tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65639645863961666592024-03-13T10:52:21.966-07:00Get In my BELLYA humorous southern tale of cooking~breedwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11574996082029219201noreply@blogger.comBlogger128125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6563964586396166659.post-8855058606624074402009-05-27T06:17:00.001-07:002009-05-27T06:33:23.037-07:00I'm BACK!!!!Sort of... i don't promise to be as active as i was before but i DO promise to blog finally if i make something that is blogable. Now did i make something last night that fits into this category? Not unless you think this fits: <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.kraftfoods.com/assets/images/ocpimages/21000/65883CL.GIF"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 164px; height: 164px;" src="http://www.kraftfoods.com/assets/images/ocpimages/21000/65883CL.GIF" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />What? No? Doesn't count? Well shoot... what IS what i ate last night... Hey i'm pregnant and Chris was working late so kill me! <br />But i do have a little treat to welcome you all back to this blog and we should all thank <a href="http://cookingandeatinginthewindycity.blogspot.com/2009/05/craving-burger.html">Cooking and Eating in the Windy City </a> for posting this b/c without her i wouldn't have had this idea. <br />So here's how it went down. We were invited to a Memorial Day party and were asked to bring a side of sorts. Well when i saw these little doosies i KNEW i had to make them. Hey i have standards to uphold with these guys (Chris's friends) plus i figured it was good practice for all the future birthday day parties that we'll be throwing. And without further anticipation... Burger Cupcakes!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwatrvtNKk3byShBrREocGFNjw9aG5gPQCAYdB2bAeLPfCfNlOtuk3r92Sh9vDEpK5v8uYNUUQEXHWw7eT4tbGcgnQnsKyXIbkMynM4Jy127nBO99CTdhw6JZVAqRt06Kv1Nq2WEH4BGo/s1600-h/burgers.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwatrvtNKk3byShBrREocGFNjw9aG5gPQCAYdB2bAeLPfCfNlOtuk3r92Sh9vDEpK5v8uYNUUQEXHWw7eT4tbGcgnQnsKyXIbkMynM4Jy127nBO99CTdhw6JZVAqRt06Kv1Nq2WEH4BGo/s400/burgers.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340494878747821570" /></a><br />These little suckers were pretty easy to make and really knocked the socks off people.... they really thought they were burgers until they picked them up! Here's what you do.<br /><br />Make mini Yellow cupcakes. Don't fill the cups too much because you want a dome, not a muffin look. When they are cooled cut them in half and use kitchen sissors to trim up the tops if needed.<br /><br />Make mini chocolate cupcakes. Same with filling the tins. Now cut these in half and trim the sides to give a rounded, burger look.<br /><br />Make the lettuce: Get a bag of shredded coconut and mix in green good coloring with a fork until it looks like lettuce shreds. <br /><br />Now you Layer: bottom bun, layer of icing (red or yellow) slice of chocolate cupcake, layer of icing (whichever color you didn't already use) and then sprinkle the coconut on. Top with the Top part of your "bun". Now to help the seseme seeds to stick i brushed a little bit of lemon juice on top.<br /><br />BAM! Just like that you have tasty Cupcake Burgers!breedwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11574996082029219201noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6563964586396166659.post-65299959696979387822009-04-14T07:59:00.001-07:002009-04-14T08:00:01.971-07:00Not dead, pregnantSorry... i have some updates but i'm too tired to post and i'm BLAH to make anything else so... updates when i make it to the second tri! Promise!breedwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11574996082029219201noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6563964586396166659.post-57288032440554129352009-03-24T05:37:00.000-07:002009-03-24T05:46:01.787-07:00Spicy Tilapia with a Pinapple-pepper Relish<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ3j66jDDTwFWrd5NFebmbsO0BcmOhyphenhyphen2uya8lXpFWPoYXTpm6qWKrzAa3jZsWOCrBDgBKBGpUN0pxZWqT9ikE-8DZTj6nXnXbhceGWC6DThjdEs_b6fEVqy4Dtu-6X4M5055kVQeB1S8A/s1600-h/tilapia.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ3j66jDDTwFWrd5NFebmbsO0BcmOhyphenhyphen2uya8lXpFWPoYXTpm6qWKrzAa3jZsWOCrBDgBKBGpUN0pxZWqT9ikE-8DZTj6nXnXbhceGWC6DThjdEs_b6fEVqy4Dtu-6X4M5055kVQeB1S8A/s400/tilapia.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316732662520212434" /></a><br />So this weekend i did some spring cleaning. After cleaning out my freezer i saw which meats i had (that were still good) and planned my meals around them for the week(rather then buying more meat). Plus since i dusted off my cooking light cookbook i thought this was the perfect opportunity to try something new, healthy, and yummy!<br />This is what i found for my Tilapia...now Chris wasn't a huge fan of the Relish... to "different" for him but I LOVE IT! I was eatting spoonfuls of the stuff... but i also felt the peppers baking my insides for the rest of the night but it was still SOOOO good! It was fresh, spicy, and filling!<br />Yield<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Ingredients</span><br />4 servings (serving size: 1 fillet, about 1/2 cup relish, and 1 lime wedge)<br />Ingredients<br /><br /> * 2 teaspoons canola oil (i didn't have any so i used EVOO)<br /> * 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning<br /> * 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt<br /> * 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper<br /> * 4 (6-ounce) tilapia fillets<br /> * 1 1/2 cups chopped fresh pineapple chunks<br /> * 1/3 cup chopped onion<br /> * 1/3 cup chopped plum tomato<br /> * 2 tablespoons rice vinegar<br /> * 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro<br /> * 1 small jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped<br /> * 4 lime wedges<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Preparation</span><br /><br />Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Combine Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Sprinkle fish evenly with spice mixture. Add fish to pan, and cook for 2 minutes on each side or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork or until desired degree of doneness.<br /><br />Combine pineapple and next 5 ingredients (through jalapeño) in a large bowl, stirring gently. Serve pineapple mixture with fish. Garnish with lime wedges.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Nutritional Information</span><br /><br />Calories: 228 (22% from fat)Fat: 5.5g (sat 1.2g,mono 2.2g,poly 1.4g) Protein:34.9g Carbohydrate:11.2g Fiber:1.5g Cholesterol:85mg Iron:1.2mg Sodium:328mg Calcium:29mgbreedwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11574996082029219201noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6563964586396166659.post-2409023283720232282009-03-24T05:35:00.000-07:002009-03-24T05:37:27.926-07:00Everyone needs an audience!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0X9Bkshxt49zT0GLDpifpJhcYfG1u_qQpWF69nRZSPINIAKaIMflKFR9Q1ELrLNZlxjrkTvIyhQQfIK_08FKpMLXOnD-SXAjrAcNybxVxIvUPbeRwfsBeYF7MekmecEs7bD0sbUKow3U/s1600-h/sadie.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0X9Bkshxt49zT0GLDpifpJhcYfG1u_qQpWF69nRZSPINIAKaIMflKFR9Q1ELrLNZlxjrkTvIyhQQfIK_08FKpMLXOnD-SXAjrAcNybxVxIvUPbeRwfsBeYF7MekmecEs7bD0sbUKow3U/s400/sadie.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316731932626841986" /></a><br />This is my Sadie Ladie! my cute "little" lab! She's like velcro to me and gets frustrated when i'm in the kitchen for long periods of time (notice the chew marks on the rails)! Love my pups!breedwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11574996082029219201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6563964586396166659.post-82456961655686073842009-03-24T05:22:00.000-07:002009-03-24T05:33:57.297-07:00Pioneer Woman Chicken<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWoPzjkLRtc140aEa5kXtQMqIudO_0rluaTutU9nbwQbS-cS9R3wesTHnVFMgA99euaY_yWXMrrOxJGkKM4vviBmhZWjNrgQ5HNZVlhONFgluag2YVQP_hqH0mEibENnTl4ob4R8iE4Fs/s1600-h/PW+chicken.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWoPzjkLRtc140aEa5kXtQMqIudO_0rluaTutU9nbwQbS-cS9R3wesTHnVFMgA99euaY_yWXMrrOxJGkKM4vviBmhZWjNrgQ5HNZVlhONFgluag2YVQP_hqH0mEibENnTl4ob4R8iE4Fs/s400/PW+chicken.