Yes, it is still too cold for this California girl. But at least there is some rain therefore it is no longer literally freezing in the morning. I don't know how those of you in snow covered areas do it. Just seeing the temperatures back east this week make me cold. That is probably the biggest downside to losing weight, I lost my internal heater. However, there are worse things than being a little cold. Plus it gives me an excuse to buy new coats! :)
Now let's talk food. It's kind of a light week this week. No particular reason it just worked out that way. But next week....Superbowl Weekend....there will be some fun stuff to be eaten. NINERS ARE IN THE SUPERBOWL!!!!!!! The first football game I ever remember watching on tv was the Niner-Miami SuperBowl which the Niners won. I have been a Niner fan ever since. But that is still a week away, on to this week's meals.
Friday: going out to dinner!!!! woop woop no cooking for me
Saturday: Blackened Chicken & Cilantro Lime Quinoa As you may know, my husband detests quinoa so I make him cilantro lime rice. And I also tried red quinoa for the first time this week and it is pretty much the same. I think it has been a month since I last had quinoa and how i have missed it. I will also serve some kind of veggie with this but I wills see what looks fresh. The green beans weren't looking so hot last week, maybe i will make a cucumber salad.
Sunday: from the ever funny parody book 50 Shades of Chicken
Chicken Hash with Sweet Potatoes
serves 4
1.25 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2 inch cubes
4 TB unsalted butter
1 tsp coarse kosher salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper
1 small onion, chopped
1 small green bell pepper, seeded and diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups cooked, diced chicken meat
pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
2 scallions, white and green parts sliced, for garnish (optional)
Fried Eggs for serving (optional) **i will poach mine for a healthier alternative
***due to copyright laws i can't post how to make this but buy the book!!! It is awesome!
Monday: Trying a new recipe recommended by my sister: Chicken Enchilada Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Tuesday: Spaghetti form sauce my husband makes and a fresh loaf of my favorite crusty bread. I am thinking of some kind of parmesan flavored bread.
Wednesday: One of my favorite meals that i should feel guilty about but it is so tasty and not bad for you! Skinny Texas Cheese Fries!!!! I will make a side salad for myself and I usually do that for my husband too but he is getting tired of salads. Maybe I will make slider patties and cook one for this dinner and freeze the rest for later use.
Thursday: leftovers
That is it for this week but check back next week. I will be sharing some big news!!!! (and to those family members hoping and wishing, no---
I am not pregnant.)
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Still Cold in California
I never thought I would see the day where a high of 62 degrees would excite me. However, after barely hitting 50 for what seems like forever, I am done with winter. And I know there are some of you in sub zero temperatures. In fact I saw an old school mate's picture of ice INSIDE her house because of the super low temperatures. But I don't live there, I live here. In sunny California where it's always too cold, too hot, too windy, too rainy or just too much. I think it is a well known fact that a lot of us native Californians are never happy with the weather. We want moderate temps at night, 60 overnight, 75-80 during the day and we love those nights where we can sit outside in a t-shirt and shorts. But that's neither here nor there, this is about food.
First I must apologize for last week's blog and the lack of working links. I am still new to this whole blog thing and will get better. There were no new recipes on the agenda last week for me so nothing for me to review. What about you?
So on to this week's menu.....
Friday: One of my husband's favorite chicken recipes: Monterey Chicken For sides I usually have quinoa and make my husband rice and fresh green beans. This week though I have the potato insides from making potato skins so he will be getting mashed potatoes with the green beans.
Saturday: We have a birthday party again so Pizza for dinner.
Sunday: We have another stage show, this time Phineas and Ferb: Best Live Tour Ever so just in case there is traffic, or it runs longer than I am expecting, it's crockpot meal time. And man let me tell you, I LOVE my new crockpot. It doesn't boil my food when on low nor scorch it when on high and it has a timer so it automatically goes to warm when the timer is done. LOVE LOVE LOVE and with this lovely product comes another one of my husband's favorite recipes Chile Colorado Burritos This man is so picky about his chile colorado when we dine out, he will request a sample of the sauce. But he loves this and it is EASY!!! So i will run a little extra in the morning to enjoy this tasty dinner.
Monday: Chile Lime Chicken Burgers I will probably make them with ground turkey to lower the calories further. And with burgers one great side is Bakes Zucchini Sticks
Tuesday: Trying a new recipe from a new cookbook:
Chicken Breast Strips with Balsamic and Rosemary, serve 2 to 4
Recipe from Fifty Shades of Chicken --- a parody in a cookbook
by the hilarious FL Fowler
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, patted ry with paper towels
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 TB balsamic vinegar
1 TB chopped fresh rosemary
3/4 tsp coarse kosher salt
1/8 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
3 TB olive oil (I'm sure you could use less if watching the calories)
1) Cut the chicken into 1/2-inch thick strips. In a bowl, whisk together the garlic, balsamic, rosemary, salt and red pepper flakes. Add the chicken and coat. Drizzle in 2 tablespoons of the oil and turn the chicken again. Wrap the bowl tightly and let the chicken marinate in the fridge for 1 hour or overnight. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
2) Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil and heat until it is shimmering. Toss the chicken strips and sear without moving until the undersides are golden brown. Continue to cook, tossing occasionally until the chicken is just cooked through, about five minutes.
