Articles...

I've been saving up a few articles that deserve some time and attention and hopefully thought and change.

Shrimp

Bad Food

Antibiotics

loooooove this!

I just love Mark Bittman and anything he writes. This time, I even love what he shared from someone else. I would love to have my own restaurant someday that even came close to what this guy is asking for.

Great article here. Another chicken or the egg discussion...

Two links to share...

This particular link is incredibly poignant and timely. Have a look.

And this one starts this week in Tosa! Dining Week Guide.

Vegetarian Chimichangas

I adapted a Weight Watchers recipe and made really delicious and flavorful vegetarian chimichangas.

First, take soy crumbles and cook them in a pan with a little oil. After a few minutes, add your favorite taco seasoning (I used Penzey's) and your favorite salsa (I used Chi Chi's) and a little garlic.

After a few minutes of cooking together, remove from heat and add a good handful of your favorite cheese (I used shredded sharp cheddar) and stir together.

Using wheat tortillas, add a spoonful of meat/cheese mix to each tortilla and roll up so all sides are rolled in and set on greased cookie sheet seam-side down. Bake for about 30 minutes until crispy.

I served mine with fat-free sour cream, hot sauce and some green onion on top.

24 Great Light-Cooking Tips

I thought this Weight Watchers article was insightful and makes me want to try out some of the tips tonight for dinner! (hopefully the link works for you)

newly vegetarian

I really love this article by Mark Bittman. It phrases so well how I feel and why I've recently decided to stop eating meat. Here's my favorite paragraph:

As much as we like eating animals, naturally crave them and are encouraged by misinformation (often a better word than “marketing”), the waiter’s advice — “why bother?” — holds true for at least 90 percent of the animal products we’re offered, no matter what their form. They’re produced badly, they cause immeasurable damage to both our bodies and the earth, and — compared with the real thing — they don’t taste that good.

Until the industry changes, so long meat!

I'm baaaaaaaack...

Just wanted to share a fun link with everyone quick. Five Funky Food Museums. Can you say you've been to all of them? What others would you add to the list?

Just made this and it was delicious!

French Toast Bake

12 servings

1 pckg (12 oz) sausage links
12 eggs
1 can (30 oz) pumpkin pie filling
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla
15 slices white bread, cubed
Confectioners' sugar
Maple syrup

Cook sausage according to pckg directions. Cool slightly; cut into 1/4-in. slices. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, pie filling, milk, cinnamon and vanilla. In a very large bowl, combine sausage and cubed bread. Add pumpkin mixture; stir to coat. Transfer to a greased 13-in x 9-in baking dish.

Bake uncovered at 350 for 35-40 mins or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Dust with confectioners' sugar. Serve with syrup.

Love this article!

Maybe save reading it for January 1st, but here's a great article to get you into some good habits. I think I might print it and put it on the fridge :)

It could kill a horse...

Check out this article about the most extreme dishes out there right now. Unbelievable!

Mac n Cheese Soup

Again, I made this my own but subbing in certain things, but overall awesome recipe!

1 1/2 cups dry elbow macaroni
1/2 cup minced onion
1/4 cup celery (I used more and also added about 1/2 cup carrots)
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1/3 cup flour
1/2 cup dry white wine (didn't use this)
2 cups chicken broth (added extra)
1 tsp dry mustard (added extra)
1/8 tsp nutmeg
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (also added black pepper)
2 cups whole milk (used skim)
4 cups shredded sharp Cheddar
1 tbsp lemon juice (didn't use)
salt to taste
1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (didn't use)
2 tbsp minced fresh chives (didn't use)
(added hot sauce and crumbled bacon on top)

Cook macaroni in a pot of salted water; drain and set aside.
Sweat onion and celery (and carrot) in butter in a large saucepan over medium heat until soft, about 5 minutes.
Stir in flour to coat and cook 1 minute. Deglaze with wine and simmer until nearly evaporated. Stir in broth, mustard, nutmeg, and cayenne. Simmer until slightly thickened, 5 minutes, then whisk in milk and warm through. Do not let boil or base may become grainy.
Add cheddar, allowing it to melt completely. Stir in macaroni, lemon juice, and salt; remove from heat.
Combine blue cheese and chives in a small bowl. Garnish each serving with blue cheese mixture.

