05 May 2011
CHOBANI Berry Cream Pie Recipe ---17 Day Diet
Chobani I used this recipe and used Stevia In The Raw instead of sugar. It was so good. A little bit of a cheat because of the butter and Graham cracker crust but I haven't cheated at all yet and it was sooooo worth. 1/4 fruit and 1 probiotic serving.
Cream Pie Recipe
04 May 2011
Crazy Cauliflower: Things you never thought you could make. 17 Day Diet
So I recently tried a recipe for pizza crust made from cauliflower and I really wasn't that happy with the results. It stuck to the pan and I thought the it was too many calories with so much mozzarella in it. Last night I decided to try my own recipe. I have seen chefs make sculptures out of baked Parmesan cheese so I decide to replace some of the mozzarella with Parmesan, fat free mozzarella and nutritional yeast (used frequently in vegan recipes as a cheese replacement. I also changed the whole eggs to egg whites only. I am very very happy with the results. The texture was perfect. So bread-like that if you didn't know it didn't have flour in it, you would never have guessed. I am also going to use these for sandwiches, like you would pita bread. I am also going to try doing another batch with different flavors, maybe curry. Here is the recipe. Enjoy!!
I did a huge batch that made three 9 inch crusts and four garlic breadsticks.
4 cups of riced raw cauliflower (see below)
1 cup of egg whites
1 cup of nutritional yeast (you might have to go to a health food store for this)
1 package of Kraft Fat Free Mozzarella (1 3/4 cup)
1/4 of regular Mozzarella
1 cup of grated Parmesan
1 tablespoon of garlic powder
seasoning of choice I used basil and an Italian herb mix
To "rice" the cauliflower: I did this with my Cuisenart with a grating blade. I have read that you can use the "s" blade or hand grate with a cheese grater. It should look like this.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Measure out 1 cup for each pizza crust on a parchment paper lined baking sheet (I recommend this instead of spraying the pan because I tried that and it stuck!). Press mixture into a flat circle as thin as you can get it without having holes. For the bread sticks, divide the remaining mix into 4 equal portions and make 6 inch logs on a parchment lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with herbs.
Bake crusts for 20 min and carefully turn over and bake for another 10-15 min. They will look like this when done. The bread sticks take 30 mins and you do not turn them over. These browned perfectly.
To make pizza, top crust with sauce, toppings, and fat free cheese. Place under broiler until cheese is melted.

Serving size is 1 cup.
I did a huge batch that made three 9 inch crusts and four garlic breadsticks.
4 cups of riced raw cauliflower (see below)
1 cup of egg whites
1 cup of nutritional yeast (you might have to go to a health food store for this)
1 package of Kraft Fat Free Mozzarella (1 3/4 cup)
1/4 of regular Mozzarella
1 cup of grated Parmesan
1 tablespoon of garlic powder
seasoning of choice I used basil and an Italian herb mix
To "rice" the cauliflower: I did this with my Cuisenart with a grating blade. I have read that you can use the "s" blade or hand grate with a cheese grater. It should look like this.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Measure out 1 cup for each pizza crust on a parchment paper lined baking sheet (I recommend this instead of spraying the pan because I tried that and it stuck!). Press mixture into a flat circle as thin as you can get it without having holes. For the bread sticks, divide the remaining mix into 4 equal portions and make 6 inch logs on a parchment lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with herbs.
Bake crusts for 20 min and carefully turn over and bake for another 10-15 min. They will look like this when done. The bread sticks take 30 mins and you do not turn them over. These browned perfectly.

To make pizza, top crust with sauce, toppings, and fat free cheese. Place under broiler until cheese is melted.

