144.4 yesterday; Pizza & Cake – Not Just For Kids

Saturday night my husband and I went to a Valentine’s Day party at my husband’s friend’s house. Before I got ready I snacked on some Wheat Thins and cheddar cheese.

The party was a potluck. I brought my famous “Crack Brownies” which were devoured immediately. I ate some random stuff for dinner but the best was the dessert.

Bad photo but someone brought the most fabulous cookies ever. There were several different kinds so I broke off a piece of each to try. My favorite was a S’mores flavor that had marshmallow in the middle. We didn’t know a ton of people at the party so we didn’t stay too late.

Yesterday morning I got up to get dressed and packed for Los Angeles. I ate an egg beater sandwich on a toasted English muffin.

On my way to LA, I stopped at Starbucks for a latte.

My first event of the day was a friend’s baby shower at the Soho House in West Hollywood. I had never been there and the views of LA were incredible! I was greeted with champagne as soon as I arrived.

When it was time to sit down to eat, we were served some delicious baked goods to start.

As well as a lovely platter of fresh fruit.

The scone with their homemade orange jelly was out of this world.

Our entree was several different dishes served family style.

Mushroom and goat cheese quiche, beet salad, salmon with roasted veggies an French toast. Everything was wonderful!

As my friend opened her gifts, we all were served cake.

Can’t say no to cake right!?! :)

The second event of the day was celebrating my sister in law’s birthday with my brother and my parents.  I headed over to there house and we all enjoyed some wine together before trying to figure out what we wanted to eat for dinner. Someone had mentioned pizza and then I knew that’s exactly what I wanted. But not just any pizza….an old school favorite of my family’s when we were little: Shakey’s Pizza. We all hopped in the car and headed to Shakey’s, giddy with excitement.

I had made a salad from the salad bar to start.

Then we all split two different pizzas. Pizza number one: Pepperoni and Jalapenos:

Pizza number two: onions, green peppers and mushrooms:

I didn’t manage to get the picture before my dad starting attacking it. :)

After stuffing ourselves with pizza goodness, we came home for birthday cake!

After that I was officially stuffed and went to bed.

This morning I got dressed and ate a couple pieces of raisin toast with peanut butter before hitting the road back to San Diego.

I picked up my daughter from school and came home to have lunch.

Tuna sandwich, jalapeno Popchips and grapes.

I am going to pick up my son from school and come home to get ready for Bunco at my friend Dina’s house. I’m not going to stay for long because I have my surgery (nothing serious-don’t worry!) tomorrow.

This will be my last post for several days. My friends are so kind to sign up to bring me meals later this week so hopefully I’ll get photos of all the delicious eats they bring me! Wish me luck!

To keep me entertained for the next several days, tell me your most embarrassing moment. :)

Technorati Tags: Everyday,Starbucks,Soho House,Shakey's Pizza,Popchips,Peanut Butter,Wheat Thins,Egg Beaters

142.6…A Home For Bland Food

Before it was time to cook dinner last night, I enjoyed a glass of wine while relaxing on the couch.

Last night’s recipe sounded good: Chicken and Mushrooms in a Garlic White Wine Sauce. As I was preparing it, it seemed to need a little “oomph” so I doubled the garlic, added extra salt and pepper and so on.

Boring. Bland. Oh well. It did help when I added extra parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes to it. During the boring meal, I was concerned about what to do with the leftovers. I hate wasting food but I knew that I wouldn’t want to eat it any other time. I had a bright idea! I texted my friend Lisa if she wanted it. No…this isn’t being mean or being a bad friend. Lisa LOVES bland food! She thinks mashed potatoes are spicy. No joke. She loves my bland food. And guess what…she was more than happy to take it. :)

This morning’s breakfast was comforting and delicious (unlike last night’s dinner).

Scrambled egg beaters with shredded cheddar cheese and a piece of toast.

I went to spin class, did stuff around the house and made lunch. Tuna sandwich and grapes.

I took my son to boy scouts and spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing. Oh…I did bake “Crack Brownies” for a party we are going to tonight. I also ate one to make sure it was ok. It was. :)

What do you do with the leftovers of something you don’t like?

Technorati Tags: Everyday,Egg Beaters

Beef Stroganoff with Parsley Noodles-Blog Hop

I have been meaning to share a recipe with you. I actually feel guilty…like I’ve been hiding a secret from my closest friends.

There’s a recipe that I’ve been making forever. A recipe that is near and dear to my heart. A recipe that is so good, I must eat three servings EVERY time I make it.

Beef Stroganoff, I love you.