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316728979081366306" /></a><br />Now i'm sure if you're a food blogger you know about the Pioneer woman and her amazingness but WOW... this is the first recipe of hers i've made (knowing it was hers) and it was amazing! I made it with my Mother-in-law on Friday night before we went off to my scrapbook world. It is such an amazingly tasty AND colorful dish! It just LOOKS so pretty! Chris LOVED it... not he didn't eat all of his peppers but he loved the flavor they added! I can't wait to make this dish for a dinner party! <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Ingredients:</span><br /><br />3 chicken legs<br />3 garlic cloves<br />3 tomatoes<br />2 bell peppers<br />1 large onion<br />3 tomatoes<br />1/2 cup chicken broth<br />1/8 tsp ground cumin<br />1 tsp paprika powder<br />1 tsp curry powder<br />1/4 tsp cinnamon<br />1/4 tsp salt<br />3 tbsp oil<br /><br />Optional: chili pepper<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Directions:</span><br /><br />Preheat your oven to 350F (175C).<br /><br />Wash and slice 2 bell peppers (color is completely irrelevant) into medium-sized strips. But color is ALWAY more fun!<br /><br />Cut an onion in half and slice it up…<br /><br />Until you end up with a big pile of these.<br /><br />Slice a medium to large chili pepper. Don’t worry; this is not going to make things overly spicy. It’ll only add a little zing. (i honestly don't remember doing this step... i could have... but maybe i didn't... it was still good!)<br /><br />Wash and dice 3 juicy red tomatoes. <br /><br />Grate or finely mince 3 garlic cloves. Mine were medium-sized.<br /><br />Grab yourself a bowl and put the garlic in there.<br /><br />Pour 3 tbsp olive oil in there as well. Use a mild olive oil, if you have any (i didn't and it was fine).<br /><br />Add 1 tsp sweet paprika powder, 1 tsp curry powder, a heaping 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/8 tsp ground cumin and 1/4 tsp salt. (i'm finding out more and more that cinnamon is a good thing in things other then dessert! Use it, Love it!)<br /><br />Whisk until you have a fragrant marinade.<br /><br />Generously season them with salt and black pepper.<br /><br />Heat 1 or 2 tbsp oil and quickly brown the chicken legs. <br /><br />Transfer the chicken to an oven dish.<br /><br />Brush them with half of the marinade. BAM! Instant color! Kind of like a spray tan for the chicken! <br /><br />Spread the bell pepper strips, onion slices and chili pepper around the chicken. Also place a few slices underneath and on top of the chicken.<br /><br />Lightly and haphazardly dab the vegetables with the other half of the marinade.<br /><br />Add the diced tomatoes. Try to distribute them evenly.<br /><br />Pour in 1/2 cup of chicken broth. Pour it down the side of the oven dish— you don’t want to rinse the flavor off of the chicken and vegetables.<br /><br />Pop the dish in a preheated oven and bake for 1 hour at 350F (175C).<br /><br />After 30 minutes, remove the chicken from the oven, flip over the vegetables and pour some of the juices all over the chicken.<br /><br />Put it back in the oven for another 30 minutes.<br /><br />Thanks <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/page/2/">Pioneer woman</a> this was amazing and GREAT still for leftovers!!breedwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11574996082029219201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6563964586396166659.post-29841448066377002292009-03-24T05:16:00.001-07:002009-03-24T05:22:18.531-07:00Dark and white chocolate strawberry layer cake!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDnyt4iYb7sx0yAJ4e30QQj286U6q3Q6il2UDLLpofqaZPoRFb9skleZnQQ9uaLZ8OuDWWTJKikK6YRH61j-gJZAU-fzHjYbDuNp5eMIT-jTDle0FvfS7bb-P-ozpuJfk17z0g3ebKd7A/s1600-h/strawberry+cake.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDnyt4iYb7sx0yAJ4e30QQj286U6q3Q6il2UDLLpofqaZPoRFb9skleZnQQ9uaLZ8OuDWWTJKikK6YRH61j-gJZAU-fzHjYbDuNp5eMIT-jTDle0FvfS7bb-P-ozpuJfk17z0g3ebKd7A/s400/strawberry+cake.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316727191457029522" /></a><br />We were going over to a friends house for dinner and i said that i would bring a dessert and OOOOH MAN i couldn't wait to make this so i thought PERFECT! Strawberries just went on sale i HAVE to make it! I can't even begin to tell you how amazing this cake was! EVERYONE loved it. My friend even asked if she could keep a big ole chunk so they could have it the next day (now when have people EVER ASKED for you to leave leftovers with them??)! This has such a nice blend of flavors but without being heavy and overly sweet. The best way i can explain the taste is a Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake! <br />Now i would LOVE to give credit to someone for this cake (because i didn't come up with it) but i can't remember whose blog it came from, so if it's your cake let me know!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dark and White Chocolate Layer Cake<br />Ingredients:</span><br />For the dark chocolate cake:<br />1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour<br />3/4 cup dark cocoa powder<br />1 1/2 tsp. baking powder<br />1 1/2 tsp. baking soda<br />1 tsp. salt<br />2 cups sugar<br />2 eggs<br />1 cup milk<br />1/2 cup vegetable oil<br />2 tsp. vanilla extract<br />1 cup boiling water<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">For the white chocolate whipped cream:</span><br />6 oz. white chocolate, finely chopped<br />1 1/2 cups cold heavy cream<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">For the whipped cream frosting:</span><br />1 cup cold heavy cream<br />4 tbsp. confectioners’ sugar, sifted<br />1 tsp. vanilla extract<br /><br />Fresh strawberries, for filling and garnishing<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Directions:</span><br />To make the cake, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour the sides of two 9-inch round cake pans, and line the bottom of each with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In the bowl of a stand mixer combine the sugar, eggs, milk, oil and vanilla; mix at medium-low speed until smooth. Add in the dry ingredients and mix on low speed until just incorporated. Stir in the boiling water (batter will be thin).<br /><br />Pour batter into the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edge of each cake, remove the cakes from the pans, and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. When the cake has cooled, cut each in half horizontally to create four cake layers.<br /><br />To make the white chocolate whipped cream, place the chopped white chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Melt, stirring occasionally. When the chocolate is almost melted, bring 1/2 cup of the cream to a boil. Once the chocolate is fully melted, transfer the bowl to a counter, pour in the hot cream and let it sit for one minute. Then stir gently with a spatula until the chocolate is smooth. Let the chocolate sit until it reaches room temperature - the chocolate can’t be the least bit warm when it is added to the whipped cream.<br /><br />In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the remaining 1 cup cream only until it holds the softest peaks. With the mixer on high speed, add the white chocolate all at once and continue to beat just until the mixture holds firm peaks. Transfer the cream to a bowl, press a piece of plastic wrap gently against the surface and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.<br /><br />To make the whipped cream frosting, in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment beat the cream, sugar and vanilla together just until the cream starts to thicken. Start on a slower speed and increase the speed as the cream gains texture. Continue to beat until the cream holds stiff peaks. Be very careful not to overbeat.<br /><br />To assemble the cake, transfer one of the cake layers to a 10-inch cardboard circle, cut surface up. Spread a thick layer of white chocolate whipped cream on top of the cake. Layer with fresh strawberry slices. Lay another cake layer on top of the cream and berries, and press down gently. Top as before with white chocolate whipped cream and berries. Repeat once more with another cake layer and topping. Place the final cake layer on top, cut side down, and press down gently. Frost the cake with whipped cream frosting and garnish with fresh berries as desired.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu6h1Knnvba9SzMtZyVa5uvEnKn3tLQwFt85a8P8V6xdvi35ZcJJ6oIAH484zjMsdukqKe0kM8S-GbvwgzdDKw9kX-DkfdACklEtd0jEqBd3iBeAYlppuIW05k6nEQNkkVnU4m68nyM4U/s1600-h/strawberrycake2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu6h1Knnvba9SzMtZyVa5uvEnKn3tLQwFt85a8P8V6xdvi35ZcJJ6oIAH484zjMsdukqKe0kM8S-GbvwgzdDKw9kX-DkfdACklEtd0jEqBd3iBeAYlppuIW05k6nEQNkkVnU4m68nyM4U/s400/strawberrycake2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316727139864981250" /></a>breedwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11574996082029219201noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6563964586396166659.post-73267843945755072582009-03-24T05:11:00.000-07:002009-03-24T05:16:18.896-07:00Pineapple Salmon<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvzOnoYBsptQ6g9A90rJP16f4jlI4bA9oKWmCVo_6pNzkCwj4eyfNZ4njmMjvv0IW5J__xw4k6pnVD7Z-t1-EWPGnMcKkgXRb4xGxleU39q24-XtxEdX8judGKefBBE3JcOK14oYjmlcM/s1600-h/pineapple+samon.