Serving size is 1 cup.
26 April 2011
Italian chicken soup--The 17 Day Diet Cyle 1
Italian Chicken Soup
12 oz boneless skinless chicken thighs, trim fat and cut into bite sized pieces,
1 Sweet onion chopped
1 cup of chopped baby bella (crimini) mushrooms
1 clove of garlic, minces
1 24 oz can of crushed tomatoes and one can of water
2 cups of broccoli
2 cups of carrots chopped
2 cups of chopped baby spinach
1 tbsp of EVOO
2 tbsp of Balsamic Vinegar
2 tbsp of Italian Herb mix
In a heavy stock pot, brown chicken and onions in EVOO, then add all other ingredients. Bring to boil then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
25 April 2011
Red Cabbage Cole Slaw, Braised Salmon, and Dill Steamed Asparagus

This is probably the best salmon I have ever made.
Braised Salmon
1 whole fresh fillet of salmon
2 springs of dill
1 tbsp of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
juice of 1/2 lemon
1 tbsp of white balsamic vinegar
1/4 medium onion chopped
1/2 bulb of fennel chopped

place onions in the bottom of an ungreased 9 x 13 glass baking dish, cut salmon in half and place in dish like photo above, sprinkle olive oil, vinegar, and fennel, place on sprig of dill on each half, squeeze lemon juice over the salmon. Add water to about 1/2 way up the thickest portion of the salmon, tightly cover with foil. Place in a preheated 350 degree oven for 30 minutes.
I am going to use the extra serving cold on the cole slaw with a bed of greens for lunch.
Steamed Asparagus
1 bundle ( about 1lb I think) of Asparagus
2 springs of dill
juice from 1/2 lemon
Snap ends of asparagus and place in steamer basket with dill on top
squeeze lemon juice into water
steam until crisp tender (about 10 min)
Red Cabbage Cole Slaw
1/4 head of red cabbage
1/4 bulb of fennel
1 red delicious apple cored and chopped
1/2 sweet onion chopped
1/2 cup of plain Greek yogurt
2 tbsp of white balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp of olive oil
(sprinkle of fat free or low fat blue cheese crumbles)
Shred cabbage and fennel (I use a mandolin slicer but you could use a food processor with a thin slicing blade), put in bowl with onion and apple. In a small separate bowl, mix yogurt, oil, and vinegar and then poor over cabbage mix. Toss until well coated.
Makes about 4 servings, this will be 1/8 pro-biotic serving and 1 fruit serving.
23 April 2011
Chicken Salad The 17 Day Diet Cycle 1

2 boneless skinless chicken breast (I braised mine in water with juice of 1/2 lemon and onion)
1/2 medium onion chopped
1/4 fennel bulb chopped
1 - 2 tbsp chopped fennel leaves
1/4 cup of capers (optional)
1/2 cup of plain Greek yogurt (fat free)
juice of 1/2 lemon
1 tbsp of white balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil
cut up chicken into 1/4 inch pieces or shred and then mix all ingredients in a bowl.
Serve over a bed of greens or use for lettuce wraps.
On days you eat this, remember that it has yogurt in it. This makes about 4 servings, so you would reduce your pro-biotic by 1/8 of a serving.
19 April 2011
Greek Yogurt Tuna salad--The 17 Day Diet

