tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15986088548441324172024-03-13T17:34:42.444-05:00This is a Short lifeThe journey of a young married couple trying to live a Vegan lifestyle in a part of the country where chicken and BBQ rule the foods. This is our vegan life!Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06353548436518816040noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1598608854844132417.post-83025690460813979652012-08-08T23:37:00.006-05:002012-08-09T00:11:49.345-05:00Who We Are and How/Why We Became Vegans<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/381583_327447700606428_517617552_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" border="0" class="spotlight" height="265" src="http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/381583_327447700606428_517617552_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Hi, we are Brock and Kim and we are vegan. Whoo! Feels good to get that off our chests.<br />
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Brock: Moving on...We are from Arkansas and we were married on 1/1/11. Kim is a 3rd/4th grade teacher and I'm well, I have many jobs...own my own mobile deejay company, <a href="http://www.djbrockentertainment.com/">Brock Entertainment</a>, do social media marketing for a few businesses, lead worship at Keypoint church, work at a coffee shop, and whatever else I can get my hands on. I like to work!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cashewhilllodge.co.cr/images/change-to-vegan.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" id="il_fi" src="http://cashewhilllodge.co.cr/images/change-to-vegan.gif" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="312" /></a></div>The reason for this blog is to share our experiences with being vegan and how it has helped us. Reading the past posts on this blog from Kim you will see that we were once on the low carb diet meaning that we were HUGE meat eaters. I can't tell you how much we both loved meat and how much meat we actually ate. It was a lot. Right baby?<br />
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You are right! We were hard core meat eaters! I have had some form of meat at every meal since I was a kid. Trust me when I told my dad I was going vegan he was second guessing that I was his daughter! When Brock and I started dating I joined him on his low carb diet. Which I loved! I did lose weight and loved eating all that meat but it left us feeling sluggish and low on energy! Another down side to the low carb life style was having to cut out pastas, rice, potatoes, chips and salsa, tortillas, fruits, and basically anything that not meat or cheese! Not to mention switching to all sugar-free chocolates and candies...which if you didn't know, too much artificial sugar can leave you boated and gassy! No bueno!<br />
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<a href="http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BMTQ5NTIyNDY1Ml5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMjIxNzY2NA@@._V1._SY317_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" id="il_fi" src="http://b.vimeocdn.com/ts/209/863/209863149_1280.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="131" /></a><a href="http://baobabwellness.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/FSND_poster1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://baobabwellness.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/FSND_poster1.jpg" style="-webkit-user-select: none;" width="129" /></a>So I am sure you are wondering why we went vegan?! Well it all started because we watched the documentary "Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead" on Netflix. (Watch it for free here: <a href="http://www.hulu.com/watch/289122">http://www.hulu.com/watch/289122</a>) Once we watched that documentary we knew that we needed to change something. Brock was on high cholesterol medicine and we both have a family history of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cancer, and all sorts of other health problems. We both realized if we stayed on the track we were on we were headed for major health issues! So we started a juice cleanse! Nothing but fresh organic fruits and veggie juice 3 times a day made at home with our new juicer! (We purchased the Breville Ikon BJE510XL like they used on the movie "Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead" and we love it. Best investment ever!) We decided to try and do 21 days of the juice fast. Why? Because they say that it takes 21 days to break a habit and we wanted to break our eating habits. While we were on our juice cleanse we started to feel amazing and we knew that we were going to make some major changes once we were off the cleanse. We came to the decision that we would rather change our diet and lifestyle now instead of in a few years when a doctor would make us because of health issues. Plus, you have a better chance of not getting cancers or heart disease just based on what you eat. Seemed like a no brainer to us. We watched more documentaries (Forks Over Knives: <a href="http://www.forksoverknives.com/">http://www.forksoverknives.com/</a>) and did a lot of research before we finally made the decision on becoming vegan. While on the fast Brock lost 15lbs in the 10 days he did the fast (I made him stop fasting because he was losing to much weight) and I lost 18lbs in 21 days. We have both been able to keep almost all that weight off.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i2.squidoocdn.com/resize/squidoo_images/590/draft_lens18447494module152932657photo_1315003455breville-bje510xl-juicer." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" id="il_fi" src="http://i2.squidoocdn.com/resize/squidoo_images/590/draft_lens18447494module152932657photo_1315003455breville-bje510xl-juicer." style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="320" /></a></div>I told Brock that if we were going to make these changes then we were going to go all in and not just make gradual changes. I cleaned out our fridge and pantry of everything that wasn't vegan. Then I went online to find a list of vegan pantry staples and headed to Whole Foods! (The closest Whole Foods is 2 hours away in Tulsa, OK.) Now this is not the normal way of switching to becoming vegan and definitely not the most affordable but we wanted to go all in all the way and not be tempted by something we didn't want to put in our bodies anymore. And so the journey began! We were now living in an all vegan household.<br />
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<a href="http://theveganproject.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/the-vegan-food-pyramid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" id="il_fi" src="http://theveganproject.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/the-vegan-food-pyramid.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="400" /></a>Now on to the questions that we get all the time. How do you get enough protein without meat? Where does your calcium come from if you aren't drinking milk? It's probably super expensive right? So, you just eat salads right or just fruits and vegetables? Or the statements..."Wow, I could never be vegan. I could never live without meat and cheese." LOL! All the questions and statements are funny. Why? Because we were the same way and asked the same questions and made the same statements. Why? Because we were so uneducated about health and what our bodies needed for healthy living...just like most of our country...we were fed the idea of the food pyramid and took that as truth and never bothered to do the research ourselves. We finally did the research!<br />
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So let us help answer your questions (Instead of posting lengthy answers that would be full posts of their own, we will post links to sites that have all the answers)...<b>How do we get enough protein without meat?</b> <a href="http://www.vrg.org/nutrition/protein.htm">http://www.vrg.org/nutrition/protein.htm</a> and <a href="http://www.healthybitchdaily.com/post/do-vegans-get-enough-protein">http://www.healthybitchdaily.com/post/do-vegans-get-enough-protein</a> <b>Where does your calcium come from if you aren't drinking milk?</b> <a href="http://www.vrg.org/nutrition/calcium.htm">http://www.vrg.org/nutrition/calcium.htm</a> and <a href="http://www.vegan-nutritionista.com/vegans-eat.html">http://www.vegan-nutritionista.com/vegans-eat.html</a> This link will tell you all that we eat as well. <b>So it's probably super expensive right? </b>It is a little more expensive to get all organic food then the not so healthy version. We look at it this way, we pay a few dollars more now and save on our health care! We are in a health crazed fad right now though and the organic food is a little less than it once was, so that's a plus. You do save money because you hardly eat out. We might eat out once a week. It does take a little more planning though. We try and come up with a meal plan a week in advance because we have to go to the health food store to get some of our ingredients and we don't live right next to one. Once you plan your meals the task of making them is just like making anything else, some are super easy and quick and others are a little harder and take a little longer to make. It's just a different way of cooking because you don't use a lot of the same ingredients you are use too. It isn't hard though.<br />
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That's pretty much it. We are vegan and loving it. At the time of this post we have been vegan for 10 months!<br />
We hope that you follow us on our journey and that through this blog and your own research you realize that the normal "American" way of eating is not as healthy for you as you once thought. If you are looking to make a change for your health or to lose weight you have to realize that a quick, fad "Diet" isn't what's needed, a complete and total change in diet is what will work. You can do it. It's all about your mindset. Take the challenge! Do a juice fast and see what happens after it.<br />
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<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="211" src="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/s720x720/398517_327448207273044_500495810_n.jpg" width="640" /><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(We will be posting some of our favorite recipes and much more in the days, weeks, and months to come. Also if you have any questions at all, at any time, please let us know and we will be glad to try and help you out with whatever your question may be. Thanks!")</span>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06353548436518816040noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1598608854844132417.post-78289978484578495712011-05-17T19:28:00.000-05:002011-05-17T19:28:53.246-05:00I'm back!!!!I can't believe it has been 7 weeks since my last blog! I have been crazy busy at work and being married. I have tons of recipes to catch everyone up on. I am hoping to post a few recipes a week so I can fill everyone in on what I've been cooking and life being married the last few weeks. School is almost over! Only 15 more school days left! Can't wait to to have my summer and enjoy some carefree days! Tonight I made low carb pizza. I was at Target this past weekend and saw a boxed pizza that sounded amazing so I had to make my own version this week. Roasted red pepper with garlic sauce on a low carb tortilla with chicken, parmesan cheese, spinach, and goat cheese. So yummy! It definitely hit that spot!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iViln3FnlVk/TdMR8UimcOI/AAAAAAAAAOo/KTstq7_Ow0s/s1600/DSC01120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iViln3FnlVk/TdMR8UimcOI/AAAAAAAAAOo/KTstq7_Ow0s/s200/DSC01120.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><i><b>Low Carb Pizza</b></i></u></div><div style="text-align: center;">1 Low Carb Tortilla Wrap</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Sauce:</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">3 or 4 roasted red peppers pieces </div><div style="text-align: center;">1 garlic clove</div><div style="text-align: center;">A drizzle of EVOO and White Wine vinegar</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Directions:</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">Combine all ingredients in a food processor.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Toppings:</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">5 spinach leaves finely chopped</div><div style="text-align: center;">2 ounces of cooked chicken chopped</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 hand full of parmesan cheese</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 hand full of crumbled goat cheese</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Directions:</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Preheat oven to 350. Spread sauce on tortilla. Top with parmesan cheese. Then layer with chicken, spinach, and goat cheese. Bake for 10 minutes or until tortilla is crispy. I used a whole wheat low carb tortilla and 10 minutes made it crunchy with out browning it too much.</div>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06353548436518816040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1598608854844132417.post-88390342813637036942011-03-23T22:14:00.000-05:002011-03-23T22:14:50.822-05:00Chocolate Lava Cake with Berries...aka Low Carb Dream!Its been way too long since my last post. It isn't that I haven't been cooking because I have...a lot actually! I just haven't had time to post recipes and talk about my day lately. I am seriously ready for summer! Today has been our first day of Spring Break and it has given me a taste of what is to come in about 2 more months...I can't wait to hit the gym in the mornings around 9 then come home lay out in the sun for a few hours then cook a healthy dinner and dessert! Summer time is the best!!!!<br />
Today I got up and ran tons of errands then came home to cook a meal for my friends who just had a baby. I made them some Baked Ziti, Garlic Bread, Caesar Salad, and for dessert Peanut Butter Snicker Brownies with Peanut Butter Icing. None of which is low carb but all of which is delicious! After I dropped their meal off I came home and cooked a very yummy and healthy meal for Brock and I. We had baked chicken and steamed broccoli....then dessert...to die for amazingly delicious Chocolate Lava Cake!!!!<br />
So I don't have pictures of the Chicken or Broccoli but they are super simple to make and very healthy. For the chicken I just make them in little foil packets. Take a piece of foil and place a chicken breast in the middle. Cover with your choice of seasoning. We really like the spicy chicken seasoning. I sprinkle that on the chicken breast then take a tablespoon of butter and cut it in three slices and place it on top of the chicken breast with seasoning. Seal up the packet and bake on 425 for 30 minutes.<br />
Walmart has started selling fresh broccoli in steamable bags! Its amazing! Poke a few holes in the bag with a fork, place the bag on a plate in the microwave for 3 minutes and bam...its ready! Perfect meal in about 35 minutes! :)<br />
