tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5138371839716870152024-02-19T14:57:33.845-08:00Food for ThoughtKristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174307587520123539noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513837183971687015.post-83420957644433491332010-03-21T19:18:00.000-07:002010-03-21T19:21:29.821-07:00Sorta Healthy, Fruity PizzaWith this no-sugar plan I am attempting, I tried and tried to think of something without sugar or flour in it to take to book club. Sure, I could've taken black bean dip, or a vegetable plate, or a dozen other items. But it was <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">book club</span>. <br />
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You can't possibly understand how impossible it is to eat healthy at book club. Unless you've been in a book club, especially a book club like my book club.<br />
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It's the kind of book club where we members all cook the yummiest-sounding, fattiest recipes we can find. The kind where the host provides lots of yummy drinks. And it's definitely the kind where we all over-indulge and spend almost no time talking about the books we all actually do read. You know, it's<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> that</span> kind of book club. <br />
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Luckily for my waistline, it only happens once a month.<br />
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This particular book club was the last Friday of my spring break. As you may remember, I teach high school. On this particular Friday, I had not eaten (much) sugar for almost three weeks. So I decided to do the logical thing to comfort myself regarding my impending return to work: make fruit pizza.<br />
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If you have ever had fruit pizza, you already know that, as healthy as it may sound, it isn't very healthy. See, it has a lot of fruit on it, so you can look at it and pretend you are being conscientious about your caloric intake. <br />
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Then you realize that the crust of fruit pizza is made of cookie dough. <br />
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I still am including my fruit pizza recipe here, because honestly it is a great way to encourage picky child eaters to eat a great deal of fruit. In addition, the topping of the pizza does have nutritional value. If you don't eat too large a slice, it's not a horrible snack.<br />
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Besides, it's pretty.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMeGf8pSxqytD9ot80n44n9HoXj55QnLrdqgbwDVvoHxny25OW2JCVZYscBxTBcVp-Mfs6uYDLpUQ-iJEpqsmy5zGZHm_qX1M2GlV-RDiEGpQ9Wviw9YelNHuz9BZfIdhkIfcE9Dx2EMQv/s1600-h/IMG_3085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMeGf8pSxqytD9ot80n44n9HoXj55QnLrdqgbwDVvoHxny25OW2JCVZYscBxTBcVp-Mfs6uYDLpUQ-iJEpqsmy5zGZHm_qX1M2GlV-RDiEGpQ9Wviw9YelNHuz9BZfIdhkIfcE9Dx2EMQv/s320/IMG_3085.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Fruit Pizza</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One package refrigerated sugar cookie dough (low-sugar if you can find it – good luck)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 1/2 containers 1/3 less fat strawberry-flavored cream cheese</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1/4 cup sugar (optional)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 tsp. vanilla</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">a variety of colorful, sliced fruit</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Preheat your oven according to cookie dough package directions. Using cooking spray, lightly grease a round pizza pan.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Unroll your entire package of cookie dough into a crust using a rolling pan. Bake large, pizza-shaped cookie according to package directions. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVNf-ipkwstRg87WFeHNlzakXlFNsbME4Bq06TD5Jf-YcNjlNmVcjHyjhjmWRMGUoi2aSOpLoyNG4J9vl0lHrOk0VVppl7EciP96fKz8vTKow62PkaLNcn1FNYJLMPAhqxs59x4w03OY1L/s1600-h/IMG_3054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVNf-ipkwstRg87WFeHNlzakXlFNsbME4Bq06TD5Jf-YcNjlNmVcjHyjhjmWRMGUoi2aSOpLoyNG4J9vl0lHrOk0VVppl7EciP96fKz8vTKow62PkaLNcn1FNYJLMPAhqxs59x4w03OY1L/s320/IMG_3054.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">fruit pizza crust, cooling</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">When considering what fruit to use for the pizza, I like to have a variety of color. In addition, very juicy fruits, like pineapple, can make your pizza soggy. For this pizza I chose green grapes, blueberries, strawberries and kiwi. Kiwi is a must. Because it's pretty. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLERlDaoNXb-wttYfqaVdhYwKnsxIYq4dRgJA0SDJCwYhrzmNiGtIJFoH_3KiYzFrpnr7gXp9G8tVo7NTBPX5w5CISZwxIn9bcXks5sVEMD2r_S6yG9tAJ3lS3joQtJJFvNVSIHn3n8pcn/s1600-h/IMG_3068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLERlDaoNXb-wttYfqaVdhYwKnsxIYq4dRgJA0SDJCwYhrzmNiGtIJFoH_3KiYzFrpnr7gXp9G8tVo7NTBPX5w5CISZwxIn9bcXks5sVEMD2r_S6yG9tAJ3lS3joQtJJFvNVSIHn3n8pcn/s320/IMG_3068.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">I've also used bananas. They are not as attractive on the pizza – they turn brown quickly. However, they taste really good on the pizza. It is your call. Depends on whether you are trying to impress someone or you're just going to scarf the entire thing down yourself. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Cut all your fruit into cute little pieces. I didn't cut my blueberries, because blueberries already are cute little pieces. You may want to make sure the fruit pieces of the same fruit are the same size. Obviously, you can take creative liberty here because the fact you are making this recipe automatically makes you a fruit artist. Cool, huh?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj87QlArYchsyTx3mWqyWJiCmByOc7puNk-tgOU2BAUoRvEJ-7VIEHC3QVw2MtMn68nlFm08EMCNbXczjA95_Ejse6YcfxGjF0hXX70tqAzme1hMhumjCzWCU42pmKPWcqcq-xMfnpu8iYN/s1600-h/IMG_3060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj87QlArYchsyTx3mWqyWJiCmByOc7puNk-tgOU2BAUoRvEJ-7VIEHC3QVw2MtMn68nlFm08EMCNbXczjA95_Ejse6YcfxGjF0hXX70tqAzme1hMhumjCzWCU42pmKPWcqcq-xMfnpu8iYN/s320/IMG_3060.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Have you noticed I never use a cutting board? Well, unless I am cutting something ooky and gooky like meat. What's the point of having stone countertops if you don't use them? Am I right?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn90Og3EKo6ylEyNzKadf2py8oXjveKN7hdbrM7ciuwRSnTGfULaZMOEB0zysLd2_U96_bdQkn0XNXoYPT4CV3FoSb56HfdDk2NivgyvbZ0izNp1dHaNHAEUSnat5LaOao4zW6PWVi32jv/s1600-h/IMG_3070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn90Og3EKo6ylEyNzKadf2py8oXjveKN7hdbrM7ciuwRSnTGfULaZMOEB0zysLd2_U96_bdQkn0XNXoYPT4CV3FoSb56HfdDk2NivgyvbZ0izNp1dHaNHAEUSnat5LaOao4zW6PWVi32jv/s320/IMG_3070.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Mix cream cheese, sugar and vanilla in a bowl. If you do not add the sugar, your "sauce" will still taste plenty good. Of course, I like sugar, so I wanted to add sugar. You could be better, smarter, more disciplined than me. But then, that's not very fun. Just sayin'.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXi8xjZWSFjb6rxQBuJqgCBxt2UJ_H4FArrE223jmR8jzur2aAbMtUe687xbYitoxPsnVVwyeUbsemgjGnkJ2rPXJD8hKiKwqKBys1Sf8YG1UPHFfBaErpCcpWBVQCqziqG05VV7D6Krsq/s1600-h/IMG_3059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXi8xjZWSFjb6rxQBuJqgCBxt2UJ_H4FArrE223jmR8jzur2aAbMtUe687xbYitoxPsnVVwyeUbsemgjGnkJ2rPXJD8hKiKwqKBys1Sf8YG1UPHFfBaErpCcpWBVQCqziqG05VV7D6Krsq/s320/IMG_3059.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Spread your "sauce" on your "pizza crust."<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7cQNf9ja__EqTBiXDnynozFTzP6F0mW-YBt9BQpSs1FqYVOmgs50n4DlQY2h9QlJRgIkFs4cqU1j3v0Vz0wgrF8yxs6WUrdKmocVy3qQXkHFJPYeKmd0oinQtOLJvRCsqbVqg1NoLkSv_/s1600-h/IMG_3073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7cQNf9ja__EqTBiXDnynozFTzP6F0mW-YBt9BQpSs1FqYVOmgs50n4DlQY2h9QlJRgIkFs4cqU1j3v0Vz0wgrF8yxs6WUrdKmocVy3qQXkHFJPYeKmd0oinQtOLJvRCsqbVqg1NoLkSv_/s320/IMG_3073.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Arrange your fruit in a beautiful, creative pattern. Get in touch with your inner artist. And you're finished with a tasty, gorgeous dessert that may or may not be healthy, depending on your perspective.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNcefL5wvhpW1bV9uQ-mztYCGRICPsULA3rrff_Mfsotj7EDNFnk27K_i_4Bz0COxalZ2HoePuFHazwtlMn0E1Tt9facoVz5tSftEdUeNJaGCNbNFFa9jJrmgk3FKiRvqwLP5ax7JjfgJy/s1600-h/IMG_3081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNcefL5wvhpW1bV9uQ-mztYCGRICPsULA3rrff_Mfsotj7EDNFnk27K_i_4Bz0COxalZ2HoePuFHazwtlMn0E1Tt9facoVz5tSftEdUeNJaGCNbNFFa9jJrmgk3FKiRvqwLP5ax7JjfgJy/s320/IMG_3081.JPG" /></a></div>Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174307587520123539noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513837183971687015.post-51879799911074296672010-03-17T19:34:00.000-07:002010-03-17T19:34:56.970-07:00Changes for the BetterSo here's the deal: I have been so busy lately that I cannot even sit down for 10 seconds to write. I hate it when people make excuses about why they haven't been blogging; don't you hate it? <br />
<br />
But seriously. I have been busy helping with parties for my sister's wedding. Which is in six weeks. When I have to wear a dress the color of my skin. Standing next to at least four, six-foot-tall, blonde, supermodel types. Tan supermodels. <br />
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And I've also been busy because I'm in charge of planning my 10-year class reunion. Oh, I didn't mention that? Yes, this summer is my class reunion. You know. The one where everyone shows up to see who is rich or overweight. And I have to go. Because I'm planning it. Because 10 years ago I thought it would be cool to plan. Before I realized why people attend reunions.<br />
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No, I'm not really that cynical. Actually, I am very extra super excited for both of these events. But they are motivating me to get my rear in motion. <br />
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Except, of course, I'm too busy to move rear. Because I'm planning all these events. That I want to look good at. <br />
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Come to find out, it takes time to get in real shape. I needed to find a way to fake it. Therefore, I decided the best way to make the number on the scale go down, for me, was to quit eating so much sugar.<br />
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There, I typed it. Now that you all know about it, I can no longer cheat. Very much. <br />
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And since I decided to cut back my sugar intake, I also decided to quit white flour altogether. (Which reminds me, I was making a cupcake recipe – they weren't for me, don't worry – from Martha Stewart's Web site, and she spelled cake flour, "flower." Oh, it just cracked me up. I mean, she thinks she's perfect, but she's getting her flowers mixed up. Sounds like something Amelia Bedelia would do: Plant cake flour in the garden. Hehe.)<br />
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I don't eat very much white flour anyway. Whole grains are tasty. <br />
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I remember back in the day, five years ago, when I was living in northeastern Kansas, they came out with whole grain pasta. It tasted like absolute sandpaper. (Or maybe it just seemed that way because that entire year leaves a sandpaper taste in my mouth, but that's a different post.)<br />
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Whole grain pasta has improved so much that I can barely tell the difference between it and the real thing! Whole grains metabolize so much differently than processed grains; you should all switch to whole grain pasta immediately. <br />
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Anyway, here's the good news: I lost two whole pounds last week, and that's really all I did differently. It's the sugar. I eat. A lot. Of sugar. This no sugar thing stinks, but it's awesome. And just so you know, I WILL be having wedding cake at my sister's wedding. An entire, frosting-covered piece.<br />
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In other news, I am probably going to be changing my blog to three sections soon: Healthy Eating, Healthy Living, and Healthy Little Ones. It's going to be so much fun. I can hardly wait.Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174307587520123539noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513837183971687015.post-38690283160490147442010-03-08T20:03:00.000-08:002010-03-08T20:09:49.254-08:00Creamy Tomato Soup – Without the CreamMy dad, being the sweet man he is, purchased me a really cool magazine called The Best of America's Test Kitchen: Best Recipes and Reviews 2010. It's really fun to look through, because basically the authors of the articles have worked to create the "best" version of this or that.<br />
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Since I decided today I was giving up white flour and sugar until my sister's wedding (don't worry, we'll discuss and debate this idea later this week), I was thrilled when I found a neat recipe for tomato soup that appeared almost healthy.<br />
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The author of the article accompanying the recipe claimed he (she?) wanted to omit cream because cream mutes tomato flavor. Secretly I think the author was thinking about homegirls like me who want to at least pretend to cook healthy food for their families.<br />
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I love soup ... well, homemade soup anyway. I also really enjoy tomatoes in the summer, and I seem to be on a summer eating kick. The neat thing about this soup is it uses canned tomatoes, so you can make tasty homemade tomato soup year-round.<br />
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This soup was so easy to make, that I think I even got it right the first time. I may love to cook and bake, but it seems like I never get it right the first time.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'd give you my husband's recommendation, but when we sat down I learned he does not like tomato soup. Married four years and you think I'd know everything he doesn't like... but the list is just so long.</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-v8r6k8AzCXqIMjQsAK5U23usA6G1QcUq3B7vhT3t4XlKMSXYCPRH8vtc8uOaeRwXM7ir2PSb766YzYTj1O9X4_YJ6hhiokVAdIceqSrDIBc1ghwGJYcn4O7VynDppe3Id55faHdxlkVb/s1600-h/IMG_2918.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-v8r6k8AzCXqIMjQsAK5U23usA6G1QcUq3B7vhT3t4XlKMSXYCPRH8vtc8uOaeRwXM7ir2PSb766YzYTj1O9X4_YJ6hhiokVAdIceqSrDIBc1ghwGJYcn4O7VynDppe3Id55faHdxlkVb/s320/IMG_2918.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Creamless Creamy Tomato Soup</span><br />
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1/4 extra-virgin olive oil<br />
1 onion, chopped medium (about 1 cup)<br />
3 medium garlic cloves, minced<br />
pinched red pepper flakes (optional)<br />
1 bay leaf<br />
2 (28-ounce) cans whole tomatoes<br />
1 tablespoon brown sugar<br />
3 slices high-quality white sandwich bread, crusts removed, torn into 1-inch pieces<br />
