tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1112173444561618032024-03-13T22:02:34.984-07:00The Foodie FiascoThe Thrilling Chronicles of the Heath FoodKellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11064849351314956262noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111217344456161803.post-26283664945207209442011-08-02T22:27:00.000-07:002011-08-02T22:27:17.005-07:00Relocating!Hi!<br />
<br />
I case you haven't noticed, I don't blog here anymore. I am officially self hosted on my schmancy new <a href="http://www.foodiefiasco.com/">Wordpress site</a>! So I am setting up (or trying) a redirect so whenever you type in this address, you end up over there. See you there!<br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
-Kelly M.Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11064849351314956262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111217344456161803.post-88728826565709563982011-07-23T13:28:00.000-07:002011-07-23T13:28:53.649-07:00How to Make Kale ChipsI may never eat potato chips again.<br />
<br />
Why do these taste so good? They're <i>green</i>.<br />
<br />
I've been wanting to make these for awhile, but most recipes just say something like this:<br />
<br />
<i>Spritz with olive oil spray and bake at 400F until crispy.</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
That's it? That can't be it. That's not a recipe, it's not even a complete sentence. How am I supposed out make a dish off of that?<br />
<br />
So I didn't. My life was kale-less until I made these, and frankly, I'm not sure how I made it this long.<br />
<br />
So when I found the most in depth kale chip recipe I had seen so far from <a href="http://www.katheats.com/?page_id=2544">Kath</a>, I decided to give it a go.<br />
<br />
Now, my dear readers, behold the most descriptive, picture filled kale chips recipe you may ever find.<br />
<br />
Ever.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Kale Chips</u></b><br />
<b><u><br />
</u></b><br />
Note: You can season these however you like. You can use cheese, chives, salt, pepper, garlic, cayenee, oregano, whatever you like! The possibilities go and on. It al depends on your tase buds, if you like sour cream and onion chips, salt snd vinegar chips, cheesey, chips, spicy chips, barbecue chips, or just good ol' salt.<br />
<br />
Ingredients<br />
<br />
One bunch of kale (You can use multiple bunches if you want more chips.)<br />
Olive oil nontcik spray (I think a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Misto-Gourmet-Stainless-Steel-Olive-Sprayer/dp/B00004SPZT">Misto</a> would work really well with this)<br />
Whatever seasoning you want (see note)<br />
I used salt and onion powder<br />
<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Bq8vsFjNLA/Tino7bI251I/AAAAAAAAAbg/5j6B4VBpeRo/s1600/P1000659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Bq8vsFjNLA/Tino7bI251I/AAAAAAAAAbg/5j6B4VBpeRo/s320/P1000659.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Tear the stem off of the bottom of the kale like so. Now, tear off the leafy part off the stem. You can make them almost any size you want; your guest won't care how good they look. They'll be too busy trying to figure out how these taste so good.<br />
But you may want to try to make them somewhat similar sizes for the sake of even cooking.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EoilILiuTcU/TinpGbmaQJI/AAAAAAAAAbk/h2aZB8nzpd8/s1600/P1000660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EoilILiuTcU/TinpGbmaQJI/AAAAAAAAAbk/h2aZB8nzpd8/s320/P1000660.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Place them on a baking sheet and bake them at 400F for about 10 minutes. (Keep a pretty keen eye on them, no one wants over or under done kale chips.)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RxZHXdCTFb4/TinpSp073cI/AAAAAAAAAbo/6Phsn9BzRMM/s1600/P1000661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RxZHXdCTFb4/TinpSp073cI/AAAAAAAAAbo/6Phsn9BzRMM/s320/P1000661.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Preseneting... CRISPY KALE CHIPS!!!!!!!!<br />
<br />
They may not look like much in this picture, but kale is not overly photogenic. (No offense, kale.)<br />
<br />
Don't be decieved, these are <i>amazingly amazing.</i> I said amazing twice.<br />
<br />
Please try these. I dare you.<br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
-Kelly M.<br />
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<span id="goog_818488887"></span><span id="goog_818488888"></span>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11064849351314956262noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111217344456161803.post-80713906280597202322011-07-21T18:56:00.000-07:002011-07-21T18:56:50.650-07:00How to Make Cheese Stuffed MeatballsGood evening, friends!<br />
<br />
I've been thinking, and I really want to thank you all for reading my blog. It's still in its preliminary stages, and it's so heartwarming to say I have such wonderful readers in the beginning. It means so much to me that you take the time out of your busy lives to read my fiascoes, and I am very grateful. Thank you.<br />
<br />
So I was also thinking about how nice a community the blogging community is. Have you heard of the <a href="http://mealsandmovesblog.com/the-great-fundraising-act/">The Great Fundraising Act</a>? It's to support a brilliant blogger named <a href="http://thegreatbalancingact.com/">Susan</a>, who has recently been diagnosed with Lymphoma. The blogging community is coming together to help pay her medical bills, because she obviously can't work while she's in the hospital having chemo, but she is still blogging.<br />
<br />
Susan seems like a lovely person, and this whole story really hits home for me because of my mom's recent diagnosis with stage 2 breast cancer. The auction is taking place this Monday, July 25th, so maybe you'll stop by?<br />
<br />
Dear Susan, I send my love and best wishes to you. And if I had a product or a cookbook I was selling, I would donate it to the auction. (Although I wouldn't mind publishing a cookbook one day ;) )<br />
<br />
So speaking of meatballs (which I wasn't,) here is a delicious and beyond recipe I made for dinner a few days ago. It's flavorful meat stuffed with gooey, melt-y cheese!<br />
<br />
Are you drooling yet? I am.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Cheese Stuffed Meatballs</u></b><br />
<b><u><br />
</u></b><br />
Note: You can use whatever cheese you want, or whatever cheese you have on hand. This recipe is also very easily halved, doubled, etc. to fit your needs. The amount of cheese is an approximate, I didn't weigh it our or anything. This is very simple, and <i>very</i> good, so just have fun!<br />
<br />
Ingredients<br />
<br />
12 oz. extra lean ground turkey (That's what I used, but you can use lean or however you like.)<br />
1T onion powder<br />
2t bottled garlic (I like stuff garlicky, so feel free to use less and/or actual cloves of garlic)<br />
dash of salt<br />
dash of pepper<br />
About 2-3 oz. cheese of choice (see note)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FfJITS3WAEA/Tiigf4UP_qI/AAAAAAAAAao/nvOueuNh8y0/s1600/P1000553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FfJITS3WAEA/Tiigf4UP_qI/AAAAAAAAAao/nvOueuNh8y0/s320/P1000553.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> Mix together all ingredients <i>except </i>cheese in a medium-large bowl. (Meat, onion powder, garlic, salt, pepper)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-veg4JZPR06Q/TiigqqYlFfI/AAAAAAAAAas/84NuvWGyaYw/s1600/P1000555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-veg4JZPR06Q/TiigqqYlFfI/AAAAAAAAAas/84NuvWGyaYw/s320/P1000555.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> I used 1 wedge of Light <a href="http://www.thelaughingcow.com/products/light-swiss-original/">Laughing Cow</a> cheese, and some Light Havarti cheese.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NbNqhGlGHyo/Tiihg2H7YpI/AAAAAAAAAa8/PfzC2mm8CyE/s1600/P1000564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NbNqhGlGHyo/Tiihg2H7YpI/AAAAAAAAAa8/PfzC2mm8CyE/s320/P1000564.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> So take a little bit of meat (take as much as you like depending on how big you want the meatballs,) squish it into a flat circle, and plop some cheese in the center.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vbnPJyrI2G4/Tiig0D-AQuI/AAAAAAAAAaw/sLBMv1DD9n4/s1600/P1000556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vbnPJyrI2G4/Tiig0D-AQuI/AAAAAAAAAaw/sLBMv1DD9n4/s320/P1000556.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I did the same thing with the Havarti.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9qKLFQskziw/Tiig9a4hiXI/AAAAAAAAAa0/uFPI8X47wAg/s1600/P1000561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9qKLFQskziw/Tiig9a4hiXI/AAAAAAAAAa0/uFPI8X47wAg/s320/P1000561.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> Take the meat and pinch it around the cheese, and roll it around until it turns into a ball.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fRn_I8QJxok/TiihIMgN6eI/AAAAAAAAAa4/lT7VKiq-qvs/s1600/P1000562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fRn_I8QJxok/TiihIMgN6eI/AAAAAAAAAa4/lT7VKiq-qvs/s320/P1000562.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> Load 'em up in a large pot or skillet sprayed with nonstick spray or a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Misto-Gourmet-Stainless-Steel-Olive-Sprayer/dp/B00004SPZT">Misto</a>, but just don't overcrowd them too much. Bring it to medium-high heat.</div><div><br />
</div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ko4QPVCq9fk/Tii4nGPYeXI/AAAAAAAAAbA/8RUPTdOpuLw/s1600/P1000565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ko4QPVCq9fk/Tii4nGPYeXI/AAAAAAAAAbA/8RUPTdOpuLw/s320/P1000565.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Let the meatballs sit for a bit or until the bottom browns slightly.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CRmZEq6atPM/Tii47t8H2sI/AAAAAAAAAbE/iqEJHlG4VYc/s1600/P1000566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CRmZEq6atPM/Tii47t8H2sI/AAAAAAAAAbE/iqEJHlG4VYc/s320/P1000566.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Then turn them over and do the same ting with the other side. Once that side browns, just keep rolling them around until the balls are browned and crispy all over. Maybe I should've boiled them or something else to get them to cook more evenly, but this really did get the job done and rolling balls around in a hot skillet is actually quite fun. :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4E2z4pwvsNk/Tii5G-T2B-I/AAAAAAAAAbI/9UJ0klXoOLk/s1600/P1000567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4E2z4pwvsNk/Tii5G-T2B-I/AAAAAAAAAbI/9UJ0klXoOLk/s320/P1000567.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Meanwhile, I swiped to raw balls and baked them in cover ed dish at 450F for experimental purposes.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dC53bX77L94/Tii59zaJf1I/AAAAAAAAAbM/GMXPBhfV2rU/s1600/P1000568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dC53bX77L94/Tii59zaJf1I/AAAAAAAAAbM/GMXPBhfV2rU/s320/P1000568.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Here are my balls, all yummy, oozy, crispy, and done.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KoKWfiR0hxo/Tii6SK8tGwI/AAAAAAAAAbU/JQJ2s1Kra7k/s1600/P1000570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KoKWfiR0hxo/Tii6SK8tGwI/AAAAAAAAAbU/JQJ2s1Kra7k/s320/P1000570.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>So I baked them for about 30 minutes or until they turned pinkish like this. The verdict ruled in favor of the non-baked ones, because the baked balls lacked a crispy crust like the skillet done ones did. But these were still very, <i>very</i> yummy. Remember when I said I baked two?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bdZtUrfSgkg/Tii6IDez1AI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/diJJfjyyA2k/s1600/P1000569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bdZtUrfSgkg/Tii6IDez1AI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/diJJfjyyA2k/s320/P1000569.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Served with class in a mug with a fork. Meatballs in a mug? I should write that down.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Enjoy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-Kelly M.</div><span id="goog_1099502557"></span><span id="goog_1099502558"></span>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11064849351314956262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111217344456161803.post-39816827063565327232011-07-18T01:46:00.000-07:002011-07-18T01:48:19.412-07:00How to Make Homemade Strawberry JamI am on a quest.<br />
<br />
I am on a quest for the best pb & j ever.<br />
<br />
To Do List:<br />
<br />
1. Make awesome bread<br />
<br />
2. Make awesome peanut butter<br />
<br />
3. Make awesome jam<br />
<br />
One down; two to go. (And yes, this jam really is <i>awesome.</i>)<br />
<br />
What's really nice about this jam is that there is only one ingredient; strawberries. I added balsamic vinegar at the end because I like the combo of strawberries and balsamic so I thought that would put this over the top for me. It's just a personal preference, feel free to leave it out. Other than that, no sugar, no pectin, no unpronounceable artificial stuff, not even salt. This is true to the berries.<br />
<b><u><br />
</u></b><br />
<b><u>Homemade Strawberry Jam</u></b><br />
<b><u><br />
</u></b><br />
Note: I'm think this would work with most berries. I already tried <a href="http://foodiefiasco.blogspot.com/2011/06/so-much-food-so-little-time.html">blueberry jam</a>, so I'm pretty sure it would work.<br />
<br />
Ingredients<br />
<br />
3 baskets of strawberries, hulled and quartered (see note)<br />
balsamic vinegar<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6uToOovgvjY/TiPgduKMHnI/AAAAAAAAAZM/VBDddUTWbTM/s1600/P1000571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6uToOovgvjY/TiPgduKMHnI/AAAAAAAAAZM/VBDddUTWbTM/s320/P1000571.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Put all your berries in a nice big pot. I sprayed it with nonstick spray for the sake of taking precautions, and I don't think it'll hurt.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CYdbKO5y3Qg/TiPgoo0ulfI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/TS0egzHp5qw/s1600/P1000572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CYdbKO5y3Qg/TiPgoo0ulfI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/TS0egzHp5qw/s320/P1000572.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Mash the berries with a potato masher until the berries are nice, juicy, and jam-y. (Remember when I used a food processor <a href="http://foodiefiasco.blogspot.com/2011/06/so-much-food-so-little-time.html">last time</a>? I didn't want to clean it, so I just didn't use it. I don't think it made it worse or anything, but if you have the overwhelming urge to scrum berry residue off a food processor, have fun!)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Aqn0x1mJnCE/TiPgycmt6tI/AAAAAAAAAZU/rqkn35WKtXQ/s1600/P1000573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Aqn0x1mJnCE/TiPgycmt6tI/AAAAAAAAAZU/rqkn35WKtXQ/s320/P1000573.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Bring it to a boil...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lAANjF2aQC8/TiPg9V--9eI/AAAAAAAAAZY/2Nw9tMN_sjo/s1600/P1000574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lAANjF2aQC8/TiPg9V--9eI/AAAAAAAAAZY/2Nw9tMN_sjo/s320/P1000574.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> ...and keep it there...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TTkDwbMTCp0/TiPhIMSSe7I/AAAAAAAAAZc/-PrFfr7u6I0/s1600/P1000575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TTkDwbMTCp0/TiPhIMSSe7I/AAAAAAAAAZc/-PrFfr7u6I0/s320/P1000575.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> ...until it's nice and thick like this.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nTSD6URiq6g/TiPhTC-BeFI/AAAAAAAAAZg/nDKtt0lWvxE/s1600/P1000576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nTSD6URiq6g/TiPhTC-BeFI/AAAAAAAAAZg/nDKtt0lWvxE/s320/P1000576.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Like I said above, I added balsamic vinegar at the end. If yo don't want to (or just don't have any,) then you can skip this. Easy, right?<br />
<br />
So if you did add the vinegar, just heat the jam back up and stir t around for a bit until everything's nice and combined. Yeah, I probably didn't need to turn the heat off, but I would love to hear your feedback if any of you make this.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HFGKSshRKFQ/TiPhdLI60iI/AAAAAAAAAZk/wA3830bpGVE/s1600/P1000577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HFGKSshRKFQ/TiPhdLI60iI/AAAAAAAAAZk/wA3830bpGVE/s320/P1000577.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> So I tried it, and it was good. <i>Very</i> good.<br />
<br />
But something with the consistency was off, so I whipped out my trust immersion blender (I have a <a href="http://www.cuisinart.com/">Cuisinart</a>, but I'm not sure what model it is) and whirled away.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gg7zwFuc9RA/TiPhoSqKgfI/AAAAAAAAAZo/C4XFs_9b-wc/s1600/P1000578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gg7zwFuc9RA/TiPhoSqKgfI/AAAAAAAAAZo/C4XFs_9b-wc/s320/P1000578.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Look at how smooth that is!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e2o1kB27xBk/TiPhzIwQcRI/AAAAAAAAAZs/yEe4IXM2xF8/s1600/P1000579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e2o1kB27xBk/TiPhzIwQcRI/AAAAAAAAAZs/yEe4IXM2xF8/s320/P1000579.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>So this filled a bit more than one 5 oz. jar, so I guessing it makes about 8 oz.<br />
<br />
This jam is so natural and lovely. I'm not sure I've ever tasted better. And it was <i>so</i> easy!<br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
-Kelly M.Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11064849351314956262noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111217344456161803.post-62301809938445533492011-07-14T23:10:00.000-07:002011-07-14T23:10:43.693-07:00How to Make Chocolate (or pb) Chip CookiesNom nom nom...<br />
<br />
Right here, I would normally try to come up with a witty explanation that expresses how amazing these scookies are. But I'm too busy thinking about their sweet, buttery goodness.<br />
<br />
They're a cross between your favorite childhood chocolate chip cookies and buttery scones.<br />
<br />
Isn't that explanation enough?<br />
<br />
I say this because I care about all of you. <i>Go make these now.</i> (Actually, wait for the recipe and <i>then</i> go make these.)<br />
<br />
<b><u>Melt-in-Your-Mouth Chocolate Chip Scookies</u></b><br />
<b><u><br />
</u></b><br />
Yields about 32 cookies<br />
<br />
Adapted from <a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/chocolate-chip-cookies-10000001622526/">Cooking Light</a> and <a href="http://www.joyofbaking.com/ChocolateChipCookies.html">Joy of Baking</a><br />
<b><u><br />
</u></b><br />
Ingredients<br />
<br />
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter<br />
1/2 cup <a href="http://foodiefiasco.blogspot.com/2011/07/how-to-make-steviasugar-blend.html">stevia/sugar blend</a><br />
1 3/4 cup all purpose flour<br />
1/2 cup whole wheat flour<br />
1t baking soda<br />
1/2t salt<br />
1t vanilla extract (I didn't have any, so I used almond extract and it worked really well)<br />
1/4-1 c chocolate chips of choice (depending on how chip-y you like it, see below for what I used)<br />
1/2c unsweetened almond milk<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.<br />
<br />
In the bowl of a mixer (a large bowl if using a hand mixer) beat butter until pretty smooth.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--2qdHBV_ILY/Th9KR9PsAmI/AAAAAAAAAYM/yy4ZwFyuEI8/s1600/P1000624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--2qdHBV_ILY/Th9KR9PsAmI/AAAAAAAAAYM/yy4ZwFyuEI8/s320/P1000624.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Add stevia/sugar blend and cream until fluffy.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ty2lM8B9dFM/Th9LQUZteAI/AAAAAAAAAYU/24argsMrt8c/s1600/P1000626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ty2lM8B9dFM/Th9LQUZteAI/AAAAAAAAAYU/24argsMrt8c/s320/P1000626.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Add extract.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SndITFpV3mg/Th9Lg5OqhtI/AAAAAAAAAYY/HMBKqpSZwu8/s1600/P1000627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SndITFpV3mg/Th9Lg5OqhtI/AAAAAAAAAYY/HMBKqpSZwu8/s320/P1000627.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Beat until Incorporated.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8kmGDlXKHb0/Th9LxVC371I/AAAAAAAAAYc/XUw_LIAAlf0/s1600/P1000628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8kmGDlXKHb0/Th9LxVC371I/AAAAAAAAAYc/XUw_LIAAlf0/s320/P1000628.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Meanwhile, put flours, baking soda, and salt in a bowl...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WmVg6-BQjUg/Th9MBmrCzDI/AAAAAAAAAYg/42B-T0NMBbQ/s1600/P1000629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WmVg6-BQjUg/Th9MBmrCzDI/AAAAAAAAAYg/42B-T0NMBbQ/s320/P1000629.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>...and mix until thoroughly combined.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FHbk47abizA/Th9MRjv1enI/AAAAAAAAAYk/DIy36ZbJVYo/s1600/P1000630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FHbk47abizA/Th9MRjv1enI/AAAAAAAAAYk/DIy36ZbJVYo/s320/P1000630.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> When I added the dry mixture to the wet mixture, there was <i>way</i> too much dry and it got all crumbly.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lz9XIArllIU/Th9MhOHGiDI/AAAAAAAAAYo/zJh4sQ2O3vI/s1600/P1000631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lz9XIArllIU/Th9MhOHGiDI/AAAAAAAAAYo/zJh4sQ2O3vI/s320/P1000631.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>So I added the 1/2c almond milk, and we were back in business.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cc81BmPipYY/Th9MxOdFy3I/AAAAAAAAAYs/_zDd_VbBQNA/s1600/P1000632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cc81BmPipYY/Th9MxOdFy3I/AAAAAAAAAYs/_zDd_VbBQNA/s320/P1000632.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Add the chips. I only had peanut butter chips on hand, so that's what I used. They'd probably work better with chocolate chips like they were intended to, but the Pb chips were reeeeeaaaaally good too. ;)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6zRsyeGtO7o/Th9NBMEr5XI/AAAAAAAAAYw/jY5J2KUcGUc/s1600/P1000633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6zRsyeGtO7o/Th9NBMEr5XI/AAAAAAAAAYw/jY5J2KUcGUc/s320/P1000633.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Stir on low speed just until the chips are distributed. (Lick the beater. ;) )<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ic6K9Wu7p44/Th9NRWMFtjI/AAAAAAAAAY0/o4ZYYB7ZhKM/s1600/P1000634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ic6K9Wu7p44/Th9NRWMFtjI/AAAAAAAAAY0/o4ZYYB7ZhKM/s320/P1000634.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Spray a cookie sheet with nonstick spray, line with parchment paper, and spray again with nonstick spray. (I <i>really</i> don't want these to stick.)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JFM9SC1xnjE/Th9Ng7IIGqI/AAAAAAAAAY4/FSzWD5ESeRA/s1600/P1000635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JFM9SC1xnjE/Th9Ng7IIGqI/AAAAAAAAAY4/FSzWD5ESeRA/s320/P1000635.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Stick them in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, but my oven is pretty weird, so just be vigilant. When I baked them, they really didn't spread out very much, but they actually puffed up instead. Huh.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3aULHgIcsfc/Th9NwkLPkKI/AAAAAAAAAY8/T4P-2bDkUbI/s1600/P1000636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3aULHgIcsfc/Th9NwkLPkKI/AAAAAAAAAY8/T4P-2bDkUbI/s320/P1000636.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>So I had to do them in two batches,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FXFw9-S5rTo/Th9N_xirMFI/AAAAAAAAAZA/thQQBAbu1xg/s1600/P1000637.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FXFw9-S5rTo/Th9N_xirMFI/AAAAAAAAAZA/thQQBAbu1xg/s320/P1000637.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">so this time I flattened them with a fork, and they baked much better. They still puffed up, but no as much.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">They taste like cookies, they pretty much <i>are</i> cookies, but they kinda look like scones, and their texture is somewhat similar to scones, so ta da! We have sconies.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, no, I don't have a picture of the second batch. Like I said, they were <i>really </i>good, and a picture just didn't happen. *Lick fingers* ;)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">OK, you've got the recipe. <i>Now you can go make these.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Enjoy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-Kelly M.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11064849351314956262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111217344456161803.post-34495051546265597542011-07-14T00:02:00.000-07:002011-07-14T00:02:49.011-07:00How to make Stevia/Sugar BlendOK guys, this one is very simple.<br />