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvzOnoYBsptQ6g9A90rJP16f4jlI4bA9oKWmCVo_6pNzkCwj4eyfNZ4njmMjvv0IW5J__xw4k6pnVD7Z-t1-EWPGnMcKkgXRb4xGxleU39q24-XtxEdX8judGKefBBE3JcOK14oYjmlcM/s400/pineapple+samon.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316725867417782738" /></a><br />Tired of the same old Salmon and don't feel like putting a lot of effort into dinner BUT you still want something tasty and healthy?? Look no further! This was a very simple recipe but beware you have to like the taste of actual salmon to enjoy it (i tend to douse my fish in seasonings so you taste that more then the fish, not the case here).<br />Pour some melted butter over the top of the salmon (i just spread I can't believe it's not butter light). Sprinkle brown sugar so that a nice thin layer is there. Now bake in the oven on 400ish until almost done. Now take your pineapple chunks and spread over the top and bake for about 5 more minutes or so, keeping an eye not to burn the pineapples.<br />Enjoy! This makes a GREAT summer recipe too! I can't wait to try it on the grill!breedwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11574996082029219201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6563964586396166659.post-63364213938225789562009-03-24T04:41:00.000-07:002009-03-24T04:46:43.294-07:00Strawberry Lemon Tart<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-6TkhDgDdJNMzKSXKcPP1iNpy569janDA4-Z1oUgRTGr9Dl47zEf9gr6qTESec1YlNxWLT7DMpk_xRXkGY7rFcUTKOSWoWcCnuf31pnsEZqV2h4jXf77jJJnvTPoi-aPBq1sCQgI9Pbs/s1600-h/tart.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-6TkhDgDdJNMzKSXKcPP1iNpy569janDA4-Z1oUgRTGr9Dl47zEf9gr6qTESec1YlNxWLT7DMpk_xRXkGY7rFcUTKOSWoWcCnuf31pnsEZqV2h4jXf77jJJnvTPoi-aPBq1sCQgI9Pbs/s400/tart.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316718445447683282" /></a><br />I would like to thank Katie for making this so that i could have to recipe to make it! Chris was having a hard week at work and so i wanted to make something nice for him to cheer him up and he LOVES lemon anything! So i made this yummy Strawberry Lemon Tart! We just loved it! It's the perfect sweetness without being heavy! We're really looking forward to this summer when i can add some other fresh fruit on it and maybe an apricot glaze! <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Strawberry Lemon Tart</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Ingredients:</span><br />1 1/2 c. flour<br />1/2 c. butter, room temp<br />1/4 c. sugar<br />1 egg<br />1 pinch salt<br /><br />1 1/4 c. milk<br />1 tsp vanilla<br />zest of 1 lemon<br />juice of 1/2 lemon<br />3 egg yolks<br />1/4 c. sugar<br />1/8 c. flour<br />2 Tbsp cornstarch<br /><br />2 c. strawberries<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Directions</span>:<br />-In bowl of stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, place butter and beat until softened.<br />-Add sugar and beat on high into butter until light in color and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.<br />-Turn mixer to medium and add egg, beating until just combined.<br />-Add flour and salt and beat until mixture comes together, about 2-3 minutes. Do not overwork.<br />-Remove bowl from mixer, press dough together into ball and pat into flat disk.<br />-Cover disk tightly in plastic wrap and place into fridge for 20 minutes.<br />-Meanwhile, in small saucepan, combine milk, vanilla, and lemon zest and place over medium heat.<br />-Meanwhile, in small mixing bowl, combine egg yolk and sugar and mix to combine well.<br />-Add flour and cornstarch and beat into yolk mixture to combine very well.<br />-When milk mixture comes to a boil, remove from heat, add a spoonful into the yolk mixture to temper, then add yolk mixture into milk, whisking constantly to combine.<br />-Place back over heat, whisking constantly until mixture thickens well.<br />-Remove from heat, and stir in lemon juice.<br />-Place into bowl and cover with plastic wrap, placing over the top of the cream to avoid a crust and place into fridge to chill well.<br />-Remove dough from fridge and preheat oven to 400 degrees.<br />-Prepare 9 inch tart pan.<br />-On floured surface, roll out tart dough and then place evenly into tart pan.<br />-Smooth a little bit of flour onto the top of the tart dough, place a piece of tinfoil over and fill with pie weights.<br />-Place into oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until it turns golden brown.<br />-Remove from oven and let cool completely.<br />-Once ready to serve, wash and dry strawberries thoroughly, remove tops and slice each into half.<br />-Remove lemon pastry cream from fridge and spread evenly into bottom of tart shell.<br />-Top pastry cream with strawberry halves and serve.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDVDg50HSrCws4-TH88GCfGzOpeWJ_wDN4a39Y82seI6GiPoN8Nn2F_ioX7r5OafM1G4-WAq2ul9deURD-WTEKQ7sDbSL5sMYicuyRuoZAsb1LWXwz2zjDbR333_d-LgFjz_JkY63_WTk/s1600-h/tart2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDVDg50HSrCws4-TH88GCfGzOpeWJ_wDN4a39Y82seI6GiPoN8Nn2F_ioX7r5OafM1G4-WAq2ul9deURD-WTEKQ7sDbSL5sMYicuyRuoZAsb1LWXwz2zjDbR333_d-LgFjz_JkY63_WTk/s400/tart2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316718377707748082" /></a>breedwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11574996082029219201noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6563964586396166659.post-89528762747670329672009-03-06T06:21:00.000-08:002009-03-24T04:52:17.415-07:00Candied Apple Pork Chops<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibFLEpvHaoMHRRpLVIaiaTyRTDmND20FZzAOz4MgEVHzMScs0KjkxKny2spYLDjWmqwxxtrysne6VLmEUgWBMi6nTEJciIYRfDklJKQ2x6lvwZu4b76iBPB9rab7Q1aSJxX0o6XKvLi1M/s1600-h/porkchops.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibFLEpvHaoMHRRpLVIaiaTyRTDmND20FZzAOz4MgEVHzMScs0KjkxKny2spYLDjWmqwxxtrysne6VLmEUgWBMi6nTEJciIYRfDklJKQ2x6lvwZu4b76iBPB9rab7Q1aSJxX0o6XKvLi1M/s400/porkchops.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310080139494996786" /></a><br />These little babies were YUMMMY! I was looking for a new spin on pork chops and i had two apples laying around so i thought i would put them to good use! These were a really tasty dinner that didn't take any time to prepare but seem almost gourmet! <br /><br />I baked the pork chops with just a little salt and pepper seasonings. While those were cooking i sliced my apples into thin strips and then placed them in a pot on the stove where i had already melted 2 tbsp of butter. I added about 1/4 c of brown sugar and maybe a tsp or two of cinnamon (sorry i'm not an exact cook) and cooked them on a low medium heat until they were soft. Once my pork chops were done i poured the apples over top and served! YUMMM!<br /><br />This is SURE to be a kid pleaser!breedwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11574996082029219201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6563964586396166659.post-45783239431191856062009-03-05T04:38:00.000-08:002009-03-05T04:46:25.711-08:00Holy Super Productive Batman!Well something must be working with my new chemicals i'm on b/c WOW i've been doing GREAT lately... Chris is even surprised by my energy! I mean Yeah i still have to literally DRAG myself out of bed (i don't think that will ever change)but WOW i even impressed myself yesterday!!<br />So i'm not feeling soo well this week b/c it's not a great week to be a woman, catch my drift... okay moving on... BUT i STILL went home and i did the Jillian Michaels 30 day shred! I mean i almost died (seriously! okay not really but UH it was tough!) but i did it! THEN i folded some laundry and made cheesey gluten free biscuits from a mix i had in my pantry (they were eh)... I also took the pups on a car ride to the post office and uploaded LOTS of photos to facebook! I then went and auditioned for my church's chamber choir (oooh yea i'm in! SWEET!) came home finished making dinner for my darlin hubby and ate at the TABLE (yea we've been BAD couch eaters lately)!! <br />***side note: Chris has decided that Stella now gets to sit in a chair at the table, well it's against the wall and not BY the table but still!! She still like right there... and i would object but she's so darn funny just sitting there quietly watching us!