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth<br />
2 T brandy (optional)<br />
salt and pepper<br />
1/4 cup chopped chives<br />
<br />
-<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">J Kenji Lopez-Alt from Cook's Illustrated</span><br />
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Heat your olive oil in a Dutch oven. By the way, I did not use all the olive oil the recipe called for, because goodness that is a lot of olive oil. You are welcome to do as you please. <br />
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Heat the olive oil until it simmers and add the onions, garlic and bay leaf. I did not use the red pepper flakes, because I wanted this to be all about the tomato.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb4nmu8_n21OTRpVXrGVYCh6Y4OvODXZFgk2JM82VwRWwi0jyEvcfIq6DuxrYfojvehkcTfDsfiBkfAqnwZfIyVkVz_m6dmEnc4GZ_oOO2FipkyxozBc4bgf_Hp79BNH0cMtc0QibPrlPJ/s1600-h/IMG_2887.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb4nmu8_n21OTRpVXrGVYCh6Y4OvODXZFgk2JM82VwRWwi0jyEvcfIq6DuxrYfojvehkcTfDsfiBkfAqnwZfIyVkVz_m6dmEnc4GZ_oOO2FipkyxozBc4bgf_Hp79BNH0cMtc0QibPrlPJ/s320/IMG_2887.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Open up those cans and pour in all those tomatoes. Mmmmm they smell so good.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnKLWxhxx2sGPokFcRDXUkJARrztgAKV3kAfESTw19oAuUasrw-MQfBbnYSnNo-Yqolo8fd3IkaIM_nFjptbRgpocYrgs67kpA6nwc9pwNzq9ja4TvekKTXjfeWDnF4c4fgw4z8RZWjgia/s1600-h/IMG_2895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnKLWxhxx2sGPokFcRDXUkJARrztgAKV3kAfESTw19oAuUasrw-MQfBbnYSnNo-Yqolo8fd3IkaIM_nFjptbRgpocYrgs67kpA6nwc9pwNzq9ja4TvekKTXjfeWDnF4c4fgw4z8RZWjgia/s400/IMG_2895.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I sort of fell in love with this tomato. Can you guess which one? It was just so perfect, with all its skin perfectly removed. I really, really didn't want to smash it with my potato masher, which is what comes next. Mash those tomatoes until no pieces bigger than 2 inches remain. So says Lopez-Alt. But don't mash the bay leaf... it gets to live. But not my poor tomato.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaTfdamF9GYBn38TYs1aPtd2x_jH22qpFWsEyZH-5ifabBrDJYXn8GALou9gqI-dEeEkAwRL0Ne5K8eMLN1NZDnF57LsEOwbk_ivzq07L9Clo5T4jwqTtK195GLJhOC4MhPjruy_98lTAU/s1600-h/IMG_2901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaTfdamF9GYBn38TYs1aPtd2x_jH22qpFWsEyZH-5ifabBrDJYXn8GALou9gqI-dEeEkAwRL0Ne5K8eMLN1NZDnF57LsEOwbk_ivzq07L9Clo5T4jwqTtK195GLJhOC4MhPjruy_98lTAU/s320/IMG_2901.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Stir in the sugar.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKVE81N5a6Cms8PnRAjYa6u3w8sDkN9yg6xuHi4qFw5H4J87Nsng9Jy5DoTjndQKQosjknKUT3urRVtF_sV35Yrvhkb28pfZ8vWeb3dIOurH38zL7C_mO8f-bckXEs6NC4SpsDRDJjbWzJ/s1600-h/IMG_2905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKVE81N5a6Cms8PnRAjYa6u3w8sDkN9yg6xuHi4qFw5H4J87Nsng9Jy5DoTjndQKQosjknKUT3urRVtF_sV35Yrvhkb28pfZ8vWeb3dIOurH38zL7C_mO8f-bckXEs6NC4SpsDRDJjbWzJ/s320/IMG_2905.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">And the bread. OK, time out here. Since I am not eating sugar or white flour, I decided I had to choose one to eliminate. Since I love sweet, I chose white bread. I used whole wheat bread instead. I also used the crusts. I do not recommend using the crusts. But I thought the wheat bread was just fine.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcmZ97khv3gby1KmFP5FkgIKsw6cRXRqO-UjpyePksR1rhx5zvMedJtzFHEzhci84t7RFV4_1iPlvFjbVaJAIeolh6Plq7vBkDN3ScL6KGCmisH9CgyBfQUkW4QjffLYBj8o-GxDYpWhDo/s1600-h/IMG_2907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcmZ97khv3gby1KmFP5FkgIKsw6cRXRqO-UjpyePksR1rhx5zvMedJtzFHEzhci84t7RFV4_1iPlvFjbVaJAIeolh6Plq7vBkDN3ScL6KGCmisH9CgyBfQUkW4QjffLYBj8o-GxDYpWhDo/s320/IMG_2907.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Bring the soup to a boil. Cook, stirring occassionally, until the bread starts to break down. This is about 5 minutes. Remove the bay leaf.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At this point I am missing a photo, because my blender exploded. I was too embarrassed to take photos of my blender shooting tomato all over my kitchen, so please excuse the lack of illustration.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Put about half the mixture from your Dutch oven into your blender, add a little more olive oil and mix until mixture is smooth and creamy. The recipe says this is 2-3 minutes, but I think you can do it for about 1 and be just fine.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Return the first half to a bowl and put the remaining mixture from the Dutch oven in the blender. Mix until smooth. Put both halves back into the Dutch oven. Add in your 2 cups chicken broth. Bring to a boil, and then you are ready to serve.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Serve with black pepper and chives if you wish. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3eUYI7mG3-Oh-mUVELGssSPjoqh2DNi2rIFsUAEPeHHBBZmH6L6EUECmm1q8JzrOl3vtIOe5_HVS8zs0OZJG6wcPrYBZK0oFqJh6g7HrHlAFpxocXhs9Zc7zLj2VGBfFZCLi33Yk8iE8a/s1600-h/IMG_2917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3eUYI7mG3-Oh-mUVELGssSPjoqh2DNi2rIFsUAEPeHHBBZmH6L6EUECmm1q8JzrOl3vtIOe5_HVS8zs0OZJG6wcPrYBZK0oFqJh6g7HrHlAFpxocXhs9Zc7zLj2VGBfFZCLi33Yk8iE8a/s320/IMG_2917.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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</div>Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174307587520123539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513837183971687015.post-83568103658341849352010-02-28T19:02:00.000-08:002010-02-28T19:04:44.429-08:00Chicken Salad to Summon Summer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
I love chicken salad. <br />
<br />
It reminds me of a warm summer day. This isn't summer? Hmm. Guess I'll make it anyway.<br />
<br />
I feel that chicken salad is like meatloaf: Everybody's favorite is different. It's almost risky to make your chicken salad for company. But<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> this </span>chicken salad I would make for you, if you were my company.<br />
<br />
I have three favorite kinds of chicken salad. 1. My mom's (duh). 2. My friend <a href="http://itsonmyto-dolist.blogspot.com/">Delena</a> 's. It's ranchy carrotty. (This isn't the link to her recipe; it's the link to her blog. I don't know if her recipe is on her blog archives somewhere or not.) 3. This kind.<br />
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A couple years ago my husband and I went to Fort Worth, Texas, to visit a friend. We went to some soupy sandwich lunch spot. I have no idea what it was called. I got chicken salad.<br />
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Upon reflection, I have no idea why I got chicken salad. It's usually so filled with fatty mayonnaise that I would choose something else. Guess it sounded really good; either that, or I was pregnant. That's probably it, considering I've been pregnant since I got married. (Don't worry; I am NOT pregnant.)<br />
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When I arrived back home, I immediately tried to duplicate the recipe. This is what I came up with: It's low-calorie, but it's very sweet. If you aren't into sweet, you may want to alter the ingredients ... a lot.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Cranberry-Orange Chicken Salad</span><br />
(serves 4)<br />
<br />
3 large cooked and cooled chicken breasts<br />
1/3 cup sliced almonds<br />
1/2 cup Craisins or other brand of dried cranberries<br />
1/2 cup low-fat mayonnaise<br />
1 Tbsp. orange juice<br />
1 Tbsp. honey<br />
low-calorie, whole grain buns or bread<br />
<br />
Cook your chicken breasts however you like to cook chicken breasts. I like to spray mine with olive oil-based cooking spray, sprinkle with salt and pepper, cover in foil and bake at 350 degrees for about 40 minutes. You may have a better method.<br />
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Let your breasts cool (because who likes hot chicken salad?) and cut into large chunks. This is where you need your food processor.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPcrDnrgqOULbAXnZiPE6Yn2OxuXIV_H-sHOq4pVH3-7JdhdKinu_jIjfgHPRt0RnHymOZwCnnfFnu70-qwhrtzFFI0zhTD1GCA7oLIKniJaskN5ZAD7A7KZuHwgDDLTSFHNPDB4saaR0y/s1600-h/IMG_0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPcrDnrgqOULbAXnZiPE6Yn2OxuXIV_H-sHOq4pVH3-7JdhdKinu_jIjfgHPRt0RnHymOZwCnnfFnu70-qwhrtzFFI0zhTD1GCA7oLIKniJaskN5ZAD7A7KZuHwgDDLTSFHNPDB4saaR0y/s320/IMG_0007.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I have mixed emotions about food processors. They are so handy and so difficult all at once. Mine weighs as much as my husband. It also has 82 parts that all need to be hand-washed.<br />
<br />
Yet nothing can chop my chicken like my food processor. Use a blender if you must, but I forever pledge my loyalty to Mr. Cuisinart Q. Foodprocessor.<br />
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Place your chicken pieces in the food processor. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHlRC87qFB7XBAD9LJnOz5O29_DLh7KE9eG_zsDLiy-l9Y9YHBa8C1ePlCitGralOMfebF1bbyErvxcWFQUEimjzjXnA5g61evHDtfABYin4PKpASMPFZJdQY-0qcyLaiWgUGeTsTUxDun/s1600-h/IMG_0014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHlRC87qFB7XBAD9LJnOz5O29_DLh7KE9eG_zsDLiy-l9Y9YHBa8C1ePlCitGralOMfebF1bbyErvxcWFQUEimjzjXnA5g61evHDtfABYin4PKpASMPFZJdQY-0qcyLaiWgUGeTsTUxDun/s320/IMG_0014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Pulse five or six times, until your chicken is chopped into nice sizes. I'm not talking smithereens, just a nice size like this:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiK-5ZojHnnjCfv2jzgllR765s1FNhVV2pvwlWfyS4PgRS3QjQF92lRaBeCOFUoLCYDUZEMzMWjckI_wVYY0G2Tle8NgHjEtHbUJhIGbYopNuBcG7-0JmU_f29zmPrumV4aEGGt63B7aSU/s1600-h/IMG_0016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiK-5ZojHnnjCfv2jzgllR765s1FNhVV2pvwlWfyS4PgRS3QjQF92lRaBeCOFUoLCYDUZEMzMWjckI_wVYY0G2Tle8NgHjEtHbUJhIGbYopNuBcG7-0JmU_f29zmPrumV4aEGGt63B7aSU/s320/IMG_0016.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Now it is time to toss in your almonds. Almonds give the salad the crunch. And you know it needs the crunch.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCwc5c-MTnnwfNlUhGw1ch_dSK9gvESb-RQfBhL72H3WPGZICvyKCO_RdOLDiYaG2zz_gcJAB6ts3nEM2u-_agmEt1Asz9wFH1rslWLek5myTOOb8u2TFxVyGekP3Gdt-TjZOxKBDlfHPo/s1600-h/IMG_0017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCwc5c-MTnnwfNlUhGw1ch_dSK9gvESb-RQfBhL72H3WPGZICvyKCO_RdOLDiYaG2zz_gcJAB6ts3nEM2u-_agmEt1Asz9wFH1rslWLek5myTOOb8u2TFxVyGekP3Gdt-TjZOxKBDlfHPo/s320/IMG_0017.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Craisins give it color, flavor and that delicious chewy texture.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih8OiRygVLzFecVsNqbTfOZHBpVDOeRv4ZnFa5PPk5MMxRWudbZbTUYKpEknBarjMV6YFZF3zkOQieRQ0CdkwDAWkgPbHGb7hj-4GVpTDSALBE89VAlKZeyJJnZDpqwGL2UOzNAe_749lq/s1600-h/IMG_0022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih8OiRygVLzFecVsNqbTfOZHBpVDOeRv4ZnFa5PPk5MMxRWudbZbTUYKpEknBarjMV6YFZF3zkOQieRQ0CdkwDAWkgPbHGb7hj-4GVpTDSALBE89VAlKZeyJJnZDpqwGL2UOzNAe_749lq/s320/IMG_0022.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Now it's time for the dressing. You should probably get out another small bowl for this part. Dressings are scary when it comes to calories. This one isn't too bad. I don't like my chicken to be drowning in dressing anyway, and the low-fat mayo is kinda tasty. I use Kraft. You can use whatever you have, but I do recommend low-fat.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQNhCEAWt6syDjTTH63cEtuIwOr3h3sz0pu-bv0P7LplL6RU-tQgggwgYst11XN95Oa-UsceY1LZHbV_9_Fh5KNJmTBB1yttLj3WpmMnIJDa2SAXN38SAoFArSU9a3znJy49VshZIGi-xK/s1600-h/IMG_0031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQNhCEAWt6syDjTTH63cEtuIwOr3h3sz0pu-bv0P7LplL6RU-tQgggwgYst11XN95Oa-UsceY1LZHbV_9_Fh5KNJmTBB1yttLj3WpmMnIJDa2SAXN38SAoFArSU9a3znJy49VshZIGi-xK/s200/IMG_0031.JPG" width="133" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Take your 1/3 cup mayo and mix in 1 Tbsp. of orange juice and your 1 Tbsp. honey. Actually, I'd start with slightly less OJ. If you don't, you might end up with soggy, nasty chicken salad. I've never done that, of course. Just a hunch.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvULWyLLVff2X3mlGoZYaJWnWbl8Rofn-gB3Sarq_sY5G_JX-_2G0N0IScGnhmnfA3tCi2naUR1S3_lFvlrz3LhfUXmRDbEtV5txM71rHk9gz1NvovFLY-NQVylG98X7_SuVPbH379KjwB/s1600-h/IMG_0028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvULWyLLVff2X3mlGoZYaJWnWbl8Rofn-gB3Sarq_sY5G_JX-_2G0N0IScGnhmnfA3tCi2naUR1S3_lFvlrz3LhfUXmRDbEtV5txM71rHk9gz1NvovFLY-NQVylG98X7_SuVPbH379KjwB/s320/IMG_0028.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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Mix and then add to your salad.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju8cohujOdiNIX_hb3g_3jL8PMeGVeh-YWlmV-EyTlXM7JpPqkEYMxppOJGDwnprSroQqLPQRQ3VX6roikVhADY4ylNO0Bg6CqYrfvyTlZB4iV7xfNz2KSYRCTjnmCW3qAw7yUliBds0i5/s1600-h/IMG_0026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju8cohujOdiNIX_hb3g_3jL8PMeGVeh-YWlmV-EyTlXM7JpPqkEYMxppOJGDwnprSroQqLPQRQ3VX6roikVhADY4ylNO0Bg6CqYrfvyTlZB4iV7xfNz2KSYRCTjnmCW3qAw7yUliBds0i5/s320/IMG_0026.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Stir it up, and you should have the perfect amount of moisture in your salad – just enough, not too much.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To avoid carbohydrate indulgence, you could eat your chicken salad over lettuce, by itself. But that's not my style.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpwBLMsCoWAIAUoOLFHFZ0vD-y4ZeXRr86pwU588ZTgz75vTYshYll1ACgB41av-jH0ROtuHJtxjg1nQXGceiMo_sDaxvavErCKH2SeQVqtt0DYB8OFQDZUiMa54aML3cVU7c1b1DGOSpc/s1600-h/IMG_0033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpwBLMsCoWAIAUoOLFHFZ0vD-y4ZeXRr86pwU588ZTgz75vTYshYll1ACgB41av-jH0ROtuHJtxjg1nQXGceiMo_sDaxvavErCKH2SeQVqtt0DYB8OFQDZUiMa54aML3cVU7c1b1DGOSpc/s320/IMG_0033.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">These are so tasty, and each one has 110 calories. I only ate half of it. It was so worth 55 calories.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The final product looked like this:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMS8yYyKLsCDw_ASuAzQlH3p8O1hrmiH9fAae_dsSmPchGogvPHKrMh3rF2-dnQX5QtmdyyO-7csKXoS6pblSRtZdK8Z1fxBLd6O_8YrpPuUVRoMZlMUD0uYVyvhtIdAfqv7tb8cBJWUh5/s1600-h/IMG_0040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMS8yYyKLsCDw_ASuAzQlH3p8O1hrmiH9fAae_dsSmPchGogvPHKrMh3rF2-dnQX5QtmdyyO-7csKXoS6pblSRtZdK8Z1fxBLd6O_8YrpPuUVRoMZlMUD0uYVyvhtIdAfqv7tb8cBJWUh5/s320/IMG_0040.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Doesn't that just make you want summer? Sweet summer, if I can't have you, I'll just eat your sandwiches.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174307587520123539noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513837183971687015.post-656092379780433002010-02-20T08:13:00.000-08:002010-02-20T08:16:51.931-08:00The Cost of Good HealthIf our government really wanted to do something productive, it would regulate the prices of healthy food. Seriously, this issue might infuriate me as much as anything that happens at my local grocery store.<br />
<br />
Well, OK, the thing that makes me the most angry is when the store raises the price of something and sticks a little sign on it that says "New LOW Price." I may be stupid, ladies and gentlemen, but I do realize that sign means the store raised the price of an item, not lowered the price. And it is just downright insulting store personnel think that sign is going to fool me. <br />