<br />
I love baking, but not all the sugar, butter, etc. that goes along with it. "Light" baking is interesting.<br />
<br />
Baking is a science. Light baking is different.<br />
<br />
<i>Scary</i> different.<br />
<br />
I love stevia, but I find using it in baked goods makes the finished product taste diet-y, which can be a living nightmare. I am not on a diet, nor do I encourage diets. I hate "diet food" and do not believe it should ever be consumed by anyone. Ever.<br />
<br />
So I made brownies today with stevia, and when I tested them on my mom, she was less than enthusiastic. She gave them a "oh they're nice, sweetie" review which just won't cut it for me. When I pressed her further, (sorry mom!) she said they're good for diet food.<br />
<br />
I tried (unsuccessfully) to keep my horrified reaction on the inside.<br />
<br />
Diet food? I don't make diet food. <i>Ew.</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
So I sucked up my pride, and bought some real, raw cane sugar. (Hey, if I'm going to eat real sugar, it should at least be the minimally processed stuff.)<br />
<br />
So I kinda chickened out. Instead of using <i>total</i> real sugar, I mixed it in a 1:1 ratio with the stevia.<br />
<br />
So it worked <i>a lot</i> better than using stevia alone. I have a feeling this mix is going to go much farther than stevia has gone before, and will probably end up in recipes to come. I'll post the recipe for the cookies I made with the mix soon.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Stevia/Sugar Mix</u></b><br />
<b><u><br />
</u></b><br />
Ingredients<br />
<br />
1/4 cup <a href="http://www.steviaextractintheraw.com/Our-Products.aspx">stevia</a><br />
1/4 cup raw cane sugar<br />
<br />
Combine both ingredients in a bowl and mix well. (Simple, huh?)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w767-GsZlgw/Th6TgjEfNGI/AAAAAAAAAYA/Nmwy4pNgDqc/s1600/P1000620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w767-GsZlgw/Th6TgjEfNGI/AAAAAAAAAYA/Nmwy4pNgDqc/s320/P1000620.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>So like I said, I'll be back with my first stevia/sugar mix cookies recipe tomorrow.<br />
<br />
Can you handle the suspense?<br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
-Kelly M.Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11064849351314956262noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111217344456161803.post-27388815187737395352011-07-09T22:35:00.000-07:002011-07-09T22:35:22.356-07:00Firework(s)Hey all!<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Sorry I have been out if it lately, I'm still back at the ranch (literally.)</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Remember the concert I was talking about <a href="http://foodiefiasco.blogspot.com/2011/07/banana-oatmeal-cookies.html">last post?</a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Check out these pics I took!</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/-FFfG7k0BGVM/ThiilNffiMI/AAAAAAAAAWY/kM58F_SHEBg/s1600/P1000473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FFfG7k0BGVM/ThiilNffiMI/AAAAAAAAAWY/kM58F_SHEBg/s320/P1000473.JPG" width="320" /></i></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3en-mM_lAo0/ThijoeHzbyI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/Po--IG5YUVU/s1600/P1000487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3en-mM_lAo0/ThijoeHzbyI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/Po--IG5YUVU/s320/P1000487.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kr6w8hfvLn4/ThijxFNNEEI/AAAAAAAAAXU/PNOq9W458zY/s1600/P1000488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kr6w8hfvLn4/ThijxFNNEEI/AAAAAAAAAXU/PNOq9W458zY/s320/P1000488.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TEvwLAvGMfI/Thij4MHjUCI/AAAAAAAAAXY/5peCUulcnn0/s1600/P1000489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TEvwLAvGMfI/Thij4MHjUCI/AAAAAAAAAXY/5peCUulcnn0/s320/P1000489.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uVTac0wOSeE/Thij9aBwH5I/AAAAAAAAAXc/0Vi8H1DAEOM/s1600/P1000490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uVTac0wOSeE/Thij9aBwH5I/AAAAAAAAAXc/0Vi8H1DAEOM/s320/P1000490.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3b0fMZ5OxnY/ThikAW0jsLI/AAAAAAAAAXg/cbisHNMUyPU/s1600/P1000491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3b0fMZ5OxnY/ThikAW0jsLI/AAAAAAAAAXg/cbisHNMUyPU/s320/P1000491.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Fail. (On my part ;) )<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6UkUWdmgKp4/ThikI-TgZDI/AAAAAAAAAXk/PhRbECaDib0/s1600/P1000492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6UkUWdmgKp4/ThikI-TgZDI/AAAAAAAAAXk/PhRbECaDib0/s320/P1000492.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TZN5dzv7S3c/ThikO-_zZ8I/AAAAAAAAAXo/ifOwwJT7Hc0/s1600/P1000493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TZN5dzv7S3c/ThikO-_zZ8I/AAAAAAAAAXo/ifOwwJT7Hc0/s320/P1000493.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3bw4pFGJPfQ/ThikU5t14rI/AAAAAAAAAXs/dyFQatUkP_g/s1600/P1000494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3bw4pFGJPfQ/ThikU5t14rI/AAAAAAAAAXs/dyFQatUkP_g/s320/P1000494.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bgrI5mee5O4/ThikZhHmKtI/AAAAAAAAAXw/2RNcjaJgNMA/s1600/P1000495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bgrI5mee5O4/ThikZhHmKtI/AAAAAAAAAXw/2RNcjaJgNMA/s320/P1000495.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-McH_J2scCKU/ThikefA1t0I/AAAAAAAAAX0/cW2vYwCSH1M/s1600/P1000496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-McH_J2scCKU/ThikefA1t0I/AAAAAAAAAX0/cW2vYwCSH1M/s320/P1000496.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FEbKlj3_4XY/Thikmf7WLGI/AAAAAAAAAX4/8FO0rW_D_G0/s1600/P1000497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FEbKlj3_4XY/Thikmf7WLGI/AAAAAAAAAX4/8FO0rW_D_G0/s320/P1000497.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VtpOiLfSowY/ThikqA2IXRI/AAAAAAAAAX8/GLGc5eIwpUk/s1600/P1000498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VtpOiLfSowY/ThikqA2IXRI/AAAAAAAAAX8/GLGc5eIwpUk/s320/P1000498.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Nice, huh?<br />
<br />
I'm no <a href="http://edibleperspective.com/">Ashley</a> with a camera, but these are pretty good pics. Yes, this is the Hollywood Bowl.<br />
<br />
No, I'm really not talking about food in this post, am I?<br />
<br />
Here's my rationalization; it took valuable blogging time to upload all these pictures. Even if you don't like my reasoning, (But <i>why?</i>) it's my story and I'm sticking to it. So yeah.<br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
-Kelly M.Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11064849351314956262noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111217344456161803.post-43197588665724495802011-07-08T00:01:00.000-07:002011-07-08T00:01:51.984-07:00Strawberry Oat Squares Take 1Um...<br />
<br />
OK, hear me out. I can explain.<br />
<br />
So I woke up at 1 pm here. Yeah, that's late, I know. But it's summer and I'm pretty sure it was a weekend when this happened. There's some justification in that, right? (Let's pretend. Please go along with it.)<br />
<br />
I made some breakfast (which can take awhile,) I ate it, and then it was 3 pm.<br />
<br />
Maybe I do need a better story.<br />
<br />
Anyway, this is the truth. So at 3 pm, Mom and I need to go to the grocery store to pick up supplies. We're going to a 4th of July concert with some family friends who are coming to our house at 5 pm, and it's a potluck. I decide I'm going to make brownies based on <a href="http://ohsheglows.com/2010/10/01/pumpkin-pie-brownie-cupcakes/">this recipe</a>. (P.S. <a href="http://ohsheglows.com/">Angela</a>, you rock!)<br />
<br />
So by the time we get ready and to the grocery store, it's 3:40 pm. We get out at like 4:18 pm, I think. (Which could easily be record time for us at a grocery store.)<br />
<br />
We get home, and I dash up to my room and get the receipt from Angela's web site. Oh no.<br />
<br />
Did I fail to notice the 1.5 hrs. of chilling time that could not possibly happen when I'm so late so they would be sitting in 90 degree weather?<br />
<br />
Of course I did.<br />
<br />
Great.<br />
<br />
So I spend another 20 minutes routing through <a href="http://ohsheglows.com/">the site</a>, so come up with <a href="http://ohsheglows.com/2010/10/18/healthy-strawberry-oat-squares-with-homemade-jam/">this recipe</a>. Naturally, I would change a few things, but what could go wrong?<br />
<br />
I mean, I have 20 minutes before they get here. <br />
<br />
I'm only trying a recipe I haven't made before that is supposed to bake for 30 minutes plus cooling time.<br />
<br />
Don't say it. <i>I know.</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
Fiasco-ed Strawberry Oat Squares with Homemade Jam<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1ea0fa; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 20px; line-height: 28px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: normal;"><br />
</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1ea0fa; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 20px; line-height: 28px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: normal;">Adapted from <a href="http://ohsheglows.com/2010/10/18/healthy-strawberry-oat-squares-with-homemade-jam/">Oh She Glows</a></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1ea0fa; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 20px; line-height: 28px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times;"><br />
</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;">1/2 cup all purpose flour</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;">1/2 cup whole wheat flour </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;">1 1/2 cups rolled oats</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;">1/2t baking soda</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;">1/2t salt</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;">1/2 cup stevia (<a href="http://www.steviaextractintheraw.com/">this</a> is what I use)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;">1/4 cup liquid egg whites (or about 2 actual egg whites)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;">1 small container of unsweetened/ no sugar added applesauce</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;">2T unsweetened almond milk (click <a href="http://www.almondbreeze.com/?navid=329&pid=333">here</a> or <a href="http://silkpurealmond.com/?gclid=CPnpptGQ8akCFRxrgwodZAM0Xw#a=3;r=1">here</a> for brands)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;">1T unsweetened shredded coconut</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;">2 baskets strawberries, chopped</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;">stevia, to taste</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1ea0fa; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 20px; line-height: 28px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times;"><br />
</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jDw1wJLigFo/ThaTzhma1_I/AAAAAAAAAV8/NwETbqZHd2A/s1600/P1000466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jDw1wJLigFo/ThaTzhma1_I/AAAAAAAAAV8/NwETbqZHd2A/s320/P1000466.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Mash strawberries (with a potato masher) until juicy and jammy.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UP3stVoGZTg/ThaUKP2VxtI/AAAAAAAAAWA/x6QhNdmu448/s1600/P1000467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UP3stVoGZTg/ThaUKP2VxtI/AAAAAAAAAWA/x6QhNdmu448/s320/P1000467.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Boil for 10-20 minutes, considering how thick or strong you like your jam. (The longer it cooks, the more it reduces for heightened flavor. At some point, it does stop thickening and start burning, so be careful.)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RT2lkvrr-0Y/ThaV_SEZ1KI/AAAAAAAAAWE/7SH96LAh694/s1600/P1000468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RT2lkvrr-0Y/ThaV_SEZ1KI/AAAAAAAAAWE/7SH96LAh694/s320/P1000468.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div>Meanwhile, while dry ingredients <i>exceptt</i> coconut (flour, oats, baking soda, salt, and stevia) in a large bowl. Mix together wet ingredients (egg whites, applesauce, almond milk) into a small to medium bowl. Add wet ingredient to dry ingredients and mix well without over mixing.</div><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/-spI70z32Yck/ThabcmYoOZI/AAAAAAAAAWI/MYlWOwzjCQQ/s1600/P1000469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-spI70z32Yck/ThabcmYoOZI/AAAAAAAAAWI/MYlWOwzjCQQ/s320/P1000469.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Totally ignore the baking temperature because you're almost out of time. I baked this at 450 degrees, but it <i>clearly</i> should be 350. (Just like the <a href="http://ohsheglows.com/2010/10/18/healthy-strawberry-oat-squares-with-homemade-jam/">original</a> said you should.)<br />
I was told we were late, so I just pulled them out of the oven after 10-15 minutes of baking, and decided to call it a "crisp" instead of "bars." Yeah, okay.<br />
It was really underdone, but it was good. I plan to remake the bars and bake them at the correct temperature for the correct amount of time and let you know how it goes. </span></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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jsUOSUDMZ7I/Thabp8307tI/AAAAAAAAAWM/jEObJOD2yhM/s1600/P1000470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jsUOSUDMZ7I/Thabp8307tI/AAAAAAAAAWM/jEObJOD2yhM/s320/P1000470.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So when we get there, we're actually not late. Oh well, It was really fun anyway and I got a compliment on my "crisp." *Sarcastic laughter*<br />
That's my friend Christine. (She's on the left, I'm on the right.)<br />
</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K8yPh54Mw6s/Thad9BJaJlI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/DH3a9JQuoLI/s1600/P1000471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K8yPh54Mw6s/Thad9BJaJlI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/DH3a9JQuoLI/s320/P1000471.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>This is what was left of the "crisp." (Okay, I'll stop now.)<br />
In my defense, it didn't have any serving utensil some maybe people <i>wanted</i> it, but simply <i>couldn't</i> get it.<br />
<br />
I guess you don't have to play along anymore, but you have to admit, it was kinda fun. :)<br />
<br />
I took some nice pics of the fireworks, but the Internet is in a bad mood so it would take me a long, <i>long</i> time to upload everything. I plan to do it later in the week.<br />
<br />
By the way, I stuck the leftovers in the freezer (and they taste great.) Sometimes I crumble about half of one on my oatmeal.<br />
<br />
You guys, my patient readers, are awesome. (I hope I didn't use readers in the plural for nothing.) ;)<br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
-Kelly M.<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11064849351314956262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111217344456161803.post-41216384646466109762011-07-07T00:02:00.000-07:002011-07-07T00:02:30.334-07:00The ScaleEvening blog goers!<br />
<br />
Sorry I haven't check in with y'all in a few days. Things can get hectic but, that's life. So anyway, my mom and I took a little road trip and now we're at this fabulous ranch near Santa Barbara, CA.<br />
<br />
Since there is obviously no full scale kitchen in the room, I won't have any brand new recipes for you for the few days we're here. I may post about some sandwiches I throw together for lunch, but I also plan to post new recipes from foods I have conconcted and photographed earlier but didn't get a chance to put online.<br />
<br />
I don't think any one's ever doubted the importance of preparedness.<br />
<br />
But, because I need to get going soon and don't feel like waiting for the pictures to upload, I'm going to talk about an interesting event that happened to me today I thought I should share with you.<br />
<br />
When I was losing the weight, (which you can read more about <a href="http://foodiefiasco.blogspot.com/p/about-me.html">here</a>) at some point I realized the scale and I weren't getting along. I weighed myself <i>way</i> to often, and would easily get discouraged and worried that I wasn't doing something right.<br />
<br />
Eventually, I asked my mom to hide the scale and that was pretty much that. Easy right?<br />
<br />
Well, I had to weigh myself at some point, because it really would've been a good idea to some kind of ballpark weight, up or down. So I set up certain points every so often where I would weigh in, and I would try to avoid weighing myself at other times.<br />
<br />
This usually served it's purpose, but sometimes I would weigh myself anyway, and become frustrated if I didn't like the number.<br />
<br />
I recently hit my goal weight of 117 lbs., and I was proud of myself. That marked the end of my 42 pound weight loss from 159 to my ideal weight of 117. So all is said and done, right? Well...<br />
<br />
After I hot my ideal weight, i gradually stopped counting calories, and I didn't really write down what I was eating except for the blog, and some memory I may have retained. Again, I was proud of myself because I was eating healthfully, with pretty decent portion sizes, and all without stressing it. This all sounds good, right?<br />
<br />
I last weighed on June 10, 2011 at 117 lbs. I decided it would be smart to weigh on right before we left for vacation so I new where I stood and had some incentive to be careful about the the "away from home" food.<br />
<br />
I weighed in today, July 6, 2011 at 122 lbs. Oh boy.<br />
<br />
This did not sit well with me.<br />
<br />
I became <i>very</i> discouraged with that number. I guess I'm still in the "I'm losing weight" mind set, so I hated to see the scale go up. I am an active individual, and I <i>am</i> careful about what I eat. So what gives?<br />
<br />
This took some realization.<br />
<br />
I have an incredibly slow metabolism, for starters. I have had it ever since I was a little kid, but when I restricted my calorie intake, I slowed it down even more. So I figured, since I am now feeding it like I should, it doesn't know what to do. I think this is good logic.<br />
<br />
Sadly, I went through this right when we should've been leaving for our road trip. Discouraged and frustrated as I was, I really didn't want to go. At least at home, I could monitor my intake more carefully.<br />
<br />
But after some gentle nudges from my mom (and a lot of deep breaths,) I realized I better just go. Vacations are fun, and I'm quite active here anyway. Horseback riding, swimming, walking, all that jazz.<br />
<br />
So I went to the bathroom, weighed myself in a lighter outfit, and it was 119.5. Better.<br />
<br />
I think the most valuable part of going is getting to spend quality time with my mama. (I feel an "Aaaaaaw" moment coming, don't you?)<br />
<br />
So I though I would share this with you because I don't want you guys getting discouraged by the scale, either. It could be a lot of things, but don't be too hard on yourself. You all rock.<br />
<br />
And for what it's worth, the food here is <i>amazing.</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
-Kelly M.<br />
<br />
P.S. Sorry for all the typos, but it's late, I'm tired and not in a proof reading mood. Sorry, guys.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span id="goog_805316263"></span><span id="goog_805316264"></span>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11064849351314956262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111217344456161803.post-14930520583496430572011-07-03T16:04:00.000-07:002011-07-03T16:04:48.394-07:00Green Garden Super SoupGood afternoon!<br />