IDEAS FOR CHICKEN: wrap in tortillas with tomato, avocado and mozzarella; toss with salad greens and a lemony vinaigrette; use in an omelet in the morning; shred into a soup.
First I must apologize for last week's blog and the lack of working links. I am still new to this whole blog thing and will get better. There were no new recipes on the agenda last week for me so nothing for me to review. What about you?
So on to this week's menu.....
Friday: One of my husband's favorite chicken recipes: Monterey Chicken For sides I usually have quinoa and make my husband rice and fresh green beans. This week though I have the potato insides from making potato skins so he will be getting mashed potatoes with the green beans.
Saturday: We have a birthday party again so Pizza for dinner.
Sunday: We have another stage show, this time Phineas and Ferb: Best Live Tour Ever so just in case there is traffic, or it runs longer than I am expecting, it's crockpot meal time. And man let me tell you, I LOVE my new crockpot. It doesn't boil my food when on low nor scorch it when on high and it has a timer so it automatically goes to warm when the timer is done. LOVE LOVE LOVE and with this lovely product comes another one of my husband's favorite recipes Chile Colorado Burritos This man is so picky about his chile colorado when we dine out, he will request a sample of the sauce. But he loves this and it is EASY!!! So i will run a little extra in the morning to enjoy this tasty dinner.
Monday: Chile Lime Chicken Burgers I will probably make them with ground turkey to lower the calories further. And with burgers one great side is Bakes Zucchini Sticks
Tuesday: Trying a new recipe from a new cookbook:
~~~~~~~~~~
Chicken Breast Strips with Balsamic and Rosemary, serve 2 to 4
Recipe from Fifty Shades of Chicken --- a parody in a cookbook
by the hilarious FL Fowler
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, patted ry with paper towels
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 TB balsamic vinegar
1 TB chopped fresh rosemary
3/4 tsp coarse kosher salt
1/8 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
3 TB olive oil (I'm sure you could use less if watching the calories)
1) Cut the chicken into 1/2-inch thick strips. In a bowl, whisk together the garlic, balsamic, rosemary, salt and red pepper flakes. Add the chicken and coat. Drizzle in 2 tablespoons of the oil and turn the chicken again. Wrap the bowl tightly and let the chicken marinate in the fridge for 1 hour or overnight. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
2) Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil and heat until it is shimmering. Toss the chicken strips and sear without moving until the undersides are golden brown. Continue to cook, tossing occasionally until the chicken is just cooked through, about five minutes.
IDEAS FOR CHICKEN: wrap in tortillas with tomato, avocado and mozzarella; toss with salad greens and a lemony vinaigrette; use in an omelet in the morning; shred into a soup.
~~~~~~~~~~
I will probably serve it with a side salad and definitely with some crusty bread. I don't know what flavor I will make though, maybe keep it plain. hmmmmmm it's so fun to play with. I know, maybe try parmesan again. The first time I made it with parmesan I also used olive oil and it was a lump of bread in a not so good way, but maybe with fresh shredded parmesan. I think i might be on to something.
Wednesday: Leftover chicken chile burgers with some yummy oven fried pickles.
Thursday: Leftover chile colorado
And that is a week's worth of dinner plans! Enjoy
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Another week another meal plan
Here we go, into the playoffs.....GO NINERS!!!!! I seriously hope they do better than they did last year.
This week is a simple menu, easy recipes to make and some that help the others. If you are new to my recipe list there is something I am in love with. Crusty bread. I have been making it non-stop since my birthday when I got my beautiful Le Creuset pan. You can do SO much with this recipes, just breeze through the views for tons of ideas. http://simplysogood.blogspot.com/2010/03/crusty-bread.html the easiest bread you will EVER make! Guaranteed!
So here we go:
Friday: Taco Night. In an effort to be healthy I now make our tacos using ground turkey. Far less calories than ground beef. But alas I do use the packaged spice mix. I know, I know....home made is so easy to make and tastes so much better. I know. But I do love the mix!
Saturday: We have a birthday party to go to that runs until 5pm so a crockpot meal is perfect! We will get home shortly after the game starts and get o enjoy dinner almost immediately. http://www.skinnytaste.com/2012/04/crock-pot-buffalo-chicken-lettuce-wraps.html I will probably end up with lettuce wraps but use this chicken to make nachos for my husband. And if someone in your family doesn't like blue cheese, just give them jack cheese instead. It is husband approved.
