Unlike many people in the Chicagoland area, I do not like Corned Beef and Cabbage. Tom does and he made his own last night. I do however, greatly enjoy potatoes...so I am going to make this actually authentic Irish dish. I am going to really scale back on the butter the recipe calls for because 2 sticks is quite a lot!!! I'm using turkey bacon as well as that will cut out 45 minutes of cooking time for the ham. and for
From The Food Network:
Colcannon
Recipe courtesy Christabel Rossiter
Prep Time:
15 min
Inactive Prep Time:
hr min
Cook Time:
1 hr 45 min
Level:
Intermediate
Serves:
6 servings
Ingredients
3 pounds potatoes, scrubbed (I'm using red)
2 sticks butter (Im using lots less)
1 1/4 cups hot milk (I'm going w/skimmed milk)
Freshly ground black pepper
1 head cabbage, cored and finely shredded
1 (1-pound) piece ham or bacon, cooked the day before (I'm using Turkey Bacon)
4 scallions, finely chopped
Chopped parsley leaves, for garnish (I'm using Tastefully Simple spinach & herb for the garnish, just a little sprinkling of the green!)
Directions
Steam the potatoes in their skins for 30
minutes. Peel them using a knife and fork. Chop with a knife before mashing.. Mash thoroughly to remove all the
lumps. Add 1 stick of butter in pieces. Gradually add hot milk, stirring all the time. Season with a few
grinds of black pepper.
Boil the cabbage in unsalted water until it turns a darker color. Add 2 tablespoons butter to tenderize it.
Cover with lid for 2 minutes. Drain thoroughly before returning it to the pan. Chop into small pieces.
Put the ham in a large saucepan and cover with water. Bring to the boil and simmer for 45 minutes until
tender. Drain. Remove any fat and chop into small pieces.
Add cabbage, scallions, and ham to mashed potatoes, stirring them in gently.
Serve in individual soup plates. Make an indentation on the top by swirling a wooden spoon. Put 1 tablespoon
of butter into each indentation. Sprinkle with parsley.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Monday, March 16, 2009
Friday the 13th
At church they had Operation Rice Bowl calendars they were giving out ORB is a project run by Catholic Relief Services where people donate money and it is used to provide food and support food services in areas where people are hungry.
What I like about this calendar is that it focuses on a different country each week and there is a recipe representing the country you can make each week and it's either meatless or made w/fish as people in poorer countries don't eat meat very often.
The website is
Last week the focus was on the Philippines and the recipe was Hinurnong Isda. I was all set to make it,as directed I just needed to get ginger and scallions, but then the day got a bit away from me and before I had time to go to the store I had to go volunteer at the Spaghetti dinner. So I made it when I got home because:
1. tom was going to get fast food since he was unable to find anything to eat in our house. You'd think the pantry and fridge and freezer were empty--so I wanted to stop him from going to get Arbys at 8pm.
2. the tilapia was already defrosted. So I made the recipe but had to makes some changes so it wasn't really what it was supposed to be. And I served it w/mashed potatoes.
Hinurnong Isda
1 lb white fish--I used tilapia (sp?)
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tsp salt
1 large tomato, chopped
1 small yellow onion, chopped
2 scallions, chopped--didn't have any so I skipped
2 cloves garlic, minced I used 2 tsp of garlic garlic
1 tsp ginger--I didnt have any so I skipped this
1 tsp pepper--I used the new Tastefully Simple Green Tea and Peppercorn seasoning
2 tbsp melted butter
Preheat oven to 375. Add lemon juice to fish, sprinkle with salt and let stand about 20 min. Combine tomato, yellow onion, scallions, garlic, ginger and pepper in pan and saute for 5 min. Set aside. Brush fish with melted butter, place in a baking pan and bake for 10 min. Add sauteed vegetables and bake for 5 more minutes or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork.
Serve w/hot rice.
What I like about this calendar is that it focuses on a different country each week and there is a recipe representing the country you can make each week and it's either meatless or made w/fish as people in poorer countries don't eat meat very often.
The website is
Last week the focus was on the Philippines and the recipe was Hinurnong Isda. I was all set to make it,as directed I just needed to get ginger and scallions, but then the day got a bit away from me and before I had time to go to the store I had to go volunteer at the Spaghetti dinner. So I made it when I got home because:
1. tom was going to get fast food since he was unable to find anything to eat in our house. You'd think the pantry and fridge and freezer were empty--so I wanted to stop him from going to get Arbys at 8pm.
2. the tilapia was already defrosted. So I made the recipe but had to makes some changes so it wasn't really what it was supposed to be. And I served it w/mashed potatoes.
Hinurnong Isda
1 lb white fish--I used tilapia (sp?)
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tsp salt
1 large tomato, chopped
1 small yellow onion, chopped
2 scallions, chopped--didn't have any so I skipped
2 cloves garlic, minced I used 2 tsp of garlic garlic
1 tsp ginger--I didnt have any so I skipped this
1 tsp pepper--I used the new Tastefully Simple Green Tea and Peppercorn seasoning
2 tbsp melted butter
Preheat oven to 375. Add lemon juice to fish, sprinkle with salt and let stand about 20 min. Combine tomato, yellow onion, scallions, garlic, ginger and pepper in pan and saute for 5 min. Set aside. Brush fish with melted butter, place in a baking pan and bake for 10 min. Add sauteed vegetables and bake for 5 more minutes or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork.
Serve w/hot rice.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Recipe from Food network magazine
I saved up my coke reward points and got a free subscription to the new Food Network Magazine--my first copy arrived on Friday and yesterday I noticed that I had all the ingredients on hand to make one of the recipes, so I gave it a go and it was very good. I lightened up the recipe as much as possible as the original recipe was def. not very healthy eating friendly. If you want to see the recipe from the website visit:
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/croque-monsieur-mac-and-cheese-recipe/index.html
But here is what I did
Croque Monsieur Mac and Cheese
1/2 pound whole wheat rotini
2 cups skim milk
1 cup coarsely grated gruyere cheese
1 1/2 cups finely grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup egg substitute
3 slices 40 calorie Healthy Life w/flaxseed bread
1 med onoin diced
1 tsp Tastefully Simple Garlic Garlic
3 tbsp all-purpose flouer
Pinch of Tastefully Simple Fiesta Party Mix
1/8 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
Kosher Salt
Tastefully Simple Seasoned Salt
6 oz diced Canadian Bacon
1. Preheat the oven to 425. Boil water and make the rotini cooking until it is al dente about 8 min. Drain pasta and put in a bowl then pour 1/4 cup of milk over it.
2. While the pasta is cooking combine both cheese in a bowl. In another bowl beat 3/4 cup of milk and the eggs, then fold in the bread and 1/2 of the cheese mix.
3. Spray cooking spray in a saucepan, heat on high and add the onion and cook until just brown. Sprinkling in the flour, Fiesta Party Dip, nutmeg, 1 tsp Koser Salt and cook, stirring for about 2 minutes. Slowly add 3/4 cup water and the remaining 1 cup of milk, and the Garlic Garlic then bring to a boil , stirring until thickened (which to me took a while and I wasn't sure how thickened it should be ?) When it seems thickened remove it from the heat and whisk it a bit to cool slightly then whisk in the remaining cheese, add all the pasta and toss.
4. Spray Pam in a shallow casserole dish. Add 1/2 of the pasta, top w/1/2 of the ham, and cover w/the other 1/2 of the pasta then top w/the other 1/2 of the ham, then cover with the bread mixture. Bake until golden and bubbly, about 20 min. Let rest for 5 min b/4 serving. I wanted a little more flavor so before serving I sprinkled a bit of Tastefully Simple Seasoned Salt on my portion
You can also skip the ham for a meatless dish.
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/croque-monsieur-mac-and-cheese-recipe/index.html
But here is what I did
Croque Monsieur Mac and Cheese
1/2 pound whole wheat rotini
2 cups skim milk
1 cup coarsely grated gruyere cheese
1 1/2 cups finely grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup egg substitute
3 slices 40 calorie Healthy Life w/flaxseed bread
1 med onoin diced
1 tsp Tastefully Simple Garlic Garlic
3 tbsp all-purpose flouer
Pinch of Tastefully Simple Fiesta Party Mix
1/8 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
Kosher Salt
Tastefully Simple Seasoned Salt
6 oz diced Canadian Bacon
1. Preheat the oven to 425. Boil water and make the rotini cooking until it is al dente about 8 min. Drain pasta and put in a bowl then pour 1/4 cup of milk over it.
2. While the pasta is cooking combine both cheese in a bowl. In another bowl beat 3/4 cup of milk and the eggs, then fold in the bread and 1/2 of the cheese mix.
3. Spray cooking spray in a saucepan, heat on high and add the onion and cook until just brown. Sprinkling in the flour, Fiesta Party Dip, nutmeg, 1 tsp Koser Salt and cook, stirring for about 2 minutes. Slowly add 3/4 cup water and the remaining 1 cup of milk, and the Garlic Garlic then bring to a boil , stirring until thickened (which to me took a while and I wasn't sure how thickened it should be ?) When it seems thickened remove it from the heat and whisk it a bit to cool slightly then whisk in the remaining cheese, add all the pasta and toss.
4. Spray Pam in a shallow casserole dish. Add 1/2 of the pasta, top w/1/2 of the ham, and cover w/the other 1/2 of the pasta then top w/the other 1/2 of the ham, then cover with the bread mixture. Bake until golden and bubbly, about 20 min. Let rest for 5 min b/4 serving. I wanted a little more flavor so before serving I sprinkled a bit of Tastefully Simple Seasoned Salt on my portion
You can also skip the ham for a meatless dish.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Aw Cmon!
I decided for dinner today to make enchiladas. Cheese enchiladas. Here was my plan.
Ingredients:
whole wheat tortillas
a can of enchilada sauce
The New TS Spicy Bean Dip
fat free refried beans
Trader joe's roasted corn
and some sauteed onions.
And 2 oz of low fat cream cheese mixed with the new TS chili chipotle or is it Chipotle Chili mix
You just make the Spicy Bean Dip as directed (ie add water) put that aside. Saute the onions in a pan, and then you mix the spicy bean dip, sauteed onions, TJ's roasted corn and the refried beans together. Take that mixture put it in the tortillas, put a couple spoonfuls of the Chipotle Chili Mix on top and a couple of tablespoons of the enchilada sauce, then roll up the enchiladas and pour enchilada sauce over the everything in the pan and then I was going to put a little grated cheddar cheese on top and bake the enchiladas in the oven for like 20-30 min.
I went to Jewel this AM specifically to get the 2 ingredients for this that I didn't have on hand, specifically the whole wheat tortillas and the enchilada sauce. It took me forever to find the whole wheat low carb tortillas because Jewel is being remodeled and they moved the tortillas away from the bread aisle and also they aren't in the new latino section, they were over by the frozen foods.
So I found the tortillas and the enchilada sauce and got milk and a bunch of barilla pasta because all barilla pasta is on sale for 79 cents. Paid for everything, got home, put my groceries away and there was no enchilada sauce. Sauce was in my cart, I paid for it, but some where between the checkout and my kitchen counter, it disappeared.
Therefore, since it was cold and crummy out, I said the heck with the enchiladas today.
Ingredients:
whole wheat tortillas
a can of enchilada sauce
The New TS Spicy Bean Dip
fat free refried beans
Trader joe's roasted corn
and some sauteed onions.
And 2 oz of low fat cream cheese mixed with the new TS chili chipotle or is it Chipotle Chili mix
You just make the Spicy Bean Dip as directed (ie add water) put that aside. Saute the onions in a pan, and then you mix the spicy bean dip, sauteed onions, TJ's roasted corn and the refried beans together. Take that mixture put it in the tortillas, put a couple spoonfuls of the Chipotle Chili Mix on top and a couple of tablespoons of the enchilada sauce, then roll up the enchiladas and pour enchilada sauce over the everything in the pan and then I was going to put a little grated cheddar cheese on top and bake the enchiladas in the oven for like 20-30 min.
I went to Jewel this AM specifically to get the 2 ingredients for this that I didn't have on hand, specifically the whole wheat tortillas and the enchilada sauce. It took me forever to find the whole wheat low carb tortillas because Jewel is being remodeled and they moved the tortillas away from the bread aisle and also they aren't in the new latino section, they were over by the frozen foods.
So I found the tortillas and the enchilada sauce and got milk and a bunch of barilla pasta because all barilla pasta is on sale for 79 cents. Paid for everything, got home, put my groceries away and there was no enchilada sauce. Sauce was in my cart, I paid for it, but some where between the checkout and my kitchen counter, it disappeared.
Therefore, since it was cold and crummy out, I said the heck with the enchiladas today.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Looking for Salad Recipes
I suppose the reason I can't easily find recipes for salads, entree salads w/lots of greens is that I guess you don't really need a recipe to figure out how to put together a tossed salad w/some other stuff on top.
So this is what I am going to try today for an entree salad, of course with the pouring rain outside--which I hope doesn't wind up in our basement--I should really be making a big pot of Creamy Wild Rice Soup(Tastefully Simple)
I am taking skirt steak adding a little bit of the new Everything Grilling Seasoning (TS) and cook that a bit and slice it thin. Then put that aside and take a ton of mixed greens lettuces (with lots of arugula) put that on a plate, add some diced red onions, grape tomatoes sliced in 1/2 and then put some of the steak on top along with a small amount of the Sea Salt & Pepper Texas Toast Croutons I found on sale at Jewel today and for dressing I am trying the Baby Blue Cheese Dip Mix (TS) mixed w/low fat sour cream (Cabots of Vermont) and low fat mayo then thinned with Milk to make salad dressing, and that's dinner!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
goofed it up already!
Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of lent and I was very gung ho this morning about observing lent today. What you are supposed to do on Ash Wednesday is
1. don't eat meat (seafood is ok)
2. eat only one complete meal and two smaller ones during the day, with no food in between.
So this morning after I looked up how exactly the fasting thing on Ash Wed. works, I though hmm what could I have to eat that would be a smaller meal??? So I had Lipton Cup-A-Soup--chicken noodle and thought I am all good.
Then at lunchtime I went into the pantry and when I saw the Cup-a-soup box I realized.
Chicken Noodle Soup. Chicken. I have blown the whole Lent thing already.
Barnacles!
Anywho, so I decided well, let's forge ahead. Sooooooo I made a fantastic Grill Cheese Sandwich for lunch.
I took 2 reg pieces of wheat bread
4 slices of a med. tomato
and a pile of grated gruyere and emmental cheese
and grilled in it the iron skillet.
For dinner I am broiling Dover Sole Fillets from Trader Joe's that I am seasoning w/our new Green Tea & Peppercorn seasoning. For the sides: steamed cauliflower and broccoli and boiled red potatoes seasoned w/a little butter and our Spinach & Herb Mix.
1. don't eat meat (seafood is ok)
2. eat only one complete meal and two smaller ones during the day, with no food in between.
So this morning after I looked up how exactly the fasting thing on Ash Wed. works, I though hmm what could I have to eat that would be a smaller meal??? So I had Lipton Cup-A-Soup--chicken noodle and thought I am all good.
Then at lunchtime I went into the pantry and when I saw the Cup-a-soup box I realized.
Chicken Noodle Soup. Chicken. I have blown the whole Lent thing already.
Barnacles!
Anywho, so I decided well, let's forge ahead. Sooooooo I made a fantastic Grill Cheese Sandwich for lunch.
I took 2 reg pieces of wheat bread
4 slices of a med. tomato
and a pile of grated gruyere and emmental cheese
and grilled in it the iron skillet.
For dinner I am broiling Dover Sole Fillets from Trader Joe's that I am seasoning w/our new Green Tea & Peppercorn seasoning. For the sides: steamed cauliflower and broccoli and boiled red potatoes seasoned w/a little butter and our Spinach & Herb Mix.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Benefits of working for myself
Well cleaning up after first Patrick and then Anna seems to have landed me a trip down Virus Lane.
Just like you, I do not like being sick. So today I am trying really hard to look at the brightside of being sick.
Number 1. I'll lose weight. That's always a bonus!
Number 2. It's an excuse to not put laundry away.
Number 3. I don't have to call off work because I work at home and I have no boss.
Number 4. I sell food, so I don't have to worry about any work crisis occuring while I am taking a nap--there isn't ever really a 'Beer Bread Emergency'
Number 5. It's cold outside, better to be sick today than in June.
Well that is all I've got. I think now I'll take a nap and later hmm..oh yea, Im always forgetting about the Chai Tea. since I sell Oh My! Chai and chai tea has ginger in it, and ginger is good for calming stomach icky-ness ...I probably should have skipped the coffee this AM and had Chai. I'll have a cup of that after the boys get home and want me to help them w/their homework.
Oh I have a Number 6.
Number 6. The kids were only sick for a couple days, so hopefully I'll be better ASAP and
Number 7. I don't have to leave the house to do a party until Sat.
Just like you, I do not like being sick. So today I am trying really hard to look at the brightside of being sick.
Number 1. I'll lose weight. That's always a bonus!
Number 2. It's an excuse to not put laundry away.
Number 3. I don't have to call off work because I work at home and I have no boss.
Number 4. I sell food, so I don't have to worry about any work crisis occuring while I am taking a nap--there isn't ever really a 'Beer Bread Emergency'
Number 5. It's cold outside, better to be sick today than in June.
Well that is all I've got. I think now I'll take a nap and later hmm..oh yea, Im always forgetting about the Chai Tea. since I sell Oh My! Chai and chai tea has ginger in it, and ginger is good for calming stomach icky-ness ...I probably should have skipped the coffee this AM and had Chai. I'll have a cup of that after the boys get home and want me to help them w/their homework.
Oh I have a Number 6.
Number 6. The kids were only sick for a couple days, so hopefully I'll be better ASAP and
Number 7. I don't have to leave the house to do a party until Sat.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Happy Valentines Day!
I hope you had a fun day.
Over here we had plans for 'family fun day' where our big event was going to be eating a late lunch at the new Red Robin that is in Orland Park. You see the kids have seen ads for Red Robin restaurants on cable for the past 2 years, but there hasn't been one anywhere near us..until a few months ago. So the kids have been looking forward to family fun day for a while now.
Alas, it was not be. Last night Patrick woke up around midnight an threw up all over himself, his bed, the floor in his room, the floor in the kitchen, and in the bathroom..then he crawled in bed with us and fell asleep. Which Tom competely slept thru and I got to throw in a couple loads of laundry,clean up and mop up.
Poor Patrick has spent all day laying around on the couch feverish and barely even drinking some 7up. He is so sick I don't think he realizes that he is sick on a 3 day weekend! Oh that is just the worst for a kid! He's been working hard and studying for the big ISAT tests and now he has a 3 day weekend break and he is sick as can be!
:-(
My hope right now is that the sickness will pass quickly and that it will stop w/Patrick...leaving Bryce and Anna and ESP. Tom illness free--cause we all know who the big baby when he is sick is...
Over here we had plans for 'family fun day' where our big event was going to be eating a late lunch at the new Red Robin that is in Orland Park. You see the kids have seen ads for Red Robin restaurants on cable for the past 2 years, but there hasn't been one anywhere near us..until a few months ago. So the kids have been looking forward to family fun day for a while now.
Alas, it was not be. Last night Patrick woke up around midnight an threw up all over himself, his bed, the floor in his room, the floor in the kitchen, and in the bathroom..then he crawled in bed with us and fell asleep. Which Tom competely slept thru and I got to throw in a couple loads of laundry,clean up and mop up.
Poor Patrick has spent all day laying around on the couch feverish and barely even drinking some 7up. He is so sick I don't think he realizes that he is sick on a 3 day weekend! Oh that is just the worst for a kid! He's been working hard and studying for the big ISAT tests and now he has a 3 day weekend break and he is sick as can be!
:-(
My hope right now is that the sickness will pass quickly and that it will stop w/Patrick...leaving Bryce and Anna and ESP. Tom illness free--cause we all know who the big baby when he is sick is...
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
The biggest Loser
I like to watch TV on tuesday--the Biggest Loser is on (and then the Real Housewives of the OC)
Each week I laugh at the product endorsement. Why don't they just say, we love our sponsor and so and so instead of making it like a little lesson for the contestants.
I usually laugh so hard at this portion of the show that I almost spit out my delicious Oh! My Chai tea, a blend of cinnamon, cardamon, vanilla, and ginger that retails for $9.99. (wink, wink)
And then when they show the last chance work out, I say to myself. This part is all the motivation I need, I sure don't want to end up on the ranch puking out my guts and carrying Jillian on my back while she is screaming at me.
As much as I don't care for Jillian, I have added her Wii game to my amazon wish list. Nod. call me crazy because I already find the little Wii Fit guy very annoying. And now much to my chagrin I can't find an image of the wii fit balance board cartoon guy to post. :-(
**********************************************************************
I didn't feel much like cooking so I just baked some chicken breast sprinkled with Seasoned Salt and made green beans and french fries. Tomorrow I am going to be more motivated and will make a nice big pot of stew. My secret stew ingredient is the Merlot Sauce, I use about 1/4 cup of that and it really enhances the richness of the stew w/o adding fat.
Only a few more days until I am going to our Tastefully Simple on Tour for the training, and most importantly the unveiling of the Spring/Summer line. I can't wait, when the Spring/Summer line starts then I can start believing that it really will be springtime again!
Merlot Stew by Me.
Merlot Beef Stew
Ingredients
1.25 lbs. cubed stew meat
1/4 cup flour
a cup or 2 of sliced carrots
5 big potatoes chopped up-I leave the skins on
1.5 cups sliced onions
1 chopped medium onion
3 stalks of celery sliced
1/4 cup-1/3 cup Merlot Sauce
1Tbsp. Garlic Garlic™
4 cups beefbroth (more if needed.)
Seasoned salt to taste.
Directions
Coat beef with flour. sauté beef in a big sauce pan that you've sprayed w/cooking spray until browned. Then take out the beef and saute the onions & celery and then the mushrooms for a few minutes Then put all the ingredients (less the seasoned salt) in a large stock pot and cook it on medium heat until the ingredients are nice and tender and the flavors have blended and the sauce has thickened to the stew consistency of your liking. Serve w/Boutiful Beer Bread if you'd like.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
improvising
I was looking thru our Comforting Classics cookbook and saw a recipe for Bayou Bourbon Pork Chops which looked really good, you just take pork chops and put the Bayou Bourbon on it and then you cover the pork chops w/crushed pecans and you bake them and ta-da you have encrusted pork chops. I don't know about you, but that sounded yummy to me and I was ready to make that, garlic mashed and green beans for dinner.
The thing was..we had no pork chops and only Planters (less than 50% peanuts!) mixed nuts. So there was that. But then I remembered, we had a pork roast in the freezer. I defrosted that in the microwave and then stuck it in the fridge to make Bayou Bourbon pork roast. Then I forgot about the pork roast and found $20 to splurge on pizza.
Right when we were ordering the pizza I remembered the pork in the refrigerator, and I thought, barnacles! I better cook that roast.
So here is what I did:
1. take a defrosted pork roast
2. pour a 1/3 of a cup of Bayou Bourbon Glaze all over it.
3. pour out the canister of mixed nuts.
4. pick out all the pecans (of which there aren't many at all) then take some cashews. Smash the pecans and cashews on a paper plate w/the bottom of a cup until they are all ground up.
5. encruste the roast by rolling it in the nut mixture.
6. put the cooking probe in it and bake at 425 for 15 minutes then reduce the heat to 350 and cook that until the probe says 160 then take it out, let it sit--
and by then Top Chef was on and it was after 9, so Tom put it in a tupperware container and it went into the fridge.
Today I had a slice of it, yummy! I think the cashews worked really well.
And then Today I made Cranberry Orange bread to celebrate Blago being removed from office!
The thing was..we had no pork chops and only Planters (less than 50% peanuts!) mixed nuts. So there was that. But then I remembered, we had a pork roast in the freezer. I defrosted that in the microwave and then stuck it in the fridge to make Bayou Bourbon pork roast. Then I forgot about the pork roast and found $20 to splurge on pizza.
Right when we were ordering the pizza I remembered the pork in the refrigerator, and I thought, barnacles! I better cook that roast.
So here is what I did:
1. take a defrosted pork roast
2. pour a 1/3 of a cup of Bayou Bourbon Glaze all over it.
3. pour out the canister of mixed nuts.
4. pick out all the pecans (of which there aren't many at all) then take some cashews. Smash the pecans and cashews on a paper plate w/the bottom of a cup until they are all ground up.
5. encruste the roast by rolling it in the nut mixture.
6. put the cooking probe in it and bake at 425 for 15 minutes then reduce the heat to 350 and cook that until the probe says 160 then take it out, let it sit--
and by then Top Chef was on and it was after 9, so Tom put it in a tupperware container and it went into the fridge.
Today I had a slice of it, yummy! I think the cashews worked really well.
And then Today I made Cranberry Orange bread to celebrate Blago being removed from office!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Ode to Chocolate.
I really should have followed through on that childhood dream to be a reporter. Not that the print media is doing well, but the AP seems to be plugging along and it appears that you only need to do 2 things to create an AP story.
1. Fear Monger
2. State the Obvious!
ie; Consumer Confidence is down in January. Really? What a Surprise.
And they have a story I could have written, it says candy sales (esp. chocolate) are not down. Well hello, when do you need chocolate more than when there is a recession and you've just heard your husband, wife, mother, brother, sister, cousin, etc, etc are laid off.
I mean I think well all know the basics of what humans need to survive:
chocolate, food, chocolate, shelter, chocolate, and clothing. Chocolate is like The building block of the food pyramid.
Right now I feel a little bad for Reese's because I am avoiding it and that really must be impacting there bottom line. My favorite type of Reese's peanut butter cups are the minis. I eat the bottom then I eat the top. Just like me, each of the children also LOVE the Reese's. However currently I am avoiding Reese's Peanut Butter Cups in all it forms as
A. I cannot see Reese's w/o eating them, I cannot eat just one, must have 3 when I eat them.
B. I can't figure out if any peanut butter products are safe from the Salmonella recall so I am steering clear of all peanut butter containing products.
At Christmas time, Patrick asked Santa for Andes Mints. Turns out Andes Mints are his favorite candies. This struck me as funny as I for some reason consider Andes Mints 'old people chocolate'.
Since I am losing weight for the big cruise in April, I have switched over to daily doses of Hershey's Kisses. They are small, there are many varieties and they fit nicely into the big cup I have hidden in the cupboard. Another bonus is that only one of the three kiddos (Anna) like the caramel filled kisses which are my favs. So I don't have to share. It's hard to share chocolate!
1. Fear Monger
2. State the Obvious!
ie; Consumer Confidence is down in January. Really? What a Surprise.
And they have a story I could have written, it says candy sales (esp. chocolate) are not down. Well hello, when do you need chocolate more than when there is a recession and you've just heard your husband, wife, mother, brother, sister, cousin, etc, etc are laid off.
I mean I think well all know the basics of what humans need to survive:
chocolate, food, chocolate, shelter, chocolate, and clothing. Chocolate is like The building block of the food pyramid.
