The Mirror Never Lies

Today I made the mistake of deciding to try some clothes on at the store.  I'm in there all excited about this cute blouse for work and a fabulous hot pink dress that will go great with my shoes.  So as one does, I strip down to my bra and underwear...... and that is when reality slapped me right across the face!  And boy did it sting.  It was all laying out there in front of me; the flab and fat that I squeeze and hide in and under my clothes.  It's the truth - The mirror never lies! 

I couldn't help think about everyone always saying "you look great" or "you're not fat" or "why do you want to loose weight - you look fine".  Huh!  Well I should just have them take a nice long look at the reflection staring right back at me.  I would be lying if I didn't tell you that squishy, pear shaped chic; who BTW definitely did something to piss gravity off, because he isn't kind to her one bit, that she looks like she is going to rip my head off.  She is so judgy too.  "Oh like those Carl's Jr hamburgers huh?"  or "How was that ice cream last night?"  Whatever!!

So why is the mirror more brutally honest than we are?  Why do we basically lie to one another when we are in need of watching our weight or getting in shape?  I know it is because  we don't want to hurt someone's feelings.  But what hurts more the lie or being lied too?  I wouldn't want someone to say "Ya you're a fat ass alright", but maybe something neutral and positive would be more in order.  That way I can be honest with myself as well.  My response from now on will be something like "I think you should do whatever makes you feel good about yourself both inside and out"!  Now that is what I would like to hear. That would give me the encouragement to work on my weight and face that mirror next time with a different attitude!

KC

Home Grown Goodness

Well I haven't blogged in awhile, but not because I have been lazy, just busy.  Our big project has been putting in a vegetable and herb garden.  As you will see from the pictures below, this is how the yard looked when we moved in.  It has some nice green plants and succulents, and two dead eggplants - but that is about it.

So as you can see, not too much in it, but some great space.  Being that we do not own this house, we couldn't just do what ever we wanted.  However, we (meaning my husband) built a great, small little raised garden area that will meet our needs perfectly!

Here we had a issue with the concrete coming out into the bed almost a third of the way. I saw this great picture on Pinterest where they double stacked the bed for more space - So that is what we did.  In the top row there are my herbs, Thyme, Italian Parsley, Sweet Basil, Onion Chives (and Sage when I get one).  We also have a strawberry plant we got for our daughter and a butter lettuce head (the living ones you buy at the store - we just pulled off the leaves we needed and planted the rest in the garden.  So far it is doing great.)

The bottom row is tomatillos, Anaheim pepper, jalapeno, pablano, and a sweet red pepper.  With a rosemary at the far end.  In the empty spot we will put in a yellow bell pepper, kale and spinach.  All stuff we use on a regular basis.

The center garden is more of a memorial than a garden.  It is where our precious Finley is laid to rest.  I made him a nice plaque and we surrounded him with Gerbana daisies, a jasmine (behind pot) and marigold in yellow and orange.  The pot will hold a dwarf lime tree once we buy one.  That's Gigi checking out the plants.  I think I will have to keep an eye on her!

The right side is our tomato garden.  Roma and two Early Girl's.  Would have liked to have done some heirlooms, but that is okay.  Maybe next year. 

Now to just sit and wait for all our yummy food to grow in!  I can't wait!

Where do you get your protein?

I was messing around on Facebook this morning and I came across an article a dear friend of mine, Christy, had posted.  It was about plant based protein.  Intrigued I followed the link on the article and found it really fascinating.

There always seems to be this big Protein debate when it comes to diets, food lifestyle choices (like that one- who can be P.C. now huh), and nutrition.  Some of the biggest ones come from my husband constantly telling me that I need the protein to make me feel fuller and to get me through the day.  And he's right (don't tell him I said that!)  But where does my protein have to come from.  Are we stuck in this way of thinking that our protein can only come from animal meat, eggs, and nuts? Nope!

