Egg whites give these quick, cheesy nibbles their exceptionally light texture. Bite-size portions make them the perfect mouth-popping accompaniment to an aperitif.

About 6 cups vegetable oil
1/4 lb finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (2 cups)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 large egg whites at room temperature

Special equipment: a deep-fat thermometer

Heat 2 inches oil in a deep 3-quart heavy saucepan over moderate heat until it registers 360°F on thermometer.

While oil heats, mix together cheese, flour, pepper, and salt in a bowl until combined well. Beat whites in another bowl with an electric mixer until they just hold stiff peaks. Fold in 1/2 cup cheese mixture to lighten, then fold in remaining cheese mixture gently but thoroughly.

Drop about 8 teaspoons of batter, 1 teaspoon at a time, into oil and fry, turning occasionally, until balls of batter are puffed, crisp, and golden, about 2 minutes. Transfer with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain briefly. Make 3 more batches in same manner, returning oil to 360°F between batches. Serve immediately.

Note: Do not use pre-grated cheese, or the parmesan puffs will not have a delicate texture.

Do you have a favorite recipe you'd like to share? Email it to: OSSJournal@ossone.com. If your recipe is chosen you'll receive a Free "Thank You" gift so be sure to include your name and address!

As we enter the new year, we are once again faced with a highly critical yet greatly dreaded task of organizing for tax preparation. Every year we avoid the tasks of preparing for April 15, yet we could avoid most of the stress by adopting simple tools that can be maintained easily year-round.

Consider the key pitfalls of poor organization to tax preparation: we run the risk of misplacing important receipts, rack up hourly fees for tax preparers to wade through unorganized receipt piles and potentially miss out on maximizing our deductions, resulting in a lower return or higher payout of our hard earned money. In addition, we are unnecessarily adding a stressor in our lives that could have been avoided if we simply "had a system!"

You can quickly remedy your tax organization system in an easy, three-step process:

Step 1: Purchase an expanding file folder
Step 2: Set up a simple filing system for tax-related documents
Step 3: File your papers in the appropriate section

An expanding file folder with dividers and pockets enables you to categorize documentation. Smead offers a variety of expanding folders including a 12- pocket expanding folder ideal for tax document storage.

To Continue reading this article click on the link below...

Welcome to 2007. (Broken any of your resolutions yet?)

The tradition of making New Year's resolutions dates back to the early Babylonians. Probably went something like, “This year I’m really going to improve my cuneiform” or “Return oxen borrowed from Shem.” Every year we go through the same ordeal deciding upon what our New Year’s resolution is going to be. This year I decided to do something different. Instead of making a resolution to resolve something that I know in 3 months I won’t even remember what that ‘something’ was, I’m not going to make one at all. “What’s that?!” you say. Let me repeat that again, I am not going to make any kind of new years resolution! “Confound it man! You have to, it’s a tradition!” you reply. Traditions are great when the theory and purpose behind them are upheld but how many “New Years Resolutions” have you kept? You may be able to identify a couple but all things considered I dare say the odds are you also failed to live up to your resolutions.

Many years ago when I first began in business I wrote everything down. Successes, failures, good sales, lousy sales, fabulous ideas and ideas that didn’t deserve the light of day! I had a business mentor who used to tell me “write it down today because you won’t remember it tomorrow”. He also taught me the importance of writing down my goals for personal and professional success; a habit I have gotten away from in the busy-ness of today’s work environment. This brings me back to the subject of this column. This year I have decided, not resolved, to get back in the practice of writing down my goals.

Goals come in many flavors and varieties. Here are a few areas for you to think about:

Family, Home
Career
Spiritual
Physical
Educational
Financial

What are your dreams? Perhaps you need to save more money, take a class to help you perform your job better, get more exercise, study theology or maybe it is helping in some charitable cause. Start a list of things you want or need to accomplish. Be realistic and take time to identify and define the ones that are the most important and how they can be accomplished. Take a calendar, PDA or diary and write down each day, or week what your goal for that period is and when you complete that goal write that down too! Beware however to make realistic goals. If your goal isn’t reached time and again, you will get discouraged and quit. With time and determination you will not only achieve your goals but you will have a profound sense of accomplishment!

I've started a journal containing my daily, weekly and monthly goals. Some tie into one another so to meet one goal I have to be on track with my other goal. Much of my work is very fluid and subject to change any given day. I create goals with that in mind. Some goals are very aggressive but I know they are attainable. I create personal and professional goals because success in one area drives a desire for success in another.

The same applies to your personal and professional life too! Be diligent, tenacious and determined. Strive to be the BEST at everything you do and not only will you achieve success but so will your employer, your business associates and your family. Turn difficulties into opportunities and always maintain a positive attitude even when dealing with negative people or tough problems. Whatever your dream or vision is you can make it happen by setting and reaching your goals. There are numerous books on the market that can help guide you on setting and reaching your goals so invest a little time and start setting those goals and make your dreams come true!

Happy New Year from the staff and management of Office Supply Services, Inc.!

-DH

Meet our Staff! Each month we will introduce you to one of our associates. This month our Featured Employee is Mrs. Linda Austin! When you call our corporate offices located in Concord you will most likely hear her warm and friendly voice. Linda is our receptionist and one to whom we all look forward for a warm and welcome smile first thing each morning. Outside of work Linda has 2 children and 3 grandchildren with a new grandchild on the way in March. She loves to travel and cook and the beach is her favorite destination. Linda enjoys talking to new and present customers and has been with OSS for over 6 years. Linda can be emailed at laustin@ossone.com.