Right now I feel a little bad for Reese's because I am avoiding it and that really must be impacting there bottom line. My favorite type of Reese's peanut butter cups are the minis. I eat the bottom then I eat the top. Just like me, each of the children also LOVE the Reese's. However currently I am avoiding Reese's Peanut Butter Cups in all it forms as
A. I cannot see Reese's w/o eating them, I cannot eat just one, must have 3 when I eat them.
B. I can't figure out if any peanut butter products are safe from the Salmonella recall so I am steering clear of all peanut butter containing products.
At Christmas time, Patrick asked Santa for Andes Mints. Turns out Andes Mints are his favorite candies. This struck me as funny as I for some reason consider Andes Mints 'old people chocolate'.
Since I am losing weight for the big cruise in April, I have switched over to daily doses of Hershey's Kisses. They are small, there are many varieties and they fit nicely into the big cup I have hidden in the cupboard. Another bonus is that only one of the three kiddos (Anna) like the caramel filled kisses which are my favs. So I don't have to share. It's hard to share chocolate!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Back from Leadership Oasis.
What a great view to see from our hotel. I don't think I've ever been any closer to mountains before, they were RIGHT THERE.
I can't tell you have wonderful it was to be in the sunshine for 4 wonderful wonderful days. Warm sun I should say.
The most amazing thing during the trip was the beauty of Sabino Canyon. Fabulous. We hiked to the bottom of it and that is where my new profile pic was taken. I love the desert so much, I wonder if the Leadership 2010 trip to Orlando will be a letdown? Nahhh!
We talked to the kids and we are looking at having Tom and the kids come down on the Sunday of leadership and then we'll have a family vacation at the Nick Hotel. Yes I know Orlando is the land of Disney. but anyone who has met Patrick knows we are a Spongebob House. This means we have 1 year to save up!
To that end I am working hard on starting off my 2009 will a steady party schedule. I saw a sign on a Banquet Hall that might be my matra for 2009.
2009 is Party Time! LOL
At leadership they told us about a new initiative and a new product and that is privileged info I cannot divulge until late Feb. A whole month I have to sit on this! AHHHH! One thing I can say is that the new product does not contain peanut butter.
While I was gone, Tom really cleaned the house. And by that I mean really cleaned. He even cleaned the stove top, told the grates off and everything! Can you believe it? I got home and it's like Christmas! I think he might have taking out his stress by cleaning, because while I was gone a pipe burst over at our old house and cause a bunch of havoc for tom and his brother/girlfriend & kids who live there. Fortunately, thanks to the Country Company and our agent Erica, a check is already on it's way for the repair operation.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Bus stop observations
Today I spent too much time waiting on school buses in the cold. We rec'd more snow today, and the roads esp. this AM were not so good.
This morning Bryce's bus, which is always on time, was 18 minutes late. 18 minutes goes by quite slowly when it's cold and your poor son is whining about being cold. By whining I don't mean the whining I am listening to at this minute because he wants me to read something to him from the game he is playing on Cartoon Network, I mean more like almost crying.
We were standing on the corner, waiting on the bus when I noticed that I could actually see snowflakes on bryce's hat. I can't remember the last time I really saw snowflakes. They are so intricate, it's is a wonder to see. And it was a very handy distraction for Bryce. We spent the rest of the waiting for the bus time looking at snowflakes and disagreeing on whether or not all snowflakes are different. I told Bryce yes they might look the same to you, but snowflakes are different and if we had a microscope (a really cold microscope) we could look at them and see differences. He didn't believe me.
Later at Anna's bus stop the bus was about 10 minutes late and she managed to get her pants all covered with snow, which is what happens everyday when we go to the bus stop. The she heard the squealing of someone's brakes as they passed us, and asked me what that noise was, and I told her. She wouldn't believe me. She thought it was an animal. And then she got on her bus.
This happens everyday. What happens you ask? Everyday is filled with children telling me I am wrong about things I tell them. And yes I see the irony, I remember that I would disagree with what my mom had to say all the time when I was a kid. I get it, now it's my turn. However, I am not taking all the credit for this one. I must point out that my lovely husband is the worst offender of the don't believe what Victoria says!
How nice it is going to be for four days in warm desert climate surrounded by people who won't disagree and disbelieve what I say. Maybe just maybe when I get back, they'll have missed me enough to give me a respite from their contrarian ways!
Monday, January 12, 2009
Good 15 minutes below zero bathing suits and golden globes.
Yesterday I had some good times:
1. 15 good minutes occured when the children were quiet for the first 15 minutes in church. Very exciting, I got all hopeful that they'd be quiet and well behaved the whole time!
2. the house was clean for 15 minutes.
3. enjoyed 120 minutes w/Diana at the Olive Garden. Some people frown on The Olive Garden, they say it's the Denny's of Italian restaurants. I say so what, I like Dennys too. What's not to love over Moon over My Hammy?
4. enjoyed about a total of 15 minutes of the golden globes. the rest of the time that we watched it Patrick was talking talking talking.
It turns out on Thursday when I leave for Tucson, that it will be some degrees below zero here. Do planes fly if it's below zero? God I hope so!
And it turns out the forcast for the whole time in Tucson is going to be significantly higher than below zero. So much higher, I am rethinking my wardrobe. Now if it would be significantly higher than below zero when I return on Sunday, that would be the bee's knees.
Speaking of knees. How do people confidently wear bathing suits. I don't mean A list celebrities, I mean average women, esp average women who've given birth. I need a turn of the century suit. More importantly, hotels that have pools should either get really big body covering towels for guests to wear on the long awkward walk back to the room after going to the pool, or they should close their pools.
We watched the Golden Globes last night, and I will never have a "what not to wear "job because I thought overall everyone looked very good. I mean they are all quite attractive. Hairwise I thought Drew Barrymore's hair looked overwrought, and I thought Renee Zellwinger must have thin hair. Tom wanted to know why many of the men were sporting a cross btwn bed head and spiky hair. I have no answers for that. I do know that I want to see Slumdog Millionaire, the Wrestler, and In Bruges.
Also, I have an awards pet peeve, I don't like when they act completely stunned that they have won. IE Kate Winslet. It's always at least a 1 in 5 shot that you'll win if nominated, so why not acknowledge that you have a good chance of winning.
Tom thought David Duchovny looked too thin. I thought he mentioned that he got a call from his wife on camera, just so he could let everyone know he is still married.
Lastly my husband and I have totally different taste in women.
Angelina is on Camera.
I say: "Sigh she is so beautiful"
Tom says: "she's alright."
Me: "she's alright? what? are you crazy? who do you like?"
he says : "I think you're beautiful."
I make a humph sound and say: "C'mon!"
Tom says: "oh I don't know..."
Salma Hayek is on Camera.
I say: "what about her?"
Tom: "she's alright."
I say: "cmon! she's stacked! That dress is fabulous!"
The camera pans to Penelope Cruz.
I say: What about her?
tom says: yes she is very attractive.
Well Amen! About time!
*********************************************************
Yesterday I went to Jewel and Tom said, get some pork that is usually cheap. I bought a whole tenderloin and today I thought, hmm what can I do w/that in the crockpot.
So I took the pork added about 1/3 of a bottle of Leinenkugel's Honey Weiss +dijon mustard + honey and put it on low to cook all day...I hope it turns out well! Wish me luck!
1. 15 good minutes occured when the children were quiet for the first 15 minutes in church. Very exciting, I got all hopeful that they'd be quiet and well behaved the whole time!
2. the house was clean for 15 minutes.
3. enjoyed 120 minutes w/Diana at the Olive Garden. Some people frown on The Olive Garden, they say it's the Denny's of Italian restaurants. I say so what, I like Dennys too. What's not to love over Moon over My Hammy?
4. enjoyed about a total of 15 minutes of the golden globes. the rest of the time that we watched it Patrick was talking talking talking.
It turns out on Thursday when I leave for Tucson, that it will be some degrees below zero here. Do planes fly if it's below zero? God I hope so!
And it turns out the forcast for the whole time in Tucson is going to be significantly higher than below zero. So much higher, I am rethinking my wardrobe. Now if it would be significantly higher than below zero when I return on Sunday, that would be the bee's knees.
Speaking of knees. How do people confidently wear bathing suits. I don't mean A list celebrities, I mean average women, esp average women who've given birth. I need a turn of the century suit. More importantly, hotels that have pools should either get really big body covering towels for guests to wear on the long awkward walk back to the room after going to the pool, or they should close their pools.
We watched the Golden Globes last night, and I will never have a "what not to wear "job because I thought overall everyone looked very good. I mean they are all quite attractive. Hairwise I thought Drew Barrymore's hair looked overwrought, and I thought Renee Zellwinger must have thin hair. Tom wanted to know why many of the men were sporting a cross btwn bed head and spiky hair. I have no answers for that. I do know that I want to see Slumdog Millionaire, the Wrestler, and In Bruges.
Also, I have an awards pet peeve, I don't like when they act completely stunned that they have won. IE Kate Winslet. It's always at least a 1 in 5 shot that you'll win if nominated, so why not acknowledge that you have a good chance of winning.
Tom thought David Duchovny looked too thin. I thought he mentioned that he got a call from his wife on camera, just so he could let everyone know he is still married.
Lastly my husband and I have totally different taste in women.
Angelina is on Camera.
I say: "Sigh she is so beautiful"
Tom says: "she's alright."
Me: "she's alright? what? are you crazy? who do you like?"
he says : "I think you're beautiful."
I make a humph sound and say: "C'mon!"
Tom says: "oh I don't know..."
Salma Hayek is on Camera.
I say: "what about her?"
Tom: "she's alright."
I say: "cmon! she's stacked! That dress is fabulous!"
The camera pans to Penelope Cruz.
I say: What about her?
tom says: yes she is very attractive.
Well Amen! About time!
*********************************************************
Yesterday I went to Jewel and Tom said, get some pork that is usually cheap. I bought a whole tenderloin and today I thought, hmm what can I do w/that in the crockpot.
So I took the pork added about 1/3 of a bottle of Leinenkugel's Honey Weiss +dijon mustard + honey and put it on low to cook all day...I hope it turns out well! Wish me luck!
Friday, January 9, 2009
Beef Pepper Steak
From sparkrecipes.com
I am making this for dinner using left over Beef Tip Sirloin Roast from last night of which I am sure I don't have 12 oz . So it'll have less beef and less tomatoes as I have a 14 oz can of diced tomatoes vrs a 28oz can. I'm also going to sprinkle a little TS Southwest Seasoning Salt on my serving because I love a little lime and cumin and jalapeno w/pepper steak, and not surprisingly, Tom fan of bland cooking doesn't. We are having this over 1/2 white 1/2 brown rice. Oh and I'll used just a bit of garlic garlic vrs. garlic powder (of course)
Ingredients
12 oz beef round steak, cubed
garlic powder to taste (1 teaspoon or more)
1 large (28 oz) can of diced tomatoes (do not drain)
1 cup diced onion
1 cup green pepper strips (or more as you desire)
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 cup water
2 teaspoons corn starch
Directions
BROWN 12 OZ ROUND STEAK CUT INTO BITE SIZE CUBES IN SKILLET SPRAYED WITH PAM. SPRINKLE ON GARLIC POWDER TO TASTE. TAKE OUT MEAT. SAUTE ONION AND GREEN PEPPER (SPRAY PAN AGAIN IF NEEDED). COOK UNTIL ALMOST TENDER. PUT MEAT BACK IN AGAIN, AND ADD CAN OF WHOLE TOMATOES AND 2 BEEF BOUILLON CUBES. SIMMER ON MED-LOW FOR 10 MINUTES. MAKE A MIXTURE OF 1 TEASPOON SALT, 1 TEASPOON SUGAR, 3 TABLESPOONS SOY SAUCE, 1/4 CUP WATER, 2 TEASPOONS CORNSTARCH. ADD MIXTURE AND SIMMER 15 MINUTES LONGER. SERVE OVER RICE OR NOODLES (ADDING APPROPRIATE CALORIES). MAKES 10 HALF CUP SERVINGS.
Number of Servings: 10
I am making this for dinner using left over Beef Tip Sirloin Roast from last night of which I am sure I don't have 12 oz . So it'll have less beef and less tomatoes as I have a 14 oz can of diced tomatoes vrs a 28oz can. I'm also going to sprinkle a little TS Southwest Seasoning Salt on my serving because I love a little lime and cumin and jalapeno w/pepper steak, and not surprisingly, Tom fan of bland cooking doesn't. We are having this over 1/2 white 1/2 brown rice. Oh and I'll used just a bit of garlic garlic vrs. garlic powder (of course)
Ingredients
12 oz beef round steak, cubed
garlic powder to taste (1 teaspoon or more)
1 large (28 oz) can of diced tomatoes (do not drain)
1 cup diced onion
1 cup green pepper strips (or more as you desire)
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 cup water
2 teaspoons corn starch
Directions
BROWN 12 OZ ROUND STEAK CUT INTO BITE SIZE CUBES IN SKILLET SPRAYED WITH PAM. SPRINKLE ON GARLIC POWDER TO TASTE. TAKE OUT MEAT. SAUTE ONION AND GREEN PEPPER (SPRAY PAN AGAIN IF NEEDED). COOK UNTIL ALMOST TENDER. PUT MEAT BACK IN AGAIN, AND ADD CAN OF WHOLE TOMATOES AND 2 BEEF BOUILLON CUBES. SIMMER ON MED-LOW FOR 10 MINUTES. MAKE A MIXTURE OF 1 TEASPOON SALT, 1 TEASPOON SUGAR, 3 TABLESPOONS SOY SAUCE, 1/4 CUP WATER, 2 TEASPOONS CORNSTARCH. ADD MIXTURE AND SIMMER 15 MINUTES LONGER. SERVE OVER RICE OR NOODLES (ADDING APPROPRIATE CALORIES). MAKES 10 HALF CUP SERVINGS.