Dessert.....the good stuff! I am obsessed with reading other food blogs. One blog that I am loving right now is All day I dream of food. The lady who write this blog is a diabetic and has to eat low carb/ sugar free. As sad as it is to have that disease she has totally made lemonade out of her lemons in life and has become an amazing cook for others who are diabetic or that follow a low carb sugar free diet. You should all definitely check out her blog! This dessert is one of her recipes. The only thing I might try next time is adding a little bit more splenda. She uses granulated erythritol and I substituted it for Splenda...I think I should have put more because it was kinda bittersweet. It was delicious but could have been sweeter. :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-c3FobCfxUhY/TYql8thZJVI/AAAAAAAAAOA/1YWtkKRD_us/s1600/IMG_0444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-c3FobCfxUhY/TYql8thZJVI/AAAAAAAAAOA/1YWtkKRD_us/s200/IMG_0444.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><b>Chocolate Lava Cake:</b></u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Ingredients:</i></div><div style="text-align: center;">4 tbsp of butter, plus more for the ramekins</div><div style="text-align: center;">6 squares of Lindt 85% cacao chocolate</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 egg</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 egg yolk</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 tbsp of granulated erythritol (I'd say 2 tbsp of splenda)</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 tsp of flour</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Directions:</i></div><div style="text-align: center;">Melt butter and chocolate together in a small bowl set on top of a pan of simmering water. Stir until smooth. On a medium size bowl beat egg, egg yolk, and splenda together until light in color and thickened. Add chocolate mixture and mix until combined. Stir in the flour. Divide the mixture between the ramekins, bake for 6 to 7 minutes. Sides will be set but center will soft. Invert onto plate and let sit for 10 seconds or so. Then lift ramekin. Cake will fall out onto plate! Serve immediately with whipped topping and/or fresh berries.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-accCuAnWhmg/TYql8P5kfgI/AAAAAAAAAN8/0C26P9c1yhg/s1600/IMG_0446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-accCuAnWhmg/TYql8P5kfgI/AAAAAAAAAN8/0C26P9c1yhg/s200/IMG_0446.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-c3FobCfxUhY/TYql8thZJVI/AAAAAAAAAOA/1YWtkKRD_us/s1600/IMG_0444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06353548436518816040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1598608854844132417.post-18076853399015068802011-03-14T21:48:00.000-05:002011-03-14T22:07:20.233-05:00Sometimes it doesn't go as planned....Yesterday was Sunday...not just any Sunday it was time change day! Normally it's not a big deal. I really don't ever feel affected by the change but this time was different. Saturday night Brock had to deejay a fundraiser for the Arkansas Museum for Children. It was a nice, fun change from weddings, clubs, and parties. We got all dressed up and had a great time together. The down side to our fun evening was it was a late night. We got home around 1 am. By the time I was ready for bed it was way after 2. Brock reminded me to set the clock back...we had a discussion that went a little like this....<br />
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Brock: Don't forget to set your clock back before you set your alarm.<br />
Me: Ok...baby I don't think I have to set this my alarm clock back it does it automatically.<br />
Brock: No babe...your cell phone sets automatically not the bedside clock.<br />
Me: Are you sure???? I don't know that I've ever set this clock. And I can't figure out how to change the time.<br />
Brock: Seriously babe...just hit the hour button.<br />
Me: There isn't one....just a time zone button.<br />
Brock: Well set it on eastern time.<br />
Me: Ok baby.<br />
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So not a big deal right?!? WRONG! I woke up, so I thought, late...6:20 on my clock (suppose to get up at 5:45). Ran in, jumped in the shower and I'm running around like a crazy woman. I go back in the bedroom to have this conversation with my sweetheart of a new hubby.....<br />
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Brock: Kim turn off the lights and be quiet...<br />
Me: Baby you need to get up and start getting ready we are running late. Its 6:45.<br />
Brock: No its not, your clock is wrong it's only 5:45.<br />
Me: No baby remember the time change....<br />
Brock: Check your phone, your clock is wrong, I am tired and you are making noise...Go back to bed! You are up too early!<br />
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Sure enough my alarm clock does set itself...and since I changed the times zone I lost 2 hours of sleep! Worst night of sleep ever! I only got like 3 hours and that was the first thing that day that didn't go as planned. Some things to know about me are I love plans and following them out and if I don't get enough sleep I am one grouchy girl!<br />
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Wondering why I have bored you with the time zone alarm clock story? Well our day Sunday was super busy. We had church Sunday morning and then lunch with our friends the Shane and Mendy Roth (and kids). Love them! We invited them back to the house to hang out while their son, Max, went to a birthday party a few blocks from our house.<br />
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We got home and picked up a little before company and I baked cookies. Shane has a gluten allergy and a dairy allergy so he can't eat a lot of stuff. I discovered this recipe back when Brock and I started our low carb lifestyle. These cookies are now Shane's favorite cookie....ever! (So he says!) These Peanut Butter Chocolate cookies are a delightful little low carb, no sugar, no dairy, and no gluten dessert! They are super soft and chewy. We drank an afternoon cup of coffee and ate cookies! So good. We decided to cook burgers and sweet potato fries for dinner. Well that was the plan...but just like my alarm clock problem we had some more bumps in our road. I made a list of things that we needed from the store which included an extra package of hamburger meat, 5 sweet potatoes and some medicine. Lets just say Brock tried and got 1 out of 3 correct. He got the right hamburger meat, but regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes, and he got me powdered medicine instead of pills. Again he tried. So we just made regular fries instead. I decided to make gourmet burgers with my Italian seasonings with sauteed tomatoes and onions with a special homemade mayo sauce, and fresh shredded mozzarella. So Mendy and I start cooking. Cutting potatoes and making burgers. I go to put the burgers in the pan and start cooking them. All is good until...I go to flip them...7 out of 10 burgers just crumbled to pieces...like it looked like I was browning hamburger meat for something other than making burgers. Disaster!!!! Needless to say dinner didn't turn out as planned. Instead of having hamburgers we has meat blobs on buns. LOL. Oh well....it looked awful but everyone loved them! So I guess that is all that matters! And no I didn't take pictures of the meat blobs and regular fries. I don't have clue as to why the meat fell apart but we had fun and I realized sometimes things don't go as planned but that is ok! :)<br />
I thought I'd share my cookie recipe and pictures of those since they were the one thing that actually went how they were suppose to that day!!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HPOZuhnCTtA/TX7RnQmfJSI/AAAAAAAAANc/OOpn1NW-d5Y/s1600/IMG_0434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HPOZuhnCTtA/TX7RnQmfJSI/AAAAAAAAANc/OOpn1NW-d5Y/s200/IMG_0434.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <u><b>Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookies</b></u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(adapted from baking bites)</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><u><span style="font-size: small;">Ingredients:</span></u> </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">1 cup of crunchy peanut butter</div><div style="text-align: center;">3/4 cup of splenda brown sugar</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 egg</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 tsp of vanilla</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 tsp of baking soda</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/4 tsp salt</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 1/2 tbsp cocoa powder</div><div style="text-align: center;">2 tbsp of water</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 cup sugar free chocolate chips</div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><i>Directions:</i></u></div><div style="text-align: center;">Preheat oven to 350. In a small bowl mix together cocoa powder and water. In a medium size bowl mix peanut butter, brown sugar, egg, vanilla, baking soda, and salt. Once well combined mix in chocolate water mix. Stir until all combined. Add chocolate chips. Drop by the teaspoon on a cookie sheet and bake for 9 to 11 minutes. Cool for a minute on the cookie sheet and then transfer to a cooling rack. Eat them up!!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-BCIltIn5PEc/TX7SFDGeDOI/AAAAAAAAANs/0s-BHzaUaVA/s1600/IMG_0430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-BCIltIn5PEc/TX7SFDGeDOI/AAAAAAAAANs/0s-BHzaUaVA/s200/IMG_0430.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YmrxBu5ruWo/TX7Rnd0PKrI/AAAAAAAAANU/AxhpXV9-5Pw/s1600/IMG_0433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YmrxBu5ruWo/TX7Rnd0PKrI/AAAAAAAAANU/AxhpXV9-5Pw/s200/IMG_0433.jpg" width="200" /></a></div></div>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06353548436518816040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1598608854844132417.post-87980753848325719512011-03-10T22:15:00.000-06:002011-03-10T22:21:41.825-06:00Peanut Butter Snicker Brownies!Tonight was our family bingo night and teacher bake sale at school. Our PTA host a family night with a silent auction of baked goods that the teachers make. The kids get so excited about buy the things their teacher has made or bought. This year it was no different. Tons of delicious baked goods lined the tables in the cafeteria for some friendly biding wars.<br />
Leading up to the bake sale I was racking my brain trying to find something that was going to be some what easy to make but more importantly didn't need refrigerating and could be transported easily. Several months ago Snickers came out with their new peanut butter snickers squares. As soon as I saw them I told Brock not only had I died and gone to heaven that I was more excited to figure out what to make with them! These could be used in so many different baking opportunities! My options were endless! Three days later I was catching up on my favorite cooking blogs when I found a recipe using my God sent heavenly treats....that is right my Peanut Butter Snickers!!!! So hands down I totally decided to use this recipe when making my bake sale item. Needless to say they were a success, bringing in a grand total of $28.00!!!!<br />
So with out farther ado I give your the most delicious dessert treat that has ever been.....well at least one of the best! :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-pYPT_6p6PZo/TXmg2vull7I/AAAAAAAAAM8/6E0c8d4BWBc/s1600/IMG_0419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-pYPT_6p6PZo/TXmg2vull7I/AAAAAAAAAM8/6E0c8d4BWBc/s200/IMG_0419.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Peanut Butter Snicker Brownies with Peanut Butter Frosting...</u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>aka....a piece of heaven! :)</u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Cookies and Cups)</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><u>Ingredients:</u></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">1 cup of sugar (splenda)</div><div style="text-align: center;">2 eggs</div><div style="text-align: center;">2 tsp of vanilla</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 cup of butter (melted and unsalted)</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 cup of cocoa powder</div><div style="text-align: center;">2/3 cup of flour</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/4 tsp baking powder</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/4 tsp salt</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><u>Directions:</u></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">Preheat oven 350 and spray muffin tins with nonstick spray.</div><div style="text-align: center;">In a large bowl stir sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Then add in melted butter. Mix well. Sift in cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Scoop brownie batter into muffin tins. Press an unwrapped PB Snickers in the center of the brownie batter. Use the back of a spoon to spread the brownie mix across the top of the candy bar. Bake for 15 to 17 minutes until edges are set and the center is no longer jiggly. Let them cool for 30 minutes before removing them from the pan. </div><div style="text-align: center;">While they are cooling go ahead and mix up the frosting.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Peanut Butter Frosting</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><u>Ingredients:</u></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 stick of unsalted butter (room temperature) </div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter</div><div style="text-align: center;">2 1/2 to 3 cups of powdered sugar</div><div style="text-align: center;">3 tablespoons of milk</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><u>Directions:</u></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">In a medium sized bowl with a hand mixer beat the butter and peanut butter until smooth. Slowly add in sifted powdered sugar and then milk. Beat until smooth. Fill a piping bag with the frosting and then decorate however you want! Feel free to pipe any extra frosting directly in your mouth....its that good!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Eat and Enjoy!!!! :)</div>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06353548436518816040noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1598608854844132417.post-42530400113123405252011-03-06T18:48:00.000-06:002011-03-06T18:50:52.007-06:00Chocolate Walnut Blondies (low carb! )I have a major sweet tooth...as if that isn't obvious! I try to keep it in check and not make too many desserts. But today I thought Brock and I deserved a treat. We have been eating healthy all week and I have been craving some chocolate this weekend. So I made these yummy chocolate walnut blondies. They are very nutty and the chocolate gives them just the right amount of sweetness. They are also a quick and easy treat to make. Hope you enjoy them as much as we did! :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZqITGtEzu_I/TXQq8JBiQ0I/AAAAAAAAAMk/_mgT1Vm42bs/s1600/IMG_0413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZqITGtEzu_I/TXQq8JBiQ0I/AAAAAAAAAMk/_mgT1Vm42bs/s200/IMG_0413.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Chocolate Walnut Blondies</u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(adapted from I dream of Food)</span><br />
