Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Happy New Year!

A Time For Reflection!

A Time For New Beginnings!
A Time For Chocolate!




Friday, December 26, 2014

Golden Roast Turkey

Gobble-Gobble
STOP WORRYING! We are just two tough old birds!















Golden Roast Turkey
Preheat oven to 375

1 (12-14 pound) turkey
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator (8-12 hours)
Remove the neck and giblets
 Rinse the turkey and pat dry

 Ingredients

4 tablespoons melted butter
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon pepper


Directions

Place the turkey in roasting pan, breast side down
Add next four ingredients together
Pour mixture over turkey
Cover with aluminum foil
Bake for 2 hours
Remove foil and turn the turkey breast side up
Turn  the heat to 435 until the turkey is a nice golden brown,
or until a thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165.F
I placed my turkey on the lowest rack and cooked another hour during the browning of my turkey


First photo courtesy of Pixibay.com

Dad's Delicious Deviled Eggs

Dad's Delicious Deviled Eggs
Dad's Deviled Egg Dish

















My dad was an awesome father and a wonderful cook. I always enjoy using one of his recipes and one of his favorite dishes as I prepare food during the holiday for my loved ones.

Dad's Delicious Deviled Eggs

Ingredients

12 large eggs (hard- boiled)
1/2 teaspoon salt (add to boiling water for easier peeling)
1/2 cup mayo (I use the olive oil version)
1 teaspoon mustard
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon Old  Bay Seasoning

Directions
Cut hard- boiled eggs in half/lengthwise
Scoop out yolks place in separate bowl
Mix next three ingredients until smooth
Add the mixture to the egg whites
Sprinkle with Old Bay Seasoning

I do not add any salt because the Old Bay Seasoning adds that extra kick!

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Homemade Chicken Salad

Homemade Chicken Salad


Need a quick and healthy lunch  recipe ? Need to find a way to use up your leftover rotisserie chicken?
This easy "Homemade Chicken Salad " recipe will do the trick! Pair it with a bed of lettuce, some fruit, and some crackers for an alternative to French fries and burgers.

Serving size-4-6
Prep time- 20 minutes

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups of chopped rotisserie chicken
1/2 cup sliced celery
1/2 cup chopped sweet vidalia onion
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon basil
1/3 cup mayonnaise
2 1/2 teaspoons mustard
2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped

Directions

In a medium size mixing bowl combine the first three ingredients
Combine the next six ingredients and mix into the chicken mixture
Gently stir in the eggs
Cover and chill until ready to serve



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Monday, December 15, 2014

Mini Peanut Butter And Macadamia Nut Cookies




Who loves cookies besides the "Cookie Monster"? I do! I do! Don't we all? I have found if I bake smaller portions I eat smaller portions. I also have found if I freeze the correct portion sizes, when I take them out to eat, I am more likely not to overeat.

While trying not to gain weight with all the sweets that we are surrounded with during the holidays, I have been on the hunt for foods that I love, and that can be made into smaller portions so that I am not tempted to overindulgence while pacifying my sweet tooth.
These cookies do just that and they are so delicious and yes, you can...um...eat ...just three...
This recipe was adapted from: tasteofhome.com . Peanut Butter Cup Cookies.
Makes 2 dozen .


Ingredients

1 cup butter softened
2/3 cup peanut butter
1 cup sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/4 all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup white chocolate chips
1 cup macadamia nuts/ coarsely chopped

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 F.

In a medium bowl combine flour, soda, and salt, mix well. Set aside.
In a large bowl with a mixer blend sugars at medium speed
Add butter and mix to until it forms a  paste
Add eggs and vanilla, and beat at medium speed until thoroughly mixed
Add the flour mixture, nuts, and white chocolate chips
Use a rounded coffee scoop and drop onto an ungreased cookie sheet
Bake 10-12 minutes
Place on a cooling rack
Freeze by three!



