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.

Bonjour!

I'm in a Julie & Julia mood. In fact, I think that is going to be on the line up for tomorrow night.


J'adore manger. C'est vrai.

Today I got to experience the delicious Week Night Chese Quiche I made a few days ago. I'm going to bring it to lunch tomorrow. It's low on WW Points and high in veggies and flavor!

I, of course, being a creator, love not following recipes to a tee. So, I added about a cup of frozen red, green and yellow bell peppers to the party. It makes it look festive and adds more filling to keep you fuller longer.


Also, because I am inspired by my weight loss, I thought I would share my gym plan for the next few months to drop these hated extra pounds on my body. I want to go to the gym 3-5 times a week and plan to change the routine everyday to keep myself from getting bored.

During a typical week, I want to:
Monday: Run for 20 minutes, arm machines and abs
Tuesday: Weight loss function on elliptical for 30minutes
Wednesday: Run for 20 minutes, arm machines and abs
Thursday: Weight-loss function of elliptical for 30minutes
Friday: Walk on tredmil at 3MPH for 45minutes or 4MPH for 3minutes
Saturday: Relax!
Sunday: Yoga routine at home

Bride-to-Be

It's scary to think that in a little over 17 months, I'm going to be walking down the aisle. In fact, I'm still shocked.

So, in order to be happy, healthy and sexy, I joined Weight Watchers.
I went tonight to the weigh-in and got some great news, because I worked out hard and watched what I ate, I lost 4.4 pounds this week. I am pretty excited to keep seeing the scale go down. It's even more exciting to keep track of my measurements online and see the line graph going down :) I need to remember this feeling when I am on the tredmill at the gym!!

While I don't work for Weight Watchers, I definitely advocate for their program. I can eat what I want, when I want and I never feel hungry. I am putting my own spin on the program by holding myself accountable for cooking more (and spending less) and working out. I want to continue working out a minimum of three days a week. One of my favorite snacks are sugar-free Jello and fruit because they are zero (yes, ZERO) WW points.

This weekend, I had some great success with cooking recipes. Even though B and I went out for pizza and ordered delivery, I was able to manage eating a few fresh-baked cookies and try some new recipes. One of which we created!

This is a great recipe for a party. I made them for a friend's birthday/tapas party. They were quite good!
Sweet & Sour Turkey Meatballs

Ingredients

Sauce

• 4 8-ounce cans tomato sauce
• 1 small onion, minced
• 1/2 red bell pepper, seeded and minced
• 1/2 green bell pepper, seeded and minced
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Meatballs

• 1 medium-sized red potato, peeled
• 1 small onion, cut into large chunks
• 2 egg whites
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 2 1/2 pounds ground turkey

Preparation

1. To make sauce: Combine tomato sauce, onion, red and green bell pepper, sugar, lemon juice, parsley, garlic, Italian seasoning blend and pepper in a large saucepan. Simmer over medium-low heat for 30 minutes.
2. To make meatballs: Puree potato, onions, egg whites, Italian seasonings, garlic, salt and pepper in a food processor or blender until smooth. Transfer to a large bowl. Add turkey and mix thoroughly. Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls.
3. Add the meatballs to the sauce. Shake to coat meatballs with sauce. Partially cover and simmer on low heat without stirring for 30 minutes. Uncover and simmer until sauce thickens, about 30 minutes longer. Shake the pot several times during cooking to avoid sticking.

Cheesy Chicken& Broccoli Omelet
B & I made this recipe up this morning when we wanted to have a healthy, filling breakfast. It was a great add-on accompanying 1 chocolate-chip pancake, hash browns and coffee.

Ingredients
3 eggs
1/8 cup fat-free shredded cheddar cheese
1/8 cup fat-free milk
1 package single serve Green Giant broccoli in cheese sauce
1/2 skinless, boneless chicken breast
1tsp mexican seasoning
salt and pepper

Directions
1. Cut the chicken into small bite-size cubes
2. Rub Mexican seasoning, salt and pepper over chicken pieces until evenly coated
3. Coat a non-stick skillet in cooking spray and sautee the chicken over medium-high heat, about 7-9 minutes.
4. While cooking the chicken, put the broccoli tub in microwave according to directions
5. Combine cooked broccoli and chicken in a small bowl.
6. Crack eggs, add milk anda dd whisk until blended
7. Pour the eggs in a low-medium heated skillet, cook until the edges of the egg become opaque yellow
8. Pour the mixture and cheese in the center of the egg circle
9. Flip one half of the egg circle on to the other half and cook until the egg is not runny.
*10. Because this makes two servings, B and I cut the omelet in half and then flipped it over.
 

New Me, New Year...

Yes, I know that that title has been used in practically every blog ever made when a new year approaches. But, it's true!

Breaking News: I got engaged. Me & B are finally going to tie the knot. So, now I really have some oomph behind this weight loss plan.

What I am doing to make myself better (without calling it a resolution):
1. Join Weight Watchers (check)
2. Go to the gym at least three times a week
3. Eat better, more healthy choices (check)
Currently, I have planned my menus for the next two weeks, and I have did all of my grocery shopping to accommodate :)
4. Enjoy

So, tonight I went to Weight Watchers, and even though I did not really "follow the plan"'; I lost 2.6 pounds. I am pretty damn proud of myself. I managed not to gain weight during the holidays! With that, I am buzzing to follow the program.

Today, I allocated my points perfectly to allow for a midnight snack.
Breakfast: Oatmeal and coffee
Lunch: Lasagna cupcakes*
*Found at hungrygirl.com, which an AWESOME site
Dinner: Hamburger Helper Stroganaff
In order to make yourself more full and stretch the pot, add a can of drained green beans when cooking!
Dessert: Smart One Cookie Dough Sundae (awesome!!)
Snack: Chips and dip, no I'm not kidding and chai tea

I want to relax more, and I am trying to begin a "settle down" ritual to drink tea and relax before I go to bed. Bed by midnight every week night is a goal, too.