<br />
Is everyone enjoying their holiday weekend?<br />
<br />
I have an interesting concoction for you today. In case you didn't know, my mom recently started chemotherapy. It's pretty hard on the family, but my mom's a tough cookie.<br />
<br />
She needs protein, vitamins, and good stuff. So I'm really trying to make the healthiest (and tastiest!) stuff I can think of.<br />
<br />
This is no exception.<br />
<br />
So once upon a time (which was a few days ago,) I was stuck at dinnertime without a significant source of protein at my disposal. The horror. So to slip back into the category of health, I pretty much threw in every green vegetable in my fridge into a pot, pureed it up, and ta da! Super soup.<br />
<br />
Are you taking notes?<br />
<br />
<b><u>Green Garden Super Soup</u></b><br />
<br />
1 head of broccoli, broken up and roughly chopped<br />
1 heart of celery, chopped<br />
1 cup brussel sprouts, chopped (they're not <i>that</i> bad)<br />
about 5 green onions, chopped<br />
about 15 spears of asparagus, cut into pretty small pieces<br />
3 cups spinach (I used bagged. It just makes prep that much easier.)<br />
2/3 cup peas<br />
1/2t onion powder<br />
dash of nutmeg<br />
dash of salt<br />
Feel free to add any other green veggies you like. I later realized I had green beans in the fridge, but forgot to put them in. Looking back on it, I think they would've been really good in this soup.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RJ6SqpnOwiM/ThDkrnfXvDI/AAAAAAAAAVU/69m4youwKOY/s1600/P1000431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RJ6SqpnOwiM/ThDkrnfXvDI/AAAAAAAAAVU/69m4youwKOY/s320/P1000431.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Place all veggies except spinach and peas in a pot sprayed with nonstick spray. (Make sure you use a pot bigger than this one.) Saute until slightly browned.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fDR3QuXncAo/ThDk2YtZPBI/AAAAAAAAAVY/FWgnesZyekg/s1600/P1000432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fDR3QuXncAo/ThDk2YtZPBI/AAAAAAAAAVY/FWgnesZyekg/s320/P1000432.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Put veggies into a bigger pot after you realize the pot you used was way too small. (Note: Feel free to skip this step if you started with the right size pot, unlike me.) Add spinach.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LAsR2YH9DH0/ThDlA0a85zI/AAAAAAAAAVc/stm0Ud_1kEs/s1600/P1000433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LAsR2YH9DH0/ThDlA0a85zI/AAAAAAAAAVc/stm0Ud_1kEs/s320/P1000433.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Saute until wilted.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vxjgWxuaBRg/ThDlL6qycxI/AAAAAAAAAVg/cono5Nbp5SA/s1600/P1000434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vxjgWxuaBRg/ThDlL6qycxI/AAAAAAAAAVg/cono5Nbp5SA/s320/P1000434.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> This is where I ran into some trouble. I took my glass <a href="http://www.pyrexware.com/">Pyrex</a> 2 cup measuring cup and filled it up with water twice (I was out of broth) and poured it in. Then I added some more water, but I didn't really take note of what measuring line it came up to. I'm pretty sure it was less than a cup, though.<br />
The problem was that later, when I pureed it, it came out <i>way </i>too watery. So next time, I would only add enough water to just barely cover the veggies, or maybe even a little less. I'm guessing that would be about 3 cups.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RUaA0pty67E/ThDlWM7W5FI/AAAAAAAAAVk/ddrz6RGN5kU/s1600/P1000435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RUaA0pty67E/ThDlWM7W5FI/AAAAAAAAAVk/ddrz6RGN5kU/s320/P1000435.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> So, a little after it started simmering, I realized I forgot the celery. So I chopped some up, threw it into the too small pot sprayed with nonstick spray I started in, (at least it was put to good use!) and sauteed until slightly browned.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NN9ZIFiDg7Y/ThDlgTTSKnI/AAAAAAAAAVo/bVnT00DCs4Q/s1600/P1000436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NN9ZIFiDg7Y/ThDlgTTSKnI/AAAAAAAAAVo/bVnT00DCs4Q/s320/P1000436.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Then I threw it in with the rest of the simmering veggies, and let it sit for a bit more.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IqDCaqX75u8/ThDlqqt0K8I/AAAAAAAAAVs/G9SDqAMw0kw/s1600/P1000437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IqDCaqX75u8/ThDlqqt0K8I/AAAAAAAAAVs/G9SDqAMw0kw/s320/P1000437.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div> So next, I pulled out one of my new favorite gadgets, my schmancy new immersion blender, and started pureeing.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tX92fIMYME8/ThDl0-OuftI/AAAAAAAAAVw/sGi3lIdLfIk/s1600/P1000438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tX92fIMYME8/ThDl0-OuftI/AAAAAAAAAVw/sGi3lIdLfIk/s320/P1000438.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> With a hint more salt, it tasted fine, but was too thin for my liking. I don't think straining it would have done anything, but my mom had a good suggestion.<br />
Add peas!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KC1HSXQ_ocI/ThDl_oX0oOI/AAAAAAAAAV0/TshOo8XnvMg/s1600/P1000439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KC1HSXQ_ocI/ThDl_oX0oOI/AAAAAAAAAV0/TshOo8XnvMg/s320/P1000439.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> So I thawed out some frozen peas in that too small pot, (more than what's shown in this pic; I did two batches of peas after still not accepting the thickness of the soup after adding the first set of peas) threw them in the soup, and pureed it up.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-apXX9NXY0Bs/ThDmJGqTHmI/AAAAAAAAAV4/3KGyZACYGUg/s1600/P1000440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-apXX9NXY0Bs/ThDmJGqTHmI/AAAAAAAAAV4/3KGyZACYGUg/s320/P1000440.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>It turned out <i>amazingly good.</i> It has a wonderful consistency, and a great flavor from the slight browning we got on the veggies.<br />
<br />
After I added the peas, I also added some turkey lunch meat for the sake of protein and using it before it went bad. I don't think it's crucial to the soup, but I think adding some kind of cooked protein at the end is a really nice touch.<br />
<br />
After adding the turkey and peas, I just heated it a little longer, and served it up!<br />
<br />
P.S. I had three bowls.<br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
-Kelly M.Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11064849351314956262noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111217344456161803.post-29656178865113523222011-07-01T15:41:00.000-07:002011-07-01T15:41:45.838-07:00White Chocolate Banana ScrambleYum.<br />
<br />
If this is not one of your new favorite breakfasts, I'll...well, that's not going to happen. Thank you so much to <a href="http://www.neverhomemaker.com/2010/05/scrambled-banana-sandwich.html">Ashely</a> and <a href="http://edibleperspective.com/2010/05/breakfast-is-my-favorite-meal/">Ashley</a> for the idea!<br />
<br />
You can use this base and put in your favorite add-ins, but I am <a href="http://foodiefiasco.blogspot.com/2011/06/simply-nutsense.html">a sucker for white chocolate.</a><br />
<br />
Make this <i>now. </i>(Sorry to sound pushy, but this is just sooo good.)<br />
<br />
White Chocolate Banana Scramble<br />
3/4 banana<br />
a small glob of<a href="http://www.betternpeanutbutter.com/index.php"> better n pb</a><br />
1T rolled oats<br />
1T wheat bran<br />
1-2T unsweetened almond milk (<a href="http://www.almondbreeze.com/?navid=329&pid=332">Almond Breeze</a> or <a href="http://www.silkpurealmond.com/#a=3;r=1">Silk</a> are great.)<br />
about 1/2T white chocolate chips<br />
<br />
Mash banana really well (a fork works nicely for this.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rKsyJN_sc5s/Tg1yql2jP6I/AAAAAAAAAU4/VSQpC6nTnAA/s1600/P1000441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rKsyJN_sc5s/Tg1yql2jP6I/AAAAAAAAAU4/VSQpC6nTnAA/s320/P1000441.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Add the rest of the ingredients and stir well.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dZGeRlew8c4/Tg1y0j_YxsI/AAAAAAAAAU8/fVb10RNfq3o/s1600/P1000442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dZGeRlew8c4/Tg1y0j_YxsI/AAAAAAAAAU8/fVb10RNfq3o/s320/P1000442.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Spray a skillet (or pot) with nonstick spray. Add banana mixture and form a thin pancake (again, a fork does a good job too.) Wait until that is slightly browned on the bottom.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YpTvFoK2rCE/Tg1y-9sFJOI/AAAAAAAAAVA/f7u7lESObEU/s1600/P1000443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YpTvFoK2rCE/Tg1y-9sFJOI/AAAAAAAAAVA/f7u7lESObEU/s320/P1000443.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Meanwhile, I made a pb sauce. I love the combo of pb + banana, so this works well for me. Scoop some better n pb (or regular pb) into a small bowl or cup. Add a small<i> </i>amount of unsweetened almond milk (<i>do not drown it</i>.<i>)</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K52OboC_ox4/Tg1zI_nG_ZI/AAAAAAAAAVE/-GXnuzLzBME/s1600/P1000444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K52OboC_ox4/Tg1zI_nG_ZI/AAAAAAAAAVE/-GXnuzLzBME/s320/P1000444.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Nuke (covered of course! no electromagnetic waves for us) for 25 seconds and stir well.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vxx_-OHQapk/Tg1zTLOy8CI/AAAAAAAAAVI/0HqGrJk5tuM/s1600/P1000445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vxx_-OHQapk/Tg1zTLOy8CI/AAAAAAAAAVI/0HqGrJk5tuM/s320/P1000445.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Once browned, start stirring, sorta like you would with scrambled eggs. The Ashlies' original recipes were more like pancakes, but mine are more scrambled. If you really, <i>really</i> want a pancake thing, I guess you can try to form it like a pancake, and very carefully flip it.<br />
<br />
I have tried doing it like that in the past, but it doesn't turn out quite right. Maybe it will be different for you, though.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y-wvhNT95l0/Tg1zdE2NFgI/AAAAAAAAAVM/LxgT054-st8/s1600/P1000446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y-wvhNT95l0/Tg1zdE2NFgI/AAAAAAAAAVM/LxgT054-st8/s320/P1000446.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>You can cook it to how you like it, but I am in love with the taste of caramelized bananas, so that's what I cook it to.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uf-Rq-x9cOA/Tg1znwHZi3I/AAAAAAAAAVQ/FjIH66nHRWM/s1600/P1000447.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uf-Rq-x9cOA/Tg1znwHZi3I/AAAAAAAAAVQ/FjIH66nHRWM/s320/P1000447.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I like to eat this scramble by flattening it against the bottom of the bowl with my trusty fork, spreading my better n pb sauce on top, and sprinkling it with additional white chocolate chips. <div><br />
</div><div>I love these so much I eat them pretty frequently for dessert. I'll be back with my experiments with different flavor combos in later posts. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Okay, <i>now </i>you can go make these. (Seriously.)</div><div><br />
</div><div>Enjoy!</div><div><br />
</div><div>-Kelly M.</div>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11064849351314956262noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111217344456161803.post-5233754238178923762011-06-29T01:55:00.000-07:002011-06-29T01:55:27.946-07:00So much food, so little timeI'm so confused.<br />
<br />
Yesterday, I accidentally fell asleep at 6 pm. At 2 in the morning, I'm up and about. Great.<br />
<br />
I was still determined to stick to my regimen, so I did my hour of hula hooping. At 2 am.<br />
<br />
Anyway, enough about strange sleeping patterns. I'm sorry I've been gone for a bit, but life happens. So onto food...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-59ZQy8FrwCk/TgmQ6W7mm9I/AAAAAAAAASk/7JKIGrXbtNE/s1600/P1000369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-59ZQy8FrwCk/TgmQ6W7mm9I/AAAAAAAAASk/7JKIGrXbtNE/s320/P1000369.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>It may not look like much, but this is one of the most adventurous oat bowls I've made to date.<br />
<br />
Into my pot went:<br />
1 cup unsweetened almond milk<br />
1 cup water<br />
1/4 rolled oats<br />
3T wheat bran<br />
1T coconut flour<br />
1/4t cinnamon<br />
powdered stevia (a <i>lot)</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
And topped with:<br />
sliced banana<br />
shredded coconut<br />
white chocolate chips<br />
coconut cream (1T coconut flour mixed with enough almond milk to dissolve it. I read about it on <a href="http://heathereatsalmondbutter.com/2011/05/20/making-time-for-breakfast/">HEAB</a> who found out about it from <a href="http://www.thenondairyqueen.com/2010/04/almond-buckwheat-pancakes-with-coconut.html">Non-Dairy Queen.</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TQurVEo9zss/TgmRFfgIWBI/AAAAAAAAASo/MI4whWA7-hI/s1600/P1000370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TQurVEo9zss/TgmRFfgIWBI/AAAAAAAAASo/MI4whWA7-hI/s320/P1000370.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>So after a decision to make a rather complex dinner, a trip to Bristol Farms was made.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-boz5PGV9LWE/TgmRQ3zhNnI/AAAAAAAAASs/Fxl2M86LJiQ/s1600/P1000371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-boz5PGV9LWE/TgmRQ3zhNnI/AAAAAAAAASs/Fxl2M86LJiQ/s320/P1000371.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The deli counter was visited...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Um5yVrBbuxY/TgmRcIyvwdI/AAAAAAAAASw/nEhEsXdJr7o/s1600/P1000372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Um5yVrBbuxY/TgmRcIyvwdI/AAAAAAAAASw/nEhEsXdJr7o/s320/P1000372.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>...and the cart was stocked.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8jl9iTVqhlg/TgmRoXMQfzI/AAAAAAAAAS0/F_emqKA8Tck/s1600/P1000373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8jl9iTVqhlg/TgmRoXMQfzI/AAAAAAAAAS0/F_emqKA8Tck/s320/P1000373.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Then a stop was made at Whole Foods to look for their coconut. I read on <a href="http://heathereatsalmondbutter.com/2010/03/09/homemade-coconut-butter/">HEAB</a> that the coconut butter I (tried) to make <a href="http://foodiefiasco.blogspot.com/2011/06/local-iron-chef.html">a few days ago</a> it truly an exact science. Apparently, I was NOT supposed to use flaked coconut, but shredded coconut. Did I listen?<br />
No. So I bought coconut that best fit the description at Whole Foods, and headed on my way.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pAGFx_pK2dA/TgmRz3tFd3I/AAAAAAAAAS4/CgJbYuPuvw0/s1600/P1000374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pAGFx_pK2dA/TgmRz3tFd3I/AAAAAAAAAS4/CgJbYuPuvw0/s320/P1000374.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Of course, I had to stop at the flour aisle, just to make sure nothing was exploding over there. (Taking one for the team, I was.)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bYZUA2aeVFE/TgmR-QGxvQI/AAAAAAAAAS8/PZS7eCMEIs4/s1600/P1000375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bYZUA2aeVFE/TgmR-QGxvQI/AAAAAAAAAS8/PZS7eCMEIs4/s320/P1000375.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Don't laugh at this recipe.<br />
<br />
Meat Chips w/ Thyme Dijon (This is not <i>nearly</i> as gross as it sounds)<br />
Adapted from <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/salami-chips-thyme-mustard-00000000059998/index.html">Real Simple</a><br />
Desired amount of your meat of choice<br />
1/2 cup Dijon mustard<br />
2-3T fresh chopped thyme<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 375 F.<br />
<br />
Spritz baking sheet with nonstick spray. Line meat on baking sheet and spritz with nonstick spray.Bake in oven at 375 F for 12-15 minutes.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, whisk together Dijon and thyme and season to taste with salt and pepper.<br />
<br />
Serve "chips" with the thyme Dijon. Dig in!<br />
<br />
Next...<br />
Blueberry Preserves<br />
Adapted from <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/blueberry-jam-00000000060239/index.html">Real Simple</a><br />
2 packages of organic blueberries (I'll see later if this works with other berries)<br />
1/4 granulated stevia<br />
1T fresh lemon juice<br />
1/4t salt<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5G-BmL2d920/TgmSHE_bQrI/AAAAAAAAATA/XEoPYgwqrmo/s1600/P1000376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5G-BmL2d920/TgmSHE_bQrI/AAAAAAAAATA/XEoPYgwqrmo/s320/P1000376.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Mash all ingredients together with a potato masher until the blueberries have released there juices.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4aHfN2eWA8Q/TgmSQgN20XI/AAAAAAAAATE/T9OKuGJoYkk/s1600/P1000377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4aHfN2eWA8Q/TgmSQgN20XI/AAAAAAAAATE/T9OKuGJoYkk/s320/P1000377.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nYkJE7MTyR0/TgmSabkiszI/AAAAAAAAATI/taJaqpIOD_U/s1600/P1000379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Pour everything into a food processor and process until pretty smooth (I guess you could skip this if you really wanted to.)</div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kbVfxJ-xVag/TgmSjRItSiI/AAAAAAAAATM/OxVIE9hf6bY/s1600/P1000380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kbVfxJ-xVag/TgmSjRItSiI/AAAAAAAAATM/OxVIE9hf6bY/s320/P1000380.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I poured into a small saucepan over medium-high heat like the original recipe, but it smelled like burning. I don't really like my preserves burned, so I just turned down to medium heat. That worked fine.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1pQQrUFOV0w/TgmStMb3DUI/AAAAAAAAATQ/AAkCklcbUpE/s1600/P1000381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1pQQrUFOV0w/TgmStMb3DUI/AAAAAAAAATQ/AAkCklcbUpE/s320/P1000381.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>You're going to let that sit for awhile, about 18-25 minutes or until pretty thick. It probably won't be exactly jam/jelly/preserve texture right out of the pan. Don't worry, it'll firm up once cooled in the fridge.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K5kjdNutul4/TgmS2sEoR1I/AAAAAAAAATU/wmyD06Teq2Y/s1600/P1000382.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K5kjdNutul4/TgmS2sEoR1I/AAAAAAAAATU/wmyD06Teq2Y/s320/P1000382.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>And...<br />
Curried Yogurt Dip<br />
Adapted from <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/curried-yogurt-dip-00000000059952/index.html">Real Simple</a><br />
1.5 cups nonfat Greek yogurt (I think Fage is the best)<br />
1T curry powder<br />
salt and pepper to taste<br />
Dijon mustard<br />
Juice from 1/2 a lemon<br />
<br />
Whisk it all together until smooth.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dd6vJ3yKwcQ/TgmTAzkt7YI/AAAAAAAAATY/qlhQzuUoGzY/s1600/P1000383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dd6vJ3yKwcQ/TgmTAzkt7YI/AAAAAAAAATY/qlhQzuUoGzY/s320/P1000383.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Once it was all together and uniform in color, it was time to taste. Good, but missing something.<br />
<br />
So I added the juice from half a lemon and enough Dijon to bring it to the desired consistency. If you want it more or less Dijon-y, just adjust to your tastes. Yum.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ITTfMNvMRws/TgmTKFpYTSI/AAAAAAAAATc/i3CnKZEqnpI/s1600/P1000384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ITTfMNvMRws/TgmTKFpYTSI/AAAAAAAAATc/i3CnKZEqnpI/s320/P1000384.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Meanwhile, our preserves are almost done, but not quite.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tvfKKey77DI/TgmTTyd77_I/AAAAAAAAATg/LWQjUm6xPbY/s1600/P1000385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tvfKKey77DI/TgmTTyd77_I/AAAAAAAAATg/LWQjUm6xPbY/s320/P1000385.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Behold the glory of the finished dip!<br />
<br />
It tasted <i>great</i> when I dipped a carrot into it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Pc67CvKL0o/TgmTd2v69tI/AAAAAAAAATk/ucIeYzo6NSs/s1600/P1000387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Pc67CvKL0o/TgmTd2v69tI/AAAAAAAAATk/ucIeYzo6NSs/s320/P1000387.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Perfect.<br />
<br />
Sorry the lighting isn't very good, but the pan is black, and the preserves are dark. Just believe it's good.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nIlAzyN7yrg/TgmTpVsFYQI/AAAAAAAAATo/lZjW1J4kLUk/s1600/P1000392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nIlAzyN7yrg/TgmTpVsFYQI/AAAAAAAAATo/lZjW1J4kLUk/s320/P1000392.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Pop into the fridge until cool.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3hwx8QGbZOA/TgmTy_sd56I/AAAAAAAAATs/sH8rgnfbOAI/s1600/P1000393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3hwx8QGbZOA/TgmTy_sd56I/AAAAAAAAATs/sH8rgnfbOAI/s320/P1000393.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Yes, there is more.<br />
<br />
Balsamic Strawberries<br />
Loosely based on <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/strawberry-sorbet-balsamic-syrup-00000000060135/index.html">Real Simple</a><br />
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar<br />
as many strawberries as you want<br />
<br />
Put the balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan and boil for 3-4 minutes or until reduced by about half. Serve balsamic with or poured on top of strawberries. This combo is unexplainable and AMAZING!!!<br />
<i>Try it.</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rU4adj5aCj4/TgmT8uYpjxI/AAAAAAAAATw/njsUCRBVScs/s1600/P1000394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rU4adj5aCj4/TgmT8uYpjxI/AAAAAAAAATw/njsUCRBVScs/s320/P1000394.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Bear with me:<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Red Curry Glazed Salmon</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Adapted from <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/red-curry-glazed-salmon-00000000060031/index.html">Real Simple</a></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