Mozzarella Lasagna

 Mozzarella Lasagna


One way to still get to enjoy the dishes you love while maintaining your weight is too modify the ingredients. Normally, I use a 8 oz. package of shredded cheddar cheese when I make lasagna. I found out that a 8 oz. bag of  mozzarella, made with part skim milk taste just as good. I also substitute my ricotta to a low fat version and my hamburger to at least 90% lean. My husband and I eat this meal for two days and then I freeze the leftovers. Usually I have 4 meals left over and have these once a week. This allows me to pick and choose healthier meals in between a meal that uses beef which is one of the biggest sources of fat in our diet.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Ingredients

1 pound 90% lean hamburger
1 16 ounce can spaghetti sauce/low sodium
1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
1 teaspoon parley
1 teaspoon rosemary
1/2 pound oven-ready lasagna noodles/ whole wheat
15 ounces low fat ricotta cheese
1 egg
1 pound shredded mozzarella


Directions

In a 10 inch skillet brown the hamburger meat for 10 minutes over medium heat. Meat should not be pink.
Drain almost all the grease, I prefer lasagna to be moist so I keep a tablespoon of grease.
Add the spaghetti sauce and all the spices and simmer for 10 minutes
In a medium size bowl, combine the ricotta and the egg, stir until smooth, set aside
In a pretty 9 by 12 glass baking dish, spread some of the sauce on the bottom of dish
Layer the noodles, and spread the ricotta mixture
Layer more noodles
Add remaining hamburger mixture
Sprinkle the top with the mozzarella
Bake for 45 minutes, or until the cheese has turned to a golden brown in color






Friday, December 12, 2014

Angel Food Cake Divine






In a hurry and need a quick but healthy dessert for company?
Do you need to use up some of your frozen fruit that you picked up this summer at the Farmers Market?
 With just a few ingredients you can whip up this divine cake and sit back and enjoy your company.

Ingredients

1 ( 18.25 ounce) package Angel Food Cake Mix
Cooking spray
Bundt pan
2 cups yogurt (any flavor)
2 cups fresh fruit (or frozen) (any mixture)

Directions
Preheat oven according to package directions
Mix cake mix  according to package directions
Spray a 10 inch bundt pan
Add cake mixture
Cook in oven according to package directions



Remove cake from oven and insert pan upside-down on a glass bottle until cooled
Cut cake into wedges and line them around  the edges of a glass container
Pour the yogurt in the center
Top with the fruit

I sometimes use a straw and poke holes in the cake mixture and pour the fruit juice and fruit pieces into the cake.


Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Where Are My Pots And Pans!

I just wanted to post a quick update. I am in the process of relocating and will not be able to post more recipes until after the holidays. It has become necessary for me to hang up my apron and to pack my post and pans. Just remember as you enjoy all the goodies that we have at our convenience during the holidays, that modification of your portion sizes is extremely important in maintaining your weight.

Friday, November 21, 2014

Quinoa on the Side















Quinoa is a great substitute for rice.
It is a complete protein with all eight essential
amino acids...and it taste good....


Premium Quinoa with Toasted Almonds and Cranberries
This recipe has been adapted from, www.earthlychoice.com


Ingredients

1 cup quinoa
1/2 cup blanched almonds
11/2 cup boiling water
1/3 teaspoon olive oil
1 cinnamon stick
1 bay leaf
1/2 cup dried cranberries

Directions

Over medium heat, stir and toast the almonds until golden
Add the quinoa and toast a few more minutes until quinoa darken
Tranfer to a 2-quart saucepan filled with the water
Add the olive oil, cinnamon stick, bay leaf, and cranberries
Bring to a  boil, covered
Reduce heat to simmer for 15 to 20 minutes
Remove from heat
Allow to sit for 5 minutes
Fluff gently with a fork and serve as your side dish



Tea for Two and Tea For Me

Tea by the Fire
Tea at Home


Did you know that drinking tea may protect against heart disease, Alzheimer's and many types of cancer? Checkout:  www.doctoroz.com. Tea also has less caffeine than coffee. Plus, drinking tea gives you a chance to use grandma's teapot and cup...ah...the flavor...ah... the memories...

