Sunday, January 31, 2010

Fast Chicken and Rice

Fast Chicken and Rice (serves 4)

Ingredients:

1/2 cup frozen peas
1 8.8 oz puch of cooked brown or white rice
1 TBSP cooking oil
1 lb chicken breast tenders, halved crosswise
1/4 cup bottled stir-fry sauce
Packaged oven-roasted sliced almonds

Directions:

1. Stir Peas into rice pouch. Heat in microwave according to package directions.

2. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken to skillet; cook and stir for 2-3 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink. Stir rice mixture into skillet. Stir in stir-fry sauce; heat through. Sprinkle with almonds.

(311 calories, 9g fat (1g sat fat), 66 mg chol, 453 mg sodium, 25g carbo, 2g fiber, 31g protein.)

#93 DOWN!

Polar Bear Plunge 2010!

This lady jumped....well RAN into some 31 degree water in the Chesapeake Bay.....and promptly RAN the F out!

It was 19 degrees out and SNOWING....we are talking about some crazy heavy snow. It was an absolute blast and it was for a great cause. The Special Olympics. I met some great people and even met some of the people the event was for.

I don't have any pictures of me actually plunging, because I gave my camera to a friend and it was just too far away to see anyone actually do it. :o( Maybe next year, I'll buy a water proof disposable for proof. Yes you heard me. I plan on doing it again.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Mel Gibson?

So I was watching "What Women Want" with Mel Gibson tonight.....totally made me think of my dad.

My dad is a good looking guy. Most of my friends see pics of him and are like "Who is the gray haired fox." Kinda funny when you have to look them in the eye and say "uh, my dad." He is also a "ladies man," meaning the LADIES love my dad. Every time I turn around he has a new girlfriend on his arm....hey I'm happy for the guy, he isn't alone. When they get too serious about my ol' man....he calls them "klingons" basically clingy women. First time I heard that, I about died from laughing. My dad is a great guy and I am glad that I am his daughter.

So back to the point.

My dad looks similar to Mel Gibson. Told you he was good looking!

On the left: Mel. On the right: Dad

You be the judge.

Sunday, January 24, 2010

White Wine/Butter Sauce w/Chicken, Penne & Broccoli

My best friend is a Great cook.....and I took this recipe from the source and tweaked it for my own purposes.


White Wine & Butter Chicken Dinner (serves 3-4)

Ingredients:

3-4 Chicken Breasts
1/2-1 cup white wine (I eyeballed it....so it was probably more like a cup)
1 stick of butter
Seasonings to taste
Penne Pasta
Frozen Broccoli

Directions:

1. Mix together butter, wine and seasonings to taste in a large frying pan, heat till butter melts and ingredients combine (I used Basil, Red Pepper Flakes, Oregano, Parsley, Onion Powder, Rosemary and Minced Garlic).

2. Place chicken in butter mixture and cook till done. Cut up to 1 inch cubes.

2. Cook pasta to directions on box. Drain.

3. Cook broccoli in the microwave till done.

4. Combine all ingredients and butter mixture and top with Parmesan cheese.

Thanks D for the incredible recipe....I'll be making this in the future!

Saturday, January 23, 2010

TMJ

In the last month, I have been experiencing some pretty nasty jaw pain. I can't open wide, can't chew very well. Wake up every morning with my mouth ridiculously tight.

NOT fun when you can't eat anything but soft foods, and I am really craving a big ol' piece of STEAK!!!

Oh and my lovely dentist, whom I actually really like, told me NO caffeine, alcohol, and chocolate. IS HE TRYING TO KILL ME!!!!

I went to the dentist yesterday and he pretty much thinks I have TMJ, and I grind/clench my teeth at night and during the day. He thinks its stress related. I have no idea. He wanted to fit me with a night guard, but I was unable to open my mouth wide enough to put the mold in....that's how tight my jaw is. I love my dentist, he gave me muscle relaxers to try and ease the pain and tightness and we'll try again this Friday.

