Chores and Cravings

This morning at 4:30 am I woke up and made
THIS :
LIVER AND ONIONS WITH RICE

THEN I decided to do THIS:
LAUNDRY.
Three loads of it. I guess I got my Motivation back.
Yeah I know...WEIRD

Terrific Tuesday Tasty Recipe: Eggs & Toast, Toast & Eggs

I enjoy a wonderful breakfast, in fact it is often my favorite type of food to eat. I especially like to eat a breakfast that is simple yet quick and goes well with my morning coffee or tea.

Here is a recipe that only has two ingredients, maybe three, that I think you will like. Some call it eggs in a basket but I just simply call it eggs in toast. Wanna try it? Check this out -

1 slice of whole wheat bread (or bread of choice) 1 egg 2 pats of butter 1 tablespoon of shredded cheese using a 3 inch circular cookie cutter or the shape of your choice, make a hole in the center of the bread. Place the butter in the pan to melt ( med heat), place the bread in the pan. Crack open the egg careful to keep it in the hole. Cook on each side about a minute and flip it over to the other side. Once done, slide on a plate, add cheese, salt and pepper to taste. Perfection!

Fit and Healthy Friday's - week# 3 of Blogger challenge

Well, I missed my post for the 2ND week and so this week will be for week two and three combined.

I don't have too much to post....I know, I know. Well I can honestly say that I have been keeping up with my healthy eating 95% of the time. This entire week I have only had variations of salmon & shrimp. I have fallen off the wagon with the fruit eating though. I know that I should really cut out the coffee and wine drinking BUT...

So! I am continuing my journey in being mobile but I still continue to just walk. I have not gotten to the water aerobics class or the Zumba class yet, but it is on my "to do list". I'm a little bit of a slow starter sometime, but the best thing is that I am doing something. I am not discouraged or disappointed in myself, because it is what it is. I think taking SMALL STEPS to a healthy life is better than taking NO STEPS. I do what I can do within my own abilities. One area of concern for myself, though is my water intake. I know that I am not drinking it enough. I don't know why this is such a challenge for me! I think this week I will try to spruce up my water a little bit, by adding mint leaves, orange slices or cucumber slices.

My partners in this healthy eating challenge are doing great! If you get a chance stop by their blogs to see what they are doing. I know you will find some very good tips there , such as a very tasty & healthy Gumbo recipe and what to eat for an organic CLEANSE . These ladies are really on the ball, which is motivating for me and I'm sure you will find it motivating as well.

I hope I do better this week...

Terrific Tuesdays: You don't have to wait for the fall to enjoy this!

Did you love last weeks Apricot-Stuffed french toast recipe? You did? Well, well, well, you are in for another treat.

Pumpkin French Toast!
serves 6

• 1 loaf (1 lb.) unsliced brioche-style bread
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• pinch coarse salt
• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup half-and-half
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp grated orange zest
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter
• Pure maple syrup
• 2 tbsp orange flavored liqueur or orange juice

1. Trim ends of bread; cut crosswise into 12 (1 inch-thick) slices. Combine sugar, cinnamon and salt in a medium bowl. Whisk in pumpkin, half-and-half, eggs, liqueur, ginger, vanilla and orange zest. Pour mixture into a large pan. Add bread slices to pan; turn slices over. Cover pan with GLAD Press 'n Seal Wrap and refrigerate overnight.
2. Preheat oven to 250 degrees F. Heat two large skillets over medium-low heat. Add 1 tablespoons butter to each skillet. When butter is sizzling, add 2 bread slices to each skillet. Cook until bread is golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Transfer slices to a cookie sheet; keep warm in oven . Repeat with remaining butter and bread. Serve with maple syrup.
   

Terrific Tuesdays: I'm Stuffing it!

What is your favorite food to eat? Breakfast, lunch, Dinner? I love all of it, however my favorite is breakfast. I love, love, LOVE breakfast food! Especially french toast. The next few weeks for my Terrific Tuesday posts I will be posting my favorite french toast recipes.