So my Aunt Laura is doing The 17 Day Diet and lost 26 lbs already. My family is all abuzz about this and my mom, sister, sister-in-law, and brother-in-law are all doing it. I jumped on the band-wagon and bought the Kindle version of the book. It makes a lot of sense. It is actually 4 cycles of 17days. The 1st cycle is pretty much a detox to get you off sugar and bad carbs but surprisingly you can eat as much as you want of lean protein (fish and chicken) and veggies and 2 servings of probiotic (yogurts, miso, etc) and 2 serving of lower sugar fruits. I plan on starting it as soon as I can get rid of the stuff I can't eat. I decided to start making recipes that I will be able to eat during cycle 1 because I have to have flavor. This is the first one.
Greek Yogurt Tuna Salad
1 7 oz can of tuna packed in water, drained and flaked
1 cup of plain Greek yogurt (I used FAGE)
1/4 cup of peas
1 stalk of celery sliced thin
1 green onion sliced thin
1-2 tbsp of dill weed
dash of garlic powder
1/2 tsp of kosher salt
1/2 tsp of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
mix everything together and let it sit in the fridge overnight.
I had this in lettuce wraps for dinner last night and am having for lunch over a bed of greens today. Flavor is much better today.
I think you could also omit the celery, onion, and tuna and use this for a veggie dip.
15 April 2011
Friday Favorites---The Civil Wars (Indy-Folk Duo)
I was listening to a Prarie Home Companion (also a favorite thing to do on Sunday afternoon) a couple of weeks ago and The Civil Wars were on. I was so impressed with this duo that I purchased and downloaded their albulm the next day. I can't stop listening to it. Their harmonies are incredible and their music is passionate and full of emotion. I am really bummed because they were at Calvin last Friday and I waited too long to get tickets and they sold out. I will definately catch them next time. If you are looking for some new mellow music, please check them out. Click here to watch Poison & Wine.
14 April 2011
Larb (Thai chicken salad) and Tom Kah
I used this Larb Recipe but modified slightly. I didn't have shallots so I used red onion and garlic instead. I also didn't have Thai chilis so I used Sriracha instead. This turned out so yummy. The fresh lemon/lime juice, mint, and cilantro were wonderful together.
I used this Tom Kah recipe but added mushrooms instead of chicken and did not have lime leaves. Was still wonderful!
I used this Tom Kah recipe but added mushrooms instead of chicken and did not have lime leaves. Was still wonderful!My next Thai food to try and make will be Fresh Rolls, I just have to get some Rice Paper Wraps.
08 April 2011
Chicken Chili Mac & Cheese
I made this last night and it is sooooo yummy!!!
Philadelphia Cream Cheese has these new Cooking Cremes that I have been experimenting with. I used the plain one for this recipe but you could also use the Santa Fe one. I love this pasta too!
Chicken Chili Mac & Cheese
1 lb boneless chicken (I used thigh meat) cut into bite sized pieces
1 bunch of green onion chopped
1 packet of Sazón
1/4 to 1 tsp of chili powder
1 14 oz can of diced tomatoes with chilies
1/2 cup of chopped green pepper
1 cup of frozen corn
1/2 of water
1 16oz box of pasta. I used Campanelle but elbow mac would work. (Cooked and drained)
1/2 stick of butter
1/2 cup milk separated into 1/4 cups
1/4 cup of flour
1 container of Philadelphia Cooking Creme-plain or Sante Fe
2 cups of shredded Cheddar or Mexican mixed cheese(Costco)
Brown chicken in olive oil with packet of Sazón
add 3/4 of green onion, all of green pepper, corn, can of tomatoes(including liquid)
add chili powder
heat until boiling and then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes
While chicken mix is simmering, melt butter over low heat in a non-stick pan, add flour and milk and cook for about 2-3 minutes stirring continuously, and Philadelphia Cooking Cream and stir, and cheese and 1/4 cup of milk, stir while melting. It will be really thick.
When chicken is done, had cheese sauce and stir, then add pasta and stir until mixed. Garnish with the rest of the green onions.
Enjoy!
11 March 2011
Vintage pyrex
Friday Favorites: Red, Red, Red Wine and Chocholate
I didn't used to be a red wine drinker. My friend, Jeff Karp, turned me on to them in my mid-twenties. He taught me that if you pair the right food with reds, they are wonderful. Through the years I moved on from Merlots and Cabs to Pino Noir and my new favorite, Pinotage.
A couple of months ago, I had a ladies night with 3 of my girlfriends. We went to Bar Divani,. They have a wonderful selection of wines and you can get a tastings flight for a reasonable price. One of the wines I tasted was Barista. It is a Pinotage from South Africa and has an amazing chocolate, coffee, cherry aroma and finish. I liked it so much I bought a bottle to go for $15.99. I haven't been able to find it anywhere else in GR, so if you see it elsewhere, please let me know!!
My favorite varietal is Pino Noir. I can always find a cheap bottle and have only had a few that I did not like. My favorite is LaCrema. I have found it at World Market, Costco, and Meijer. It is usually around $20.00 a bottle. This is a great wine to pair with chocolate.
I am a sucker for dark chocolate. I love to buy it from World Market because they have their own line of them and also carry numerous other brands. I love their Sea Salt one.
I also love this one with Bacon. I know it sounds gross, but the combination of saltiness and sweetness is amazing!
03 March 2011
Spaghetti Tacos and the joy of being a kid.