<i><u>Ingredients:</u></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">1 1/2 cups of walnuts</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 cup of almond flour</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 tsp xanthan gum</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 cup of melted unsalted butter</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 cup splenda</div><div style="text-align: center;">2 tsp of vanilla extract</div><div style="text-align: center;">10 drops of stevia extract</div><div style="text-align: center;">4 eggs, lightly beaten</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 cup of sugar free chocolate chips</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><u>Directions:</u></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">Preheat oven at 325 and grease an 8x8 pan. I just used non stick spray. Chop 1/2 cup of walnuts and toast them. Set them aside. In a food processor take the rest of the walnuts (1 cup) and grind them till they look like course cornmeal. Combine grounded walnuts, xanthan gum, and almond meal in a bowl and set aside. In a medium sized bowl melt 1 cup of butter (2 sticks). Beat melted butter and splenda together till smooth. Add in vanilla and stevia extract. Then stir in the almond flour mixture. In a small bowl beat all 4 eggs then pour eggs into batter. Stir till well combined. Add in toasted walnut chunks and chocolate chips. Pour batter into prepared dish. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes till edges are slightly browned. Let cool for 10 minutes in pan before serving.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2wJWcF_D_Dw/TXQq7bV9MtI/AAAAAAAAAMg/KJKg0f6QG98/s1600/IMG_0412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2wJWcF_D_Dw/TXQq7bV9MtI/AAAAAAAAAMg/KJKg0f6QG98/s200/IMG_0412.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
</div>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06353548436518816040noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1598608854844132417.post-24445429971698578182011-03-05T17:11:00.000-06:002011-03-05T17:11:14.344-06:00Chicken Pizza and Cheese Sticks (all low carb!)I feel like our lives are so busy and we don't even have kids! I shutter at the thought of having to balance our crazy life style with kiddos! Hopefully we won't have any of those for a long long long time! Yesterday was the end of a long week and so I wanted something super easy and little mess but still hardy and full of flavor! So I went with Brock's favorite again and yet made another dish that is low carb for pizza lovers! That is right low carb Chicken Pizza. It was super easy and can be made however you like your pizza just use flattened chicken breast as your dough.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Ikw22DImpZc/TXKu7h-cjzI/AAAAAAAAALw/L_mKtbcz9F4/s1600/IMG_0405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Ikw22DImpZc/TXKu7h-cjzI/AAAAAAAAALw/L_mKtbcz9F4/s200/IMG_0405.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ZhcFtCQuFXw/TXKu9P7FF6I/AAAAAAAAAL4/CqpqsUrqDEQ/s1600/IMG_0407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ZhcFtCQuFXw/TXKu9P7FF6I/AAAAAAAAAL4/CqpqsUrqDEQ/s200/IMG_0407.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Chicken Pizza</u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><u>Ingredients: </u></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"> 6 Chicken Breast (flattened to about 1/2 and inch)</div><div style="text-align: center;">butter</div><div style="text-align: center;"> salt and pepper</div><div style="text-align: center;">oregano</div><div style="text-align: center;">3/4 cup of tomato sauce (about a tablespoon or so per chicken breast)</div><div style="text-align: center;">onions</div><div style="text-align: center;">peperoni </div><div style="text-align: center;">jalapenos</div><div style="text-align: center;">mozzarella cheese (shredded)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><u>Directions:</u></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">Preheat oven to 350. Either grill chicken or cook it in a skillet. I did mine in a skillet with a little butter salt and pepper. Once chicken is cooked place in a oven safe dish. Spoon sauce on top of chicken then layer with favorite pizza toppings. Peperoni, jalapenos, onions, and cheese. Sprinkle with some oregano. Bake in oven for 10 to 15 minutes. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hI-eqVt6Yss/TXKu88-U4cI/AAAAAAAAAL0/8d8o5LMdA5A/s1600/IMG_0409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hI-eqVt6Yss/TXKu88-U4cI/AAAAAAAAAL0/8d8o5LMdA5A/s200/IMG_0409.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y6EdK4019I8/TXKu969tQlI/AAAAAAAAAL8/f0V52uz6w7E/s1600/IMG_0410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y6EdK4019I8/TXKu969tQlI/AAAAAAAAAL8/f0V52uz6w7E/s200/IMG_0410.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Mozzarella Sticks</u></b> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(low carb)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><u>Ingredients:</u></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">12 cheese sticks</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 egg</div><div style="text-align: center;">splash of water</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 a bag of original flavored pork skins</div><div style="text-align: center;">Italian seasoning</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Directions:</i></div><div style="text-align: center;">Preheat oven 350. Line a cookie sheet with foil. Take pork skins and crumble them into crumbs. I used my food processor for this step or you could use a rolling pin and place them in a ziplock bag and crush them. Mix egg and splash of water together in a shallow bowl. Take cheese stick and dip it in the egg wash then roll in the pork skin crumbs. Place on prepared cookie sheet. Repeat until finished. Bake for about 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them after 8 so they don't complete melt together. You still want them to resemble a baked cheese stick. Dip in ranch or marinara sauce. </div>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06353548436518816040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1598608854844132417.post-40307383237762773252011-03-01T19:31:00.000-06:002011-03-01T19:31:49.238-06:00Stuffed MeatballsBrock and I are back on the healthy low carb eating wagon! Last night we had baked chicken and steamed broccoli. Tonight we had stuffed meatballs and cauliflower mash* (a mock mashed potatoes). These meatballs take a little bit of prep time but are super easy to make and well worth it in the end. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-qzVRu5K0v0s/TW2cJxVbUbI/AAAAAAAAALc/yZx4Ao0b_bA/s1600/IMG_0402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-qzVRu5K0v0s/TW2cJxVbUbI/AAAAAAAAALc/yZx4Ao0b_bA/s200/IMG_0402.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Stuffed Meatballs</u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><i>Ingredients:</i></u></div><div style="text-align: center;">1 packet of dry Italian dressing mix</div><div style="text-align: center;">A handful of grated parmesan cheese</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 1/4 pounds of hamburger meat (I only use 96/4)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Fresh Mozzarella Cheese </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><u>Directions:</u></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">Preheat oven to 375. Spray a cookie sheet (with sides) with non-stick spray. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Take your fresh mozzarella cheese and scoop out about one teaspoon of cheese. With your hands roll it into a ball. Make about 12 balls. Set them aside while you get the meat mixture ready. </div><div style="text-align: center;">In a bowl mix meat, dressing mix, and parmesan cheese until combined. Divide meat into 12 to 15 meatballs. Take one ball at a time in your hand and flatten it out as if you were going to make a hamburger with it. Place one ball of cheese in the center of the flattened meat patty. Wrap the meat around the cheese ball. Place the stuffed meat ball on the prepared cookie sheet. Repeat until all meat is used. You should be able get about 12 meatballs.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Bake in the oven for about 20 to 25 minutes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xH6l-9PtZKU/TW2cJq6vvTI/AAAAAAAAALY/Uc4J1Dkw5ig/s1600/IMG_0403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xH6l-9PtZKU/TW2cJq6vvTI/AAAAAAAAALY/Uc4J1Dkw5ig/s200/IMG_0403.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at that yummy mozzarella cheese! Yummo!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">*The mock potato recipe can be found on the February 13 post (Valentine's Day Dinner).</div></div>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06353548436518816040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1598608854844132417.post-19551449027741158982011-02-27T21:41:00.000-06:002011-02-27T21:52:13.536-06:00Carb-o-loading!!!!Ok...so I have to admit that I have fallen off the healthy eating wagon for about 2 weeks now. I have been craving baked goods and pasta's and all sorts of yummy bad for you foods! Tomorrow though I am back on the low carb hard core lose some weight mode! It is almost March 1st which means my race is 8 weeks away + bathing suit season is right behind that = BIG MOTIVATION!!!!! :)<br />
But before I swear off all heavy duty carbs again I thought I'd share with you all a few things I have made or eaten while on my "carb binge". :)<br />
<br />
Last weekend Brock took me to Dallas for the weekend. We left Thursday after he got off work and drove down and stayed with some friends. Friday morning we went to brunch with my dear friend Bethanie Skipper. Her parents were missionaries to Argentina when my family lived in Uruguay. I have know her since I was 5 and she is very much like a sister to me. She took us to eat at Bread Winners. A must eat if you are ever in Dallas. Amazing food and very cool atmosphere. Bethanie got the fresh made granola with yogurt and fresh fruit...healthy and amazingly delicious choice! Brock ordered the Monterey Enchiladas, which were 2 flour tortillas stuffed with eggs, beans, queso, pico de gallo, and ranchero sauce, with a side of breakfast potatoes. Of course when on vacation you might as well live it up so I ordered the Normandy French Toast. Which is sourdough bread stuffed with cream cheese and raspberry jam topped with whipped cream and fresh berries! Oh my goodness gracious! There were no words to describe the taste of that this fantastic creation!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WO6yGFakyr0/TWsXPC7bcSI/AAAAAAAAAKw/z3b4oer5xMo/s1600/IMG_0360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WO6yGFakyr0/TWsXPC7bcSI/AAAAAAAAAKw/z3b4oer5xMo/s200/IMG_0360.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Bethanie outside of Bread Winners.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-V1CiIN1dpTk/TWsXL59SQeI/AAAAAAAAAKY/UtVXQcBqQSw/s1600/IMG_0354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-V1CiIN1dpTk/TWsXL59SQeI/AAAAAAAAAKY/UtVXQcBqQSw/s200/IMG_0354.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plate of Pastries they give you while you wait on your food....Yummy! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-0SbPiRNVFqw/TWsXMDq57hI/AAAAAAAAAKc/yVWmKxIpY4w/s1600/IMG_0355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-0SbPiRNVFqw/TWsXMDq57hI/AAAAAAAAAKc/yVWmKxIpY4w/s200/IMG_0355.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brock's Monterey Enchiladas.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Cg8JfWM7hGM/TWsXM05xenI/AAAAAAAAAKg/2heUos5h69Q/s1600/IMG_0357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Cg8JfWM7hGM/TWsXM05xenI/AAAAAAAAAKg/2heUos5h69Q/s200/IMG_0357.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bethanie's healthy granola breakfast.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ieEEcsTClws/TWsXPKwszOI/AAAAAAAAAKo/NcTZlfPEdQA/s1600/IMG_0356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ieEEcsTClws/TWsXPKwszOI/AAAAAAAAAKo/NcTZlfPEdQA/s200/IMG_0356.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My stuffed french toast! Scrumptious!!! </td></tr>
</tbody></table> That afternoon we went to Sprinkles Cupcakes.....I have to say I was slightly disappointed. The cupcakes looked great and were very well decorated and looked amazing but they were dry and not very flavorful. Definitely not worth $7.00 for two cupcakes! We also went to IKEA!!! Best place in the world! We spent all afternoon there and bought lots of fun things for our new home. When we get everything in place I will post pictures of all our IKEA stuff. :)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-BhErUOxzmAs/TWsXPBotANI/AAAAAAAAAKs/byIMmw1fdLA/s1600/IMG_0366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-BhErUOxzmAs/TWsXPBotANI/AAAAAAAAAKs/byIMmw1fdLA/s200/IMG_0366.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cupcakes from Sprinkles...Cinnamon Sugar and Peanut Butter Chocolate.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-h_68ws09K08/TWsXOKJYxLI/AAAAAAAAAKk/FQIwj118LFM/s1600/IMG_0363.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-h_68ws09K08/TWsXOKJYxLI/AAAAAAAAAKk/FQIwj118LFM/s200/IMG_0363.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brock....playing at IKEA</td></tr>
</tbody></table>That evening we went to dinner at Victor Tangos. Very cool place and the food was tasty.....the only downfall was that you order your meal for everyone in your party to share. So basically we spent $40 to get one bite of each item we ordered. We were still hungry when we left. Not a place to go if you are super hungry but a great place to go for finger foods and cocktails. Since we were still hungry when we left we decided to go to The Cheesecake Factory. You can never go wrong there. I ordered just cheesecake...of course it was the Reese's Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake Cheesecake....to die for!!!!! Brock ordered the Cuban Sandwich with Sweet Potato fries. We were both completely satisfied and completely happy with our choices!<br />
<br />
On Saturday we spend the day mall hopping. I must say that is one thing Brock and I both love doing...SHOPPING! I know ladies...I am a lucky woman to have a husband who loves going shopping and loves planning a day going from mall to mall in order to go to all the stores we wanted to hit up. We also went to The Container Store...I'm in love! I had never been to an actual store. I had only made purchases online. I could have spend hours in there picking out all sorts of organizational things for the house and my classroom! Fantastic store! A must shop if in Dallas and you have never been to one. We ate at El Fenix, Brock's favorite Mexican place ever! It was good. I ordered chicken nachos and he got enchiladas. No pics of this meal due to the fact I didn't have my camera. So sad! We also end up eating Mexican food for dinner and lunch the next day. All of our friends were in the mood for Mexican. Needless to say we were Mexicaned out! No more Mexican for a long time for us!<br />