Number of Servings: 10
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Hair Cut.
The day before picture day, Bryce hacked up his hair. Why? He wanted to look good for picture day. I managed to gel what was left and cut some stray hair and we were both OK with the look he sported for the pic.
Then tonight, out of the blue, I go into the bathroom and there is Bryce with a little pair of scissors that I don't even know where he found them, and he has cut parts of the front of his hair so short my first thought is:
Jesus he looks like he is sick and losing his hair. Really it was so bad I'd be afraid that people might think he was undergoing cancer.-he is on the small side for a first grader, and he is very thin, that coupled with missing clumps of hair, it's just no good.
I beg him to back away from the scissors and plead with him never to cut his own hair again. Then he hids under the covers as Patrick laughs at him. We ask him why did he cut his hair, again? He refuses to speak.
Patrick apologizes and get sent to bed. Tom talks Bryce out from under the covers and gets the clippers out. Tom's idea was to just even out the front few inches of Bryce's hair.
Now Bryce doesn't look sick, thank goodness. But he bares an errie resemblance to his dad--because he looks like he is 1/2 bald!
Ack. Really. Bryce hides back under the covers, I ask Tom what number he had the clipper set on. He says 3. I say: you have to go back and even it out. Tom says: You mean cut all of it shorter. I say:
Yes, no way can he go to school like that. Tom says: Is it that bad? Can he wear a hat at school?
(Bryce starts crying under the covers). I say: No. You have to cut his hair.
Tom gets Bryce to come out from under the covers again, and back into the bathroom they go.
This time it looks better, still bad, but not awful.
Bryce crawls into bed and falls asleep in 60 seconds.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Meatloaf
On Feb 2nd the Tastefully Simple team that I am a part of is making dinner for a local PADS http://www.sspads.org/ shelter this one is done by a church in Palos where they feed and house women and children living out of their cars on Monday nights.
After the boys go to school that morning, I am having Anna skip school to join me in going over to my TS sponsor Desiree's house and cook. Anna of course loves to cook, and I am hoping even at 4 she might 'get' a bit of what we are doing and why.
Dinner will be meatloaf, mixed veggies, mashed potatoes and dessert. Being that we are making meatloaf, along with Anna, I am bringing my favorite kitchen gaget. My cooking probe.
Interestingly, just two hours before I went to the meeting on Monday where Desiree shared with us about doing this community service, I had made weight watchers meatloaf. Meatloaf that was good enough to please not only Anna, or Tom, but good enough that Patrick said and I quote :-):
"This isn't as bad as I thought."
Then I said "Would you like some more?"
"Nope."
Truly it was like a 3 fork rating from Phil Vettel.
Then w/in hours Meatloaf Kismet occured and I am hoping maybe we could make one or both of the big meatloaf using the recipe below:
This is the not doubled or tripled recipe.
1 1/2 lbs ground lean turkey or ground chicken (i used ground chicken because that was what was on sale last week, and I only buy what is on sail. (I'm like a localvoire, but I'm a salevoire.)
1 onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 egg white
3/4 cup ketchup
1/2 cup seasoned dry bread crumbs
1 tblsp yellow mustard
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
Combine the turkey, onion, bell pepper, egg white, 1/4 cup of ketchup, the bread crumbs, mustard, salt, and pepper in a large bowl; mix well. Form the mixture into a loaf and put it into a loaf pan.
Spread the top of the meatloaf w/the remaining 1/2 cup of ketchup. Cover and cook until the meatloaf reaches an internal tep of 165.
After the boys go to school that morning, I am having Anna skip school to join me in going over to my TS sponsor Desiree's house and cook. Anna of course loves to cook, and I am hoping even at 4 she might 'get' a bit of what we are doing and why.
Dinner will be meatloaf, mixed veggies, mashed potatoes and dessert. Being that we are making meatloaf, along with Anna, I am bringing my favorite kitchen gaget. My cooking probe.
Interestingly, just two hours before I went to the meeting on Monday where Desiree shared with us about doing this community service, I had made weight watchers meatloaf. Meatloaf that was good enough to please not only Anna, or Tom, but good enough that Patrick said and I quote :-):
"This isn't as bad as I thought."
Then I said "Would you like some more?"
"Nope."
Truly it was like a 3 fork rating from Phil Vettel.
Then w/in hours Meatloaf Kismet occured and I am hoping maybe we could make one or both of the big meatloaf using the recipe below:
This is the not doubled or tripled recipe.
1 1/2 lbs ground lean turkey or ground chicken (i used ground chicken because that was what was on sale last week, and I only buy what is on sail. (I'm like a localvoire, but I'm a salevoire.)
1 onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 egg white
3/4 cup ketchup
1/2 cup seasoned dry bread crumbs
1 tblsp yellow mustard
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
Combine the turkey, onion, bell pepper, egg white, 1/4 cup of ketchup, the bread crumbs, mustard, salt, and pepper in a large bowl; mix well. Form the mixture into a loaf and put it into a loaf pan.
Spread the top of the meatloaf w/the remaining 1/2 cup of ketchup. Cover and cook until the meatloaf reaches an internal tep of 165.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
shop talk
I was running late for a dentist appt this morning, so I called to make sure they could still see me and the girl who answered the phone said yes, so I arrived 10 minutes late for my appointment, sat down in the waiting room and got out my pen and paper to write my To-Do list for today.
A kindly old lady, and she was that clique as you will see, was finishing up her appointment by giving the receptionist a saran-wrapped and ribbon-topped plate of yummy looking cookies. Once she left, the receptionist said:
"Victoria, I tried to call your house, the blahblah was supposed to be delivered today, but it isn't here yet, can we reschedule you."
*note: she didn't say blahblah, I think she said cement?
I rescheduled for Thurs.
When I got back in the minivan, I thought, ooo good now I have extra time, what can I do?
Wash the Van?
Rush home and do laundry?
Make Client Care Calls?
Or return an item to Carson's and buy stuff w/the store credit.
Guess what I picked???
I decided to torture myself so after I got my $55 credit, I went straight away to the shoe department to see if they have the Ruff Hewn boots I have been lusting after and searching for daily. (not really daily, I just didn't want to end w/a preposition). And they did, what a joyous occasion right? I asked for the boots, the sales clerk found them right away, used my credit of $55 plus $6 difference and off I went, just as I was leaving the shoe section, I wisely looked in the box planning to lovingly adore my new boots.
You know what happens next, they were the wrong boots. I went back to the counter, talked to the clerk found out--the ones I want are sold out. I said: "Sure they are, they are too cute not to be completely gone."
Forlornly or is it Forelornly? I walked out of shoe department and went looking for sunglasses, which I couldn't find and wandered into the 'Social Dresses' department. Of course, I was drawn right away to the signs that said: CLEARANCE UP TO 70% OFF.
Did I mention that I am going to Tucson AZ next week and on a cruise in April? At our Leadership Conference there is an awards dinner, and it's basically like Tastefully Simple Prom (minus the hassle of a date!) and apparently all cruises have some sort of fancy dress up night. Being that I was not going to be spending any money, I started rummaging thru the clearance racks.
It's a good thing I've logged many hours going through the racks at TJ Maxx and Marshalls because they had Petite, Missy, Women's and dowdy Mother-of-the-Bride dresses mishmashed together. I was really pressed for time, no way could I miss getting Anna off the bus. So I ran through the dresses ASAP and found 2 that I really liked. First is this blue dress that is pleated. It is sapphire blue, the color I aways wanted my prom dress to be, if I had gone to prom. The original cost was $100, it was marked down to $59.99. The second dress is more of a classic dress black and sparkly, it shouldn't go in and out of style. Original cost of the dress was $118, it was marked down to $69.99. I took the dresses over to a mirror and held them up to see how they went w/me and I really could not decide which one to get.
The posted clearance signs said something about additional discounts on the clearance price but since there was a bunch of small print--and since I didn't happen to have a calculator with me, I took both dresses up to the counter. When I go shopping from the grocery store to Wal-mart to Carsons, I usually have a few items that I will buy only if the clerk check the price and tells me a number that is in the range of what I am willing to pay.
'Sara' price checked the blue dress, which turns out is a 'YELLOW DOT' items (whatever that means!) and it's only $24 bucks! I'll take it! Then Sara who is 20-year old super tiny clerk warns me that the black dress may not be a YELLOW DOT item...she scans the ticket and...
Wahoo! It's only $25.95~~ so I got both!
Monday, January 5, 2009
50 million things to do
I have 50 million things I want to do. Some more than others. And now I will post my list of what I need to do, feel free to read this if you need reading material to fall asleep because fascinating it is not!
1. make appt to get taxes done.
2. do paperwork that has to be done so I can get taxes done.
3. count days until Cruise.
4. apply for a passport so I can go on my free Cruise.
5. figure out when my flights are for Tucson.
6. figure out when my flights are for Miami for the Cruise.
7. figure out if someone can watch the kids so Tom can work while I am on the Cruise.
8. get painting done in the house.
9. update my ipass cc number
10. send out coaching call forms to people on my team.
11. stop and take a breathe.
12. stop making this list, it's stressing me out!
1. make appt to get taxes done.
2. do paperwork that has to be done so I can get taxes done.
3. count days until Cruise.
4. apply for a passport so I can go on my free Cruise.
5. figure out when my flights are for Tucson.
6. figure out when my flights are for Miami for the Cruise.
7. figure out if someone can watch the kids so Tom can work while I am on the Cruise.
8. get painting done in the house.
9. update my ipass cc number
10. send out coaching call forms to people on my team.
11. stop and take a breathe.
12. stop making this list, it's stressing me out!
Friday, January 2, 2009
Happy New Year!
Wow, it's hard to believe 2009 is here. Do you know what 2009 is? April 2nd tom and i will have been married 10 years.
Holy Moly 10 years! And then right after that, Patrick will have 1st communion and then I get to celebrate our 10 year anniversary by going on a Carnival Cruise with all my favorite Tastebuds (tastebuds: my tastefully simple friends).
Then as I have already been told a dozen times just this evening, Patrick is going to be 9 this year. And you know what that means? He will be 9 on May 9th! Yes he is planning a big bash for his golden birthday.
****************************
Would you like to know about my new 2 favorite things?
1. the scramble game on Facebook. Oy. highly addictive and totally a blow to the ego to see that my vocabulary isn't nearly as large as I thought it was! On the plus side, I am better at doing the JUMBLE game in the paper now...
2. Pride and Prejudice (v. 2005) Sigh. It's the original Chick lit made into a fabulously romantic movie.
Holy Moly 10 years! And then right after that, Patrick will have 1st communion and then I get to celebrate our 10 year anniversary by going on a Carnival Cruise with all my favorite Tastebuds (tastebuds: my tastefully simple friends).
Then as I have already been told a dozen times just this evening, Patrick is going to be 9 this year. And you know what that means? He will be 9 on May 9th! Yes he is planning a big bash for his golden birthday.
****************************
Would you like to know about my new 2 favorite things?
1. the scramble game on Facebook. Oy. highly addictive and totally a blow to the ego to see that my vocabulary isn't nearly as large as I thought it was! On the plus side, I am better at doing the JUMBLE game in the paper now...
2. Pride and Prejudice (v. 2005) Sigh. It's the original Chick lit made into a fabulously romantic movie.
Friday, December 19, 2008
IceSnow Storm
We woke up to snow and ice. Most of the schools called off school but not our schools! Tom almost had to stay home cause he couldn't get traction to leave our street. It was a brutal morning on the roads. Even the main roads were ice and slush city!
Here is our drive after I got done shoveling, it was tough heavy ice!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Las. Vegas gets 4 inches of Snow.
Crazy weather and we are looking at a big storm coming to Chicagoland w/in hours. Now who knows because sometimes they say we are getting a big storm and we get like maybe 1 inch of snow.
In any case, the snow in Las Vegas reminds me of Leadership Las Vegas in ah 2006 where it was in the 20s on the strip and they had a dusting of snow (it was January) now that was a major bummer--to go from January in Chicago to January in Chicago in Las Vegas.
*********************
Red 40.
That is a red food dye that I really think makes Bryce have an attack of ADHD. I have kept track of when Bryce doesn't listen, and is fighting w/his sister and brother and yelling and over a couple weeks I saw that if he get the food coloring he is aweful. Today was his school Christmas party and suffice it to say I think the cupcakes had red frosting
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
***********************
Countdown to me going to Leadership Tucson 27 days. :-)
In any case, the snow in Las Vegas reminds me of Leadership Las Vegas in ah 2006 where it was in the 20s on the strip and they had a dusting of snow (it was January) now that was a major bummer--to go from January in Chicago to January in Chicago in Las Vegas.
*********************
Red 40.
That is a red food dye that I really think makes Bryce have an attack of ADHD. I have kept track of when Bryce doesn't listen, and is fighting w/his sister and brother and yelling and over a couple weeks I saw that if he get the food coloring he is aweful. Today was his school Christmas party and suffice it to say I think the cupcakes had red frosting
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
***********************
Countdown to me going to Leadership Tucson 27 days. :-)
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Too much to do.
I really need more time before Christmas. Not to shop, I have that done, but to do Christmas Cards --haven't started on that yet, might not do it this year. And the wrapping of the presents which is the number one thing I like doing least during the holidays--and it shows in the crappy way I wrap because I am too impatient to put any effort into wrapping. I really should switch over to all Gift Bags. That is a great idea for next year.