***<br />After dinner we did some potential looking at new clothes for chris online and then i finished up the laundry and....<br /><br /><br /><br />WAIT for it.... <br /><br /><br /><br />WAIT for it....<br /><br /><br />PUT IT ALL AWAY! OOOH YEA! Even MY hanging clothes! WOW! That was a lot! Hey it was! It was like 6 loads at least! <br /><br />And after my beloved LOST finished i started my new bible study THE LOVE DARE. It's a bible/christian study on how to be a better spouse and how to love your spouse more...etc<br /><br />That was what i did! Things are really looking up!breedwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11574996082029219201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6563964586396166659.post-85797718737355676022009-03-04T11:58:00.001-08:002009-03-04T12:11:42.785-08:00Pour some fat on me....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZYuC0UoInB3rTXMMmn6IPXrqyrPpzq622pNLMxZNiLum-5oLF8GNEEOkhbD4_3lSIieBqr_ixh1NC6FhfmkP9fsUWYWZAWrAmyX9s0CIIUr0yYNfVBdVw5VoW93rouWA2qy9ECE1chlM/s1600-h/bakedshrimp.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZYuC0UoInB3rTXMMmn6IPXrqyrPpzq622pNLMxZNiLum-5oLF8GNEEOkhbD4_3lSIieBqr_ixh1NC6FhfmkP9fsUWYWZAWrAmyX9s0CIIUr0yYNfVBdVw5VoW93rouWA2qy9ECE1chlM/s400/bakedshrimp.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309424959873354402" /></a><br /><br />So Chris had a really rough day at work yesterday so i decided to make him a non-diet food that he LOVES. Shrimp Scampi. But i had this GREAT sounding recipe in my google reader from <a href="http://annieseats.wordpress.com/2009/02/18/baked-shrimp-scampi/">Annie Eats</a> that i knew i had to try! I didn't have all the ingredients on hand but it still turned out amazing! So here's my version of her tasty treat! Notice below i wrote in the changes of the amount i used... for a smaller serving go to her blog or basic half it.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Baked Shrimp Scampi<br />Ingredients:</span><br />1 lb. large shrimp in the shell (I used this bag of shrimp that was on sale... it was like 50 med shrimp)<br />3 1/2 tbsp. olive oil<br />1 tbsp. dry white wine (didn't have any so i added in more olive oil and a splash of vinegar)<br />salt and black pepper<br />8 tbsp. unsalted butter, at room temperature<br />4 tsp. minced garlic (about 4 cloves)<br />2 tbsp. minced shallots (so i didn't have any of these, so i used chopped up finely white onions) <br />1 1/2 tbsp. minced fresh parsley (mine was dried)<br />1/2 tsp. minced fresh rosemary leaves (dried again)<br />1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes<br />1/2 tsp. grated lemon zest (didn't have any so i used more juice)<br />2 1/2 tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice<br />1 large egg yolk, lightly beaten<br />1/3 cup panko (yeah non again so i used bread crumbs) <br />Lemon wedges, for serving and non AGAIN!) <br /><br />Directions:<br />Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. <br /><br />Peel and devein the shrimp, leaving the tails on. Place the shrimp in a mixing bowl and toss gently with the olive oil, wine, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Allow to sit at room temperature while you make the butter and garlic mixture.<br /><br />In a small bowl, mash the softened butter with the garlic, shallots, parsley, rosemary, red pepper flakes, lemon zest, lemon juice, egg yolk, panko, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and a pinch of black pepper until combined.<br /><br />Starting from the center of an oval or round baking dish, arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the dish. Pour the remaining marinade over the shrimp. Spread the butter mixture evenly over the shrimp. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until hot and bubbly. Place under the broiler for 1 additional minute to brown the top. Serve with lemon wedges. <br /><br />This is a finished result (wish i would have taken a picture of my lovely shrimp before the bread crumbs)... pardon the black spots... i was slightly distracted by my lovely husband when we walked in the door! <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNmpEtorxoYdUYdTlHRARQLKajHCC2-GjAcyTD9YYtgx65GfreMBB2RYVvnrGuZEBpeB2Iyv8TIIFZDlHYzN6hbCpVzBK8cN1mozOSjL13RUiElmZJ6WOCGJcWwVmzTRFvewHij5fHCXQ/s1600-h/bakedshrimp2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNmpEtorxoYdUYdTlHRARQLKajHCC2-GjAcyTD9YYtgx65GfreMBB2RYVvnrGuZEBpeB2Iyv8TIIFZDlHYzN6hbCpVzBK8cN1mozOSjL13RUiElmZJ6WOCGJcWwVmzTRFvewHij5fHCXQ/s400/bakedshrimp2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309424461875544402" /></a>breedwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11574996082029219201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6563964586396166659.post-74347342983349494602009-03-04T11:52:00.000-08:002009-03-04T11:58:00.245-08:00I made that sauce stuff<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZTmvosthrabHatLcQ8yR1mlXSlLQZEUJxkx6tMgycUDr97BU9zx7nEs0OK__Kp6AkXQztOQuWQXoJusFjBh2gde9eBIMd8_c64L_7yixcmbBpUgXxsR6mJvytZVZOJXR3CFdSNiEvLJQ/s1600-h/asparagas.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZTmvosthrabHatLcQ8yR1mlXSlLQZEUJxkx6tMgycUDr97BU9zx7nEs0OK__Kp6AkXQztOQuWQXoJusFjBh2gde9eBIMd8_c64L_7yixcmbBpUgXxsR6mJvytZVZOJXR3CFdSNiEvLJQ/s400/asparagas.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309423234770160754" /></a><br />So i wanted something tasty but easy so what did i do? I pulled out the already stuffed flounder (stuffed with crab mixture, thanks to my local Giant!) and i sprinkled Cajun seasonings on it and baked it... yummm<br />Then i made some brown rice in my pampered chief rice cooker and put some sort of seasonings in it (don't remember) yummmm<br />Then i sauteed some asparagus and made my first ever hollandaise sauce! <br /><br />Sauce is from my Betty Crocker Cook book.<br />Take 1/2 a stick of butter and melt in a sauce pan with a large egg yolk and 1/4c (i think) of lemon juice. Wisk constantly.... once that's done add in another 1/2 stick of butter and continue... now it's all melted goodness, dump it over your asparagus... yummmmbreedwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11574996082029219201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6563964586396166659.post-79965861230753373362009-03-04T11:46:00.000-08:002009-03-04T11:52:01.969-08:00My Dogs Love the Snow!This was what it looked like Monday morning when i peeked outside around 930ish~ SWEET!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ppKLegY2qdjUeqn7JEmOUYq0V1J-SJ-8BmFCf_jgwkduiTTTm9OIbo4toodDxLVBThn0H1w_QioqqoZsJ1pTZtxSRSthyphenhyphenZnzQXVtXqGbHkszBO2pyGs8kOn5kd70pqW4MIi2q0SrbKs/s1600-h/stillcomingdown.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ppKLegY2qdjUeqn7JEmOUYq0V1J-SJ-8BmFCf_jgwkduiTTTm9OIbo4toodDxLVBThn0H1w_QioqqoZsJ1pTZtxSRSthyphenhyphenZnzQXVtXqGbHkszBO2pyGs8kOn5kd70pqW4MIi2q0SrbKs/s400/stillcomingdown.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309422630350351698" /></a><br />A beautiful Blanket!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrRRYZMjrdAsrxKhS5HulTRcK6CwiY13woyIq12-mxiNQyyN3OR_dvNGTGunPYOQONqeSKIozF3UE4ZbamL1kdRYhWn03IT16PRpVEjtl_cZQm05k8L1MT_Jrdh7ThgpbpBTFyJN13Rxg/s1600-h/where's+the+sidewalk%3F.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrRRYZMjrdAsrxKhS5HulTRcK6CwiY13woyIq12-mxiNQyyN3OR_dvNGTGunPYOQONqeSKIozF3UE4ZbamL1kdRYhWn03IT16PRpVEjtl_cZQm05k8L1MT_Jrdh7ThgpbpBTFyJN13Rxg/s400/where's+the+sidewalk%3F.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309422530853653442" /></a><br />Yes I shoveled this all by myself!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji0SRwowF1-nQGn6Gi01T8NqJR9KH0t3RrtWy2lL8iXmiCZzvOTFv8U-iZVXjmh_wxOPG2YaVrWkdJF8ucLb3LpcnAP7lBGyPHFN5effCPK91WJ-KIll_pIxYUdy32cfSn4RLWC4a7WnU/s1600-h/i'mgoodatshoveling.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji0SRwowF1-nQGn6Gi01T8NqJR9KH0t3RrtWy2lL8iXmiCZzvOTFv8U-iZVXjmh_wxOPG2YaVrWkdJF8ucLb3LpcnAP7lBGyPHFN5effCPK91WJ-KIll_pIxYUdy32cfSn4RLWC4a7WnU/s400/i'mgoodatshoveling.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309422416625923442" /></a><br />Sadie had no breaks!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Bz30lxAZhjkJyOxCVJAsWjOU926k9iZByjR4adiolq3UA-dHwVbfpar17kIU3KSVn2qyX1miFAfTAZv3gmK59kL5EUgtPEvFX5_euclPZwfNoyazyzP-XkVquFxDCVGL0N64KvA5tPM/s1600-h/sadielostherbreaks.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Bz30lxAZhjkJyOxCVJAsWjOU926k9iZByjR4adiolq3UA-dHwVbfpar17kIU3KSVn2qyX1miFAfTAZv3gmK59kL5EUgtPEvFX5_euclPZwfNoyazyzP-XkVquFxDCVGL0N64KvA5tPM/s400/sadielostherbreaks.