Beef Stroganoff with Parsley Noodles (Serves 6)

Slightly adapted from Pillsbury

8 oz. (4 cups) uncooked medium egg noodles

1 tsp dried parsley flakes

3 Tbsp butter

1 (8 oz.) package fresh sliced mushrooms

1/2 cup chopped onion

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 lb. boneless beef sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch strips

1 (10 1/2 oz.) can condensed beef consomme

2 Tbsp ketchup

1/2 tsp salt

3 Tbsp all-purpose flour

1 cup sour cream

1. Cook noodles to desired doneness as directed on package. Drain. Add parsley and 1 Tbsp of the butter; toss to combine. Cover to keep warm.

2. Meanwhile, in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, melt 1 Tbsp of the remaining butter. Add mushrooms, onion and garlic; cook 2 to 3 minutes or until tender. Remove mushroom mixture; set aside.

3. In the same skillet, melt remaining 1 Tbsp butter. Add beef, cook and stir until browned. Reserve 1/3 cup of the beef consomme. Add remaining consomme, ketchup, salt and mushroom mixture to skillet; mix well.

4. In small jar with tight-fitting lid, combine reserved consomme and flour; shake well to blend. Gradually add to beef mixture, stirring constantly. Cook and stir until thickened. Stir in sour cream; cook until thoroughly heated. Do not boil! Serve over parsley noodles.

Printable Recipe

This recipe was part of a Valentine’s Day Blog Hop. Our flavor choices were Beef, Heavy Cream and Strawberries. As soon as I saw beef, I knew now would be the perfect time to share one of my favorite meals of all time.

Technorati Tags: Everday,Blog Hop,Beef Stroganoff

143.0…I Admit It. I Have A Problem.

Last night started the way every night should start.

With a glass of wine….which I enjoyed while cooking a new recipe for dinner.

It consisted of rice, chicken, black beans, corn, shredded cheddar cheese, diced chilies, salsa and sour cream all mixed together and baked.

I added some green onions for color. And….well…it was just ok. Not special enough to share with my trusting readers. I try not to disappoint. That being said, I froze the leftovers and think they’d be a lot better as burrito filling so that’s what I’ll be doing with it when we eat it again. 

This morning I had toast with peanut butter and strawberries. I bought this buttermilk bread from Target and I really liked it!

I took the kids to school and went to Cardio Muscle class. The Friday instructor really has been kicking our butts lately and I love it. Yesterday, I mentioned that I’m having surgery on Tuesday. I won’t be able to work out for awhile so I’m trying to fit as much exercise in as I can!

After my workout, I got my nails done. Then I went to the Subway by the kids’ school for lunch. When I asked them for the buffalo hot sauce on my roasted chicken sandwich, they said they didn’t have any. SAY WHAT!?!

People: I have a problem. You might think it’s an excessive wine drinking or hot wing eating problem. And you would be right. But I have an even bigger problem. I’m addicted to hot sauce.

At first, I didn’t know what to do about the lack of hot sauce situation. Then I remembered I have a tiny bottle of Cholula in my car.

Problem solved. I ate it in the car so I could eat it with my hot sauce.

This first step in an addiction is admitting you have a problem.

What are you “addicted” to?

Technorati Tags: Everyday,Peanut Butter,Subway,Cholula

143.8 yesterday; 144.4…Did We Order All This??

And the eating continues…..

Tuesday night we met our friends at the Hamburger Factory in Poway.

I enjoyed some wine and some hot wings (OF COURSE!). Even after our hot wing shenanigans from Super Bowl Sunday, I still managed to eat a bunch.

My husband and I like to eat our hot wings with ranch dressing so we asked for some.

Some. Maybe he thought we like to bathe in it?

There was a new burger on the menu and it involved a lot of spicy ingredients so I had to try it. I got it with a turkey burger and  a wheat bun (with no butter this time) and it was a big hit!

It had pepper jack cheese, jalapenos AND jalapeno ranch dressing. Winner!

Yesterday morning’s breakfast was a toasted English muffin with Barney Butter and strawberries.

I took the kids to school and went to Lisa’s to start the 3rd (and final) video in the Slim in 6 series. Too bad the DVD didn’t work. :( I guess that’s what you get for ordering used videos from Amazon. I bought it WAY too long ago to complain. So…we did Shaun T’s Hip Hop Abs instead. I had never done that video before. While Shaun T was super entertaining (and not bad to look at), I found the video WAY too easy. I guess because he does the Insanity videos, I figured his other videos would be really hard too.

I came home to change and have lunch. I had some of the leftovers from the Skillet Chili Mac with Corn that I made the other night.

After lunch, I went to my wax appointment, ran some errands, picked up the kids from school and came home to get ready for my friend Cathi’s birthday dinner.

I drove most of us but was too lazy to take out my daughter’s booster seat so I made Cathi sit in it. It’s ok…she’s really little. :)

We went to one of our favorite sushi restaurants: Love Boat Sushi.

