chloe Grace you any good in the long run. Put fairs of others is likely to only nique of the original melodrama Moretz, “The Equalizer’’) into a money-saving coupons to good use make matters worse. You’ll fare co-directed by Frank Miller and coma — and also into an out-ofthis week, but distinguish between far better this week by going off Robert Rodriguez is emulated in body experience — in this nicely things you want and those you on your own to complete projects this follow-up, which uses many of played drama based on a novel by and tasks independently. actually need. the same characters even if some Gayle Forman. As her spirit gets AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. of the actors have changed. Jessica to observe while her body wavers LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22.): Take things as they come. Avoid 18): Turn the other cheek. Oth- Alba remains on board as dancer between life and death, the teen trying to mold circumstances to- ers may try to bait you into a Nancy, who becomes an avenging reviews her past life experiences ward the outcome you desire, as confrontation but don’t give them angel, while Josh Brolin assumes and determines whether she wants unexpected problems could arise the satisfaction; simply walk the role of a detective whose protec- to be able to create new, much difin the week ahead. Focus on group away. Explore your curious side tion is sought by an ex-flame (Eva ferent ones. Mireille Enos (“The activities with friends or family this week by investigating new Green). Joseph Gordon-Levitt also Killing’’), Jamie Blackley and Stacy rather than trying to stoke the technologies and trying out new is a newcomer among returnees Keach also star. *** (PG-13: AS, P) gadgets. fires of romance. who include Bruce Willis, Mickey (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand) “OH CHRISTMAS TREE!’’: PISCES (Feb. 19-Mar. 20): Rourke, Rosario Dawson and PowSCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Clear the slate before taking on Sometimes the best choice is not ers Boothe. *** (R: AS, N, P, V) Familiar television face Sarah Lannew business. Trying to juggle too to choose at all. It does little good (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand) caster (“Chuck,’’ “Everwood’’) has many activities at once could cre- to opt for the lesser of two evils “AND SO IT GOES’’: If Mi- been one of the busiest actresses ate a confusing mess. Don’t allow when both options are equally chael Douglas’ character in this fa- in cable movies lately, an example yourself to be forced into making awful. Break up the monotony miliar-feeling, Rob Reiner-directed being this charming holiday tale an impulsive decision this week; this week by trying something comedy seems a lot like the one that’s been shown as “Fir Crazy’’ new and exotic. take time to think things over. played by Jack Nicholson in “As on Hallmark Channel. Lancaster
Omarr’s Weekly Astrological Forecast ARIES (Mar. 21-Apr. 19): The best things in life are free. You’ll find that the less money you spend this week, the happier you’ll be. Time you spend alone, devoted to hobbies or personal projects, may give everyone some much-needed breathing space. TAURUS (Apr. 20-May 20): Do what needs doing. Keep an eye out for little things that need attention or maintenance this week. Fix a leaky faucet, tighten up a loose screw, or clear away the cobwebs. The smallest improvement helps keep things running smoothly. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Don’t get too big for your britches. Asserting unwarranted authority over others could cause resentment this week. Don’t be overly inquisitive regarding matters that are none of your concern. Be tactful, polite and discreet. CANCER (June 21-July 22): Keep expectations reasonable. You may set standards this week that others will find impossible to reach. You might fare better by standing on your own two feet and not relying on others to come through for you.
‘Dumb and Dumber To,’ a fitting title to a dumber sequel
as guests learn the answers to such questions as: Where did the Christmas tree originate? Why do we give gifts? Why do we hang Christmas stockings? The program begins at noon, followed by the luncheon. The cost is and requires advance reservations. For more, call The Center at 361-3650.
Womantalk Discussion The Center, 12700 Southwest Highway, Palos Park, will host its monthly Womantalk coffee hour and discussion on Tuesday, Nov. 25, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Led by MaryAnn Grzych, ladies are invited to join the discussion of Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnach or other inspirational readings that participants wish to bring. There is no cost, but advance reservations are required. Call The Center at 361-3650.
Videoview
plays a member of a tree-farmowning family who tries to keep the business going despite efforts by a finance executive (“Whose Line Is It Anyway’’ regular Colin Mochrie) to shutter it. Eric Johnson, of “Rookie Blue’’ and lately of “The Knick,’’ portrays an aspiring suitor for the Lancaster character. *** (Not rated: AS) COMING SOON: “THE EXPENDABLES 3’’ (Nov. 25): Sylvester Stallone and company are back in action, this time opposing a co-founder (Mel Gibson) of the troubleshooting Expendables who’s turned villainous. (PG-13: AS, P, V) “A MADEA CHRISTMAS’’ (Nov. 25): Tyler Perry’s alter ego joins her niece (Anna Maria Horsford) to visit the latter’s daughter (Tika Sumpter) for the holidays. (PG-13: AS, P) “DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES’’ (Dec. 2): After a virus wipes out much of humanity, survivors are challenged by intelligent simians; Gary Oldman, Andy Serkis and Keri Russell star. (PG13: P, V) “THE HUNDRED-FOOT JOURNEY’’ (Dec. 2): A family of refugees from India dares to open a restaurant across the street from a long-established owner’s (Helen Mirren) eatery in France. (PG: AS, P, V) “GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY’’ (Dec. 9): Thievery-prone rogue Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) leads a ragtag group of would-be heroes in keeping a powerful orb out of the hands of villains. (PG13: P, V) “TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES’’ (Dec. 16): The “heroes on the half-shell’’ get a screen rebirth as they try to protect New York; Megan Fox plays their reporter comrade April O’Neil. (PG13: AS, V) FAMILY-VIEWING GUIDE KEY: AS, adult situations; N, nudity; P, profanity; V, violence; GV, particularly graphic violence.