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But that is not what I want to discuss in this post. I want to talk about the price of healthy stuff.<br />
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Yesterday I went to the grocery store because I forgot an ingredient I needed to make my chocolate pie for book club. I understand that chocolate pie is not healthy, and that is why I am not giving you the recipe for my delicious pie. (However, if you want to hear a funny story about chocolate pie, read "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett.) <br />
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I forgot to get sweetened condensed milk at the store the night before. Sweetened condensed milk is terrible for you, and I just don't recommend eating very much of it. Unless you are making my chocolate pie, in which case you will need to purchase some. <br />
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I always use fat-free sweetened condensed milk, because it makes me feel just a tiny, teeny, eensy-weensy bit better about eating the chocolate pie. Besides, it tastes exactly the same.<br />
<br />
I arrive at the baking aisle, and I notice that sweetened condensed milk, in every brand and variety, is on sale for $1.65. I always love a good deal, so I am pleased about this. Until I realize that the only type of sweetened condensed milk not on sale is the one variety my store carries in fat-free, which still is priced at $2.55. <br />
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This brings on all kinds of irrational anger. "Bleepedy-bleep-bleep-bleep!" I scream inside my head. <br />
<br />
This single incident reminds me about how often this happens with all kinds of food. The healthy brands of frozen meals nearly always are more expensive than the fattening TV dinners. Lean ground beef costs dollars more a pound than really nasty fatty ground beef. Reduced-fat crackers and cookies and 100-calorie packs cost a great deal more than the regular variety. And it goes on.<br />
<br />
I haven't even mentioned how expensive fresh produce is, and you cannot have a healthy diet without it. To be healthy in this country, you must spend more money.<br />
<br />
I have read countless health articles and Web sites that try to deny the fact it is more expensive to eat healthier. They do not want people to use this as an excuse.<br />
<br />
BUT IT'S TRUE. It may be an excuse, but it is a valid one. <br />
<br />
Please click <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/trends.html">here</a> to watch a Center for Disease Control map of how the United States has gotten more and more obese in the past 25 years. It is fascinatingly horrifying.<br />
<br />
Yet the entire food industry is making it really difficult for people to purchase healthy things at a reasonable cost. I know this must be a factor for a lot of people, because I am not terribly poor and still weekly I have to force myself not to buy the less expensive, much less heart-healthy ground beef.<br />
<br />
Truly, if I had unlimited cash flow, my groceries would be much healthier than they already are. And they are pretty darn healthy as it is. Think of the people who just can't afford the fat-free sweetened condensed milk. They are forced to eat a McDonald's, buy the heart-attack hamburger at the grocery store, and eat slightly more fattening chocolate pie.<br />
<br />
Is cost the reason why obesity exists? No. Obesity exists because of sedentary lifestyles and poor eating habits. But do grocery costs aid in the fight against obesity? No. It is just one more deterrent to a healthy lifestyle.<br />
<br />
I, for one, am tired of it. I still bought the fat-free variety of sweetened condensed milk. I was not going to consume a handful of additional calories because the grocer deemed it more cost-effective, but I feel taken advantage of. The grocer knows being healthy is important enough to me that I will pay more. His trick works on me.<br />
<br />
But what about the people whose tight budgets mean they don't have a choice?Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174307587520123539noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513837183971687015.post-17300007622990844992010-02-17T19:08:00.000-08:002010-02-17T19:08:20.665-08:00Hurt Pride, Hurt RearThis morning my friend (who is really cute and single, by the way, so if you know any decent single men HOLLA) and I decided to try a new exercise class. Trying a new class is usually a good idea. I mean, it gets you out of your routine, works different muscles and can even break an exercise rut. <br />
<br />
The class we selected was labeled a strength training class, and we figured it would be challenging. We thought so because most of the other classes we have taken at our gym have been challenging. Both of us were ready for an intense workout: Sweat big or go home. We were pumped.<br />
<br />
We busted into the workout studio right on time, and suddenly we faced ... a room jammed full of silver hair. Now, I'm not talking about a variety of ages in the room or simply a handful of silver-haired ladies. No, the average age of the more than 40 ladies in this class was probably 60. <br />
<br />
I want to be clear, 60 is not old, in my opinion. It's just that there was not one woman in the room who was less than 15 years older than we were. We kind of panicked. My friend asked if we were in the right room, and we were.<br />
<br />
So being ageist egoists, our next thought was, of course, "This class is going to be easy!"<br />
<br />
We arranged our equipment, feeling confident and preparing to outdo our more mature counterparts. The instructor started the class, and she had us pick up our exercise balls with both arms and make a figure-8 shape in the air.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJIsPdoV8JsyfqZQwZXwXFAYTdp-208v9_NSRoBkTKW8ElB_35-8IJ0rtCC7q1Bv2tz8DWlc0wj1QjXfW2ShtuODD9R1Ulw1vgNRFQ7JA5xj6B6c-W1RD01zhxOiD7H8BgrxZ40K8pLb0s/s1600-h/blue-exercise-ball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJIsPdoV8JsyfqZQwZXwXFAYTdp-208v9_NSRoBkTKW8ElB_35-8IJ0rtCC7q1Bv2tz8DWlc0wj1QjXfW2ShtuODD9R1Ulw1vgNRFQ7JA5xj6B6c-W1RD01zhxOiD7H8BgrxZ40K8pLb0s/s320/blue-exercise-ball.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you've never held one of these stability balls, they do not weigh much, maybe 2 lbs. Those figure 8s, I have to tell you, were just not difficult. My friend and I looked at each other thinking "This class is a joke."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And then, God decided to punish us for our cockiness. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The instructor went into turbospeed with arm weights. We both had to downgrade a size from the weights we usually use. This lady made us do about 50 repetitions of each and every impossible exercise, and all of it was done while sitting on the ball.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But that was nothing compared to the leg exercises. Leg lifts. In every direction. Hundreds of reps. Hip flexors, glutes. Muscle exhaustion. Ouch.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As we hobbled out, my friend and I looked at each other again. We came up with excuses. We decided not very many of the "old ladies" actually did all the reps. We said we'd rather do 10 reps correctly rather than 100 reps too fast. We complained about the lack of cardiovascular exercise we did.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I left the gym feeling better. My pride was healing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Until this evening. This evening, I cannot walk. This evening, my rear hurts so bad I am not sure I even can make it to the gym tomorrow. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This evening, I admitted to myself that some silver-haired ladies kicked my twenty-something butt. And it hurts.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174307587520123539noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513837183971687015.post-1923283989459778332010-02-14T20:05:00.000-08:002010-02-14T20:11:05.159-08:00Berry Chocolate TrifleI got my sister a trifle dish for her first bridal shower, mostly because I always had wanted one but didn't have one. Then my mom brought me a very pretty one that was extra from her kitchen. I needed to make a trifle immediately. <br />
<br />
Trifles are wonderful desserts for a number of reasons. Firstly, they are beautiful. Also, they are tasty. Finally, it is very easy to make them a great deal healthier because the ingredients are available in lower-calorie varieties.<br />
<br />
Coincidentally, it is Valentine's Day. Therefore, the trifle needed to be rich and somehow romantic. My husband The Engineer deserves nothing but the best for his special dessert on the Day of Love. If you ask me, nothing says romantic like strawberry, heart-shaped marshmallows ... but we'll save those for the end.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6mt7MniG0a4WLmJOnk356DJaVaPMfMohlGbYq-92bk0_WZmYorkTor2Z6hm4avEoMZ8AQTCJ30eWtQ4peEBQrFsp1kAXVdoiTfztdSmZUUuRk5OI037eahIVzbGqVXv9pRWJTa_CESVF0/s1600-h/IMG_9826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6mt7MniG0a4WLmJOnk356DJaVaPMfMohlGbYq-92bk0_WZmYorkTor2Z6hm4avEoMZ8AQTCJ30eWtQ4peEBQrFsp1kAXVdoiTfztdSmZUUuRk5OI037eahIVzbGqVXv9pRWJTa_CESVF0/s400/IMG_9826.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Berry Chocolate Trifle</span><br />
<br />
2 containers Cool Whip Free<br />
2 packages instant sugar-free chocolate pudding (any chocolate variety)<br />
2 cups cold skim milk<br />
1 9 oz. container low-fat sour cream<br />
1/2 an angel food cake<br />
2 small containers raspberries<br />
1 pint strawberries<br />
<br />
Colorful fruit are what makes trifles visually appealing. I chose red berries for Valentine's, but you could do any berry or juicy fruit. First, wash your raspberries.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRvQ4VXpEK5-yWkTDXP109Rj3dppHavC9_hvJ4N96pzbikmPN3WRy-v1PZVsaYd0hyphenhyphenosUIdFTyr5f1xEDdbP1P7MFtcBJ6eVqj08LiowNzgPAVKiSBKuqwu5PuGzJMBdyCdboU6PtpzpfL/s1600-h/IMG_9807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRvQ4VXpEK5-yWkTDXP109Rj3dppHavC9_hvJ4N96pzbikmPN3WRy-v1PZVsaYd0hyphenhyphenosUIdFTyr5f1xEDdbP1P7MFtcBJ6eVqj08LiowNzgPAVKiSBKuqwu5PuGzJMBdyCdboU6PtpzpfL/s320/IMG_9807.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next, wash your strawberries and cut the tops off. Cut half of your strawberries lengthwise, and the other half crosswise. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieLNnerLjQPpVl9bhKO5WflkNlTCxlfLNoWBQStACqYAuMzEBVXHoUE4w0tOSmfrwiQUsuBAXgcwsip3IiXegvnIXOaa5Cxe4ohh2lSKqL0e2EJQA-LuFJ_ZbSLqKdd9agpXvQTHPbbLr7/s1600-h/IMG_9808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieLNnerLjQPpVl9bhKO5WflkNlTCxlfLNoWBQStACqYAuMzEBVXHoUE4w0tOSmfrwiQUsuBAXgcwsip3IiXegvnIXOaa5Cxe4ohh2lSKqL0e2EJQA-LuFJ_ZbSLqKdd9agpXvQTHPbbLr7/s320/IMG_9808.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">lengthwise</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;">Next, make one package of pudding according to package directions using your skim milk. Place in refrigerator to set.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Combine the contents of your second package of chocolate pudding with the sour cream and one entire carton of Cool Whip Free, which as you know is a miracle ingredient. This will result in a thick, sticky, mousse-like substance that is absolutely delicious. It's so good you won't want to make your trifle but instead will want to run to your sofa and gorge yourself. Or maybe that's just me.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjImKU7rS21omNcl4mbsV78pR9I3lI9XGbruUzR64a-dg1obdZnEmUvo4sU6ckocvIs_ukW93KIufbkaN2QxZrUUdqqYsUBPdDre3aj-aNwOJulu0d1duxrmMNllRfF9scmZIe4cuZQoXNg/s1600-h/IMG_9814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjImKU7rS21omNcl4mbsV78pR9I3lI9XGbruUzR64a-dg1obdZnEmUvo4sU6ckocvIs_ukW93KIufbkaN2QxZrUUdqqYsUBPdDre3aj-aNwOJulu0d1duxrmMNllRfF9scmZIe4cuZQoXNg/s320/IMG_9814.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We are now ready to assemble our trifle. First place a single layer of whole raspberries along the bottom of your trifle dish. Use all but about half of one container. Tear up your half an angel food cake into pieces about an inch or smaller in diameter. You know, if you are in a hurry you can purchase angel food cakes from just about any grocery store, already baked for you. Throw all of the pieces into your dish on top of the raspberries.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPVLLUBwMwVUn28qvIRt-QtVRIAlphbvAsNAZGHWboRDNSHWKSf4fIaQUQfCu90FcgnbTq9YSVLhMYmwkHQXsaBunvr0MFZg6bZTrPO80e4oDbaQ3phK_we_-JgyoQgJ5ajbzN2hDtCWl9/s1600-h/IMG_9812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPVLLUBwMwVUn28qvIRt-QtVRIAlphbvAsNAZGHWboRDNSHWKSf4fIaQUQfCu90FcgnbTq9YSVLhMYmwkHQXsaBunvr0MFZg6bZTrPO80e4oDbaQ3phK_we_-JgyoQgJ5ajbzN2hDtCWl9/s320/IMG_9812.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Now line the strawberries you cut lengthwise around the edge of your trifle bowl as garnish. If you do this now, your pudding won't cover them, and the outside of your bowl will look nice. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">When you have those strawberries perfectly arranged, pour the pudding you prepared with milk over your angel food. Place the strawberries you cut crosswise in a single layer over your chocolate pudding.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr5ttseYlxWH7KQlRvrvnn8WPjkZBu7Ip5oX-pG2M8t6PKkezFNhgAx0MxBiRTm5A1UoWTqoqK6rdf5OvHV2jpMA8fGNzE7kVEr7rBBQFkOcinFQ4_BTOlCTEdZoBoWXSicxdY9WP14SNT/s1600-h/IMG_9821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr5ttseYlxWH7KQlRvrvnn8WPjkZBu7Ip5oX-pG2M8t6PKkezFNhgAx0MxBiRTm5A1UoWTqoqK6rdf5OvHV2jpMA8fGNzE7kVEr7rBBQFkOcinFQ4_BTOlCTEdZoBoWXSicxdY9WP14SNT/s320/IMG_9821.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here you have a choice to make. You either can use a spatula to spread your other container of Cool Whip Free over the strawberries, or you can place the mousse-y stuff next. I chose to do the Cool Whip first because I wanted white between the two brown layers, but the mousse-y stuff also is difficult to spread, and it can be more difficult to make smooth for your top layer.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So once you spread those two layers on top of one another, go to your raspberry reserves. You can do any sort of pretty decorative pattern you like. I believe it usually looks nice to go around the outside and then do something in the middle, but a food artist I am not. To be festive, I used some of the heart-shaped marshmallows my mom got Ruby to add a little love to the whole thing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPex-oTjtFkaySQ9aC1ygNynOzptPIgg7kVM-YnMbHz8xy-N_-0fWe7W4Zz0ZX1_xhgSn9W563PvrDb3Z4SC2AwcD0m2TCs5X5vzIomzq39TsJ9cttCJLP2o1IZ8kiNNYkXJuMEASGYpy_/s1600-h/IMG_9822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPex-oTjtFkaySQ9aC1ygNynOzptPIgg7kVM-YnMbHz8xy-N_-0fWe7W4Zz0ZX1_xhgSn9W563PvrDb3Z4SC2AwcD0m2TCs5X5vzIomzq39TsJ9cttCJLP2o1IZ8kiNNYkXJuMEASGYpy_/s320/IMG_9822.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">The results of this impromptu, gorgeous, low-calorie (but not low-calorie-tasting) dessert made a great way to celebrate L-O-V-E, which is what I feel today for an Engineer and two little baby girls.</div><br />