I have had 4 Tastefully Simple open house events this year, and so far the ones at people's homes have not gone well for me --saleswise or bookingswise--I'm just not running into my people--the people who love the TS and who like trying new things (f00d-wise) and would like to host a party. I have 2 more events left, both of which are fundraisers --one of which is for PADS which stands for something like Parishes, A? Delivering Shelter. It's churches that open up and provide shelter on a certain day of the week for the homeless --different churchs do different days of the week. So that is a cause I am very happy to fundraise on behalf of--also this Fri I'll be at a Spa Night fundraiser for Relay for Life and that is another great one I love to fundraise for through my business.
Statistics I am happy about.
My sales are up 15% this year and I am thisclose to $47,000 in sales.
My Team Sales are up over 35% for the year--and they are past $125,000 for the year.
I have had 4 Tastefully Simple open house events this year, and so far the ones at people's homes have not gone well for me --saleswise or bookingswise--I'm just not running into my people--the people who love the TS and who like trying new things (f00d-wise) and would like to host a party. I have 2 more events left, both of which are fundraisers --one of which is for PADS which stands for something like Parishes, A? Delivering Shelter. It's churches that open up and provide shelter on a certain day of the week for the homeless --different churchs do different days of the week. So that is a cause I am very happy to fundraise on behalf of--also this Fri I'll be at a Spa Night fundraiser for Relay for Life and that is another great one I love to fundraise for through my business.
Statistics I am happy about.
My sales are up 15% this year and I am thisclose to $47,000 in sales.
My Team Sales are up over 35% for the year--and they are past $125,000 for the year.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
A few of my favorite things
My Laptop
The DVR
Public Libraries
Starbucks Peppermint Mocha Coffee
Hagen Dazs Peppermint Bark Ice Cream
Clementines
Pedicures
Facials
A great pair of boots that doesn' cost over $60
Paperback Books
A new notebook
going to the movies
Bisque Soups
Pilot Precise V5 Pens
I tunes
Laptops
Cranberry Orange Bread
Basalmic & Basil Dipping Oil
The DVR
Public Libraries
Starbucks Peppermint Mocha Coffee
Hagen Dazs Peppermint Bark Ice Cream
Clementines
Pedicures
Facials
A great pair of boots that doesn' cost over $60
Paperback Books
A new notebook
going to the movies
Bisque Soups
Pilot Precise V5 Pens
I tunes
Laptops
Cranberry Orange Bread
Basalmic & Basil Dipping Oil
Monday, December 1, 2008
My heart has been stolen
I was at Carsons Piere Scott, mid moring on Blacke Friday, when I saw and tried on the most fabulously wonderful boots ever. Doorbuster. Picked over boxes. No boots left in my size (I need and 8.5--I like to wear thick socks-I can't stand having cold feet).
I hugged the pair I tried on and left. Last night I dreamed of the boots. Today I googled the boots. Ruff Hewn.
Sold only in the Carson family of stores. Bon-ton, Bergmans, Elder Beerman, sniff sniff, they don't care the style online. Ruff Hewn Amsterdam. I searched and searched and I cannot even find a picture of these boots.Tears are streaming down my face. Oh beautiful boots!
I hugged the pair I tried on and left. Last night I dreamed of the boots. Today I googled the boots. Ruff Hewn.
Sold only in the Carson family of stores. Bon-ton, Bergmans, Elder Beerman, sniff sniff, they don't care the style online. Ruff Hewn Amsterdam. I searched and searched and I cannot even find a picture of these boots.Tears are streaming down my face. Oh beautiful boots!
Thursday, November 27, 2008
thanksgiving dinner success!
We decided to stay home and have dinner just the 5 of us. I was happy that the kids got the idea of giving thanks when we played a little thank you game.
I was EXTREMELY happy that my first attempt at brining a Turkey was a total success and that Tom loved the cornbread dressing recipe and the cranberry sauce recipe--all of which I found on foodnetwork.com.
GOOD EATS ROAST TURKEY
Ingredients
1 (14 to 16 pound) frozen young turkey
For the brine:
1 cup kosher salt
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 gallon vegetable stock
1 tablespoon black peppercorns
1/2 tablespoon allspice berries
1/2 tablespoon candied ginger
1 gallon iced water
For the aromatics:
1 red apple, sliced
1/2 onion, sliced
1 cinnamon stick
1 cup water
4 sprigs rosemary
6 leaves sage
Canola oil
Directions
Combine all brine ingredients, except ice water, in a stockpot, and bring to a boil. Stir to dissolve solids, then remove from heat, cool to room temperature, and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.
Early on the day of cooking, (or late the night before) combine the brine and ice water in a clean 5-gallon bucket. Place thawed turkey breast side down in brine, cover, and refrigerate or set in cool area (like a basement) for 6 hours. Turn turkey over once, half way through brining.
A few minutes before roasting, heat oven to 500 degrees. Combine the apple, onion, cinnamon stick, and cup of water in a microwave safe dish and microwave on high for 5 minutes.
Remove bird from brine and rinse inside and out with cold water. Discard brine.
Place bird on roasting rack inside wide, low pan and pat dry with paper towels. Add steeped aromatics to cavity along with rosemary and sage. Tuck back wings and coat whole bird liberally with canola (or other neutral) oil.
Roast on lowest level of the oven at 500 degrees F. for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and cover breast with double layer of aluminum foil, insert probe thermometer into thickest part of the breast and return to oven, reducing temperature to 350 degrees F. Set thermometer alarm (if available) to 161 degrees. A 14 to 16 pound bird should require a total of 2 to 2 1/2 hours of roasting. Let turkey rest, loosely covered for 15 minutes before carving.
And I love Tyler Florences recipes...this is no exception!
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/tyler-florence/caramelized-onion-and-cornbread-stuffing-recipe3/index.html
Lastly I skipped the walnuts for this Cranberry Sauce:
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/foodnation-with-bobby-flay/cranberry-sauce-recipe/index.html
And now I am looking forward to getting up and shopping on Black Friday!
I was EXTREMELY happy that my first attempt at brining a Turkey was a total success and that Tom loved the cornbread dressing recipe and the cranberry sauce recipe--all of which I found on foodnetwork.com.
GOOD EATS ROAST TURKEY
Ingredients
1 (14 to 16 pound) frozen young turkey
For the brine:
1 cup kosher salt
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 gallon vegetable stock
1 tablespoon black peppercorns
1/2 tablespoon allspice berries
1/2 tablespoon candied ginger
1 gallon iced water
For the aromatics:
1 red apple, sliced
1/2 onion, sliced
1 cinnamon stick
1 cup water
4 sprigs rosemary
6 leaves sage
Canola oil
Directions
Combine all brine ingredients, except ice water, in a stockpot, and bring to a boil. Stir to dissolve solids, then remove from heat, cool to room temperature, and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.
Early on the day of cooking, (or late the night before) combine the brine and ice water in a clean 5-gallon bucket. Place thawed turkey breast side down in brine, cover, and refrigerate or set in cool area (like a basement) for 6 hours. Turn turkey over once, half way through brining.
A few minutes before roasting, heat oven to 500 degrees. Combine the apple, onion, cinnamon stick, and cup of water in a microwave safe dish and microwave on high for 5 minutes.
Remove bird from brine and rinse inside and out with cold water. Discard brine.
Place bird on roasting rack inside wide, low pan and pat dry with paper towels. Add steeped aromatics to cavity along with rosemary and sage. Tuck back wings and coat whole bird liberally with canola (or other neutral) oil.
Roast on lowest level of the oven at 500 degrees F. for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and cover breast with double layer of aluminum foil, insert probe thermometer into thickest part of the breast and return to oven, reducing temperature to 350 degrees F. Set thermometer alarm (if available) to 161 degrees. A 14 to 16 pound bird should require a total of 2 to 2 1/2 hours of roasting. Let turkey rest, loosely covered for 15 minutes before carving.
And I love Tyler Florences recipes...this is no exception!
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/tyler-florence/caramelized-onion-and-cornbread-stuffing-recipe3/index.html
Lastly I skipped the walnuts for this Cranberry Sauce:
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/foodnation-with-bobby-flay/cranberry-sauce-recipe/index.html
And now I am looking forward to getting up and shopping on Black Friday!
Monday, August 4, 2008
Monday: Putting the M in Mundane.
A week from Wed I leave for our National Conference. Can't wait. I was thinking of packing my suitcase today, but then I thought hmm. a bit too early.
Exciting news around here...our cat Friday who only eats Friskies Salmon dinner in a can--actually ate cat food I got at aldi.
can of Friskies from Walgreens: 69 cents. can of Friskies from Jewel: 59 cents. can of Friskies from Walmart: 49 cents.
can at Aldi: 23 cents. Number of cans of cat food the cat goes thru a day = 2-3
So... we go thru a good 20 cans a week. Yippee.
Yes it doesn't take much to pass for exciting news.
School count down: 2 weeks from Today!
*note to self: see if the boys have gym shoes that fit.
Friday, August 1, 2008
August 1st
August has arrived. Back on June 1st who know how quickly it would arrive. I'll be leaving for my National Conference in 13 days. And it looks like Tom will have to travel to New York again for work either the 11, 12 or 13--any of which will mean some extra child care shuffling...but it will all workout. Fingers Crossed.
This morning you might have thought it was 10/1 around here instead of 8/1. Patrick left for his last day of summer school sporting a sweatshirt and long pants (apparently it has been really cold in the classroom. And I made a big pot of Mama's soup per Bryce's request for breakfast-and then I really wanted a cookie so I made a batch of peanut butter cookies from a recipe in a cookbook given to me by my good friend Beth LeMie, Personal Historian.
This morning you might have thought it was 10/1 around here instead of 8/1. Patrick left for his last day of summer school sporting a sweatshirt and long pants (apparently it has been really cold in the classroom. And I made a big pot of Mama's soup per Bryce's request for breakfast-and then I really wanted a cookie so I made a batch of peanut butter cookies from a recipe in a cookbook given to me by my good friend Beth LeMie, Personal Historian.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
So S-L-O-W
this morning my IE is just running really really slow. It's very very annoying...so I tried the safari browser on my pc and that worked ah 500x faster, but not all the features for websites works w/that--esp. links so not as helpful as it could be to me.
Tomrrow is my big garage sale AND 7/25/08--ie Christmas in July. Not that that means anything, just a little observation. Being Christmas in July Eve, there was an article in the Tribune talking about a retailers already being worried about the holiday shopping season. I think we'll just focus on socks and underwear for the kids this year...
Tomrrow is my big garage sale AND 7/25/08--ie Christmas in July. Not that that means anything, just a little observation. Being Christmas in July Eve, there was an article in the Tribune talking about a retailers already being worried about the holiday shopping season. I think we'll just focus on socks and underwear for the kids this year...
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
So I set up a facebook page tonight, it was that or do more laundry --ugh. Facebook seems pretty user friendly, didn't see an option to add a song that loads when you click on my page, but I'm not a fan of suprise music so that's fine with me.
Tomorrow we are headed back to the beach, this time my camera is charged and ready so I should actually get some pics this time!
Monday, June 23, 2008
This soup is so yummy...
Oh this was sooooooooooooooooooooooooo good! I found the recipe on the Whole Foods website. It was great w/the nice cool evening we had last night. I used TS Dried Tomato and Garlic Pesto for the Italian Seasoning since I was out of the TS Italian Seasoning Salt.
Italian Wedding Soup with Vegan Meatballs
Vegetarian
Heat-and-serve simple and full of flavor, our Whole Kitchen™ Vegan Meatballs make a great substitution that will please the whole family. The recipe name is actually a mistranslation of minestra maritata, which refers to the "marriage" of greens and meatballs in the soup.
Ingredients with an asterisk () are available as 365 Everyday Value™ and/or 365 Organic Everyday Value™ products.
Serves 6
1 (15-ounce) can Italian-style diced tomatoes with garlic, oregano and basil
6 cups organic vegetable broth
4 ounces elbow pasta
1 (16-ounce) package vegan meatballs
3 cups fresh organic spinach, roughly chopped
2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
Sea salt and ground black pepper
2-3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese (optional)
Bring the tomatoes and broth to a boil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Simmer 10 minutes. Add pasta, meatballs, spinach and Italian seasoning and cook until the pasta is tender and meatballs are cooked through, about 8 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and serve. Sprinkle with parmesan if desired.
Nutrition Info
Per serving (About 14.5oz/418g-wt.): 310 calories (79 from fat), 9g total fat, 0.33g saturated fat, 18.5g protein, 34g total carbohydrate (5g dietary fiber, 7g sugar), 3mg cholesterol, 1400mg sodium
Italian Wedding Soup with Vegan Meatballs
Vegetarian
Heat-and-serve simple and full of flavor, our Whole Kitchen™ Vegan Meatballs make a great substitution that will please the whole family. The recipe name is actually a mistranslation of minestra maritata, which refers to the "marriage" of greens and meatballs in the soup.
Ingredients with an asterisk () are available as 365 Everyday Value™ and/or 365 Organic Everyday Value™ products.
Serves 6
1 (15-ounce) can Italian-style diced tomatoes with garlic, oregano and basil
6 cups organic vegetable broth
4 ounces elbow pasta
1 (16-ounce) package vegan meatballs
3 cups fresh organic spinach, roughly chopped
2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
Sea salt and ground black pepper
2-3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese (optional)
Bring the tomatoes and broth to a boil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Simmer 10 minutes. Add pasta, meatballs, spinach and Italian seasoning and cook until the pasta is tender and meatballs are cooked through, about 8 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and serve. Sprinkle with parmesan if desired.