Sunday: We will be seeing the Lion King in SF so we will be dining out and make it a special day out for the family.
Monday: One of my favorite recipes that couldn't be more simple to make. http://www.skinnytaste.com/2011/02/garlic-cheddar-biscuits.html these are such tasty little things. I am going to serve it with this simple soup. http://www.thenest.com/ODB/themes/recipes/detailview.aspx?STOPREDIRECTING=TRUE&id=8596&type=7&recipe_type=Healthy&pageIndex=12&MsdVisit=1
Tuesday: http://www.skinnytaste.com/2012/10/skinny-buffalo-chicken-potato-skins.html These are very tasty little things that I serve with a salad on the side.
Wednesday & Thursday: clear out the leftovers! Also, if you still have buffalo chicken leftover, it makes for an excellent pizza. I do it "healthy" by making mine for lunch on a flat out wrap, using ranch for sauce and a sprinkle of blue cheese. My sister always tries to crash that lunch. :)
Have a great weekend and week everyone!!!
This week is a simple menu, easy recipes to make and some that help the others. If you are new to my recipe list there is something I am in love with. Crusty bread. I have been making it non-stop since my birthday when I got my beautiful Le Creuset pan. You can do SO much with this recipes, just breeze through the views for tons of ideas. http://simplysogood.blogspot.com/2010/03/crusty-bread.html the easiest bread you will EVER make! Guaranteed!
So here we go:
Friday: Taco Night. In an effort to be healthy I now make our tacos using ground turkey. Far less calories than ground beef. But alas I do use the packaged spice mix. I know, I know....home made is so easy to make and tastes so much better. I know. But I do love the mix!
Saturday: We have a birthday party to go to that runs until 5pm so a crockpot meal is perfect! We will get home shortly after the game starts and get o enjoy dinner almost immediately. http://www.skinnytaste.com/2012/04/crock-pot-buffalo-chicken-lettuce-wraps.html I will probably end up with lettuce wraps but use this chicken to make nachos for my husband. And if someone in your family doesn't like blue cheese, just give them jack cheese instead. It is husband approved.
Sunday: We will be seeing the Lion King in SF so we will be dining out and make it a special day out for the family.
Monday: One of my favorite recipes that couldn't be more simple to make. http://www.skinnytaste.com/2011/02/garlic-cheddar-biscuits.html these are such tasty little things. I am going to serve it with this simple soup. http://www.thenest.com/ODB/themes/recipes/detailview.aspx?STOPREDIRECTING=TRUE&id=8596&type=7&recipe_type=Healthy&pageIndex=12&MsdVisit=1
Tuesday: http://www.skinnytaste.com/2012/10/skinny-buffalo-chicken-potato-skins.html These are very tasty little things that I serve with a salad on the side.
Wednesday & Thursday: clear out the leftovers! Also, if you still have buffalo chicken leftover, it makes for an excellent pizza. I do it "healthy" by making mine for lunch on a flat out wrap, using ranch for sauce and a sprinkle of blue cheese. My sister always tries to crash that lunch. :)
Have a great weekend and week everyone!!!
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Happy New Year!
(This was my email for January 3rd, so the first of 2013. And since I cut and pasted it form my email, it is posting all funky. The rest of my posts will hopefully not be this way. Thanks!)
HAPPY NEW YEARS!!!! With new years comes goals and resolutions. First and foremost lose those holiday pounds that found their way to my waistline and then to lose the last of the weight to hit my goal. And while I have been exercising with regularity, i haven't given it my all. I changed that this week and i can definitely feel it. So phase one--work it out hard--- started on January 1st. To keep me motivated I signed up for moonjoggers.com to get 1000 miles in this year. I am hoping to hit 1500, we shall see. I am also looking into a few half marathons this year. Phase two is getting the eating back on track and that begins strictly on january 7th. To help me keep focused, i am participating in the 8-week challenge. http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2012/01/8-week-printable-weight-loss-get.html this takes me up to march 3rd woo-hoo. I have no definite plans for how many pounds per week i want to lose (I would just get frustrated if i don't hit it). But just focusing again actually feel good. Oh! I also got a fitbit and linked it to the myfitnesspal app and i really really like it so far, it actually helps me log my water usage which I need to drink more of. I read somewhere that take your weight, divide in two and that's how many ounces of water you should drink. So my goal is that many ounces of water and two green teas a day. SO enough about me....good luck to you all in this new year!!!
