ISSUE #137 — July 31, 2025

This week, we're "living light"!

Whether you're watching your waistline, or looking to "healthify" your diet, here are some old and new recipes to lighten up your life.

We got fish! Chicken! Beef! We kick off with one of my top five most-cooked recipes, the celebrated Salmon Patsy. Next is my brand new "Living Light" Sweet 'n Sour Chicken. It's an instant classic that a hungry crowd will go back for THIRDS of. Then of course there's my Healthier Stroganoff, if you want a bit of richness without all the calories.

As you responsibly sip a Planter's Punch with a nibble of melon-banana kebab, roast yourself up a nut loaf, bone up on your carrot curls to garnish, and perhaps kick off the feast with a bowl or two of Lady Di's Watercress Soup.

What a week! Y'all be good now, and let's get to "living light"!

—Brian Theis

I was pleased once again to be featured on GOBankingRates dot com, this time with cool side salads that won't break the bank, that are great all summer long. My lemony-pickle potato salad and Hawaiian macaroni salad are two $10 (or less) recipes that'll feed a hungry summer crowd. Click here for more!

Q: Got any more "light living" recipes for summer?

A: Do I ever! In case you missed our international Psycho and Murder She Wrote cooking contest from last Halloween, you might still enjoy whipping up Janet Leigh's Tropical Fruit Salad with Daiquiri Dressing, here. And click the montage below for more about that smashing "Cook to Win" contest, with its links to other great celebrity recipes!

"THE INFINITE FEAST is a fun guide to graciously hosting loved ones. Brian Theis does a great job melding his innate Southern Charm with experience gained from travel and time abroad. His book will be a welcome addition to people who enjoy sharing food and drink with friends."