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</div>Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174307587520123539noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513837183971687015.post-302578848317007682010-02-13T12:59:00.000-08:002010-02-13T19:07:40.356-08:00Guiltless Sweetie Cakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha310OT9Fx1I5bKIkb1ihAMYTZAd4eF_Q278Yo1wBltpN2RSsnlURQgfz6Xs3tYe-9bDq0D2UhbtFbGbBt6hcWONgpJ-vUUp8klWvi-mQ9KPvumfbDemkJKKX_zra05hr2QLtHR6iHrp7G/s1600-h/IMG_9765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha310OT9Fx1I5bKIkb1ihAMYTZAd4eF_Q278Yo1wBltpN2RSsnlURQgfz6Xs3tYe-9bDq0D2UhbtFbGbBt6hcWONgpJ-vUUp8klWvi-mQ9KPvumfbDemkJKKX_zra05hr2QLtHR6iHrp7G/s320/IMG_9765.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I wanted to make two desserts this Valentine's: one for Ruby, and one for the Engineer. (Unfortunately all Violet is getting is a new flavor of baby food. She'll be so jealous.)<br />
<br />
Ruby is really into baking with me in the kitchen. It's really difficult to make baking healthy. Some don'ts: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Don't</span> use light butter in lemon bars. (Crunchy – yucky.) <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Don't</span> put in a whole lot less sugar than your cookie recipe requires. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Don't</span> give up entirely and eat an entire pan of brownies.<br />
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Not that I have done any of those things.<br />
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One trick I had not tried but had heard about over and over again was using a can of diet soda as a replacement for the wet ingredients when using a boxed cake mix. I read online recipes for this sort of thing, and I decided to try it.<br />
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Obviously the perks of doing something that sounds this crazy would be, if the end result tastes yummy you essentially are removing all of the fat and many calories out of cake. Cake comes in so many flavors and varieties, I thought if I mastered this trick I would be a genius.<br />
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I do want include this disclaimer: When you are making low-fat, healthified recipes, you must remove from your mind the possibility that your result will taste exactly like the real thing. It will taste different. Different is not worse; it is just different. Sometimes I like it better. But if I had gone into this experiment expecting my cake to taste like full-fat, artery-clogging, decadent cake, I would have been disappointed.<br />
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On the contrary, Ruby and I loved our mini strawberry cupcakes. We chose strawberry cake to make it pink, for Valentine's Day.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Guiltless Mini Strawberry Cupcakes</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
</span><br />
For the cake:<br />
1 box strawberry cake mix (We used Pillsbury.)<br />
1 can diet lemon-lime soda (We used Sierra Mist. I also believe diet Cream Soda would be yummy.)<br />
<br />
For the frosting:<br />
1/2 pint fresh strawberries<br />
1 container Cool Whip Free<br />
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Preheat your oven to the setting on back of cake box. Prepare your muffin tin by placing paper liners in the cups. For this recipe, you must use paper liners. If you do not use liners, you will never, ever get your cupcakes out of your tin. <br />
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We chose to make mini cupcakes because they are tiny, and it controls your portion size. Even if you eat two or three, your waistline still will be visible tomorrow.<br />
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Begin by emptying the dry ingredients from your cake mix into a bowl. Proceed to pour in the one can diet soda. It is better if the diet soda is at room temperature rather than chilled.<br />
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Stir ingredients until well combined. Your mixture will look a little bit foamy and frothy. It reminds me of one of those products Nickelodeon sells, Slime or Floam or something.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqkvw7g-V-w3AxtJTC09jtDcQFZBmqnDxNtwRmsZeNagMbX716Fqw9fklVVOmAUgpN_e7T2EgO0wBrZwy2iHWCXTGYThS5tp_9cDX_30r7UtZZIJbjfgtoTvUsP8zN6nBwB7LX0M728UmH/s1600-h/IMG_0065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqkvw7g-V-w3AxtJTC09jtDcQFZBmqnDxNtwRmsZeNagMbX716Fqw9fklVVOmAUgpN_e7T2EgO0wBrZwy2iHWCXTGYThS5tp_9cDX_30r7UtZZIJbjfgtoTvUsP8zN6nBwB7LX0M728UmH/s320/IMG_0065.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Use a large spoon to fill your muffin cups almost but not quite to the top of the paper. These muffins still rise but perhaps not as much as a regular recipe does.</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Bake the cupcakes as long as the directions on the box indicate, but do check them a minute or two early. Obviously, most boxes do not include directions for mini muffin tins. The perfect time for my cupcakes was 12 minutes. You can test your cupcakes by inserting a toothpick in the center.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYHb1cDtBBbYTVTCJsnfsCGKh8qGNr0BiZB6RNRdURv0JCA2tC0R65I9VxxkY_dKA27yEJaB72YJcIWxObsciEz5prsWY0OeqEyFzWzaZhWOhzlv6W87IXi_tKl8FvhWW2icg4IXQkJ4nQ/s1600-h/IMG_0071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYHb1cDtBBbYTVTCJsnfsCGKh8qGNr0BiZB6RNRdURv0JCA2tC0R65I9VxxkY_dKA27yEJaB72YJcIWxObsciEz5prsWY0OeqEyFzWzaZhWOhzlv6W87IXi_tKl8FvhWW2icg4IXQkJ4nQ/s320/IMG_0071.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Let your cupcakes cool completely before frosting. If you do not, your frosting will melt, and it will not be pretty. Not that I made that mistake or anything.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Growing up, my favorite cake my mom made was frosted with a mixture of Cool Whip and chocolate pudding. Cool Whip makes cake yummy. Who am I kidding? Cool Whip makes everything yummy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Speaking of Cool Whip, Cool Whip Free is maybe my favorite food. If you can even call it a food... It is more like a jiggly, fluffy, sweet enigma. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To make your frosting, wash your strawberries and cut off the tops. Cut them into fourths and place in a bowl. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Use a potato masher to grind those berries into runny, red juicy pulp. You are welcome to do this in food processor, but my food processor weighs 100 lbs. so I only use it when it would be way too difficult to purée something another way. Berries are very puréeible.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidptOudCrirTgy1NMaNO3pJFSMJLHpEis41XaCGWDlyntWZTVz4ZX0qoijvJ-NvFIT_3jxiit-aKQD2-nE6sJRqXKSO3fOdLw5cj-nHmNnv4Io1NZyh8wbMMn7S3DI2op5CPEE9HohmLjY/s1600-h/IMG_0076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidptOudCrirTgy1NMaNO3pJFSMJLHpEis41XaCGWDlyntWZTVz4ZX0qoijvJ-NvFIT_3jxiit-aKQD2-nE6sJRqXKSO3fOdLw5cj-nHmNnv4Io1NZyh8wbMMn7S3DI2op5CPEE9HohmLjY/s320/IMG_0076.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">That photo is the beginning. When you are finished, you will basically have strawberry syrup. I didn't take a photo of it because I didn't.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Empty the entire container of Cool Whip Free into your strawberry syrup and stir. Your Cool Whip will not turn red, but if you sample your frosting it will taste like strawberries. I know all of you know that Cool Whip + strawberries = love. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Using a small spatula, frost your cooled baby cupcakes. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Do be warned that the cupcakes will be pretty sticky, almost like a brownie. However, they do not taste like a diet dessert because real sugar remained in the cake mix. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">What you have now are bite-sized sweetie cakes for your sweetie for Valentine's Day.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">You will need to keep your cupcakes refrigerated to keep them because of the Cool Whip. If you've ever saved a cake frosted with Cool Whip frosting, you know it's even better the next day: moist, cool and filling. </div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Tomorrow, on Valentine's Day, I plan to make the Engineer one of the world's most beautiful desserts, healthy style. My post most likely will appear on Monday.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Happy Day of Love! (And please excuse the melty frosting in this photo!)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf7TSbEVkHFZBqYa3GPsURHfQbfKjsUI7A6DNUjCwj70ax6koeK4hEGRZzigokWmogpbGgg5tssqRbjcVnZAWKX1RKGSWE9DbdU6Z_FxnnwQ8-44Cs-JKXK0NO47qpyrQ9Of8K9GfrIyUt/s1600-h/IMG_0085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf7TSbEVkHFZBqYa3GPsURHfQbfKjsUI7A6DNUjCwj70ax6koeK4hEGRZzigokWmogpbGgg5tssqRbjcVnZAWKX1RKGSWE9DbdU6Z_FxnnwQ8-44Cs-JKXK0NO47qpyrQ9Of8K9GfrIyUt/s320/IMG_0085.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174307587520123539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513837183971687015.post-8322451250755724222010-02-10T07:15:00.000-08:002010-02-10T07:15:21.943-08:00The Ripped PrincessThe other day my sweet and tiny 2-year-old was pulling a sticker shaped like Disney's Sleeping Beauty off its backing, and it ripped across her unrealistically thin waist. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEcBkMHitLM3fSo07FGJAJ3LnA50TNnp_W-sm6h0y3-FD7tNfGZWlLrIH-69daE7wrtR8ZLbQJ3k4EjDazYb287Y-i7efY_uvR8rUzT9MDbRKn-ETDASMLj2uc0saNlDAue0pfogRUsumK/s1600-h/IMG_9804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEcBkMHitLM3fSo07FGJAJ3LnA50TNnp_W-sm6h0y3-FD7tNfGZWlLrIH-69daE7wrtR8ZLbQJ3k4EjDazYb287Y-i7efY_uvR8rUzT9MDbRKn-ETDASMLj2uc0saNlDAue0pfogRUsumK/s200/IMG_9804.JPG" width="133" /></a></div><br />
<br />
"Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa," Ruby screamed.<br />
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She was screaming because her sticker was no longer whole, but I was more upset about what the action symbolized. The smallest part of little Ms. Aurora's body was not her delicate wrists, nor the top of her head. The sticker held the shapes of those traditionally smaller body parts. Where it ripped was through her middle.<br />
<br />
Since I teach at a high school, I constantly am aware of body image issues young women face. I myself struggle a good amount with being confident in my size and shape. When I had girl baby, I knew something I wanted for her was to be free of worry over her appearance. Unfortunately, I do not know how to achieve that utopia for her.<br />
<br />
I know I can teach her about self worth, that we are not measured by how we dress or how we look but how we treat others. I know I can teach her about a higher power, who created her and loves her regardless of what others think. I know I can teach her about healthy eating and exercise without emphasizing the idea that she must be skinny.<br />
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What I do not know is what ideas I will unintentionally transmit to her when I am worrying about my own shape and size. I don't know what my facial expressions and body language will say when I am not paying attention.<br />
<br />
Moreso, I don't know what she will take to heart from our thin-obsessed society. What disappoints me is that this begins now, when she is 2. Her idols have measurements similar to the controversial Barbie, who could not hold her top up with her microscopic waist if she were a real woman.<br />
<br />
Disney Princesses are lovely, proper ladies with high morals, and I do not object to her admiration for them. I doubt that body image was on the radar in 1959 when "Sleeping Beauty" was created, and I suppose I certainly can see why they didn't want to make Aurora overweight and unhealthy. <br />
<br />
But it's not just her. Ruby's favorite is Jasmine from "Aladdin," and she perhaps has the smallest waist of all in contrast with her curvy, Marilyn Monroe hips. In fact, all the princesses have unrealistic body shapes, with no room for ribs or intestines. <br />
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Ruby has other role models, like our pal Dora the Explorer, who have normal-sized bodies. The problem is, as she grows, idols with teeny measurements will be available wherever she turns, from Nickelodeon to "Project Runway." <br />
<br />
And the question in my mind is: Is it possible to raise a girl in today's society who doesn't compare herself to others but is confident and comfortable in her own skin?<br />
<br />
I think of my female high school students, most of whom are wonderful human beings. They are confident and intelligent and beautiful, all in their own ways, and still I am not entirely certain they don't all stress often about how others perceive them to look. <br />
<br />
Perhaps it is human nature. But it is a nature I do not want my daughter to have to face.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiBRWezkQNxjI5yUl0V0g7k3bFPd-cZ9TdnjNBvEXT_EvV9v1kUn7CAXLOFjIiqnZose5c2sP-I4T0sVJHwEc8l2-uviRANTZvwIQbvqElpCYhIio2oHFZKzIpIqOBN9z7g26xMJnRzdG2/s1600-h/IMG_5818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiBRWezkQNxjI5yUl0V0g7k3bFPd-cZ9TdnjNBvEXT_EvV9v1kUn7CAXLOFjIiqnZose5c2sP-I4T0sVJHwEc8l2-uviRANTZvwIQbvqElpCYhIio2oHFZKzIpIqOBN9z7g26xMJnRzdG2/s320/IMG_5818.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Luckily, right now she still is at an age where princesses are magical, beautiful beings, and she feels good about herself while looking at them rather than bad. So for now I will relish the innocence of her youth and wait unenthusiastically for a later time to guard her against societal pressures I wish did not exist.Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174307587520123539noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513837183971687015.post-79552562338293989672010-02-06T21:14:00.000-08:002010-02-06T21:15:47.759-08:00Super Bowl Sink or Swim: Black Bean DipI pretty much assume I'm going to splurge on my diet each year on Super Bowl Sunday. Apparently we Americans eat more calories on average on this day each year than any other day except Thanksgiving. I am absolutely no exception to any statistic about overeating, this included.<br />
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However, since my sister's wedding is a mere three months away (have I mentioned the other bridesmaids are supermodels?), and I don't believe I have shared with you that my 10-year class reunion is this summer, I don't have much time to recoup if I majorly overeat.<br />
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I believe the very best way to keep yourself in check when attending a holiday party is to go in with realistic expectations. If you believe you are not going to eat a single fatty item, then when you do it will upset you, and you may give up completely.<br />
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Since I am the party host this year, I have some control over calorie content. I am serving a lot of veggies; I made my <a href="http://www.bakerella.com/super-bowl-funday/">football-shaped Oreo truffles</a> with low-fat cream cheese (not that it helped much); and I am making this fabulous bean dip that is actually very healthy but tastes insanely wonderful. <br />
