Chickcous Salad

Always looking for something healthy, fast and delicious, I was on the prowl to try something other than a sandwich, salad, mac and cheese or soup. So today, I decided to experiment with items I always have around my house.

Here's what you'll need:
- Butter
- Couscous in a box (I used Parm flavor)
- Chicken Nuggets
- Salsa (I heart Newmans Own)

For chickcous salad, I simply made the box of couscous as it said on the box:

Then I made some chicken nuggets in the oven, heated up some salsa (around 1/4 cup) for a minute in the microwave. Combine all ingredients and BAM!

It was lovely. A hint of spice and protein.
Only 11 WW PtsPlus,too! 

Sadly, I see couscous as a side dish, but I'd love to use it in more and more ways. 

Brunch?

I always thought brunch was kind of a waste, mainly because I never understood it. To my surprise it isn't some totally preppy-weird-lazy-thing. IT'S DELICIOUS!

I've decided, yet again, to re-find focus for this blog. I would love to keep track of my foodcapades and adventures in the kitchen. Lately, I've become more and more obsessed with the Food Network and trying new
recipes. I want to try a new recipe every week, but realistically it won't happen that often. So, new recipe whenever I can!!

Yesterday afternoon, the theme was brunch. So, I decided to make the "Brunch Approved" menu by Sunny Andersen.

It was yummy and included:
-Asparagus
-Eggs in a basket
- Pistachio and poppy seed bread with creamed honey

I didn't make the asparagus right, but I thought it was weird for the menu. But hey, let's try a different fruit or veg next time.

The eggs in a basket recipe can be found here: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/eggs-in-baskets-recipe/index.html and was awesome. I'd recommend buying shredded hash browns and making scrambled eggs instead.

But, the pistachio poppy bread, don't change a damn thing. It was like a dream. Try it out. http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/sunny-anderson/pistachio-poppy-bread-recipe/index.html

Success!!

Tonight I made a 10 ingredient dinner from an episode of Rachel Ray.

IT WAS AWESOME. 


Seriously, even B liked it. On the menu was mozzarella-stuffed meatballs, roasted broccoini and cheesy smashed potatoes. It was so good, I can't believe it was so easy, fast and cheap. I'd highly recommend it. Here's the link if you want to give it a try.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/mozzarella-stuffed-chicken-sausage-balls-tomato-basil-sauce-cacio-e-pepe-potatoes-and-roast-broccolini-recipe/index.html

I think B liked it because the meatballs were manly. It's really a secret, cut the casing off Italian pork sausage, throw it in a bowl and wrap it around a mozzarella bowl. I was really crazy about the broccolini aka baby broccoli. I'm all over roasting vegetables that improves the flavors without dredging it in butter or anything, just a little olive oil--Yummo (courtesy of Mrs. Ray)

Bon Eats!
 

Meh

Claire Robinson, I'm sorry. Your show is very interesting, and I love the concept of 5 ingredients to make a meal but it was gross. The brussels sprouts were fine, I guess but I'm not a bacon lover. I found out that I hate sweet potatoes and the chicken tasted like it should've been fish. I don't know, maybe next time...


Tomorrow I'm making mozzarella stuffed meatballs. I'm more than excited.

So I lied...

We're out to Uno's pizza, which is by far my favorite pizza in the city of Chicago.

I usually love to get the Numero Uno, deep dish of course. The description is even to die for:  A 'works' pizza with sausage, pepperoni, onions, peppers, mushrooms and our unique chunky tomato sauce. Topped with mozzarella and grated Romano on flaky, buttery amazing crust. Mmmmmm.

Reinspired

After watching Julie and Julia, I have been inspired again to write about my first true love, food. B, apparently, reads these and made fun of me, but hey. Let's try this again.

My goal is to write on as much food as possible. Once I get into my new house with a gorgeous blue and orange kitchen, I will trek through Julia Child's food bible.

Well, tonight, here again I go. I am not worried about giving information about my weight loss struggle or other random facts about my life, simply I will go on and on about my love of food, recipes and tips I learn through my kitchen.

On the menu this evening:
I've been watching Food Network a lot lately--even at the gym. I am recently obsessed with 5 Ingredient Fix and finding meals that won't make me buy 1938495 ingredients at the store. So, for B's birthday, I thought I'd go with the romantic meal by Claire Robinson.

Buttermilk Pecan Chicken
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/claire-robinson/buttermilk-pecan-chicken-recipe/index.html

Crispy Brussels Sprouts
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/claire-robinson/crispy-brussels-sprouts-recipe/index.html

Maple Sweet Potatoes
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/claire-robinson/maple-sweet-potato-puree-with-caramelized-onions-recipe/index.html

Chili Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/claire-robinson/chili-chocolate-covered-strawberries-recipe/index.html

Cross your fingers--I think I'm about to fall in love all over again.

Bon Food!

Two Weeks of Groceries...

Earlier this week, I had a breakthrough, a realization that I started eating out a lot more at the cafeteria, McDonald's, or whatever I saw; this was because I had no food at my house. None that I deemed "healthy" enough to bring for lunch or cook for dinner.

So, last night, I trekked to Aldi in the cold and bought two weeks of groceries for $67. No I am not kidding. I got the idea and the lists for what to make at the Kraft Foods website. It's a neat section under "Budget Wi$e" where you can fit 5 dinners in 1 bag. I would like to debate how big their bag was, but it still saved me a lot of money and kept me on track at the grocery store!
Tonight, I am going to make Taco Salad, which sounds absolutely delicious. I am excited, because I can make two servings and bring one for lunch tomorrow. My only msitake is that I forgot to by tortilla chips, but that makes it even a little healthier! But, I may have to go out and buy a mini bag of Fritos. I'll let you know how it tastes :) For those who were wondering, this is 12 PointsPlus values.
 

Also, this morning I had a stellar breakfast sandwich you all have to know about. It was called the Rise&Shine, and I got it at my gym cafe. But, it seems so easy to make at home!
All you need is:
-1 large tortilla
-2 egg whites
-2 tbsp salsa
-1 slice of your favorite cheese, I got provolone
-1 cup of fresh spinach
- 2-3 slices of pre-cooked bacon

Simply, whip up the egg whites in a pan, and put everything in the tortilla. Wrap up like a burrito and viola! Only 8 PointsPlus values, and it is extremely filling. Almost beats a greasy sausage biscuit that makes you feel icky.

Well, Operation 20 has ceased in existence BUT, I am on track to lose even MORE weight than I ever thought I could. After joining Weight Watchers (and started to pay attention), I have lost 13lbs! I am so excited that I can see the weight melting off. I cannot wait to look HOT in that wedding dress and laying in a bikini (for the first time EVER) on the beach.