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309422251705463426" /></a><br />look at my big girl go! She was running around just as much as Sadie!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyM7Se51apdmGwQOGDi_wzuz71o6VjdXyrulSDgFNDN1garGqDVCZTGsst0PUCVj3WropeCXXRdGJ_3VdAMWxmxDe02a62gl7QFtlvkc5NWeWNjILzG21jCeHaHLSsMqevu_ss750pCl0/s1600-h/stellacan'tcatchme.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyM7Se51apdmGwQOGDi_wzuz71o6VjdXyrulSDgFNDN1garGqDVCZTGsst0PUCVj3WropeCXXRdGJ_3VdAMWxmxDe02a62gl7QFtlvkc5NWeWNjILzG21jCeHaHLSsMqevu_ss750pCl0/s400/stellacan'tcatchme.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309422124337455234" /></a><br />Sadie Couldn't have been happier!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZVUl466PN6b2mjdm6V5HtkZ1SNBoOHwq2MttZUnOYJpcgHwL4a1MUcP_YJ4IiC2kfZgWkL8giFj9II4oJ8plpn0J5dzKcQIurULYnlt12nVwCZzlQo7jKaUUe2C-GZiowlC20VC2sJ8/s1600-h/sadiethisisgreatmom.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 284px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZVUl466PN6b2mjdm6V5HtkZ1SNBoOHwq2MttZUnOYJpcgHwL4a1MUcP_YJ4IiC2kfZgWkL8giFj9II4oJ8plpn0J5dzKcQIurULYnlt12nVwCZzlQo7jKaUUe2C-GZiowlC20VC2sJ8/s400/sadiethisisgreatmom.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309422006439455058" /></a><br />Sadie, given me some lovin!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8wNU36YOEaX1nZ0D4j8wXssCY_a1lm6uTSolj1GPoNtjU9xh_BPhd9gEsjgM_3yHrTsCj2V-BfQvp7h80mgD-Xn4qgFEvjZ3mWOq6KeCSX60ET_GCccLNMyN1ZRD3xpCARP-N81_lDgc/s1600-h/sadiewarmingherhead.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8wNU36YOEaX1nZ0D4j8wXssCY_a1lm6uTSolj1GPoNtjU9xh_BPhd9gEsjgM_3yHrTsCj2V-BfQvp7h80mgD-Xn4qgFEvjZ3mWOq6KeCSX60ET_GCccLNMyN1ZRD3xpCARP-N81_lDgc/s400/sadiewarmingherhead.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309421863844095794" /></a><br />Stella just taking a break<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS4j7asLrIhdp8W6oBWyuk-UuxzlvxFIfRsJSNyJkK-Ygdsn7Bgwk65fOahhrqhh0AjlqiuYJa7-Wo7LfNul7Yqn5G7B-8tkIIE792okxdBmWX5KgMm1BjIYgntcTwPwYYUw0M2L7B-u8/s1600-h/takingabreak.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS4j7asLrIhdp8W6oBWyuk-UuxzlvxFIfRsJSNyJkK-Ygdsn7Bgwk65fOahhrqhh0AjlqiuYJa7-Wo7LfNul7Yqn5G7B-8tkIIE792okxdBmWX5KgMm1BjIYgntcTwPwYYUw0M2L7B-u8/s400/takingabreak.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309421753205088082" /></a><br />One of their new friends from the dog park!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidzScj70Mvw-4zRfvH2GyOzpjordkIAebOi1pPYM0lE1SSF4JcOgSm0la9AUQN89qLI7Tj_8L3lAToRnHiS3u4LgXSzg-8oJpDOR-BJml3yDMmyzQZ9pFsCCtBYspZQ2YriQmeY2HaFq4/s1600-h/wehaveanewfriend.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 232px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidzScj70Mvw-4zRfvH2GyOzpjordkIAebOi1pPYM0lE1SSF4JcOgSm0la9AUQN89qLI7Tj_8L3lAToRnHiS3u4LgXSzg-8oJpDOR-BJml3yDMmyzQZ9pFsCCtBYspZQ2YriQmeY2HaFq4/s400/wehaveanewfriend.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309421619010325362" /></a>breedwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11574996082029219201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6563964586396166659.post-18680660488771808032009-02-26T11:45:00.000-08:002009-03-24T11:55:11.210-07:00My 101 in 1001 days (that’s 2 and ¾ a year!!)So i'm begining this on March 1, 2009... that means the last day of my challenge is November 26, 2011! Yeah that's a long time... but look at this list! I'll update as i complete things and include pictures... so i hope you enjoy!<br /><br />ME<br />1. Grow hair out so it’s down my back, at least to my bra line<br />2. Treat myself to a day spa massage once a year. (0/3)<br />3. Get a pedicure at least 4 times a year. (0/12)<br />4. <span style="font-weight:bold;">Get my Happy Pill dosage right and keep it right</span><br />5. Take one bubble bath a week (3/143)<br />6. Read 30 books that aren’t typical for me (1/30)<br />7. Sit and Watch the sun rise 15 times (0/15)<br />8. Treat myself to a "me day" once a month. (0/33)<br />9. Have at least 5 lazy days a year (0/15)<br />10. Learn the basics of a new language on CD (like in the car)<br />11. Enjoy a latte at least once a month (1/33)<br />12. Have a movie marathon day where you see at least 5 movies<br /><br />US<br />13. Do a couples devotion every Week for a year. (0/52)<br />14. Take family photos once a year. (0/3)<br />15. Make and bake our first baby.<br />16. Have a candlelit dinner once a month. (0/33)<br />17. Take a trip planned by Chris<br />18. Take a trip planned by Me.<br />19. Go on a picnic.<br />20. Cut down tree for Christmas. (0/2)<br />21. Do the 40 day Dare (4/40)<br />22. Bring Chris breakfast in bed 5 times.<br /><br />Pups<br />23. Walk pups at least 3 times every week (2/429)<br />24. Give dogs a bath every month (1/33)<br />25. Give the dogs a special treat every week (2/143)<br /><br />Environment<br />26. Use my reusable bags for EVERY grocery trip. (3/143)<br />27. When said baby is born, use only cloth diapers.<br />28. Finish changing all lights in house to energy savers<br /><br />The House<br />29. Sweep the floors once a week. (3/143)<br />30. Put Laundry away every week (1/143)<br />31. Change the sheets once a week. (3/143)<br />32. Scoop Poop in Backyard every other week (1/72)<br />33. Plant flowers for every season.<br />34. Build Deck<br />35. Cut down tree in front yard and plant new one<br />36. Paint Bedroom<br />37. Replace floors<br />38. Fix up front of house<br /><br />Memories/Photos<br />39. Take a picture in a photo booth, twice. (0/2)<br />40. Document all tasks with a photo.<br />41. Finish Family Photo Wall<br />42. Scrapbook twice a month. (2/66)<br />43. Update blogs so family/friends can keep in touch<br />44. Send out a family update with each Christmas card (0/2)<br />45. Create a memory book for my family and Chris’s (0/2)<br /><br />Healthy Me<br />46. Lose 20 pounds to be a goal weight. (0/20)<br />47. Take a yoga class.<br />48. Run a 5k.<br />49. Have veggies everyday (22/1001)<br />50. Follow Sonoma Diet for all of wave 1<br /><br />Food!<br />51. Cook 30 new recipes. (7/30)<br />52. Try 10 new restaurants. (0/10)<br />53. Have a Crab Feast<br />54. Organize (into recipe book) all loose recipes.<br />55. Make sushi.<br />56. Make 5 new vegetables (0/5)<br />57. Make Pizza from scratch once a month (0/33)<br />58. Go to the farmers market 10 times. (0/10)<br />59. Blog 101 recipes in food blog (7/101)<br />60. Grow an herb Garden<br /><br />Others<br />61. Make a meal for a family at church<br />62. Volunteer to serve food at a homeless shelter.<br />63. Send a card a month to someone unsuspecting. (0/33)<br />64. Compliment 10 strangers. (0/10)<br />65. Host a party for Chris’s friends.<br /><br />Crafts<br />66. Make a quilt.<br />67. Finish and Frame Cross Stitch<br />68. Make baby blanket for said baby<br />69. Make Christmas stocking for said baby<br /><br />Organizational<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">70. Donate/sell/throw away 101 things (101/101)</span><br />71. Organize scrapbook table to finally stay organized.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">72. Make closets/dresser functional and in one room</span><br />73. Organize linen closet (throw out stuff) monthly (1/33)<br />74. Get the basement in order<br /><br />Soul<br />75. Do a devotional everyday for a year. (0/365)<br />76. Read the Bible entirely.<br />77. Graciously accept every comment I receive for 1 year. (0/365)<br />78. Let my feet sink in the sand once a year. (0/3)<br />79. Pray over every dinner (24/1001)<br />80. Go to church 101 times. (2/101)<br />81. Make a list of 101 things I like about myself.<br />82. Make 5 new friends. (0/5)<br />83. Sing a meaningful song for a church service<br />84. Stand up for yourself when someone puts you down<br /><br />Computer/Work<br />85. Learn a new program<br />86. Organize all photos.<br />87. Organize/delete, etc email once a month (1/33)<br />88. Go through and update work list 3 times a week (6/429)<br />89. File everything each Friday (2/33)<br />90. Create a to-do list for next week every Friday (1/33)<br /><br />Just for Fun<br />91. go Skiing<br />92. Take a road trip to somewhere overnight<br />93. Host a Board Games Night<br />94. Go Fishing<br />95. Play Golf or go to the driving range 3 times a year (0/9)<br />96. Go to the National Zoo<br />97. Go to 5 new museums. (0/5)<br />98. Go to 3 baseball games (0/3)<br />99. Buy a new car<br />100. Build a sand castle on the beach (must be waist high)<br />101. Dance in the rain.breedwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11574996082029219201noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6563964586396166659.post-22641494129393477262009-02-26T11:24:00.000-08:002009-02-26T11:45:01.386-08:00Reasons behind 101 in 1001 daysSo i've set forth to do a lot of things in this blog (Cleaning for a whole week documented, Sonoma Diet, Weight Watchers, etc) and i haven't followed through with any of them...but that's going to change.