4 4 oz. fillets of salmon<br />
1T+1-2t of Thai red curry paste<br />
2t canola oil<br />
1/2t brown sugar<br />
1/2t granulated stevia<br />
salt and pepper to taste<br />
<br />
Preheat broiler.<br />
<br />
Whisk together all ingredients except salmon in a small bowl.<br />
<br />
Line a baking sheet with nonstick foil. Place salmon fillets on foil-lined baking sheet and rub evenly with curry paste mixture. Broil for 5-7 minutes, or until "opaque throughout. (Real Simple's words, not mine)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qG_vaczBlxI/TgmUHsPrWiI/AAAAAAAAAT0/uL_kE-oAwOE/s1600/P1000395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qG_vaczBlxI/TgmUHsPrWiI/AAAAAAAAAT0/uL_kE-oAwOE/s320/P1000395.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Very simple.<br />
<br />
Garlic and Red Pepper Green Beans<br />
Adapted from <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/">Real Simple</a><br />
<br />
1 bag of snapped, pre-washed green beans<br />
about 1T garlic powder<br />
2t crushed red pepper<br />
salt to taste<br />
<br />
Spray a large nonstick skillet with nonstick spray. Add garlic powder, red pepper, salt and stir to distribute. Cook until desired done-ness.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XUcQC-WQEn8/TgmUTGt1gaI/AAAAAAAAAT4/-NrOx9E6XxM/s1600/P1000396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XUcQC-WQEn8/TgmUTGt1gaI/AAAAAAAAAT4/-NrOx9E6XxM/s320/P1000396.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Beauteous.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZPqoNnfLOCk/TgmUoFkiEtI/AAAAAAAAAUA/rT23qTiFYfg/s1600/P1000398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZPqoNnfLOCk/TgmUoFkiEtI/AAAAAAAAAUA/rT23qTiFYfg/s320/P1000398.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Excuse me, I have food to devour.<br />
<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/-ybsqNG5ojCo/TgmUyaPth8I/AAAAAAAAAUE/80qfoaP4faY/s1600/P1000399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ybsqNG5ojCo/TgmUyaPth8I/AAAAAAAAAUE/80qfoaP4faY/s320/P1000399.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">OK, one more thing. My mom found a white nectarine at a Farmer's Market, and it was <i>amazing.</i> Sweet, but not too sweet. Yeah, I just though I'd share that. ;)<br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
-Kelly M<br />
<br />
<i>Q of the day: Have you ever heard of a white nectarine? If so, what do you think?</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11064849351314956262noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111217344456161803.post-68913840300851645862011-06-25T23:46:00.000-07:002011-06-25T23:51:04.672-07:00Catching UpAaaaaaah!<br />
<br />
What am I going to do? I don't have any almond milk! Ugh.<br />
<br />
I don't function very well without my oats, and I happened to have a particularly oat-free morning. I went to Target, picked up some bananas, but guess what I forgot?<br />
<br />
Then I went to the Farmer's market, got some chocolate Bennett's fro yo, and decided to got to he Whole Foods across the street. Did I remember? No.<br />
<br />
This is what happens when I don't have a proper breakfast.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OGkhCPbIidE/TgbNxSxJvpI/AAAAAAAAASI/eo1WCTcOGds/s1600/P1000361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OGkhCPbIidE/TgbNxSxJvpI/AAAAAAAAASI/eo1WCTcOGds/s320/P1000361.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> I actually got a different flavor fro yo, of my own free choice. Creamy, decadent, chocolaty goodness.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u2ed-9eV9Uw/TgbN30YggYI/AAAAAAAAASM/BHhixtFBSv8/s1600/P1000362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u2ed-9eV9Uw/TgbN30YggYI/AAAAAAAAASM/BHhixtFBSv8/s320/P1000362.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> For dinner, we went to this French Bistro at The Grove called Morels. I used to go when I was little for cheese fondue.<br />
<br />
Nowadays, I tend to avoid big vats of bubbling cheese. Willpower, my friends, is the name of the game.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kgw5q7adWtY/TgbN-k009LI/AAAAAAAAASQ/TIIAUZtmV7M/s1600/P1000363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kgw5q7adWtY/TgbN-k009LI/AAAAAAAAASQ/TIIAUZtmV7M/s320/P1000363.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> I ordered one of my salads dry with Dijon mustard on the side. This particular salad touted organic greens and tomatoes. I don't like tomatoes, but there were only about four in the whole salad and I don't mind picking around 4 measly tomatoes.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, the salad was only so-so. I'm really not a huge arugula fan, and this was no exception. On top of that, I like leaves to be very chilled, but these kind of an unappealing room temperature.<br />
<br />
The Dijon was also <i>way</i> spicy, so I either had the taste of icky ill-tempered arugula, or had my nose burning with spicy Dijon.<br />
<br />
The dressing that actually came with the salad was quite good, light with a pleasing flavor. Sadly, I'm not a huge salad dressing person, so that really didn't salvage it. Oh well.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7GcHJPHF5-M/TgbOFk6BLRI/AAAAAAAAASU/Sh7b8rYmoow/s1600/P1000364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7GcHJPHF5-M/TgbOFk6BLRI/AAAAAAAAASU/Sh7b8rYmoow/s320/P1000364.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> The coffee on the other hand, was quite different.<br />
<br />
I ordered an "Ecuador" French press coffee, with notes of sweet caramel and chocolate. I ordered it with some nonfat milk, and it came in one of the really fun French presses.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QZLxPvNXC1A/TgbOMpxv-1I/AAAAAAAAASY/Tz1T2EVqpzM/s1600/P1000365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QZLxPvNXC1A/TgbOMpxv-1I/AAAAAAAAASY/Tz1T2EVqpzM/s320/P1000365.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> At first, I was really pretty modest with the amount of milk I put in, so to me, the initial taste was slightly a burned one, although the texture was <i>very </i>smooth.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XvoaCkHfBGs/TgbOTQf8rPI/AAAAAAAAASc/Y40cbPVSa1g/s1600/P1000366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XvoaCkHfBGs/TgbOTQf8rPI/AAAAAAAAASc/Y40cbPVSa1g/s320/P1000366.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> After adding more milk and getting more used to the flavor, I really enjoyed it. Not too bitter, but not "sweet." It was almost silky smooth and I really got the French Bistro feeling.<br />
<br />
I really have been reading too much Julia Child lately. :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p8I51bQ33xE/TgbOaNNvIhI/AAAAAAAAASg/sKufbOxsvjc/s1600/P1000368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p8I51bQ33xE/TgbOaNNvIhI/AAAAAAAAASg/sKufbOxsvjc/s320/P1000368.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>My friend Christine ordered the chocolate mousse, and this pic was taken after it was ever so slightly picked at. ;)<br />
<br />
I only had a few minuscule tastes because I wanted to leave with that lovely coffee taste in my mouth. But, the mousse was really good too. It was almost "melt in your mouth," and there was some vanilla mousse in there, too.<br />
<br />
So yeah, that might have to be it for today.<br />
<br />
I know, this was kinda a boring culinary day, and I was thinking I could share the recipes for the poached salmon and cauliflower mashies I made the other day to redeem myself, but, there are <i>a lot</i> of pictures, which is <i>a lot</i> of uploading time. Maybe tomorrow?<br />
<br />
Before I go, I wanted to give a shout out to Angela at <a href="http://ohsheglows.com/">Oh She Glows</a> for being amazing, as usual. I gave her an email declaring her awesomeness, and she just responded with <i>such</i> a sweet email. She is sooooo nice and I am so honored to have talked to her. She is a highly acclaimed blogger, and I really respect her. Thanks, Angela!<br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
-Kelly M.Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11064849351314956262noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111217344456161803.post-89273482290533727952011-06-25T02:07:00.000-07:002011-06-25T02:07:43.467-07:00The Local Iron ChefHappy Friday!<br />
<br />
Grrrrrr. I uploaded many in depth picture for the poached salmon and mashed "potatoes"(cauliflower.)<br />
<br />
But... When I went to go write the rest of the post, where were the pics? *Poof.* Gone.<br />
<br />
I think I might actually have to talk about what happened today. Oh well.<br />
<br />
Today, being Friday, is the last day in our cooking camp. So we had an "Iron Chef" face off. The class of nine broke into three teams of three, and we were each randomly assigned one dish made earlier in the week; Nachos w/ homemade guac and salsa, crepes w/strawberries and cream, and chicken piccata. My teammates were two boys named Dax and Jacob and we were assigned the Chicken Piccata.<br />
<br />
Game on.<br />
<br />
I'll share the recipe later b/c I didn't get pics of the actual process, and considering it was kinda involved, I really think visuals would help.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jul7wH_jX3s/TgWQhW0sU9I/AAAAAAAAARE/cOreIRw8u-8/s1600/P1000343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jul7wH_jX3s/TgWQhW0sU9I/AAAAAAAAARE/cOreIRw8u-8/s320/P1000343.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> We cut the chicken into sample-sized pieces, topped with our mushroom laden riff on piccata sauce, lemon slices, sauteed mushroom, parsley, and capers. Dax had a very intricate plan for the presentation.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5IEzv_q-Nok/TgWQsjy0P5I/AAAAAAAAARI/ZOmOJBt2jcE/s1600/P1000344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5IEzv_q-Nok/TgWQsjy0P5I/AAAAAAAAARI/ZOmOJBt2jcE/s320/P1000344.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> You gotta admit, this looks pretty good.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OBrJ8AvAU-4/TgWQ2RVqMSI/AAAAAAAAARM/b67amBRTW64/s1600/P1000345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OBrJ8AvAU-4/TgWQ2RVqMSI/AAAAAAAAARM/b67amBRTW64/s320/P1000345.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> These were the crepes another team made.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kbmgcbWrgFs/TgWRBx6_A7I/AAAAAAAAARQ/ncuYt0vbuTQ/s1600/P1000346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kbmgcbWrgFs/TgWRBx6_A7I/AAAAAAAAARQ/ncuYt0vbuTQ/s320/P1000346.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> They were also served with (delish!) strawberries and nectarines.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fbynlfEzc5A/TgWRNoxGRjI/AAAAAAAAARU/3EX3NJLrWuI/s1600/P1000347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fbynlfEzc5A/TgWRNoxGRjI/AAAAAAAAARU/3EX3NJLrWuI/s320/P1000347.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Fresh made guac and salsa by yet another team. The chips were bagged, but hey, we weren't given three years to cook. :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XGbeArV6_AA/TgWRYk_4c4I/AAAAAAAAARY/pw5_7_K9k9Q/s1600/P1000348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XGbeArV6_AA/TgWRYk_4c4I/AAAAAAAAARY/pw5_7_K9k9Q/s320/P1000348.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> The guac and salsa team also made the nachos. <br />
<br />
So anyway, my teammates and I decided we were going to be <i>really</i> mad if they pulled an "everyone's a winner," on us.<br />
<br />
Annie and the sous chef Aimee (we had another sous chef along with Aimee throughout the week named Emma, but we had a sub today,) promised that wouldn't happen, and they pulled out the store manager, the security guard, and some of the parents to be in the judging pool.<br />
<br />
After some deliberation, it was decided not to count the parents' votes and a verdict was reached.<br />
<br />
Everyone's a winner!<br />
<br />
Sorta. They had three categories, and, you guessed, a different team won each category. Three teams, three categories, everyone's a winner!<br />
<br />
I wasn't really complaining, though, because I think this was a nice way to make us all feel special. The three categories were Best Teamwork, Best Presentation, and (duh) Best Dish.<br />
<br />
The nacho girls (they're all <i>really </i>nice, especially one girl named Jenna, my new kitchen related buddy!) won Best Teamwork, our team won Best Presentation (rock on, Dax), and the crepes won Best Dish.<br />
<br />
Our prizes were caramel covered marshmallows. So onto dinner...<br />
<br />
Because of my lack of traditional chili I happened to have on hand, I kinda put a French twist on a traditional turkey chili recipe.<br />
<br />
Lentil Turkey Chili<br />
<br />
Adapted from <a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/quick-turkey-chili-10000001842422/">Southern Living</a><br />
Makes 2-3 servings<br />
<br />
1/3 cup dried lentils<br />
3 cups broth of choice<br />
2t chili powder<br />
1t cumin<br />
1/4t salt<br />
8 oz. extra lean ground turkey breast (<a href="http://www.jennieo.com/products/GroundTurkey/ExtraLeanGroundTurkeyBreast.aspx">Jennie o</a> is pretty much the only way to go)<br />
a few green onions, chopped<br />
1t bottled minced garlic (or 2 actual garlic cloves)<br />
about 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes (I didn't measure, I just poured)<br />
<br />
Combine lentils and 1 cup of broth in a decent sized pot, bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cover. Check occasionally to see if liquid has been absorbed. If they look over done, just add more broth to rehydrate them and stir until slightly absorbed.<br />
<br />
Spray a large saucepan with nonstick spray, and saute onions and garlic until browned. Add chili powder, cumin, salt, and ground turkey and saute until no pink is left in the ground turkey. Add cooked lentils, crushed tomatoes, and broth. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes.<br />
<br />
Sadly, I really don't know how long to simmer it at the end. I just covered it, went to talk to my mom, and did some dishes. By the time I got back to it, it was totally overdone, but I just re hydrated it with some more broth, stirred it around, and let it cook for a bit more. I think this is a very forgiving recipe.<br />
<br />
But, it's <i>packed</i> with protein and my mom say it was the best chili she ever had!<br />
<br />
Thanks mom!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bbEAUyPg1zo/TgWRit9znsI/AAAAAAAAARc/iAa5gO136UQ/s1600/P1000349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bbEAUyPg1zo/TgWRit9znsI/AAAAAAAAARc/iAa5gO136UQ/s320/P1000349.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Bubbling.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fxNxl1zm0W4/TgWRrxM2JuI/AAAAAAAAARg/m4tUl0uNmsc/s1600/P1000350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fxNxl1zm0W4/TgWRrxM2JuI/AAAAAAAAARg/m4tUl0uNmsc/s320/P1000350.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Chili beauty. ;)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ss-OtK5CoGc/TgWR0rg6qdI/AAAAAAAAARk/qKwzACqvL7M/s1600/P1000352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ss-OtK5CoGc/TgWR0rg6qdI/AAAAAAAAARk/qKwzACqvL7M/s320/P1000352.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> It speaks for itself.<br />
<br />
Anyway, I think when it comes to the kitchen, I can be dangerous on a Friday night.<br />
<br />
Too much time on my hands, and too many ideas. Well, you can never have too many ideas, but you get the point.<br />
<br />
Too many fiascoes waiting to happen. I think you know what's coming.<br />
<br />
I shouldn't have done it, but I did anyway. Coconut butter.<br />
<br />
I got it from <a href="http://heathereatsalmondbutter.com/2010/03/09/homemade-coconut-butter/">Heather Eats Almond Butter</a>, and even she admitted that depending on the brand, type of processor, and even <i>cut of coconut</i> could determine whether or not it would work. At all.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7nRoqdh0onw/TgWR_UYwy2I/AAAAAAAAARo/TkJnSMlj4M8/s1600/P1000353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7nRoqdh0onw/TgWR_UYwy2I/AAAAAAAAARo/TkJnSMlj4M8/s320/P1000353.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> I even read flaked coconut tended no to work very well, but that's what I had, and I was determined at this point.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xju6wGpYlkE/TgWSJHGSBZI/AAAAAAAAARs/seNFNx9mIYk/s1600/P1000354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xju6wGpYlkE/TgWSJHGSBZI/AAAAAAAAARs/seNFNx9mIYk/s320/P1000354.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Here we go.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zAqgwzHLcUU/TgWST9IgUWI/AAAAAAAAARw/Cu5YzpgY1BI/s1600/P1000355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zAqgwzHLcUU/TgWST9IgUWI/AAAAAAAAARw/Cu5YzpgY1BI/s320/P1000355.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> It was blending, really, it was. I had to stop a bunch of times to scrape down the bowl, though.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g0ALkNaybxs/TgWSeAypwqI/AAAAAAAAAR0/pXR3NWlWkzU/s1600/P1000356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g0ALkNaybxs/TgWSeAypwqI/AAAAAAAAAR0/pXR3NWlWkzU/s320/P1000356.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> The oils were releasing, but, after quite some time of scraping, turning on, watching it get stuck, and scraping again, I decided to consult my sources. (<a href="http://heathereatsalmondbutter.com/2010/03/09/homemade-coconut-butter/">HEAB</a>.)<br />
<br />
I let the processor run while doing this, and I hoped that, by the time I got back, it would be buttery.<br />
<br />
False hope. I saw that it looked drippy as I walked back into the kitchen, I got all excited, and then I got this.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QVibpQyjLqY/TgWSoq_l9XI/AAAAAAAAAR4/CWcPqpsDgRQ/s1600/P1000357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QVibpQyjLqY/TgWSoq_l9XI/AAAAAAAAAR4/CWcPqpsDgRQ/s320/P1000357.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Sigh. Well, I loved that coconut, and refused to waste it. So I threw in some unsalted, dry roasted almonds and let it whirl.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UaEVWOXFQSM/TgWSy6bqzWI/AAAAAAAAAR8/O6esTYtC9Xk/s1600/P1000358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UaEVWOXFQSM/TgWSy6bqzWI/AAAAAAAAAR8/O6esTYtC9Xk/s320/P1000358.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Trusty almonds, saving the day.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yvcRn2R7Bvk/TgWS9pvIHgI/AAAAAAAAASA/WVtu_J8TUPg/s1600/P1000359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yvcRn2R7Bvk/TgWS9pvIHgI/AAAAAAAAASA/WVtu_J8TUPg/s320/P1000359.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><a href="http://www.surlatable.com/">Sur</a> jar and a little bit of another 5 oz. jar. As an end product, I got...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x2ZXq33ASco/TgWTGwphMFI/AAAAAAAAASE/emVpszAmALY/s1600/P1000360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x2ZXq33ASco/TgWTGwphMFI/AAAAAAAAASE/emVpszAmALY/s320/P1000360.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
COCONUT ALMOND BUTTER W/ WHITE CHOCOLATE!!!!!!!!!!<br />
<br />
It was <i>good.</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
-Kelly M.<br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<span id="goog_1664754638"></span><span id="goog_1664754639"></span>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11064849351314956262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111217344456161803.post-40905524347824002392011-06-23T22:00:00.000-07:002011-06-23T22:13:15.147-07:00Simply Nutsense<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">Drop everything you're doing right now.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">OK, don't drop your computer, and if your holding something valuable then don't drop that, well, actually, don't drop anything. Gently put everything down, and then continue reading.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">So as end-of-year present for my teachers, I decided to make nut butters.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">All different kinds of nut butters. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">But, why would <i>anyone</i> make nutter at home?<br />
<br />
Simple. Non-peanut and flavored nut butters cost a fortune and a half, some nut butter have insane additives, and when it comes to taste, store bought nut butters don't hold a candle to homemade ones. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">I went to Whole foods and bought out there nut section. (Along with some coconut chips, white chocolate chips, and coconut flour.)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cIQsy72ZMhM/TgOBTUCJbwI/AAAAAAAAAO4/LhwCiafguJs/s1600/P1000217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cIQsy72ZMhM/TgOBTUCJbwI/AAAAAAAAAO4/LhwCiafguJs/s320/P1000217.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> So anyway, I had 5 successful nut butters in total; White chocolate almond, cinnamon cashew, chocolate peanut, salted peanut, and salted mixed. White chocolate almond was the best <i>hands down.</i> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">That could easily just be because I am a sucker for white chocolate and love things to be sweet, sweet, sweet.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">White Chocolate Almond Butter</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 lb. dry roasted unsalted almonds</div><div style="text-align: left;">1/4 white chocolate chips</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Place almonds in a food processor and process until smooth and slightly drippy, stopping to scrape down bowl as necessary. Once at buttery consistency, add white chocolate chips and process until smooth. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Some blogs I've read say that almond butter takes quite a few scrape downs, but I guess I lucked out. My food processor is Hamilton Beach 10 cup capacity, which I got a Target for less than $45!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I guess it's either a pretty good processor or my almonds were just in a really cooperative mood.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dMA5AYRZk5I/TgOB8b-zS8I/AAAAAAAAAO8/qXxv9CgE2X0/s1600/P1000218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dMA5AYRZk5I/TgOB8b-zS8I/AAAAAAAAAO8/qXxv9CgE2X0/s320/P1000218.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Yes, you will try to get every last drop out of the processor and lick that spoon clean. Why? It's <i>good.</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t1MNokeoxEk/TgOCl5IRJEI/AAAAAAAAAPA/6x1EUWZe404/s1600/P1000220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t1MNokeoxEk/TgOCl5IRJEI/AAAAAAAAAPA/6x1EUWZe404/s320/P1000220.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> So next up, I tried to make a cinnamon toasted, honey and brown sugar pecan butter. No, it was not a mistake that it was left out of the successful nut butter list. Sigh...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ma9IIcBu6FY/TgODItBn3WI/AAAAAAAAAPE/dseVP5sAa60/s1600/P1000221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ma9IIcBu6FY/TgODItBn3WI/AAAAAAAAAPE/dseVP5sAa60/s320/P1000221.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> I sampled a pecan and it was absolutely heavenly. Sweet, but not too sweet, with just the right amount of crunch. I was <i>so </i>excited to make a nut butter out of this.<br />