My first one is Apricot-Stuffed french toast. Try preparing it for your family, I know they will love it just as mine does. I have made it several times and there is never any left.

Apricot-Stuffed French Toast

Serves 4

• 1 loaf Italian bread (about 4 inches in diameter), cut into eight 1-inch-thick slices
• 3 tablespoons apricot jam
• 1/4 cup (2 ounces) reduced-fat cream cheese, room temperature
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup low-fat (1 percent) milk
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 to 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Pure maple syrup, for serving (optional)

Directions

1. Using a paring knife, cut a horizontal slit in each bread slice to form a pocket. In a bowl, blend jam and cream cheese. Spoon 1 tablespoon mixture into each pocket.
2. In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and cinnamon until combined. In a large nonstick skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium-low heat. Lay half the bread slices in egg mixture, letting them soak 5 seconds on each side.
3. Place slices in skillet; cook until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Repeat with remaining bread, adding more butter to skillet if needed. If desired, serve French toast with syrup and bacon.

From Everyday Food, December 2006

Terrific Tuesday's Tasty Recipe's: Pasta, tomatoes and cheese

One Sunday afternoon I was having a few folks over for dinner after our Sunday Meeting. I wanted something that was tasty, filling, impressive, healthy, and goes well with a good white wine.

I was able to use the recipe that I found on the back of a pasta Barilla box; Thin Spaghetti with Cherry tomatoes and Pecorino Romano Cheese. How did it turn out? Let's just say, the plates were wiped clean.

Ingredients: 1 box Barilla whole grain thin spaghetti* 1 large red onion, thinly sliced* 2 1/2 tsp thyme*1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil, divided*1.5 pints (3 cups) cherry tomatoes*3/4 cup water*Salt and pepper to taste*1/2 cup Pecorino Romano cheese grated.

COOK pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, SAUTE' onion and thyme in half of the olive oil over low heat for 12 minutes. ADD cherry tomatoes and water and simmer for 8 minutes. SEASON the sauce with salt and pepper. DRAIN pasta and toss with the sauce. ADD cheese and remaining olive oil and toss again.

And DON'T FORGET, a nice bottle of white wine...perfection.

Terrific Tuesday's Tasty Recipes: Black Bean and Pumpkin Soup

Okay, its that time of the year when the air is brisk and breezy. Most days you just wanna sit inside, on the couch in your snuggie with some good comfort food. Well, at least that's what I like to do. What's a better comfort food than some good homemade soup? One of my favorite recipes that I have been using for the past 5 years is Black Bean and Pumpkin soup. It was such an unusual combination, I just had to try it. I am so glad I did, what a treat for my palate! So if you are ready for something delicious print out this recipe and keep it with your favorites.

Black Bean and Pumpkin Soup

3 (15 to 19 oz) cans black beans, rinsed and drained

1 (14 1/2 oz) can chopped tomatoes, drained

1 tablespoon butter

2 medium onions, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/8 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

4 teaspoons cumin

4 1/2 cups fat-free chicken broth

1 (16 oz) can pumpkin Reduced -fat sour cream for garnish

In a blender, puree beans and tomatoes in several batches. In a large pan, heat butter on medium. Add onion, garlic, salt, pepper and cumin; cook 6 minutes or until onion is softened and light brown. Stir in bean - and - tomato puree. Add broth and pumpkin; mix well. Simmer 30 minutes. Garnish with sour cream.

Terrific Tuesdays Tasty recipe: Sassy Salmon burgers

Here is a great alternative to beef or turkey burgers. I have made these for my family & friends a couple of times in the past and it was a hit! I plan on making this again for dinner tonight, yummy!