<br /><br />As some of you know i'm pretty open and what i'm about to tell you a lot of you experience and others don't believe it really exist or you just might not understand it. Well here is it. I have depression. Clinically Severe depression... well that's what i was diagnosed with back in college. Since then i've been on and off various medicines that have worked and haven't worked. Everyone is different in how depression effects them and why it does but here's my story.<br /><br />All the women in my mom's side of the family suffer from this... i've been told it's just a chemical imbalance in us... caused by nothing and nothing and cure it... just treat it. With me personally i get tired physically and emotionally. I loose interest in things I love and I can't really think clearly. I become very forgetful and often just don't care. I wake up every morning (doesn't matter how long i slept) not seeing the point of getting out of bed (even though i have a job and dogs that need me). I get irritated at silly things only to realize that later it was silly. etc, etc, etc<br /><br />I'm telling you this because i'm going through this again because i got cocky a while ago and went off my medicine thinking i would be fine... i wasn't... i got back on it on a very low dosage and that's not helping me so i'm going to see my doctor today to get it all fixed... or as i like to call it... Get my HAPPY pills.<br /><br />Some of you might judge me from this, not understand me... but i'm writing this in hopes it might help someone. So many people are in denial that depression is only if something bad happens to you, or you're weird etc if you have it... but with me it's nothing i can change or fix... it's my chemicals... it's in my genetics. So if you think this could be you, talk to someone b/c there is help... and it's hurting more then yourself.<br /><br />With this being said... Since i'm going in for my "tune up" i want to also start off on a fresh page... so i'm doing 101 in 1001 days! How fun is that!<br />It's going to get me on track and keep me there and help me do all the things i've been wanting to do. Don't worry this is still my food blog but i will be updating the next post (my list) often with pictures, updates, etc on how i'm doing... and this all begins March 1st!breedwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11574996082029219201noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6563964586396166659.post-52939312113899338632009-02-23T05:46:00.000-08:002009-02-23T05:50:25.969-08:00Barley Barley I MADE Barley!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8akWQj4kun0Pczsybj7jIzjHJ9YNvXFjlTSMUi8iJC_mIsESIwQdM8WKYX8ghu5fa5_4eWVjz-auv4GbdtU6g8kFEaY5Bn4p8v5HzoHY8rLVq42BxkhqPkPMfR-rG9a_ubjAPAknMmcU/s1600-h/barley.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8akWQj4kun0Pczsybj7jIzjHJ9YNvXFjlTSMUi8iJC_mIsESIwQdM8WKYX8ghu5fa5_4eWVjz-auv4GbdtU6g8kFEaY5Bn4p8v5HzoHY8rLVq42BxkhqPkPMfR-rG9a_ubjAPAknMmcU/s400/barley.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305989003312100626" /></a><br />Okay this is very "throw this and that in" sorry, i'll do my best to try to get it close!<br />First cook your barley according to the packages directions.... I made 1 c uncooked barley. Be prepared this will take 45mins-1 hour depending on how soft you want it.<br />*Once it was almost done i added in 1/2 a tiny can of tomato juice and 4-5 diced grape tomatoes.<br />*Then i added in some italian seasonings<br />*around tbsp of lemon juice<br />*tsp or so of ground blk pepper<br /><br />I think that's all and it was really good!breedwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11574996082029219201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6563964586396166659.post-64922639793420675212009-02-23T05:34:00.000-08:002009-02-23T05:50:55.007-08:00Stuffed Sonoma Pork chops<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdvqvcheVKLqR_D8NuJdqwZzAe6QK7YpPHDzWN8TVIZ2lsSGvFEiieAnzPjzsgTJ6YORe9F78QnwYYLaMLkRQhcPizDxE743SDGveLDxyQTOdn7YBzpYVnNZ5LPuOUo3H6WdvYl4mk4Wc/s1600-h/porkchops.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdvqvcheVKLqR_D8NuJdqwZzAe6QK7YpPHDzWN8TVIZ2lsSGvFEiieAnzPjzsgTJ6YORe9F78QnwYYLaMLkRQhcPizDxE743SDGveLDxyQTOdn7YBzpYVnNZ5LPuOUo3H6WdvYl4mk4Wc/s400/porkchops.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305986073751184834" /></a><br />This recipe is adapted from what i remember my friend Martiena said she used according to a recipe in the Sonoma Diet cook book. Oh and beware because i don't measure so these are guesstimates. <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Ingredients </span><br />2 boneless pork chops (of a decent size but don't have to be huge)<br />4 tsp FF cream cheese<br />2 tbsp reduced fat feta cheese<br />2 tbsp chopped up mushrooms<br />2 tbsp chopped up red bell pepper<br />Spinach leaves, enough to put a layer down on each porkchop<br />pepper<br />basil<br />garlic salt<br />Italian bread crumbs (gluten free.... oh these weren't in the recipe but i used them)<br />1-2 tbsp olive oil<br /><br />Take your pork chops and place btw some plastic wrap and beat them until thin<br />Spread 2 tsp of the cream cheese on each<br />Sprinkle 1 tbsp of feta, mushrooms, and bell pepper on each.<br />Top with a layer of spinach and roll.<br />Put pork roll in small baking dish that has been covered with non-stick something)<br />Then top the Pork Chops with 1/2-1 tbsp olive oil each and sprinkle with the pepper, basil (mine was dried), garlic salt and bread crumbs. <br /><br />Bake at 425 for about 30 mins or until donebreedwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11574996082029219201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6563964586396166659.post-30087877631098667632009-02-23T05:29:00.000-08:002009-02-23T05:34:51.237-08:00Stop the presses, i MADE barley and Chris liked it!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiywnHfp02dRFh6sNA1KlFAk7g-qqdkqcW9uUH8U49KpyjL-fUXjH46Im2aPK2ww0o7vsRdB2nV-tLC8gHHUbOck1je_QeE_Kk3NC7nFbvJr-sEgORDG_HxmsWl_ySQtus58gPKIVKHnhQ/s1600-h/dinner.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiywnHfp02dRFh6sNA1KlFAk7g-qqdkqcW9uUH8U49KpyjL-fUXjH46Im2aPK2ww0o7vsRdB2nV-tLC8gHHUbOck1je_QeE_Kk3NC7nFbvJr-sEgORDG_HxmsWl_ySQtus58gPKIVKHnhQ/s400/dinner.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305984599778571266" /></a><br />OOOH yeah! My good friend Martiena (who got me on this diet) made a dinner very similar to the one above and Chris just LOVED it! So i of course had to recreate it on Sunday night! LOL! We mainly had it so soon b/c i had some porkchops i had defrosted in the fridge and if i didn't use them soon they would be bad so this was perfect!<br /><br />This is a Sonoma friendly meal. It's Stuff porkchops (she served hers on a bed of yummy wilted spinach, so good, i'm just lazy) barley, and green beans (we had mixed greens salad at her house that i brought). <br /><br />This was also a surprisenly easy meal to throw together... but did you know barely takes FOREVER to cook??? But that's okay because it's SOOO cheap! When we started eating it at her house Chris thought he was eating rice and when we told him it was barley he was cool with it, esp when we told him you can get it for less the a dollar a bag! Sweetness! <br />So now my husband and i are "crunchy"!breedwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11574996082029219201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6563964586396166659.post-64876403686198280732009-02-23T05:17:00.000-08:002009-02-23T05:29:16.655-08:00Sonoma Day whatever!OKay, so i cheated over the weekend... who here has NEVER cheated on a diet!?!?! Yeah that's what i thought! lol But i still did follow some rules, some of the time~<br />On Thursday this was my lunch...<br />Black Bean Chicken in a Whole Wheat Pita<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiySgcAsd-WhWUWU38VM_-Z4tmOmfmcmkBGh72WGlkVCobb1rkELxNl26G6dHPzosoSM_56szaczZCey7IZxnR8iN6TJPflWs6Cul0sd1fBWYoMsEEUvAGUusrQ-H_1E-_pkdEmS0VMAks/s1600-h/sandwich.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiySgcAsd-WhWUWU38VM_-Z4tmOmfmcmkBGh72WGlkVCobb1rkELxNl26G6dHPzosoSM_56szaczZCey7IZxnR8iN6TJPflWs6Cul0sd1fBWYoMsEEUvAGUusrQ-H_1E-_pkdEmS0VMAks/s400/sandwich.