But not any tea will do...oh...no...

Here is a list of some of my personal favorites.

Passionflower Tea---Anxiety
Oolong Tea--Weight Loss--Hello!
White Tea--Weight Loss--
Black Tea--Fresh Breath
Green Tea--Overall Health--Don't we all want to be in tip-top health?

Tea doesn't have to be costly. Many Bargain Outlet's carry tea at great discounts.



Hi, so you came back and you're still not sure you are ready to tackle those extra lbs... Read on... I am here for help and encouragement .

Well let's get started. The first thing to do is a little thing I like to call out with the old and in with the new.... This task may not be that simple if you have a big stockpile of food. I did an inventory of my pantry. When I had decided to do something about my bad eating habits I did a lot of research. I knew carbs were not my friend... No way.... I can look at a piece of bread or donuts and I can feel my clothes getting tighter.

In Europe there is a saying: The whiter the bread, the sooner you're dead. Another saying is, through your lips, on your hips. So I knew I wanted to start eating healthier foods.. What does that mean anyway: Removing all white wheat products in my cabinets and replacing them with whole wheat products, finding a sugar substitute that hasn't been known to kill lab rats, and replacing products in my cabinets that had high fructose, hydrogenated vegetable oil, high sodium, and high sugar content.Yes, this was the hard part....

Also this can be a little costly at first, but in the long run it will pay you back in spades as you make your lifestyle changes to become fitter in your fifties.


                                    

Take The 12 Days Of Christmas Challenge

Pixibay Photo
Pixibay Photo
Pixibay Photo
Pixibay Photo
Pixibay Photo
Pixibay Photo
Pixibay Photo
Tablescapes
Pixibay Photo
Chocolate!



Take The 12 Days Of Christmas Challenge
 
For many Americans, Christmas is one of the most joyous holidays celebrated. How do Americans celebrate it? Take this challenge to see! For my #Foodie Blog Followers that celebrate this holiday feel free to modify these questions to reflect how Christmas is celebrated in your part of the world.



Question-1.  Nothing rings in the holiday season than watching holiday movies on the Hallmark channel. The link provided has its own challenge. See how well you know your Christmas shows!
 http://www.zap2it.com/blogs/hallmark_channel_countdown_to_christmas_original_movies_descriptions-2014-11

Question-2.  Is the tradition of sending Christmas cards still important in our society today? The greeting card industry is still alive and well. Christmas is the most popular seasonal card sold. The only difference from my generation to now is that this generation is more tech savvy and purchase paper greeting cards online.www.paperbecause.com

Question-3- Which is more popular a real tree or a fake tree?  Americans buy 30 million real trees a year and 13 million fake ones. But, artificial trees are reused so this makes artificial trees to number around 50 million. The Great American Annual Tree Debate

Question-4- Do more Americans decorate their tree with ornaments made by their children, or do they use store bought?
Even though many people still observe the timeless tradition of using homemade ornaments, store bought ornaments have become a multimillion dollar industry. http://www.theholidayspot.com/christmas/history/xmas_tree.htm

Question-5-Do people still enjoy going to church to see a Christmas play? Most people spend Christmas Day at home with their families. Many churches still hold a service that included the timeless tradition of the Christmas play.  Millions of Americans go to church on Christmas Eve to watch nativity plays. Going To Church on Christmas

 Question-6- What do you think  is Americas number #1 Christmas song? "Grandma Got Ran Over By A Reindeer". No, just kidding....
If you guessed, "All I Want For Christmas Is You",by Mariah Carey, you are correct. 
The 10 Christmas Songs Americans Are Listening To The Most.  
 Children love, "Grandma Got Ran Over By A Reindeer."Okay, Okay, Just Kidding! It is... "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer". Top Ten Kids Christmas Songs.