Sassy Salmon Burgers

1 (14 3/4-oz) can salmon,drained,skin & bones removed

1 cup toasted wheat germ (such as Kretschmer), divided

1/3 cup sliced green onions

3 egg whites, divided

4 tbsp water, divided

2 tbsp reduced-fat mayonnaise

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 to 1/2 tsp hot sauce

1 tbsp vegetable oil

5 whole-wheat hamburger buns

1 medium sliced ripe avocado

1 medium sliced tomato

1 cup chopped lettuce

In medium bowl, combine salon, 1/2 cup wheat germ and green onions. In small bowl, beat together 2 egg whites, 2 tablespoons water, mayonnaise, salt and hot sauce. Add to salmon mixture; mix well. Shape into 5 patties, each about 1 inch thick. In shallow dish, place remaining 1/2 cup wheat germ. In second shallow dish, beat remaining egg white with remaining 2 tablespoons water until frothy. Di each patty in wheat germ, then in egg white mixture, then again in wheat germ. In large nonstick skillet, heat oil. Cook patties over medium heat 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until golden and heated through. Serve patties on toasted buns with avocado, tomatoes and lettuce.

Enjoy!

Terrific Tuesdays Tasty recipe's- Buffalo chicken strips with blue cheese salad

I was in the mood for some good food tonight, but certainly not in the mood for a mediocre meal. I needed it to be simple, yet fulfilling. So I thumbed through my stack of recipe's and found one that was right on the money. And since I am such a good friend I'll share it with you. I know...I'm so cool.

Buffalo chicken strips (serves 4)

2 tablespoons butter

3 tablespoons ketchup

1 to 2 tablespoons hot sauce

1 1/2 cups all - purpose flour (spooned & leveled)

coarse salt and ground pepper

2 large eggs

1 1/2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 16 equal - size strips

4 cups vegetable oil

Directions:

1. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in ketchup and hot sauce. Remove from heat; cover and reserve sauce.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 3/4 tsp pepper, Sprinkle 1/2 cup flour mixture evenly on a rimmed baking sheet; set aside. In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs and 2 tsp water.
3. In small batches, dredge chicken in flour mixture shaking off excess. Dip chicken in egg mixture to coat, shaking off excess. Dredge chicken in flour again. Place on floured sheet.
4. In a large (5-quart) saucepan, heat oil to 350 on a deep-fry-thermometer ( a pinch of flour should sizzle when dropped in the oil)
5. Add half the chicken; cook until golden brown, 3-6 minutes. Transfer to a paper-towel-lines plate. Return oil to 350. Repeat with remaining chicken.
6. Toss chicken strips with reserved sauce (reheated if necessary) to coat. Serve with Blue Cheese Salad.

Blue cheese salad (serves 4)

3 tablespoons reduced-fat sour cream

2 teaspoons light mayonnaise

2 teaspoon each water and fresh lemon juice

3 dashes hot sauce

coarse salt

1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese

1 head romaine lettuce cored and chopped

4 medium carrots, quartered lengthwise and cut into 1-inch pieces

2 medium celery stalks, quartered lengthwise and cut into 1-inch pieces

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, water, lemon juice, hot sauce, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Fold in blue cheese.
   
2. Add romaine lettuce, carrots and celery; toss to combine. Serve immediately.

**This recipe was taken from Martha Stewart's Everyday Food magazine; October 2005. You can search it and other great ones on MarthaStewart.com/recipes

Sugar and spice, everything nice

MMmmmmm, mmm, mmm!! is all I have to say....Actually, scratch that. I have a whole lot to say, about CamiCakes Cupcakes.

Last Friday night I was invited out to a "sweetup" in a new bakery in the Buckhead area. I went with little expectations, a little curiosity and a small craving for the sweet potato cupcake that was all the rave with the Funky diva Girl.

Well, I was thoroughly and pleasantly satisfied with this bakery. First of all the owner was genuine and kind. Upon walking through the door I immediately felt drawn in because the decor is simple, yet charming, earthy, soulful and girly all rolled into one visually delicious treat. As I looked around I was so impressed with her pictures of music greats from times past such as the great John Coltrane, Billie Holiday, and Duke Ellington. I began to get a feeling of nostalgia, remembering the things I read about in the Jazz clubs of Harlem, New York. This place has charm I tell ya.... But back to the mmmm, mmmm, mmmm of it all. There were plenty of sample cupcakes to choose from, but once I had a taste of one, I knew I was sold! I quickly made a beeline to the counter and peered at all the cupcakes they offered (with stars in my eyes) and made an order of a half a dozen to take home and two to eat right then.