<br />
I excitedly popped them all into the processor and whirled away.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5A4fY06eWeg/TgODoTKD4eI/AAAAAAAAAPI/bPY5xo3J93Y/s1600/P1000222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5A4fY06eWeg/TgODoTKD4eI/AAAAAAAAAPI/bPY5xo3J93Y/s320/P1000222.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> I had to stop it pretty often to scrape the bowl down, but didn't think much of it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lf9MdpYuMII/TgOD9jbFh9I/AAAAAAAAAPM/7Bjrs9SN_ig/s1600/P1000223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lf9MdpYuMII/TgOD9jbFh9I/AAAAAAAAAPM/7Bjrs9SN_ig/s320/P1000223.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> But eventually, I realized it just wouldn't blend. Looking back at it, I suppose it was the fact that the pecans had a sort of crust from the ingredients they were toasted with.<br />
<br />
It tasted great, but was in no way a "butter," so I guess I'm stuck with it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X0fv8EKkhbM/TgOERIH22GI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/GLFa5SZmJWw/s1600/P1000224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X0fv8EKkhbM/TgOERIH22GI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/GLFa5SZmJWw/s320/P1000224.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Oh well...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C9KUes0R0mE/TgOEjcC-OyI/AAAAAAAAAPU/UMYSqso9gls/s1600/P1000225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C9KUes0R0mE/TgOEjcC-OyI/AAAAAAAAAPU/UMYSqso9gls/s320/P1000225.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C9KUes0R0mE/TgOEjcC-OyI/AAAAAAAAAPU/UMYSqso9gls/s1600/P1000225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>The heart moves on.<br />
<br />
Next up, we have the cashew butter. This was pretty simple too.<br />
<br />
Cinnamon Cashew Butter<br />
<br />
1 lb. dry roasted unsalted cashews<br />
1t cinnamon (add more if you really like cinnamon)<br />
<br />
Place cashews in a food processor and blend until smooth and creamy. Add cinnamon and process until well blended and smooth.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ciTkX81X-xQ/TgOE1yP88fI/AAAAAAAAAPY/-llLcYKeTj0/s1600/P1000226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ciTkX81X-xQ/TgOE1yP88fI/AAAAAAAAAPY/-llLcYKeTj0/s320/P1000226.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Another success. I took this picture after I put in the cinnamon and before I blended it in. Amazing-ness.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3bFTAy7M-HM/TgOFIhFsgCI/AAAAAAAAAPc/uYhDz7a87_k/s1600/P1000227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3bFTAy7M-HM/TgOFIhFsgCI/AAAAAAAAAPc/uYhDz7a87_k/s320/P1000227.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Another fail. I *cough* tried to make soy nut butter in case anyone had a nut allergy, but it would only blend to a fine powder.<br />
<br />
No further.<br />
<br />
I really should've figured this one out, because soy nuts really aren't much like regular nuts used to make nut butters. But seeing soy nut butter in stores, I figured it would be a no-brainer. It wasn't.<br />
<br />
So AFTER I was stuck with my soy nut <i>powder, </i>I looked up how to make soy nut butter, and found a link to a blog called <a href="http://www.hungryhungryhippie.com/home-made-soynut-butter/">Hungry Hungry Hippie</a>, who explained it step by step.<br />
<br />
Apparently I was supposed to soak the soy nut first. But guess who didn't do that? Me.<br />
<br />
So, in a (<i>very</i>) feeble attempt to salvage my soy-catastrophe, I added water. Yeah, I actually thought that would help.<br />
<br />
I didn't.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T7uVv0-j2mU/TgOFYh7Xy8I/AAAAAAAAAPg/CCIHdMXtG3M/s1600/P1000228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T7uVv0-j2mU/TgOFYh7Xy8I/AAAAAAAAAPg/CCIHdMXtG3M/s320/P1000228.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> So I shoved my soy nut crumble back into that bag, and surprisingly, I took more volume than the original nuts did, which means my, um, "thing" I now have in my refrigerator is really low in calories.<br />
<br />
So maybe I can use it in some kind sauce?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IpL7Yx3accA/TgOFtNgsC6I/AAAAAAAAAPk/a6HOYj-46fM/s1600/P1000233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IpL7Yx3accA/TgOFtNgsC6I/AAAAAAAAAPk/a6HOYj-46fM/s320/P1000233.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Anyway, onto more crucial things. <i>Chocolate.</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
Chocolate Peanut Butter<br />
1 lb unsalted (I could only find salted, so that's what I used) dry roasted peanuts<br />
1-2 tbs. unsweetened cocoa powder (Ghirardelli. It's worth the extra $2 a jar.)<br />
1-3 tbs. granulated stevia (depending on how sweet you like it)<br />
<br />
Put peanuts in food processor and process until smooth and slightly drippy. Peanuts blend into a butter very easily, but be warned, it form a ball towards the beginning. It's not a sign of the end of the world, it's just a sign of peanut butter making. Once you reached peanut butter, add in the cocoa powder and stevia and process until you're back to peanut butter.<br />
<br />
You will never pay $10 a bottle for chocolate pb ever again.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-85TyTGK0E1U/TgOF-5fZX0I/AAAAAAAAAPo/9MpwnRNhoCo/s1600/P1000234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-85TyTGK0E1U/TgOF-5fZX0I/AAAAAAAAAPo/9MpwnRNhoCo/s320/P1000234.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The classic.<br />
<br />
Salted (or unsalted) Peanut Butter<br />
<br />
1 lb. salted (or unsalted) dry roasted peanuts<br />
<br />
Put in a processor and blend until smooth. That's it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--qFkfA6qllk/TgOGSFOsMHI/AAAAAAAAAPs/EOz5ED2Rsao/s1600/P1000235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--qFkfA6qllk/TgOGSFOsMHI/AAAAAAAAAPs/EOz5ED2Rsao/s320/P1000235.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I didn't really feel a blast of <i>mixed</i> nuts from this, but it was still good.<br />
<br />
Salted (or unsalted) Mixed Nut Butter<br />
1 lb. salted (or unsalted) mixed nuts<br />
<br />
Again, put the nuts in the processor, turn it on, and wait until you have the urge to turn it off and spread it on something. (I get it.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--OfP9UVhCk4/TgOGmmA5-yI/AAAAAAAAAPw/KCksdlouspY/s1600/P1000236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--OfP9UVhCk4/TgOGmmA5-yI/AAAAAAAAAPw/KCksdlouspY/s320/P1000236.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>My nut butter are modeling for us (how considerate!) When I was done blending everything, I just plopped them in some 5 oz. Sur Le Table jars, which I got for $8 for 4 jars.<br />
<br />
It never hurts to have your teachers like you.<br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
-Kelly M.<br />
<br />
<i>Q of the day: What is your favorite type of nut butter?</i>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11064849351314956262noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111217344456161803.post-24192609183011059552011-06-22T01:35:00.000-07:002011-06-22T01:35:13.088-07:00Julia Child, Here I ComeEvening, friends!<br />
<br />
It was another sleep in day for yours truly, and I hope all of you got your night's worth of sleep as well. I feel so bad for the people around me right now, because my nose has been glued to the copy of Mastering the Art of French Cooking I got yesterday at Barnes and Noble. I attempted to make an Omelet using the incredibly in depth description (3 whole pages!) given in the egg chapter. It didn't go well.<br />
<br />
No, I didn't take pictures. That wouldn't <i>really </i>make me look idiotic. But, get this, today's theme in cooking class was... FRENCH! I had a chance to redeem myself. Let's do this.<br />
<br />
So I think you may be disappointed in me. I didn't take pictures during the class, and I didn't dig out my camera when I lightened some of the recipes for dinner when I got home. Sorry.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">But I do plan on making up for it. Video, pics, and me rambling on is coming your way. (Does anyone know how to upload videos on to here? I might need some time...) </div><div><br />
</div><div>Prepare for the following recipes I plan to lighten up for you all (this was the menu in class today): Crepes w/ strawberries and cream, Ratatouille w/ chickpeas and couscous, French onion soup, and Salmon and vegetables en papillion (in paper.) </div><br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jcc_38ifomw/TgGgQna9oiI/AAAAAAAAAOw/OTmzsECY0-E/s1600/P1000327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jcc_38ifomw/TgGgQna9oiI/AAAAAAAAAOw/OTmzsECY0-E/s320/P1000327.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So after class, I went back to Bennett's. I should be more embarrassed that I've gone to the same place for fro yo three days in a row, but I'm not. It's just so creamy, perfectly sweetened, and </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">good.</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M8q_k8EDRYM/TgGgcAghDXI/AAAAAAAAAO0/2v8Dk-LZhb8/s1600/P1000328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M8q_k8EDRYM/TgGgcAghDXI/AAAAAAAAAO0/2v8Dk-LZhb8/s320/P1000328.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">But you'd all be really proud of me. I ordered something new. (NO, it wasn't because my beloved blueberry cheesecake was switched out with something else. OK, maybe it was. OK, it was.) I think this was called creamy orange, or orange vanilla, or something among those lines.<br />
<br />
OK, so for dinner I went home and made a healthier version of the crepes and onion soup we made in class. Or I really should say I <i>tried.<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br />
The crepes were good, and so was the soup. But for the soup, the onions didn't caramelize right and the finished product had burned bits of onion in it. Not quite recipe worthy, but I hope to perfect and get the recipe to you all soon. So for the crepes, I only used the actual batter and filled them with ham and cheese instead of strawberries and cream. Ready?<br />
<br />
Ham and Swiss Crepes<br />
Serves 2 relatively hungry people<br />
1/2 cup whole wheat flour<br />
1/2 cup liquid egg whites (or about 4 actual egg whites)<br />
dash of salt<br />
1/2 cup plus 1-2 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk<br />
1/4-1/2 cup of fat free Swiss cheese (<a href="http://www.lifetimefatfree.com/">lifetime</a> is pretty much your only decent option)<br />
about 1-2 ounces lean ham (I wouldn't know. I didn't weigh it, but I think I used about 5 thin slices.)<br />
<br />
Put egg whites in a blender and pulse 1-2 times. Add flour, almond milk, and salt and pulse until smooth. Cover and let batter sit at least 30 minutes (do not skip this step.)<br />
<br />
Heat a small pan over medium-high heat. Note: I wouldn't use your best pans for this job. The use of nonstick spray may ware down that fancy pot you may have, so just to be safe, you that Target pot you got for 5.99. Don't pretend you don't have it. Spritz pan with nonstick spray and, using a small ladle or medium serving spoon, pour a few tablespoons of batter into the pan and quickly tilt the pan so a <i>thin</i> layer of batter goes all over the surface of the skillet.<br />
<br />
Use a rubber or offset spatula to loosen the edges of the crepes and carefully flip. (Because of its thin-ness, the crepe will cook very quickly.) Remove from pan and repeat with remaining batter. Put them between layers of parchment paper to prevent the crepes from sticking together.<br />
<br />
For the filling, you can do this a few ways. If you want a stuffed pancake type thing, take one of your cooked crepes, put it in the pan, sprinkle some cheese on it, rip the ham slices into bite sized pieces and put that on top, cover with another crepe, and carefully flip. When the other side is slightly more brown than it was before, you're done.<br />
<br />
If you want a quesadilla type folded over thing; when you're cooking the crepe, when you're doing the second side after you've flipped the crepe once, sprinkle some cheese and bite sized pieces of ham and fold over. Wait a moment for cheese to melt, plate, and repeat. YUM!<br />
<br />
Maybe I'll take better pics tomorrow. ;)<br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
-Kelly M.<br />
</span></i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11064849351314956262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111217344456161803.post-18622644768093736842011-06-21T01:34:00.000-07:002011-06-21T01:37:10.060-07:00Edible EducationAah, learning.<br />
<br />
Since school if officially out for the summer (thank goodness,) naturally, I had to go off and take a class. Duh.<br />
<br />
But... we may all be able to learn something from this class. It's a teen cooking class at <a href="http://www.surlatable.com/">Sur Le Table</a> at <a href="http://www.thegrovela.com/">The Grove.</a> It's only a week long, but I have a feeling there is much to be learned in this week (and of course y'all will be learning too.) The course has a "Tour around the World" theme, and today was Mexican food day.<br />
<br />
I walked there in light of a <a href="http://foodiefiasco.blogspot.com/p/fiascos.html">Fiasco Mission</a>, but I ended up coming twenty minutes late. They were really nice about it, and class went on!<br />
<br />
So apparently, the class (of about 10 people,) broke into two teams; Team Awesome vs. Team Charlie (yet nobody is named Charlie.) The teacher's name is Annie, and she's is sooooo nice. After class, she even gave me a mini tour of the store while we gushed over kitchen appliances. (I love meeting people who understand the importance of a Kitchenaid mixer.) :)<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iWZTIvvYKJw/TgBJKZtmvYI/AAAAAAAAANo/IyJ_qyW_UwQ/s1600/P1000309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iWZTIvvYKJw/TgBJKZtmvYI/AAAAAAAAANo/IyJ_qyW_UwQ/s320/P1000309.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So I slept in until 11:30, and I enjoyed my bowl of stove top of oats at noon. Into the oats went:<br />
1/4 cup oats<br />
3T wheat bran<br />
1 cup unsweetened almond milk<br />
1 cup milk<br />
1/4t cinnamon<br />
a generous handful of stevia<br />
<br />
After I put the oats in my mug (I love eating my oatmeal in mugs,) i stirred in some WF (Whole Foods) white chocolate chips, and topped it with some kiwi, sliced banana, and white chocolate almond butter. (I'm working on getting that recipe to you guys, honestly.)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BFWCerRPGfQ/TgBJVGP6_fI/AAAAAAAAANs/cYfKUc-jNgY/s1600/P1000310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BFWCerRPGfQ/TgBJVGP6_fI/AAAAAAAAANs/cYfKUc-jNgY/s320/P1000310.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So after class at the Sur, (that's my new abbreviation for Sur Le Table,) I poked around and found this really awesome looking ice cream/sorbet/granita/frozen yumminess cook book. Unfortunately, It was almost 20$, and I don't have an ice cream maker. (Although I certainly wouldn't mind one... ;) )</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cjWrUSS_egI/TgBJgqb_MZI/AAAAAAAAANw/TNqvRSI4ows/s1600/P1000311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cjWrUSS_egI/TgBJgqb_MZI/AAAAAAAAANw/TNqvRSI4ows/s320/P1000311.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So here are the Vita mixes. Sadly, the one on the right is 599.99, and the one on the left is 499.99. But Annie told me Vita mixes have the horse power of a motor boat. So if I ever need to pulverize a boulder, I know what appliance to go to.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AylSeLdAKho/TgBJrx-X6_I/AAAAAAAAAN0/owzM1vl3rc8/s1600/P1000312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AylSeLdAKho/TgBJrx-X6_I/AAAAAAAAAN0/owzM1vl3rc8/s320/P1000312.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I think I have this exact mixer, but in Green Apple. Another difference is that, I didn't pay the 299.99 (or is is .95?) listed here. I payed under $220 at <a href="http://www.overstock.com/">overstock.com.</a></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pL1bKsA2oGk/TgBJ26JhKHI/AAAAAAAAAN4/mNOwez9z-mY/s1600/P1000313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pL1bKsA2oGk/TgBJ26JhKHI/AAAAAAAAAN4/mNOwez9z-mY/s320/P1000313.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Just leave me here and pick me up next year.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DP7iauroAVs/TgBKB4qRObI/AAAAAAAAAN8/zBTqxY5awGQ/s1600/P1000314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DP7iauroAVs/TgBKB4qRObI/AAAAAAAAAN8/zBTqxY5awGQ/s320/P1000314.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This is a page inside The Art of French Cooking by Julia Child. (I didn't even have a copy before today!) But, it was $40, so I decided to look elsewhere.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OQ27PRFQ1e0/TgBKNAGMOII/AAAAAAAAAOA/xm8asTBW-xI/s1600/P1000315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OQ27PRFQ1e0/TgBKNAGMOII/AAAAAAAAAOA/xm8asTBW-xI/s320/P1000315.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So I couldn't help myself. I went back to the exact same ice cream place I went yesterday. (But they posted nutritional information AND ingredients. Does that count for something?)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AMXx8_ftXa0/TgBKYF6_psI/AAAAAAAAAOE/fObOBGKbi6I/s1600/P1000316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AMXx8_ftXa0/TgBKYF6_psI/AAAAAAAAAOE/fObOBGKbi6I/s320/P1000316.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">My mom ordered the exact same fro yo I ordered yesterday, but dipped in chocolate.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jxV0yql2QC4/TgBKhj4--JI/AAAAAAAAAOI/fUsgOf9etiE/s1600/P1000317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jxV0yql2QC4/TgBKhj4--JI/AAAAAAAAAOI/fUsgOf9etiE/s320/P1000317.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I, being the wild person I am, ordered the exact same thing I ordered yesterday. Living in the edge, I am.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-na8853ptkmY/TgBKrPpXCdI/AAAAAAAAAOM/zRwjnZsxzF8/s1600/P1000318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-na8853ptkmY/TgBKrPpXCdI/AAAAAAAAAOM/zRwjnZsxzF8/s320/P1000318.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Yay, Bennett's! </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U_62k5-k48I/TgBK2A0aDYI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/Y2_UFcpp4qY/s1600/P1000319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U_62k5-k48I/TgBK2A0aDYI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/Y2_UFcpp4qY/s320/P1000319.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So afterwards, my mom and I used the need of a parking validation as an excuse to go to Barnes and Noble. Thanks, validation!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rjNieLVQT_Y/TgBLB6BxwMI/AAAAAAAAAOU/AUyKKJZICFs/s1600/P1000320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rjNieLVQT_Y/TgBLB6BxwMI/AAAAAAAAAOU/AUyKKJZICFs/s320/P1000320.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I heart Cooking Light. (No I didn't buy ALL the books. Yet.)</span></td></tr>
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<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/-hSdYernwMeY/TgBLNdYLXRI/AAAAAAAAAOY/kPAfeVIGRRM/s1600/P1000321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hSdYernwMeY/TgBLNdYLXRI/AAAAAAAAAOY/kPAfeVIGRRM/s320/P1000321.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This is <i>the</i> book for the stand mixer. At the end of this, I'm going to have a wish list of books so long it'll fill a book itself!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2_MwUBvMM1U/TgBLYmkstSI/AAAAAAAAAOc/PtVSMRrZydg/s1600/P1000322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2_MwUBvMM1U/TgBLYmkstSI/AAAAAAAAAOc/PtVSMRrZydg/s320/P1000322.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I was on my way out, promise. But it looked <i>interesting</i>. I just had to look at it.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nmyd-RM5hJU/TgBLjMiwzbI/AAAAAAAAAOg/EoDELKmMNuc/s1600/P1000323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nmyd-RM5hJU/TgBLjMiwzbI/AAAAAAAAAOg/EoDELKmMNuc/s320/P1000323.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This is in a Brazilian cookbook. My friend Priscila, (<a href="http://foodiefiasco.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-heart-my-oatmeal.html">remember?</a>) is Brazilian and makes an amazing version of this with her grandmother. (Can I please have the recipe, Pri? Pretty, pretty please? But the people want to have the yummy cheese bread recipe share with them! Pwease?)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QUvC7ckVJ1o/TgBMLaqjM_I/AAAAAAAAAOk/Zhhs1KYmPNo/s1600/P1000324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QUvC7ckVJ1o/TgBMLaqjM_I/AAAAAAAAAOk/Zhhs1KYmPNo/s320/P1000324.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Being the Irish girl I am, I looked in the traditional Irish cooking book. Of course, I opened up to the recipe to Batter Pudding. I'd lighten up the recipe for you all, of course!</span></td></tr>