<br />
So now that I have bored you with my trip to Dallas lets move on to the baked goods I've made during this so called "carb-o-feast"! I made Blueberry Scones with a Lemon Drizzle (no pics this time), Blackberry Upside Down Cake, and my version of Cranberry Bliss Bars from Starbucks! They all turn out incredible!<br />
Due to time...I will post my favorite recipe tonight and this week post the rest. So tonight's recipe is my version of Starbucks amazingly delicious Christmas treat.....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-XATfrTRP2Zw/TWsXP3JnPYI/AAAAAAAAALA/cLUfFkDs0c0/s1600/IMG_0397.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-XATfrTRP2Zw/TWsXP3JnPYI/AAAAAAAAALA/cLUfFkDs0c0/s200/IMG_0397.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><u><b>Cranberry Bliss Bar</b></u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(adapted from Food.com) </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><i>Ingredients:</i></u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><i>Cake:</i></u></div><div style="text-align: center;">2 sticks of butter </div><div style="text-align: center;">1 1/4 cups of Splenda brown sugar</div><div style="text-align: center;">3 eggs</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 teaspoon of vanilla extract</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 teaspoon of orange extract</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 teaspoon ground ginger</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 1/2 all-purpose flour<br />
1/4 teaspoon salt </div><div style="text-align: center;">3/4 cups of dried diced cranberries</div><div style="text-align: center;">6 ounces of white chocolate chunks</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><u>Frosting:</u></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">4 ounces of cream cheese (room temperature) </div><div style="text-align: center;">3 cups powdered sugar</div><div style="text-align: center;">2 teaspoons of orange extract</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><u>Drizzled Icing:</u></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 cup of powdered sugar</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 tablespoon of milk</div><div style="text-align: center;">2 teaspoons of vegetable shortening</div><div style="text-align: center;">orange zest (optional)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sprinkle extra white chocolate chunks and dried cranberries on top to make it look pretty! :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><u>Directions:</u></i></div><div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;">Preheat oven to 350. Grease a 9x13 baking dish. I used nonstick spray.<br />
Beat butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer until smooth. Add eggs, ginger, and salt; beat well. Gradually mix in flour until smooth. Stir in (by hand) dried cranberries and white chocolate chunks. Pour batter in prepared dish. Bake for 35 minutes.</div><div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;">Once the cake part has cooled prepare the frosting. Combine all ingredients for frosting with an electric mixer until smooth. This is going to be real thick, so be careful when you are icing the cake since it will be very moist it will tear easily if you press too hard when spreading the icing. </div><div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;">When you are finished icing the cookie combine frosting drizzle ingredients together in a bowl and whisk together until smooth. I put this in a ziplock baggie and cut off the tip for an easy drizzle look. Topped it with extra cranberries and white chocolate chunks. </div><div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;">This is a super sweet dessert! I cut them in small squares because most people can only eat a few bites. </div><div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-orlY2bP_a94/TWsXRFmdkZI/AAAAAAAAAK8/wSOmgJHTyvE/s1600/IMG_0400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-orlY2bP_a94/TWsXRFmdkZI/AAAAAAAAAK8/wSOmgJHTyvE/s200/IMG_0400.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>I am stuffed and feeling gross after the crazy amount of carbs that I have consumed throughout the last 10 days. I am ready to get back on the healthy low-carb wagon and stay for a while! :) I am off to bed for the night and will be posting healthy dinner recipes and the rest of my crazy yummy carb filled treats this week. </div>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06353548436518816040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1598608854844132417.post-88381893992302715102011-02-14T21:58:00.000-06:002011-02-14T21:58:23.710-06:00Simple week night mealI know today is Valentine's Day and most people are going out for dinner or cooking a gourmet meal for their significant other. Well I made Brock's meal yesterday and we are headed to Dallas on Thursday for a long weekend and Brock will be taking me out to celebrate our love some time this weekend. So tonight I just planned a simple meal since this week is parent teacher conference week and I wanted to keep things simple.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SWAUd070Vrs/TVnwhu55hoI/AAAAAAAAAJs/BdU4MkLc_0M/s1600/IMG_0350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SWAUd070Vrs/TVnwhu55hoI/AAAAAAAAAJs/BdU4MkLc_0M/s200/IMG_0350.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steak Sandwich, Sweet Potato Fries, and Brown Sugar Sauce</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TkVv5uQ1grE/TVnwhruBAJI/AAAAAAAAAJw/FvyGHLCDCOs/s1600/IMG_0351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TkVv5uQ1grE/TVnwhruBAJI/AAAAAAAAAJw/FvyGHLCDCOs/s200/IMG_0351.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steak Sandwich, Sweet Potato Fries, and Honey Dip Sacue</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Caesar Salad Cube Steak Burger</u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">(adapted from Cinnamon Spice and Everything Nice)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><u>Ingredients:</u></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">1-1/2 pounds of cube steak<br />
1/2 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley<br />
2 shallots, minced<br />
3 garlic cloves, minced</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 can of beef broth</div><div style="text-align: center;"> 1 teaspoon kosher salt<br />
1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning<br />
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><u>For the Sandwich you will need:</u></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Romaine Lettuce</div><div style="text-align: center;">Fresh Shredded Parmesan Cheese</div><div style="text-align: center;"> 1 or 2 piece of toasted bread (I used low carb)</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 teaspoon of Honey Dip Sauce (recipe to follow)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <i><u>Directions:</u></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">Mix all ingredients together and marinate the meat for 2 hours (or all day...I put mine together this morning and had it ready when I got off work). Place the meat and marinade in a skillet over medium high heat. Cook about 7 minutes each side. When the meat is finished start with toasted bread, cover with honey dip sauce, then lettuce, place your meat then smother with freshly shredded parmesan cheese.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Honey Dip Sauce</u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">(adapted from Our Best Bites) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><u>Ingredients:</u></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">8 ounces of Sour Cream</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 1/2 tablespoons of Mayo</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 tablespoon of Sugar Free Honey</div><div style="text-align: center;">a few sprinkles of cumin, parsley, oregano, salt, and onion powder (all to taste)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><u>Directions:</u></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">Whisk all ingredients together and refrigerate will use. You can also use this dip with the Sweet Potato Fries. It is a more savory option rather than the sweet brown sugar sauce. </div><div style="text-align: center;">This sauce taste like a homemade french onion dip. Very savory and full of flavor. Taste great with sandwich and fries!!!<u><b> <br />
</b></u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><b>Sweet Potato Fries</b></u></div><div style="text-align: center;">(Our Best Bites) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><u>Ingredients:</u></i></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">1 lb peeled sweet potatoes cut into 1/4" match-sticks </div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">2 T extra virgin olive oil</div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">1/2 t cumin</div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">1/2 t oregano</div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">1/2 t coriander</div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">1 t kosher salt</div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">1 t parsley</div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">1/8 tsp black pepper</div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"> </div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><i><u>Directions:</u></i></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">Preheat oven to 425 degrees. In a small bowl combine cumin, oregano, coriander, salt, parsley, and pepper. </div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">Place sweet potatoes in a pile directly on baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Use hands to toss until all pieces are well coated. Sprinkle seasoning mixture on top and toss again with hands to coat. </div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">Arrange sweet potatoes in a single layer so that pieces are not touching each other. Place pan in oven and bake for 15 minutes. Use a metal spatula to gently flip fries and then return pan to oven. Cook for an additional 15-20 minutes or until fries are starting to lightly brown and crisp. </div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><u><b><br />
</b></u></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><u><b>Brown Sugar Maple Sauce</b></u></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><i><u>Ingredients:</u></i></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">2 tablespoons of butter melted</div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">1/4 cup of sugar free maple syrup</div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"> 1/8 cup of Splenda brown sugar</div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">1 tablespoon of sugar free honey</div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"> </div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><i><u>Directions:</u></i></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">Whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl. Serve with warm bake sweet potato fries! Yummo!</div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><b><u>Dessert</u></b></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">Melt milk chocolate of choice in microwave with some shortening. Dip strawberries in them and let them set on a piece of parchment or wax paper. Melt white chocolate with some shortening then place in a ziplock bag and cut off the tip. Drizzle white chocolate over the strawberries. Super easy and always delicious!!! </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QPCwIQZnqWo/TVnwhmp0-9I/AAAAAAAAAJ0/nW5GmTnD23k/s1600/IMG_0352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QPCwIQZnqWo/TVnwhmp0-9I/AAAAAAAAAJ0/nW5GmTnD23k/s200/IMG_0352.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chocolate Covered Strawberries! </td></tr>
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</div>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06353548436518816040noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1598608854844132417.post-723026197541338332011-02-13T21:45:00.000-06:002011-02-13T21:45:13.864-06:00Valentine's Day DinnerI love Valentine's Day! It is such a fun little holiday...I guess you can call it a holiday. It a day that I love to do things for the man I love. This year Valentine's Day is on Monday...not just any Monday but the first day of Parent/Teacher Conferences! Which means I won't have time tomorrow to be in the kitchen and make dinner and dessert for my new hubby. So today I decided to spend some time and make a nice little romantic dinner for my amazing husband! On the menu....Rosemary Brown Sugar Marinated Pork Chops, Mock Loaded Mashed Potatoes (Cauliflower), Parmesan Asparagus, Salad, and for dessert.....Coconut Creme Brulee with fresh berries and fresh whipped topping!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qhAyvxER8hY/TVii83Kp46I/AAAAAAAAAJM/OG0Ugg0dsFo/s1600/IMG_0344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qhAyvxER8hY/TVii83Kp46I/AAAAAAAAAJM/OG0Ugg0dsFo/s320/IMG_0344.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The candle lit table</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Needless to say dinner was a success! Brock loved it and was surprised with Creme Brulee...which is his favorite! I had never made it but decided to try it and it was amazingly delicious! Here are the very simple recipes I used. The creme brulee took the longest but the meal itself can be done in less than an hour! :)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4wrT9aAYnpM/TVii9Do9mmI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/AALopD258pU/s1600/IMG_0345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4wrT9aAYnpM/TVii9Do9mmI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/AALopD258pU/s320/IMG_0345.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pork Chops, Cauliflower Mash, Asparagus</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Rosemary Brown Sugar Pork Chops</u></b><br />
(Sweetpeas kitchen) <br />
<i><u>Ingredients:</u></i><br />
4 boneless porkchops<br />
1/2 cup of soy sauce<br />
1/4 cup of water<br />
3 tablespoons of Brown Sugar (I used the Spenda brown sugar)<br />
1 tablespoon of dried rosemary (or 3 tablespoons of fresh rosemary)<br />
<br />
<i><u>Directions:</u></i><br />
Mix soy sauce, water, brown sugar, and rosemary together and marinate the porkchops in the mix for 3 hours or longer.<br />
Preheat oven 350. Place meat and marinade in a baking dish. Cook for 30 to 35 minutes flipping them halfway through.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Mock Loaded Mashed Potatoes</u></b><br />
<i><u>Ingredients:</u></i><br />
1 bag of frozen cauliflower<br />
3 ounces of cream cheese<br />
