tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3899238689381281212024-03-05T14:32:20.737-05:00Angel Food: Cooking cheap without sacrificeQuasi-vegetarian, Quasi-gourmet, usually cheap homemade cooking from a Mama with a keen eye on nutrition, a preschooler, a part-time job and enough other activities to make your head spin. I feed my family of three on about $250 a month.Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06685002088808901290noreply@blogger.comBlogger1536125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-389923868938128121.post-62197340765273743652015-12-10T19:16:00.001-05:002015-12-10T19:16:48.148-05:00Best salad ever<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZh5NGQ7IyarRnhEyhOrWcJaPQ3tVm3joVbbXjtqzJTHNQ9cZIyHfQVRL7quNoK4uYb2s1_xAyg3LbeGR4vRRdlrXasmNM7osERfkwRLzXA9MgeqAK_sxFpvLGVovCrAVfHnrW62jI0yI/s640/blogger-image-102777652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZh5NGQ7IyarRnhEyhOrWcJaPQ3tVm3joVbbXjtqzJTHNQ9cZIyHfQVRL7quNoK4uYb2s1_xAyg3LbeGR4vRRdlrXasmNM7osERfkwRLzXA9MgeqAK_sxFpvLGVovCrAVfHnrW62jI0yI/s640/blogger-image-102777652.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I self-destruct at Christmas. Part of it is due to working retail. Part of it is complex.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">But I refuse to shop in December. Even for groceries. I believe my quote was "I'll live off tuna and chocolate chip cookies until January. Or gnaw off my own flesh."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After one annoying mishap after another, I ended up in the grocery store trying to buy the ingredients for a salad. I didn't get my salad until 7 p.m. At that point, my blood sugar was dropping but I managed to do this:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I took some diced chicken, sesame seeds and cashews and sautéed them stir-fry style (high heat, quickly dashing across the pan) in a few drops sesame oil and about a teaspoon or two of teriyaki sauce.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">For the salad base I used an iceberg lettuce mix with some endive added, and lots of carrot ribbons. I sprinkled this with Brianna's strawberry champagne vinaigrette dressing. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Added mandarin oranges, water chestnuts and red raspberries.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Tossed. And topped with generous amounts of the chicken mix.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Ate from a bowl the size of my head.</div>Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06685002088808901290noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-389923868938128121.post-7771593488745052842015-11-24T17:39:00.001-05:002015-11-24T17:39:54.749-05:00Tikka masala<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I started with a recipe from Epicurious but as usual didn't have the ingredients. So I made something that could have easily turned out to be cream of tomato soup.</span></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8lwY4rzd-d8PCo_kdI5tTyAAaBF5fxgElN8v7YTV2hFlniFZ-qP5QE_SNknRyTv5ESWv0bPMqzScyuTuDRaqU_YF7Dv6OreiL98XuDgBdZWFN-cYtwewHBjaFhi3Xnygj2H439IgzFr0/s640/blogger-image--589152911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8lwY4rzd-d8PCo_kdI5tTyAAaBF5fxgElN8v7YTV2hFlniFZ-qP5QE_SNknRyTv5ESWv0bPMqzScyuTuDRaqU_YF7Dv6OreiL98XuDgBdZWFN-cYtwewHBjaFhi3Xnygj2H439IgzFr0/s640/blogger-image--589152911.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It plated beautifully.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Step one:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Prep chicken. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I used a 2 1/2 pound family pack of chicken breasts, beat with the bottom of a Le Creuset saucepan.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFEI96tO4VZGdb9p1bZdDq0RQTwoIa6p0fWuBHHA4ijokum82RqLokN_5b2No1tr4HjSUi7RrapHYRmVUHOaemeWxbdksbbeCMTxqu8qsTSXyCyA7h4CKqY8IZPRsSO2c09G_Y3bKHkBI/s640/blogger-image-128821967.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFEI96tO4VZGdb9p1bZdDq0RQTwoIa6p0fWuBHHA4ijokum82RqLokN_5b2No1tr4HjSUi7RrapHYRmVUHOaemeWxbdksbbeCMTxqu8qsTSXyCyA7h4CKqY8IZPRsSO2c09G_Y3bKHkBI/s640/blogger-image-128821967.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I poked holes in them with a fork and marinated them in a sauce of approximately:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- 1/2 cup plain low fat yogurt</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- 1 tablespoon oil</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- garlic powder, about 1 tablespoon</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- juice of one lemon</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In a saucepan I sautéed:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- one tablespoon dehydrated garlic</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- one tablespoon butter</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- two tablespoons paprika </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- two teaspoons cumin</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- one teaspoon cardamom</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- one-half teaspoon nutmeg</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- one pinch hot Indian paprika</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- one tablespoon diced candied ginger</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- black pepper </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I added:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- about one cup water</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- about one cup half and half</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- about one-half cup tomato sauce</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I let that boil and reduced to a simmer while I cooked and diced the chicken.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2_Vz9G9PL8jSspiu1AAP0RvPuKfMHW6RfnTSxJsC2ll75SEhRfEwBO2n1U-n_3PUMbFFl1w-byf4cwOHOs_mkyI2gv3WeTkymL0ET57M_HRZLgXzf2LByjGPb-qIZ5lExYDE-9h7W-mU/s640/blogger-image-382656769.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2_Vz9G9PL8jSspiu1AAP0RvPuKfMHW6RfnTSxJsC2ll75SEhRfEwBO2n1U-n_3PUMbFFl1w-byf4cwOHOs_mkyI2gv3WeTkymL0ET57M_HRZLgXzf2LByjGPb-qIZ5lExYDE-9h7W-mU/s640/blogger-image-382656769.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh05KUphyDpzSsI3ogOQ_MpPSPP9-k2BrvA5Fc8fzk3Ohxk-PbCWS0R10LEHKQdRHvsZu4A_C-fgmDkHukhRUqAz_lX21aIMoO8o2DJRiXO6nXPy-HG-eL8Vn3cATexfft_MYYAzOwQGsA/s640/blogger-image-1230082922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh05KUphyDpzSsI3ogOQ_MpPSPP9-k2BrvA5Fc8fzk3Ohxk-PbCWS0R10LEHKQdRHvsZu4A_C-fgmDkHukhRUqAz_lX21aIMoO8o2DJRiXO6nXPy-HG-eL8Vn3cATexfft_MYYAzOwQGsA/s640/blogger-image-1230082922.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Then I added three colors of peppers, cauliflower and peas to the sauce.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">When that warmed I added it to the skillet:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTnaeAeXdHK5o06_DTX8Adeudvm4mPITv_N83_t4Bvn3VIgmjJdeqe9QFWjFhr78Y5KzqWfZ7-jGQ3oXGGvHdQm1bHMXBEs_c-dd9d8-Fo7F9a_zoxk8OmCUm03PU04ExaEmXNTPQcn3I/s640/blogger-image-1962282550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTnaeAeXdHK5o06_DTX8Adeudvm4mPITv_N83_t4Bvn3VIgmjJdeqe9QFWjFhr78Y5KzqWfZ7-jGQ3oXGGvHdQm1bHMXBEs_c-dd9d8-Fo7F9a_zoxk8OmCUm03PU04ExaEmXNTPQcn3I/s640/blogger-image-1962282550.