Renee went to a slumber party recently and ever since then, she has been asking for Spaghetti Tacos. At first, I just dismissed the idea, thinking, "Seriously, that sounds gross!" She kept asking. So, I was told that "spaghetti tacos" were from a show called iCarly. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/06/dining/06tacos.html
Since Renee has braces, we opted for soft taco shells. Renee made hers with cheese and noodles tossed in butter.

I did mine with cheese, spinache wrapped in prosciutto, noodles, and pizza sauce. Not only did they taste good, they were fun to make. It is moments like this that I really enjoy having a child. It enables me to get silly, have fun, and not take life (or food) too seriously.
02 March 2011
28 February 2011
Monday Musing: Religion doesn't make you a good person.
I am not very vocal about the fact that I do not believe in God because I have received negative responses in the past. Last year a read a book by Dale McGowen called Parenting Beyond Belief. This past Saturday, I attendied conference by the author sponsored by Center For Inquiry. I was pleasantly surprised by the sense of community and the dialogue. There was no bashing of religions or religious people. Instead, we talked about tools to raise our children ethically and morally without indoctrination. We were encouraged to teach our children about world religions so that they could make informed decisions on what they want to believe when they get older. I want my child to decide for herself and to also respect other's beliefs and demand that she have respect for her beliefs. I wish that religious people would have that respect and unfortunately most of them don't. If you are a free thinker and have children, I recommended Parenting Beyond Belief by Dale McGowen. I just purchased Raising Freethinkers: A Practical Guide for Parenting Beyond Belief. It looks like it has great ideas! I also recommended checking out CFI. I plan on becoming a paid member now. It is good to have a community. I met some great people that I have more in common with me than being a Freethinker and I now consider them friends.
http://www.centerforinquiry.net/
http://parentingbeyondbelief.com/
http://www.centerforinquiry.net/
http://parentingbeyondbelief.com/
22 February 2011
Seitan Pizza---The Art of Food

