Posts from — October 2011

Seriously ?…

Snow…

In October??!!! …

This is what was left after some melting.  I know it’s not much compared to the amounts that some of you had on Saturday, but I’m still reeling from last winter …

It seemed like the snow never ended!  I’m just not ready for that stuff yet!

*shudder*

So, let’s think happy *sunny* thoughts!  How about starting off breakfast with lovely Pumpkin Pancakes? …

These were made the lazy girl’s way – a box of Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Pancake Mix.  I’ve been wanting to try it for years and finally bought some.  It’s delicious!

Served with maple syrup and a sweet red pear …

After breakfast, I did a quick workout – Leslie Sansone’s Walk Away The Pounds.  I usually take weekends off from a structured exercise, but I felt in the mood to get moving this morning. It did the trick!

Lunch was lighter fare since we had dinner plans at my parents’ house (which means lots of food!).  I went with an open-faced tuna melt on whole wheat pane .  I made the tuna “ mayo-less” – just dijon mustard with a little red onion, kalamata olive and lemon juice mixed in.  Topped with melty lite mozzarella …

Along with a tangerine …

Later we headed to the parents’ for Sunday dinner.  Mom was a wiz in the kitchen!  Let the feast begin …

Rigatoni with marinara …

A trio of slow braised meats – pork, short rib and sausage …

Chicken cutlets – the family fave …

Broccoli rabe and cucumber tomato salad …

I had my fill …

But, saved room for dessert!  Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Cupcakes…

I made these using the old “box cake mix and a can of pumpkin” trick , then frosted them with a decadent Salted Caramel Buttercream Icing (I found the recipe on the internet – sorry, don’t have the link in front of me, but I’ll try to edit it in later ) and a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips …

YUM!

**My last coaching session ended on Wednesday.  I’m putting together a post on my thoughts and progress with the emotional eating recovery.  I hope to share that with you this week, so stay tuned!**

Have a great day, everyone!  And HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

What is the best costume you ever wore for Halloween?

I’m in a bit of a food rut.  I’ve been trying to keep the house stocked with healthy choices, but don’t have a real meal plan.  I’m working on eating what I’m in the mood for and while that’s helping me with feeling satiated, it’s not boding well for excitement in the kitchen!  I’m gravitating toward “quick and easy”.  No fuss, no muss.

In other words… a snoozefest!

Breakfast was my craving of choice lately – egg whites and cheese on an english muffin …

And lunch was turkey, avocado and wasabi mustard on an Ezekiel bun …

With another tangy tangerine …

Yawn.

I decided to break out of the doldrums and peruse my enormous recipe file for some dinner inspiration.  I came across this recipe for Shrimp Korma ….

Now we’re talkin’!!

These aren’t flavors that I usually go for, but I happened to have all the ingredients (even the garam masala – I’m not sure why?!), so I got the pot going…

Shrimp Korma over Basmati Rice
from Cooking Light Magazine (June 2011)

• 2 tsp. butter
• 1 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 1/2 tbsp. all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp. grated peeled fresh ginger
• 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 2 tsp. curry powder
• 2 tsp. garam masala
• 1/2 tsp. salt, divided
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1/3 cup water
• 1/3 cup coconut milk
• 1/4 cup diced tomato
• 1/4 cup frozen green peas
• 1 lb. peeled and deveined large shrimp
• 4 cups hot cooked basmati rice
• 1/4 cup plain fat-free yogurt

Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.  Add bell pepper and onion;  saute 2 minutes.  Add flour, ginger and garlic;  cook 1 minute, stirring constantly.  Add curry powder, garam masala and 1/4 tsp. salt;  cook 30 seconds while stirring.  Stir in broth and 1/3 cup water;  bring to boil.   Stir in milk and tomato;  reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes.  Add peas, shrimp and remaining salt;  cook 5 minutes or until shrimp are done.    Spoon 2/3 cup rice into each bowl.  Top with 1 cup shrimp mixture and 2 tsp. yogurt. 

Makes 6 servings.  Calories:  295;  Fat:  5.9 grams;  Protein: 20.1 grams;  Carbs:  39.1 grams;  Fiber:  2 grams.

(boo…time to get out the light box for evening pics)

This dish had a wonderful flavor and had the perfect amount of heat for me  – a subtle spiciness, not that “mouth on fire” feeling. 

Just what I needed to awaken me out of the food rut!

Thank goodness!

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Where do you find kitchen inspiration when you’re in a food rut?

Sorry I missed you all on Monday!  The husband and I went on an overnight getaway for our 16th anniversary and I’m still playing catch up around the house.

Can you guess where we went???

Yep, back to the beach!  We had such a beautiful weekend.  The weather was perfect -we even sat on the beach for a few hours!  We had an amazing anniversary dinner at Chelsea Prime where I ate the most indulgent, delicious Truffle Mac and Cheese that I will dream about forever…

Such a great night!

All good things must come to an end, so after a walk on the boardwalk …

And lunch al fresco (I got a salad and pretended it was Truffle Mac and Cheese ) …

it was back to reality!

I got right into the swing of it with a healthy breakfast and run.  I still had a serving of Banana Walnut Baked Oatmeal, so I gave it a quick heat …

and out the door I went!  I was hoping to run 3 miles today, but could only manage 2 miles because of this …

No, not a horrible case of dry, last-pedicure-was-in-1990 feet.  It’s a splinter!  I got it from one of these small, dried burrs when walking on the beach.  Okay, I know it’s teensy weensy, but for some reason, it hurts and feels like I’m walking on a hard ball!!  I tried getting it out, but I can’t retrieve it.

The husband offered to give it a try …

{insert “mad scientist” creeper laugh – muwahahaha!!!}

Clearly, he was having a regular party making fun of me.  Welcome to my life.

Anywhoooo, the pounding was bothering my splintered foot, so I ended the run at 2 miles using 2:1 intervals …

Hope it comes out on its own soon!

Lunch was a simple wrap which seem to be my go-to when I rushing around.  Today was a Buffalo Chicken Wrap – Trader Joe’s chicken tenders tossed in buffalo sauce along with shredded carrots, lettuce and a drizzle of ranch dressing …

With a tangy tangerine on the side …

I took advantage of the good weather today and snuck in one more dinner on the grill.  Cheesy burger over caramelized onions with baked fries and carrot “fries” …

I fooled no one with the carrot fries bit.

Life can’t be all Truffle Mac and Cheese…

Have a great day, everyone!

What is the best restaurant meal you have ever had?