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The reason it tastes so good is because I got the recipe from my mom. My mom is one of those annoyingly perfect people who is good at every single thing you can ever think of in the entire world. This means that her bean dip recipe obviously is going to be uber-tasty. She is so nice to let me share it with all of you.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Black Bean Dip</span><br />
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2 cans black beans<br />
2 cans Mexican corn<br />
4 tops and bottoms of green onions<br />
1/3 cup olive oil<br />
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar<br />
cumin to taste<br />
2 Roma tomatoes<br />
1 avocado<br />
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First, drain and rinse your super healthy, fiber-filled black beans.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFXoeQojAhxkjY1J1uPsrsHyGHPJePtvin4Et9v4iUZrSkECST4Xrgwfy6R2a8Vxo3D9s0gJWTdfXXCgUgWC9PLzH_1h8_SLOuB4nhN4Sn_V6K1t-ATxxrpS2mbL7xNb6y1ZAuvkOykGW8/s1600-h/IMG_9616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFXoeQojAhxkjY1J1uPsrsHyGHPJePtvin4Et9v4iUZrSkECST4Xrgwfy6R2a8Vxo3D9s0gJWTdfXXCgUgWC9PLzH_1h8_SLOuB4nhN4Sn_V6K1t-ATxxrpS2mbL7xNb6y1ZAuvkOykGW8/s320/IMG_9616.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next, drain your Mexican corn, which is also often called Fiesta Corn. Mix the corn and beans in a large bowl. Golly it sure looks pretty with all that color in the bowl.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiabJBqOgEj55bQKhICiczRJuXLRAO5PdIb_0DqwjF0agMK7fDojolYVQBbTZhLgSG1PeM5UE9pGCsEjSgpu0DVM1b_MCUgLcIh6nmwH4ZT-JT302DmjYgAa-E4nFDyVSQCz4gU8THSw10i/s1600-h/IMG_9621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiabJBqOgEj55bQKhICiczRJuXLRAO5PdIb_0DqwjF0agMK7fDojolYVQBbTZhLgSG1PeM5UE9pGCsEjSgpu0DVM1b_MCUgLcIh6nmwH4ZT-JT302DmjYgAa-E4nFDyVSQCz4gU8THSw10i/s320/IMG_9621.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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Next you slice the green onions. Don't forget to cut off those furry things on the ends.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjfFtmqpQsHit59JKslCD2-cRYE94bxNjs3XQgwnsvvgsKi5mSeme-nfoFL79a7iMgMWqw0K5VtKtrs9tP3pzHgXbpFpbyuCXqhtdcjqzYmSm-ufKsTdkflfLuDNmlAB3Hi5hI9SK1iNm6/s1600-h/IMG_9626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjfFtmqpQsHit59JKslCD2-cRYE94bxNjs3XQgwnsvvgsKi5mSeme-nfoFL79a7iMgMWqw0K5VtKtrs9tP3pzHgXbpFpbyuCXqhtdcjqzYmSm-ufKsTdkflfLuDNmlAB3Hi5hI9SK1iNm6/s320/IMG_9626.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Slice your onions thin, because green onions are one of those ingredients that no one really likes to eat by itself, but then you put it in something and it just tastes so fabulous you can hardly stand it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGYr2TbcxSSGI5UQcZFzLxuyGj_-Kvug4RK2C1Fzmaw3VIZ69Vg1kXngMqNpdwvbYGbTBRver3Mupin-2QPDMSdZGeGb3WBiTlJom8G7wkJ1Ic7kIrP5uGCF_wrv2GYtnStDRg7qjxEoLV/s1600-h/IMG_9629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGYr2TbcxSSGI5UQcZFzLxuyGj_-Kvug4RK2C1Fzmaw3VIZ69Vg1kXngMqNpdwvbYGbTBRver3Mupin-2QPDMSdZGeGb3WBiTlJom8G7wkJ1Ic7kIrP5uGCF_wrv2GYtnStDRg7qjxEoLV/s320/IMG_9629.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Add your onions to your other ingredients. Wow, this recipe really is just eye-pleasing.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV2FYG6AYi-wxIin6p5JO-xPG-dYADpiGwHHVJvDNjD0ZcSReAQ2xgIScjtIZFCV1Z2nDFVb7eFhJ7ADFlG3_a0ZSl3wrYxhjLXvtS8GQDbmFQDn0TuGWAzlh5dJz72U8jA6Ep0e3nE1sD/s1600-h/IMG_9631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV2FYG6AYi-wxIin6p5JO-xPG-dYADpiGwHHVJvDNjD0ZcSReAQ2xgIScjtIZFCV1Z2nDFVb7eFhJ7ADFlG3_a0ZSl3wrYxhjLXvtS8GQDbmFQDn0TuGWAzlh5dJz72U8jA6Ep0e3nE1sD/s320/IMG_9631.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next, add your olive oil, or as Rachel Ray says, EVOO. I don't like to add the full 1/3 cup, because olive oil is very healthy but full of good fat. Still, fat is fat, and I don't think you actually need every drop of this 1/3 cup. Just more than 1/4 cup, perhaps.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic2zfNLgswo-x5F8Fvb-ulhiN5TOI-o6YADti-SwRSEekxWfm1tcza86mqwlqQnmy9T8X6qjN02D9QdZH2OwGFKT3prKvU9m_6QYr6K0bdc1bcgw8Kbx9SLYfWTh_x2KMHclnk80PSVI7q/s1600-h/IMG_9632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic2zfNLgswo-x5F8Fvb-ulhiN5TOI-o6YADti-SwRSEekxWfm1tcza86mqwlqQnmy9T8X6qjN02D9QdZH2OwGFKT3prKvU9m_6QYr6K0bdc1bcgw8Kbx9SLYfWTh_x2KMHclnk80PSVI7q/s320/IMG_9632.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Next, you pour in your balsamic vinegar. Balsamic vinegar is the best thing ever. I will eat it on anything except dessert. It is delicious, and it has very few calories. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJuPaH8vzrEflqv9qlptBi6HJ4hkMqk88KIhbwyii9GlQpm3-6C9EAOf6slU82TrZ_1TnPi5CXCFmBUAFaqmpUgW2y2TGlLf4ka4gkrQdPF1EeyW9tLaH2OJytlHqcCf3BlaOup1FZg0i/s1600-h/IMG_9635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJuPaH8vzrEflqv9qlptBi6HJ4hkMqk88KIhbwyii9GlQpm3-6C9EAOf6slU82TrZ_1TnPi5CXCFmBUAFaqmpUgW2y2TGlLf4ka4gkrQdPF1EeyW9tLaH2OJytlHqcCf3BlaOup1FZg0i/s320/IMG_9635.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Finally, you are going to add your cumin "to taste." "To taste" actually means pour in half the bottle, because cumin is also sent to us straight from God. Yummy, yummy. Mix everything up.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What you are going to do now is place your nice big bowl in the refrigerator. Let all the juicy goodness merge together into one flavor of delicious. An hour before serving, dice your tomatoes and chop your avocado and stir them in, as well. I would show you photos of this, but I have not done it yet since the Super Bowl is still tomorrow.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I know you will love this dip. It is low in fat and calories and has a lot of nutritional content. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The problem with dip, you say, is the fact that most humans eat it with chips, and chips are bad. Yes, chips are bad. However, my favorite chip maker Tostito is offering two great options: whole grain and baked. Here they are, and I bet you can't tell the difference between them by looking.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEionvDF4oUv5lw_SjKSLnSasmAd76F-I_QGpcwh3HhCVRSBG8hEkr3yPO6TVQ-z5bJt5RW0felWphwy0QVRIj4VRcC7iDUBteG9CUmAIT_uGV9PyJgjj4nctBz9sJ4qeAodFpgl9o1FEYfu/s1600-h/IMG_9638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEionvDF4oUv5lw_SjKSLnSasmAd76F-I_QGpcwh3HhCVRSBG8hEkr3yPO6TVQ-z5bJt5RW0felWphwy0QVRIj4VRcC7iDUBteG9CUmAIT_uGV9PyJgjj4nctBz9sJ4qeAodFpgl9o1FEYfu/s1600-h/IMG_9638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEionvDF4oUv5lw_SjKSLnSasmAd76F-I_QGpcwh3HhCVRSBG8hEkr3yPO6TVQ-z5bJt5RW0felWphwy0QVRIj4VRcC7iDUBteG9CUmAIT_uGV9PyJgjj4nctBz9sJ4qeAodFpgl9o1FEYfu/s320/IMG_9638.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The whole grain chips (left) are still slightly high in fat, but whole grains provide nutrition and do not turn straight into sugar like white flour. The baked chips have lower calorie and fat values per serving. However, I suggest you do your research and know that one serving is 12-14 chips, and then you count out your 12 chips and walk away from the food table. I repeat: Walk away from the food table.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Some other Super Bowl tips to keep your head above water? (Get it, swim, don't sink.) Drink a lot of water. Eat the veggies. Everyone serves veggies. They fill up your belly without lots of calories. Take one of a couple of things you cannot live without. And then walk away from the food table! And if you see me there, please drag me with you.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174307587520123539noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513837183971687015.post-82967702487945167552010-02-03T18:56:00.000-08:002010-02-03T19:20:44.422-08:00Roses, Romance and Beef<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The Engineer got me roses for Valentine's Day. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh27iwYwN9O1dyHm7_fF1fHlTEADy6mRx_rQXnmx4oC5XROTXNrP39rMUJl2PWSlnwJzZRXlcYz6J5WoxBWAw-6BKjcb5hL9WDlfiUM5rw_EiD7SOOg-JdVOZVCqf46nFm7ZZla4EOOOgLg/s1600-h/IMG_8748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh27iwYwN9O1dyHm7_fF1fHlTEADy6mRx_rQXnmx4oC5XROTXNrP39rMUJl2PWSlnwJzZRXlcYz6J5WoxBWAw-6BKjcb5hL9WDlfiUM5rw_EiD7SOOg-JdVOZVCqf46nFm7ZZla4EOOOgLg/s320/IMG_8748.JPG" /></span></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">What? It's only Feb. 3? You're kidding me.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Actually he wanted to get the half-price roses on Tuesdays from Tillie's Flowers before they cancelled the deal for the month. Oh, I know he's sweet. Yes, this is the only valentine I will get. No, I didn't ever imagine I could have a husband this romantic. No, he didn't get the reaction he was expecting. Yes, he's an engineer. Yes, I'd love to know how you feel about this.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The point is, since he is such a sweetheart, I knew I had to repay him. So I decided to make him a beef dinner.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Personally, I don't love to eat beef just because it can be high in fat and cholesterol. However, I love it when I am able to find lean beef because beef tastes pretty good. Especially nice, rare steak. It also feels nice to support Kansas ranchers by purchasing beef from Kansas.</span></span><br />
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</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I found a nice Kansas recipe on </span></span><a href="http://www.vernalisapartypage.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Vernalisa's Party Page</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> . Now, I don't know who Vernalisa is, and I'm not actually sure where the party is, but I did like the one recipe I tried:</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Kansas Stir Fry</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">(modified)</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1 1/4 lb. boneless beef top sirloin steak, 1-inch thick<br />
8 oz. uncooked linguini<br />
2 to 3 T. olive oil, divided<br />
2 large cloves garlic, crushed<br />
1/2 tsp. salt<br />
1/2 tsp. pepper<br />
8 oz. portobello mushroom caps, cut in half, then crosswise into 1/4-inch slices<br />
1 medium red, yellow or green bell pepper, cut into 1/8-inch thick strips<br />
2 T. basil leaves, thinly sliced<br />
1/3 c. romano cheese, grated </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Top sirloin is supposed to usually be a fairly lean cut of steak. Begin by cutting off all of the fat. Cut your steak in half lengthwise and then cut the steak into 1/8-inch thick strips. This will mean that you are basically cutting your steak almost as thin as you can.</span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-jKusFzx-b5UfEwtIrhH9dBCxwO-IcsjH8_UgyT62f2TVR5idPbcDfnfK2mDPy2JB0kb6E8lmoTjduo5JX9BaSXLWiTofKstfvsmws8pbt77bbD0ZGfHv5mpmiQM8e1bmiqatYgOPAcZ/s1600-h/IMG_8755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-jKusFzx-b5UfEwtIrhH9dBCxwO-IcsjH8_UgyT62f2TVR5idPbcDfnfK2mDPy2JB0kb6E8lmoTjduo5JX9BaSXLWiTofKstfvsmws8pbt77bbD0ZGfHv5mpmiQM8e1bmiqatYgOPAcZ/s320/IMG_8755.JPG" /></span></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">You will also want to cut up your vegetables. I did not want to purchase the uber-expensive portobello mushroom caps, so I just got regular mushrooms. Slice them very thin, as well, so they will cook through.</span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAtKok_jfQR9DbRJEAUrMcmXsSkZ54b7OQHQwPT2IESPnQ0A3hQYDS8NjGGjT-yCjsAvn2XUbCh4fAgG6pmE73HKjMV1pcwdyrq-G9jzISgaltoKmxTPLRVPYoeylfie1xIfaGcYcOyMRx/s1600-h/IMG_8757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAtKok_jfQR9DbRJEAUrMcmXsSkZ54b7OQHQwPT2IESPnQ0A3hQYDS8NjGGjT-yCjsAvn2XUbCh4fAgG6pmE73HKjMV1pcwdyrq-G9jzISgaltoKmxTPLRVPYoeylfie1xIfaGcYcOyMRx/s320/IMG_8757.JPG" /></span></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Then you want to slice your pepper very thin. I like to use at least two colors of pepper, because it's prettier, and that's what is really important here.</span></span><br />
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</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-8kghIuzm19HO-_y8jm3J7YZM7KZa9okcFr4C0WUcrsF0YbfYJqR5JrIrjATslBWoPZfi0n8C6V4dGSzxBB2u99ls_JLVbDWLZCPLbdgw42kfCwQDq02XSorWFIY7or2mBmtOn4c5HBAW/s1600-h/IMG_8765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-8kghIuzm19HO-_y8jm3J7YZM7KZa9okcFr4C0WUcrsF0YbfYJqR5JrIrjATslBWoPZfi0n8C6V4dGSzxBB2u99ls_JLVbDWLZCPLbdgw42kfCwQDq02XSorWFIY7or2mBmtOn4c5HBAW/s320/IMG_8765.JPG" /></span></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">In a very large skillet, heat your olive oil until very hot. Sear steak pieces 1-2 minutes until brown. You are going to want to make sure you do not leave your steak pieces in the skillet on one side for too long or they will look like this:</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #400000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1K7dBSaG_bFCGfBPYg6gGY-fmfT_z_CxRz0I0eF74UbKHRqmh4k3722hlDHsNKoMvTEsND2AYkdJGk8cMbVCmd8o1gSWK-rEXUJWZbAnm274UQRIuEYleFyj73tjj15zBLHeNkr80TWiQ/s1600-h/IMG_8771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1K7dBSaG_bFCGfBPYg6gGY-fmfT_z_CxRz0I0eF74UbKHRqmh4k3722hlDHsNKoMvTEsND2AYkdJGk8cMbVCmd8o1gSWK-rEXUJWZbAnm274UQRIuEYleFyj73tjj15zBLHeNkr80TWiQ/s320/IMG_8771.JPG" /></span></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #400000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">You want it to look more like this:</span></span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #400000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8YS_6x__uDf7pOkcZKUnRqRS9dtLjAh2HDuuDmmINXQP4BCjjEEiuwyiAat8a7O_0cMr19_6Z6QOBXwGQ9oe5YEp8OhfLQMDiD8FhipMRZ8FAjoe4re4P_MMRZEWV-fpTsyuc9O6NvtH2/s1600-h/IMG_8773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8YS_6x__uDf7pOkcZKUnRqRS9dtLjAh2HDuuDmmINXQP4BCjjEEiuwyiAat8a7O_0cMr19_6Z6QOBXwGQ9oe5YEp8OhfLQMDiD8FhipMRZ8FAjoe4re4P_MMRZEWV-fpTsyuc9O6NvtH2/s320/IMG_8773.JPG" /></span></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Remove the beef from the pan, and replace it with 1-2 tsp. oil. Add your veggies, and cook them for about 3 minutes, or until your mushrooms are darker brown and yummy-looking.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikcaPyErdxhG5k6hneMrIBVwogSP520HKPuJW0plW7JMt_dJdwcUl0ei0SHA7sVolC0cXXTuz06TypSVHS7kI1dE8jCfDNXJgOrkHBgWO5XrJmx782RV6C7OdroXYzrcvws16oTwrDM0dR/s1600-h/IMG_8774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikcaPyErdxhG5k6hneMrIBVwogSP520HKPuJW0plW7JMt_dJdwcUl0ei0SHA7sVolC0cXXTuz06TypSVHS7kI1dE8jCfDNXJgOrkHBgWO5XrJmx782RV6C7OdroXYzrcvws16oTwrDM0dR/s320/IMG_8774.JPG" width="320" /></span></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Add your beef.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1rFZJAzJmlxd5ZdJWzYwQ0YlhScwYdNLvXFm-_t_ux2VFbtWXpeZU0MniBkTW6wgna6MaSP-iXh0BexEGUDhBX4wpZ7GUCC2WtZlazO4bshnzQlma_HhnU6Tk50tCGTr_yu6uWrvBalsv/s1600-h/IMG_8778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1rFZJAzJmlxd5ZdJWzYwQ0YlhScwYdNLvXFm-_t_ux2VFbtWXpeZU0MniBkTW6wgna6MaSP-iXh0BexEGUDhBX4wpZ7GUCC2WtZlazO4bshnzQlma_HhnU6Tk50tCGTr_yu6uWrvBalsv/s320/IMG_8778.JPG" /></span></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Plate, and top with cheese. I used fresh parmesan instead of romano. It's not so full of calories.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSHYgEwBAiEzvPnOH6EiFkE1RMLc7_UIx4mV69PwzXV0h3eAeRn8N-8T3NjVxOMFb9g-cdNoLZiMMKbU7Vae6FD8YKqJFLPXL6fwvfUBLRbQFEvKqSu8AB6zSa6V0jHAvSr7CWsc6STh4x/s1600-h/IMG_8779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSHYgEwBAiEzvPnOH6EiFkE1RMLc7_UIx4mV69PwzXV0h3eAeRn8N-8T3NjVxOMFb9g-cdNoLZiMMKbU7Vae6FD8YKqJFLPXL6fwvfUBLRbQFEvKqSu8AB6zSa6V0jHAvSr7CWsc6STh4x/s320/IMG_8779.JPG" /></span></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Of course, Wayne promptly removed the mushrooms. But I liked the total package, myself.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">What may be even more exciting than 1/2-price roses or beef stirfry is the fact we're having a Super Bowl party this weekend. How am I going to manage to keep that healthy? Oh, you just wait and see...</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #400000; font-size: 18px;"><br />