So here is hoping the wonderful muscle relaxers and Ibuprofin 800mg and NOT drinking caffeine, booze or eating chocolate will lead me to get something resolved. I am not sure I can handle the lack of coffee in the am, I mean who are we kidding, de-caf just doesn't cut it.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Traci Thursday's

Every Thursday my friend Traci and I take turn's cooking and hosting the other for Vampire Diaries and Grey's Anatomy...both shows we are addicted to.

Since Traci has just moved into her new home and is unpacking still....I hosted tonight, however she cooked. Having someone else in my kitchen cooking, well except for my mom, is just weird.


She made this AWESOME Bone in Chicken Breast. She marinated it for 24 hours in Lemon juice, thyme, rosemary and garlic. It was the perfect blend of spices. She cooked it in one of my stoneware casserole dishes at 425 degrees for 45 minutes. DELICIOUS.

I made some of my mom's special baked potatoes. Actually I just reheated them, because when my mom was here at Christmas she made a dozen potatoes and they are honestly hands down my FAVORITE potatoes. They are twice baked and filled with Bacon, Velvetta, Onions, and Sour Cream. SO FREAKING GOOD!

In addition, I also made my asparagus, though tonight I just steamed it in water and put pepper and salt on them. They were bright green and quite tasty.

Now we are sitting on my couch, watching the end of Vampire Diaries and then on to Grey's Anatomy.....drinking Cabernet.

I LOVE Traci Thursday's. One of my favorite nights of the week.

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Rainy Day Comfort

It's raining like cats and dogs today and well comfort food just sounded YUMMY! After a day of massage and relaxing (oh yeah...I lead a hard life) I decided to make some chicken, stuffing and asparagus.

I never thought making stuffing in a crock-pot was plausible, but damn if it didn't work.


Easy Chicken Dinner (serves 4)

Ingredients:

4 Chicken Breasts
1 can condensed cream of chicken soup
1/3 cup milk
1 6oz packaging of stuffing
1 2/3 cup water

Directions:

1. Place Chicken in Crock Pot.

2. Combine Chicken soup and milk in a small bowl till blended, pour over chicken.

2. Combine Stuffing and water in small bowl and spoon over the chicken mixture.

3. Cook on Low 6-8 hours till done.

I also made a side of asparagus to eat with my chicken concoction. I placed the asparagus in a saute pan, with 1/4 water, saute till al dente and sprinkle with parmesan cheese and salt and pepper. Delicious!

Friday, January 15, 2010

On the Fence


So I decided today would be the day to try Hummus. I'm not sure I like, but I am not sure that I dislike. Very odd....usually I am one way or the other, not smack dab in the middle.


I bought the Vegetable Hummus, cause well plain just sounded boring. I brought it to work with carrots, celery and 5-Grain Fiber Crackers.


I very much enjoyed the carrots and crackers, my celery had gone wimpy so I didn't eat that. The hummus while it has a pleasing texture, I am just not sure I really like it.


I'm thinking I might have to try a spicy pepper blend or even heat it up to really like it.


So for now I sit on the fence trying to decide if I wanna hop over one way or the other.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Opposite Hand

So my mom called tonight with this little tid bit:

"Eat with the opposite hand, you'll eat slower and lose weight."

Seriously, I am so NOT coordinated enough to manage that. I'd have food all over my face or more likely all over my clothes and floor.

Just for the sake of argument, I experimented with that. CLUMSY!!!! I managed to eat a few bites and then said screw it and went right back to my "RIGHT" hand.

I love the 5 little digits on my right hand, the way they grasp the fork. The way they lift the food to my mouth to give me the tasty goodness. How I heart the hand. I will NOT forsake you again.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

I got nothing

No home cooked meals tonight. Leftovers. Nothing to say.

NIGHT

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Homemade Beef & Mushroom Stew

Ahhhhh!!!!! Comfort Food!!!!!

Growing up my mom always made soups and stews and chili's to feed the family. They were always delicious and filling...so tonight I made my own in the Crockpot.