So if I don't want to have those things each and everyday - then what?  When I want to make a smoothie for breakfast, my husband will often say - this would be better if we put some protein powder in it.  But why would I want to put that chemical based protein in my body?  One of my green smoothies contains kale (2.5g), spinach (1g), grapes (1g), kiwi (1g), flaxseed (1.25g), and pineapple (1g) = 7.75 grams of protein.

The amount of protein a person needs can be calculated like this: weight x 0.36 (grams).  I weigh about 140 pounds, so therefore I need 50.4 grams per day. One of my smoothies is 15% of  my daily allowance.  Not bad when it comes with the rest of my meals.

Here are two great articles that talk about protein from other sources.  Check them out.

http://gentleworld.org/10-protein-packed-plants/

http://www.vegparadise.com/protein.html

KC

Ready to Begin!

My husband taking my picture as I am working on our menu and showing off my new haircut!  LOL

So yesterday I got my menu for the upcoming week finished and the grocery list ready.  It is not an easy task, but it makes it all worth while.  Right now I am still using Excel for my menu and grocery list.  I am slowly moving all my recipes into Pepperplate, in an effort to make the grocery list and planning easier.  The part that I will lose is the adding up of calories that I have Excel set-up to do.

In this picture you can see a section of my menu.  I plan out an entire week of breakfast, lunch, snack, dinner and dessert.  Each meal has its total calories and the cookbook source and page number (making it super easy come prep time).  At the bottom I have total calories for the day and then how many are leftover  - this is nice for when I feel a bit peckish.

Having the menu printed out and hung on the fridge door is great.  (So I will probably still use my Excel sheet - even after converting over to Pepperplate).  It not only is a great tool for me, but also the rest of the family.  They can see what is on there for dinner, and I don't have to answer that "What's for Dinner" question quite as much!  Now that's the real bonus!!

For those of you that know me, you know what a real sweet-tooth I have.  So that is why I think it is important to include desserts and treats into your diet plan.  There are some real great ones out there for just a couple hundred calories.  By planning those into my menu, I don't the need to search for goodies in the cupboard or get a candy bar out of the vending machine.  Depriving yourself the treats makes it more difficult to stick to your plan.  One of our favorites is Elle Krieger's  Banana Cream Pie http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ellie-krieger/banana-cream-pie-recipe/index.html.  It is only 218 calories per slice and is really delicious - and easy to make.  The link also has a video on it.  Give it a try and tell me what you think!  Hopefully it will become a family favorite of yours as well.

KC

The House Smells Fabulous

We just got home from the beach picnic.  Boy was it cold!  It was a nice time though.  Walked the Venice Boardwalk and then ate our picnic on the beach. 

For lunch I made Oven Fried Chicken.  Why oven?   The reason is so that it is not completely deep fried in oil.  Barefoot Contessa has you use and inch of oil in a large stockpot.  I use a little less than that.  You are only cooking it in the oil for about 3 minutes per side - just long enough to get a nice and golden crust.  Then into the oven it goes for about 30-40 minutes.  

Now I have taken Barefoot Contessa's recipe and added my own touches to it.  Here is the Food Network link to her recipe (http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/oven-fried-chicken-recipe/index.html).  It is delicious on its own, but I like to add to the buttermilk marinade.  I add in about 2 Tbs minced garlic, 2 bay leaves and about 1 tsp of crushed red pepper.  Now honestly, I don't measure, so these are approximates.  If you have some on hand, Old Bay Seasoning tastes really good when added to the flour mixture.  But it is also delicious just as it is.  Have fun with it.  The recipe is so good that it is great hot or cold!

Okay I am off to boil my potatoes for the Colcannon tonight.  See you soon!
KC

La' Fhe'ile Pa'draig Sona Daoibh!

I decided not to wait until tomorrow to enjoy the wondrous foods of the Isle.  Tomorrow night will be delicious Corned Beef and Cabbage - yes I do really like it!!  I cook it in the crock-pot on low for 12 hours, so I will be getting up extra early for Sunday to get it started - but it will be so worth it.  But more about that tomorrow.  Tonight is another fabulous meal and one  my daughter thinks sounds weird.  It's Toad-in-the-Hole.  A classic English meal that I am giving an Mick twist to by using Irish bangers. I served it with roasted carrots and potatoes.