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305981590676540562" /></a><br />my stomach was SOOO full after eating this i couldn't eat the salad i brought to go with it and i didn't eat my two snacks later in the day! I couldn't i was sooo full! Yeah this is the SAME Pita i had on Monday when i was starving! My stomach is getting smaller! So here's what you do for this super yummy and fast lunch.<br />Take a whole wheat pita and cut it in half.<br />In each side place a tbsp of blk bean spread (recipe below) and a tbsp of salsa.<br />put in 1.5 oz ck in each side. (i bought these recooked chicken packets that have 6oz so i know i get half the pack in one sandwich.<br />Then load it up with 1/2 c baby spinach in each side<br />Chow down! <br />This is so filling! <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Black Bean Spread</span> from Sonoma Diet book<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvBJuMVowqSuG9Bi6qwBXOTFfQX_JO-1c1JYUqw5qRWNtxZ0zAQGCZ8UG3Hpx_DwggU5zDMICmXkL8RVoTQj6nNppSVaJQzTmD8aeNvl0ixMoZn8sYg8wVlvgfCPKftt72dEDXc5s_Eb0/s1600-h/blkbean.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvBJuMVowqSuG9Bi6qwBXOTFfQX_JO-1c1JYUqw5qRWNtxZ0zAQGCZ8UG3Hpx_DwggU5zDMICmXkL8RVoTQj6nNppSVaJQzTmD8aeNvl0ixMoZn8sYg8wVlvgfCPKftt72dEDXc5s_Eb0/s400/blkbean.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305981543744437458" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Ingredients</span><br />1/2 c finely chopped onion<br />1/4 c sliced green onions<br />1 tsp ground coriander (i didn't have this)<br />1 tsp ground cumin<br />1 tbsp canola oil (i didn't have any so i used olive)<br />1/4 c fresh cilantro<br />1 15-oz can black beans, rinsed and drained<br />1/2 c water<br />1 tbsp lime juice<br />1 tsp finely chopped canned chipotle chile pepper in adobo sauce (i couldn't find this so i just put some red pepper in the mix)<br />1/4 tsp salt<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Directions</span><br />cook onions, coriander, and cumin in hot oil in small sauce pan until very tender.<br />Remove and stir in cilantro.<br />Put onion mixture into a food processor. Add blk beans, water, lime juice, pepper, and salt. Cover and blend until nearly smooth<br />serve immediately or store for up to three days. (i used for 5 days)breedwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11574996082029219201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6563964586396166659.post-8179014924704983362009-02-19T05:11:00.001-08:002009-02-23T05:50:45.323-08:00Sonoma Day 3!!Well this was a little tough for me... i was hungry, very hungry at times! And in the morning my stomach blew up... sorry TMI i know BUT it's going to happen to you too so i thought you should know. Think about all the fiber you're eating. Plus as i was going to sleep last night i noticed my stomach or intestines or something was feeling weird and it made me wonder... are they adjusting to the fact that i haven't had sugar, white breads, processed food, etc in 3 days. I know you're thinking it's ONLY been three days BUT think about it... have you ever tried to eat "clean" (basically this way)? You have to cut out A LOT of junk! I never thought about it before how much junk i was really used to eating. No longer do i get to sit down and munch on my Chips and Salsa... goodbye ice cream bar after dinner, and so long butter popcorn before i leave work! It's hard! BUT SOOOO worth it! Know why?? Here's a preview of what's to come for you!<br />I started this on Monday weighing in at 165... i weighed myself 5 times this morning (b/c i was in shock) and i'm now at around 158-159 (mine isn't digital so i don't know the exact number)!!! I wanted to cheat SOOO bad last night but i didn't and BOY am i glad now! YES!<br /><br />So i thought it might be helpful for you to see the plate i've been eating on compared to what i used to eat on (and go back for seconds). The top plate is my new dinner plate (ignore those pesky water spots)! It's almost 9" across and most the time i don't fully fill it up to the edge (b/c then stuff would fall off)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_gydpffbU7dB8ptXqUcFsoG2WacoGQYvGm6dPyrxwf2zBzGbSuDJSy93V4mMPBTWB1QLZaK4BVYqdm7QGoNTxGPotqnqbuUwENdMSwLRDBWwXkr2Nhrf-jPb4zVZ6WE_PdvllDXOZubM/s1600-h/plates.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_gydpffbU7dB8ptXqUcFsoG2WacoGQYvGm6dPyrxwf2zBzGbSuDJSy93V4mMPBTWB1QLZaK4BVYqdm7QGoNTxGPotqnqbuUwENdMSwLRDBWwXkr2Nhrf-jPb4zVZ6WE_PdvllDXOZubM/s400/plates.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304495553349539618" /></a><br />So what did i eat for day three?... well look at yesterday until you get to dinner. <br />Repetition works for me... plus it's cheaper then buying 10 different everythings. Dinner though, i was lazy... i just didn't want to put a lot of effort into it... was even considering cheating b/c of it but i decided no... i'll eat my plate and if i'm still hungry then i'll cheat... but guess what... i was FULL! True story... full all night! OHH yea!<br />So below is my dinner. Half a plate of mixed greens topped with Fat free Italian dressing. Then some Barilla Plus Pasta topped with Lite Kabala (sp?) sausage (3 pieces) and topped with marina sauce. Now i wasn't supposed to have sauce with sugar in BUT i had very little in it and it was all i had in the pantry... and i had less sauce then i normally do~<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSEB-jpo-w8MhvSYDSKMuElF79NFK0wXuyeyvD0qLZP4S1HOVF0t6f3BCtVRLBpHZv8Dlafdmp-VlogrKl1on_1YCLaTuZom7poRMwgzTiNdd2F-7WoQxsil0ocIOMf9GjyZ9ybrjytCk/s1600-h/dinner2:18.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSEB-jpo-w8MhvSYDSKMuElF79NFK0wXuyeyvD0qLZP4S1HOVF0t6f3BCtVRLBpHZv8Dlafdmp-VlogrKl1on_1YCLaTuZom7poRMwgzTiNdd2F-7WoQxsil0ocIOMf9GjyZ9ybrjytCk/s400/dinner2:18.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304495498797840882" /></a><br />Sooo moving on to Day 4!breedwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11574996082029219201noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6563964586396166659.post-33680803562354937512009-02-18T04:58:00.001-08:002009-02-18T05:06:52.449-08:00Balsamic Chicken<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlw-q74zPrTVa0FF27cmQAFyCc9yMtP8pxWDjeUfpHQUF8Jy-SjiQ5qBdNUco_WO53Vj2_Ep0nsw6MpfUAXtRCgm0P0zdXryHUxOS-tEhbT6_iS3ZDSf9i3CQ6nP5iUBWvCr0smjQYPXk/s1600-h/chicken.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlw-q74zPrTVa0FF27cmQAFyCc9yMtP8pxWDjeUfpHQUF8Jy-SjiQ5qBdNUco_WO53Vj2_Ep0nsw6MpfUAXtRCgm0P0zdXryHUxOS-tEhbT6_iS3ZDSf9i3CQ6nP5iUBWvCr0smjQYPXk/s400/chicken.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304121179782904754" /></a><br />This was tasty and very moist but honestly i could have used more flavor (it's one of the book's recipes)... maybe if i would have grilled it then there would have been at least the grill taste... oh well it was still very good!<br />Ingredients<br />4 skinless, boneless chicken breast, 1- 1 1/4lbs (i had 3 big ones)<br />1/4 c Balsamic vinegar<br />1/4 c olive oil<br />3 cloves garlic, minced (1 1/2 tsp minced)<br />1/4 tsp salt<br />1/4 tsp crushed red pepper<br /><br />Place your chicken between 2 pieces of plastic wrap and beat it to within an inch of it's lift... well 1/2 an inch (thickness that is)<br />Place it in a sealable baggie and pour the above marinade (premixed) over it. Seal and put in fridge for at least 1 hour, up to 4 hours, turning occasionally.<br /><br />Discard the marinade when you remove Chicken from bad and grill or heat in oven.<br /><br />I made mine in an oven on a boil pan, at 400 degress for around 15 mins.<br />Enjoy!breedwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11574996082029219201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6563964586396166659.post-54947062963847998192009-02-18T04:52:00.000-08:002009-02-18T04:58:24.799-08:00Hot Suff Rice<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzexhB34VyDeGj1k60zVs5Jm8HX2jvh0sKu7qKpO7ZluFivXP-jvJFXHaTcA7tkAxy04BokAjMtvlK1kbuGr8HqnjgVvgsXqTTYD3NNvG7RpQtJfDHAO8Xm3JhohuKpDNndzDody5YFhQ/s1600-h/rice.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 337px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzexhB34VyDeGj1k60zVs5Jm8HX2jvh0sKu7qKpO7ZluFivXP-jvJFXHaTcA7tkAxy04BokAjMtvlK1kbuGr8HqnjgVvgsXqTTYD3NNvG7RpQtJfDHAO8Xm3JhohuKpDNndzDody5YFhQ/s400/rice.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304119489173970482" /></a><br />I created this yumminess when i realized that my chicken was going to be a little sweet and tangy so i wanted a bold hotness to blend nicely with it. Also brown rice is one of the few grains i can have (since i don't think i could get Chris to eat Quinoa or Barley... not sure i'm ready for that yet!) So here's what i did...