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It was very mild. I could have doubled the spices I think. But delightful on this cold day.</div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06685002088808901290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-389923868938128121.post-7467919251495023862015-09-30T17:45:00.001-04:002015-09-30T17:45:18.202-04:00Sweet potato lentil stewThis stew turned beyond delightful, hearty and mellow.<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiehIcAhp_5E4TF-aUdYXb-oIk9Ob2_vb6c2gcODKhDQKdOyvpJfKvsPXUFu4kqXhKkkmjVBa5sYMXxUOHBLvS5UIC6qMJ1726vLTk5IErHWpTbfb50KKj8k40_GvVktFJsWwBdQpCPzPw/s640/blogger-image--112891375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiehIcAhp_5E4TF-aUdYXb-oIk9Ob2_vb6c2gcODKhDQKdOyvpJfKvsPXUFu4kqXhKkkmjVBa5sYMXxUOHBLvS5UIC6qMJ1726vLTk5IErHWpTbfb50KKj8k40_GvVktFJsWwBdQpCPzPw/s640/blogger-image--112891375.jpg"></a></div><br><div><br></div><div>In the crock pot mix:</div><div>• one of those huge cans of Bruce's Yams, 2/3 of the liquid poured off</div><div>• one cup dry uncooked lentils </div><div>• one cup water</div><div>• 4 cups beef broth</div><div>• 1.5 cups cooked black beans</div><div>• 1.5 cups garbanzo beans</div><div>• about 1 tablespoon garlic powder</div><div>• about 1 teaspoon ground black pepper</div><div>• about 1.5 tablespoons cumin</div><div>• about 1 tablespoon chili powder</div><div>• about 1 tablespoon ras el hanout </div><div><br></div><div>Cook about 4-6 hours on high </div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXJJAnlp_jr1LRqfb6mJu1cAlyWeERDoE2TC3Jb9VZn6UpCFSFNZxawlTFczzDE_Q3B_Rt98cHjOKXvrB06SgeSJ25xXfpKNllcRd8zC5MBE49awMeG2P-Um8G4X5has7OhNqciFW7c7I/s640/blogger-image--38607077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXJJAnlp_jr1LRqfb6mJu1cAlyWeERDoE2TC3Jb9VZn6UpCFSFNZxawlTFczzDE_Q3B_Rt98cHjOKXvrB06SgeSJ25xXfpKNllcRd8zC5MBE49awMeG2P-Um8G4X5has7OhNqciFW7c7I/s640/blogger-image--38607077.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06685002088808901290noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-389923868938128121.post-4330551078626460232015-09-08T09:38:00.001-04:002015-09-08T09:38:18.800-04:00Nut fruit balls, version 2These vegan snacks rely on a mix of dates & nuts. I made these to use up what was in my pantry.<div><br><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK1hjaKX1upko9GWJvFPsUfiaw5m5Wag4D0fd9BKOvnhvmCd3qMseJvCsM7PQ8GGpBcCIVAyJvFBEBaG35l_ti-NRlBKwwYA3Qfl_0hXVWjsh7-rQIzvL75APn9q2cHkmNDL-nKof8K3E/s640/blogger-image-1080521335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK1hjaKX1upko9GWJvFPsUfiaw5m5Wag4D0fd9BKOvnhvmCd3qMseJvCsM7PQ8GGpBcCIVAyJvFBEBaG35l_ti-NRlBKwwYA3Qfl_0hXVWjsh7-rQIzvL75APn9q2cHkmNDL-nKof8K3E/s640/blogger-image-1080521335.jpg"></a></div>Blend in food processor, then knead and shape into golf ball sized pieces.</div></div><div><br></div><div>- 1/2 cup raw almonds</div><div>- 1/2 cup unsalted sunflower seeds</div><div>- 3/4 cup pressed pitted dates</div><div>- 1/4 cup dried cherries</div><div><br></div><div>This yielded 8 balls for me, about 125 calories each.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgNn0SYilV-9lAMQiu5y2sRoQ1VDdkKedsLrwI83T8qa4QdnedyDBNIVqjvd52xa0lUhUtG2hMt0dKgpoE0XcYQEehn9Ntbqdsj9XIUEl40cVyOxwAR-EhW7DxA89ANyA3wdhKQUmiRY4/s640/blogger-image-802773476.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgNn0SYilV-9lAMQiu5y2sRoQ1VDdkKedsLrwI83T8qa4QdnedyDBNIVqjvd52xa0lUhUtG2hMt0dKgpoE0XcYQEehn9Ntbqdsj9XIUEl40cVyOxwAR-EhW7DxA89ANyA3wdhKQUmiRY4/s640/blogger-image-802773476.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06685002088808901290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-389923868938128121.post-29293017215576936252015-09-07T17:35:00.001-04:002015-09-07T17:35:37.960-04:00My first attempt at cabbage and noodles<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy2GzMpFlYQJg2lsaK009CMblmQIpO5ES9IAabCa0DkSui5MrVEayK1C-BzscFzeQEM_nlu7oMzoBI62LHpy5wByFQtgv3JoSVkBrXCQbeugVPUoZTLvGGHNwkycj0Z4bHj0f-UfFcVXk/s640/blogger-image-2050236721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy2GzMpFlYQJg2lsaK009CMblmQIpO5ES9IAabCa0DkSui5MrVEayK1C-BzscFzeQEM_nlu7oMzoBI62LHpy5wByFQtgv3JoSVkBrXCQbeugVPUoZTLvGGHNwkycj0Z4bHj0f-UfFcVXk/s640/blogger-image-2050236721.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I made cabbage and noodles. With fresh green and red peppers and kielbasa.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I didn't cook my cabbage enough. But it was still very super tasty.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I also used too many egg noodles.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I fried three servings of kielbasa (cut fairly small) in one tablespoon butter. Added one red pepper and one green pepper, cut into strips, and half a head of cabbage. Added more butter. And 1/2 cup water. And covered for five minutes (and it should have been ten).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Made a bag of yolk free egg noodles. Should have used 1/2 a bag. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Combined everything in a big serving bowl. A really big bowl. Sautéed some white mushrooms quick for my husband.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Delightful. Very delightful.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">My mother-in-law always serves with Parmesan cheese. So that's what I did. My father-in-law likes his cabbage and noodles with apple cider vinegar. I might try that next time.</span></div>Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06685002088808901290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-389923868938128121.post-29324482920671740452015-09-02T12:43:00.001-04:002015-09-02T12:43:32.752-04:00Fried baguette with fresh spinachWe have had some amazing meals but I have not blogged them. The last week has been a special kind of crazy. On a whim, I started grad school (first step toward an MA in European History). And I broke my ankle.<div><br></div><div>Between boredom and necessity, I started experimenting in the kitchen and developed these:</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC2L399YEsa0W_wb63kRKsuC_AAkG1I7v1UwRo8eovbTVIbS3F1l_PtlSIVrPZPSQMir4tlUlUtv6iTqt3eEjktBzPWJmfVzyisJknN7dPnfpTlzIC5TipGaLJC1S5K_ZbV_f_Rgjz0vw/s640/blogger-image--1440571634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC2L399YEsa0W_wb63kRKsuC_AAkG1I7v1UwRo8eovbTVIbS3F1l_PtlSIVrPZPSQMir4tlUlUtv6iTqt3eEjktBzPWJmfVzyisJknN7dPnfpTlzIC5TipGaLJC1S5K_ZbV_f_Rgjz0vw/s640/blogger-image--1440571634.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So good I had to plate them on my fancy Royal Doulton. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The ingredients are all hunks of leftover things... A day-old baguette, a random chunk of mutilated cheddar, some fresh spinach that is trying so hard not to wilt and a partial stick of butter my eleven-year-old daughter removed from the wrapper so she could use the wrapper to grease a pan.