Roasted vegetables Barefoot Contessa style!  Toss with olive oil, salt and pepper on a sheet pan.  Trust me there is nothing better than roasted veggies!

Now onto the Toad-in-the-Hole.  Basically T.I.T.H. is bangers in Yorkshire pudding.  A batter of milk, eggs, and butter; just like Popovers.

While the batter rests, brown the bangers in just a wee bit of olive oil.

Warm the casserole pan in the oven while it is heating up.  Place the hot bangers in the pan and then pour over the pudding mix.

Cook for 20-30 minutes until golden brown and puffy!

Add a side of pub mustard........And then eat and enjoy!

• • 1 1/2 cup of all purpose flour
  • 1 scant teaspoon Kosher salt
  • Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 eggs, beaten
  • 1 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 Tbsp melted butter
  • 1 Tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 lb of bangers (an English sausage made with pork and breadcrumbs), or good quality pork or beef sausage links (in casings) 
   
• 1 In a large bowl, whisk together the flour with the salt and a pinch of pepper. Make a well in the center of the flour. Pour in the eggs, milk, and melted butter into the well and whisk into the flour until smooth. Cover and let stand 30 minutes.
• 2 Coat the bottom and sides of an 8x12 or 9x9 casserole dish with vegetable oil (we use high smoke point grapeseed or canola oil). Place a rack in the bottom third of the oven. Put the empty dish on the rack. Preheat the oven with the dish in it to 425°F.
• 3 While the oven is coming to temperature, heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet on medium high. Add the sausages and brown them on at least a couple sides.
• 4 When the sausages have browned, and the dish in the oven hot, pull the oven rack out a bit, put the sausages in the casserole dish, and pour the batter over the sausages. Cook for about 20-30 minutes or until the batter is risen and golden.
• Serve at once.
   
  

Homemade Laundry Detergent

In my quest to be more healthy, I have also decided to do it externally as well.  A lot of this comes from my having migraines from strong scents.  It used to be just bleach, but sadly now it has expanded to all sorts and detergents and perfumes. 

I found this great recipe for Homemade Laundry Detergent on Pinterest (have I ever told you how much I love Pinterest?)  Anyway I made the detergent and it works great.  I spent about a little more this go around as I got the 2 gallon glass jar ($10 at Wal-Mart) and then another $3 on the 2 Tbs. scoop from Sur La Table.  Now the recipe says that you can use between 1-2 Tbs per load.  I have done a small load using the 1 Tbs and a larger load with the 2 Tbs.  Both seem  to work fine.

Now does it really work you ask?  Here is a picture of my daughter's white leggings.  Yes they are suppose to be white, however the school's blacktop is not so friendly towards her clothing as you can see.

I washed them in a normal load and it helped a little, but then I decided to try and soak them in the detergent.  Here is how they came out.  Not perfect by any means, but about 85% better than they were before!!

The recipe is super easy, the only challenge I had was finding the ingredients.  I had to get most of them at Wal-mart (and I hate shopping there), but they carried all the items.  I did go to 3 other stores and finally gave in and went there.

Check out the author's blog.  She has some real great stuff on there - and I do recommend the detergent.  She made it and said it lasted her about 9 months.
 http://beingcreativetokeepmysanity.blogspot.com/2010/11/homemade-laundry-soap.html#comments

Give it a try and let me know if it works for you too!

One of those great books I was telling you about...

Here is one of the book I was telling you about yesterday.  I found my copy at Costco for $16.99, but Amazon has it as well.  Here is the link http://www.amazon.com/The-Americas-Test-Kitchen-Cookbook/dp/193649308X

The reason I got this book and love it, is that it is all about making stuff yourself such as:

• Greek Yogurt
• Almond Butter
• Feta Cheese
• Mexican Chorizo
• Marinated Artichokes
• Worcestershire Sauce
• Graham Crackers

and for you Nutella fans......Chocolate Hazelnut Spread!