</span>Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174307587520123539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513837183971687015.post-50280517057601297592010-01-29T18:38:00.000-08:002010-01-29T18:41:36.295-08:00Baking WoesSnow days make perfect baking days. They're lazy, and you're stuck in your house with nothing to do, and you can imagine the smell that would permeate your kitchen, and you know you have the time to do it...<br />
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I like to bake. Wait, I L-O-V-E to bake, but you know what I'm gonna say next. It is such a huge temptation to eat everything I bake that I have a rule against doing it unless I know I can give all the goodies away. <br />
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Today I broke my rule.<br />
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I desperately wanted a snow day today. Teaching makes a great job, but it is such a busy career and paired with motherhood sometimes I become physically exhausted. I wanted to lay around my house and do nothing, burn no calories and just relax.<br />
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As afternoon set in, though, the kitchen was calling my name. So was the chocolate in the pantry. So was my daughter, begging me to don our matching aprons, like we're wearing six months ago here:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi56sHfjeFmcuPPDGuSKx6QvKks-uE9H8Kgue0agpDWGlzHv1iS6YM8fHcfB_Zy1RgolcvHyrx5SwobJBfGe63Fck0jHVxD41lKzcuGE8AcEUYPmX_SGLz_-mo1PQDUqCDCIdv2cZoXX4rD/s1600-h/IMG_1335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi56sHfjeFmcuPPDGuSKx6QvKks-uE9H8Kgue0agpDWGlzHv1iS6YM8fHcfB_Zy1RgolcvHyrx5SwobJBfGe63Fck0jHVxD41lKzcuGE8AcEUYPmX_SGLz_-mo1PQDUqCDCIdv2cZoXX4rD/s320/IMG_1335.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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I went to a blog my dear little friend Frances told me about called <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/">Smitten Kitchen</a> . I have my standard recipe blogs, but I enjoyed this blog today because there are just so many selections, and the narrative that goes with each is well-written. <br />
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Now, I am recommending this blog, and the recipe I made, as long as you keep in mind that the recipes are not necessarily created for the healthful. I absolutely recognized that. <br />
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I told myself I could wrap each individual cupcake up really tight and put them all in the freezer, eating one every other day (which actually can be a really good solution when baking). I told myself I don't even like cheesecake. I told myself I'd been sick, and my appetite hadn't come back quite yet.<br />
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When I smelled the cupcakes cooking in the oven, I knew I was done for. My stomach starting making little hungry noises. It <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">expected</span> me to eat one of those cupcakes. It wasn't my fault. <br />
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The recipe was called <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/2007/06/pot-bellies-black-bottoms/">black-bottom cupcakes</a> . That sounded innocent enough. It doesn't even sound the slightest bit tempting, honestly. <br />
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The problem is, whoever named the cupcakes, was an idiot. Naming these cupcakes black-bottom would be like calling a chocolate covered cherry a cherry. Or cotton candy, cotton. The moniker chooser left out the most important part, which is, of course, the tops of the cupcakes, which are like cheesecakes with tiny hunks of melted chocolate dispersed throughout. Black-bottom cupcakes. Hmmph.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWla_m80__yhe5vnjIq5NuwF9AC1akYvdv74rlDlwO_ViqyoJkdHoRa5bO30o40LTM9ECBUDze-wABzwEg81bVgyB-qTBftAE0ayLq8iNrmwUXWv5X6MPUUTWqNO4oSc5g9BoMHLSt2nd5/s1600-h/IMG_0050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWla_m80__yhe5vnjIq5NuwF9AC1akYvdv74rlDlwO_ViqyoJkdHoRa5bO30o40LTM9ECBUDze-wABzwEg81bVgyB-qTBftAE0ayLq8iNrmwUXWv5X6MPUUTWqNO4oSc5g9BoMHLSt2nd5/s320/IMG_0050.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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Needless to say, I ate two cupcakes today. After my second one I kind of felt like my daughter looked:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7sLqN-qs4FAaTn_r69JyF4otDCtE8zwX4-4CEGBUHchc6MU7j5K6FZR7keLxV5EInKVgtrM0BgZC5zoFBHmsVv4dPiVcdMIsbnmRGuyB42PwoGfJL0CPEpTvqbBiSRjHbaIf2pT6LQ2Jz/s1600-h/IMG_0047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7sLqN-qs4FAaTn_r69JyF4otDCtE8zwX4-4CEGBUHchc6MU7j5K6FZR7keLxV5EInKVgtrM0BgZC5zoFBHmsVv4dPiVcdMIsbnmRGuyB42PwoGfJL0CPEpTvqbBiSRjHbaIf2pT6LQ2Jz/s320/IMG_0047.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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Like I had just eaten like a pig.<br />
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I've done pretty well with my eating this week, not including today, and I could let these two innocent, little cupcakes ruin my diet. But I'm not going to do it.<br />
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Instead of giving up for the day, I tried to look at the positive. I mean, you do burn about 150 calories an hour or more cooking. So that might be about half of one of my cupcakes right there. Then I did spend about 15 minutes sweeping the kitchen floor afterward, which accounts for at least 50 calories. <br />
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My second coping strategy was making something I don't enjoy eating for dinner. To some that may sound sort of sick and wrong, strategically planning not to eat much for dinner. To me it sounded like a dang good idea. <br />
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I made sausage and potato soup. I loathe nothing in the world more than potatoes, and in soup form nothing could be worse.<br />
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Therefore, I believe I ended my lazy day with no net weight gain. See, it is completely possible to stay on your eating plan and bake little decadent, chocolate cheesecakes in cups. Or at least it is until tomorrow.Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174307587520123539noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513837183971687015.post-45884654631424054212010-01-27T20:37:00.000-08:002010-01-27T20:38:28.806-08:00Healthy(er) Italian FoodI spent my afternoon off today making dinner for the priests and sister at our church. Last time I made this particular meal, I don't remember it taking quite as long as it did today. It consumed my entire afternoon, but I enjoyed every minute of it since I love cooking.<br />
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As one of my dear friends pointed out, it probably is daring to make food for company healthy. It inevitably tastes better if it's filled with fatty butter and cheeses. My problem is, I was feeding a portion of the meal to my family, and I want to keep them healthy. Therefore, the goal I have is to make healthy(er), yummy food.<br />
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Here is the recipe I used today. It's not exactly healthy, but it's better than it could've been. And it tasted better than Lean Cuisine, that's for sure.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Stuffed Shells</span><br />
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1 lb. lean ground beef (I like 90-10)<br />
1 lb. Italian-style turkey sausage<br />
1 tsp. + Italian blend of spices<br />
1 tsp. garlic powder<br />
salt to taste<br />
1 large (12 oz) package jumbo shell pasta<br />
1 16. oz container low-fat cottage cheese<br />
1 large package part-skim mozzarella<br />
1 24 oz. can spaghetti sauce (I like Hunt's garlic and herb)<br />
parmesan<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Brown both meats in a large skillet. Drain well. Add spices, garlic powder and salt to taste. In skillet, add entire carton of cottage cheese and about 3 1/2 cups cheese. (You can add more or less depending on your health and taste preferences.)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Fti8zWqoPONcpCKc4JG_d2Ko_JtgYu3xk3et68_8woyB5Ba2ZZLaorIgSdPt0-Q_ICRASKkYgllJFPx1gwlykoKdvzj_Q1Qfo2WnEGF7yzzPsGTEOz1hUcnxTEUAr7xZ2XwUxzBDJSpJ/s1600-h/IMG_9541.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Fti8zWqoPONcpCKc4JG_d2Ko_JtgYu3xk3et68_8woyB5Ba2ZZLaorIgSdPt0-Q_ICRASKkYgllJFPx1gwlykoKdvzj_Q1Qfo2WnEGF7yzzPsGTEOz1hUcnxTEUAr7xZ2XwUxzBDJSpJ/s320/IMG_9541.JPG" /></a><br />
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Meanwhile, boil shells according to package directions. Rinse with cold water, so shells are not apt to fall apart.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Stuff each shell with enough filling to fill shell completely but so each shell is not overflowing, and place them in a 9x13 baking dish. Cover shells with pasta sauce and a light sprinkling of parmesan cheese. Bake in oven for 30-40 minutes or until heated through. <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Voîla!<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I served it with Italian green salad, bread and chocolate buttermilk cupcakes with light (of course) cream cheese frosting. It made a nice meal that didn't break my daily calorie budget. <br />
</div>Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174307587520123539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513837183971687015.post-33740436170941085102010-01-26T06:37:00.000-08:002010-01-26T06:37:34.189-08:00Random Thoughts– Kellogg's attempt at Fiber1 bars are not cool. <br />
– Sans Sucre Mousse Mix is pretty darn yummy. I had mocha cappuccino, but they have all these delicious flavors that sound even yummier, like chocolate cheesecake. I like Jell-o pudding packs, but these are better! (Sans sucre means without sugar, for those of you who don't know Latin. Or Spanish. Or whatever it is.)<br />
– WW just came out with these ice cream bars that look and taste like Snickers. They are the most delicious thing I have ever tasted. I could eat the entire box. I need a padlock for my freezer.<br />
– My calves are seriously killing me after my "Biggest Loser" workout more than 24 hours ago. I only worked for 30 minutes. I mean, I regularly go to the Y for hour-long torture classes. You would think I would be ready for Jillian Michaels. Haha, nobody is ready for Jillian Michaels.<br />
– This week I am failing at feeding my children. Violet will NOT eat any baby food veggie. She is seven months old, and at most she has choked down five consecutive bites of baby food. She looks at me like I have put rocks in her mouth, and I give up way too easily. Ruby won't eat dinner. EVER. Last night I made lo mein, and she ate two bites. <br />
–I'm making dinner for my priests tomorrow night. I believe I have an excellent recipe for stuffed shells. The problem is, if I make it I might have to eat. It is too good. I will post photos and recipes tomorrow of my cooking adventures. Maybe I'll secretly attempt to healthen up the recipe. Do you think they'll notice?Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174307587520123539noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513837183971687015.post-14603442140472011852010-01-24T19:01:00.000-08:002010-01-24T19:03:34.113-08:00Short StuffMy sister is getting married in May. I am super excited for she and her intelligent, fun future spouse. I can't weight for the wedding – oops, I mean wait. That typo honestly was an accident, but it sure leads me right into my point:<br />
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Of my sister's six bridesmaids, four are blonde, gorgeous and tall. Like really tall. Modelesque, if you will. It's such an attractive wedding party, jaws will drop. Leading the pack as matron of honor will be me, in all my short, average glory. (Shout out to R, my fellow short bridesmaid.)<br />
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I'm aware when I write this post people are going to assume I'm obsessed with weight loss. It's like, can't she talk about anything else? The truth is, I am obsessed with food. In me, that manifests itself in nutrition and exercise fascination. I probably won't apologize for that again, so take this as my all-encompassing plea for forgiveness for harping on the same topics repeatedly.<br />
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Hence, today being a Sunday, I thought the first day of the week would be the perfect time to begin my quest for wedding body perfection. Oh, Weight Watchers, I sure have missed you and all your companions: grumbling belly, too much fiber and an extra shot of blandness. (Disclaimer: WW is awesome. It's been good to me. Disregard all complaints.)<br />
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This trip down weight loss lane, I decided to open up the "Biggest Loser" Wii game we got for Christmas. I thought surely if trainer Jillian Michaels yelled at me for awhile that would get my butt in gear.<br />
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What I found when I turned on the game is it is like playing a little mini "Loser" game of your own! It takes your weight and has you input your daily calories. Oooh, I'm getting all excited just thinking about it. <br />
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Then, when you perform the workouts using your Wii remote and the custom balance board, it keeps track of how many calories you burn, so it can calculate what you should be losing. That way if you lose less than it thinks you should have, maybe it will yell at you or something. <br />
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Personally what this does for me is give me some accountability, which is what helped me while going to WW meetings. Just think, if I don't stick to my diet Jillian's going to be so disappointed in me. It's like being on the show, but better, because you can still have a life and don't have to worry about being voted off every Tuesday.<br />
<br />