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<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/-KzuxYLZ9MeY/TgBMW6BKMeI/AAAAAAAAAOo/mipWhgFNc3g/s1600/P1000325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KzuxYLZ9MeY/TgBMW6BKMeI/AAAAAAAAAOo/mipWhgFNc3g/s320/P1000325.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Another mishmash dinner. It was inspired by today's Mexican food lesson.<br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><div style="text-align: left;">Deconstructed Skillet Mexican Lasagna (say that five times fast)</div><div style="text-align: left;">2 small corn tortillas</div><div style="text-align: left;">1/2 cup <a href="http://www.bocaburger.com/">Boca</a> soy crumbles (their natural version is the best!)</div><div style="text-align: left;">1/2 cup- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes (I didn't measure, I just poured)</div><div style="text-align: left;">sprinkling chili powder</div><div style="text-align: left;">1/2 -1t minced bottled garlic (or about 1-2 cloves minced)</div><div style="text-align: left;">salt, to taste</div><div style="text-align: left;">about 2T fat free/low fat cheese</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Spritz corn tortillas with nonstick spray, cook in a skillet on medium high heat until crispy, about 2-3 minutes on each side. I didn't time it, so just watch. Remove tortillas from pan. Spray skillet with nonstick spray, and add soy crumbles, tomatoes, chili powder, garlic, and salt. Tear tortillas into bite- sized pieces, and add to skillet. Once mixture is thoroughly heated, sprinkle cheese on top and cover until melted. Picture note: The cheese is in their, but after I scooped it into my mug, (more mug eating!) the cheese wasn't on top anymore. It still tastes good. </div></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U85zBPFjlgw/TgBMhxO1pyI/AAAAAAAAAOs/38CSk6XkUAw/s1600/P1000326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U85zBPFjlgw/TgBMhxO1pyI/AAAAAAAAAOs/38CSk6XkUAw/s320/P1000326.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">As a quick side, I snapped the ends off some green beans. I tried to do it quickly by just lining them all up and cutting all the end up at once. I also cut them in half once or twice more because I like them kinda short. It's just a personal preference, so feel free to not do that. (I would still take the ends off, though.) I just browned them up in a skillet sprayed with nonstick spray. Along with the green beans, I added a dash of salt and some bottled garlic. Play around with it if you want. Use a few cloves of garlic (more or less, whatever you like,) and put in your favorite salt substitute if you want. Yay, versatility!<br />
<br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><div style="text-align: left;">Enjoy!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">-Kelly M.</div></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11064849351314956262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111217344456161803.post-71335313509758984782011-06-20T01:47:00.000-07:002011-06-20T01:47:32.635-07:00A Dijon DayHappy Father's Day! (Well, not anymore...)<br />
<br />
I had a quite a day, and I know I'm supposed to be catching up on posts for the pasta few days, but I though today (tonight,) I would actually talk about <i>today.</i> What a concept!<br />
<br />
I got up relatively early for a weekend in summer, so i decided to take my mom to yoga for the first time. After going to the wrong place and finally showing up there more than 20 minutes late because (naturally) I got the class time wrong, the nice ladies at the desk decided to take pity on us and let us in anyway.<br />
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The class was <i>fantastic.</i> Yoga is great and I really hope to do more in the future! But I read on the website of a local yoga place (I don't think it's the one we actually ended up going to) that I shouldn't eat three hours before the class. So I skipped breakfast.<br />
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I survived, but I don't think I'd do that again. So after class, I went to Father's Day lunch with my dad, where we went (by his choice) to a bar-type restaurant called Saddle Ranch.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VmJ_z8P6BaM/Tf70ztufazI/AAAAAAAAAL4/yAz0m-dUg-c/s1600/P1000279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VmJ_z8P6BaM/Tf70ztufazI/AAAAAAAAAL4/yAz0m-dUg-c/s320/P1000279.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">You can't read the menu, can you?</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"Smart Drinks" is legible, but I think that's about it.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sx4ieMUjbk8/Tf71KTRaCEI/AAAAAAAAAMA/vrXEpCIxmEk/s1600/P1000281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sx4ieMUjbk8/Tf71KTRaCEI/AAAAAAAAAMA/vrXEpCIxmEk/s320/P1000281.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Since I did miss breakfast, I did start wolfing my salad down before I snapped a pic. I ordered the Thai Peanut Crunch, and I must've given the poor server a headache with my special ordering. I didn't take notes on the subject, but I think I ordered it without noodles, different noodles, won ton strips, sesame seeds, and with the dressing on the side. Can I also have a side of Dijon mustard? Whew. That sounded long even to me. (Take another look at the pic. That whole bowl was practically filled to the brim with salad. It was HUGE.)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QWV-Qn0vpxw/Tf71SidGtSI/AAAAAAAAAME/sMz3axqFwjo/s1600/P1000282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QWV-Qn0vpxw/Tf71SidGtSI/AAAAAAAAAME/sMz3axqFwjo/s320/P1000282.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I love ordering salads dry and then dipping my me salad goodies into Dijon. As you can see, I cleaned this bottle out. I wanted my 12.99 worth. (Yeah I know, paying thirteen bucks is probably too much to pay for a huge bowl of lettuce and salad related items. Oh well, it <i>is</i> a holiday.)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-784PWzu8X9c/Tf71bD76y1I/AAAAAAAAAMI/V-80mRzZRCk/s1600/P1000283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-784PWzu8X9c/Tf71bD76y1I/AAAAAAAAAMI/V-80mRzZRCk/s320/P1000283.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Look at all the dressing the gave me on the side! When you think about it, it would probably take that much to coat a salad like that. So I guess I don't need to feel so bad about cleaning out that jar of Dijon, should I?</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OnLNFeZWHyw/Tf71mQtai_I/AAAAAAAAAMM/w6Hx3EBMilg/s1600/P1000284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OnLNFeZWHyw/Tf71mQtai_I/AAAAAAAAAMM/w6Hx3EBMilg/s320/P1000284.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">There were also peanuts, edamame, carrots, and cucumber in there. Yum! (But I was soooo full.)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eE9cy90wM1g/Tf71xSq2DMI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/NV2oAqEvR_I/s1600/P1000285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eE9cy90wM1g/Tf71xSq2DMI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/NV2oAqEvR_I/s320/P1000285.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I tried to get my dad to go on that bull (to no avail. Maybe next year?)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g2HABP-qcIY/Tf7175Ny8FI/AAAAAAAAAMU/mHEuYc1IrVQ/s1600/P1000286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g2HABP-qcIY/Tf7175Ny8FI/AAAAAAAAAMU/mHEuYc1IrVQ/s320/P1000286.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Check out these guitar dudes that hang around the tables playing for customers for tips.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--kv3YImJ98k/Tf72GgWRf8I/AAAAAAAAAMY/rO8P3g0QX-4/s1600/P1000287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--kv3YImJ98k/Tf72GgWRf8I/AAAAAAAAAMY/rO8P3g0QX-4/s320/P1000287.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I think this sign is pretty funny.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-alp7KRNaQxQ/Tf72ReeBrhI/AAAAAAAAAMc/stua_grlQ1U/s1600/P1000288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-alp7KRNaQxQ/Tf72ReeBrhI/AAAAAAAAAMc/stua_grlQ1U/s320/P1000288.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So after that, I went to go see a movie at <a href="http://www.thegrovela.com/">The Grove</a> with my mom, and we took a detour to Sur Le Table, that amazing (and kinda overpriced) kitchen supply store.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5jKNKOkKzg8/Tf72ddtntkI/AAAAAAAAAMg/qje6dXycWso/s1600/P1000289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5jKNKOkKzg8/Tf72ddtntkI/AAAAAAAAAMg/qje6dXycWso/s320/P1000289.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I love this place.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M_QRZ3skS24/Tf72oGUqaJI/AAAAAAAAAMk/lywg_a5pEGM/s1600/P1000290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M_QRZ3skS24/Tf72oGUqaJI/AAAAAAAAAMk/lywg_a5pEGM/s320/P1000290.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">By the way, I'm taking a teen summer cooking class here in this very <a href="http://www.surlatable.com/">Sur Le Table</a> kitchen. I'm not sure they'll let me take pictures, but I'll try my best to fill you all in afterwards.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">More kitchen. Eventually I had to ask my mom to drag me out of here before I put us in the poor house. (Thanks, Mom!)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S0Oi8eojoZY/Tf729sJ4ffI/AAAAAAAAAMs/g4_vtL_EM7g/s1600/P1000292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S0Oi8eojoZY/Tf729sJ4ffI/AAAAAAAAAMs/g4_vtL_EM7g/s320/P1000292.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So at the Farmer's Market...Yes, yes this is chocolate pasta. I think the sample would've been better if it had been cooked, because raw pasta typically isn't overly appealing.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D8dDmv4oEj0/Tf73JAcFAdI/AAAAAAAAAMw/gMCEbptaNWg/s1600/P1000293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D8dDmv4oEj0/Tf73JAcFAdI/AAAAAAAAAMw/gMCEbptaNWg/s320/P1000293.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I just wanted to hop in a start basking in the fruit bath. (But that might've looked weird. Just maybe.)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dfvjH_PcXaI/Tf73Uyt4z6I/AAAAAAAAAM0/JSSMNfgCBTg/s1600/P1000295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dfvjH_PcXaI/Tf73Uyt4z6I/AAAAAAAAAM0/JSSMNfgCBTg/s320/P1000295.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So I swiped (but not before paying :) ) some seedless grapes, a package of strawberries, a mango, and three bananas before continuing on our Farmer's Market journey. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Aoh7__Jrgs/Tf73ghe9WuI/AAAAAAAAAM4/A8gYQhU9gTM/s1600/P1000296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Aoh7__Jrgs/Tf73ghe9WuI/AAAAAAAAAM4/A8gYQhU9gTM/s320/P1000296.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">To any gluten free readers out there, check these out! The man at the counter said they guaranteed you'd love it, or your money back. (Cool!)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-niRJ_7D44hE/Tf73ryxdvII/AAAAAAAAAM8/rsbMvc5I1_4/s1600/P1000297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-niRJ_7D44hE/Tf73ryxdvII/AAAAAAAAAM8/rsbMvc5I1_4/s320/P1000297.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Ahhhh, choices.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XEYwpbisE-c/Tf731S2JysI/AAAAAAAAANA/3ddTmOUHmhQ/s1600/P1000298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XEYwpbisE-c/Tf731S2JysI/AAAAAAAAANA/3ddTmOUHmhQ/s320/P1000298.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So on our way out, we stopped at this awesome ice cream/fro yo place called Bennet's, where I order some nonfat and no sugar added blueberry cheesecake fro yo. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bKqX2T2fGEI/Tf73_3ZVTlI/AAAAAAAAANE/SgyBLRlbPXk/s1600/P1000299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bKqX2T2fGEI/Tf73_3ZVTlI/AAAAAAAAANE/SgyBLRlbPXk/s320/P1000299.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Yes, for calories, that actually says 50 per half cup. I'm not really sure that's right, but, oh well, the blueberry frozen yogurt was DELICIOUS!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0sugY1vfrVE/Tf74LWQjnjI/AAAAAAAAANI/yvplQrFvr5U/s1600/P1000300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0sugY1vfrVE/Tf74LWQjnjI/AAAAAAAAANI/yvplQrFvr5U/s320/P1000300.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I think I'm smiling behind my fro yo. :)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LRKmxI1Ntcs/Tf74WGGOrpI/AAAAAAAAANM/z-Jec96oMqU/s1600/P1000301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LRKmxI1Ntcs/Tf74WGGOrpI/AAAAAAAAANM/z-Jec96oMqU/s320/P1000301.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Oh look, I am! (That's my fro yo smiley face.)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NBhtxBrv2Eg/Tf74hi4TO_I/AAAAAAAAANQ/9_CeXC3ru-Y/s1600/P1000302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NBhtxBrv2Eg/Tf74hi4TO_I/AAAAAAAAANQ/9_CeXC3ru-Y/s320/P1000302.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A nice man offered to take a picture of me and my mom. (It can be fun to have people think you're tourists.)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DQHo4Op3yW4/Tf74tJBAxGI/AAAAAAAAANU/feSVcmlVzb0/s1600/P1000303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DQHo4Op3yW4/Tf74tJBAxGI/AAAAAAAAANU/feSVcmlVzb0/s320/P1000303.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Ok, so I'm kinda obsessed with popcorn. I usually pop up an 100 calorie bag, but they can be laden with unpronounceable ingredients, and, because I have I probably have a bag a day on average, I decided to pop my own! I sprayed a large, heavy pot with nonstick spray, and put in two tablespoons of Archer Farms (Target) brand golden popcorn (only one ingredient, popping corn, which <i>is</i> a whole grain, and it only has 70 calories per two tablespoon unpopped, about 4 cups popped, serving!) Cover the pot and let it be until you start to hear popping. (I wouldn't take the lid off. Patience! It took a few minutes, but it did happen.) Once the popping slows, take the lid off and check on it. I</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QW90gLT4zI8/Tf75CfizSrI/AAAAAAAAANc/lOjE565z7mw/s1600/P1000305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QW90gLT4zI8/Tf75CfizSrI/AAAAAAAAANc/lOjE565z7mw/s320/P1000305.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I'm ashamed. My two favorite popcorn topping are I Can't believe It's Not Butter! spray and Kernal Seasons popcorn salt. It's a habit to be broken, I know.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5SUKWUJDt00/Tf75NQ45E7I/AAAAAAAAANg/FDMO9rEvMvU/s1600/P1000306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5SUKWUJDt00/Tf75NQ45E7I/AAAAAAAAANg/FDMO9rEvMvU/s320/P1000306.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So by the time I got to dinner because of when we got home from the movie, I just had it in my mind to feed myself something pretty decent.<br />
<br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><div style="text-align: left;">My Mishmash Egg Hash</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 cup frozen hash browns (Yeah, I know, this is probably not considered "health food." But the ingredients aren't that scary and there's some serious convenience there.)</div><div style="text-align: left;">1/2 cup liquid egg whites (or 4 actual egg whites)</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 onion, diced or chopped or however you like to cut your onions</div><div style="text-align: left;">a few pieces of celery, chopped</div><div style="text-align: left;">about 1/4 teaspoon salt (omit if you are a serious salt avoid er)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I literally just through this in a skillet sprayed with nonstick spray and stirred it around until it looked done. If anyone cares, I think I put it in in the skillet in the order the ingredients are listed, and let them cook for however long it took me to get the ingredient ready. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">At the end, I stirred in some Dijon mustard for flavor, and plus, I think I must've been in some kind of Dijon mood. It may not win the pretties dinner of the year award, but it was pretty darn good given the circumstances.</div></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bvzbDPGY6us/Tf75YoSaSQI/AAAAAAAAANk/sbgzU6iZ3Mk/s1600/P1000307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bvzbDPGY6us/Tf75YoSaSQI/AAAAAAAAANk/sbgzU6iZ3Mk/s320/P1000307.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So for a before bed snack, (doesn't that bring back memories?) I made some of my <a href="http://foodiefiasco.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-heart-my-oatmeal.html">stove top oats</a>. Why? Simple, a day with oats is sorta like a day without sunshine. So I stirred in some Whole Foods white chocolate chips, and topped it with coconut chips, (got them at Whole Foods,) banana slices, some white chocolate almond butter, (hang on for the recipe,) and some frozen blackberries. I've topped my oats with frozen berries lately because it's kinda like topping your oats with chunks of fruity ice cream that won't melt all over everything immediately (although that might taste awesome.)<br />
<br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><div style="text-align: left;">I think I might be done rambling on for today. Thanks for reading!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Enjoy!</div><div style="text-align: left;">-Kelly M. </div></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11064849351314956262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111217344456161803.post-34405352961491593332011-06-18T23:48:00.000-07:002011-06-18T23:48:33.742-07:00The Smiling Banana<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hello all!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am a little behind on my updates (sorry!) I'm still getting the hang of my blogging schedule, but I'm so excited to really reach out to people through the kitchen and the quest for good health!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sorry to get all cliche on you, but I really mean it. So anyway, here's my edible recap for, um, I think it was Thursday. But I'm not totally sure.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So I got up, made my <a href="http://foodiefiasco.blogspot.com/2011/06/benihana-or-bust.html">perfected microwave oats</a>, and topped it with...</div><br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5mkZv2i_ZaE/Tf2SGxHCyOI/AAAAAAAAALs/KUFvWzu0M6Q/s1600/P1000213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5mkZv2i_ZaE/Tf2SGxHCyOI/AAAAAAAAALs/KUFvWzu0M6Q/s320/P1000213.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">...banana slices to form a smiley face. (I know it's corny, but isn't it nice to dive into a happy looking breakfast?)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pkkyL4oB7EQ/Tf2SQ3HduSI/AAAAAAAAALw/BRESTbMm2AU/s1600/P1000214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pkkyL4oB7EQ/Tf2SQ3HduSI/AAAAAAAAALw/BRESTbMm2AU/s320/P1000214.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I also topped it with some AMAZING organic strawberries I got at the Farmer's Market a few days ago. (I took pictures, and I hope I can get them up soon.)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eZNdbh3foq0/Tf2Sb6JtXfI/AAAAAAAAAL0/8aAAOG4c0rY/s1600/P1000215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eZNdbh3foq0/Tf2Sb6JtXfI/AAAAAAAAAL0/8aAAOG4c0rY/s320/P1000215.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">My oats are still smiling, but they're just smiling under a layer of strawberries. No problemo.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">So anyway, I went to school and basked in the fact that school was almost over but, since I'm not even sure what day this was, I'm also not too sure what else I did that day. I had a Fuji apple for lunch with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich made with some of that <a href="http://foodiefiasco.blogspot.com/2011/06/better-butter.html">amazing peanut butter I made yesterday.</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">But for dinner, my mom comes home with a bunch of red snapper and asks me to do something with it. Great.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Not that I had a problem with that, I love cooking for my mom and snapper is such a great ingredient. So I got creative. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">My mom loves Rice Krispy cereal, so I thought I'd crust it with that. This can either turn out really well, or in a frantic call to the local Chinese takeout place. Here goes nothing...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Krispy Krust Snapper with Lemon Dijon Dipping Sauce</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">1/2 lb. of Red Snapper</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 cup of Rice Krispy Cereal (or any other crisp rice cereal)</div><div style="text-align: left;">1/4t salt</div><div style="text-align: left;">1/2 cup liquid egg whites (or about 2-3 actual egg whites)</div><div style="text-align: left;">1/2 lemon </div><div style="text-align: left;">Dijon mustard</div><div style="text-align: left;">salt and pepper, to taste</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Place cereal and salt in a blender or food processor and pulse until slightly more than coarsely chopped. Transfer to bowl or shallow dish and set aside.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Pour egg whites into a bowl or shallow dish and set aside. Season snapper with salt and pepper. Coat both sides of snapper with egg whites and dredge in cereal mixture. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Transfer to a baking dish coated with nonstick spray. (I used nonstick tin foil to avoid cleanup.) Bake in oven at 450 degrees F for 20-30 minutes, or until fish flakes with a fork. Sorry to be so vague about baking times, but my oven is kinda old. It's a trooper, but the baking temps and times are kinda off, so I usually can't be overly precise about baking times. As long as you check pretty frequently around the time it should be done, you should be fine.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">To make sauce, squeeze the juice from the half lemon into a small dish or bowl. Feel free to use a schmancy juicer, but I just held the lemon over the dish and juiced it the old fashioned way. (I just squeezed it until it looked like the juice was out of the lemon. Easy-peasy.) Either way, just make sure there are no seeds in the dish. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Zest about a teaspoon of the lemon ring into the dish. The reason I didn't give a measurement for the Dijon is because I just stirred it into the lemon juice until it reached a pretty thick consistency. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Serve snapper with some kind of veggie and the sauce for dipping. Dig in!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wjLtWbwl0UY/Tf2R7wWitTI/AAAAAAAAALo/RdxCdn6h_zY/s1600/P1000212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wjLtWbwl0UY/Tf2R7wWitTI/AAAAAAAAALo/RdxCdn6h_zY/s320/P1000212.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Notice how I tried to make my sauce look fancy. You decide if I was successful. (I kinda think it looked nice ;) )<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Enjoy!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">-Kelly M.</div></span></td></tr>