I had the chocolate raspberry almond cream cupcake and the pineapple toasted coconut cupcake....hmmmm.

Needless to say, my half dozen box never made it to a full 24 hours. My husband and I devoured the sweet little things.

But don't take my word for it. Try them for yourself if you are in the Buckhead area of Atlanta or if you don't mind taking a little trip for a sweet treat, you will not be let down.

I promise.

For more information on CamiCakes and their locations go to camicakes.com

For the love of a sister

I'll admit it, I'm a little needy at times.

I'm a sucker for a nice compliment.

I do know my own worth, but I will

acknowledge that I at times thrive

off the validation of my worth from

those whom I love.

Why?

Heck, I don't know... And I'm sure there

is some one out there who would be good at

analyzing my psyche. However, Now isn't the time.

I just wanna tell my story. (feel free to contact me later*wink*)

So, my 22 yr old sister sends me a text:

2:53 pm

"Hey do you know how to make zucchini bread?"

MY reply

"I have a recipe for it at home, but I don't know it right off. I can send it to you"

Her reply 3:02 pm

"Can you just make it for me:-)"

MY reply

"lol, maybe"

Her reply

"Come on you know you want to! Flex those Black Martha Stewart skills"

INTERJECTION, inside info- I heart Martha Stewart, she is so creatively awesome. I secretly want to be her.

My reply (trying to play it tough & cool)

"Maybe. Don't try to hype me up...hehehe"

The result?

You know it. I was in the store gathering the ingredients.

I had been caught in the web! And I knew it. I was gettin' played.

But for the love of a sister, I was going along for the ride and I liked it.

As I began preparing, mixing up the ingredients for this lovely loaf,

which I so knowingly was suckered into, I added something extra.

One cup of hugs, a half a cup of kisses and a splash of sisterly hopes and dreams.

This is the result:

Yum-mo!
The follow up text:

3:02 pm

"Are you home today?"

Her reply

"No, @ work"

My reply

"All day?...awww too bad. Guess u wont be able to eat your ZUCCHINI BREAD."

Her reply

"Did you add walnuts?"

My reply

" I did"

Her Reply

"OMG! Your the best"
My reply (trying to be cool and tough)

"yeah yeah, that's what you say to all the sisters. I'm just a sucka for flattery"

All the while, I'm smiling from ear to ear. Because even if only for a moment due to my culinary skills...I enjoyed feeling needed and appreciated.

*Want the recipe for this yummy Zucchini bread? Click below http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/zucchini-bread-recipe/index.html

Eat your Spinach

I really enjoy a good meal, especially one that I have made on my own. I love to collect recipes, and recipe books. I love it even more when I have a good recipe that gets my daughter to eat her veggies.

This morning I made a simple breakfast that consisted of Feta cheese, eggs, fresh spinach, fresh tomatoes, and onions. It is not my original recipe, but I love it just the same. It provides a little bit of everything (protein, dairy, vegetables). I am still on my vegetarian voyage, and so this was right up my alley, my daughter "hates anything green" but with a little prodding from me even she ate this dish. The verdict? Luvs it! She even asked for seconds. I think I found a winner here.