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6XZKZDeLi87bX1BIyUdpMAARQm2UUqMyWEONtPS1UtTSsRxu4zuXUqrfufaih6DNRYffPd3ktBbnb9lPsTmdZSCVsbrg5C4JbHbUcVTb126bGNQyqupWleK_Dhb5GwZS1uwhSxADuKzU/s640/blogger-image--27000834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6XZKZDeLi87bX1BIyUdpMAARQm2UUqMyWEONtPS1UtTSsRxu4zuXUqrfufaih6DNRYffPd3ktBbnb9lPsTmdZSCVsbrg5C4JbHbUcVTb126bGNQyqupWleK_Dhb5GwZS1uwhSxADuKzU/s640/blogger-image--27000834.jpg"></a></div><br></div>I sliced the day old baguette thinly, to increase the chances that a layer of butter smeared across it and heated in the cast iron skillet would restore its edible potential.</div><div><br></div><div>I prepared each slice with a thin layer of butter on each side, dropping them directly over the center of the skillet preheated on medium. This allowed them to heat quickly and brown nicely on the edges. I flipped the bread over, topped with a very small piece of cheddar, a spinach leaf or two and a second small piece of cheese.</div><div><br></div><div>The assembled discs I pushed to one side of the pan, farther from the heat, and covered. I wanted to melt the cheese but not burn the bread. Probably 60 seconds.</div><div><br></div><div>I sprinkled with the tiniest bit of garlic pepper and some crushed red pepper flakes. I will be expanding on the concept for dinner.</div>Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06685002088808901290noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-389923868938128121.post-63062566513637794592015-08-18T18:08:00.001-04:002015-08-18T18:08:05.449-04:00Summer Tartar Sauce and vegetarian fish sandwichesMy husband and I both came home from work exhausted so we made Gardein Fishless filets into sandwiches on Archer Farms take-and-bake baguettes with lettuce, cucumbers and homemade tartar sauce. I also added harissa to mine.<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDMtPMXTOX-7OWZqfB-jbwAjzS5cdgC_6y9CAdLrlCBGrgGgVBAQMhq1FmNcrxWFkyqsCFnHlET1KlCYTPyzLLQOGq_TkbCX-jwWk58KCN-zGyrbAFd62-C8Aw5_n4Er7JxgfTa4JpCd0/s640/blogger-image--2133282582.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDMtPMXTOX-7OWZqfB-jbwAjzS5cdgC_6y9CAdLrlCBGrgGgVBAQMhq1FmNcrxWFkyqsCFnHlET1KlCYTPyzLLQOGq_TkbCX-jwWk58KCN-zGyrbAFd62-C8Aw5_n4Er7JxgfTa4JpCd0/s640/blogger-image--2133282582.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO5rv8Kj0b1Ml_tK3YehW-HslVgxEBs0_PtTPZSpLVU3H7FsDuIZUt67lpuvEngwgNEQddHFY3b8Xteq4sw45Yc0GQyu65tYk1ng8NSWxDYlmuf-GwKYsSPhhEaromM1g25lSzUfY-yAs/s640/blogger-image-1879867592.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO5rv8Kj0b1Ml_tK3YehW-HslVgxEBs0_PtTPZSpLVU3H7FsDuIZUt67lpuvEngwgNEQddHFY3b8Xteq4sw45Yc0GQyu65tYk1ng8NSWxDYlmuf-GwKYsSPhhEaromM1g25lSzUfY-yAs/s640/blogger-image-1879867592.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And I updated my tartar sauce recipe to be a tad lower fat, but just as tasty:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Mix, chill & serve...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">• almost 3 tablespoons Hellman's light mayo</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">• 1 tablespoon lemon juice</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">• almost 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">• 2 tablespoons Bolthouse Farms cilantro avocado yogurt dressing</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">• a teaspoon and a half fresh chives</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">• 2 dill pickle spears, diced very fine</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9UhkuYtkuoJOqNeHUDlywBP254DKzyYKuAG5hKdQtNayOqPa6Rx5s2K05W-CTwf1HQmrw5nOD__rJzhW4RF5hTP4f_zIEskxNm5MWzmQQyJGMZjWaz3fhl-_9KaJ6Fvx3Gnqbz6hTfME/s640/blogger-image--149290531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9UhkuYtkuoJOqNeHUDlywBP254DKzyYKuAG5hKdQtNayOqPa6Rx5s2K05W-CTwf1HQmrw5nOD__rJzhW4RF5hTP4f_zIEskxNm5MWzmQQyJGMZjWaz3fhl-_9KaJ6Fvx3Gnqbz6hTfME/s640/blogger-image--149290531.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div>Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06685002088808901290noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-389923868938128121.post-45190141136061453782015-08-02T18:20:00.001-04:002015-08-02T18:20:45.205-04:00Imitation Pumpkin PancakesMy daughter, being eleven, is angry with me. I believe this is her natural, at rest state these days. <div><br></div><div>Couple this with the sour milk lurking in the back of the fridge, and I decided to make pancakes.</div><div><br></div><div>Specifically pumpkin pancakes because they have lots of vitamin A. </div><div><br></div><div>But I looked in the cupboard and had crazy amounts of yams in heavy syrup and one can of pumpkin purée. So it made sense to get rid of some of the yams.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXGdg_top2TyBvKPHzdz9ao6x1NsBz1ailWAa0DVLzvPwFoqjFLoPfg9RRt4FmnoX296sDHeezdskJFSfziDUQCK8mrywjzTdijdmw6WgAH4ENu9S57gUtvVqyDHWQ-aOCZXOQp970TR4/s640/blogger-image--216233047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXGdg_top2TyBvKPHzdz9ao6x1NsBz1ailWAa0DVLzvPwFoqjFLoPfg9RRt4FmnoX296sDHeezdskJFSfziDUQCK8mrywjzTdijdmw6WgAH4ENu9S57gUtvVqyDHWQ-aOCZXOQp970TR4/s640/blogger-image--216233047.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Ingredients:</div><div>- about 1 1/2 cups sour skim milk</div><div>- 2 cups organic flour</div><div>- about 3 tablespoons brown sugar, which I did not pack, I merely tossed it in the bowl</div><div>- 2 teaspoons baking powder</div><div>- 1 teaspoon baking soda</div><div>- 1/2 teaspoon salt, which I never measure only eyeball</div><div>- some ground cloves (about 1/2 teaspoon)</div><div>- 1-2 teaspoons cinnamon</div><div>- about 1/2 teaspoon ginger</div><div>-1 tablespoon chia seeds</div><div>- 1/4 cup old fashioned oats</div><div>- 2 eggs</div><div>- about 1 3/4 cups yams (with about 1/4 cup of the syrup)</div><div>- 2 tablespoons PB2 powdered peanut butter with chocolate </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Serve with real maple syrup and powdered sugar </div>Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06685002088808901290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-389923868938128121.post-83502760986460723562015-07-18T18:23:00.001-04:002015-07-18T18:23:02.114-04:00Pecan Crusted Scallops<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsqiqTe1vnF23oFbn8_SrJaR1d3XzKbZDWJyiHxMUfEyoOU-WkecyPw0IaGbIiIl0v_Gl2wk2ec93lBEwP8ejogu9TpQZZWbdEIF9nPSSLA4bucU992VrFzUS2hVu75-m6Ag-Hlb5z0lk/s640/blogger-image-190238788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsqiqTe1vnF23oFbn8_SrJaR1d3XzKbZDWJyiHxMUfEyoOU-WkecyPw0IaGbIiIl0v_Gl2wk2ec93lBEwP8ejogu9TpQZZWbdEIF9nPSSLA4bucU992VrFzUS2hVu75-m6Ag-Hlb5z0lk/s640/blogger-image-190238788.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We went to Aldi today and it strikes me as odd or perhaps apropos that I spent $60 on primarily cheese. And a binge purchase-- scallops.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I have been so hungry for scallops. I <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">got twelve jumbo scallops for $10. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">I decided to crust them in pecans. Normally one would grind the pecans and mix them with good quality breadcrumbs but I went gluten free and just used pecans.