1 hand full of shredded cheddar cheese<br />
1 hand full of crumbled bacon (2 to 3 slices)<br />
salt and pepper<br />
<br />
<i><u>Directions:</u></i><br />
Bring a pot of water to a boil then add in the cauliflower. Bring to a boil and let it boil for 30 minutes. In the mean time in a medium sized bowl put the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and bacon. When the cauliflower is done spoon it out with a slotted spoon into the bowl with the other ingredients. With a fork mash and mix till all the cheese is melted and the cauliflower is mashed to resemble mashed potatoes.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Parmesan Asparagus</u></b><br />
<i><u>Ingredients:</u></i><br />
1 bunch of asparagus<br />
a drizzle of oil<br />
salt and pepper (to taste)<br />
sprinkle of shredded parmesan<br />
<br />
<i><u>Directions:</u></i><br />
Preheat oven to 350. Line a cookie sheet with foil (for easy clean up). Take your asparagus and chop off the bottom inch or so. Spread them out on the cookie sheet. Toss with a little oil. Make sure they are all coated (not drenched) with oil. Salt and pepper to taste...just a few sprinkles. Bake for 15 minutes. Pull the tray out and sprinkle with some shredded Parmesan. Bake for 3 to 5 more minutes. Just enough for the cheese to melt.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Salad....fresh spinach leaves, feta cheese, bacon crumbles, almonds, and dried cranberries drizzled with sugar free Raspberry Vinaigrette dressing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i9oyZnGV29U/TVii9K4nJTI/AAAAAAAAAJU/n7yI0qjw2aY/s1600/IMG_0347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i9oyZnGV29U/TVii9K4nJTI/AAAAAAAAAJU/n7yI0qjw2aY/s320/IMG_0347.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><b>Coconut Creme Brulee</b></u></div><div style="text-align: center;">(Get off your butt and Bake)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8nK9Wkh6VTw/TVii9UrcZuI/AAAAAAAAAJY/WzG95B-qMq8/s1600/IMG_0349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8nK9Wkh6VTw/TVii9UrcZuI/AAAAAAAAAJY/WzG95B-qMq8/s320/IMG_0349.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><u>Ingredients:</u></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">1/3 cup of sugar (I used real sugar since it was my first time making it...next time I will try Splenda)</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 teaspoon of cornstarch</div><div style="text-align: center;">8 large egg yokes</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 cup of heavy cream</div><div style="text-align: center;">14 ounces of coconut milk</div><div style="text-align: center;">4 teaspoons of sugar in the raw (for sprinkling on top)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><i>Directions:</i></u></div><div style="text-align: center;">Preheat oven to 300. Sift sugar and cornstarch together in a medium sized bowl. Whisk in the egg yokes. Whisk in the coconut milk and heavy cream. Set four 6 oz ramekins in a deep baking dish. Divide the custard evenly among the ramekins. Carefully pour hot water in the baking pan till it comes about halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Bake for 30 minutes and then loosely tent the pan with foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes. It the foil is too tight it will make the custard curdle so be careful. Remove the pan from the oven and take the ramekins out of the baking pan with water and let them cool on the counter about 10 to 15 minutes. Then refrigerate several hours or overnight. Before serving sprinkle 1 teaspoon of sugar in the raw on top of each ramekin. Then use a torch to caramelize the sugar.</div><br />
I served mine with fresh berries and fresh whipped topping. For the whipped topping take heavy whipping cream, a little vanilla, and a sprinkle of splenda and use a mixer and beat it until it becomes thick and whipped cream. :)<br />
So yummy! This meal was a success. The only thing I would like to do different next time is to try making the creme brulee with splenda.<br />
I hope everyone has a wonderful Valentine's Day with the one they love...and if you are single do something for yourself! Take a long bubble bath, bake a dessert, hang out with friends, pamper yourself...but have a great day! :)Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06353548436518816040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1598608854844132417.post-78071473727601794562011-02-13T16:16:00.000-06:002011-02-13T17:06:34.725-06:00Stuffed Chicken and Broccoli CasseroleOne of Brock's favorite dishes that his mom makes is Chicken Cordon Bleu. So I thought I might just give it a low carb whirl...and it turn out great! He loved it! Yay...cooking success!!!! It is very tasty and doesn't have a thick batter on it. It was covered with little sauce...yummo! I paired it with a broccoli cheese casserole but you could serve it with pasta, or any other veggie you want! This is a super easy and hardy meal. It will definitely be a week night special in our house!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-2ut45Cnbs/TVhX-pk8TlI/AAAAAAAAAI4/wM0uqoryRD0/s1600/Stuffed+Chicken+and+Broccoli+Cass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-2ut45Cnbs/TVhX-pk8TlI/AAAAAAAAAI4/wM0uqoryRD0/s320/Stuffed+Chicken+and+Broccoli+Cass.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><u><b>Stuffed Chicken</b></u><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(adapted from Get Off Your Butt and Bake)</span><u><b> </b></u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><b> </b></u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><u>Ingredients:</u></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">3 Chicken Breast</div><div style="text-align: center;">3 pieces of Swiss Cheese</div><div style="text-align: center;">3 pieces of Deli Ham</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 1/2 tablespoons of Flour</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 teaspoon of Paprika</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/4 teaspoon of Salt</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/8 teaspoon of Garlic Powder</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/8 teaspoon of Pepper</div><div style="text-align: center;">3 tablespoons of Butter</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/4 cup of Chicken Broth</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 cup of Heavy Whipping Cream</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 tablespoon of Cornstarch </div><div style="text-align: center;">toothpicks </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><u>Directions:</u></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">Either pound chicken to about 1/4 inch thick or butterfly it (cut it in half horizontally). Place one piece of ham and one piece of swiss cheese in the middle of each chicken breast. Roll it up and secure it with toothpicks. In a small bowl mix together flour, paprika, salt, garlic powder, and pepper. Roll chicken lightly in mixture.</div><div style="text-align: center;">In a medium sized skillet melt butter over medium/high heat. Place chicken breast in skillet. Brown all sides of the chicken breast. Add in chicken broth to skillet and reduce heat to medium/low and finish cooking...about 25 to 30 minutes. When chicken is cooked remove the chicken from the skillet and keep it warm in the oven or microwave. In a small bowl whisk together heavy whipping cream and cornstarch. Pour it in the skillet and keep stirring until mixture thickens. Take out the toothpicks from the chicken breast and pour sauce over the top right before serving. Enjoy! This can easily be doubled to make 6 servings instead of 3...well 2 because Brock will eat two pieces of chicken! :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><b>Super Easy Broccoli Casserole</b></u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><b> </b></u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><u>Ingredients:</u></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">1 bag of frozen broccoli florets</div><div style="text-align: center;">4 slices of bacon (cooked and crumbled)</div><div style="text-align: center;">3 ounces of cream cheese (room temp)</div><div style="text-align: center;">a handful of Cheddar Cheese or Monterey Jack Cheese plus a little extra to sprinkle on top</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><u>Directions:</u></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">Preheat oven 425. Spray a square baking pan with non-stick spray. Set aside. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add Broccoli and let boil for 15 minutes. In a small bowl put your cream cheese, bacon crumbles, and handful of cheese. When broccoli is done strain it then add it to the bowl with cheeses and bacon. Mix well. Pour broccoli mix into prepared pan. Spread it out to cover the bottom of the pan. Sprinkle with some extra cheese and bake for 10 to 15 minutes. </div><div style="text-align: center;">This is so yummy and super cheesy! :)</div>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06353548436518816040noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1598608854844132417.post-27467762770125915442011-02-10T10:58:00.000-06:002011-02-10T10:58:40.179-06:00Crustless Italian style QuicheAnother snow day locked in the house and literally we can't go anywhere. We woke up starving and freezing! So off to the kitchen I went to try to make some sort of breakfast dish with what I had left in the fridge. We desperately need to go to the store for groceries sometime today or tomorrow morning if we can ever get Brock's car unstuck in the snow. I drive a Mazda 3 and it is parked in the garage....and that is where it is staying since the snow in front of the garage door comes up about even with my trunk! On to the delicious Italian style quiche.....<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Italian Crustless Quiche</u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qiPCfG8RZ5I/TVQSkzw2VjI/AAAAAAAAAIc/HJCn_M0GWuQ/s1600/IMG_0332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qiPCfG8RZ5I/TVQSkzw2VjI/AAAAAAAAAIc/HJCn_M0GWuQ/s320/IMG_0332.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><u>Ingredients:</u></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">4 slices of bacon</div><div style="text-align: center;">6 eggs</div><div style="text-align: center;">a few splashes of half and half (or milk)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Italian Seasoning (or basil, tyme, oregano)</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/4 cup of feta cheese</div><div style="text-align: center;">a handful of fresh spinach leaves</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><u>Directions:</u></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">Preheat oven to 425. Spray a 9 inch pie pan with non stick spray and set aside. Fry bacon til crispy. Once it is cool enough to handle crumble into pieces. Bring a small pot of water to a boil. While waiting for the water to boil chop spinach into bite size pieces. Make sure you remove the stems before you chop the spinach. Once water is boiling place chopped spinach into the pot. Boil for only about 2 minutes. While you wait for those two minutes get a bowl of ice water ready to transfer the spinach into when it is finished. Scoop it out with a slotted spoon and place in ice water bowl. Scoop out of the ice bowl after about thirty seconds and place on a paper towel. In a medium bowl crack 6 eggs and beat well. Add in half and half, Italian seasoning, feta cheese, spinach, and bacon crumbles. Mix well. Pour into prepared dish. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until middle of quiche is firm. Let it cool for about 3 to 5 minutes before cutting and serving. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aFsY8WZyFxw/TVQStrWFX5I/AAAAAAAAAIk/8A8Ll_zvOns/s1600/IMG_0335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aFsY8WZyFxw/TVQStrWFX5I/AAAAAAAAAIk/8A8Ll_zvOns/s200/IMG_0335.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06353548436518816040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1598608854844132417.post-36204669077398127242011-02-09T13:08:00.000-06:002011-02-09T13:08:46.639-06:00Thai Chicken and Mock Rice (Cauliflower)This meal is super easy and so yummy! I found the Thai Chicken recipe on eatbetteramerica.com. Which is a great place to find low calorie and low fat recipes. I found this one and make a few adjustments to make it low carb. You can adjust the spices to your taste. We like it with a little kick. Of course everything I make has to have a little spicy kick to it! The mock rice recipe I found from www.gnaw.com. This lady had a website dedicated to low carb recipes. I have used a bunch of her fabulous recipes and tweaked them for out taste buds!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><u><b>Thai Chicken</b></u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TVHgeKG_cnI/AAAAAAAAAGs/PJDb_ViPhe0/s1600/IMG_0261.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TVHgeKG_cnI/AAAAAAAAAGs/PJDb_ViPhe0/s200/IMG_0261.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><u><i>Ingredients:</i></u></div><div style="text-align: center;">4 boneless chicken breast</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 tablespoon of oil</div><div style="text-align: center;">3 garlic cloves minced</div><div style="text-align: center;">3 jalapenos (I left the seed in and added an extra jalapeno then what the original recipe calls for)</div><div style="text-align: center;">2 tablespoons of soy sauce </div><div style="text-align: center;">1 teaspoon of splenda</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/4 cup fresh chopped basil leaves</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 teaspoon of dried mint leaves (or 1 teaspoon of fresh mint leaves)</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 handful of chopped unsalted dry roasted peanuts (or more if you want)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><i>Directions:</i></u></div><div style="text-align: center;">Cut chicken breast into bite size pieces. </div><div style="text-align: center;">On a stove over medium high heat put some oil in a skillet and mix jalapenos and garlic together and simmer for a few minutes. Add in chicken. Cook for about 8 to 10 minutes or until chicken is completely cooked. If there is a lot of juice in the pan try to scoop it out with a spoon. Don't strain it or you will loose the garlic and some of the jalapenos. Stir in soy sauce, splenda, basil leaves, mint leaves, and peanuts. Cook for about 5 more minuets until soy sauce is bubbly and all the chicken is coated with sauce. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Serves about 4 people. or 2 people with left overs! :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><b><br />