Nutrition Info
Per serving (About 14.5oz/418g-wt.): 310 calories (79 from fat), 9g total fat, 0.33g saturated fat, 18.5g protein, 34g total carbohydrate (5g dietary fiber, 7g sugar), 3mg cholesterol, 1400mg sodium
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Freebies
I am very excited about our upcoming mini trip downtown~ We are staying at a Marriot Residence Inn and I earned the hotel stay free through Tastefully Simple...then I have 5 AMC gold tickets so we can go see WALL-E for free through my coke rewards.
Then I have a $25.00 gift certificate for NIX a restaurant by our hotel that I got for free wthe coke rewards again...Then we have 6 free tickets to see the white sox from Bryce's baseball camp...AND today I read in the Trib that all summer long kids get in free to the Museum of Science and Industry! So this is going to be my kind of trip, my freebie and rewards collecting will equal less out of pocket expenses and we don't have to spend a ton of $$ on gas.
I am also happy to report that the hotel room has a fridge and a microwave so we don't have to eat in restaurants the entire time. Wahoo!
So tomorrow will be 10 days with out chocolate. I have been waiting for the phone to ring and someone to tell me I get some fabulous prize for subsiding w/o chocolate for more than a week...
Then I have a $25.00 gift certificate for NIX a restaurant by our hotel that I got for free wthe coke rewards again...Then we have 6 free tickets to see the white sox from Bryce's baseball camp...AND today I read in the Trib that all summer long kids get in free to the Museum of Science and Industry! So this is going to be my kind of trip, my freebie and rewards collecting will equal less out of pocket expenses and we don't have to spend a ton of $$ on gas.
I am also happy to report that the hotel room has a fridge and a microwave so we don't have to eat in restaurants the entire time. Wahoo!
So tomorrow will be 10 days with out chocolate. I have been waiting for the phone to ring and someone to tell me I get some fabulous prize for subsiding w/o chocolate for more than a week...
Monday, June 16, 2008
Relay for life on Friday
Well on Friday I am participating in a local Relay for Life overnight event. I really am not sure how it will go...I have like a tent thing, but not a tent tent, I have one of those coverings you put up that is like a cheap version of a tent for an outdoor sale event.
Tom will be home with Anna and I'll be there w/the boys. I really hope it all goes ok...ie no storms and no crabby kids. I think I should probably check w/Tom and see if we have a tent tent somewhere in the garage...
I figure I can do lots of walking, since Im used to running. Really I am just giving myself a pep talk on the whole thing right now, I don't like going to places where I don't know exactly how things work--but who does like to try new stuff right? I'll also be doing onsite fundraising w/my TS and I will have at least one team member coming up there--I need to work on hopefully finding another team member or 2 who might want to come up there as well.
Today Anna turned 4, and what did she want to do for her birthday. Get a pink booster seat. So we went to Target since it looked like they'd have better selection on booster seats than WalMart...but they didn't. So I got her a Dora necklace from the one spot..and we went over to Trader Joes because the one other thing Anna really really wanted to do on her birthday was get a little shopping cart and put food in it. LOL Fortunately when we got to Trader Joes they had a mini shopping cart available for the birthday girl to use. Fortunately for me she only almost rammed it into about 3 fellow patrons of the Trader Joes--she was pushing the cart around like she was Danica Patrick...
Then she finished offer her day w/a big piece of chocolate creme pie that Auntie Teri brought over.
Tom will be home with Anna and I'll be there w/the boys. I really hope it all goes ok...ie no storms and no crabby kids. I think I should probably check w/Tom and see if we have a tent tent somewhere in the garage...
I figure I can do lots of walking, since Im used to running. Really I am just giving myself a pep talk on the whole thing right now, I don't like going to places where I don't know exactly how things work--but who does like to try new stuff right? I'll also be doing onsite fundraising w/my TS and I will have at least one team member coming up there--I need to work on hopefully finding another team member or 2 who might want to come up there as well.
Today Anna turned 4, and what did she want to do for her birthday. Get a pink booster seat. So we went to Target since it looked like they'd have better selection on booster seats than WalMart...but they didn't. So I got her a Dora necklace from the one spot..and we went over to Trader Joes because the one other thing Anna really really wanted to do on her birthday was get a little shopping cart and put food in it. LOL Fortunately when we got to Trader Joes they had a mini shopping cart available for the birthday girl to use. Fortunately for me she only almost rammed it into about 3 fellow patrons of the Trader Joes--she was pushing the cart around like she was Danica Patrick...
Then she finished offer her day w/a big piece of chocolate creme pie that Auntie Teri brought over.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
So that's what it is!
The other day I cut up cantalope, had a couple of pieces and right away my mouth started itching...and the same thing happened when I made guacamole...so I did some googling and found this:
http://www.revolutionhealth.com/articles/pollen-fruits-veggies-help-trigger-oral-allergy-syndrome/hd-607439?ipc=B00449
turns out if you are allergy to ragweed--yes...then pollen in some fruits and veggies can trigger oral allergy syndrome...
well at least now I know what the deal is. And at least cooking the fruit or veggies in question can stop it...which is good in case it ever starts happening w/tomatoes...Still I am bummed about the guacamole issue. I love guacamole. But it is def. a prob. I have w/alvocados because today I had alvocado on a sandwich and one bite and my mouth started itching. which is really freaky!
http://www.revolutionhealth.com/articles/pollen-fruits-veggies-help-trigger-oral-allergy-syndrome/hd-607439?ipc=B00449
turns out if you are allergy to ragweed--yes...then pollen in some fruits and veggies can trigger oral allergy syndrome...
well at least now I know what the deal is. And at least cooking the fruit or veggies in question can stop it...which is good in case it ever starts happening w/tomatoes...Still I am bummed about the guacamole issue. I love guacamole. But it is def. a prob. I have w/alvocados because today I had alvocado on a sandwich and one bite and my mouth started itching. which is really freaky!
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Anna is turning 4, my summer experiment
Here is the Princess Cake I made for Ms. Anna's birthday. It was a big hit w/the girls. Pink frosting Pink Cake... And Anna got lots of fun princess-y stuff for her birthday from all her friends and family. She especially loved the dresses from Auntie Kat--yes she is all girl.
I am on some pins and needles as I am so close to my goal to promote to Team Mentor on 7/1...but it is mostly out of my hands and in the hands of my team. It's hard to work hard and sit back and be patient at the same time.
On the running front, I ran the Ridge Run again this year and survived. Oh and then they take pics of you during the race and email them to you in case you want to order them for a memento...yah-no. My pics I should get printed and put on the fridge --that's a guaranteed way to skip opening the fridge! I want to run a 1/2 marathon again and finish faster than last year and to that end I got a new pair of running shoes FREE w/my coke rewards point collecting --that was super cool AND I am doing a change of diet experiment to try and lose weight cause then I would be running faster (less drag...)
So I am on day 4 of my new diet of no meat no dairy. I think I'll probably lose about 1000 lbs cause I love dairy and cutting it out really is reducing all the fun! LOL.--On the plus side, peanut butter is in....
Tonight I made quinoa and mixed that w/corn and black bean salsa and yum, it was delish and today I also found out margarine doesn't contain meat or dairy which was news to me, duh! Of course since I want to lose weight, I won't be able to sit around and eat toast w/margarine all day as lovely as that would be!
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
i make a spongebob cake patrick turns 8.
On May 9th Patrick turned 8. So made him a Spongebob cake, as he requested. Now this is the only time I have ever tried to make a cake that wasn't a reg sheet cake. If you think that it looks swell I credit watching episodes of the ACE OF CAKES on the foodnetwork for inspiration. If you don't think it looks swell, then I blame being on painkillers at the time of making the cake. See on May 8th, I had oral surgery and so on May 9th, I was pretty loopy.
May 10th was Patrick's party and as far I could tell, the kids all had fun. We got lucky with the weather, it was cool, but sunny and my Amazing Race game went over big w/the kids--which was great cause I was really fretting about how to amuse a bunch of 8 year olds w/o people fighting over the Wii.
Mothers day I let the boys play on the Wii too much and I watched Juno. Which was a good movie, good for renting.
And now we only have 12! 12 more days of school left. ekkkk.
Gas today was over $4.00 a gallon and with gas and food really eating up our budget, we decided we'll not go on vacation to Boston this year. I was so glad I was able to switch my 2 free hotel nights from the hotel in Boston to a marriott downtown. So right before the 4th we'll have a two day vacation in Chicago. That will be fun.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Take me out to the ball game
Well it was warmer at the game on Sunday than it was around here today. (temps only made it to 41 degree. And it didn't rain so we had a great time...and the good guys won!
Above is Karl's son Jade w/his cousin Bryce and Patrick there in the backgrou and then we have a wonderful pic of Anna w/her uncle Karl.
GOOO White Sox! Come on warm weather!
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Great recipe by Tyler Forence
I made this last week, very yummy w/the fresh turnips that I had w/our organic food delivery.
Butter Rooted Vegetables
Recipe by Tyler Florence
1 tbsp EV Olive Oil
1 lb parsnips, peeled, cut into cubes
1 lb turnips, split into halves
Fresh ground pepper
1 cup chicken stock
1/2 cup chpped fresh herbs like chervil, parsley and thyme (I only had parsley and thyme to add)
1 tbsp unsalted butter
1 lb carrots, peeled, cut into cubes
Kosher Salt
1 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper
Put the olive oil and butter into a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the vegetables and toss to coat them well w/the fat; sason w/salt and pepper. Add 1 cup chix stock and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook until the veggies are tender, about 20 min. Add butter and toss until incorporated. To serve, pour veggies into a large bowl and shwer w/the mixed herbs and season w/salt and pepper.
We have had fantastic weather this week. I wish it was sunny and in the 70s all the time!
Butter Rooted Vegetables
Recipe by Tyler Florence
1 tbsp EV Olive Oil
1 lb parsnips, peeled, cut into cubes
1 lb turnips, split into halves
Fresh ground pepper
1 cup chicken stock
1/2 cup chpped fresh herbs like chervil, parsley and thyme (I only had parsley and thyme to add)
1 tbsp unsalted butter
1 lb carrots, peeled, cut into cubes
Kosher Salt
1 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper
Put the olive oil and butter into a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the vegetables and toss to coat them well w/the fat; sason w/salt and pepper. Add 1 cup chix stock and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook until the veggies are tender, about 20 min. Add butter and toss until incorporated. To serve, pour veggies into a large bowl and shwer w/the mixed herbs and season w/salt and pepper.
We have had fantastic weather this week. I wish it was sunny and in the 70s all the time!
Monday, April 21, 2008
Roast Chicken Recipe I must try.
I have to make this very soon!
Chef Hans' Roast Chicken with Garlic and Rosemary
1 Corn fed free-range or organic chicken 4 to 6 lbs
salt and freshly ground pepper
2 garlic clove lightly crusted with skin
2 springs of fresh rosemary
1/2 lemon
3 tablespoon olive oil
lemon pepper seasoning to taste
1. Preheat the oven to 250- with fan, 325- without fan
2. Season the chicken inside and out with salt and pepper and lemon pepper salt. Place the garlic and rosemary, fresh lemon in the cavity. Set the chicken in oiled roasting pan and brush with oil.
3. Roast for 1 hour 15 minutes, basting occasionally and covering with oiled grease proof paper or foil if the breast is becoming too brown.
4. Remove from the oven at 160F and allow to rest for few minutes before carving.
Eat with warm vegetables, salad, your choice.
********************************
Started weeding today, realize I really don't like weeding--but I do love having a garden..I"ll have to work on getting Anna to know the difference btwn plants and weeds because she loves weeding!
Thursday, March 13, 2008
chicken divan
Well I am hoping the weather has taking a turn for the warmer and we won't be having many more --if any days in the 20s. Around this house we are still trying to get used to the time change. It's hard to fall asleep and even harder to manage to get up in the morning, but that extra hour of sun---boy is that fan-tas-ic!
The other day we had a couple of bunches of broccoli sitting around and I really really wanted Chicken Divan, but I didn't have any sour cream. Sigh. So here is what I came up w/and personally I thought it was good.
Faux Chicken Divan
2 bunches broccoli steamed
3 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 brick of reduced fat cream cheese
about 1/2 a cup of milk
2 tbsps sour cream
2/3 cup light mayo
2 1/2 tbsp Garlic Dill Mix
bread crumbs
shredded cheese
Take the cream cheese, milk, sour cream (that was all the sour cream I had), mayo and Garlic Dill mix and blend that in a med bowl w/the mixer until well blended and fluffy--used more milk if needed to thin out the blend.
fold in the broccoli and chicken and mix together w/a spoon.
Put mixture in a baking dish, sprinkle on your fav. shredded cheese and top w/bread crumbs then bake for 1/2 an hour at 350.
The other day we had a couple of bunches of broccoli sitting around and I really really wanted Chicken Divan, but I didn't have any sour cream. Sigh. So here is what I came up w/and personally I thought it was good.
Faux Chicken Divan
2 bunches broccoli steamed
3 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 brick of reduced fat cream cheese
about 1/2 a cup of milk
2 tbsps sour cream
2/3 cup light mayo
2 1/2 tbsp Garlic Dill Mix
bread crumbs
shredded cheese
Take the cream cheese, milk, sour cream (that was all the sour cream I had), mayo and Garlic Dill mix and blend that in a med bowl w/the mixer until well blended and fluffy--used more milk if needed to thin out the blend.
fold in the broccoli and chicken and mix together w/a spoon.
Put mixture in a baking dish, sprinkle on your fav. shredded cheese and top w/bread crumbs then bake for 1/2 an hour at 350.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Bryce minus a tooth, an avocado tree, and no meat on Friday
Here is the happy kindergartener.