HAPPY NEW YEARS!!!! With new years comes goals and resolutions. First and foremost lose those holiday pounds that found their way to my waistline and then to lose the last of the weight to hit my goal. And while I have been exercising with regularity, i haven't given it my all. I changed that this week and i can definitely feel it. So phase one--work it out hard--- started on January 1st. To keep me motivated I signed up for moonjoggers.com to get 1000 miles in this year. I am hoping to hit 1500, we shall see. I am also looking into a few half marathons this year. Phase two is getting the eating back on track and that begins strictly on january 7th. To help me keep focused, i am participating in the 8-week challenge. http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2012/01/8-week-printable-weight-loss-get.html this takes me up to march 3rd woo-hoo. I have no definite plans for how many pounds per week i want to lose (I would just get frustrated if i don't hit it). But just focusing again actually feel good. Oh! I also got a fitbit and linked it to the myfitnesspal app and i really really like it so far, it actually helps me log my water usage which I need to drink more of. I read somewhere that take your weight, divide in two and that's how many ounces of water you should drink. So my goal is that many ounces of water and two green teas a day. SO enough about me....good luck to you all in this new year!!!
Tomorrow, friday: rolling over the prosciutto wrapped boursin stuffed chicken and zucchini
Saturday, I have a daytime party so I will set this in the morning (new recipe) http://www.skinnytaste.com/2012/01/crock-pot-bolognese-sauce.html
Sunday, we have an evening party so it's pizza and beer (really tasty beer and if you know me, you know i don't like beer. hopefully they won't have the same beer this year.)
Monday: new recipe http://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/grilled-chicken-fajita-kabobs/# with some beans for the husband
Tuesday: two favorites:
Wednesday: new recipe: http://www.skinnytaste.com/2013/01/cheesy-baked-spaghetti-squash-boats.html
Thursday: new recipe: http://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/honey-lemon-rosemary-grilled-chicken/# this one could change, could be leftovers, or regular chicken ......not quite sold on it but i guess i better make up my mind since i need to work on my grocery list after this email
Things i may also make this weekend or sometime this week to snack on or have on hand for lunches/snacks:
so yummy and simple http://www.thegraciouspantry.com/clean-eating-cilantro-quinoa-salad/
new recipe and i would use the flat out bread for a crust: http://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/avocado-pita-pizza-with-cilantro-sauce/#
I also need to make more weight watchers broccoli cups and sausage bread. I know i need to add more veggies into my daily eating. SO i will much on celery and bell peppers with either hummus or i pinned a lot of dressing recipes fromwww.skinnytaste.com today so I may make a different dressing a week to use for lunch salads or snacks with veggies.
Introduction
Hi Everyone!!!!
So I came up with this idea in the shower, where all great ideas are born. Anyone who knows me, knows I am a planner. Especially when I go to Disneyland.....I PLAN. A good plan makes for an easier time in my opinion. You know what to expect and you really don't have to think. I keep light routines in the house, we keep a schedule and all that. But the thing I do that is most routine is making a weekly dining plan.
I work on a Friday-Thursday week. I shop Friday mornings before school. It may sound crazy but the store is mostly empty and you can get in and out in a flash. It also helps that I organize my list by aisle. Anyhow, for the past couple of months, I started sending out my weekly plans to a friend or two. Then the email list has started to grow and grow. So yes, this morning, I thought of just blogging my weekly meals; since I was making the emails already.
And I must confess, I am a huge pinner. I have been on pinterest for over a year now and almost since the beginning. It has changed my life. The way I plan my meals, plan my parties, and have since learned many other things like up cycling some clothes. http://pinterest.com/bibopbo24/ and while I do have a cookbook addiction, the majority of my recipes I currently use are found on pinterest.
So this blog will have a few ramblings, a few recipe reviews and lots of links. It may not have too many photos since I rarely take photos of my own food. That may change in time. Most posts will most likely fall on Thursdays.
Enjoy!!
So I came up with this idea in the shower, where all great ideas are born. Anyone who knows me, knows I am a planner. Especially when I go to Disneyland.....I PLAN. A good plan makes for an easier time in my opinion. You know what to expect and you really don't have to think. I keep light routines in the house, we keep a schedule and all that. But the thing I do that is most routine is making a weekly dining plan.
I work on a Friday-Thursday week. I shop Friday mornings before school. It may sound crazy but the store is mostly empty and you can get in and out in a flash. It also helps that I organize my list by aisle. Anyhow, for the past couple of months, I started sending out my weekly plans to a friend or two. Then the email list has started to grow and grow. So yes, this morning, I thought of just blogging my weekly meals; since I was making the emails already.
And I must confess, I am a huge pinner. I have been on pinterest for over a year now and almost since the beginning. It has changed my life. The way I plan my meals, plan my parties, and have since learned many other things like up cycling some clothes. http://pinterest.com/bibopbo24/ and while I do have a cookbook addiction, the majority of my recipes I currently use are found on pinterest.
So this blog will have a few ramblings, a few recipe reviews and lots of links. It may not have too many photos since I rarely take photos of my own food. That may change in time. Most posts will most likely fall on Thursdays.
Enjoy!!
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