I often tell people I do not have any artistic abilities. I seem to forget about food. Those of you that know me well know that I love to cook and rarely use recipes. Food is my art. I love to cook and find that when I am stressed, it is an outlet for me. I love to mix spices and experiment with new flavor combinations. A couple of years ago I started making homemade seitan. I often use the Seitan O'Greatness recipe that is floating around the internet as a base and then switch it up. I have been craving figs lately. So last night I added chopped dried figs to the Seitan O'Greatness Recipe and it is awesome!! Hubby and I made individual sized pizza's last night for a snack and I put some of the seiten on mine. Food Art = happiness.
19 February 2011
Day for Me
sunshine
I
I woke up this morning with intentions of cleaning, laundry and unpacking. Even though I slept in I felt cranky and tired. After snapping at both my husband and daughter, I realized my back pain was getting the better of me and instead of aggravating it further, I needed to take a day for me. So instead of chores, I just did yoga in front of the fire, meditated, did some deep breathing. Took medicine for my back pain. Then I took a long hot bath, worked on breathing more. With every exhale I sent my negative energy out into the universe and took in deep cleansing breaths of positive energy.
There is much to be said for hydrotherapy. While I consider myself a conservationist, I have to make arguments for the occasional bath. I do feel a pang of guilt for using the water, but the positives out way the cons. For me, water relaxes me and calms my soul. Whether I am taking a bath or sailing under the blessed sun, I get the same effect. In the bath, I like to close me eyes and get my head all the way underwater with just with my nose and lips above the surface. I like to listen to my heartbeat thumping in my ears and the muffled sounds of the mechanical objects in the house. The drone is soothing as is the sensation of being lighter in the water. All the weight of the world just floats away.
It is now almost mid-afternoon and I set here looking at the sunshine out the window as I type. I am so relaxed and feel a quietness to my mind that I didn't have before. Yet, I still have to keep knocking those murmurs of chores that keep rearing their ugly heads. I picture the game Wac-a-mole and just keep hammering them back down. This is a day for me and I intend to keep it that way.
Sending calming, positive vibes your way.
Namaste
II woke up this morning with intentions of cleaning, laundry and unpacking. Even though I slept in I felt cranky and tired. After snapping at both my husband and daughter, I realized my back pain was getting the better of me and instead of aggravating it further, I needed to take a day for me. So instead of chores, I just did yoga in front of the fire, meditated, did some deep breathing. Took medicine for my back pain. Then I took a long hot bath, worked on breathing more. With every exhale I sent my negative energy out into the universe and took in deep cleansing breaths of positive energy.
There is much to be said for hydrotherapy. While I consider myself a conservationist, I have to make arguments for the occasional bath. I do feel a pang of guilt for using the water, but the positives out way the cons. For me, water relaxes me and calms my soul. Whether I am taking a bath or sailing under the blessed sun, I get the same effect. In the bath, I like to close me eyes and get my head all the way underwater with just with my nose and lips above the surface. I like to listen to my heartbeat thumping in my ears and the muffled sounds of the mechanical objects in the house. The drone is soothing as is the sensation of being lighter in the water. All the weight of the world just floats away.
It is now almost mid-afternoon and I set here looking at the sunshine out the window as I type. I am so relaxed and feel a quietness to my mind that I didn't have before. Yet, I still have to keep knocking those murmurs of chores that keep rearing their ugly heads. I picture the game Wac-a-mole and just keep hammering them back down. This is a day for me and I intend to keep it that way.
Sending calming, positive vibes your way.
Namaste
17 February 2011
To Disney and Back