We have an outrageously delicious new product that is just too easy to make. 1 packet of the Giddyup Guacamole Mix water and a couple of avocados and you have ahhhhhhh the best guac it's crazy good. So what do you have after you make some fantastico guacamole? a couple of pits and the chance for a fun family project. Yes I googled 'grow avocado from pit' and got the scoop on how I could grow my own tree! So Anna, Bryce and I are on the road to growing a tree.
Now today is friday and this year Tom has decided to keep lent. So I made a yummy dinner and it got 2 thumbs up from Tom. The kids wouldn't eat it--they had cucumber, french fries and cheese pizza. Anywho, so this is what I made.
Scalloped Potatoes w/Fennel.
So you take your basic scallopped potato recipe and you add in thinly sliced fennel bulb and i add in a fair amount of garlic garlic and bake that together and you have a nice new twist on scalloped potatoes and you've added in another veggie to the mix.
Then I took 1 lb of Orange Roughy which was 3 large filets--that cost $9.67 OUCH! sprayed them w/some pam and sprinkled 1 lightly w/our new Garlic Dill Mix and 2 w/the garlic garlic and popped that in the oven w/the broiler on high until the Orange Roughy was opaque and flaky w/a fork.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
It's been ages!
Oh I had the flu for the first time since 1999. just now back to 98%... How miserable it was. I couldn't smell or taste for 5 days--you just don't realize how sad life is when you can't smell or taste until it happens. And that was after about 5 days of barely being able to get out of bed!
Exciting news for Mr. Bryce, he lost his first tooth yesterday, and then I forgot to put a dollar from the tooth fairy. then I grabbed an envelope and drew a tooth on it and put it on his dresser, told him that must have been left by the tooth fairy, he opens it..and the darn envelope was empty.. Oy. I forgot to put the dollar in the envelope after I decorated it! Ekkk. So I realized the dollar was on our bed by Anna, and told bryce the toothfairy must have made a mistake.
Bryce said the tooth fairy must have forgot to wear his glasses and got all confused. I said yep that must be it!
*********
We have such a delicious line of new products for this spring/summer I can't wait for my party on 3/1--I finally get to share all the goodies!!!
Exciting news for Mr. Bryce, he lost his first tooth yesterday, and then I forgot to put a dollar from the tooth fairy. then I grabbed an envelope and drew a tooth on it and put it on his dresser, told him that must have been left by the tooth fairy, he opens it..and the darn envelope was empty.. Oy. I forgot to put the dollar in the envelope after I decorated it! Ekkk. So I realized the dollar was on our bed by Anna, and told bryce the toothfairy must have made a mistake.
Bryce said the tooth fairy must have forgot to wear his glasses and got all confused. I said yep that must be it!
*********
We have such a delicious line of new products for this spring/summer I can't wait for my party on 3/1--I finally get to share all the goodies!!!
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
New Fav Lunch
I made this yesterday and today, it's really yummy!!!! the recipe is from hungry-girl.com, i made a few changes to it, like I used reduced fat cheese vrs. fat free cheese because fat free cheese is just aweful tasting!
Whole 'Lada Love
Wanna stuff your face with a saucy smothered bean 'n cheese enchilada without a gazillion irritating calories and fat grams? Just whip up a batch of these Lean Bean Cheesy Enchiladas PRONTO!
Ingredients:
2 large corn tortillas (like Mission Super Size)
1 slice reduced fat-free cheddar cheese, cut in half
2/3 cup enchilada sauce
1/3 cup fat-free refried beans
1/4 cup shredded reduced fat-free cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chopped onions
1 tbsp Roasted Tomato Salsa from TS
1/2 tsp. fiesta party dip mix, dry
Optional toppings: fat-free sour cream, chopped scallions
Directions: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a pan sprayed with nonstick spray, cook onions over medium heat until they begin to brown (about 2 minutes). In a small dish, combine the onions with the refried beans, taco sauce, and taco seasoning. Mix well. Spray a small baking dish with nonstick spray.
Heat tortillas in the microwave until slightly warm. Lay the tortillas on a clean, dry surface, and then spread about 2 tbsp. of the enchilada sauce onto each one. Place one half of the cheese slice on each tortilla. Then, evenly distribute the bean mixture into the center of each tortilla. Wrap the tortillas up tightly, and place them in the baking dish seam side down.
Pour the rest of the enchilada sauce over the enchiladas. Bake in the oven for about 10 minutes (until the enchiladas are hot). Remove dish from the oven, sprinkle shredded cheese over the enchiladas, and then return it to the oven for about 5 minutes (until the cheese is nice and melty). Plate those babies and, if you like, top with some of the optional ingredients. Enjoy!
MAKES 2 SERVINGS
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Onemonth closer to spring
Some pics I was finally able to down load. :-)
the first is from a magic of books night at bryce's school...it was on his bday and we took his bday presents (the book and the pirate hat w/and we made a tent w/a blanket and a couple chairs and read by flashlight and then we sat around the campfire w/a bunch of other students and their parents and the teachers read interactive stories.
the second is the cabin we stayed in down in so. IL ...Pope County over new years.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
wahoo chili chicken
So I took a chopped onion, chopped red bell pepper and 3 chopped stalks of celery and sauteed that in a big pot. then I poured in 2 cans of diced tomatoes and a can of beans and added 3 boneless chicken breasts and 2 tbsps wahoo chili and mixed that together and then I added in 1/2 a jar of the TS Corn and Black Bean Salsa and simmered all that until everything was cooked and tender..took out the chickent shreded it, added it back in and Wah-Lah...a low fat good source of fiber and protein dinner.
I have no idea what I will be making tomorrow I have a party w/a big group coming so that is going to be lots of fun...so tomorrow will not be an experimenting w/a new recipe day.
I have a pork roast to defrost, but the man likes that cooked as is...it comes w/flavors added...it's a hormel tender roast--so I'll get that defrosting 2morrow and roast it on thurs w/ahhh a nice green salad and roasted red and sweet potatoes...that sounds delish!
I have no idea what I will be making tomorrow I have a party w/a big group coming so that is going to be lots of fun...so tomorrow will not be an experimenting w/a new recipe day.
I have a pork roast to defrost, but the man likes that cooked as is...it comes w/flavors added...it's a hormel tender roast--so I'll get that defrosting 2morrow and roast it on thurs w/ahhh a nice green salad and roasted red and sweet potatoes...that sounds delish!
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
I like Swiss Chard
Every other week a box of fresh organic fruits and veggies along w/organic eggs and milk shows up at my front door. It's my little luxury and I tell you organic red potatoes taste a ton sweeter than conventional..and there is a big difference w/oranges as well. The box of food we get is called a goodie box because it is a random assortment of seasonal fruits and vegetables. I am really looking forward to the cherry season for example.
This week our box contained a few stalks of swiss chard, which I've not had before. It looks like a cross btwn rhurbarb and kale--but fortunately it tastes like a mild spinach. With each delivery comes the bill--and more importantly a sheet of recipes. This sheet had a recipe for Chard and Cheddar Omlettes. So I revised it to make it healthy and had it as an under 200 calorie lunch.
Chard and Cheaddar Omlette:
6 egg whites
1 cup chopped swiss chard
1 oz 75% reduced fat Cabot Cheddar Cheese grated
1 tbsp Onion Onion (dry)
In a small bowl whisk the Onion Onion into the egg whites. Spray skillet w/Pam, w/pan on med. heat add swiss chard and saute until the chard is wilted. Then add the egg/onion onion mixture into the pan and do the omlette thing, and if the eggs sticke to the pan cause you used an iron skillet like me, then adjust and make scrambled chard and cheddar. When cooked, finish by sprinkling the cheese on top, yum! http://tcforganics.net
This week our box contained a few stalks of swiss chard, which I've not had before. It looks like a cross btwn rhurbarb and kale--but fortunately it tastes like a mild spinach. With each delivery comes the bill--and more importantly a sheet of recipes. This sheet had a recipe for Chard and Cheddar Omlettes. So I revised it to make it healthy and had it as an under 200 calorie lunch.
Chard and Cheaddar Omlette:
6 egg whites
1 cup chopped swiss chard
1 oz 75% reduced fat Cabot Cheddar Cheese grated
1 tbsp Onion Onion (dry)
In a small bowl whisk the Onion Onion into the egg whites. Spray skillet w/Pam, w/pan on med. heat add swiss chard and saute until the chard is wilted. Then add the egg/onion onion mixture into the pan and do the omlette thing, and if the eggs sticke to the pan cause you used an iron skillet like me, then adjust and make scrambled chard and cheddar. When cooked, finish by sprinkling the cheese on top, yum! http://tcforganics.net
Sunday, January 6, 2008
The window is open and it's January
I am sure this time next week it will be -6 vrs. the 60 degree F reading we are seeing today--so I opened a couple windows to get a bit of fresh air in the house.
I spent a bit of time today cooking and chopping and I"ll share what we are having for dinner:
1. Pork Roast w/this to accompany it...
I substituted the zuchinni and used fennel root and I used Yukon Gold Potatoes.
Ciambotta (Southern Italian Vegetable Stew)
Description
This vegetable-laden stew makes a delicious dinner with crusty bread. When reduced just a bit, it could also make a hearty pasta sauce.
Ingredients
1/2 lb. eggplant, unpeeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tablespoons good, fruity extra-virgin olive oil
1 large onion, thinly sliced
2.5 tsp Garlic Garlic
1 stalk celery, thinly sliced
a large handful of fresh basil, stems removed, chopped
1 lb. ripe plum tomatoes, passed through a manual food mill, or peeled and chopped finely in the food processor (or use a 14-oz. can Italian plum tomatoes, drained and processed)
3/4 lb. new potatoes, or any waxy potato, scrubbed and cut into 1x2-inch pieces
1/2 lb. zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch rounds
1 large or 2 small sweet red or yellow peppers, seeded and cut into 1x2-inch strips
Salt and freshly-ground black pepper
Instructions
1. Toss the eggplant cubes in a colander with 2 teaspoons salt. Let it sit in the sink until it starts to sweat out the bitter juices.Rinse them, drain, them and pat dry, squeezing a little.
2. In a large pot, heat the oil. Add the onion, garlic, and celery. Stir-cook over high heat for about 5 minutes, adding a little water as necessary to prevent sticking and burning. Add the basil and stir-cook for a minutes, then add the tomatoes. When it comes to a simmer, add the eggplant, potatoes and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir, bring to a boil, then turn down and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes. Add the zucchini and peppers and simmer 15 minutes more, or until all of the vegetables are tender.
3. Taste for salt and pepper, transfer to a warm serving bowl, and allow to stand 15 minutes before serving. Variations: Use Yukon Gold potatoes instead of the waxy potatoes. Instead of zucchini, you can use any summer squash, or try using cauliflower or fennel root. Instead of eggplant, you can use mushrooms.
I spent a bit of time today cooking and chopping and I"ll share what we are having for dinner:
1. Pork Roast w/this to accompany it...
I substituted the zuchinni and used fennel root and I used Yukon Gold Potatoes.
Ciambotta (Southern Italian Vegetable Stew)
Description
This vegetable-laden stew makes a delicious dinner with crusty bread. When reduced just a bit, it could also make a hearty pasta sauce.
Ingredients
1/2 lb. eggplant, unpeeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tablespoons good, fruity extra-virgin olive oil
1 large onion, thinly sliced
2.5 tsp Garlic Garlic
1 stalk celery, thinly sliced
a large handful of fresh basil, stems removed, chopped
1 lb. ripe plum tomatoes, passed through a manual food mill, or peeled and chopped finely in the food processor (or use a 14-oz. can Italian plum tomatoes, drained and processed)
3/4 lb. new potatoes, or any waxy potato, scrubbed and cut into 1x2-inch pieces
1/2 lb. zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch rounds
1 large or 2 small sweet red or yellow peppers, seeded and cut into 1x2-inch strips
Salt and freshly-ground black pepper
Instructions
1. Toss the eggplant cubes in a colander with 2 teaspoons salt. Let it sit in the sink until it starts to sweat out the bitter juices.Rinse them, drain, them and pat dry, squeezing a little.
2. In a large pot, heat the oil. Add the onion, garlic, and celery. Stir-cook over high heat for about 5 minutes, adding a little water as necessary to prevent sticking and burning. Add the basil and stir-cook for a minutes, then add the tomatoes. When it comes to a simmer, add the eggplant, potatoes and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir, bring to a boil, then turn down and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes. Add the zucchini and peppers and simmer 15 minutes more, or until all of the vegetables are tender.
3. Taste for salt and pepper, transfer to a warm serving bowl, and allow to stand 15 minutes before serving. Variations: Use Yukon Gold potatoes instead of the waxy potatoes. Instead of zucchini, you can use any summer squash, or try using cauliflower or fennel root. Instead of eggplant, you can use mushrooms.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Healthy Reflection Emails I just started getting
Here is today's email and then my thoughts on the question asked....
It is very easy to complain about the state of the world and point fingers, especially when you're having a bad day. What is not so easy--and yet desperately needed at times--is for people to step up and make a difference. Don't be intimidated by others, wallow in your own negative feelings, or sit back and assume someone will do it when you are capable yourself! Relating to others around you isn't always easy, but lending a helping hand, extending a hand in friendship, or expressing a word of encouragement can make a big difference to someone. The fate of many has been changed by the actions of just one person who has grown tired of "how it's always been done" and instead turns and does something more positive. The world does not demand of you to give your entire life, but we can all be instruments of positive change. What can you do to make this world better?
****************
so far I am loving these Healthy Reflections! What a great reminder of the difference each one of us can make if we make the effort. I believe in my ability to be instruments of positive chance through raising good kids (a complete work in progress) by being a role model of integrity (which is something I've been focusing on since being involving in a teleconference coaching group on the book The Energy of Money. And lastly through my business--in my business I have so much potential to give kind words to strangers, help groups raise money, donate $, and applaude others work be it as memebers of my team --or clients who have fun or important things happening in their lives. Wow I feel like I have just wound up writing in my gratitute book as I am grateful for all these ways I can make a positive change!
