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.

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

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Tablescapes

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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!

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

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.

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

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

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.

Garlic Lemon Spinach

Copycat Recipe: Boston Market Garlic Lemon Spinach

I do not believe that I have ever tasted a spinach recipe that was so good!
I was elated to find this copycat recipe online at:  http://www.bostonmarketathome.blogspot.com

Serves 4-6

Ingredients 

1 1/2 pounds baby spinach leaves
2 tablespoons good olive oil
2 tablespoons chopped garlic(6 cloves)
2 tablespoon kosher salt
3/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Lemon
Sea or kosher salt, optional

Directions

Rinse the spinach well in cold water to make sure it is very clean
Spin it dry in a salad spinner, leaving just a little water clinging to the leaves

In a very large pot, heat the olive oil and saute the garlic over medium heat for 1 minute
But do not brown
All all the spinach, salt, and pepper to the pot
Toss with garlic and oil
Cover the pot, and cook for 2 minutes
Uncover the pot, turn the heat on high, and cook the spinach for another minute
Stir with a wooden spoon until all the spinach is wilted
Use a slotted spoon and lift the spinach to a serving bowl
Top with the butter, a squeeze of lemon, and a sprinkling of sea or kosher salt.

Enjoy!

Crab Salad

Crab Salad

Preparation

Did you know that crab meat is a popular and versatile type of seafood? Checkout this article at :
<http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/nutrition/...eating/the-nutrition-of-crab.html>
Fresh whole crab,or whole claws, carry the most nutrition value but I am using the packaged kind in my delicious Crab Salad. Pair this salad with cubed cheese and crackers.This is a great dish for parties and family get- togethers.

Serves : 4

Ingredients

2 cups Tri-Color Rotini
1/2 teaspoon olive oil
6 eggs/ boiled and chopped
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 sweet vidalia onion/ diced
1 8oz package crab meat/ chopped
2 cups diced celery
4 tablespoons olive oil mayo
2 tablespoons Old Bay seafood seasoning


Directions

Cook rotini by package directions and put olive oil into the boiling water
Drain and place in a pretty mixing bowl
Add in eggs, black pepper, onion, crab meat, celery, and mix together
Stir in the mayo and mix together
Sprinkle with seafood seasoning
Place in a container with a tight lid and refrigerate for up to two days

Great with cheese, crackers, and fruit

Fresh Cherry Pie

A good book, some hot chocolate, and a slice of cherry pie!

Wintertime and holidays!

A cozy fire!

 Fresh Cherry Pie

Adapted from: www.myrecipes.com

Ingredients

 2 tablespoons uncooked quick-cooking tapioca
6 cups pitted sweet cherries
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 (15-ounce) packaged refrigerated pie dough
Healthy cooking spray
2 tablespoons water
1 large egg white
2 tablespoons Agave sweetener


Preparation

Place tapioca in a spice or coffee grinder; process until finely ground
Combine tapioca, cherries and next five ingredients in a large bowl, toss well
Let the cherry mixture stand 30 minutes; stir to combine
 Preheat oven to 400

Roll 2 (9 inch) dough portions in  11-inch circles
Fit dough into a 9-inch pie plate coated with cooking spray
Allow dough to extend over edge of plate
Spoon cherry mixture and any remaining liquid into dough
Add the second dough circle to top of pie and crimp the edges with a fork
Use a paring knife and cut 4 to 6 thins slits into the top of the pie crust

Combine 2 tablespoons of water and egg white in a small bowl
Add 2 tablespoons of Agave to the mixture
Brush the mixture over the top of the pie
Bake at 400 for 20 minutes
Shield edges of pie crust with foil
Bake an additional 40 minutes or until crust is golden brown and filling is thick and bubbly
Cool pie in pan and slice

Homemade Chicken Fried Rice

Fried rice is a popular Chinese dish. This recipe has been adapted from: http://www.skinnykitchen.com.

Prep time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6, 1 cup servings

Ingredients

1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 cup cooked skinless chicken breast,  diced
1/2 cup sweet vidalia onion, diced
3 1/2 cups cooked brown rice
1/2 cup chopped carrots
1/2 cup frozen corn
1/2 cup green beans
1 cup frozen peas
3 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
1 whole egg
2 egg whites
2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil

Instructions
In nonstick skillet or large nonstick pan. add olive oil and preheat over medium heat
Stir in cooked chicken and onions; stir-fry for 1 minute
Add cooked rice, carrots, corn, green beans, peas, and soy sauce
Toss gently and cook for 3 minutes
Push rice mixture to the side and add eggs and cook until eggs are done.
Mix eggs and rice mixture
Add sesame oil, and pepper and stir fry all the ingredients together

Serve immediately. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Pork Wrapped in Prosciutto with a Raisin -Apple Chutney

Birthday Dinner

Ingredients

1 pork tenderloin,(use an all purpose pork rub for seasoning)
2 pieces thinly sliced prosciutto
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon pepper and sage

Directions

Place the rubbed tenderloin in aluminum foil coated with olive oil
Place on a grill with temperature set at high with a closed lid
Cook seven minutes on each side
Cook until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit
 Add a 3-minute rest-time
Remove from heat and slice
Modify my chutney recipe from my blog to include raisins

It's My Birthday! I'm Taking a Break!

Celebrate Life !