The quest for eating healthy isn't just about weight loss, it is about eating better food and knowing what is going into my body.  That is why I like a book like this one.  I can make these staples myself and know exactly what is in them.  I can cut out the unnecessary preservatives, chemicals and fillers.  Let's take Pickle Relish for example:  In d.i.y. cookbook there is nothing in the recipe other than vegetables and seasonings.  However in the bottle from the store the 2nd ingredient is High Fructose Corn Syrup followed by 6 chemical junk and food colorings.  Now I know that the argument is that the preservatives are necessary for shelf life, blah blah blah.  But I can use the simple canning method and the relish will store in sealed jars for 1 year.  Funny note: the expiration date on the store bottle is also 1 year away!  And even better the d.i.y. cookbook's recipe make 4 - 1 cup jars.  Even better - I will save money by making it myself as opposed to purchasing it in the store.  Canning jars and tools are a small investment and I can use them over and over again.

I never understood why people are so scared to try canning.  I always have people say "isn't that hard" or "that's so much work".  Both are myths.  This is my method for water bath canning.  I have the water at a full boil and here I can dip the jars and lids in to sterilize them (another easy way is to run them through the dishwasher - and take them out when they are hot).  This is the same water they get put back into to seal the jars.  Most water bath processing time is about 15-20 minutes.  Then the jars come out, sit on a towel or rack on the counter until cooled to room temperature, and then I put a label on them.  Done Son!  Canning jars and tools are a small investment and I can use them over and over again.  I have learned to put small labels on the lids, so I don't have to deal with scraping labels off jars.  The lid cannot be reused - but don't toss the ring (unless you used a butter knife handle to pound it open like my mom always did - then it isn't' any good any more).

I encourage you to give canning a try.  Start small.  A nice berry jam perhaps.  Take a beautiful afternoon trip to your local Farmer's Market, get yourself some lovely organic berries and come home and can them into a wonderful jam.  Trust me, once you try fresh homemade jam, you won't be able to stand the super sweetened version from the grocery store.  And get the kids in on it.  They will love making jams with you - just like I did with my grandmother as a young girl and as my daughter does today!

And if you have a great recipe you want to share - go for it!  And check out d.i.y. cookbook, it is really cool!

Happy Cooking!

Well I am embarrassed to see that it has been 2 years since I have been on my blog!  How lame is that?!!

A lot has changed in those two years, we have moved to OC (yeah my home town area), with that came new jobs, a new school for our daughter, and much more!  I will say that we do miss San Diego - I mean who wouldn't right?  However, being back in my native land is just wonderful too!  And I can't even tell you how close I live to Disneyland again!!

The bad part is that I got WAY off track on my weight loss and eating healthy plan.  It isn't an easy job let me tell you!  It is so much easier to give into the fast food and the quick fix dinners with busy schedules to juggle!  But I do have to be honest with myself and say THOSE ARE JUST EXCUSES!!  Sadly I have put the weight back on and am at 139 pounds!  So sad and so lame! 

Now I am back and serious about turning this all back around.  I have my menu planned and heading to the grocery store.  I will tell you that I have added some great tools to my repertoire.... a Vitamix, a great app called Pepperplate (http://www.pepperplate.com/), a couple handy books:  d.i.y.cookbook by America's Test Kitchen and The Doctor's Book of Food Remedies by Selene Yeager and the Editors of Prevention.

Pepperplate is a great tool.  You start it up on your PC, but then you can link it to your tablet's and phone.  I have it on my iPhone and my NOOK.  With it you can import recipes from all kinds of food site (ie Food Network, Martha Stewart, and so on), you can input your own recipes, and you can create menu's and grocery lists.  I used it for Christmas dinner for my first trial run.  I put the whole day in starting with my Grandmother's famous pancakes all the way to the turkey dinner.  I changed the portions on the recipes to fit my small family and then added it all onto the grocery list.  Now it doesn't just list it for you, it breaks it down into departments within the store!!  Finally an app that is freaky anal as I am!!  Seriously, I highly recommend it! 

Well I am glad to be back, and hope you come back too and get some enjoyment out of my ramblings!  See you soon!