My goal is come May I will look good enough to feel comfortable in my dress (which, by the way, has gargantuan pleats all the way around the waist, increasing your perceived weight by about 20 lbs., but is darn cute). If I can pull this off with self confidence, then maybe my undersized 2-year-old will believe as she gets older that height ain't nothin' but a number, be it a small one.Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174307587520123539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513837183971687015.post-35521052187388057182010-01-21T17:25:00.000-08:002010-01-21T19:57:30.080-08:00Eating Can Be StressfulI've always wanted to believe there's some kind of biological reason stress leads to eating. It would explain college. <div><br /></div><div>Obviously, a lot of people, and let's not lie to ourselves, especially lots of women, eat when stressed. What I mean is, I want someone to say, "Don't worry, honey. That's natural. Your body <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">makes</span> you do it."</div><div><br /></div><div>This is what ruined my diet in college: I never slept at all on Wednesday nights. I was married to the student newspaper, and we pulled all-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">nighters</span> on Hump Day. The student newspaper traded a free ad to the snack bar upstairs for providing a refrigerator-sized box each week filled with pizza, soda, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">candy bars</span> and chips. And finally, no matter what I did to try to prevent it, I ate the stuff in the box.</div><div><br /></div><div>I would do everything I could think of to try to avoid the box. I would move it behind a bookshelf on the other side of the room. I would eat as many vegetables as I could for dinner so I would be full. I'd bring my own healthy snacks. </div><div><br /></div><div>But dang that box. It beat me at my game every time. Always the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">candy bars</span>, and it's not as if I'd eat just one. </div><div><br /></div><div>Interestingly, the semester after I graduated I lost 15 lbs., and it's never come back. Admittedly this is most likely due to Weight Watchers, but I'm also going to give props to myself for leaving the box, and that type of stress, behind.</div><div><br /></div><div>Cue this week in my life. One day this week, I started an interview for a magazine article I was writing at 7:30 a.m. By 10 p.m. I had written and turned in three of my own articles and submitted what will probably be the most controversial issue yet of the high school paper I advise to the printer. </div><div><br /></div><div>The stress level felt extremely familiar, and for whatever reason it was the first time I'd felt that type of stress since college. It's not the worst kind of stress, not like the kind when you've committed a crime or lost a loved one. And it's not like when you have a ton of stuff to do and you don't want to do any of it. No, it's <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">exhilarating</span>: Adrenaline shoots through your body, and you are forced to perform superhuman acts just to stay above water. It's glorious and horrifying all at once.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, by 10 p.m., I was scouring my kitchen for that box. "Why did I ban candy bars from entering my house?" I thought. Then I remembered the elusive 15 lbs.</div><div><br /></div><div>I went to the Internet to figure out why stress may drive me to chocolate. I found <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/weight-loss/MH00025">an article</a> from last month's Mayo Clinic magazine, and it basically told me that what I am talking about is called emotional eating. Really the only plausible reason they offered for the eating was eating is a distraction from my problems. Whoopty-doo. I wanted those smarty doctors to tell me there was a "eateverythinginsightrightnow" chemical in my brain forcing me to eat.</div><div><br /></div><div>The article also offered some lame advice to overcome emotional eating. It had some great ideas, like eat healthy food, which I clearly have tried, and get enough sleep. Oh yes, Mayo Clinic Geniuses, I will just go ahead and sleep through my two children 2 and younger screaming and all my work responsibilities calling my name.</div><div><br /></div><div>Apparently, I didn't need medical doctors to tell me how to escape emotional eating. You see, that box, it's two hours away. Even I am not<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> that</span> desperate for chocolate.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174307587520123539noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513837183971687015.post-10891953226988008062010-01-15T17:46:00.000-08:002010-01-15T18:19:02.938-08:00Sugar, sugarI love sugar. It is my drug of choice. It ruins every healthy eating plan I've ever had. <div><br /></div><div>I can resist buttery sauces, fried items in vast array, even white bread and pasta. But don't take my sugar away from me.</div><div><br /></div><div>I really like Robin McGraw, talk show host Dr. Phil's wife. She is well-known for her advice on being a wife and mother. However, I do take issue with her on one point: She swears sugar is the white devil.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's not necessarily that I disagree with her. It's just that I wish I could. This very night I ate several too many handfuls (more like bathtubfuls) of Starburst jelly beans, which are definitely my favorite candy. I know they are filtering through my digestive system, and when I fail to be active this evening they are going to gleefully transform into thigh fat. Because isn't that where all women's fat goes?</div><div><br /></div><div>One of my resolutions, which is laughably unsuccessful considering my previous paragraph, is to use less of the white stuff. I have been experimenting with Splenda, and I suppose it is a good substitute, if a substitute is necessary.</div><div><br /></div><div>One Web site I love is called <a href="http://www.hungry-girl.com">Hungry Girl, </a> and I tried <a href="http://www.hungry-girl.com/week/weeklydetails.php?isid=1882">this</a> HG recipe for low-sugar Upside-Down Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake out on my sweet friend Abby and her family for dinner last night. </div><div><br /></div><div>Hungry Girl is great for healthy recipes and product recommendations. It really rocks and I urge you to go there if you haven't; but sometimes the end result tastes... a little TOO healthy. I once made my husband a Hungry Girl recipe for pizza with a crust made out of Fiber1 cereal. It tasted sort of like soggy, inflated dog food. </div><div><br /></div><div>So I made this cheesecake I'd never made before for company, which is always a brilliant idea. Luckily I was able to taste it before they arrived, and I decided I just could not serve it to them without adding a little bit of real sugar. </div><div><br /></div><div>When you make desserts using a sugar substitute, you kind of feel like you are trying to put one over on whoever will be eating them. It's like saying something is real when everyone who takes it in knows it is fake, like an actress trying to deny breast implants. I just couldn't be that girl, so I added 2 Tbsp. of sugar. </div><div><br /></div><div>It really helped. Really. All parties who ate the cheesecake said they enjoyed it. Proof that you can make really yummy desserts using Splenda... or perhaps it was due to my secret additive: sugar.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174307587520123539noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513837183971687015.post-47985896300676745262010-01-12T19:26:00.001-08:002010-01-15T18:22:00.687-08:00The Myth of Millie Metabolism<div>One of my favorite shows is NBC's "The Biggest Loser." I love the show because it has such a positive message: You can change your life.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>If you haven't seen "Biggest Loser," a lot of the show features the obese contestants exercising. However, the trainers also teach contestants a healthy diet, and together with the activity it helps them lose massive amounts of weight by the last episode.</div><div><br /></div><div>Truly, I personally am fascinated by the contestants' stories about how and why they gained so much weight. If you have not seen the show, it airs at 7 p.m. CST Tuesdays, and this season has just started. Turn it on sometime; it's inspiring.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div>On the flip side, I'm incredibly blessed with a job that allows me to spend a lot of time interacting with teenagers. (I can hear all of your jealous screams now, wondering how I got all the good fortune.) </div><div><br /></div><div>I absolutely adore my students, the majority of whom are girls, but one problem I have with spending time with beautiful and skinny teenagers is it creates an unrealistic body image for me. If you spend enough time with teens, whose bodies are tiny due to activity level and youthful metabolism, you start to wonder how they eat Little Debbie snackcakes at such an alarming rate while still fitting into their skinny jeans.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Which brings me to my point: It is perplexing to me that some folks can be unhealthily thin and some others can be unhealthily heavy and the rest of us fall in between, all because of our eating and activity habits. Notice I didn't say, all because the good Lord blessed us with different speeds of metabolism.</div><div><br /></div><div>Millie Metabolism is an ornery little booger who often pops up in conversation. She's the convenient excuse. "I'd be at healthy weight if it weren't for that Millie. She's just tooooo slow."</div><div><br /></div><div>As many of you may know, your metabolism, loosely defined, is the rate at which your body burns calories, or the number of calories your body needs just to get through your typical day.</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, ladies and gentlemen, I hate to break it to you. I know it hurts to part with old friends. But in all actuality, your Aunt Millie most likely isn't slower than your skinniest friend's Millie. It's a scientific fact that obese people actually have a higher metabolism than thin people.</div><div><br /></div><div>Think about it: Would I burn more calories tomorrow if I gave my two-year-old Ruby a piggyback ride all day tomorrow, or if I gave one to my husband Wayne? Obviously, if you have more to carry around with you, you will burn more calories.</div><div><br /></div><div>The first time I heard this was three or four years ago. I was watching "Oprah" (don't judge; it was before her show started to stink), and Dr. Mehmet Oz was on the TV talking about weight loss. </div><div><br /></div><div>Previously I had been quite certain that metabolism was a key factor in a person's final weight. I was darn sure that my Millie was not created equally; in fact, I was certain she was the turtle of all turtles, and that fact made me feel justified in my weight loss struggles.</div><div><br /></div><div>Dr. Oz burst my bubble. If you are wanting him to explain it to you, <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/2020/story?id=2109291&page=1">here</a> is an article I somehow dug up about this topic. I was upset at the time, but now I have come to the conclusion that he helped me not hide behind convenient excuses.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now, I am not saying people's metabolisms don't vary. Many factors can affect your metabolism, especially including your age and body chemistry. I am quite sure as well that other medical factors can affect your weight. I am not a nutritionist, or a scientist, or a doctor, so I can't really explain all that stuff to you. </div><div><br /></div><div>What I can say is, people of your age, gender and general body type probably have similar metabolisms to yours, so really all you can do to control your weight is watch your caloric intake vs. your calorie expenditures. </div><div><br /></div><div>To do this, I have a daily contest with my Millie. I try to make sure the number of calories I eat is less than the number she plans to burn on her slowest day. </div><div><br /></div><div>Try it with me: Read my blog for ideas on how to beat your Millie!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174307587520123539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513837183971687015.post-91497305159206411582010-01-10T10:42:00.000-08:002010-01-11T20:04:37.353-08:00Exercise Isn't EnoughIt being January, I joined the rest of the country and decided to make some resolutions. This year I actually wrote them down (or rather, typed them into my iPhone) because I always hear you better achieve your goals if you write them down.<div><br /></div><div>Every person I have spoken with about resolutions this year has included some kind of health and fitness resolution. What fascinates me about this is that I assume the percentage of people who actually keep these resolutions is miniscule. </div><div><br /></div><div>Proof of this is how IRRITATING it is to go to the gym in January, because the machines are always taken and the classes are always too full, yet when February rolls around the gym reverts back to being wide open space. Although I go to the gym year-round, I definitely am among the ranks of people who neglect their weight loss resolutions.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have an excellent theory as to why so many of us fail to achieve our weight loss aspirations. I believe it is because our country, through many different avenues, sends us all the message that exercise = automatic weight loss.</div><div><br /></div><div>I can hear all of you saying in your Americanized heads, "Well, it does." Yes, it does – if you do enough of it. If you maintain your current level of calorie intake. If your daily calories burned number is larger than your daily calories eaten number enough times.</div><div><br /></div><div>However, I have thought for a long time that people underestimate the number of calories they eat and overestimate the number of calories they burn when the exercise. </div><div><br /></div><div>In addition, something<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"> I </span>always do is overcompensate for my hard work in the gym by intaking more calories than I would otherwise. I know I am doing it, too, and I tell myself that it is just fine and dandy to eat one more handful of chocolate chips because, heck, I've exercised, so at least I won't gain weight.</div><div><br /></div><div>I was both delighted and horrified when one of my many well-read and extremely intelligent high school students told me about <a href="http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1914857,00.html">this Time article.</a> It basically confirms that it's not just me, that a bunch of people eat more when they exercise, because it's a scientific fact that exercise stimulates hunger.</div><div><br /></div><div>Can we overcome this problem? Sure, now that we know about it, if we write down what we eat and calorie count. </div><div><br /></div><div>However, this is not the only hurdle we face. Exercising, while wonderful for a million different health reasons, may not burn as many calories as you may think.</div><div><br /></div><div>A person must have about a 3,500 calorie deficit to lose a single pound. If a person is breaking even on calories in vs. calories out right now, and walking burns just more than 200 calories an hour, a person may have to walk an hour a day for 15 days in addition to maintaining his current exercise level and calorie intake, to lose just<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> one</span> pound.