I just returned from 5 days 4 nights on the most magical place on earth. I was surprised at how much fun we had. We ate like kings (free dining plan), stayed out until almost midnight every night, got up early, and were basically going non-stop the whole time. There is something to be said for the joy I saw on my daughter's face every time we turned a new corner. It was a vacation of firsts. First visit to Disney, first haunted house, first big rollar coaster, first time having someone ask for her autograph (she was dressed up as a princess). I was very impressed by the whole Disney experience and how friendly the cast members where. They all seemed to make an extra effort to make Renee feel like a princess. I am still exhausted even though I went to bed early yesterday and the night before. But it was worth it. Hopefully she will remember this for the rest of her life. The first day there she said to me, "Mommy, this is the best day in my whole life!" I got all teary. That made the whole trip worth it.
04 February 2011
Friday Favorites-- i.d. Bare Minerals
I have a friend, Kirsten, who is beautiful. I have always admired her skin. One day I was at her house and noticed an i.d. Bare Minerals container on her bathroom counter. Of course, I had seen the many infomercials, but being skeptical of purchasing anything on TV, I had been afraid to try it. When Ulta open in Grand Rapids, I discovered they carried it and thought I would give it a shot. That was about 3 years ago and I will never use another foundation or powder again. My favorites are: Bisque, Summer Bisque, Faux Tan (awesome bronzer), and of course the original Mineral Veil. I also like Bare Radiance and some of the other all over colors.
I use the bisques with the maximum coverage brush as a cover up and it works better then any I have tried. It doesn't look cakey either. I do not like their "foundation" as I do find this to be too heavy for me. But the rest of this line always looks natural and you can even sleep with it on. I have acne prone skin and this make-up doesn't clog your pores and is actually good for your skin. Even though it is pricey, it is worth it. You have to use very little product and I don't think I have even consistently stuck with the same make-up for as long as I have with this.
I recommend the starter kit. It is a huge discount compared to purchasing everything separate. It does come with the foundation but even if you don't like that, it is still a deal. Ulta even has a small try it kit (pictured above) right now for $20.00! http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod2980097
31 January 2011
Monday Musings: "Weathergasms", Walt Disney World, and The Joy of Finding The Perfect Pillow.
At work we have been using the term "weathergasm" to describe the local, and now national, meteorologists reaction to even the slightest chance of severe weather. The most recent occurrence started yesterday with the announcement of “....... A HISTORIC BLIZZARD CAPABLE OF PARALYZING PARTS OF SOUTHEAST WISCONSIN...WHITEOUT CONDITIONS AND DRIFTS OF 5 TO 10 FEET POSSIBLE." (taken from Bill's Blog, WOODTV8). Last time there was this much excitement we got very little snow. I seems to have gotten worse this year with a "winter weather advisory" every time we even get a chance of snow, with snippets telling us to be "cautious while driving". Well DUH! It is winter and it is Michigan. I found that TV8 seems to be the worst local news, in this regards. I won't even watch them anymore because of their over sensationalizing of every news item, not just the weather. I just want the media to be straight forward and give me the facts. Enough with the hype!.
On another note, only 11 days until we are in sunny Florida. I can't wait. We re-watched our Disney planning video this weekend.. I know this is really cheesy but I get tears in my eyes thinking about what Renee's reaction is going to be when she first sees Walt Disney World. When she was 3-years-old, I took her to see the Wiggles in concert. I cried when they came out on stage. Not because of seeing them, but because of the pure joy and excitement on Renee's face. Seeing her so elated made me cry. I am sure I will bawl like a baby when we see Cinderella's Castle.
DH and I went shopping at the mall on Saturday. This is something we rarely do. I am happy to report that I found the perfect throw pillows for the addition! I am so excited by this!