KC

Success has been made

Okay, so I am terrible and haven't blogged for months.  My job takes a great deal of time now and when I get home all my devotion is to my family.  That aside I am happy to tell you that the "Cook Yourself Thin" theory really works.  I have dropped a dress size in the 6 weeks time and although I have not stayed on the diet in the past couple of months, I haven't gained anything back either. 

I haven't reached my 120 pounds yet, right now I am at 125 - but I did got down from a 6 to 8 to a size 4!  So that is really awesome.  I have also been able to buy size small again too.  So even though I still have my 5 pounds to go, I am really happy what I have accomplished.  Oh and I did buy a swimsuit!  LOL

I will start the diet back up again to tackle those other 5 pounds, and who knows maybe I will drop more than that!   

Getting ready for week 4

So I am down to 126 pounds.  My scale tried to taunt me with 125, but then changed it to 126.  Well that is fine!

I got a new cookbook this weekend on the recommendation of my friend Val.  It is Rocco DiSpirito's Now Eat This.  He takes recipes that are really popular and re-invents them into reasonable calories.  It is amazing how much he can take them down too.  Plus there are recipes that I wouldn't think I could ever have when calorie counting; like Creme Brulee!  He took it from the original 562 calories to just 116!  The one that really got me was the Shrimp Pad Thai (one of my most favorite dishes) from the original of 2,090 calories down to 291 calories!!  Yes you read that right!  This Friday night we are making his Burgers.  He took the idea of a Big Mac and changed it around (which is fine by me), but what I find most intriguing is that he puts Baba Ghanoush on it!  How fabulous does that sound!  I can't wait!

I will let you know how they turn out!

Trying to get life back on track

Man being sick and being the main chef in the house - just doesn't go well.  I didn't deviate from the calorie count and diet, but I didn't hold real true to my menu for the week either.  Thank goodness the Sloppy Joes made some good leftovers!

Last night we made the White Roasted Mushroom Pizza from Cook Yourself Thin Faster  and it was okay.  The flavor was really rather bland and we sat there thinking up ways to enhance it!  LOL  Tonight will be the Spring Rolls and Noodle Salad again.  I love those Spring Rolls!  And the sauce is killer!

I have most of the menu ready for next week, but haven't shopped for it yet, so that messes up tomorrow a little bit.  I better get in the kitchen and start working on dinner. 

Feeling a bit better

Today I feel a little better, I think.  Mostly just can't spend the time in bed although that is what I would rather be doing!  No soup today, so that is good.  I don't have a full appetite, but my stomach does keep growling at me.  I made some good use of my time though by prepping breakfast for tomorrow; since the French Toast Bread Pudding has to soak overnight anyway.  Man I love that recipe.  So easy and so yummy! 

For dinner we are going to have the Sloppy Joes from Ellie Krieger.  Those are a favorite of ours for some time now.  Since I had ground turkey in the freezer, I just used it instead of getting ground beef.  I actually made it this afternoon and then put it in the crock-pot to keep it warm.  I have one of those programmable kind, so it works out perfectly.  That way it is all ready for us when we get back tonight and we wont have to scramble to make dinner. 

For dessert we will be having strawberry shortcakes.  I am going to use the leftover Lady Fingers from the Tiramasu from last week.  This was the recommendation from the recipe book, so why not huh. 

I will post the sloppy joe recipe later on or maybe tomorrow.  It is really good and I think you all will like it.  One sandwich is only 265 calories.  Pretty awesome huh!

Down for the Count

Well I am officially admitting I am sick!  Dang Nabbit!  I hate being sick and I don't have time for it.  As a result I am not cooking today.  I know I know, but to be honest I am not really eating either - to sick to.  So I won't screw up my calorie intake today that is for sure.

Sunday was good.  We did leftovers for lunch, which was good.  Made more room in the fridge for the groceries we got on Monday.  For dinner I did make Buffalo Chicken Salad from Cook Yourself Thin and it was really good.  My daughter thought the chicken was too "zippy" though.  The Blue Cheese dressing was very light and not at all heavy like normal blue cheese.  Personally I would have wanted more dressing as I am a sauce fiend, but I know that is one of the worst contributors to high caloric foods.