<br />I have this GREAT Pampered Chef Microwave rice cooker so i loaded it up with<br />3 1/2 c of water<br />1 c brown rice<br />2 tbsp sliced green onions<br />3/4 tsp minced garlic<br />1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro<br />1 tspish of red pepper flakes<br />splash of olive oil<br />Pepper<br />very small amount of I can't believe it's not butter light<br />Cook in the micro for 35 mins and DONE<br />This had a really nice kick that blended well with the chicken!breedwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11574996082029219201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6563964586396166659.post-31166979213845207352009-02-18T04:41:00.000-08:002009-02-18T04:52:17.241-08:00Sonoma Diet, Day 2! By Joe!They aren't lying to you! When all these diet/nutrition books tell you to eat slower and you'll get full faster, etc.. it's TRUE! So in day one i was dealing with EXTREME hunger after dinner so i decided to try something different. First i ate a little later, this obviously helping (ate at 7 instead of 6). Then i took 25 minutes people to eat my 9" plate of food! Oh YEA! This is incredible for me because normally i look at eating like a track event, the first one done is the winner! Not SO i tell you! WOW! So i ate VERY slow and i don't know about getting full FASTER but i did stay full LONGER! That was just what i needed! YES! Chris was even impressed with my slow eating! lol!<br />So here's what Day 2 looked like...<br />Breakfast: Same old Cereal as day one<br />Snack: Coffee with FF creamer and splenda (i HAVE to have this... sorry sonoma)<br />Lunch: As you see below i had mixed greens with baby spinach topped with a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan and Ken's Balsamic Vinaigrette from the healthy options line. And i had half of a whole wheat pita!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmK__D4Dpim4pZptDLCHBvDAVJC8spf_FxlATEqKB-KxUyvV3wjf4jjzp9rpowgCcVhSFC4GYsOopkci3HRYwznTjcov_INn4IT8mEI7uOgddUlB7aPX4OvJp2hp0F6mqNuMiRoInq1to/s1600-h/lunch.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmK__D4Dpim4pZptDLCHBvDAVJC8spf_FxlATEqKB-KxUyvV3wjf4jjzp9rpowgCcVhSFC4GYsOopkci3HRYwznTjcov_INn4IT8mEI7uOgddUlB7aPX4OvJp2hp0F6mqNuMiRoInq1to/s400/lunch.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304116841122760498" /></a><br />Snack: On my day off i made baggies of veggies that i could eat for snack. They included a few slices of each: green bell pepper, cucumber, celery, and some cherry tomatoes! <br />Snack at home: I had a skim mozzarella cheese stick and a glass of diet orange soda<br />Dinner: This was quite good! As you can see we had peas (no recipe needed, open a can and heat them up!), Balsamic Chicken and Hot Stuff Rice! Please note the plate is a 9" plate! ooooh yea! <br />Also i had TONS of water throughout my day~<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHkEhdycMQoQsR3NodkfGhi5ZBoigZnU71dQS3rIOXBBUILGJ4yOO0OkSD0Ab_Dy0pDUvLEr5dPE6JP-STewNJAmXAWSkJQqhTSqLZyHwri1umpXKJQiKq1Ibc6v-X7VH5OfMdz_3JRYo/s1600-h/sonoma2dinner.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHkEhdycMQoQsR3NodkfGhi5ZBoigZnU71dQS3rIOXBBUILGJ4yOO0OkSD0Ab_Dy0pDUvLEr5dPE6JP-STewNJAmXAWSkJQqhTSqLZyHwri1umpXKJQiKq1Ibc6v-X7VH5OfMdz_3JRYo/s400/sonoma2dinner.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304116737034693442" /></a>breedwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11574996082029219201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6563964586396166659.post-66722710554127712402009-02-17T07:05:00.001-08:002009-02-17T07:37:51.853-08:00TuTu Heaven<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqQAQDI1JipdtxW9iCTouJaFBgiW54dyApVzk6CnLfNJjiT1p8D_spoYgBmomhaWE6YfzfGeKm3c80QMGlvY3IFPHH-ROwyomjNjAhPQlsNtnxdI3z-r5Rxn88JFUbY2kuaUGvdl3tPxA/s1600-h/tutu.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqQAQDI1JipdtxW9iCTouJaFBgiW54dyApVzk6CnLfNJjiT1p8D_spoYgBmomhaWE6YfzfGeKm3c80QMGlvY3IFPHH-ROwyomjNjAhPQlsNtnxdI3z-r5Rxn88JFUbY2kuaUGvdl3tPxA/s400/tutu.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303782710378849234" /></a><br />This is not eddible, but i made it~ This is sooo easy to make and here's how!<br /><br />What you'll need<br />Tulle of preferred colors (i got about 10 yards... but i had a lot left over b/c my little person is short!)<br />elastic (a thin strip)<br />sissors<br />thick satin ribbon<br />thin ribbons in various colors<br />silk flower<br />Needle and thread<br /> <br />First measure you darlin's little waist. Then add on about two inches and cut the elastic that size.<br />Over lap the elastic ends about an inch and sew together.<br />Measure the length that you want your Tutu then double and add 2 inches. For exaple:<br />I wanted mine to be 8inches long <br />So i made my pieces of tulle 18 inches long (8x2=16+2+18)<br />Go through and cut all you tulle 18 inches long, then take those pieces and cut into strips about 3"-4" thick. So you'll have an 18x4 strip. This doesn't have to be exact, i measured the 18" but eyeballed the 3-4" thick strips. Worked JUST FINE!<br /><br />Now that you have your strips and your band you can begin to place together. <br /><br />I wish i had taken a picture of this next step but i'll try to explain.<br />Hold one strip of tulle with the two ends together so there's a connected end and a cut end. place the elastic circle on top. Loop the cut end over the elastic and through the connected end and pull. This should now have your tulle secured on the band! <br />You will continue this until all your tulle is on in whatever pattern etc you're trying for. The one above is as follows.<br />Hot Pink (about 65ish pieces)<br />Then i mixed in Yellow and blue creating 2 blue patches and 2 yellow patches and then a few random pieces here and there.<br />Topped it with Light pink and white and then a few more Hot Pink Tulle. <br /><br />Now you add your ribbon. Cut your pieces just like you did the tulle and secure in any pattern you prefer. I decided to do 5 pink, 5 blue, and 5 yellow.<br />Now make your Satin bow.<br />I found it easier to tie the bow on in a knot then as i made the bow i secured the flower in it!<br />And Voila! A perfectly cute tutu!breedwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11574996082029219201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6563964586396166659.post-48971985461891663202009-02-17T06:45:00.000-08:002009-02-17T07:00:37.082-08:00Marinated Flank Steak<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj__N8lR_AXjWKIJUFYbk_eLISEAApcJUZX4CeII6qbGk1SzJMC4rygTbNL6421C7wUb8OwLO5mYMTOPecwhouJlqoXkGOdCQ9SWvC_tTyvjlLgb0_HksGVXBQMIXho3DDqAwi2mVGVYrg/s1600-h/maranated+steak.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj__N8lR_AXjWKIJUFYbk_eLISEAApcJUZX4CeII6qbGk1SzJMC4rygTbNL6421C7wUb8OwLO5mYMTOPecwhouJlqoXkGOdCQ9SWvC_tTyvjlLgb0_HksGVXBQMIXho3DDqAwi2mVGVYrg/s400/maranated+steak.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303778357161428178" /></a><br />This is quite the tasty treat! It sure had a kick too! I cooked this with REALLY thin steaks so that i could cut them up for my salad and i think if you did it on a thicker steak it wouldn't be as spicy! But Soo good! <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Ingredients</span><br /><br /> * 1 (1-1/2 to 2 pounds) flank steak<br /> * 1/4 cup chopped fresh rosemary or 1 tablespoon dried, crumbled<br /> * 1 tablespoon chopped fresh marjoram or 1 teaspoon dried, crumbled (i didn't have any)<br /> * 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano or 1 teaspoon dried, crumbled<br /> * 1-1/2 teaspoons minced garlic<br /> * 1-1/2 teaspoons paprika<br /> * 1 teaspoon coarse salt<br /> * 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper<br /> * 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper<br /> * 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus additional for grill pan<br /><br />Directions<br /><br />1. Trim fat from steak and place steak in a shallow dish. Stir together rosemary, marjoram, oregano, garlic, paprika, salt, and peppers in a small bowl. Stir in the oil until combined.<br /><br />2. Spoon herb mixture evenly over both sides of steak, rubbing in. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator 1 hour or up to 24 hours.<br /><br />3. Preheat grill pan over moderately high heat. Lightly coat pan with oil and place steak in pan. Grill, turning once, until a meat thermometer inserted into center of steak registers 125 degree F for medium rare, 10 to 12 minutes.<br /><br />4. Transfer to a cutting board. Cover and let stand 10 minutes before cutting, across the grain, into very thin slices. Makes 8 servings.breedwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11574996082029219201noreply@blogger.com0