 Question-7- What is the age that children stop believing in Santa and stop sending letters to the North Pole? This age varies but eight seems to be the norm. I prefer to believe that, Yes, Virginia There Is A Santa Claus! When Do Children Stop believing In Santa?

 Question-8- Do most Americas want a gift or a gift card for Christmas? Believe it or not gift cards get more popular with American shoppers every year. To the tune of 110 billion dollars. Gift Cards: Tips For Picking The Ones People Actually Want This Christmas. Parents, take note , Christmas Shopping 2014: Target lists the 30+toys kids want most.

 Question-9- Do more people set the table with family heirlooms or do they use paper plates? More and more people are going  for the convenience of paper plates. Here is why you should consider setting the table with grandmas finest. Reno Gazette-Journal: recycle the Season: Here's How You Can Cut Holiday Waste headed to Landfill.

Question-10-What is the #1 cookie at Christmastime in America?
The No.1 Holiday Cookie in North Carolina is Easy and Fun Peanut-Butter Balls.
www.rd.com

 Question -11-Is this favorite cookie homemade or store bought? In this article by, The Washington Post, "For Women, it's the most stressful time of the year ", we learn that  families today are having to decide what family traditions are the most important to allow for the least amount of stress during the holiday. So, if store bought cookies are what makes this the best Christmas ever...buy them...I wouldn't turn down any cookie offered to me.

Question-12- What is the favorite kind of chocolate bought at Christmas?Guys did you know that chocolate is like diamonds to your favorite girl? I think that is up to the person eating it. "America's Greatest Brands, an insight into many America's strongest and most trusted brands",  listed Russell Stover Candies, as the third-largest U.S. chocolate manufacturer behind Hersey and M&M bars. Take your pick. I love chocolate!





Thursday, November 20, 2014

Homemade Turkey Meatballs

Spaghetti with Turkey Meatballs

Homemade Turkey Meatballs

From the recipe: Fast and Friendly Meatballs

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 (20 oz) package ground turkey
1 egg, beaten
1/3 Italian seasoned bread crumbs

Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with the olive oil
Place the pan in the oven to preheat
In a medium bowl, mix together the ground turkey, egg, and bread crumbs
Using an ice cream scoop, form the meat into golf size meatballs
Place about 1 inch apart in the hot baking dish
Press down to flatten the bottom just slightly
Bake for 15 minutes in the preheated oven, then turn them over and bake for 5 more minutes
The meatballs should be somewhat crispy on the outside
Serve with pasta and sauce
Broccoli makes a healthy side dish

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Roasted Chicken

Roasted Chicken

 I love my Wolf Gang Puck Heavy Duty Digital Convection Oven that I picked up brand new at a yard sale for 20.00 dollars. I used the rotisserie attachment and made this yummy chicken recipe that I amended from : epicurious.com

Yield: 2 to 4 servings

Ingredients
One 2-3 pound farm-raised chicken
Kosher salt and ground black pepper
Unsalted butter
2 teaspoons minced thyme
1 teaspoon of paprika
1 teaspoon of onion powder
1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard

Preparation
Preheat the oven to 450 F.
Rinse the chicken,then dry it very well with paper towels, inside and out
The less it steams, the drier the heat, the better
Salt and pepper the cavity, then truss the bird
When you truss a bird the wings and legs stay close to the body
This helps the chicken to cook evenly, and makes a more beautiful roasted bird
 Salt the chicken
Mix the butter with  pepper, thyme, paprika, and onion powder
Add the Dijon mustard to the butter mixture and stir until smooth
Rub the butter mixture on the bird
Roast for  1hr 30 minutes
The internal temperature needs to reach 180 degrees
Place the meat thermometer in the thigh of the chicken
Remove from rotisserie and let stand for 10 to 15 minutes before cutting into pieces and serving.



Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Pumpkin Bread



Pumpkin Bread
Simply the best: http://www.simplyrecipes.com

Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook time: 45 minutes
Yield: one loaf

Ingredients

11/2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 stick butter, melted
2 eggs, beaten
2 teaspoons molasses
1 teaspoon orange zest
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Directions

Preheat oven to 350
In large bowl, whisk together the flour, slat, sugar, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice
In a separate bowl mix together the pumpkin puree, butter,
1/4 cup of the water, molasses and orange zest
Add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until there is no flour  in batter
Do not over mix
If adding nuts, stir them in
Butter the insides of an 8x4x3-inch loaf pan
Pour in the batter
Put on middle rack in oven
Bake for 45 to 60 minutes
Remove from oven and cool for 5 minutes
Loosen edges with a knife and place on a rack to cool
Tip: Use a serrated knife to slice

Monday, November 17, 2014

Chickpea Stew Over Rice

Chickpea Stew Over Rice


Chickpea Stew

Did you know that fresh pumpkin is among the top fall produce picks from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics? www.livestrong.com 

Did you know that carrots are thought of as the ultimate health food? www.medicalnewstoday.com

Did you know that a white potato is 80% water and 20% solids? http://www.idahopotatoesmuseum.com

Did you know that sweet potatoes are a fibrous root vegetable and healthy for the digestive tract?
www.fitday.com

Did you know that chickpeas provides you with a vegetarian-friendly source of protein? http://www.healthyeating.sfgate.com

Did you know that spinach is called a super food by the American Diabetes Association?
http://www.healthyeating.sfgate.com

Did you know that herbs like cilantro when cooked with carrots offer potential detoxifying benefits for the kidneys? http:www.healthyeating.sfgate.com

Did you know that pepper is our most popular spice. It has demonstrated impressive antoxant and antibacterial effects. http://www.whfoods.com

Did you know that white rice is a high glycemic food and a fast carb, and care should be given to the foods you serve it with. http://www.newhealthguide.org

Chickpeas Stew

Ingredients

1 cup fresh peeled and cubed pumpkin
1 large carrot/ chopped
1 large white potato/cubed
1 large sweet potao cubed
1/2 cup chickpeas
 1 cup fresh spinach
1 teaspoon cilantro
1 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Place pumpkin,carrots, white potato and sweet potato in a large saucepan and add 2 cups of water
Bring to a boil, reduce heat and let simmer for 20 minutes
Add chickpeas, spinach, cilantro, and black pepper
Simmer for 5 mintues
Serve hot over a bed of rice






Sunday, November 16, 2014

Take The Chocolate Challenge

Christmas and Chocolate!
Photo by Pixabay

Photo by Pixabay

Photo by Pixabay



What Your Favorite Kind of Chocolate Reveals About You!

Checkout this article, The Hidden Meaning of Chocolates", at  :
www.allthingsnewengland.com/new-england to read about the hidden meaning of chocolate and what your flavor filling reveals about you.