Alicia and I:

Everyone was really hungry so the ordering began. And so did the arrival of copious amounts of sushi.

At one point, there was no more room at the table and the sushi just kept coming. Someone snapped a photo of me asking “Did we order all this!?!”

Once I got over my shock, it was time to get down to business.

Love Boat Sushi is not only known for their awesome sushi, but their equally awesome birthday celebrations. They turn off the lights, put a strobe light on and play crazy music while the entire staff (adorned with funny hats) sings “Happy Birthday.” I think Cathi enjoyed it.

I think Lisa did too:

I’m not sure what party she was at but it looks like she was really into the music. :)

This morning I had Fage pomegranate yogurt with strawberries and raspberries for breakfast.

I took the kids to school and went to Zumba class. Then it was off to Subway for lunch.

The rest of the day was spent running more errands and then picking up the kids from school. Tonight is dinner at home so I better get cracking!

FYI: Next Tuesday I’m having surgery (not serious) and will be out of commission for several days. You will have to make due without me during that time. Try not to be sad. ;)

Thought’s on Shaun T’s workout videos? Which one(s) have you done?

Technorati Tags: Everyday,Hamburger Factory,Hot Wings,Barney Butter,Skillet Chili Mac with Corn,Fage,Subway,Love Boat Sushi,Zumba,Slim in 6,Hip Hop Abs

144.4…Skillet Chili Mac with Corn

When I got home yesterday afternoon, I had a snack of grapes and a Babybel light cheese. Thank you Costco for having big packs of these.

I made a new recipe for dinner last night and it was a big hit! Skillet Chili Mac with Corn:

The serving size was large and it was filling and comforting. It was easy to prepare….everything goes in one skillet! You cook the macaroni in the sauce. Normally I’m skeptical about doing this as I find it never cooks right but this was perfect! A winner for me!

Skillet Chili Mac with Corn (Serves 6)

Slightly adapted from Kelly’s Healthified Kitchen

1 Tbsp canola oil
1 pound lean ground beef
1 onion, minced
3/4 Tbsp chili powder
1/2 Tbsp ground coriander
3/4  tsp salt
1 Tbsp minced garlic
1/2 Tbsp light brown sugar
1 14-oz. can tomato sauce
2 cups water
8 ounces elbow macaroni
1 11-oz. can corn, drained
1 4.5-oz can chopped green chilies

1/4 cup chopped green onions

3 oz. grated cheddar cheese

Heat oil in a 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add beef, onion, chili powder, coriander and salt. Cook beef until it is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat or grease. Stir in garlic and brown sugar and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in tomato sauce, water and macaroni. Cover and cook, stirring often and keeping the heat at a steady simmer until macaroni is tender, about 10-12 minutes. Stir in corn, green chilies and sprinkle cheese over the top. Cover and let it sit off the heat until the cheese melts, about 2 minutes. Sprinkle top with green onions.

Printable Recipe

Here it is in the skillet before I added the green onions:

Besides this tasting delicious, each serving only has about 360 calories! Booyah!

Breakfast was delicious but not as exciting as last night’s dinner. Fage yogurt with strawberries and blackberries:

I took the kids to school and stopped at Starbucks for a green tea.

I went to Great News for a cooking class. Today’s cooking class was entitled “Easy Cooking in Italy” by my favorite instructor Phillis Carey.

The first recipe was Parmesan Focaccia Fingers with Fennel and Red Pepper Salad with Mustard Dressing:

Loved the flavor of the focaccia. The salad was crunchy, fresh and delicious. The dressing was the best part. It was as simple olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing emulsified with Dijon mustard.

The second recipe was Easy Linguine with White Clam Sauce:

I loved this pasta dish! It was easy to prepare, didn’t have a ton of ingredients and tasted dreamy. :)

The next recipe was Pesto Risotto with Shrimp and Asiago Cheese:

This was my favorite of them all. Risotto is just so comforting and I love the pesto that was stirred in.

Next up was Chicken Scalloppini with Sun-Dried Tomato and Rosemary Sauce:

This was excellent and would go well with pasta or rice.

Dessert was Sweet Cherry Puff Pastry Ravioli with Cherry Custard Sauce:

I LOVED this which surprised me. I am not a big fruit lover (unless the fruit is by itself, not in other things) but I loved every bite! The “raviolis” were made with puff pastry and they were crisp and delicious on top of the custard sauce. Winner!

After class, I went to Target and picked the kids up at school. We are meeting friends at the Hamburger Factory for dinner tonight. I hope I can work up an appetite before then after all that fabulous food at class. Somehow I think I will. :)

Have you made a “winner” recipe lately?

Technorati Tags: Everyday,Skillet Chili Mac with Corn,Fage,Starbucks,Great News,Phillis Carey,Hamburger Factory,Babybel