</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">I found some recipes online but didn't like the sound of any of them so I used them as a base. I found one that served with orange butter (1/2 cup orange juice to 2 tablespoons butter). I wanted mango butter. So I took 2/3 cup of frozen mango chunks, thawed them in the microwave with water, and puréed them in the food processor. I added three tablespoons butter and processed it with the mango.</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">I put this mix on the stove so the heat would melt it partially but not reduce it to liquid completely.</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Next I put 1 cup pecan halves into the food processor, figuring a touch of mango and butter wouldn't hurt. Ground those as much as I could.</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">To flavor my scallops and make them sticky for my pecans, I whisked together:</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">- three tablespoons honey</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">- about one and a half tablespoons Briana's Blush Vinaigrette </font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">- about one teaspoon ground ginger</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">(The inside of the scallops ended up tasting like maple syrup when they were done. Not sure why.)</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">I rolled each scallop into this sticky mess and pressed it into the ground pecans. I arranged them in a Pyrex dish, poured the extra goop on them and baked at 425 for twelve minutes.</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrNn8_Kt-r35vP6DY2wRfbHX1m4CyAw3Nk_Gm5u1Q-Yq_diW6awVpxFb1JuDFYpns2uBXj4B3KPqDve_rhKqCvbUgQPAMiWNBzACAb9KYTIT6WYDjv-N44Dnqlw_bYNayEhzcurlV30xo/s640/blogger-image--568572273.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrNn8_Kt-r35vP6DY2wRfbHX1m4CyAw3Nk_Gm5u1Q-Yq_diW6awVpxFb1JuDFYpns2uBXj4B3KPqDve_rhKqCvbUgQPAMiWNBzACAb9KYTIT6WYDjv-N44Dnqlw_bYNayEhzcurlV30xo/s640/blogger-image--568572273.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I served with a nice dollop of the butter, put some extra butter on the plate for the Brussel sprouts and used my mother-in-law's leftover zucchini pie as a compliment. Really good stuff. </div><br></font></div>Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06685002088808901290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-389923868938128121.post-66174873265331372102015-07-17T11:23:00.001-04:002015-07-17T12:27:54.051-04:00Turkey MeatloafLCombine and shape into a loaf. Bake at 350 degrees 50-55 minutes. Put meatloaf in bread pan. I greased mine with butter.<div><br></div><div>This is a test. I think it came out wet. But we shall see upon cooking.</div><div><br></div><div>- 1 1/4 pounds ground turkey</div><div>- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs</div><div>- about 2 tablespoons fresh chives</div><div>- about 2 teaspoons fresh dill</div><div>- about 1/4 cup Caesar salad dressing</div><div><br></div><div>Before inserting into oven, I topped with less than 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan and a line of Harissa down the middle.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDPGP3mQGv3PeLAtYHeNgaPu-8X9Mx6WZtxzzKrWb71snZdcWh5qkP3Up_x_e3QBS4QQcBPMWjrIp1aIK1JYmvtX-iYzyBtqjzB-gT4tgYTdeCOJOPi9GPN92GecogNYKQKR-bVVGdaBQ/s640/blogger-image-973997088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDPGP3mQGv3PeLAtYHeNgaPu-8X9Mx6WZtxzzKrWb71snZdcWh5qkP3Up_x_e3QBS4QQcBPMWjrIp1aIK1JYmvtX-iYzyBtqjzB-gT4tgYTdeCOJOPi9GPN92GecogNYKQKR-bVVGdaBQ/s640/blogger-image-973997088.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Half way through cooking I noticed it was swimming in its own juice. I poured the juice into a little saucepan, added two tablespoons flour and whisked on high until bubbly. Reduced heat to medium, added 3/4 cup skim milk, whisked more and added an equal amount water once bubbly. Wanted 1/2 cup milk & 1/2 cup water but the child did the measuring. Came out lovely.</div>Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06685002088808901290noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-389923868938128121.post-33519404057113201142015-07-17T11:19:00.001-04:002015-07-17T11:19:15.637-04:00Nutty GranolaI'm a big fan of making homemade granola. Today I deviated from my normal granola routine and tried a simpler one. And even then I didn't follow directions. As usual.<div><br></div><div>Dry ingredients went into one large container:</div><div>- about 5 cups old fashioned oats</div><div>- about 1/2 to 3/4 cup Archer Farms deluxe mixed nuts, raw</div><div>- about 1/2 cup dry roasted peanuts with sea salt</div><div>- about 1/2 cup raisins </div><div>- about 1/4 cup craisins</div><div>- about 1/4 cup dried cherries</div><div>- about 1 tsp ground ginger</div><div>- about 2 tsp ground cinnamon </div><div><br></div><div>Whisk in another bowl (or large liquid measuring cup):</div><div>- 1/4 cup canola oil</div><div>- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil</div><div>- about 1 tsp vanilla </div><div>- about 3 tablespoons blackstrap molasses</div><div>- about 2 tablespoons honey </div><div><br></div><div>Mix liquids into a dressing, pour over par mixture and combine until evenly wet. Spread on cookie sheet. Bake 15 minutes at 400, stir, redistribute and bake about 10 more minutes careful not to burn the fruit and nuts.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0kV5fBvmphk_Nrzb4G8fxr-WoovGnT01mUKlHo5T9uG1fSDH7YiV3aHQyCVzBzJawbsgpoq4Z6PCpMNRdWrBgjtvvnyg2ZzBtl6KR2aJbiIMrb1T16sg3zDhBht5f_g3_9j4OSlo40bI/s640/blogger-image--1404592936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0kV5fBvmphk_Nrzb4G8fxr-WoovGnT01mUKlHo5T9uG1fSDH7YiV3aHQyCVzBzJawbsgpoq4Z6PCpMNRdWrBgjtvvnyg2ZzBtl6KR2aJbiIMrb1T16sg3zDhBht5f_g3_9j4OSlo40bI/s640/blogger-image--1404592936.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We had ours for breakfast with plain Greek yogurt, honey and organic strawberries.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzUmTQ0Tjudj7U3AVkN0ciQ8Gi5XBB2GSqyiSaMW0edJ1nm6NwcqAhhlhrZViuFMx-RVfCE95yCtOF2HBVRy8pEphtH9ye13_I0xkgwMZqctiaoxAM3qALGc6UMad9UCwioqn163ZhgJs/s640/blogger-image--923587243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzUmTQ0Tjudj7U3AVkN0ciQ8Gi5XBB2GSqyiSaMW0edJ1nm6NwcqAhhlhrZViuFMx-RVfCE95yCtOF2HBVRy8pEphtH9ye13_I0xkgwMZqctiaoxAM3qALGc6UMad9UCwioqn163ZhgJs/s640/blogger-image--923587243.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div>Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06685002088808901290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-389923868938128121.post-82847792779368923492015-07-08T17:42:00.001-04:002015-07-08T17:42:15.679-04:00My first attempt at lentils/dal<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioZVsrz8ORjaC34UHXZDVg2mcA_hQcMKtZnjT40Go35nLYQt2TuAyNg_jaUxuC6Byuu4NA4DQ9EdhLqDzLNhBtIsg7G-z5CzK0JHXqGQu7uxLcXZ-AIzz-2CJuwyGEz9nOt6eph-j7B7M/s640/blogger-image--153969653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioZVsrz8ORjaC34UHXZDVg2mcA_hQcMKtZnjT40Go35nLYQt2TuAyNg_jaUxuC6Byuu4NA4DQ9EdhLqDzLNhBtIsg7G-z5CzK0JHXqGQu7uxLcXZ-AIzz-2CJuwyGEz9nOt6eph-j7B7M/s640/blogger-image--153969653.jpg"></a></div><br></div>I noticed a five pound bag of jasmine rice on clearance at Target last week. After my discounts, I would end up paying $1 per pound for this delightful rice. Could not resist. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Then on another visit, I passed the dried beans. They were on cartwheel and chickpeas were on clearance. So I bought black beans, four bags of chick peas and a bag of lentils.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My friends from India had fed me dal and this was one of my only experiences with lentils. I decided to be brave. I decided to be adventurous. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Tonight I made lentils.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And my fancy rice.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I served with a mini Lebanese pita because I didn't have naan.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Delightful. But I have a mountain of rice, lentils and my dal veggie mix left.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I started one cup rice in the steamer.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I boiled four cups water as instructed by the bag of lentils. Tossed one cup lentils into water, turned heat down, covered them and forgot them for 15-20 minutes. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In my huge Le Creuset skillet, I dumped:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- one can garbanzo beans</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- about 1 cup butternut squash</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- one steam-in-bag Market pantry frozen cauliflower (four servings), chopped</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- peas, about three servings</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I periodically added water to keep everything wet and make a sauce. To give the sauce some texture I added:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- 4 ounces coconut water/lemonade</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- 1/2 cup skim milk</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">(The milk added nothing. Leave it out and make this dish vegan!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Once that got cooking I started adding my spices. I just tossed stuff in the pan, so measurements are VERY approximate:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- one tablespoon fresh chives, diced</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- one tablespoon crystallized ginger, diced very fine</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- two teaspoons ground ginger </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- almost one tablespoon garlic powder </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- one tablespoon plus curry powder</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- about 1/8 teaspoon hot Indian chili powder</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- two teaspoons cumin</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- two teaspoons paprika</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- two teaspoons cardamom </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Once that got saucy and delicious I plopped about 2/3 of my cooked lentils into it (the rest wouldn't fit) and voilà!</div>Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06685002088808901290noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-389923868938128121.post-16265613114001018332015-07-06T12:41:00.001-04:002015-07-06T12:41:05.995-04:00Motivation<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">My interest in cooking has been reignited by my daughter's pediatrician appointment. She's no longer as active as she once was and her BMI is up to 26.</span></div><div><br></div><div>So I have been doling out all food from the kitchen and decreed to my husband NO SECONDS. I am the most active person in our household and my research shows that my daughter's calorie needs should be pretty similar to mine. I count my calories since I weight lift... And walk... And work retail.</div><div><br></div><div>We're focusing on increasing our activity as a family, recognizing proper portion sizes and making better choices when we can. </div><div><br></div><div>Normal weight management wisdom says to use smaller plates for meals. I traditionally use smaller plates and have switched to regular dinner plates. Why? For plating. A larger plate allows me to arrange the food prettier and you enjoy looking at it more.</div><div><br></div><div>For instance:</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx9-lU0mGbqEYFfZH3u0CYb8tAnlm_CPzM9G4eVjOVLrZ345x3ocWxw8uBogQ8EulqR-C8pZQqq7CL42RPOm8uQwYmNFDOfjDFmSCFAOnD-1VGuf4gOjU1SkweboGLXXJ8mRXVi7DtIEg/s640/blogger-image-302611320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx9-lU0mGbqEYFfZH3u0CYb8tAnlm_CPzM9G4eVjOVLrZ345x3ocWxw8uBogQ8EulqR-C8pZQqq7CL42RPOm8uQwYmNFDOfjDFmSCFAOnD-1VGuf4gOjU1SkweboGLXXJ8mRXVi7DtIEg/s640/blogger-image-302611320.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is a breakfast of 1/2 serving Oikos Greek yogurt, vanilla flavor, topped with PB2; a half a banana, sliced; and 1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter mixed with 1 teaspoon local raw blueberry honey. The plating makes it look like a lot, but you could mix it all into one heap.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Today's lunch was repackaged leftovers:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1hwMBqspiu1OeLs1ViSwLMmnuJSsitKmXJplW-DKbSPVgL4XmO4A6mOpBEv74KjsGt4FS-WWPUm4AnKpFV9fepQRyN7mn5ZmqPsX98VCKN6tk75z_pVHYDqiAqDSyqmAYq0EG3g0hr1o/s640/blogger-image--1228123074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1hwMBqspiu1OeLs1ViSwLMmnuJSsitKmXJplW-DKbSPVgL4XmO4A6mOpBEv74KjsGt4FS-WWPUm4AnKpFV9fepQRyN7mn5ZmqPsX98VCKN6tk75z_pVHYDqiAqDSyqmAYq0EG3g0hr1o/s640/blogger-image--1228123074.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A bed of shredded iceberg lettuce with less than a half cup watermelon gazpacho; a few tablespoons of leftover chicken salad made with cucumbers and Bolthouse cilantro avocado yogurt dressing; a tablespoon of hummus scattered around the plate and a green olive on each drop; and Simply Balanced organic blue corn chips with flax. I call this fruity chicken nachos.</div><br></div><br></div>Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06685002088808901290noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-389923868938128121.post-70629851202578045982015-06-27T16:57:00.001-04:002015-06-27T16:57:14.878-04:00Turkey Zucchini Spinach Burgers<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I'm baking these on my roaster pan at 350 degrees.</span></div><div><br></div><div>Made 7 burgers of about 100 calories/20 grams protein each.</div><div><br></div><div>- 20 ounces ground turkey</div><div>- about 2 cups shredded zucchini</div><div>- about 2 cups raw organic spinach</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjM7gJk5TdzjSxOkr2-njz26PUI3OY9IUAHDV3RUdXAeP-IOA9Brm4nUFm_WVlpCoQ2122fhOFoz8qPFVp__NYQX7l04N6LR4Rt34Ti1-1AV6mPU69Nm5vMjs2NwOpQHoyw3ZHEwNL6p8/s640/blogger-image--1267775978.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjM7gJk5TdzjSxOkr2-njz26PUI3OY9IUAHDV3RUdXAeP-IOA9Brm4nUFm_WVlpCoQ2122fhOFoz8qPFVp__NYQX7l04N6LR4Rt34Ti1-1AV6mPU69Nm5vMjs2NwOpQHoyw3ZHEwNL6p8/s640/blogger-image--1267775978.