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Jeez, what a downer you are bein</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">g</span>, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Kristin</span>, you are thinking. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Are trying to discourage me so badly that I quit exercising? </span></div><div><br /></div><div>No, I'm not, but that's exactly what happens when people think that all they have to do is listen to the gym commercials on the radio, sign up, work out a few times, and BOOM turn into a size 2 fitness model. The number one reason I believe people give up on resolutions is because of unrealistic expectations. If you believe your solution to weight loss is exercise, you must exercise hard and often, and make sure it doesn't cause you to increase your calorie intake.</div><div><br /></div><div>Which brings me to my point: Watching what you eat is a much easier way to lose weight. It's pretty easy to cut 300-500 calories off your daily count, especially if you are eating the average of 2,000 calories a day. Besides, eating healthy can be so much fun! It's like a game: Who can eat the most, tastiest food for the lowest amount of calories?</div><div><br /></div><div>I am definitely not saying not to exercise. Exercising makes me feel energized and super attractive, even when I have a few pounds to lose. If I go to the gym in the morning, I walk around feeling like a hot mama all day long.</div><div><br /></div><div>However, I am saying that healthy eating is the key to weight loss, and exercise isn't. </div><div> </div><div>Therefore, you should probably keep reading my blog so I can inspire you to establish and maintain a healthy diet. Just consider me your entertaining (and if nothing else free) healthy eating motivator. And hopefully I'll also motivate myself this new year.</div>Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174307587520123539noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513837183971687015.post-22099724436838250172010-01-07T20:00:00.000-08:002010-01-07T21:15:34.074-08:00Spicy Dinnertime Conversations<div>I really enjoy cooking and baking, and my husband enjoys eating, so you would think we frequently would experience dinnertime harmony. You would be correct only if you liken harmony to going to the dentist's office <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">while</span> listening to nails on a chalkboard. (The first problem is my 2-year-old likes dinnertime as much as most kids like naptime, but that's another blog.)</div><div><br /></div><div>"Those look ... interesting... " my husband muttered tonight as I served dinner.</div><div><br /></div><div>I was placing crunchy, baked tortilla strips on the table. Not exactly a controversial food. They taste like crunchy salt, and who doesn't like crunchy, salty stuff?</div><div><br /></div><div>This kind of comment is a regular occurrence at our house. And when I say "regular occurrence," I mean this happens every single day.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you ask my husband if he is a picky eater, he might say yes. If you ask him if he complains about my cooking, he will adamantly deny it. He is in whining denial.</div><div><br /></div><div>The problem my husband and I have is that I have this obsession with really yummy yet very healthy food. It's like a double obsession, because I am not only very interested in my food tasting good, but I am super fascinated with what our bodies do with what we eat.</div><div><br /></div><div>My husband, on the other hand, likes to eat large amounts of cow, fried carbohydrates and soda pop. And that's about it.</div><div><br /></div><div>I truly am not trying to speak ill of my sweet man. I speak the truth, and honestly, it's surely the truth about most men (and heck, women, too). It's not as if he only eats those things; it's just that those are what he wishes he only ate.</div><div><br /></div><div>That fact combined with the fact that my husband truly is a picky eater (he does not like mushrooms, broccoli, most other vegetables, beans, chocolate, casseroles, mayonnaise, or many other items) creates a situation where he basically never jumps to joy when I bring dinner to the table. Unless we are having cow.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now, I like to think I am a decent cook. Other people compliment me on my cooking. </div><div>I have tastebuds, and the stuff I make tastes good to me. It's also generally low in fat and calories, so that makes me doubly happy. </div><div><br /></div><div>But my husband's subtle, unintentional criticism has definitely given me a complex. I dream about cooking for people who treat me like I am the Rachael Ray of Wichita. </div><div><br /></div><div>Unfortunately, my husband has never heard of Rachael and will never stroke my cooking ego like I'd it. I most likely am going to have to live vicariously through Bethenny Frankel, my healthy cooking idol. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you don't know who she is, puh-lease look her up because she is a domestic goddess, and she's really pretty, and I want to be just like her when I grow up. </div><div><br /></div><div>But back to the tortilla strips. I was serving them with chicken tortilla soup. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here's my recipe:</div><div><br /></div><div>1/3 cup chopped onions</div><div>2 stalks celery</div><div>one clove garlic</div><div>2 tsp. extra virgin olive oil</div><div>one can corn</div><div>one large jar tomato sauce</div><div>1/2 cup dry white cooking wine</div><div>one can Rotel</div><div>2.5 tsp. cumin</div><div>1 tsp. cayenne pepper</div><div>3 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded</div><div>4 large tortillas</div><div>one bag mixed Mexican shredded cheese</div><div><br /></div><div>Sautee veggies in skillet with olive oil and garlic clove. Place contents of skillet into large soup pot with all ingredients through chicken. Simmer for 10-15 minutes. Meanwhile, cut tortillas into strips, spray with olive oil-based cooking spray on both sides, salt and place in 400 degree oven for about 10 minutes, until edges are brown and strips are crunchy. Serve soup with strips, cheese and sour cream if you wish. </div><div><br /></div><div>Yum!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div><br /></div>Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174307587520123539noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513837183971687015.post-50519930290931674842009-02-06T15:32:00.000-08:002009-02-06T15:39:29.193-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaCaN4uv8Muxz-_Bkdeou4ivcx3IhYeVDE_OTCkIgu9L-fmLdMLc6C0uG-6WVYY-Q0uYejY6j29wxrYT51QII7mdBo6nKMug9-O_X0fyAbSRDdSlv6w8_lYmWxlWZPYNf7a7xLoUrBI5mV/s1600-h/011905schnatter.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 148px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaCaN4uv8Muxz-_Bkdeou4ivcx3IhYeVDE_OTCkIgu9L-fmLdMLc6C0uG-6WVYY-Q0uYejY6j29wxrYT51QII7mdBo6nKMug9-O_X0fyAbSRDdSlv6w8_lYmWxlWZPYNf7a7xLoUrBI5mV/s200/011905schnatter.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299833150058688082" /></a><br /><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">The founder of Papa John’s told the British press in an interview this week that people shouldn’t overeat when eating pizza.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>His suggestion was to eat one or two pieces, and then pizza would be a healthy meal.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Being pregnant and hearing this guy talk about one piece of pizza made me wonder if he’s a skinny dude who doesn’t eat his own product.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>(I looked him up, and he’s not a fat man, as you can see. That, of course, doesn’t mean he doesn’t eat pizza; maybe he really does only eat one piece per meal.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>While I’m usually not a pizza fan, pizza and pregnancy seem to complement each other quite nicely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I am quite certain that one piece would not do in this craving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In fact, most fattening foods seem to be attempting to make their way onto my best friends list.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Cookies of the homemade variety, a variety of versions of fried cheese, and creamy pasta sauces all sound pretty good most of the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Luckily, I have a little more sense this time around than I did my first pregnancy.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Many pregnant women use pregnancy as an excuse to eat whatever they want.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I was no exception when I first learned I was pregnant with Ruby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I was truly hungry during my first trimester, and I clearly remember speeding to McDonald’s the first week I was aware of my situation and eating an entire 10-piece McNugget.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Yum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I curbed my eating binge when my friendly OB-GYN delivered this jab at my five-month visit: “You must have been <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">hungry</i> this month.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>(The same doctor told me I was getting a “nice little pooch” at my three-month appointment this pregnancy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This may have been true, but I had actually lost weight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I don’t recommend him to friends with body image issues.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I started walking several miles a day and laid off the sweets, which happen to be my weakness.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Mayo Clinic recommends pregnant women of a normal weight gain about 25-35 lbs. during their pregnancy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This includes the baby’s weight, and only allots a maximum of 8 lbs. for excess fat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Really, this doesn’t leave much room to pig out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Pregnant women are supposed to eat about 300 extra calories per day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Do you ever get the feeling that whoever comes up with these guidelines was not a woman or definitely has never been pregnant?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I mean, I feel like my body is providing me with extra cravings and hunger for some reason.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Still, I definitely didn’t want to gain as much weight with this baby, so I have been eating some lower-calorie substitutes for some of my favorite comfort foods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Here are some of the best treats I’ve been eating:</p> <p class="MsoNormal">• Light pigs-in-a-blanket made with reduced fat crescent rolls and turkey hot dogs</p> <p class="MsoNormal">•<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Oreo Cakester 100-calorie packs: these things are TOO tasty!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">• Pasta sauces made with 1/3-the-fat, reduced calorie cream cheese and skim milk with wheat pasta</p> <p class="MsoNormal">• Lots of 60-70% cacao dark chocolate</p> <p class="MsoNormal">• junior burgers from Sonic and Spangle’s</p> <p class="MsoNormal">• sweet potatoes with cooking spray, cinnamon and marshmallows</p> <p class="MsoNormal">• 60-calorie Jell-O pudding packs</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I have a lot more ideas, but if I keep talking about food, I’m going to go eat it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Good thing I always leave room in my calorie allotment to cheat at least once a week!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I am thinking about Dairy Queen.</p> <!--EndFragment-->Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174307587520123539noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513837183971687015.post-39703254539827805612009-01-28T14:08:00.000-08:002009-01-28T14:49:29.270-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUowtUNP08GvucxtZVEFrn8Ohjf_S4YhI8uiJ4lSlz4h5ik7dDvbrqDbjhkG9B6lnLwDSLXijn1OjMOQiVBMPMxHhnhUS0V-dOJCyeHi6vr7Bbaz1QbUY3u_QaS64xM8Ft4-GgpWSHF9Wa/s1600-h/IMG_0017.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296479881633775922" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUowtUNP08GvucxtZVEFrn8Ohjf_S4YhI8uiJ4lSlz4h5ik7dDvbrqDbjhkG9B6lnLwDSLXijn1OjMOQiVBMPMxHhnhUS0V-dOJCyeHi6vr7Bbaz1QbUY3u_QaS64xM8Ft4-GgpWSHF9Wa/s400/IMG_0017.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>I am obsessed with discovering new food products with great nutritionals in the grocery store. It's been this way for about the past five years; I am constantly on the lookout for tasty things with low stats. I drive one of my health-conscious work friend nuts by perpetually checking out her goods at the lunch table: "What is that? Is it good? How many calories? Did you find that at Dillon's or Wal-Mart? (Those are pretty much the only places to buy food here.) Does it say how many Weight Watchers points? How much fiber? Are you going to buy it again? Is it better than that other brand?" and on and on. I love keeping track of how many calories and fat grams I eat, and I definitely see the importance in following the food pyramid (although can't we all agree that they give us way too many servings of carbs?).<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>So you can imagine my mortification at the fact that Ruby, my daughter, will eat from only two food groups: fruit, and CHEESE. Her day goes a little something like this: Breakfast = string cheese; Lunch = Macaroni and cheese; snack = Gerber cheese puffs; and Dinner = cheese pizza. Throw in some apple sauce or grapes every now and then. Now, I am aware that I am not supposed to restrict my toddler's fat content, but can it be healthy to eat that much CHEESE? Ruby refuses to eat vegetables or meat. I've tried hiding them, shoving them down her throat, bribing, and begging. She will throw them as hard as she can on the floor and scream in delight as her partner in crime, AKA the devil dog, Kiki, gleefully gobbles down every last morsel. I believe she will get to an age where I will give her the ol' "It's this or nothing" ultimatum, but since she was born at roughly 3.5 lbs., I want to make sure she stays at a healthy weight.</div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>I used to think my husband was a picky eater. He doesn't really eat anything green, and if I even try to sneak a mushroom or black olive into a dinner dish, I am in major trouble. I always said, "I am going to make my kids eat everything on their plates." I sure didn't want to raise a picky eater. Apparently, though, what I am learning is that picky eaters may not be raised. Perhaps they are born. We are going to find out, folks, because as soon as Ruby understands if/then statements, she's going to be eating broccoli. I'll let you know how that goes.</div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>Right now, she's just lucky she looks so darn cute with cheese sauce all over her face.</div></div>Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174307587520123539noreply@blogger.com5