::book:gift:ideas::

One day...

WOOHOOOO!!!!!!!!! 

Black Friday is coming up! 

Do you guys actually shop on Black Friday? I never have...and I won't be tomorrow as I'm broke as a joke! Damn...it's 

Murphy's Law, eh? You have a bit of money, you can't find nuttin....you don't have money? You want the entire world! 

I have got a long list for Santa this year {of course, nothing can really top the Vitamix from last year, seriously!} such

as books, boxing gloves, clothes {gym ones too!}, some things for the pups {an awesome HOWLiday gift idea post coming up in the next few days too!} and much, much more. What's on your guys' wishlist for the year? 

I know that I gotta take those pennies and spend on some kidlets for thie Christmas. I would have loved to get Travis' nieces and nephew a BUNNY for Christmas, but not sure if his Sister {my shopping partner-in-crime} Lori would appreciate that. LOL. So the hunt continues! 

::bon:appetit:is:back!::

I must admit that after eating pretty healthy for the last 3 months I have fallen off the wagon. 

I blame my Mom!! LOL!

My family came to visit in October - first for Thanksgiving and just because and then extended their stay because of a very unfortunate passing that happend in our family.

But, I am grateful that I was able to bother my parents incessantly for another week. Honestly, when my Mom is down it's as if I'm a kid all over again. 

I am usually on the go 95% of the time - taking care of the majority of household chores, bills, the pups, my man and myself as well...not to mention working full time and school as well (which I must finish by the end of the year!).

So I'm usually not sitting until around 8 or 9 in the evening...it gets tiring...but you get into the swing of things and it becomes routine. 

But when my Mom was here...did I just milk it! Lol! I was the biggest lazy bum EVER and I hope my Mom doesn't think I'm this incredible sloth. 

But honestly, I needed it! I loved being able to come home and just sit on the couch, play video games and be a kid again! That's exactly how it felt. I think everyone needs that from time to time. 

When I took vacation back in July it didn't feel like vacation - and even though during my parents stay I was going to work everyday it felt MORE of a vacation then anything. 

The biggest thing I was spoiled with was the food. My Mom's incredible cooking! And despite pigging out on everything that she made, I still managed to lose a good 5lbs in two weeks. 

::lemon:chicken:potato:casserole::

I never really knew what to think of casseroles - to be honest, I still don't. I feel like casseroles are for the Suzie-Homemaker type people...

I am sure that couldn't be farther from the truth. For some reason I don't trust food that you throw in one pot, pan, slowcooker, whatever and cook. Don't ask me why! Although I have done this before and meals have turned out FANTASTIC. So I need to do this more often and not be so wary of it. 

So when I saw this recipe, I knew that I must try it because it has potatoes in it! YUM. ;) 

I am not a big meat-eater either...I will eat chicken maybe once every two weeks or so...I also make sure that the chicken I get is organic, local and not pumped full of antibiotics. 

So if I do eat meat it's like this...chicken or turkey....

Never beef or pork anymore. It's not particularly healthy for you...and I choose not to eat it for ethical reasons.

So...let's get on with the recipe! I got it from none other then Gimme Some Oven! 

By the way...not sure if I mentioned this earlier or not but I tried the fried rice recipe - it was pretty good...nothing crazy...but still pretty delicious and at least I know what went into the rice and the ingredients I used were more than likely more fresh and healthier then what they put into the fried rice in restaurants. 

Let's hope this next recipe is a HIT. I was on a roll there a few weekends ago. 

::fried:rice::

I am super craving carbs right now...as I have mentioned before, I've been eating like crap with a capital C. Yea...not so good for the waistline, that's for sure. So today I am detoxing it up. But man oh man...could I go for a huge bowl of piping out fried rice with...shrimps, maybe? 

I saw this recipe on the Gimme Some Oven blog {love all the recipes on there!} and will definitely be trying it this weekend. I also need to try that creamy yummalicious shrimp pasta...and I've been craving pot pie...

I just can't stop thinking of food! 

Anyways...there are some great tips as well that the blog author shares so I will make sure to post that too so that it helps you along with this amazingly delicious-looking recipe. :)

::crispy:shrimp:pasta::

If you know me well enough, you are fully aware that I am a seafood fanatic...it got really bad at one point...particularly with shrimps...where people would jokingly say that there is going to be a shrimp engraved into my tombstone! Lol. Pretty sure Trav's Mom said that. Hehe.
But seriously...I would make and eat so much shrimp that you would figure I'd turn into one! Travis eventually got completely sick of them too...to this day he isn't particularly thrilled when he see's that shrimps are on the menu. Alas...they have gone up in price here in Ontario for reasons I will never know. So it's rare that we get them anymore. I also like to get good quality shrimp...so that makes 'em even more expensive. But it IS nice to indulge once in a while. And nothing is better in my books then shrimps, mushrooms and pasta all whipped up together...
That is...until I saw this recipe from the blog KevinandAmanda. I am seriously looking forward to trying this recipe and am considering running to the grocery store on my lunch just to get some shrimps to make this! 