Friday, January 4, 2008
Another Recipe
This is another recipe that was emailed to me from the Hungry Girl Newsletter. It looks yummy and I like eggs, so I am in the midst of making it. I also joined a fun site yesterday called spark people --seems like it's my space meets blogger meets weight watchers!
I have a TS party tonight, first one of the year and what an early start to the year! This is a great portent for great things to come in 2008! A solid business and plenty of work days is just what the budget ordered!
HG's Ginormous Oven-Baked Omelette
PER SERVING (1 huge piece, 1/4th of dish): 140 calories, 3g fat, 387mg sodium, 9g carbs, 1g fiber, 5g sugars, 18g protein -- POINTS® value 3*
Make it at night, and then have a great protein-packed breakfast ready in seconds in the morning (just heat 'n eat!)...
Ingredients: 2 cups fat-free liquid egg substitute (like Egg Beaters)
1/2 cup fat-free milk
1/2 cup reduced-fat shredded cheese (any flavor)
1 cup sliced bell peppers (any color)
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1/2 cup sliced tomatoes
1/2 cup sliced onions
1 tbsp. reduced-fat parmesan-style grated topping
3/4 tsp. garlic powder
1/8 tsp. black pepper
Optional topping s: ketchup, salsa, hot sauce Directions: Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Into a deep, round casserole dish (about 9 inches wide) sprayed with nonstick spray, pour egg substitute and milk. Add shredded cheese, tomatoes, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix well, and then set aside.
Bring a large pan sprayed with nonstick spray (butter-flavored spray if you have it) to high heat. Stirring occasionally, cook peppers, onions, and mushrooms for 2 minutes (just long enough to brown the outsides). Add veggies to the casserole dish, and mix well. Place dish in the oven and cook for 30 minutes. Next, carefully remove the dish from the oven and evenly cover with parm-style topping. Return it to the oven, and cook for 20 - 25 minutes longer (until the top has puffed and is firm). Allow to cool slightly before cutting. Then, if you like, finish off with the optional ingredients (or any of your fave omelette toppers!). MAK ES 4 SERVINGS
I have a TS party tonight, first one of the year and what an early start to the year! This is a great portent for great things to come in 2008! A solid business and plenty of work days is just what the budget ordered!
HG's Ginormous Oven-Baked Omelette
PER SERVING (1 huge piece, 1/4th of dish): 140 calories, 3g fat, 387mg sodium, 9g carbs, 1g fiber, 5g sugars, 18g protein -- POINTS® value 3*
Make it at night, and then have a great protein-packed breakfast ready in seconds in the morning (just heat 'n eat!)...
Ingredients: 2 cups fat-free liquid egg substitute (like Egg Beaters)
1/2 cup fat-free milk
1/2 cup reduced-fat shredded cheese (any flavor)
1 cup sliced bell peppers (any color)
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1/2 cup sliced tomatoes
1/2 cup sliced onions
1 tbsp. reduced-fat parmesan-style grated topping
3/4 tsp. garlic powder
1/8 tsp. black pepper
Optional topping s: ketchup, salsa, hot sauce Directions: Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Into a deep, round casserole dish (about 9 inches wide) sprayed with nonstick spray, pour egg substitute and milk. Add shredded cheese, tomatoes, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix well, and then set aside.
Bring a large pan sprayed with nonstick spray (butter-flavored spray if you have it) to high heat. Stirring occasionally, cook peppers, onions, and mushrooms for 2 minutes (just long enough to brown the outsides). Add veggies to the casserole dish, and mix well. Place dish in the oven and cook for 30 minutes. Next, carefully remove the dish from the oven and evenly cover with parm-style topping. Return it to the oven, and cook for 20 - 25 minutes longer (until the top has puffed and is firm). Allow to cool slightly before cutting. Then, if you like, finish off with the optional ingredients (or any of your fave omelette toppers!). MAK ES 4 SERVINGS
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
I love Soup
So here are some very low cal and I am betting super delish recipes from the daily email Hungry Girl--I'll be expirementing w/these recipes soon. Today is an extra holiday day for me since Tom is home sick from work and I need to reorganize the house now that we are back from our camping trip to Pope County IL--pictures to come!:
Inspired by the now-famous 0-Point Garden Vegetable Soup, here are THREE insanely delicious, all-new soup recipes that are Point-free...Weeeeee!
Plum Tomato Cabbage Soup
(1/5th recipe: 36 calories/ 0g fat/ 480mg sodium/ 7.5g carbs/ 1.5g fiber/ 5g sugars/ 1.5g protein = 0 Points!)
With our optional ingredients, you can customize this soup to satisfy your taste buds. Make it hot ‘n sweet (with SPLENDA & FRANK'S RedHot), garlicky (TABASCO Garlic and/or garlic salt), or sweet ‘n mild (SPLENDA). Any way you serve this soup, it’s zero Points per serving!
Ingredients:
6 plum tomatoes; chopped
4 cups fat-free vegetable broth
2 cups chopped green cabbage
*Optional ingredients: salt, pepper, SPLENDA, FRANK'S RedHot, TABASCO Pepper Sauce (Garlic or original), garlic salt
Directions:
In a large pot sprayed with nonstick spray, place chopped tomatoes along with any juice and seeds. Cook over medium heat for 2 – 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add broth and cabbage, and raise heat to high. Once soup reaches a boil, reduce heat to low and cover. Allow soup to simmer for 5 minutes. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and any of the other optional ingredients. Enjoy! Makes 5 generous 1-cup servings.
Be creative… Adding an ounce of raisins or a package of (drained, rinsed, & cut) Tofu Shirataki noodles to the recipe only bumps it up to 1 Point! Mmmmmm…1/5th recipe with raisins: 53 calories/ 0g fat/ 480mg sodium/ 12g carbs/ 2g fiber/ 8g sugars/ 1.75g protein = 1 Point
1/5th recipe with noodles: 44 calories/ 0.4g fat/ 485mg sodium/ 9g carbs/ 3g fiber/ 5g sugars/ 2g protein = 1 Point
Chinese Shoestring Soup
(1/4th recipe: 32 calories/ 0g fat/ 515mg sodium/ 5.5g carbs/ 1.5g fiber/ 3g sugars/ 2.5g protein = 0 Points!)
This beauteous bowl of soup is almost as much fun to make and look at as it is to slurp!
Ingredients:
4 cups fat-free broth; vegetable, chicken, or beef
3 medium-sized scallions
1 small carrot
1 small zucchini
1/2 medium-sized red pepper
1 tsp. light/ low-sodium soy sauce
*Optional: 4 lemon wedges
Directions:
Begin by cutting all veggies (scallions included) into matchstick-sized strips (use a vegetable shredder if you have one!). In a large pot, combine all ingredients except for the scallions (and lemon wedges). Bring to a boil. Once soup has reached a boil, reduce to medium heat (a low boil) and add scallions. Cook for approximately 5 minutes, until veggies are limp. If desired, serve with lemon wedges for a citrus-y touch. Makes four 1-cup servings.
Be creative… At just 1 Point a serving, turn this into Shoestring Egg Flower Soup! To do so, pour 2 large egg whites into a container with a spout (like a measuring cup). Once soup has cooked for 5 minutes at medium heat, remove from heat and VERY slowly pour in egg whites while VERY quickly stirring in one direction. The result will be gorgeous bursts of egg bits in your yummy shoestring soup!
1/4th recipe with egg whites: 41 calories/ 0g fat/ 545mg sodium/ 6g carbs/ 1.5g fiber/ 3g sugars/ 4g protein = 1 Point
Pumpkinlicious Veggie Soup
(1/5th recipe: 35 calories/ 0g fat/ 400mg sodium/ 6.5g carbs/ 2g fiber/ 3.5g sugars/ 2g protein = 0 Points!)
With chunks of fresh veggies and a creamy pumpkin kick, this 0-Point soup ROCKS!
Ingredients:
4 cups fat-free broth; vegetable or chicken
1/2 cup canned pure pumpkin
1 small zucchini
1 1/2 cups chopped celery
1 medium-sized red pepper
*Optional: salt and pepper; to taste
Directions:
Cut pepper and zucchini into large chunks. In a large pot, stir to combine broth and pumpkin. Add celery and cook on high heat. After a few minutes (once soup is hot but not yet boiling), add zucchini and peppers. Once soup has reached a boil, reduce heat to low. Simmer for 5 minutes, or until veggies are tender. Add salt and pepper, if desired, and dig in! Makes five 1-cup servings.
Be creative… Toss in a half of a cup each of canned corn kernels and black beans for the last few minutes of cooking. With the addition of these Southwest-inspired ingredients, each serving is just 1 Point!
1/5th recipe with corn and black beans: 71 calories/ 0.5g fat/ 480mg sodium/ 14g carbs/ 3.5g fiber/ 4g sugars/ 4g protein = 1 Point
Inspired by the now-famous 0-Point Garden Vegetable Soup, here are THREE insanely delicious, all-new soup recipes that are Point-free...Weeeeee!
Plum Tomato Cabbage Soup
(1/5th recipe: 36 calories/ 0g fat/ 480mg sodium/ 7.5g carbs/ 1.5g fiber/ 5g sugars/ 1.5g protein = 0 Points!)
With our optional ingredients, you can customize this soup to satisfy your taste buds. Make it hot ‘n sweet (with SPLENDA & FRANK'S RedHot), garlicky (TABASCO Garlic and/or garlic salt), or sweet ‘n mild (SPLENDA). Any way you serve this soup, it’s zero Points per serving!
Ingredients:
6 plum tomatoes; chopped
4 cups fat-free vegetable broth
2 cups chopped green cabbage
*Optional ingredients: salt, pepper, SPLENDA, FRANK'S RedHot, TABASCO Pepper Sauce (Garlic or original), garlic salt
Directions:
In a large pot sprayed with nonstick spray, place chopped tomatoes along with any juice and seeds. Cook over medium heat for 2 – 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add broth and cabbage, and raise heat to high. Once soup reaches a boil, reduce heat to low and cover. Allow soup to simmer for 5 minutes. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and any of the other optional ingredients. Enjoy! Makes 5 generous 1-cup servings.
Be creative… Adding an ounce of raisins or a package of (drained, rinsed, & cut) Tofu Shirataki noodles to the recipe only bumps it up to 1 Point! Mmmmmm…1/5th recipe with raisins: 53 calories/ 0g fat/ 480mg sodium/ 12g carbs/ 2g fiber/ 8g sugars/ 1.75g protein = 1 Point
1/5th recipe with noodles: 44 calories/ 0.4g fat/ 485mg sodium/ 9g carbs/ 3g fiber/ 5g sugars/ 2g protein = 1 Point
Chinese Shoestring Soup
(1/4th recipe: 32 calories/ 0g fat/ 515mg sodium/ 5.5g carbs/ 1.5g fiber/ 3g sugars/ 2.5g protein = 0 Points!)
This beauteous bowl of soup is almost as much fun to make and look at as it is to slurp!
Ingredients:
4 cups fat-free broth; vegetable, chicken, or beef
3 medium-sized scallions
1 small carrot
1 small zucchini
1/2 medium-sized red pepper
1 tsp. light/ low-sodium soy sauce
*Optional: 4 lemon wedges
Directions:
Begin by cutting all veggies (scallions included) into matchstick-sized strips (use a vegetable shredder if you have one!). In a large pot, combine all ingredients except for the scallions (and lemon wedges). Bring to a boil. Once soup has reached a boil, reduce to medium heat (a low boil) and add scallions. Cook for approximately 5 minutes, until veggies are limp. If desired, serve with lemon wedges for a citrus-y touch. Makes four 1-cup servings.
Be creative… At just 1 Point a serving, turn this into Shoestring Egg Flower Soup! To do so, pour 2 large egg whites into a container with a spout (like a measuring cup). Once soup has cooked for 5 minutes at medium heat, remove from heat and VERY slowly pour in egg whites while VERY quickly stirring in one direction. The result will be gorgeous bursts of egg bits in your yummy shoestring soup!
1/4th recipe with egg whites: 41 calories/ 0g fat/ 545mg sodium/ 6g carbs/ 1.5g fiber/ 3g sugars/ 4g protein = 1 Point
Pumpkinlicious Veggie Soup
(1/5th recipe: 35 calories/ 0g fat/ 400mg sodium/ 6.5g carbs/ 2g fiber/ 3.5g sugars/ 2g protein = 0 Points!)
With chunks of fresh veggies and a creamy pumpkin kick, this 0-Point soup ROCKS!
Ingredients:
4 cups fat-free broth; vegetable or chicken
1/2 cup canned pure pumpkin
1 small zucchini
1 1/2 cups chopped celery
1 medium-sized red pepper
*Optional: salt and pepper; to taste
Directions:
Cut pepper and zucchini into large chunks. In a large pot, stir to combine broth and pumpkin. Add celery and cook on high heat. After a few minutes (once soup is hot but not yet boiling), add zucchini and peppers. Once soup has reached a boil, reduce heat to low. Simmer for 5 minutes, or until veggies are tender. Add salt and pepper, if desired, and dig in! Makes five 1-cup servings.
Be creative… Toss in a half of a cup each of canned corn kernels and black beans for the last few minutes of cooking. With the addition of these Southwest-inspired ingredients, each serving is just 1 Point!
1/5th recipe with corn and black beans: 71 calories/ 0.5g fat/ 480mg sodium/ 14g carbs/ 3.5g fiber/ 4g sugars/ 4g protein = 1 Point
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