</b></u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><b>Mock Fried Rice</b></u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TVHgKpz1yXI/AAAAAAAAAGo/ViV3xgbNBcc/s1600/IMG_0260.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TVHgKpz1yXI/AAAAAAAAAGo/ViV3xgbNBcc/s200/IMG_0260.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><i>Ingredients: </i></u></div><div style="text-align: center;">1 medium head of cauliflower (grated-I used my food processor)</div><div style="text-align: center;"> 2 cloves of garlic</div><div style="text-align: center;">Cooking oil (about 2 to 3 tablespoons)</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/4 cup of soy sauce</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 egg (beaten)</div><div style="text-align: center;">3 green onions (I didn't have these so I used onion powder just to give it the onion flavor)</div><div style="text-align: center;">a dash of pepper</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><i>Directions:</i></u></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Heat oil in wok over medium high heat. Add cauliflower and garlic, stir fry until cauliflower is nearly tender, don't over cook or it will be mushy. Stir in soy sauce. Push all the cauliflower to one side of the wok and pour in the beaten egg on the other side and lightly scramble it. Mix it into the cauliflower. Add the green onions and pepper. Toss together and serve! </div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thai Chicken and Fried "Rice"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06353548436518816040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1598608854844132417.post-92014896538738370462011-02-08T19:39:00.000-06:002011-02-08T19:44:01.758-06:00Superbowl treats!Sunday night we threw a Superbowl party for some friends of ours. I decided to make lots of treats for our company. One of my favorite places to eat is the Cheesecake Factory. We don't have one here in Arkansas and the closest one is in Tulsa (2 hours away). We obviously don't eat there a lot but every time we are in Tulsa I beg Brock to take me there. His favorite appetizer there are the Buffalo Blasts. They are a fried buffalo shredded chicken with cheese in a wanton wrap then deep fried and served with Ranch! They are amazing!!! So I decided to recreate these for him for a Superbowl treat. I also made strawberry cake balls, chocolate peanut butter cookies, bacon wrapped wienies with a brown sugar glaze, and extra spicy cheese dip. My friend Mendy made an amazing bean dip, meatballs, and guacamole! Blake (Brock's brother) made pizza dip and Beau (Brock's little brother) brought sugar cookies! We also had peanut butter M&M's, pretzel M&M's, cinnamon sugar pecans, and pizza! We had a massive feast and my Buffalo Blasts were a huge hit!!!! So I thought I'd share the delicious recipe with you all....now keep in mind these are by no means low carb or low calorie or low fat...but they are amazing!!!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just some of our food! (Before Mendy came with her goodies.)</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><u><b>Buffalo Blasts</b></u></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">(a knock-off the the Cheesecake Factory)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TVHg71EtrGI/AAAAAAAAAHk/uFKeoDkIwIo/s1600/IMG_0289.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TVHg71EtrGI/AAAAAAAAAHk/uFKeoDkIwIo/s200/IMG_0289.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Ingredients:</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">1 pack of wanton wrappers (which they were out of so I used egg roll wraps)</div><div style="text-align: center;">3 chicken breast cooked, cooled, and shredded</div><div style="text-align: center;">Buffalo Sauce (I used 1/3 cup...use more or less depending on taste)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Monterey Jack Shredded cheese (about 3/4 a cup....a pinch for each wrap)</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 egg with a splash of water (beat well) </div><div style="text-align: center;">Oil (for frying)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Ranch and extra Buffalo sauce for dipping</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Directions:</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">Line a cookie sheet with lots of paper towels for after frying to help blot off the extra grease. </div><div style="text-align: center;">In a medium sized bowl mix shredded cooked chicken with buffalo sauce. Make sure all the chicken is covered in buffalo sauce.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Take a wanton or egg roll wrap and lay it like a diamond shape. Scoop a spoonful of the chicken mixture on the middle of the wrapper.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TVHgedbMcjI/AAAAAAAAAG8/VLO0rNErxGY/s1600/IMG_0279.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TVHgedbMcjI/AAAAAAAAAG8/VLO0rNErxGY/s200/IMG_0279.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Sprinkle with cheese on top of the chicken.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TVHgt9VphTI/AAAAAAAAAHE/3G-Kgo9b0e0/s1600/IMG_0281.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TVHgt9VphTI/AAAAAAAAAHE/3G-Kgo9b0e0/s200/IMG_0281.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Bring the bottom of the wrap up then fold in the sides. Brush some egg wash on the top to ensure that it stays sealed and none of the yumminess comes out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TVHguCFHI2I/AAAAAAAAAHI/eFfjXwHRgWU/s1600/IMG_0282.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TVHguCFHI2I/AAAAAAAAAHI/eFfjXwHRgWU/s200/IMG_0282.jpg" width="200" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TVHg7s23Y6I/AAAAAAAAAHU/z-DPjXm7axM/s1600/IMG_0285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TVHguMeOPpI/AAAAAAAAAHM/IU_zSZeLrJ0/s1600/IMG_0283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TVHguMeOPpI/AAAAAAAAAHM/IU_zSZeLrJ0/s200/IMG_0283.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TVHg7s23Y6I/AAAAAAAAAHU/z-DPjXm7axM/s1600/IMG_0285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TVHg7s23Y6I/AAAAAAAAAHU/z-DPjXm7axM/s200/IMG_0285.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
Bring a large skillet 1/2 filled with oil to about 400 degrees (I used a candy thermometer...if you don't have one a way to make sure the oil is ready is to get your fingers wet with water and kinda splash the oil...if it sizzles then it is hot enough to start frying)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TVHg73WlgCI/AAAAAAAAAHc/AVqU6X8KcVw/s1600/IMG_0287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TVHg73WlgCI/AAAAAAAAAHc/AVqU6X8KcVw/s200/IMG_0287.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Fry each side about 2 to 3 minutes each. When both sides are browned transfer to cookie sheet to soak up the extra oil.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TVHg74HS11I/AAAAAAAAAHg/9w4nldpnelw/s1600/IMG_0288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TVHg74HS11I/AAAAAAAAAHg/9w4nldpnelw/s200/IMG_0288.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Serve with Ranch and Buffalo Sauce! ENJOY!!! I know we all did!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TVHuxh-b5CI/AAAAAAAAAH4/E9M0RZlfflU/s1600/IMG_7174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TVHuxh-b5CI/AAAAAAAAAH4/E9M0RZlfflU/s200/IMG_7174.jpg" width="148" /></a></div>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06353548436518816040noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1598608854844132417.post-3511055419981438342011-02-03T11:05:00.000-06:002011-02-03T11:05:06.695-06:00I'm done with Winter!!!! I can't tell you how over Winter I am!!!! I have never been one for cold weather in the first place but this weather is ridiculous! Can't wait for it to all go away!!!! While it is beautiful when it is coming down and fresh the after effects just plan stink! Brock had to work early this morning at the coffee shop...which seriously who in this weather gets coffee at 6:30 in the morning?!?! So he gets up and heads to the bathroom....like most people do first thing in the morning and he discovered we don't have water!!!! Apparently the pipes are frozen which means we are out of water until they defrost!!!! Which could be a long time considering the temp outside is 3 degrees! AHAHAH!!!!! This is a no bueno situation!<br />
Since we had no water I got up and when Brock went to work I decided to venture to Wal-mart. Thank the Lord that Wal-mart was fully stocked with water and all the other things I needed. It was freezing outside and by the time I got home I couldn't feel my toes, my nose, or my fingers!!! My body was frozen! <br />
So to cheer me up on this cold waterless day I decided to make a low carb cinnamon swirl loaf and a delicious cup of coffee!!!<br />
This recipe is super easy and I got it off the Carbquik website. Which if you don't have any and you are living the low carb life style it is a must!!!! It is basically a low carb version of Bisquick. I can make almost anything with it and it is only 2 carbs a serving! If you don't care about carbs at all I am pretty sure you could probably substitute the Carbquik with Bisquick.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><i><b>Cinnamon Swirl Loaf</b></i></u></div><div style="text-align: center;">www.carbalose.com</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Ingredients:</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Cinnamon Swirl</i></div><div style="text-align: center;">1/3 cup of Splenda</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/8 cup of Splenda Brown Sugar</div><div style="text-align: center;">2 teaspoons of grounded cinnamon (I doubled this) :) </div><div style="text-align: center;">2 tbsp of unsalted butter</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Batter:</i></div><div style="text-align: center;">1 1/2 cups of Carbquik</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/4 teaspoon of baking soda</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/4 teaspoon of salt</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 cup of butter (unsalted..1 stick)</div><div style="text-align: center;">3/4 cup of Splenda</div><div style="text-align: center;">3 eggs</div><div style="text-align: center;">2 teaspoons of Vanilla extract</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 cup of sour cream</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Directions:</i></div><div style="text-align: center;">Preheat oven 350. Spray with non stick spray or butter a loaf pan. (9x5x3) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Cinnamon Swirl :</i> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Mix the two sugars together. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Batter:</i></div><div style="text-align: center;">1. Mix Carbquik, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl</div><div style="text-align: center;">2. Melt butter (1 stick) then with a mixer add splenda. Beat until light and fluffy. Add one egg at a time and beating it in the mixture completely before adding the next. Then add vanilla. </div><div style="text-align: center;">3. Starting with the dry ingredients start alternating dry mix with sour cream. Starting with dry ingredients and ending with dry ingredients.</div><div style="text-align: center;">4 When it is all mixed together pour half the batter into prepared pan. Sprinkle with half the sugar mixture. Repeat with the rest of the batter and sprinkle the rest of the sugar mix. Take a knife and swirl it into the mixture. Melt the 2 tablespoons of butter and drizzle it on the top.</div><div style="text-align: center;">5. Bake at 350 for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean in the middle.</div><div style="text-align: center;">6. Let it cool for about 5 minutes on a cooling rack before taking it out of the pan and serving.</div><div style="text-align: center;">-Next time I make this I will probably add some chopped pecans.</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cinnamon swirl bread with some butter</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BREAKFAST!!! :)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">Today's plan is go to the gym...more so to shower, then head home to watch movies and tv...it is Thursday so all my favorite shows are on tonight!!!!Chau!</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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</tbody></table>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06353548436518816040noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1598608854844132417.post-89753004763389856332011-02-02T13:01:00.000-06:002011-03-07T10:07:55.959-06:00Homemade low carb bread + Pizza Soup + Flourless Raspberry Brownies = YUMMO!!!!!Brock's favorite food is pizza...which isn't low carb. Now I have made a low carb pizza crust using carbquick but I thought I'd try making a pizza soup. I saw a recipe for pizza soup but I thought it needed more added too it. We love a lot of meat on our pizza and Brock isn't a fan of veggies on pizza. So I thought I'd make up my own pizza soup recipe. You can change the ingredients to whatever you chose. You can add veggies or even pasta (macaroni or corkscrew). I would suggest that if you choose to add onions or green peppers (or other veggies), to saute them first in a little bit of butter or oil before throwing everything into the pot to cook.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><u><i><b>Pizza Soup</b></i></u></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Ingredients:</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">2 cups of pre-made spaghetti sauce (I used Ragu Meat flavored) </div><div style="text-align: center;">5 cups of chicken broth</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 large can of green chili's (7 ounce can) </div><div style="text-align: center;">The rest of the ingredients weren't measured just added according to what you like:</div><div style="text-align: center;">Shredded Cooked Chicken (about 3/4 of a cup to a cup)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Bacon Crumbles (I used 5 slices)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Diced Pepperoni (I cut up 20 pepperoni's in bite size pieces)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Fresh Spinach Chopped (about 2 cups)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Several dashes of Oregano, Parsly, Onion Powder, and Garlic Powder</div><div style="text-align: center;">Couple shakes of hot sauce and red pepper flakes (you can omit if you don't like spicy food)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Salt and Pepper (to taste if you want to) </div><div style="text-align: center;">Shredded Cheese for garnish (I used freshly shredded Mozzarella...but you can use whatever you like) </div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Directions:</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Put all ingredients in a large pot and bring to a boil. Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. It might take longer if you are using more veggies or pasta. Just cook until it is warm and all veggies or pasta is cooked. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Once you have served the soup sprinkle with cheese! Enjoy!</div><br />