Wild Mushroom Beef Stew (serves 5)

Ingredients:

1 1/2 to 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 TBSP all-purpose flour
1/2 TSP salt
1/2 TSP black pepper
1 1/2 cups of beef broth
1 TSP Worcestershire sauce
1 glove garlic, minced
1 bay leaf
1 tsp paprika
4 shitake mushrooms, sliced*
2 medium carrots, sliced
2 medium red potatoes, diced
1 small white onion, chopped
1 stalk celery, sliced

*If shitake mushrooms are unavailable, substitute other mushrooms of your choice.*

Directions:

1. Place beef in 4 1/2-quart CrockPot slow cooker. Mix together flour, salt and pepper; sprinkle over beef. Stir to coat each piece of beef with flour.

2. Add remaining ingredients and stir to mix well. Cover; cook on LOW 10-12 hours or on HIGH 4-6 hours. Stir stew before serving.

Notes:

I used regular white mushrooms and just cleaned and cut them in half for a thicker mushroom base (as I love mushrooms). Also I forgot to add the garlic which became clear when I ate it, but it was still delicious. I also added a 1/2 cup of red wine to the batch.

Monday, January 11, 2010

Ever Cry Cutting an Onion??

I just balled my eyes out. Cutting an onion is NOT a pleasant thing.

Word of advice from my mom AFTER I cut the damn thing up.....put it in the freezer for 10 min prior to cutting or run it under ice cold water....won't hurt as bad.

Thanks mom for the late advice...I'll remember it next time.

Sunday, January 10, 2010

Tuna Pot Pie

When I was a kid my mom used to make Tuna Helper Tuna Pot Pie. I LOVED it. Then they stopped making it. It has been years since I have eaten Tuna Pot Pie. When my mom came to visit for Christmas, we decided to try and make it. I do believe we succeeded. Tonight I decided to make it on my own as I had all the ingredients for it. I must say it turned out yummy yet again, for those that wish to try:

Tuna Pot Pie (serves 4)

Ingredients for filling:

1 large pouch of Tuna or 3-4 regular cans
1 bag of Mixed Frozen Vegetables
1 can Whole Potatoes Drained and cut in 1/4's
2 can Cream of Celery soup
Salt & Pepper to Taste
Ingredients for crust:

2 cups Busquick
1 cup milk
1 TBSP Parsley Flakes
2 Eggs

Directions:

Spray 2 1/2 quart casserole dish with cooking spray.
Combine all Filling ingredients in a large bowl.
Place filling in casserole dish.
Combine all Crust ingredients in a large bowl.
Pour over top of filling.
Bake 30 min @ 400 degrees.

Variations:

For a lighter filling use 1 can cream of celery soup and 1 can chicken broth.
For a lighter crust use 1 cup Bisquick, 1/2 cup milk and 1 egg.
You can also vary the type of cream of soup and vegetables to taste and/or add 1/2 cup cheese to tuna mixture.

ENJOY!

Friday, January 8, 2010

Healthy Eating....already 2lbs lost

I just ate the BEST salad ever and I made it.

1 1/2 cups Romaine Lettuce
3 oz Chicken Breast cut up
15 Grapes sliced in half
1 Stalk Celery sliced
1/4 cup Blueberries
1/4 cup Pomegranates
handful of sliced Almonds
Non-fat Balsamic Vinegarette


I forgot how much I really do love salad. I was planning on eating something WARM...cause its 23degrees here, with a windchill making it feel like 9degrees....but it just jumped out at me from the fridge.

Currently looking through the crock-pot cookbook to make something homey and warm for tomorrow night. I'm also thinking Tuna Pot Pie might be on the menu for this week. Will post recipes later.

Thursday, January 7, 2010

It's not over till you take the tree down

So I am home sick from work today....fought the cold hard.....finally gave in. One day of doing absolutely nothing but sleep and movie watching....I feel 100 times better. Back to work tomorrow, but now.....

I am sitting on my couch looking at my Christmas tree.....yes we are already in 2010 and it is STILL up. I haven't had the heart to take it down. It is the first year I have ever owned my own Christmas tree and I just don't want to take it down.

In the process all my Christmas presents are still surrounding the tree! Yes I am this lazy.

I got some great presents this year.

From the momma:

1. Orzo: I've had an obsession with Orzo since my mom cooked it for me....however have been unable to locate the stuff....so she gave me some for X'mas.