Bon Appetit!

::oniony:pasta:dream::

I am absolutely determined to try a new recipe out this weekend. Every Saturday I plan on trying something new and then I end up making us a poutine {not the healthiest, I know, but this is my once a week cheat meal...or is it....hm..} - anyways! I AM going to try a new recipe this weekend...and this is the one I am going to try.....and it looks and sounds so freakin' delicious it's not even funny. 

I have a new obsession...ONIONS. I seriously used to hate onions in any of my food...but now, for some reason...I am just in love with 'em now. They are delicious in soups {as long as they are super tiny}, stews, pasta sauces, chili's, as pizza toppings or toppings on pretty much anything...as this next recipe will show. 

::bean:salad::

Winter is coming. 

Which means that Travis is going to be working loooong hours at work - it's okay....it's only 2 months...ugh...but 2 months also seem so long to stay a couple hours extra at work...for no reason...well, that's me. Because he's obviously getting paid OT to work...I just have to wait because I don't drive! Yes....I don't drive....

That is one of my goals for the year 2015...looking back on 2014...holy hell, a lot has happened!! A lot of changes...a lot of goals that were met. I was reading some goals that I had for the years 2012 and 2013 and I didn't much accomplish half of them. But this year, I did quite a bit....lose 50+ pounds for one. 

I am particularly hard on myself...instead of relishing in my accomplishment with losing over 50 pounds I am being hard on myself with not being able to lose the last 5-10lbs. Somewhere along the way the past few weeks I have lost a bit of motivation...I seriously do not want to burn out! I love going to the gym! I love the feeling you get after you push through a particularly difficult workout. I think what I have to do is mix it up a bit. I need to add something, or take something away. Maybe add more weight lifting instead of always doing cardio - things like that. 

::upgrade:apple:pie::

I am beginning to slowly get over my cold ~ although now I am being met with some wicked digestive issues that I just can't even deal with. Why does one thing have to be replaced with another?? :/ Just the worst tummy aches...ugh. 

Anyways! I really pushed it on Wednesday...was not feeling well at all and since I did that I was waaaay worse yesterday so decided to stay home from work. I spent the entire day in bed with the puppies or on the couch with them. I did manage to get my ass up to make some chicken barley soup which I think really did the trick in whipping me back into shape. ;) That and the hot toddy before bed. Hehe. 

I had a pretty good sleep and am back at it...and it's Friiiday!! :)
So I see on the news that we are to be met with some flurries on Saturday...what?! I guess this is Canada and November is around the corner...so I really shouldn't be surprised. This means that the boyfriend is going to be super busy at work too...which means super long days and early nights....non-existent life for two months...that's why weekends are the best to just relax and cuddlebug. 

I decided I am going to try my hand at baking. 

I hate baking. 

It's just not my thing.
Baking is a science, I feel like and cooking is a bit of an art. 

Whenever I have baked before it just doesn't always end up the way that I want it to. Not like my neighbor who is baker extraordinaire and we are his official taste-testers and do not complain! 

Anyways, I found a great looking recipe in one of the recent issues of Women's Health...which would be perfect for a flurry kind of day! :) 

 Bon Appetit!

Homemade Upgrade: Apple Pie

Women's Health November 2014 issue, page 104.

INGREDIENTS

4 tbsp almond butter

1/2 cup rolled oats

1/4 cup chopped almonds and walnuts

1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes

2 tsp cinnamon, divided

1 tbsp honey

1 Granny Smith apple

1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

1/4 tsp ground cardamom

2 tsp lemon juice

PREP

1. Preheat oven to 375F. Place 1 tablespoon almond butter in each of four 6-ounce ramekins or custard cups. 

2. In a bowl, combine oats, nuts, coconut, 1 teaspoon of the cinnamon and honey. 

3. Wash, core and dice apple; in a separate bowl, mix apple with remaining cinnamon, other spices and lemon juice. 

4. Divide apple pieces among ramekins, them top with oat mixture. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. 

This is definitely something that I could try out and make, 100%. Not too much to it and sounds like it would taste absolutely delicious - maybe with some cool whip as well. ;) 

Let me know what you guys think of this recipe and what is your go-to cold day comfort dessert? 

-S.*

::takeout!::

You will have to bare with me if my posts don't make a whole lot of sense - I am dealing with a wicked cold at the moment and my head is *swimming*. I am a little scatterbrained and probably should have stayed home to rest up. But didn't. So let's hope this day goes by super fast because all I really want right now is my bed and puppies. 

I have no energy....I think I completely ran myself down into the ground from the past two weeks or so with school and stressing out and everything that I got this cold from Travis. I thought I was free...but apparently not. 