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</div>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11064849351314956262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111217344456161803.post-51777709523823250962011-06-18T11:27:00.000-07:002011-06-18T11:28:25.036-07:00The Better Butter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have a confession to make.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ever since I was a little girl, I haven't liked peanut butter. It's horrifying, I know. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But I survived. So when I went to go lose the weight, I really didn't miss it because of its high calorie count. I knew it was all good fat but, well, I just didn't eat it. So when I found out about this "low calorie" product, called better n peanut butter, that was made from defatted peanut flour, peanut butter, and peanut oils, I didn't know what to make of it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So I picked up a jar at Trader Joe's, and it was love from there. It's so sweet, creamy, and delish. AND it only had 50 calories and 1 gram of fat per tablespoon. I had it made.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But when I went natural, I wanted to integrate real peanut butter into my diet. Sadly, I still had that haunting problem; I don't like peanut butter. So I started playing around on the Internet, and I found this amazing blog called <a href="http://www.eatingbirdfood.com/">Eating Bird Food</a>, written by a lovely sounding and knowledgeable woman named Brittany. I haven't met her, but I would be SO honored to, and to be under her wing, and I plan on emailing her soon. So on her website I saw recipes for nut butters, along with links to other blogs such as <a href="http://edibleperspective.com/">The Edible Perspective</a>, that had recipes to nut butter recipes, too. So I finally treated myself to a food processor (Don't try making nut butter in a food chopper, it doesn't work. Not that I would know.) So into the processor went...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Cinnamon Honey (or Maple Syrup) Peanut Butter</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 cup of dry roasted unsalted peanuts</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1T Stevia (more sweetness)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1-2t cinnamon</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">about 1 1/2t honey (or 3 tbs. maple syrup)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bd7MBp7onlA/TfmCRgSKRXI/AAAAAAAAAKk/AzV3_aIZcvU/s1600/P1000199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bd7MBp7onlA/TfmCRgSKRXI/AAAAAAAAAKk/AzV3_aIZcvU/s320/P1000199.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">My good old Safeway dry roasted unsalted peanuts.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xtzx4p4kSYM/TfmCdGxnv9I/AAAAAAAAAKo/5-d2YQdv1Js/s1600/P1000200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xtzx4p4kSYM/TfmCdGxnv9I/AAAAAAAAAKo/5-d2YQdv1Js/s320/P1000200.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Add ONLY THE PEANUTS. Sorry, but I didn't want you to miss that.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nC5Cv89ct1A/TfmCoXIXHOI/AAAAAAAAAKs/R0BxkpLBtPo/s1600/P1000201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nC5Cv89ct1A/TfmCoXIXHOI/AAAAAAAAAKs/R0BxkpLBtPo/s320/P1000201.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Not quite ready yet. (It never hurts to check with a steak knife.)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xhNQBcGQ1hQ/TfmCygiL0qI/AAAAAAAAAKw/_QXYSLSj-BY/s1600/P1000202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xhNQBcGQ1hQ/TfmCygiL0qI/AAAAAAAAAKw/_QXYSLSj-BY/s320/P1000202.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So here I added the cinnamon, stevia, and maple syrup. I used maple syrup for this batch, and honey for the next one.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wy3lAWlMTdI/TfmC98D-b2I/AAAAAAAAAK0/mf_z8UkBKe0/s1600/P1000203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wy3lAWlMTdI/TfmC98D-b2I/AAAAAAAAAK0/mf_z8UkBKe0/s320/P1000203.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This is why I am the Fiasco Foodie. This is a fiasco right here. Can <i>anyone</i> mess peanut butter up? I can. Apparently, I added WAY to much maple syrup, and in a feeble attempt to thin everything out, I added water. <i>Don't ever, ever do that. Ever.</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jV9MJJbjLmE/TfmDH2QAZvI/AAAAAAAAAK4/vt6vsfASh88/s1600/P1000204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jV9MJJbjLmE/TfmDH2QAZvI/AAAAAAAAAK4/vt6vsfASh88/s320/P1000204.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So there it is. My sad, sad "butter."The good news is that it's only about 73 calories a tablespoon. The bad news is that in no way shape or form is it a peanut butter. That is pretty bad news. So I think I'm going to make an attempt to salvage it in some sort of peanut sauce. More on that later...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cr-ZhuIOtzk/TfmDRI97oQI/AAAAAAAAAK8/C63MJ-i_QNc/s1600/P1000205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cr-ZhuIOtzk/TfmDRI97oQI/AAAAAAAAAK8/C63MJ-i_QNc/s320/P1000205.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Round 2 (I really hope this goes better.)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uXXYOgbkUJY/TfmDbj2ZQCI/AAAAAAAAALA/d7uMWXXXuCw/s1600/P1000206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uXXYOgbkUJY/TfmDbj2ZQCI/AAAAAAAAALA/d7uMWXXXuCw/s320/P1000206.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Fingers crossed...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5nWY69VlRU8/TfmDmxf4nmI/AAAAAAAAALE/aektB7hKJIk/s1600/P1000207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5nWY69VlRU8/TfmDmxf4nmI/AAAAAAAAALE/aektB7hKJIk/s320/P1000207.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">...it's still going...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XhEoPwbfnho/TfmDxbjn5DI/AAAAAAAAALI/e8gJtlDifM4/s1600/P1000208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XhEoPwbfnho/TfmDxbjn5DI/AAAAAAAAALI/e8gJtlDifM4/s320/P1000208.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Beautiful.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Oq0y9Q_an0/TfmD7wCT5uI/AAAAAAAAALM/TC0LRM09sqs/s1600/P1000209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Oq0y9Q_an0/TfmD7wCT5uI/AAAAAAAAALM/TC0LRM09sqs/s320/P1000209.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So here I added my cinnamon and honey. I </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">said "about" for the honey in the ingredient list because I used a modest knife-ful, and not an actual measuring utensil. (Sorry about that. Good luck interpreting my strange knife conversions.;) By the way, see that little bit of peanut butter missing from the right corner? That was my sampling. It was <i>good.</i>)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JR3HzZWGvO0/TfmEHa58njI/AAAAAAAAALQ/8KxFk2EYx9o/s1600/P1000210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JR3HzZWGvO0/TfmEHa58njI/AAAAAAAAALQ/8KxFk2EYx9o/s320/P1000210.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So there it is, all blended and ready to be devoured. It actually worked! I'm so excited. And here's some of the best part, even <i>I</i>, peanut butter non-believer, am hooked. It's so creamy, smooth, light, and <i>good.</i> If you luck out like I seemed to have, it will also have the perfect amount of sweetness. My mom suggested I rename it Ambrosia butter, because she said it was the best nut butter she has ever had. And my mom loves peanut butter.<br />
<br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><div style="text-align: left;">And all is right in the nutty world for now.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Enjoy!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">-Kelly M.</div></span></td></tr>
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</div>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11064849351314956262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111217344456161803.post-54686078938255509562011-06-15T10:15:00.000-07:002011-06-15T10:15:01.255-07:00Benihana or Bust<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I did it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
First off, good morning, and I'm sorry I missed you all yesterday. Now on to the topic at hand...breakfast.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I started with the biggest bowl I had (a 4 cup Pyrex glass bowl) without using a ginormous serving bowl (because then would <i>really </i>look idiotic.) I added exactly what I did yesterday, except I only added 1/2 cup water. It worked soooooo much better. So into my 4 cup bowl went...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1/2 cup water</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1/2 almond milk</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1/2 banana, thinly sliced</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1/4 cup rolled oats</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3T wheat bran</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xb3hQQdyMHE/Tfg4ATsqAJI/AAAAAAAAAIE/hHueb2D0kBs/s1600/P1000162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xb3hQQdyMHE/Tfg4ATsqAJI/AAAAAAAAAIE/hHueb2D0kBs/s320/P1000162.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ready for nuking.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qWuqhXEHE_8/Tfg31QGrZSI/AAAAAAAAAIA/nFHYr670gkU/s1600/P1000161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qWuqhXEHE_8/Tfg31QGrZSI/AAAAAAAAAIA/nFHYr670gkU/s320/P1000161.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">My ginormo-bowl.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n0c56_9wjmA/Tfg4XiDuRoI/AAAAAAAAAIM/0VWNPR5F2Tc/s1600/P1000164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n0c56_9wjmA/Tfg4XiDuRoI/AAAAAAAAAIM/0VWNPR5F2Tc/s320/P1000164.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Look at how beautiful it came out!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hJ4nzxxVEAU/Tfg4iu1Qi_I/AAAAAAAAAIQ/DU_gi9mg4OE/s1600/P1000165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hJ4nzxxVEAU/Tfg4iu1Qi_I/AAAAAAAAAIQ/DU_gi9mg4OE/s320/P1000165.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I topped it with coconut, more sliced banana, and a nice glob of better n pb.</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>So. I was super proud of my oat-y achievement, I put a lid on it, and ate it in the car on the way to school. (No, I wasn't driving. Oats+ Driving= Very icky shoes.) So after I'm done diving through my sweet toppings, I realize I didn't put any stevia in. I love my oats, but I want them sweet. Oh well, I guess I'm just not a morning person. :)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8ASGiLBzCZc/Tfg4tmNKsjI/AAAAAAAAAIU/gjmZaW4vViA/s1600/P1000168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8ASGiLBzCZc/Tfg4tmNKsjI/AAAAAAAAAIU/gjmZaW4vViA/s320/P1000168.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">So for celebration purposes, My friend, Janan pronounced (Juh-nawn. Not Jai-nain, not Jow-now, not any other wierd mispronunciations ) and I went to Benihana. For those of you who don't know that is ( I get it, it's not a Starbucks, they don't have Benihanas <i>everywhere,</i>) it's a swanky Adian food place where they cook the Hibachi style right in front of you, with all kinds of schmancy tricks.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8EcUaDmwO7M/Tfg42NuZDSI/AAAAAAAAAIY/rD36ow1rfJg/s1600/P1000171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8EcUaDmwO7M/Tfg42NuZDSI/AAAAAAAAAIY/rD36ow1rfJg/s320/P1000171.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I'm thrilled! (No, I don't think I look like that in real life.)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iNN_7WoLWAQ/Tfg5CNpzfeI/AAAAAAAAAIc/gwdjvN10hyk/s1600/P1000172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iNN_7WoLWAQ/Tfg5CNpzfeI/AAAAAAAAAIc/gwdjvN10hyk/s320/P1000172.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">We're both thrilled! (Janan may have me beat here,)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4vNKFCQCS84/Tfg5NctduCI/AAAAAAAAAIg/owzHZQGqvNY/s1600/P1000173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4vNKFCQCS84/Tfg5NctduCI/AAAAAAAAAIg/owzHZQGqvNY/s320/P1000173.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Janan's so thrilled, she is compelled to strike Micheal Jackson poses! (Ok, enough with being thrilled.)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-58H9neOuwYY/Tfg5Xs1PZLI/AAAAAAAAAIk/WYWur-7n9LQ/s1600/P1000176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-58H9neOuwYY/Tfg5Xs1PZLI/AAAAAAAAAIk/WYWur-7n9LQ/s320/P1000176.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">We heart our moms!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_GfRapp9BAg/Tfg5hQ55J7I/AAAAAAAAAIo/SsRTa7uREMM/s1600/P1000178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_GfRapp9BAg/Tfg5hQ55J7I/AAAAAAAAAIo/SsRTa7uREMM/s320/P1000178.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The menu.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I267pIQbRJs/Tfg5sdmiFbI/AAAAAAAAAIs/xguNSz8DKvk/s1600/P1000179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I267pIQbRJs/Tfg5sdmiFbI/AAAAAAAAAIs/xguNSz8DKvk/s320/P1000179.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">More menu. :)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jx73ZIFNqzg/Tfg53q_IoHI/AAAAAAAAAIw/B1fw7T5IeuM/s1600/P1000180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jx73ZIFNqzg/Tfg53q_IoHI/AAAAAAAAAIw/B1fw7T5IeuM/s320/P1000180.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is her deliberation face.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XTcll1_7Idc/Tfg6UQ1HbDI/AAAAAAAAAI8/P6XEUv05x28/s1600/P1000183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XTcll1_7Idc/Tfg6UQ1HbDI/AAAAAAAAAI8/P6XEUv05x28/s320/P1000183.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Yummy onion soup!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XpbDJennh1Q/Tfg6eiVt6NI/AAAAAAAAAJA/ZJpFKrcjzJc/s320/P1000184.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Yes, yes I did end up eating (slurping?) both these bowls.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2gfmCFmT60g/Tfg6ph2mu0I/AAAAAAAAAJE/0-q-fccw8lg/s1600/P1000185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2gfmCFmT60g/Tfg6ph2mu0I/AAAAAAAAAJE/0-q-fccw8lg/s320/P1000185.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I think this is my enjoyment face.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4mYiWxNeVX0/Tfg601LZ8rI/AAAAAAAAAJI/bxa8VAP6owA/s1600/P1000186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4mYiWxNeVX0/Tfg601LZ8rI/AAAAAAAAAJI/bxa8VAP6owA/s320/P1000186.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our chef's name was Jesus. Look at how cool this is!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R6VcWDMwDAY/Tfg6--HUE9I/AAAAAAAAAJM/fSn4fFVnMPw/s1600/P1000187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R6VcWDMwDAY/Tfg6--HUE9I/AAAAAAAAAJM/fSn4fFVnMPw/s320/P1000187.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Check out the onion volcano!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z9THnr9XEQo/Tfg7IoagRII/AAAAAAAAAJQ/yJkvj7749CY/s1600/P1000188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z9THnr9XEQo/Tfg7IoagRII/AAAAAAAAAJQ/yJkvj7749CY/s320/P1000188.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">It's exploding!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zA_VNPA1kAU/Tfg7S9A9kpI/AAAAAAAAAJU/MhYHenAHjXI/s1600/P1000189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zA_VNPA1kAU/Tfg7S9A9kpI/AAAAAAAAAJU/MhYHenAHjXI/s320/P1000189.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Shrimp, fresh off the barbie.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PmTo2Kqr5qc/Tfg7dsSSHkI/AAAAAAAAAJY/2GrEmAM5Xag/s1600/P1000190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PmTo2Kqr5qc/Tfg7dsSSHkI/AAAAAAAAAJY/2GrEmAM5Xag/s320/P1000190.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Veggies!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A9gnV-yuQJw/Tfg7ol-DHYI/AAAAAAAAAJc/IcU2U9e52wI/s1600/P1000191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A9gnV-yuQJw/Tfg7ol-DHYI/AAAAAAAAAJc/IcU2U9e52wI/s320/P1000191.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">So I kinda forgot to take a picture of the scallops I ordered before I ate them. (Oh, who am I kidding? I INHALED them. They were <i>good.</i>)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zuHsAdonBFA/Tfg7y_0183I/AAAAAAAAAJg/Zbv7Bq8ppJ8/s1600/P1000192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zuHsAdonBFA/Tfg7y_0183I/AAAAAAAAAJg/Zbv7Bq8ppJ8/s320/P1000192.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Janan's filet mignon.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gpr7gi7mpRQ/Tfg7810LHbI/AAAAAAAAAJk/HIVt5SO3Bvo/s1600/P1000193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gpr7gi7mpRQ/Tfg7810LHbI/AAAAAAAAAJk/HIVt5SO3Bvo/s320/P1000193.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Janan's mom's excellence. (Yes, that was the name of the dish!)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D-_ZnwtEYfc/Tfg8HLZD5CI/AAAAAAAAAJo/BfRhnPZ3Ik8/s1600/P1000194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D-_ZnwtEYfc/Tfg8HLZD5CI/AAAAAAAAAJo/BfRhnPZ3Ik8/s320/P1000194.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">So I ordered the pineapple boat for dessert, and it came all beauteous with cut pineapple inside a pineapple, but, the pic didn't make it in on time. (Sorry.)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uJufy2neUTM/Tfg8QRB7abI/AAAAAAAAAJs/zDBSgVKJR14/s1600/P1000195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uJufy2neUTM/Tfg8QRB7abI/AAAAAAAAAJs/zDBSgVKJR14/s320/P1000195.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">That super cool foreign soda with the marble inside. Janan let me have a sip. SOO good! Enjoy! -Kelly M. (Formatting is being a pain.)</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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</tbody></table>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11064849351314956262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111217344456161803.post-18798531615896217052011-06-13T20:53:00.000-07:002011-06-13T20:53:15.397-07:00Mega Microwave<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Breakfast can be hectic at my house.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I don't like getting up early, so getting up and throwing something together isn't always easy (or doable.) I usually soak the oats in the fridge to make overnight oats (I'll post about it later,) but, being the organized person I am, I forgot last night. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> So I decided to just nuke one of my go-to oatmeal recipes to see what would happen. Here's what I combined in my oat mug: (I love eating food in mugs!) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Banana Microwave Oats</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1/4 rolled oats</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3T wheat bran</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 cup water </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1/2 cup milk</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1/2 banana, thinly sliced</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Simple right? Well...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3ExNx7SgWbI/TfbN4MNF_5I/AAAAAAAAAHQ/8v5sdBhjua0/s1600/P1000149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3ExNx7SgWbI/TfbN4MNF_5I/AAAAAAAAAHQ/8v5sdBhjua0/s320/P1000149.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I know the microwave's electromagnetic waves is supposed to turn you into a mutant (or just do weird things.)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d_HgpxYmjvg/TfbOBPqaTmI/AAAAAAAAAHU/mCllCNCKD10/s1600/P1000150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d_HgpxYmjvg/TfbOBPqaTmI/AAAAAAAAAHU/mCllCNCKD10/s320/P1000150.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">But... if I put a plate over the mug (or container of some sort,) my chances of turning into a mutant are significantly decreased. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pWXLyjABYEI/TfbOMvpeksI/AAAAAAAAAHY/zaWwxrjHKD8/s1600/P1000151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pWXLyjABYEI/TfbOMvpeksI/AAAAAAAAAHY/zaWwxrjHKD8/s320/P1000151.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Because I'm a very interesting person, I have the same thing every day for lunch, a pb and j sandwich with <a href="http://www.saraleebread.com/our-bread/delightful/bread">this Sara Lee bread</a>, strawberry preserves, and some <a href="http://www.betternpeanutbutter.com/index.php">better n peanut butter.</a></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QupDkkMMka4/TfbOYPlzMPI/AAAAAAAAAHc/v-jBeej5rso/s1600/P1000152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QupDkkMMka4/TfbOYPlzMPI/AAAAAAAAAHc/v-jBeej5rso/s320/P1000152.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">My ingredients (I should probably clean that up... oh well.)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IJX0d-hsHeA/TfbOi6JaTTI/AAAAAAAAAHg/DV4d9pl5UwU/s1600/P1000153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IJX0d-hsHeA/TfbOi6JaTTI/AAAAAAAAAHg/DV4d9pl5UwU/s320/P1000153.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">All combined and ready roll. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pFc2Gp5mH1E/TfbOs2lQkaI/AAAAAAAAAHk/tTqvMuKdURA/s1600/P1000154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pFc2Gp5mH1E/TfbOs2lQkaI/AAAAAAAAAHk/tTqvMuKdURA/s320/P1000154.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">And that's when it happened. What I watching like a good girl? No.<br />