The dish is easy to make:
2 eggs
diced onions, the amount is up to personal taste. ( i love lots of onions)
a hand full of fresh spinach, cut or whole pieces
dice a quarter of a tomato
two table spoons of Low fat Feta
*Double the ingredients for more servings*
Pour into a heated pan, lightly oiled with olive oil and scramble. Serve hot and enjoy.
* be creative, add mushrooms, sprouts, red, green, yellow peppers and even add a side of baked or grilled salmon.*

Help with protein in a vegetarian diet

OK, so it has been like 18 days since I last had meat. I'm still in shock over it. I'm just not craving it. Go figure! In any case I began wondering to myself and out loud to a few friends "what can I do for my protein?" and "why do I really need protein?" "how can I get more variety in my meals?" So I've been doing a little research, because I really just didn't know, I mean, do YOU REALLY know, or are you like me and figured you need it (protein) because that's what "they say"? In any case I decided to look it up, and I learned some things. # 1 I need a balanced intake of protein because it helps to build new cells and repair damaged tissues along with protecting and keeping my muscles healthy. Foods that are high in amino acids are a good source of such protein. There are lots more to talk about but, that would make this long post even longer. Hint: Look for a part two of this post.

And although I am NOT against meat ( chances are I may wind up being a part time vegetarian, eating some meat when I get a strong urge), it was interesting to read about how some diseases are related to meat consumption. Such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer, while a vegetarian diet can help lower blood pressure, help build a strong immune system and support a healthy digestive system.

With that stored in the useful information section of my brain, I began looking at what will give me the needed protein. I came across so many websites, OMG! However, I realized that some of the articles I read really just reinforced or reminded me of what I knew already, but have not been practicing for about 2 years.

Here are some practical and tasty things for me (& you) to eat as I continue to challenge myself.

• A black bean & diced tomato burrito. Add low fat shredded cheese and low fat sour cream
• Want a burger? It can still be meatless. Click on this link for cool black bean & veggie burger recipes.
• Here's a meatless chili recipe: Make a pot of vegetarian chill): Stir together 1 15 oz. can of drained kidney beans, 1 cup tomato puree, 1 Tbsp. of instant minced onion and 1 1/2 Tbsp. chili powder. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes. Top with shredded low-fat cheese and serve with french bread.
• Of course I cant ever go wrong with wild salmon, tuna, perfect on a plate of green salad

So, those are a few of the meals I plan on implementing ....as always I'll keep posting my progress...If you have any recipes, please email (sh.mommyblog@gmail.com) them to me or leave them in the comments section. Thanks!!

My first Wordless Wednsday

Not supposed to have bread. Reference the picture...'nuff said.

Possible Vegetarian Convert?

I cant believe it. I am on day 12 of my 30 day challenge. I have not had any meat, only fish such as tuna & salmon. I'm still trying to be conscious of my water intake and sugar consumption.

For the duration of my 30 day challenge, I decided to start a detoxing regimen, which is an herbal body wrap. I only wrap my tummy area ( my most noticeable feature). I lost 2 1/2 inches on my waist and abdomen! I want to do these wraps for the remainder of the month. My goal is to lose 10 inches. Well we shall see, won't we?

I think I am doing pretty good, I have not even had any cravings for the meat! It's so weird to me, Normally I have meat at least 5 days a weak. I wonder if after the 30 days of no meat, if it will springboard me into being a vegetarian. My cousin is sooooo hoping that I join her team of one amongst our family of carnivores. Perhaps we can become the dynamic vegetarian duo! LOL! I can see us now, making a stand against the pork ribs, beef burgers and meat filled collard greens. You never know, perhaps we may start a healthy trend in the family....hmmph! probably Not!

But in any case she is giving me support on my health journey, encouraging me to cleanse my body, cleanse my mind. Get on the healthy track. FREEDOM. I'm not saying this is set in stone, but I am certainly getting pebbles thrown in the direction of a meatless lifestyle......

*inside thought to self*-Meatless I may be able to do, but take away a good bottle of Cabernet or Riesling and honee, we will have a problem!!!

The Dynamic Vegetarian Duo! LMBO!

16 again

Age 16, I wish I still had that burst of energy.

Age 16, I wish I still had that fast burning metabolism.

Age 16, I wish I still had that prickly, itchy acne that pops up all over my face at the most embarrassing and awkward times....Hmmmm, NOT!!

I am not 16, I am well past 30 but my face is looking like a 16 year old. I absolutely feel like I am straight back in days of 1988.