I served mine with a pressed sandwich on homemade low carb bread. It is super easy to make. I got the recipe from lowcarbdiets.about.com. Of course I added some ingredients to make it more my own and to add a little more flavor to it.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><u>Low Carb Focaccia Style Bread</u></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">(adapted from lowcarbdiets.about.com)</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Ingredients:</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">2 cups of flax seed meal</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 tablespoon baking powder</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 teaspoon salt</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 1/2 tablespoons of splenda</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese </div><div style="text-align: center;">1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 tablespoon of Rosemary seasoning</div><div style="text-align: center;">5 eggs (beaten)</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 cup of water</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/3 cup of oil</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Directions:</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Preheat oven to 350 and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Set aside. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Mix all your dry ingredients (first 7) together in a bowl. Combine them well. In a separate bowl combine 5 eggs, water and oil. Mix well. Once all wet ingredients are combined stir them into the dry ingredients. Once everything is mixed together pour on your prepared cookie sheet. It won't fill the cookie sheet. Try to make a nice even rectangle by smoothing it out with a spatula. Bake for 20 minutes. NO LONGER!!!! It will burn and taste gross! Once it is finish remove parchment paper to a cooling rack and let cool. When it is cool cut into pieces for sandwiches. (I used meat and cheese from the deli for our sandwiches. Swiss cheese, turkey, ham, and spicy chicken!) Store the leftover bread in the refrigerator or freezer.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TUmozPJbjkI/AAAAAAAAAFk/iLS920GMfwY/s1600/IMG_0245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TUmozPJbjkI/AAAAAAAAAFk/iLS920GMfwY/s200/IMG_0245.jpg" width="200" /></a></div></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TUmozMzby2I/AAAAAAAAAFo/lvujWR5rK-k/s1600/IMG_0246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TUmozMzby2I/AAAAAAAAAFo/lvujWR5rK-k/s200/IMG_0246.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
On to dessert! I love chocolate and I know that living a low carb life style doesn't allow for many baked goods. I came across this recipe somewhere a little over a year ago. I can't remember where I got it but it is a keeper in my house! Flourless brownies!!!! This is perfect for the low carb people and the gluten free people! I made these the other day and took them to school and no one believed they were healthy and good for you! I have had several people ask for the recipe so here it is....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TUhCjwc1i3I/AAAAAAAAADs/P7UWB9m2Vdk/s1600/IMG_0185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TUhCjwc1i3I/AAAAAAAAADs/P7UWB9m2Vdk/s200/IMG_0185.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TUhCkE0wDRI/AAAAAAAAADw/OZ0E7kGKPgw/s1600/IMG_0186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TUhCkE0wDRI/AAAAAAAAADw/OZ0E7kGKPgw/s200/IMG_0186.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><i><b>Flourless Brownies</b></i></u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Indgredients:</b><br />
1 cup Splenda<b> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"> 1/2 cup Almond Meal <br />
1/4 cup Splenda Brown Sugar<br />
2 Sticks of Unsalted Butter<br />
3 Egg Whites<br />
1 Large Egg<br />
1 cup Cocoa Powder (unsweetened)</span></span></div><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;">Directions:</span></span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;">Preheat oven to 300. Spray a 9x9 inch pan with non stick spray. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;">In a bowl melt both sticks of butter. With a hand mixer beat the butter and sugars together. Add in the egg and 3 egg whites and mix well. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;">In a separate bowl combine almond meal and cocoa powder. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;">With a spoon add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. If you use the hand mixer it will blow the cocoa powder everywhere...trust me...it happened!</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;">When all ingredients are mixed together pour into prepared pan and cook for 25 to 30 minutes. </span></span></span></div><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;"><b>For Raspberry brownies</b> (shown in the pictures)....I added 1/4 cup of chopped pecans to the batter before I poured it in the pan. Once it is in the pan I took 1/3 cup of sugar free raspberry jam and used a butter knife to swirl it into the top of the brownie batter before it bakes. When I pulled them out of the oven I melted sugar free chocolate chips and drizzled it on top. Your options with this plan brownie batter is endless. You can add any flavor sugar free jam or nut to it. If you wanted you could chop up some sugar free candy bars and mix it into the batter. So many different variations! Delicious! I made ice cream brownie sundays out of our brownies. Using low carb ice cream and sugar free Hershey's syrup. YUMMO!!!!!!!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;">Enjoy these yummy low carb healthy treats! More to come....on the menu tonight Peanut Chicken served with Cauliflower rice! :)</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;">Chau! </span></span></span><br />
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</span></span>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06353548436518816040noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1598608854844132417.post-75547092209611042802011-02-01T15:51:00.000-06:002011-02-01T15:52:14.490-06:00A snow day treatAgain it is another snow day. Looks like I will be in school till mid June! Blah! These days are wonderful because I can spend the day in the kitchen and getting the house cleaned but in turn when it is hot outside and I want to be swimming or planning a vacation I will still be in school. Oh well.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our patio...at noon...and it is still snowing!!!!</td></tr>
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I wanted to make a snack this afternoon that Brock, his brother Blake, Whitney (gf), and I could enjoy tonight while we play games or watch movies. So I made cinnamon sugar pecans. These are super easy and amazingly delicious!!! If you don't like pecans you can make these with whole almonds. I made pecans and almonds at Christmas time and they only lasted a few hours. The best part about these are they make your house smell like the roasted nut shop at the mall. It is delightful!<br />
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What you will need is: a bag of nuts (I used pecans), 1 cup of splenda, 1/2 cup of splenda brown sugar, 1/4 cup of cinnamon, 1 egg white, and a splash of water.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TUh6SjEYYqI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/pKt0Sdb6uWc/s1600/IMG_0216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TUh6SjEYYqI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/pKt0Sdb6uWc/s200/IMG_0216.jpg" width="200" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TUh6SxVSVTI/AAAAAAAAAEU/Mybtku-NNhU/s1600/IMG_0217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TUh6SxVSVTI/AAAAAAAAAEU/Mybtku-NNhU/s200/IMG_0217.jpg" width="200" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Preheat your oven to 200. Line your cookie sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl mix the egg white and a little bit of water together till it is kinda frothy. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TUh6SzCh7QI/AAAAAAAAAEY/FFrps8TCWW4/s1600/IMG_0219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TUh6SzCh7QI/AAAAAAAAAEY/FFrps8TCWW4/s200/IMG_0219.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In another bowl combine sugars and cinnamon mix really well. Making sure that there aren't clumps of brown sugar. Drop in some pecans or whatever kind of nut you are using into the egg mixture. Coat well. I used my hands to make sure they were all moisten with the mix. Transfer the nuts to the bowl with sugars and cinnamon. Toss with a slotted spoon. Make sure they are covered with the sugar mixture also. Then scoop them out with the slotted spoon and place on prepared cookie sheet. Repeat until all nuts are covered with sugar mixture and are on the cookie sheet ready for the oven. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TUh6S59Ed9I/AAAAAAAAAEc/wPP8nMJiLjI/s1600/IMG_0221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TUh6S59Ed9I/AAAAAAAAAEc/wPP8nMJiLjI/s200/IMG_0221.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pecans in egg mixture</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TUh6Sx3XitI/AAAAAAAAAEg/hs-WeUy62zw/s1600/IMG_0222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TUh6Sx3XitI/AAAAAAAAAEg/hs-WeUy62zw/s200/IMG_0222.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pecans in sugar mixture.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TUh6nudezCI/AAAAAAAAAEo/hafIxJC9EkI/s1600/IMG_0223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TUh6nudezCI/AAAAAAAAAEo/hafIxJC9EkI/s200/IMG_0223.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">About to go on the cookie sheet</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TUh6nUbfmQI/AAAAAAAAAEk/nuUoRIyFfMQ/s1600/IMG_0224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TUh6nUbfmQI/AAAAAAAAAEk/nuUoRIyFfMQ/s200/IMG_0224.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to bake!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once you have all your nuts on the cookie sheet, bake for 30 minutes. Be careful not to burn the nuts. The nuts should be crunchy with a chewy outside. YUMMO!!!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TUh6nsS-3kI/AAAAAAAAAEs/Ek3XroYAkVc/s1600/IMG_0226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TUh6nsS-3kI/AAAAAAAAAEs/Ek3XroYAkVc/s200/IMG_0226.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right out of the oven</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TUh6nnhtxTI/AAAAAAAAAEw/ZSFjGAcnfSw/s1600/IMG_0229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TUh6nnhtxTI/AAAAAAAAAEw/ZSFjGAcnfSw/s200/IMG_0229.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DELICIOUS!!! </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Plans for tonight include dinner pizza soup and pressed sandwiches on homemade rosemary focaccia style bread (low carb). Then some games or movies while we munch on the cinnamon sugar pecans!<br />
<br />
Stay warm on this freezing day! I will post our dinner recipes tomorrow since school has already been canceled!!! :) <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TUh6SxVSVTI/AAAAAAAAAEU/Mybtku-NNhU/s1600/IMG_0217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><br />
Chau!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TUh6SjEYYqI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/pKt0Sdb6uWc/s1600/IMG_0216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TUh6SjEYYqI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/pKt0Sdb6uWc/s1600/IMG_0216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TUh6SjEYYqI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/pKt0Sdb6uWc/s1600/IMG_0216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06353548436518816040noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1598608854844132417.post-88290549887839467442011-02-01T12:02:00.000-06:002011-02-01T15:55:22.772-06:00Breakfast timeI love eggs for breakfast but lets be honest I do good to get up and ready and out the door by 7 without having to cook eggs or a healthy breakfast. Even though eggs only take a few minutes I decided to make things easier on me and Brock. I decided to make little breakfast muffins. I used a muffin tin and instead of using paper liners I just a slice of deli ham. Next layered in the jalepenos, bacon crumbles, egg mixture, and cheese. The results....delicious easy grab and go breakfast. I pack 2 eggs in a baggie and heat them up right before I walk out the door. It a warm, yummy, healthy breakfast on the go!!!<br />
<br />
<b><u>Breakfast Muffins</u></b><br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
non stick spray<b> </b><br />
12 slices of Deli Ham<br />
4 to 5 pieces of cooked bacon (crumbled)<br />
1 jalapeno diced into small pieces<br />
8 eggs<br />
a slash of milk or heavy whipping cream<br />
a few shakes of hot sauce<br />
1/2 cup of shredded cheese<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 350 and spray muffin pan with non-stick spray.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Line a muffin pan with ham slices. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TUhBjrQ2EmI/AAAAAAAAACY/Z9-8EDT45zo/s1600/IMG_0128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TUhBjrQ2EmI/AAAAAAAAACY/Z9-8EDT45zo/s200/IMG_0128.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Sprinkle jalapenos and bacon in the bottom of each cup.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TUhBj_9WPqI/AAAAAAAAACg/byJh5U9x9O4/s1600/IMG_0132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TUhBj_9WPqI/AAAAAAAAACg/byJh5U9x9O4/s200/IMG_0132.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">In a bowl mix eggs, milk or cream, and hot sauce in a bowl. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TUhBj8XQKuI/AAAAAAAAACc/r-xC-EnJK0c/s1600/IMG_0131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TUhBj8XQKuI/AAAAAAAAACc/r-xC-EnJK0c/s200/IMG_0131.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Spoon mix into each ham cup in the muffin tin. Sprinkle cheese on top. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TUhBkviMQxI/AAAAAAAAACo/W3foa-22W1E/s1600/IMG_0134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TUhBkviMQxI/AAAAAAAAACo/W3foa-22W1E/s200/IMG_0134.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TUhBzN9a-fI/AAAAAAAAACs/n9JgsAV5zmA/s1600/IMG_0135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TUhBzN9a-fI/AAAAAAAAACs/n9JgsAV5zmA/s200/IMG_0135.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div> Bake for 15 minutes. Let them cool for a minute in the pan before you take them out. Eat and enjoy!!!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TUhBzPEDlNI/AAAAAAAAAC0/G82O0cxIr4k/s1600/IMG_0138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TUhBzPEDlNI/AAAAAAAAAC0/G82O0cxIr4k/s200/IMG_0138.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TUhCC8HzCMI/AAAAAAAAADA/YqF6wz8mG7Q/s1600/IMG_0141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TUhCC8HzCMI/AAAAAAAAADA/YqF6wz8mG7Q/s200/IMG_0141.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Chau!!! </div>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06353548436518816040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1598608854844132417.post-45385946196954654262011-01-27T22:45:00.000-06:002011-01-27T22:54:40.919-06:00Thursday night....Thursdays nights for me are bittersweet. The sweet part is that all my favorite shows come on...The Office, Grey's Anatomy, American Idol, and Jersey Shore! (I know, it is trash...but it is so addictive!!!!) The bitter part is I don't get to see Brock at all on Thursdays. I go to work before he gets up and once he goes to work he has radio stuff, church worship practice, and then he deejays a karaoke night at a fun new pub here in town.<br />