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">For spices:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- 1 tsp ras el hanout</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- 1 tablespoons raw chives</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- 1/2 tsp ground pepper</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- 1 tsp curry powder </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- 1 tsp parsley </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- 1 tsp cumin</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- 1 tsp paprika</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- 1 tsp garlic powder</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- 1 TBS cheddar onion dip mix</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnMYcD4fwlmv3mU_5I1yPhqBPY0xRfAL10Vy9S1WAGxthzD-IxsQ4hqdW8k1LERFPdadgez7RXRkMdFB3GQuDDx85QfVr54lctYhgrFcfnlYoY-roiB7SZX2PwO-TkYklAB2fHT81U-mA/s640/blogger-image--418210133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnMYcD4fwlmv3mU_5I1yPhqBPY0xRfAL10Vy9S1WAGxthzD-IxsQ4hqdW8k1LERFPdadgez7RXRkMdFB3GQuDDx85QfVr54lctYhgrFcfnlYoY-roiB7SZX2PwO-TkYklAB2fHT81U-mA/s640/blogger-image--418210133.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSwPa_odHUBtR1C84lnG1cEcPgwT1UE5fT-6IJEO_oZ6UFW-wVRbUfw6MNpshgoZ27HWJ0G3lDeuoNfz_jyaf89GJDCPA3PCMkak2aNiNNzkWG-WF2-VvGptYtXtFfuhBPiHgCGpP5iDA/s640/blogger-image--1520607732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSwPa_odHUBtR1C84lnG1cEcPgwT1UE5fT-6IJEO_oZ6UFW-wVRbUfw6MNpshgoZ27HWJ0G3lDeuoNfz_jyaf89GJDCPA3PCMkak2aNiNNzkWG-WF2-VvGptYtXtFfuhBPiHgCGpP5iDA/s640/blogger-image--1520607732.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06685002088808901290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-389923868938128121.post-31676614284569009102015-06-27T09:15:00.001-04:002015-06-27T09:15:52.690-04:00Cantaloupe banana smoothie<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkoGtidFiKcVoelBTAJbPzUZCjjM6lSu7TEdjH_Vx12hhMxnSpbWmxQZoz6udZbEKkqOE999RiMz5EgFZtYYRrOOcyigN1t4gtzhyphenhyphenPyaKR4DAAbLFWkNidbqsNlNWBT8I-cdVXpGiWDsc/s640/blogger-image--1506717400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkoGtidFiKcVoelBTAJbPzUZCjjM6lSu7TEdjH_Vx12hhMxnSpbWmxQZoz6udZbEKkqOE999RiMz5EgFZtYYRrOOcyigN1t4gtzhyphenhyphenPyaKR4DAAbLFWkNidbqsNlNWBT8I-cdVXpGiWDsc/s640/blogger-image--1506717400.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My daughter got another "fat" lecture from her doctor.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The junk will be removed from our house. Part of this is my fault, as my daughter loves carrots, cucumbers & peppers yet I don't keep enough of these foods in the house.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Breakfast:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In the blender</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">For 2</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- 3 slices cantaloupe</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- 2 bananas </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- 1 cup milk</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- 1 serving green vegan protein powder</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- 1 serving EAS vanilla whey </div>Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06685002088808901290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-389923868938128121.post-4622763524158642752015-06-23T13:56:00.001-04:002015-06-23T13:56:59.957-04:00Birthday brownies<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I used to have a reputation for my "from scratch" brownies. It has been four years since I made brownies so my daughter has no recollection of my awesomeness.</span></div><div><br></div><div>For her birthday today, we made brownies.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlYOgw8Fid8qZ8fqBYnlMjKifI98jnC3yQoi13B11JkgI8fXeGII7DpzbbOR-NvtVCqDAiKNw5jBBzsRGLRyva4PTaF-8qHetPhRLZrofOBuAZz6rh2abMWySG6s28KyXc9mcv8mF0pS4/s640/blogger-image--1702245362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlYOgw8Fid8qZ8fqBYnlMjKifI98jnC3yQoi13B11JkgI8fXeGII7DpzbbOR-NvtVCqDAiKNw5jBBzsRGLRyva4PTaF-8qHetPhRLZrofOBuAZz6rh2abMWySG6s28KyXc9mcv8mF0pS4/s640/blogger-image--1702245362.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>We started with a trip to Target to get the necessary supplies: applesauce, butter, chocolate, heavy whipping cream.</div><div><br></div><div>Because I'm planning on making homemade whipped cream.</div><div><br></div><div>Imagine my delight when I found the following on clearance: Ghiradelli 60% cocoa baking chocolate ($1.60 for four ounces); Toll House stuffed morsels ($2.30 for the following stuffed chocolate chips: caramel, cherry or mint).</div><div><br></div><div>We preheated the oven to 350 degrees.</div><div><br></div><div>In a saucepan we melted:</div><div>1.5 sticks unsalted butter</div><div>6 ounces of the Ghiradelli chocolate</div><div><br></div><div>In a separate bowl we mixed:</div><div>1.75 cups sugar</div><div>3 individual serving cups no sugar added applesauce (replaces the egg, they didn't have a full sized bottle)</div><div>2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract.</div><div><br></div><div>We added the fudgy mix and then a heaping cup of organic white flour.</div><div><br></div><div>Then we stirred in about half a bag if the caramel morsels.</div><div><br></div><div>We poured into into a greased jelly roll pan. It's a travesty I don't own a brownie pan these days.</div><div><br></div><div>I wove a thread of Justin's maple almond butter, another of Justin's vanilla almond butter and a third of Nutella across the top.</div><div><br></div><div>Bake for 40 minutes.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06685002088808901290noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-389923868938128121.post-91295247502128578552015-06-10T10:10:00.001-04:002015-06-10T10:10:54.424-04:00Strawberry Protein Smoothie<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>I slapped all this (plus a last minute addition of mango) in the blender today:<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwByr5tPFf1A8Lz66sigGKRKSq2IerqII0Lp6A3UKxwz5C_NHoUx4Z50b-D_m95wpXqq2E777quTOXFZp_odU5fPkiJ6pURu4KQxweywu8lCby7uqwJFdjWT1mkkJPhpHWeU8jiRAbu54/s640/blogger-image--25317298.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwByr5tPFf1A8Lz66sigGKRKSq2IerqII0Lp6A3UKxwz5C_NHoUx4Z50b-D_m95wpXqq2E777quTOXFZp_odU5fPkiJ6pURu4KQxweywu8lCby7uqwJFdjWT1mkkJPhpHWeU8jiRAbu54/s640/blogger-image--25317298.jpg"></a></div><br><div>- 1 cup frozen strawberry banana blend</div></div><div>- 1/2 cup frozen mango chunks</div><div>- vanilla cream protein powder </div><div>- 1 serving Oikos vanilla coconut Greek yogurt</div><div>- 1/2 cup skim milk</div><div><br></div><div>Funny part is that it looks like the blender wasn't put together correctly and most of the milk ran out the bottom.</div><div><br></div><div>It was my favorite smoothie ever but it was so thick I had to eat it with a spoon!