Most of us are used to friends and family showing up for Thanksgiving dinner empty-handed but leaving with bags full of Tupperware dishes and foil filled with food and desserts. Even after people have taken food home it is not uncommon for there to be a lot of Thanksgiving dinner left behind. Although you may love Thanksgiving Day food, you only want to eat it a few times and probably do not want to just throw it out. If you are faced with this dilemma after Thanksgiving, try some of these quick recipes using your leftovers instead of throwing away good food.

As I am sure you know, Seldom Blues is hosting its annual Thanksgiving Day brunch buffet this year with a mouth-watering menu. However, if you decide to stay home, it is important to enjoy a good meal that is healthy. Oftentimes on holidays we overindulge on foods prepared with rich ingredients. As an alternative, the following recipes include fresh herbs, spices and seasonal fruits to replace the traditional butter, cream, salt, etc. known for making us feel stuffed and lethargic.

November is National Pancreatic Cancer Month and there are foods and recipes we can incorporate into our daily lives to fight this disease. Recognized as one of the most deadly cancers, pancreatic cancer is hard to detect; however, we can do our part by maintaining healthy diets. As you consider various healthy diets, try one of these low-calorie cancer-fighting recipes.

Most people have standard dishes they usually prepare, including steak, chicken, potatoes, spaghetti, etc. After eating these meals on a regular basis, the dishes can become somewhat boring. However, there is a way to make these them more interesting. By topping your regular dishes with different types of butter, normal meals become above average. To liven up your next dish, try one of the butter recipes below:

Like most people, there are some nights when you just want to stay home but still be able to enjoy a meal similar to one at your favorite restaurant. This should not be too hard if you maintain a supply of needed ingredients and do not mind spending a few minutes in the kitchen. The next time you have a night at home, try one of these different recipes.

In continuing the celebration of National Apple Month, this week’s column features more delicious recipes using Michigan’s fresh apples. This versatile fruit can be incorporated into a main dish, side dish, dessert, beverage or enjoyed as a healthy snack. Try one of these fun recipes while Michigan apples are plentiful.

According to the American Cancer Society, every year over 150,000 women in the U.S. are diagnosed with breast cancer. Currently, there are 2 million women in the States who have had bouts with this deadly disease. The most common cancer affecting females in America, this disease is the second leading cause of death for women. African American women are more likely to die from breast cancer at any age. Although breast cancer affects mostly women, men accounted for 2,030 of the new cases this year.

Easy no bake desserts for summer-  During summer, many people decide to skip dessert when planning their meals. They may decide that it’s too hot to spend time inside baking, or they are watching their weight to look good in their beachwear.  But there are many great, quick, no-baking-required desserts that are not too bad for your waistline. Next time you get a sweet tooth on a hot, summer day try one of these easy recipes.

The summer is coming to an end and the back-to-school offers are beginning. Seldom Blues, Detroit’s premier jazz restaurant and supper club, is celebrating the back-to-school season with the “Food for Thought” program during the month of August. Students who are headed back to college this fall, and dine at the restaurant this month, will receive a free entrée with the purchase of any entree.