f you like Milk Chocolate ...
You are a kid at heart ! There's an innocence about you that others adore. You are very nostalgic but have tendency to live too much in the past. 
If you like Dark Chocolate ...
You are the problem solver ! Always looking ahead, you are a true visionary. You have a love and appreciation for worldly things but can be materialistic at times.
If you like Bitter Chocolate ...
You are the connoisseur ! You are authoritative and well respected by many.  You are determined and unwavering but often inflexible and stubborn.
If you like White Chocolate ...
You are the eternal peace keeper ! You seek truth and fairness in the world and with others. Keeping all options open, you rarely close any doors,  occasionally making you a bit of a fence straddler.
If you like All Chocolate ...
You are the social butterfly! Always hip and well liked by others, you are flexible and know how to roll with the punches. You seek to please but can loose sight of yourself from time to time in doing so.
- See more at: http://www.allthingsnewengland.com/new-england-food-and-wine.html#sthash.80PykJC2.dpuf
f you like Milk Chocolate ...
You are a kid at heart ! There's an innocence about you that others adore. You are very nostalgic but have tendency to live too much in the past. 
If you like Dark Chocolate ...
You are the problem solver ! Always looking ahead, you are a true visionary. You have a love and appreciation for worldly things but can be materialistic at times.
If you like Bitter Chocolate ...
You are the connoisseur ! You are authoritative and well respected by many.  You are determined and unwavering but often inflexible and stubborn.
If you like White Chocolate ...
You are the eternal peace keeper ! You seek truth and fairness in the world and with others. Keeping all options open, you rarely close any doors,  occasionally making you a bit of a fence straddler.
If you like All Chocolate ...
You are the social butterfly! Always hip and well liked by others, you are flexible and know how to roll with the punches. You seek to please but can loose sight of yourself from time to time in doing so.
- See more at: http://www.allthingsnewengland.com/new-england-food-and-wine.html#sthash.80PykJC2.dpuf
f you like Milk Chocolate ...
You are a kid at heart ! There's an innocence about you that others adore. You are very nostalgic but have tendency to live too much in the past. 
If you like Dark Chocolate ...
You are the problem solver ! Always looking ahead, you are a true visionary. You have a love and appreciation for worldly things but can be materialistic at times.
If you like Bitter Chocolate ...
You are the connoisseur ! You are authoritative and well respected by many.  You are determined and unwavering but often inflexible and stubborn.
If you like White Chocolate ...
You are the eternal peace keeper ! You seek truth and fairness in the world and with others. Keeping all options open, you rarely close any doors,  occasionally making you a bit of a fence straddler.
If you like All Chocolate ...
You are the social butterfly! Always hip and well liked by others, you are flexible and know how to roll with the punches. You seek to please but can loose sight of yourself from time to time in doing so.
- See more at: http://www.allthingsnewengland.com/new-england-food-and-wine.html#sthash.80PykJC2.dpuf
What Flavor or Types of Chocolate Do You Like?
f you like Milk Chocolate ...
You are a kid at heart ! There's an innocence about you that others adore. You are very nostalgic but have tendency to live too much in the past. 
If you like Dark Chocolate ...
You are the problem solver ! Always looking ahead, you are a true visionary. You have a love and appreciation for worldly things but can be materialistic at times.
If you like Bitter Chocolate ...
You are the connoisseur ! You are authoritative and well respected by many.  You are determined and unwavering but often inflexible and stubborn.
If you like White Chocolate ...
You are the eternal peace keeper ! You seek truth and fairness in the world and with others. Keeping all options open, you rarely close any doors,  occasionally making you a bit of a fence straddler.
If you like All Chocolate ...
You are the social butterfly! Always hip and well liked by others, you are flexible and know how to roll with the punches. You seek to please but can loose sight of yourself from time to time in doing so.
- See more at: http://www.allthingsnewengland.com/new-england-food-and-wine.html#sthash.80PykJC2.dpuf

Milk chocolate fans: You are a kid at heart! There's an innocence about you that others adore. You are very nostalgic but have a tendency to live too much in the past.

Dark chocolate fans: You are the problem solver! Always looking ahead, you are a true visionary. You have a love and appreciation for worldly things but can be materialistic at times.

Bitter chocolate fans:You are the connoisseur! You are authoritative and well respected by many. You are determined and unwavering but often inflexible and stubborn.

White chocolate fans: You are the eternal peace keeper! You seek truth and fairness in the world and with others. Keeping all options open, you rarely close any doors, occasionally making you a bit of a fence straddler.

All chocolate fans:You are the social butterfly! Always hip and well liked by others, you are flexible and know how to roll with the punches. You seek to please but can loose sight of yourself from time to time in doing so.