<br />
Tonight however was different. I got off work and went to work out then headed to my second job at a tanning salon till 7. I got a phone call after work from Brock. He got done with worship practice early and invited me to meet him at one of my favorite little place to have dinner. So instead of going home to have leftovers and picking through the pantry I got to have a southwest grilled chicken breast covered monterey jack cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and red pepper mayo with a side of steamed veggies!!!! YUMMO!!!! It is delicious!!!!! After dinner I headed home to get in my pj's and watch my shows.<br />
<br />
I don't know how most people are but I love to have a bite of something sweet after dinner. So after a few shows I ventured to the kitchen to find something sweet. I have been having a huge cinnamon craving lately so that is what I was looking for...something sweet and cinnamini.<br />
<br />
So this is what I decided on...well lets call it a cinnamon roll up...they are probably one of my favorite things.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">You will need a tortilla, brown sugar, sugar, cinnamon, and butter. I don't know how much of each just to taste. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TUJFiXJMdNI/AAAAAAAAAB4/_dSvAqmRfgE/s1600/ingredients.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TUJFiXJMdNI/AAAAAAAAAB4/_dSvAqmRfgE/s200/ingredients.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">I buttered a low-carb tortilla....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TUJFidcE7FI/AAAAAAAAAB8/8k54fhG0AXQ/s1600/buttered.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TUJFidcE7FI/AAAAAAAAAB8/8k54fhG0AXQ/s200/buttered.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">...then I sprinkled it with a little of Splenda Brown Sugar, regular Splenda Sugar, and lots of CINNAMON!!!!!!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TUJFiYnSYZI/AAAAAAAAACA/G7mehROk9h0/s1600/toppings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TUJFiYnSYZI/AAAAAAAAACA/G7mehROk9h0/s200/toppings.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Rolled it up....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TUJFirt8U_I/AAAAAAAAACE/_drUqiWLGUI/s1600/roll+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TUJFirt8U_I/AAAAAAAAACE/_drUqiWLGUI/s200/roll+up.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">...and stuck it on the George Foreman grill.....</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TUJFinr-aTI/AAAAAAAAACI/s-lFRWgrXpk/s1600/foreman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TUJFinr-aTI/AAAAAAAAACI/s-lFRWgrXpk/s200/foreman.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">...till the tortilla shell is brown and toasted (about 4 minutes)...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TUJFs0xdWgI/AAAAAAAAACM/tsf7TdwHPSs/s1600/yummo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TUJFs0xdWgI/AAAAAAAAACM/tsf7TdwHPSs/s200/yummo.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TUJFs17Kw4I/AAAAAAAAACQ/Xs7bAlCbWDA/s1600/inside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TUJFs17Kw4I/AAAAAAAAACQ/Xs7bAlCbWDA/s200/inside.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
Eat and enjoy while it is warm and gooey on the inside! It is a delicious under 90 calorie snack!!!! PERFECT and DELICIOUS!!!!!<br />
<br />
You don't have to use the splenda sugars but it cuts way down on carbs, calories, fat, etc! You could also add nuts...almonds, pecans, or walnuts. You could even change out the sugar and do peanut butter with banana slices or even fruit. The possibilities are endless....<br />
<br />
On a side note....Will Ferrell is suppose to be on 4 episodes of The Office!!!! WOO HOO!!!!! Can't wait for those episodes! I will probably be fixing more quick goodies in the near future! :)<br />
<br />
Chau for now!Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06353548436518816040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1598608854844132417.post-10484786925240033992011-01-23T22:59:00.000-06:002011-01-23T22:59:23.994-06:00School tomorrow...Well my 4 day weekend is coming to an end. On one hand I am sad and wish that I could just go about my day tomorrow leisurely...sleep till 8:30 or 9, head to the gym, come home get cleaned up, make lunch for Brock before he heads off to work....instead I will be getting up at 5:45 headed to work at 7 then hit the gym and home by 5:30 to start cooking dinner so we can eat by 6:30/7, clean up the kitchen, grade some papers, then off to bed by 10. I can't wait for summer! I think I am more ready then my students to be out of school!!!<br />
So last week my friend Mandy started a girls night fb page for all us girls. It is an easy place to go and chat with each other and plan our girl nights!!! We haven't had a girls night in ages. Well Friday night 6 of us ventured out on the dangerously icy roads....they weren't that bad at all....to have a girls night. Dinner at Market Place then coffee at Arsagas. I was going through all my favorite cooking blogs and found a recipe that I had to make to take to our get together. I had all the ingredients already so I decided to make a Popcorn Cake. I had never heard of this until searching through the blog Cookies and Cups.<br />
It is super simple and absolutely delicious!!!! It is the best mixture of sweet and salty. Which is something every girl likes!!! So here goes the recipe and pictures. Now I only had christmas M&M's so it looks very chrsitmasy. Which actually lead us to discussing the different holidays you could make this snack for. I will be making this for my students with the Valentines day M&M's and putting them in muffin tins. I will for sure post some pictures of that when I make them. :)<br />
Ok...enough rambling here is the recipe: <br />
<br />
<u><b>Popcorn Cake</b></u><br />
(recipe by Cookies and Cups)<br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
2 bags of popcorn <br />
2 cups of M&M's<br />
1 1/2 cups of pretzel sticks (broken in half)<br />
1 stick of butter<br />
16 oz bag of mini marshmallows (8 cups)<br />
<br />
<b>Directions:</b><br />
Spray a bunt pan (or whatever dish you want to use) with non stick spray. Set aside. <br />
Pop the popcorn according to the package. Make sure you pick out any un-popped kernels. Empty the popcorn in a large bowl. Pour in the M&M's and pretzel sticks. Melt your stick of butter in a sauce pan. Once the butter is melted add in the marshmallows. Stir till all marshmallows are melted. When they are melted pour on top of the popcorn mixture. Stir until well combined. Once the mixture looks like rice krispy treats put the mixture into your prepared dish. Cover with foil and let it set for about an hour. Eat and enjoy.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TT0GpgU8RlI/AAAAAAAAABw/31pRV5a0MNw/s1600/popcorn+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TT0GpgU8RlI/AAAAAAAAABw/31pRV5a0MNw/s320/popcorn+cake.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
My popcorn cake didn't last long! Between the girls and Brock (and a few of his friends) it was gone before morning!!!!<br />
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Chau!!!<br />
KimKimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06353548436518816040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1598608854844132417.post-7583703353462901762011-01-22T23:36:00.000-06:002011-01-23T00:46:45.849-06:00Dinner on a snow day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TTvCYZEf1DI/AAAAAAAAABU/7OYRbPnQ5pE/s1600/IMG_9039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TTvCYZEf1DI/AAAAAAAAABU/7OYRbPnQ5pE/s320/IMG_9039.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> So I have been out of school for Thursday and Friday which means I have been cooking and baking non-stop! Since the weather has been cold I have made 2 different kinds of soups. Brock and I had soup on Thursday night then I made soup tonight for my friend Mandy who came over to hang out while her hubby was having guys night and Brock was working.<br />
Brock and I love spicy food! I can't get it hot enough for Brock. He is always adding more spice to everything I make except for my new Spicy Chicken soup I made on Thursday. It was perfect! No extras needed! One thing about this soup is that it is so so so so so easy to make. If you have 30 minutes you can have a warm bowl of spicy soup and a jalapeno grilled cheese sandwich.<br />
So here it is...my first recipe post. I have pictures too....but I'm going to have to figure out how to get them on here...lol. I'll start with the recipes first.<br />
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<b>Spicy Chicken Soup</b><br />
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
2 cups of bit sized cooked chicken (I used Oscar Mayer deli fresh southwestern seasoned chicken breast)<br />
1 can of Chicken Broth<br />
1 3/4 cups of water<br />
1/4 cup of green onions<br />
2 cloves of garlic (minced)<br />
1 tablespoon of diced jalapenos (i just used some from the one I cut up for the sandwiches)<br />
1 teaspoon of butter<br />
3/4 cup of frozen corn<br />
1 cup of salsa (hot)<br />
3 to 4 shakes of Chili powder<br />
Sour cream and shredded cheese (optional)<br />
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<u><b>Jalapeno Grilled Cheese Sandwich</b></u><br />
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
4 Slices of bread (2 sandwiches)<br />
2/3 cup of shredded Colby-monterey jack cheese<br />
1 large jalapeno diced (or used the diced ones from a jar)<br />
1 tablespoon of butter (or non-stick spray) <br />
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<b>Directions:</b><br />
In your pot melt butter and add onions, jalapenos, and garlic. Simmer till fragrant (about 5 minutes). Add cut up chicken and sprinkle in the chili powder. Add in chicken broth and water. Bring to a boil. Add corn once soup is boiling and turn the stove down to medium heat. Let it simmer for 15 minutes and let it come to a boil again on medium heat stirring occasionally. While you are waiting on the soup to finish up go a head and start on the jalapeno grilled cheese sandwiches.<br />
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You can use any bread you want but Brock and I use low-carb bread. I like to use shredded colby-monterey jack cheese. I like the taste and it melts fairly quick. I just put a handful of shredded cheese (about 1/3 cup per sandwich) on one piece of bread. On top of that I pile on diced jalapenos (with or with out the seeds...depending on how hot you want it). Like I said we like it hot so I just dice them and pile them on....lots of them! :) Top with the 2nd piece of bread. I use my George Foreman grill as a sandwich press....it is fabulous and super easy! Butter the top and bottom of the grill. Put your sandwich on the grill and close the lid. It won't take long for them to get finished...maybe 3 to 5 minutes at the most. Keep a close eye on them because you don't want them to burn. I can fit two sandwiches on my grill at one time. Once the sandwiches are finished I like to cut mine in 1/2 (from corner to corner) for easier dipping. :)<br />
The soup should be finished so dish up and enjoy. I put a dollop of sour cream and a few sprinkles of cheese on top of the soup. It was spicy and warm. Just what we needed on a cold snowy night!<br />
Hope you enjoy and let me know what you think! :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TTvCYhOl5HI/AAAAAAAAABY/yEPFtSqnieo/s1600/IMG_9041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TTvCYhOl5HI/AAAAAAAAABY/yEPFtSqnieo/s320/IMG_9041.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TTvCY74pAlI/AAAAAAAAABc/Qd6iQxcPjKk/s1600/IMG_9042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0i11JgXpTLw/TTvCY74pAlI/AAAAAAAAABc/Qd6iQxcPjKk/s320/IMG_9042.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Chau!<br />
KimKimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06353548436518816040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1598608854844132417.post-47897712221654702782011-01-20T15:23:00.000-06:002011-01-20T15:23:27.516-06:00First Blog Ever!!!So this is my first blog ever! I know, I know...I'm a little behind, but better late than never! I really don't know what to write about. I am sitting here in my pj's drinking coffee trying to come up with something today. I decided before we got married that I would start blogging after we got married and the craziness was over. Well the craziness isn't over yet but I thought I'd be productive on a snow day and start my blog. I guess I can fill you in on a little about me. I grew up overseas in Uruguay and the Dominican Republic. I moved to Northwest Arkansas after I finished college and started teaching. I teach 3rd grade here in Arkansas at not only the best school ever but with the best people ever! I love my job and wouldn't trade it for anything...well except a little bakery on a corner somewhere but since I don't have that I teach! :)<br />
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I just got married to Brock. He is the funniest most amazing person I have ever met! Sorry ladies he is all mine! :) We met back in college in 2003 but never dated until 2008. We had both randomly moved to Arkansas for jobs after college and didn't know it. We saw each other at the mall and the rest was history. We dated about 2 1/2 years before we got married on 1.1.11. So far life as a Short is good! <br />
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I love to cook and bake! I cook dinner every night when we are going to be home together and even sometimes when I am by myself. I will post our favorite recipe and pictures as I cook them. If you have never tried eating low-carb it has really been the only thing that works for me. We enjoy and eat tons of fresh veggies, fruit, dairy, and meat! We love it!<br />
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I also like to work out. Now I am far from someone who is totally in shape and has a perfect body but I do enjoy spin class and have decided to take up running. That is thanks to my new friend Tricia, she is helping get ready for my first 5K in April. My goal in life is to be healthy and have fun! I know I feel better when I work out and eat good but I still love those bad for you foods....which is why I have decided to run. Like Tricia said....I run so I can eat fries and ice cream! :) Perfect motto! :)<br />
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Well I guess that is it! Stay tuned for more post and recipes.<br />
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Chau!Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06353548436518816040noreply@blogger.com0