(Also pictured is the book I just finished reading - Michael Pollan's Food Rules" An Eater's Manual. It was really good!)

November Health Tips

• Keep a journal to record positive changes that you've made.
• March in place during your next phone conversation to get more steps in your day.
• Try a half cup serving of peas with dinner tonight. This will give you more fiber than a bowl of oatmeal.
• Looking for ways to save calories this Thanksgiving? One less bit of pecan pie can eliminate 115 calories.
• Focus on family and friends during your holiday parties rather than the food being served.
• Change up your side of fries for a salad when dining out.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth to reduce your chance of spreading germs.
  

White Chicken Chili in Acorn Squash

This is what I made for dinner last night and it was not only healthy but delicious! When you read the recipe, you'll probably wonder why there aren't any spices and be tempted to add some - DON'T! I followed the recipe (almost) exactly and it was perfect!

1 tbsp olive oil
1 large red onion, chopped
2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded (I boiled two breasts and chopped them)
1 can tomatoes with Mexican spices
1 can black beans, drained
1 cup frozen corn kernels
4 cups chicken broth (I used probably two at the most)
1 cup prepared salsa
1 small bunch of spinach or Swiss chard, cleaned and chopped (I omitted this)
2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (also omitted)
4-6 oz shredded Mexican cheese

In a large pot over medium heat, add oil and onion. Saute onion until just translucent. Add chicken, tomatoes, beans, corn, broth and salsa. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Simmer 20 minutes, then ad spinach or chard and cilantro. Sprinkle cheese over the top as a garnish.

What I added was bake an acorn squash cut in half (guts removed) with cooking spray and salt and pepper on top for around 30 minutes and serve the chili in the open squash half.

YUMMY!

Foods that boost your immune system

(from USA Weekend)

• Lemons restore the body's acid-alkali balance, maintaining natural pH levels that support healthy bacteria instead of the viruses that thrive in acidic conditions.
• Green tea and white tea are a powerful duo, stimulating and aiding your immune system in the disease-fighting process.
• Kidney beans and chickpeas contain the necessary daily protein required for a strong immune system.
• Brazil nuts are the No. 1 source for selenium, an antioxidant that helps rejuvenate our bodies and kill off germs.
  

October Tips

• Stick with an exercise program for a month. This will make it easier to keep to your routine.
• Read a good book for inspiration.
  
• Make only a few large trips every month to the store to lower your grocery bill.
  
• Going out for dinner? Decide what you are going to order ahead of time if you are familiar with the restaurant.
• Add meaning to your life - volunteer.
• Try to cut back on your caffeine consumption.
  

If you have time to kill, peruse the 2010 Zagat survey. Five Guys has the best burgers hey? I still haven't been there! I guess I better now.

Quick Tips

Make fruits and veggies about half of what you eat at every meal.

Shop the edges of the supermarket rather than the middle.

Need a little energy in the afternoon? Drink a glass of icy cold water.

Looking for a healthy snack? Try 3 graham cracker squares topped with 1 tbsp of peanut butter.

Start a monthly dinner club with friends.

Cut 100 calories a day to lose 10 pounds a year.

Well I guess this link doesn't need much of an introduction. I saw this smoothie recipe on TV today and thought y'all might want to try it. Let me know how it works out for you!

Some random tips for you!

• Feeling tense? Make asparagus with dinner to help relieve your stress.
• Make a rule to have dinner with friends once a week.
• Create a habit of eating dinner 3 hours before going to bed most days of the week.
• Top 1/2 medium sized baked potato with salsa and 1/4 cup shredded low fat cheese for a hearty snack under 200 calories.
• Stick to good carb choices. Whole grains, vegetables, fruits and beans are excellent sources.