Monday was shopping day and it took a lot out of me, being sick that is.  So we just hit Costco and the grocery store as Sunday was Trader Joes day (man I hate their parking lot).  For lunch we had Cheddar Melts minus the soup this time and dinner was Pork Medallions in Cherry Sauce by Ellie Krieger.  With the pork I also made Sweet Potato Gratin from the Cook Yourself Thin Faster cookbook.  It was so good!!!!!  The two together was only 483 calories! 

So today was chicken noodle soup for lunch and for dinner there is a can of Cream of Celery with my name on it.  Lame I know, but I just don't feel good and can't handle anything more than soup.  Hopefully this will pass soon!

PS:  Not only am I down for the count due to illness, but I am down in weight too.  When I left WA to move here, I was 137 pounds.  I dropped a couple here in sunny CA as we are more active, but I am happy to say after weighing myself this morning I am down 10 pounds from August.  Not too shabby - eh!!

Slow Sunday Morning

So I am not quite on the ball here.  I think it is this darn cold that is slowing me down.  I am just now working on my menu for this coming week.  But it was made a little easier by Hubby going through the cookbook and picking out some dinners.  Now I just need to do the breakfasts and lunches. 

I have to be honest, one of the biggest challenges with this is breakfast.  I am not a breakfast person.  Give me a cup of tea and call it good.  But I get that the 3 meals a day is the only way to loose weight.  But like most of us moms, trying to get the kid ready for school and all that jazz - the last thing I want to do is stand in there and prepare a stinkin omelet!  Not to mention that I really don't like eggs.  The best for me was the Bread Pudding that soaked in the fridge overnight and then all I had to do was throw it in the oven the next morning.  Now that rocked!

I think today we might head up to the Flea Market and Farmers Market.  Not super sunny today as it has been, but still a nice day!  Not sure about lunch, but for dinner we are going to try the Buffalo Chicken Salad!

Saturday Night

Well I survived my first big test today.  My husband said that we should just go by In-N-Out and get lunch today.  Then my daughter said we should go out to eat for dinner.  Both had the idea of making it easier on me so that I wouldn't have to cook.  I told them both they were sweet for the thought, but that I needed to stick to this! 

I can tell you the lunch I made was awesome.  No it wasn't In-N-Out and it is hard to compete with that, but I did pretty darn good.  I made Oven Baked Chicken Tenders with Coleslaw.  Now I have done the oven baked chicken plenty of times - and all have used the corn flakes and a buttermilk marinade, but what I liked about the Cook Yourself Thin  version is that to the buttermilk they added a bay leaf, dried thyme, garlic, and red pepper flakes.  Great flavor!  http://www.mylifetime.com/shows/cook-yourself-thin/recipes/oven-baked-crispy-chicken-tenders-with-coleslaw  Give them a try - they are delicious.  I didn't make the tartar sauce as I just didn't want to bother and wasn't up for the extra calories.  I will say that, for me, the sauce on the coleslaw was a little dry, so I added a little more of the vinegar and little more buttermilk.

Dinner was super easy.  I had taken out a serving of the Mini-Meatloaves that were in freezer and made those.  I didn't have the veggies to go with it, but steamed up some broccoli instead.  Hence the extra calories I have leftover for a small dessert.  Not enough for the pie that I made yesterday though, bummer.

Oh I didn't tell you that yesterday did I, sorry!  I spent about 3 hours in the kitchen, but from it I made a Banana Cream Pie from Ellie Krieger (218 calories a slice), Mocha Chip Meringues from Everyday Food Light Magazine (28 calories), and Homemade Granola from Cook Yourself Thin (270 calories in 1/2 cup).  Not too shabby use of my time! 

Posted Recipes

I added some links to recipes that I made this week - one's we really liked and were a big hit with the family.  Hope you give them a try!

A day behind

So yesterday's meals were really good too.  Leftovers for breakfast of the French Toast Bread Pudding and lunch was leftover Creamy Corn Chowder - so that made some room in the fridge!  Ha Ha! 