Should I have been watching like a good girl? Maybe...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pjOMWBLre5M/TfbO3nxwflI/AAAAAAAAAHo/cPE1vDRqbzw/s1600/P1000155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pjOMWBLre5M/TfbO3nxwflI/AAAAAAAAAHo/cPE1vDRqbzw/s320/P1000155.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Poor oats. They were perfectly fine before they met me. So I cleaned up the side and decided to put in some of the honey I got yesterday.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GP7hX3u2Wn8/TfbPBz7D62I/AAAAAAAAAHs/_MgCIsTXZx0/s1600/P1000156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GP7hX3u2Wn8/TfbPBz7D62I/AAAAAAAAAHs/_MgCIsTXZx0/s320/P1000156.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What's wrong with this picture? I'll tell you. See that lid on the plate next to that glob of goo? I tried to put some honey in my oats, and, well, it fell in. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-daBybcPI9zg/TfbPMpuV5aI/AAAAAAAAAHw/sZqmTsDwct4/s1600/P1000157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-daBybcPI9zg/TfbPMpuV5aI/AAAAAAAAAHw/sZqmTsDwct4/s320/P1000157.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So I got the honey that I could out of there, and stirred the rest of it around.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yeVcAaGhQmQ/TfbPXQCRvZI/AAAAAAAAAH0/aOHPCgr0VMg/s1600/P1000158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yeVcAaGhQmQ/TfbPXQCRvZI/AAAAAAAAAH0/aOHPCgr0VMg/s320/P1000158.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">It doesn't look so bad, does it? (I'm in denial, I know.)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pWYkzbC8cTc/TfbPgv3VdWI/AAAAAAAAAH4/C1Gsrw2FXBE/s1600/P1000159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pWYkzbC8cTc/TfbPgv3VdWI/AAAAAAAAAH4/C1Gsrw2FXBE/s320/P1000159.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">My very interesting lunch.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--nYWWB1XtiA/TfbPpPcPk3I/AAAAAAAAAH8/BaidmgerW1c/s1600/P1000160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--nYWWB1XtiA/TfbPpPcPk3I/AAAAAAAAAH8/BaidmgerW1c/s320/P1000160.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Who knew? The honey actually made the oatmeal SOOO delicious. Of course, most of sunk to the bottom, but I just didn't eat it.<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">It was really hot today, so I poured additional almond milk in top to cool it down. THat may sound wierd, but it's a great trick on hot mornings, and the oats are still super creamy. I tried to top it with more banana, coconut, and pb, but the oats were too liquid-y because of the additional almond milk.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">So that was my breakfast. Yeah, I know I know I can be a klutz, but at least y'all probably got a kick out of it, and I got a sweet (pun intended) breakfast.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Enjoy!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">-Kelly M.</div></span></td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11064849351314956262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111217344456161803.post-68234418179281164712011-06-12T18:22:00.000-07:002011-06-12T18:22:34.652-07:00I Heart My Oatmeal!Morning! (Yes, it's still morning to me.)<br />
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Because I just got up, I am just about to make breakfast before I do my hooping and head off for any excursions I may have today. Before we go any further, I need to express my love for oatmeal. Ready? Ok.<br />
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I LOVE OATMEAL SO VERY, VERY MUCH!!!!!!<br />
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I was considering putting that in bold, but I didn't want to freak any of you out (I may have still done that anyway...)<br />
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I know what you're thinking. Oatmeal? But isn't oatmeal boring and gross? No. No it it not.<br />
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For those of you out there who already love oatmeal, congratulations! Oatmeal is one of the best possible breakfast you can eat. It's wholesome, full of fiber and protein, and has been tested to have all kinds of health benefits!<br />
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But...if it doesn't taste good at the end of the day, who wants it? Right? Well, if you think oatmeal "doesn't taste good" then something is very seriously wrong. Seriously.<br />
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My guess is that it's a combination of two things: Bad memories and bad preparation.<br />
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Bad memories? With <i>oatmeal</i>? Yes. Most people have childhood memories of their mother trying to shove oatmeal down their throats.<br />
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"But MOM, I don't <i>wanna </i>eat it."<br />
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"But HONEY, it's good for you. Open up the tunnel, here comes the train, choo choo!"<br />
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I feel for you. But that doesn't totally get you out of this. Oatmeal can be very decadent, but you have to know how to prepare it that way. Don't you worry, I've got you covered.<br />
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I'm going to create a hypothetical oatmeal non-believer for demonstrative purpose and for you amusement.<br />
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So there's this guy. Let's name him Bob. Bob doesn't like oatmeal, and he blames it on two immediate, and very valid excuses. He <i>loves </i>sweet things, and he has the appetite of Micheal Phelps. No problem.<br />
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So the answer to Bob's oat-y dilemma is quite simple. Actually, the answer is contained in my breakfast.<br />
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It's super rich and chocolate filled, and calls for twice the amount of liquid than traditional oatmeal recipes, which, when cooked the proper way (explained below,) amounts to a fantastic portion size!<br />
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Keep scrolling! :)<br />
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Super Creamy Cocoa Oats<br />
1/4 cup rolled oats (not instant, do not assume instant)<br />
3T Wheat bran (Trust. Have trust.)<br />
1 cup milk (Any kind. I LOVE unsweetened almond milk.)<br />
1 cup water<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fuGQjbBRr_8/TfVJE0TLSYI/AAAAAAAAABs/kh1KUS-2DKc/s1600/P1000026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fuGQjbBRr_8/TfVJE0TLSYI/AAAAAAAAABs/kh1KUS-2DKc/s320/P1000026.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Put milk in pot.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1N8w9tL1JxQ/TfVJL39ehEI/AAAAAAAAABw/ZlvjZO_hhZQ/s1600/P1000027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1N8w9tL1JxQ/TfVJL39ehEI/AAAAAAAAABw/ZlvjZO_hhZQ/s320/P1000027.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Add water.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Milk+water in pot.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5M-5hpWZRJY/TfVJgUldhrI/AAAAAAAAAB8/O3bt28NudtM/s1600/P1000030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5M-5hpWZRJY/TfVJgUldhrI/AAAAAAAAAB8/O3bt28NudtM/s320/P1000030.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Here's your wheat bran.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-go1H7PZgJsg/TfVJm3M5UaI/AAAAAAAAACA/IfatSb9fkl0/s1600/P1000031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-go1H7PZgJsg/TfVJm3M5UaI/AAAAAAAAACA/IfatSb9fkl0/s320/P1000031.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Here are your oats. (I love target.)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m4NYXBdfdks/TfVJtAGEsXI/AAAAAAAAACE/aRNFz1s5Tsc/s1600/P1000032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m4NYXBdfdks/TfVJtAGEsXI/AAAAAAAAACE/aRNFz1s5Tsc/s320/P1000032.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">In this lovely mixture, we have milk, water, oats, wheat bran, cocoa powder, and I think there's cinnamon in there somewhere.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CjxB8fuKug4/TfVJy-U8AqI/AAAAAAAAACI/NJfR2D0Yi_4/s1600/P1000033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CjxB8fuKug4/TfVJy-U8AqI/AAAAAAAAACI/NJfR2D0Yi_4/s320/P1000033.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My unmeasured bucket of stevia.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/-KbW0jvLgAHY/TfVJ4znytcI/AAAAAAAAACM/BLOmQp4vsbc/s1600/P1000034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KbW0jvLgAHY/TfVJ4znytcI/AAAAAAAAACM/BLOmQp4vsbc/s320/P1000034.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Bring it to medium high heat.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/-ABD4J1a_RkQ/TfVJ-j2KGrI/AAAAAAAAACQ/bAp15xETIJ8/s1600/P1000035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ABD4J1a_RkQ/TfVJ-j2KGrI/AAAAAAAAACQ/bAp15xETIJ8/s320/P1000035.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My very photogenic banana.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/--dIXhqY96e4/TfVKEASfvJI/AAAAAAAAACU/FQN8qgFCDkI/s1600/P1000038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--dIXhqY96e4/TfVKEASfvJI/AAAAAAAAACU/FQN8qgFCDkI/s320/P1000038.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I had to make sure it wasn't poisonous.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/-_0p0hSGDz44/TfVKKXHzomI/AAAAAAAAACY/8eGwlqtgcQU/s1600/P1000039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_0p0hSGDz44/TfVKKXHzomI/AAAAAAAAACY/8eGwlqtgcQU/s320/P1000039.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Wait until the mixture starts to bubble like this...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/-lmCO5JGmz7I/TfVKP1I2PzI/AAAAAAAAACc/409HX5oUnzc/s1600/P1000040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lmCO5JGmz7I/TfVKP1I2PzI/AAAAAAAAACc/409HX5oUnzc/s320/P1000040.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">...then add your sliced bananas.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/-oaCKtHW3wTY/TfVKWcW-aPI/AAAAAAAAACg/TdaouKZqPus/s1600/P1000041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oaCKtHW3wTY/TfVKWcW-aPI/AAAAAAAAACg/TdaouKZqPus/s320/P1000041.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Stir pretty consistently until thick.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/-Y7DCwQmcNJ8/TfVKcH_BTPI/AAAAAAAAACk/s820g2KkGn8/s1600/P1000042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y7DCwQmcNJ8/TfVKcH_BTPI/AAAAAAAAACk/s820g2KkGn8/s320/P1000042.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Keep going...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/-pphNoLOKVyA/TfVKiodTjoI/AAAAAAAAACo/Gxf450ZZoDo/s1600/P1000043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pphNoLOKVyA/TfVKiodTjoI/AAAAAAAAACo/Gxf450ZZoDo/s320/P1000043.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">...you're almost there...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/-AkVMManVuO4/TfVKo_xqkCI/AAAAAAAAACs/Cqqe7sUiwxQ/s1600/P1000044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AkVMManVuO4/TfVKo_xqkCI/AAAAAAAAACs/Cqqe7sUiwxQ/s320/P1000044.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">...Yumminess!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/--FgrXkvuDPs/TfVKt-Q008I/AAAAAAAAACw/pHaEpCMjD4s/s1600/P1000045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--FgrXkvuDPs/TfVKt-Q008I/AAAAAAAAACw/pHaEpCMjD4s/s320/P1000045.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">That's my friend Priscila posing with the oats. Oat model! :)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/-INsE3muT2HQ/TfVK0ixSIdI/AAAAAAAAAC0/zirtAqLXcCc/s1600/P1000046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-INsE3muT2HQ/TfVK0ixSIdI/AAAAAAAAAC0/zirtAqLXcCc/s320/P1000046.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Sampling.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oA1oDjUPbGo/TfVK7DEKoAI/AAAAAAAAAC4/3KigZaUj-PA/s1600/P1000047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oA1oDjUPbGo/TfVK7DEKoAI/AAAAAAAAAC4/3KigZaUj-PA/s320/P1000047.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">She's smiling. This is good.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eug1HNUpIqQ/TfVLGgenbVI/AAAAAAAAADA/DVShZuynJ3s/s1600/P1000049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eug1HNUpIqQ/TfVLGgenbVI/AAAAAAAAADA/DVShZuynJ3s/s320/P1000049.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My almost empty pumpkin butter (recipe to come.)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/-0yxYI76DmDg/TfVLNw1wMDI/AAAAAAAAADE/wL4_PaB1H88/s1600/P1000050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0yxYI76DmDg/TfVLNw1wMDI/AAAAAAAAADE/wL4_PaB1H88/s320/P1000050.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">All dressed up and ready for my mouth. It's topped with coconut, freeze-dried strawberries (I'll explain later,) banana slices, and the last of my pumpkin butter.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/-zynS9nMGDGw/TfVLT3hmCgI/AAAAAAAAADI/RIvGyQxS0Vw/s1600/P1000051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zynS9nMGDGw/TfVLT3hmCgI/AAAAAAAAADI/RIvGyQxS0Vw/s320/P1000051.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My empty pot.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/-7hh1UHgp3hA/TfVLaEiNlII/AAAAAAAAADM/RFVyrVRxEV4/s1600/P1000052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7hh1UHgp3hA/TfVLaEiNlII/AAAAAAAAADM/RFVyrVRxEV4/s320/P1000052.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Cleanup may seem crazy, but sooo worth it. Just soak the pot, plop in some soap, and go!<br />
<br />
</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>So there you have it! Oatmeal is super versatile, and the topping and add in ideas are seemingly endless! I have more flavored and topped oatmeal recipes to come, but check out my list of oatmeal topping ideas.<br />
<br />
Oatmeal Topping Ideas<br />
banana<br />
peanut butter<br />
almond butter<br />
better n peanut butter (explanation later)<br />
pumpkin butter<br />
coconut butter (hang on for the recipe)<br />
jam<br />
jelly<br />
coconut<br />
chocolate chips<br />
freeze dried fruit<br />
granola<br />
rice cake granola (future recipe)<br />
dried fruit<br />
cold cereal<br />
other nut butter<br />
additional milk (great for hot days!)<br />
canned pumpkin<br />
honey<br />
flax seeds<br />
chia seeds<br />
berries<br />
and more!<br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
-Kelly M.Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11064849351314956262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111217344456161803.post-78772261469818010102011-06-11T22:24:00.000-07:002011-06-11T22:24:15.112-07:00Field TripHola all!<br />
<br />
Sorry it's so late at night, but I just finally got my camera to work. Normally, I'd be giving you a recap of today's eating adventures, as well as any recipes I concocted. But today I took a field trip to Ralph's (I love whole foods, but all grocery stores can be fun!) We collected the elements for a barbecue later today, so here is a visual recap!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KyXhs0HzSMM/TfRE8O504PI/AAAAAAAAAAM/7_dhLaM29Lo/s1600/P1000004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KyXhs0HzSMM/TfRE8O504PI/AAAAAAAAAAM/7_dhLaM29Lo/s320/P1000004.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Me in the car on the way there...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/-UxIT3-yohmo/TfRFDHFdonI/AAAAAAAAAAQ/bvso2eV43pg/s1600/P1000009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UxIT3-yohmo/TfRFDHFdonI/AAAAAAAAAAQ/bvso2eV43pg/s320/P1000009.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Yay, Ralphs! (The elevator wasn't working :( )</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nMaDl2RCA44/TfRFKXyzRAI/AAAAAAAAAAU/5r4MXVP3Z_U/s1600/P1000010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nMaDl2RCA44/TfRFKXyzRAI/AAAAAAAAAAU/5r4MXVP3Z_U/s320/P1000010.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Don't you just love produce this time of year? Look at how colorful the fresh section is!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oFuN3-sVsO0/TfRFSETnMWI/AAAAAAAAAAY/ZRT-lnrQh0I/s1600/P1000011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oFuN3-sVsO0/TfRFSETnMWI/AAAAAAAAAAY/ZRT-lnrQh0I/s320/P1000011.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I like cheese. I like cheese very much.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/-lGkT63YIR5M/TfRFZYi9ICI/AAAAAAAAAAc/nVFvqNyo7oA/s1600/P1000012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lGkT63YIR5M/TfRFZYi9ICI/AAAAAAAAAAc/nVFvqNyo7oA/s320/P1000012.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Isn't this sad? Frozen pizza and ice cream all right together. It's like the people planning this out are creating some kind of "forbidden freezer" affect. Be strong my friends, be strong...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/-NOZifIXyr6E/TfRFg62u8KI/AAAAAAAAAAg/I5I7x0PvYWA/s1600/P1000013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NOZifIXyr6E/TfRFg62u8KI/AAAAAAAAAAg/I5I7x0PvYWA/s320/P1000013.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">More pretty results of spring time.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/-gSBKa7sPQSk/TfRFoWa4-NI/AAAAAAAAAAk/k5JhhCS3EDE/s1600/P1000014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gSBKa7sPQSk/TfRFoWa4-NI/AAAAAAAAAAk/k5JhhCS3EDE/s320/P1000014.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I am seriously in love with these tomatoes. They're so colorful! (No, I didn't start eating one right in the middle of the store.)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-meOJYizTU4k/TfRFwbmidtI/AAAAAAAAAAo/8eQRAU3eGi4/s1600/P1000015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-meOJYizTU4k/TfRFwbmidtI/AAAAAAAAAAo/8eQRAU3eGi4/s320/P1000015.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Blackberry phones are a lot more interesting to my dad than grocery shopping is. You all know I disagree.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UnxObAKausY/TfRF4WGlDkI/AAAAAAAAAAs/iVzAMg51Vnk/s1600/P1000016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UnxObAKausY/TfRF4WGlDkI/AAAAAAAAAAs/iVzAMg51Vnk/s320/P1000016.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Fascinating fruit!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qW4nu_8q81g/TfRF_zyvoiI/AAAAAAAAAAw/9CT3g-gv3Q0/s1600/P1000017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qW4nu_8q81g/TfRF_zyvoiI/AAAAAAAAAAw/9CT3g-gv3Q0/s320/P1000017.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Loaded and ready to rock! (Look at how little I bought. See? Aren't you proud of me? I CAN show some restraint at grocery stores sometimes. So take that, Visa!)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C2kd774aWPs/TfRGHt4gSMI/AAAAAAAAAA0/kiWlBDNMlRE/s1600/P1000018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C2kd774aWPs/TfRGHt4gSMI/AAAAAAAAAA0/kiWlBDNMlRE/s320/P1000018.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">More produce!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--BGIcyMjb5E/TfRGPk_JuRI/AAAAAAAAAA4/ENKOJfyRbEg/s1600/P1000019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--BGIcyMjb5E/TfRGPk_JuRI/AAAAAAAAAA4/ENKOJfyRbEg/s320/P1000019.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Processed chips.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J2te6N5u4fk/TfRGXmMQQiI/AAAAAAAAAA8/5uzkbTwLkb8/s1600/P1000020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J2te6N5u4fk/TfRGXmMQQiI/AAAAAAAAAA8/5uzkbTwLkb8/s320/P1000020.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Me smiling and striking a pose in front of processed chips. (Isn't that more pleasant sounding?)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FEOsCcip9Ro/TfRGfbv8VMI/AAAAAAAAABA/q4hKgcHjx5c/s1600/P1000021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FEOsCcip9Ro/TfRGfbv8VMI/AAAAAAAAABA/q4hKgcHjx5c/s320/P1000021.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Checkin' out.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aAEAe3VxP7o/TfRGlm1fp1I/AAAAAAAAABE/y63u-VjaSHw/s1600/P1000022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aAEAe3VxP7o/TfRGlm1fp1I/AAAAAAAAABE/y63u-VjaSHw/s320/P1000022.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Notice how in no way shape or form do I have fifteen items or less. (Maybe I didn't show <i>that</i> much restraint...)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O2061syo9u4/TfRGrmvnpiI/AAAAAAAAABI/FlWmqzJRde0/s1600/P1000023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O2061syo9u4/TfRGrmvnpiI/AAAAAAAAABI/FlWmqzJRde0/s320/P1000023.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Me holding my (empty) vitamin water zero bottle. Which reminds me...<br />
<br />
</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Kelly fact of the day!<br />
I swore of regular sodas quite awhile ago, and I am still trying to totally weed out diet soda. It's been one of the hardest things for me to cut out of my diet, especially because it fakes you out with the "zero calorie" thing. I'm suggesting diet sodas have more than a negligible amount of calories, however, most of their ingredient lists are quite frightening. So I'm trying to get my refreshing beverage fix with vitamin water zero (which I love.) Some days are better than others, but Vitamin Water Zero does rock. So there.<br />
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Enjoy!<br />
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-Kelly M.Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11064849351314956262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111217344456161803.post-90308348490187500672011-06-10T23:31:00.000-07:002011-06-10T23:31:11.125-07:00Welcome!Congragulations! You have officially stumbled upon my blog. I am totally thrilled you stopped by. This is the first post ever of this blog, and I hope it's the beginning of something very nice for us all. If all goes as planned, you can expect recipes, (potentially ridiculous) food stories, a virtual culinary and nutritional cheerleader, and the chance to get around and talk about the time we set the meringue on fire (don't act like it hasn't happened.) If you want to learn more about this blog and yours truly, please click on the "about me" tab (if I can figure out how to put it up.) Well I'm off to fumble throught he blogger site for a few hours. I hope you have a more productive evenng than I probably will...<br />
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Enjoy!<br />
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-KellyKellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11064849351314956262noreply@blogger.com0