I also found this rug last week at Pier 1. I hope to pick the rug up this week.
Happy Monday!
On another note, only 11 days until we are in sunny Florida. I can't wait. We re-watched our Disney planning video this weekend.. I know this is really cheesy but I get tears in my eyes thinking about what Renee's reaction is going to be when she first sees Walt Disney World. When she was 3-years-old, I took her to see the Wiggles in concert. I cried when they came out on stage. Not because of seeing them, but because of the pure joy and excitement on Renee's face. Seeing her so elated made me cry. I am sure I will bawl like a baby when we see Cinderella's Castle.
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| Please disregard the mess!! This room is still under construction. Imagine cream colored cork flooring and natural pine trim. |
DH and I went shopping at the mall on Saturday. This is something we rarely do. I am happy to report that I found the perfect throw pillows for the addition! I am so excited by this!

I also found this rug last week at Pier 1. I hope to pick the rug up this week.
Happy Monday!
28 January 2011
Favorites on Friday---Teas and Other Hot Beverages.
I have decided to make my Friday posts about my favorite things. This weeks is Teas and Other Hot Beverages.
I have not always been a tea drinker. I used to only drink it as a special treat, usally on a cold day. I was recently told that I have borderline high blood pressure and one of the things suggested to me was to quit drinking coffee. So, I have made a real effort to replace the 1/2 pot-of-coffee-a-day habit with teas and other hot beverages. Here are a few of my current favorites.
Chai Maté by Café Maté (a local Grand Rapids company)
They make many flavors but my favorite is their Chai. I also like their Mint.
Ginger with Orange and Vanilla. I recently fell in love with fresh ginger and have been using it all the time. This "tea" is made by simmering about an inch section of ginger sliced very thin, a clementine orange sliced, and a teaspoon of vanilla extract (or 1/2 half of a vanilla bean split and scraped).
What are your favorite teas?
I have not always been a tea drinker. I used to only drink it as a special treat, usally on a cold day. I was recently told that I have borderline high blood pressure and one of the things suggested to me was to quit drinking coffee. So, I have made a real effort to replace the 1/2 pot-of-coffee-a-day habit with teas and other hot beverages. Here are a few of my current favorites.
Chai Maté by Café Maté (a local Grand Rapids company)
They make many flavors but my favorite is their Chai. I also like their Mint.
Mate is an infusion of yerba mate a species of holly and has origins in Argentina among people of all ages, Uruguay , Paraguay , Chile , eastern Bolivia and southern and western Brazil . It also has many health benefits. For more information on this, please see their website via the link above. This is sold in many different speciality store in GR. I recently purchased it at Global Infusions, which is an awesome local fair-trade store. They have a whole wall of bulk teas and spices.
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| I am drinking this one this morning mixed with Oolong. |
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| Flowering Jasmine Tea, so pretty when it opens up. |
Ginger with Orange and Vanilla. I recently fell in love with fresh ginger and have been using it all the time. This "tea" is made by simmering about an inch section of ginger sliced very thin, a clementine orange sliced, and a teaspoon of vanilla extract (or 1/2 half of a vanilla bean split and scraped). What are your favorite teas?
27 January 2011
Little Bit Of Spring
Dinner last night was also very spring-like. Light and full of layers of flavor that paired very nicely with a Michigan Riesling. Renee stayed over at the neighbors for dinner, so DH and I had a wonderful dinner alone together.
This is the first time I have ever made Rainbow Trout and it was amazing.
Asian Style Rainbow Trout with Trader Joe's Harvest Grain Blend
Make 2 servings of Harvest Grain Blend following package directions
16 oz of Wild Caught Rainbow Trout fillets
1 tbsp of sugar
4 tbsp of soy sauce
salt and pepper
4 white button mushrooms, sliced
1 bunch of green onions, biased cut (white and about 2 inches of greens)
1 tsp of minced fresh ginger
1/2 cloves of elephant garlic, minced or pressed through garlic press
2 tbsp each of canola oil and sesame oil
1 thin sliced sweet red pepper
1/4 head of napa cabbage shredded
1/4 bag of Mann's Rainbow Salad2 tbsp of fish sauce
1/4 cup of Rice Wine Vinegar
1/4 cup of orange juice1 whole star anise
rub fish on flesh side with 2 tbsp of soy, sugar, and salt and pepper (just a couple of dashes)
saute onions, garlic, ginger and mushrooms for about 4 minutes
add veggies, fish sauce, orange juice, rest of soy and rice wine vinegar and stir
place fish flesh side down and throw in star anisecover and simmer for about 4 minutes and then flip the fish over and cover and simmer for an additional 4 minutes.
layer grains, veggies and fish. Enjoy!
26 January 2011
A Tasteful Garden: recipe | chai shortbread cookies
A Tasteful Garden: recipe chai shortbread cookies: "tea's best friend... I thoroughly enjoy the ritual of having a good cup of tea each night. It offers serenity in a cup after the long day. W..."
25 January 2011
Farrotto (Risotto made with Farro)
1 8 oz package of Crimini (Baby Bella) Mushrooms
1 Small Spanish Onion
2 Ribs of celery
2 tbsp of Better Than Bouillon Vegetable mixed in 4 cups of warm water to make broth
1 Can of Great Northern Beans
1 1/2 cups of baby spinach
2/3 cup of petite peas
1/2 cup of grated Grana Padano
2 tbsp of EVOO
In a heavy pan, heat EVOO and sautee onions, celery, and mushrooms until onions are tender. Deglaze pan if needed with a 1/4 of water. Add farro and stir. Sautee for a couple of minutes and then slowly add broth 1/4 cup at a time letting farro absorb broth before adding more. This process can take up to 40 minutes to use all of the broth but it is what breaks down the startch and you will get a creaminess to the broth. When you have about 1/2 cup of the broth left, add the beans, peas, and spinach. During the last 1/4 cup of broth, check farro to see if it is done. I should be chewy and nutty, if not soft enough, add more water, if it is done add the Grana Padano. Serve immediately with extra Grana Padano on top if you wish.
Stevia
I have been using ground stevia leaves leaves as a sweetner since this summer. I had a plant that I harvested the leaves from. But I am now out.
So last night I bought some Stevia In The Raw. As far as a sugar replacement goes, I like it alot. You do not need use as much as sugar and it is natural and 0 calories!!!
So last night I bought some Stevia In The Raw. As far as a sugar replacement goes, I like it alot. You do not need use as much as sugar and it is natural and 0 calories!!!
Cabbage apple salad

I made this last night and it is really yummy.
2 small Gala Apples cored, quatered and sliced thin
1 small onion, quatered and sliced thin (I used spanish but they are really strong, sweet or even green onions would be good)
1/4 cup of dried cranberries
Dressing
4 tsbp (1/4 cup) of White Balsalmic Vinegar
8 tsbp (1/2 cup) of Canola Oil
1 tsp of Stevia in the Raw
mix dressing together in a small bowl
mix all ingrediants together
You can add pinenuts or walnuts and/or blue cheese but I am trying to keep the calories low.
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