I know this is all consequential to my one year rebellious strike against eating properly, and perhaps it could be hormonal, but goodness gracious! How much more can a 30 something yr old girl take?

This requires an aggressive approach. Somebody Cover me, I'm going in!

French green clay masks, honey masks, reflexology, Ionic foot baths, and sauna. Oh and of course water, water, water, water, water

Day 4 of 30 Days

I can't believe that I am on day 4 of my 30 day challenge and I have had little to no craving meltdowns. I have been drinking lots of water ( I'm like a peeing machine), especially when I start getting just a little hungry. The only sugar intake I've had was in my coffee and on my oatmeal this morning. Maybe I shouldn't have, but really, who can drink straight black coffee and enjoy it? NOT ME. Neither can I eat plain oatmeal . Can you blame me? At least I used all natural brown sugar, some may say that it doesn't matter, that sugar is sugar but it makes me feel better. So, I'm saying it again ..."At least I used all natural brown sugar, it's better than refined white sugar" hmmph!

My lunches have been okay, mostly green leafy salads with tuna. One day I also had a baked sweet potato (good fiber). Dinner has been cool too. Mainly consisting of veggie stir fry, greens, Beans and tonight I had Cabbage soup. Yummy!

I have got to do better about exorcising though, It's just not always easy. It seems to me that when I have to walk up and down the stairs, mop & sweep the floors, bend over the tub to clean it and walk the dog that it should be enough. But of course as things work out, it doesn't.

I hope that I can maintain my commitment to this challenge for myself. I really don't want to cheat, fall back on bad habits. I don't even want to half way cheat; You know, eating the wrong foods just for the taste, chewing it up really good and then spitting it out before I swallow it. Just Savoring the flavor to satisfy my craving. TMI, I know.. ...

I found this on the web today, thought it was appropriate

30 Days

I have a new challenge. I am giving myself 30 days to do it too. Actually it is a challenge for my husband and I both. What is it? Well if you read my prior post you know that we are in process of trimming the fat on our family budget. Keeping with that trend we are also about to trim the fat on our bodies!!
It seems that we have just been falling back into bad habits all across the board, and our eating habits are no exception. Neither one of us are considered "heavy", but a person does not have to be "heavy" to be unhealthy. My husband would like to cut back primarily for cosmetic reasons, but I on the other hand am needing to do it not only for cosmetic purposes but also for my health.
I have a long line of Diabetes and heart disease in my family history. Six years ago I developed several diabetic symptoms but never diagnosed with diabetes. I was feeling bad and beginning to look worse than I felt. However, with regular visits to a Naturapath Doctor and a vigorous health plan I was on a good path to healthy living, and stayed on it for quite some time. Then, during and after a stressful time in my life which lasted about one year, I let all of my good habits go down the drain. Which brings me to my current situation. A recent physical revealed some red flags; high blood sugar levels (bordering on diabetic) for the past 3 months, High cholesterol, extreme anemia, and questionable kidney functions. (the latter two was no surprise since 6 mos ago I was hospitalized because of it).

So, I am now on a mission to get back to good health and good habits. The next 30 days I am challenging myself. I will try to:

• keep away from sugars (soda, chips, ice cream, etc.)
• Drink half my body weight in ounces of water each day.
• No meat, except fish (I'm a wanna be vegetarian),
• boost my veggie intake, especially dark green leafy ones (iron).
• Stay away from the bread and starches except for brown rice.
• get more active

**I know this is more about lifestyle change so the 30 days is just to kinda jump start myself.

As an African American woman I know that I am at a higher risk for developing certain illnesses. Some of which are apart of my own genetics. So, although it was fun while it lasted (and it was fun to eat what I wanted!) I have to make some changes and be a better example for my children in making better choices for a healthier lifestyle. So, in an effort to keep myself on the right track for the next 30 days I will be posting my progress to share with you. Feeling that there are "eyes" on me will cut back any cheating that I may be inclined to do. LOL! This is most definitely gonna be a bumpy ride at the take off....Are your seat belts on?