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGp60os5rug092vzgr01ICuizaf-gmjwnfUWVAwtNJfWWCjs2yi-edGQm0TDX7cTH_uzi5n0SyPVsFZs9_ZJB8H2U7GD0-qIBUt2I-G-PForWTQFHFU0Xr4hVtuWbhOUzQtbPhvehj6WE/s640/blogger-image--800681307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGp60os5rug092vzgr01ICuizaf-gmjwnfUWVAwtNJfWWCjs2yi-edGQm0TDX7cTH_uzi5n0SyPVsFZs9_ZJB8H2U7GD0-qIBUt2I-G-PForWTQFHFU0Xr4hVtuWbhOUzQtbPhvehj6WE/s640/blogger-image--800681307.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06685002088808901290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-389923868938128121.post-33304108482647225162015-06-09T17:28:00.001-04:002015-06-09T17:36:16.952-04:00Somali style stew with chicken on the side<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYJWFR2Z31nvo2cMQ51wmAx8SosEluClzrcEI3s6Wf57kIi0oUL2O6OT6sHtAmIL1Pe8Ril5aA5F3i9p96AkS5p_yw3aWWTlskmggTxSbFxFzC2sbvnIFLeWxVtkZZmScEuXU2WqmstP4/s640/blogger-image-1589691506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYJWFR2Z31nvo2cMQ51wmAx8SosEluClzrcEI3s6Wf57kIi0oUL2O6OT6sHtAmIL1Pe8Ril5aA5F3i9p96AkS5p_yw3aWWTlskmggTxSbFxFzC2sbvnIFLeWxVtkZZmScEuXU2WqmstP4/s640/blogger-image-1589691506.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I wanted a Somali style stew and thought I could toss something in the crock pot to cook for the day. And I thought I'd use chicken thighs, even though they aren't common in Somali cuisine.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">But all I had were drumsticks.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">For the stew (toss in crockpot):</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- one cup white/great northern beans (no salt)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- one can garbanzo beans, rinsed</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- about 1.5 cups frozen butternut squash</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- about 2/3 cup frozen zucchini</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- one cup homemade chicken stock (no salt)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- one cup water</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- paprika</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- garlic powder</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- black pepper</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- 1 teaspoon fresh chopped chives</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- 3 whole cloves</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- cumin</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- a pinch cinnamon</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I think.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Now the drumsticks:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I marinated six drumsticks in spiced apple cider, smearing them with a small amount of orange marmalade and sprinkling them with a 1/2 teaspoon or so (each) of brown sugar. Left them in the fridge all afternoon.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1HI_7hhQjWIKMEa2gIn0p7mdi92UX6O9BsQXcK-jn6B3_i8PnebokkapT4cvrL5UyqUnlcfij9D-icC0CLO7_630Dy2MJMZUq2tHdcCLLf35t1fi8Fvr985DvkaFN3wtTzhD02wllvpY/s640/blogger-image--781095300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1HI_7hhQjWIKMEa2gIn0p7mdi92UX6O9BsQXcK-jn6B3_i8PnebokkapT4cvrL5UyqUnlcfij9D-icC0CLO7_630Dy2MJMZUq2tHdcCLLf35t1fi8Fvr985DvkaFN3wtTzhD02wllvpY/s640/blogger-image--781095300.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Cooked them for 20 minutes at 350, basted thoroughly with the juice from the pan and then increased temp to 425 for an additional 45 minutes.</div>Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06685002088808901290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-389923868938128121.post-6380483490991061942015-05-23T12:04:00.001-04:002015-05-23T12:04:27.817-04:00Chicken and Brussel sprout sandwich<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrU8J9wt9HbsBMFo_wqtZ9w4O4SGt6Lp9Ko5Z4X5i_8KHfJHubgSp2rU6yjLynn9T5YUrtmbQ-POo_ghOy7lhW6Fi_5d7ig8sDwm51jd3n6hh4qMnu3_xgTsv5Kvf4YAXVSrHtkBjQjsg/s640/blogger-image-797372009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrU8J9wt9HbsBMFo_wqtZ9w4O4SGt6Lp9Ko5Z4X5i_8KHfJHubgSp2rU6yjLynn9T5YUrtmbQ-POo_ghOy7lhW6Fi_5d7ig8sDwm51jd3n6hh4qMnu3_xgTsv5Kvf4YAXVSrHtkBjQjsg/s640/blogger-image-797372009.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I made a dozen or so chicken breasts I bought on clearance yesterday at Target. I baked them in the oven in homemade chicken stock and water.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So for lunch I sliced up two hunks of chicken and sautéed them quickly in extra virgin olive oil and ras el hanout. I sliced about 20 leftover Brussel sprouts in half and tossed them in too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I made mine into a sandwich with jalapeño mozzarella cheese.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_SPURbZ1wmPWaA354Tnp1JlENdtkqN_nhXvQWwy6BwgWbW0TxOYMUERjn9vMaDR12R1a00QsG-bkzIGN3zMiAQiad-UKNv8J9YBFf-t5Z_oopsgpjWdLTyJMqmiMc4qt07SRJZBwq0NE/s640/blogger-image-2110304501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_SPURbZ1wmPWaA354Tnp1JlENdtkqN_nhXvQWwy6BwgWbW0TxOYMUERjn9vMaDR12R1a00QsG-bkzIGN3zMiAQiad-UKNv8J9YBFf-t5Z_oopsgpjWdLTyJMqmiMc4qt07SRJZBwq0NE/s640/blogger-image-2110304501.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06685002088808901290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-389923868938128121.post-30954190505005099082015-05-16T19:39:00.001-04:002015-05-16T19:39:42.443-04:00Design your own ravioli with vodka sauce<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Rma4QG6GO2Vtfh070lBNCp_tHdPCH6Sm2GZuIa2iaXNHCZ_KuRtCx77vIiVMxcgY0yr0kgAzwFfD5yopo9nLy7KQubJyFV5bFVMJlLx1DQpn-aPvofD1EjvcDSXyJN7ls7OUhsouD5I/s640/blogger-image--541430609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Rma4QG6GO2Vtfh070lBNCp_tHdPCH6Sm2GZuIa2iaXNHCZ_KuRtCx77vIiVMxcgY0yr0kgAzwFfD5yopo9nLy7KQubJyFV5bFVMJlLx1DQpn-aPvofD1EjvcDSXyJN7ls7OUhsouD5I/s640/blogger-image--541430609.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Today we went to Sky Zone trampoline park as a premature celebration of my upcoming 40th birthday. It was incredible. Highly recommended.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">When we got home, I thawed a frozen container of vodka sauce, cooked some plain chicken, and had husband make peas. He also whipped up some cheese ravioli.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We set out the shredded Parmesan and let everyone compile their own mix. After all that jumping, I had a chicken breast, a serving of ravioli, the cheese and a heap of peas.</div>Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06685002088808901290noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-389923868938128121.post-41874403843730810282015-05-11T11:12:00.001-04:002015-05-11T11:31:21.496-04:00Only Oatmeal (Raisin) Protein muffins<div><br></div>This is another of my experiments. The family is complaining there is nothing for breakfast. Well, I researched oatmeal protein muffins and developed this. Should have 7-8 grams protein per muffin, low fat, about 150 calories. I haven't finished baking them yet but they smell delightful.<div><br></div><div>Preheat oven to 350. Prepare muffin pans for about two dozen muffins.</div><div><br></div><div>In a small bowl, combine about 1 cup grape nuts and one-half cup skim milk. Stir and set aside.