Dinner was really good, the only complaint I have was the length of time on them.  I didn't read all the way through the recipe - which I usually try to be really good about.  The sauce for the Spring Rolls has to sit 30 minutes and the Noodles an hour!  So that kind of back-fired on me.  Other than that they were both really awesome.  The sauce for the Spring rolls is delicious!!  I didn't bother with the Lemongrass it called for, and honestly I doubt we really missed it.  I am sure it wouldn't have added to the taste, but it wasn't worth the extra effort trying to find them.  As it was I went to 4 stores just to find the rice wrappers (must find an Asian Market). 

For dessert I made Tiramisu.  You make them in small individual ramekins - and they were just right to meet the sweet tooth.  Did I mention they are only 145 calories!!

So for today we had the remainder of the Overnight Oatmeal for breakfast.  But lunch I made Hubby's and Little Miss's favorite Chili Chicken Wraps from Martha Stewart's Everyday Food.  Those are so awesome!  My daughter ate 4 rolls - so that should tell you something.  They are light and fresh.  I will put the recipe on my recipe page.

Dinner was just okay.  I made the Cook Yourself Thin Sweet and Sour Pork Chops.  You cut the pork up though in 1" cubes like normal sweet and sour pork.  But it was lacking in real flavor.  I was concerned when the sauce that you make up for it was only about 1/4 cup, but I tried it.  My husband said it was okay, but that it just needed more flavor.  To be honest, I probably won't bother with that one again.  I will poke around in Ellie Krieger's book and see if she has a recipe for it.

Tomorrow is more leftovers (gotta clear out that fridge - seriously people it is stuffed full).  Sesame noodles with Edamame for lunch and the rest of the Enchiladas for dinner.  But Friday .......... oh yeah baby!  Now that will be Chicken Burritos with Pineapple Salsa, but I am going to just use the Mango salsa I made and canned.  I can't wait!!  I will let you know how they turn out.

Oh, did I mention that I weighed myself this morning?  129 pounds!  2 pounds down!!  Pretty cool huh!

Surprising good

So yesterday I made two recipes that I have admit I was rather skeptical about.  The Tuna Rolls and the Baked Enchiladas.  Well I happy to report that I loved them both!!

The Tuna Rolls had you mix tuna just with olive oil and salt and pepper.  Which was okay, but rather bland and super "fishy" tasting - where the old method of a ton of mayo calmed that down.  But when you layered the tuna on the Boston lettuce along with the sprouts, red pepper and scallions and then dipped them in the sauce - they were awesome.  Not to mention how crisp and light they were and frankly the plate was very beautiful.

The same with the Enchiladas.  Now Poblanos tend to be rather mild so I also added a jalapeno to the sauce for flavor.  And let me tell you there was some off stuff in that sauce - I mean a salsa verde with chicken stock?  But it was really good.  The only bummer was by adding the jalapeno it made it too spicy for my daughter.  She gave it her best effort, but it was too "zippy" as she calls it.  So next time I will have to calm it back down (darn it).  Seriously though these are delicious and very filling.  I didn't miss the 10 gallons of cheese either.  The recipe only calls for 12 corn tortillias and they are layered in like a lasagna - killing off tons of calories.

I highly recommend both recipes!  They are both in the Cook Yourself Thin book.  If you follow the Lifetime link on my links page there are episodes where they make both recipes too.

Tomorrow

So for tomorrow we have planned:  Overnight oatmeal for breakfast, Tuna Salad Rolls with dipping sauce, Cucumber Salad and Edamame for lunch, and for dinner will be Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas.  All 3 for a total calorie count of 1041!  I will probably make the Tiramasu for dessert too since I have extra calories available - and I don't want the Lady Fingers to go bad. 

Tonight I put the Irish oats on to soak overnight, then in the morning it will only take about 5 minutes to finish off.  Add in 2 Tablespoons of dried blueberries and cherries and some light brown sugar and call it YUM!
I'll tell ya tomorrow how it all goes.