2. Wine Marker Tree: If anyone knows me....I love wine. This tree has the little decorations you put on the bottom of your glass to identify at parties. LOVE IT!

3. Handmade Leaf Plate: I'm obsessed with leaves. Seriously every room in my house has some version or another....even my Christmas Tree has leaves on it...more about that in a few.

4. Crock-Pot Cookbook: My mom gave me a crock-pot for a housewarming gift and I am in love with it....now I can use it more with my wonderful cookbook.

5. Handmade Leaf Pendant: Again obsessed with the leaves....mom knows how to step it up a notch.

6. Lots of cute stocking stuffers: Tissues w/an A on them. Dreamerz Tea, Star Candles, Cork Candles, Pie Crist Shields, etc.

From the bestest and her family:

1. An apron w/an A on it
2. Fingerless Gloves/Mittens

3. Best Friend Precious Moment (I cried when she gave me that).
4. Earring from her parents
5. P
ampered Chef Square Baker in Cranberry

From my friend Ray:


1. Coach wristlet (awesome gift and WAY over the top)
2. Ralph Lauren HOT perfume
(I'm in love with this stuff and I hear they discontinued!)




From the dad and the rest of the family:


1. MONEY!!

Okay so back to my obsession with leaves. I bought the coolest ornaments for my tree.

Pewter Leaf Ornaments!!! and then after X'mas I found Bronze ones. Love it!















I imagine this weekend I'll get around to taking down my tree but for the next few days, I am going to enjoy the beauty of the lights and the ornaments and eventually put away all the presents. I just don't want the holidays to end.....am I crazy?!?!

Monday, January 4, 2010

2010- Bring it.

Well 2009 was a bust. 2010.....I think it's time.

I went through A LOT of ups and downs. Lots more downs than ups, but I am one tough beotch. My grandma always instilled a "do or die attitude."

So I say out with the old. Ended some friendships. Started some new ones. 2010 this is my year!!! Bring it on!

2008/2009 NYE:

2009/2010 NYE:


My 2009

1. What did you do in 2009 that you’d never done before? There were so many things on my list I wanted to try....but Skiing for the first time and not breaking anything is at the top of my list.
2. Did you keep your New Year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I don't make them, because I constantly break them.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth? Nope, not that I can think of.
4. Did anyone close to you die? Not this year thankfully, I did lose my g-ma end of 08.
5. What places did you visit? Florida, Western MD, WV. I stuck close to home this year.
6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009? Love
7. What dates from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? June 2009. It was the month I learned I am not invincible when it comes to alcohol.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Going a month without alcohol and realizing I don't have to be drunk to have a good time.
9. What was your biggest failure? Alcohol poisoning
10. Did you suffer illness or injury? Alcohol poisoning and wrecking my new car.
11. What was the best thing you bought? My new car....which was totaled 2 days later.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration? Definetly not mine
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? Friends I am no longer associated with.
14. Where did most of your money go? All over.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? Nothing really. I am pretty low-key.
16. What song will always remind you of 2009? Not really sure.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? happier
b) thinner or fatter? fatter
c) richer or poorer? poorer
18. What do you wish you’d done more of? relaxing
19. What do you wish you’d done less of? drinking
20. How did you spend Christmas in 2009? My mom came to town at the last minute and we spent it with my friends.
21. Did you fall in love in 2009? Nope
22. What was your favorite TV program? Grey's Anatomy, Glee, True Blood.
23. What did you do for your birthday in 2009? Went to Florida and hung out with my mom.
24. What was the best book you read? Twilight and the True Blood series
25. What did you want and get? Nothing
26. What did you want and not get? Love
27. What was your favorite film of this year? So many to choose from.
28. Did you make some new friends this year? Yes Yes I did.
29.What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Love
30. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009? I'm pretty comfy/casual with a trendy bit tossed in.
31. What kept you sane? Myself
32. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? I don't think anyone
33. What political issue stirred you the most? Healthcare Reform
34. Who did you miss? My nephews
35. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009. I've learned that life is short and to take stock of all your blessings and live in the moment.