</div><div><br></div><div>In a large bowl mix:</div><div>- 1 cup homemade unsweetened applesauce, now I used pear sauce because that's what I had</div><div>- 3 eggs</div><div>- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract</div><div>- 1 tablespoon honey</div><div>- 1 tablespoon blackstrap molasses </div><div>- 5 cups old fashioned oats</div><div>- at least 1 tablespoon cinnamon </div><div>- 1 tablespoon baking powder</div><div>- 3 scoops protein powder (I used vanilla whey)</div><div>- 3 cups skim milk</div><div>- 1 cup raisins (I don't pack them as raisins are super dense in sugar)</div><div>- add the grape nuts</div><div>- mix and add 1 teaspoon pink Himalayan salt</div><div><br></div><div>Bake about 30 minutes for small muffins, 40 for large</div><div><br></div><div>The flavor is more plain than I expected and the mouth feel is a tad chewy. Not bad but the kid may require jelly on them.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhprgRFEJJ8RsXGmnl1Hs82o1m1Y14DwJHJP2ZQ-C6z2_SrVAi39R5njMZkFyPUqHOQfWSNPHfn8qZIR5G3XrlCvUOU-MqUPpvX2V-V166c2zPMwYSeznZsg_uyGcQc-qMW9elha7DiKao/s640/blogger-image--1070986374.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhprgRFEJJ8RsXGmnl1Hs82o1m1Y14DwJHJP2ZQ-C6z2_SrVAi39R5njMZkFyPUqHOQfWSNPHfn8qZIR5G3XrlCvUOU-MqUPpvX2V-V166c2zPMwYSeznZsg_uyGcQc-qMW9elha7DiKao/s640/blogger-image--1070986374.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06685002088808901290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-389923868938128121.post-31487417367263559342015-04-25T16:53:00.001-04:002015-04-25T16:53:05.930-04:00Chicken with vodka sauce<div><br></div><div>Tonight is my last night home. I cheated.</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWaOYjlEhktZ5PZU8ZDMmJQOccFbUlB629BjtMVYpdPZl0KBhYqB0p1UuNYOSAgpx-50NRT7XAu8xqJhnjpZQ7-D2c9hW-5dBrzIL_UBQG8TVN87SVeT_3HaHqyVnjfQZG507AQjGUhnA/s640/blogger-image-1396214554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWaOYjlEhktZ5PZU8ZDMmJQOccFbUlB629BjtMVYpdPZl0KBhYqB0p1UuNYOSAgpx-50NRT7XAu8xqJhnjpZQ7-D2c9hW-5dBrzIL_UBQG8TVN87SVeT_3HaHqyVnjfQZG507AQjGUhnA/s640/blogger-image-1396214554.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Got chicken breasts on clearance at Target, had husband get vodka sauce from George's Pizzeria and I added frozen spinach and broccoli. I'm serving over rice cooked in my homemade chicken stock.</div>Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06685002088808901290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-389923868938128121.post-84685582863139134742015-04-18T07:31:00.001-04:002015-04-18T07:31:28.421-04:00Fig marmaladeBear with me here...<div><br></div><div>Yesterday I got a much needed haircut. I had a little more than a half hour before I needed to retrieve my husband from the office for lunch.</div><div><br></div><div>I stopped at the Mediterranean Deli because it was Friday and Friday is lamb shawarma day and I never manage to get there before they sell out.</div><div><br></div><div>I did yesterday. Talk about a great start to the weekend.</div><div><br></div><div>While I was waiting for my sandwiches, I bought yogurt, zaatar bread, hummus, medjool dates and pita. </div><div><br></div><div>Then I grabbed a jar of fig marmalade.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifUPMiWGTr9Ia0STWtZ6SSro2IbIZ3EL-KaC4FgGmVPHLmywB9ic5lP1letGB1bTmmXiMObYvcacgHFjH5L7NRwM0eFaG3XqxkDcPHWGM5brZPNJ4oeNWUbwX9MwtYGOgakiOkVApWGA4/s640/blogger-image-831854530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifUPMiWGTr9Ia0STWtZ6SSro2IbIZ3EL-KaC4FgGmVPHLmywB9ic5lP1letGB1bTmmXiMObYvcacgHFjH5L7NRwM0eFaG3XqxkDcPHWGM5brZPNJ4oeNWUbwX9MwtYGOgakiOkVApWGA4/s640/blogger-image-831854530.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Delicious. If I may state the obvious, it's like eating fig newtons without the cake. But what surprised me was the nutritional info:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">1 tablespoon =</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">• 10 g sugar (5% RDA)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">• 40 % RDA vitamin C</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">• 2 % RDA calcium</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">• 25 % RDA iron</div><br></div>Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06685002088808901290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-389923868938128121.post-91302408687021389712015-04-16T17:55:00.001-04:002015-04-16T17:55:38.381-04:00Steak and pepper egg sandwich<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyiUMbWHba82-lnEAMiqcI6yaUcVo5HmyEACgCNVRwcfktWdY4c6CtxZ_g153d-XnHEXjGhdW9Em9jW-Q3H5XAThcT8LTi5HPKV1JQTaQ1_XPRiupQCU2CIv-U1fPnJknF7vNgqfxpjSM/s640/blogger-image--1592479246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyiUMbWHba82-lnEAMiqcI6yaUcVo5HmyEACgCNVRwcfktWdY4c6CtxZ_g153d-XnHEXjGhdW9Em9jW-Q3H5XAThcT8LTi5HPKV1JQTaQ1_XPRiupQCU2CIv-U1fPnJknF7vNgqfxpjSM/s640/blogger-image--1592479246.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My husband suggested cheese steaks for dinner except we didn't have rolls or much cheese...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So we brainstormed and came up with chip steak and three colors of peppers made into an omelette and served on half a bagel with salsa.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We were low on bagels too. </div>Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06685002088808901290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-389923868938128121.post-84207657477911281392015-04-14T14:48:00.001-04:002015-04-14T14:48:58.599-04:00Sweet potato chili<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3US0JNyBaYH8z_B3WvNVVt8vCPnWiDeMqyG6inTGMQ_twrPRDsA_Ix1Dw7KGHL6TDaKvoT8ybbRHSD60tD4nfTOkcn0XW-8V7FkMGmbmTOP8EYAhG1rwBGSXVzIfv0vodUO7NieW5jCY/s640/blogger-image--1500021715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3US0JNyBaYH8z_B3WvNVVt8vCPnWiDeMqyG6inTGMQ_twrPRDsA_Ix1Dw7KGHL6TDaKvoT8ybbRHSD60tD4nfTOkcn0XW-8V7FkMGmbmTOP8EYAhG1rwBGSXVzIfv0vodUO7NieW5jCY/s640/blogger-image--1500021715.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Preliminary tastes have suggested this will be a blend of sweet and spicy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- About 1/2 large can peeled italian plum tomatoes mashed</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- garlic powder</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- cumin</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- tons of chili powder</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- paprika</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- about 1/4 cup lemon juice</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Bring to boil</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Add</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- 40 ounces sweet potatoes in syrup, mashed</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- about one cup no salt white great northern beans</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- two 15.5 ounce cans reduced sodium black beans</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Simmer until dinner</div>Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06685002088808901290noreply@blogger.com0