Anyways....on Saturday, when I was feeling FABULOUS - I tried a new recipe! I haven't tried a new recipe in a long while...and I was a little skeptical of this one. But it ended up turning out great! I wasn't the biggest fan of it to be honest because I don't like sweet and savoury but it was a huge hit with Trav and he had seconds! So I thought I would share the recipe that I got from Martha Stewart's site. Loooove her. I wish I had gotten some pics but didn't! Only the prep, which I will share. 

By the way, I am not exactly sure why this is called "Lighter Sesame Noodles" it would make more sense if it was something like Noodles in Peanut Sauce or something...I don't know....so don't let the name totally fool you, unless I am missing something...lol.

Bon Appetit!

Lighter Sesame Noodles

Whole-wheat spaghetti complements the zesty sauce while adding fiber. A little less peanut butter plus a lot more vegetables makes this a no-guilt meal.

PREP: 15 min    |     TOTAL: 25 MIN     |     SERVINGS: 4

INGREDIENTS

Coarse salt

12 ounces whole-wheat spaghetti

1 bunch broccoli, cut into florets, stalks peeled and thinly sliced

2 red bell peppers {ribs and seeds removed}, thinly sliced

1 large onion, halved and thinly sliced

1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

3 tablespoons dark-brown sugar

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

2 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 to 1 teaspoon red-pepper flakes

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook spaghetti 3 minutes less than al dente. Add broccoli, bell peppers and onion. Cook until pasta is al dente and vegetables are tender, 3 minutes more. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water; drain pasta and vegetables. 

2. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together peanut butter, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, oil, garlic and red-pepper flakes. Add hot pasta and vegetables; toss to coat, thinning sauce with a little pasta water, if necessary. Serve at room temperature or chilled. 

::waffles::

Recently I have had some sort of weird obsession with waffles...I think it's become Trav and I went to the 50's diner a while ago and while there I ordered a pecan waffle with honey and poured on the maple syrup...now usually I am not a sweets girl...I just prefer savoury. But I was in total l*o*v*e eating this breakfast. OMG. So ever since then, I have been on the hunt for a waffle-maker...but could never find the one that I wanted and at a cheapish price...my BFF then recently got me one as a gift!! I couldn't be more excited! 

My new baby. ;)

::first:recipe:in:a:while::

I need to overhaul my diet....not because I am not losing weight, because I feel like I still am...but because I am half-dead between the hours of 2-4. NO ENERGY. And literally could fall asleep while sitting at my computer. It doesn't help I guess that I stare at a super bright screen all day either. But my energy levels just totally fall flat and all I can think about is my bed or hiding under my desk to take a power nap. 
Or eat everything in the cafeteria that is 20 feet away from work. Ugh. 
I really could eat EVERYTHING in sight right now. No joke. 
I don't usually have crazy cravings but today I do - anything from a huge bowl of potatoes, to barley soup, peanut butter cups or chicken wings. I can't get away from it! 
If I wasn't so broke I probably would have ordered 40 wings from Buffalo Wild Wing {their garlic-parm wings are to diiiie for} and I don't even eat chicken!!! Well...unless it's organic. 
I really need to overhaul recipes too. I am always eating the same thing every day and it's starting to get hella boring. I just can't be bothered standing in my kitchen everyday either since I am so busy with school. 
I am jealous of those people that get to go home after work at 5:30pm and make a decent meal and relax by 7. I am usually still in the kitchen at 7...another pet peeve of mine, I get so irritable and crazy if I eat too late. 

::raw:carrot:cake::

I found quite the delightful recipe online today on one of my favorite sites: MindBodyGreen.

I am really trying to transition to a completely organic and healthy way of eating – which takes a bit of work. I work at a huge University with quite the cafeteria…although after working here for nearly 6 years all the food gets soooo boring – YAWN! Not to mention that there are a lot of foods that they sell there that are just so unhealthy. Sure they have a salad bar that caters to some vegans or people that have a gluten intolerance, but I am not sure I would be able to get through a day on a bit of quinoa with carrots. :/ This caf can definitely use some work!

Anyways! I try and eat as healthful as possible and obviously that has worked for me in helping me sustain a 50lb weight loss! But now it’s time to play around a little. :) Since quitting a lot of crappy foods such as refined starches and alcohol I have been craving sweets a little more than a bit lately. I have been hording chocolate like nobody’s business! Another thing, is that I have barely been cooking! That’s right…I used to cook every single night, no matter what time it was, I would try new recipes constantly, but with a full time job, full time school and full time everything else, I just don’t have the time or energy so a lot of the times Travis will make his own dinner {usually pizza, he is a fiend} and I will have salads. Lots of salads. Obsessed with arugula lately. And feta cheese!

So….it’s time to get back into the kitchen and try new things! So this is the first thing I am going to give a try, especially this long weekend that is coming up! 

This recipe is apparently not only healthy but gluten-free, dairy-free and suitable for vegan and Paleo eating plans! :)

Maybe Trav and I can work on this one together. :P

::avocado:blt:with:maple:tempeh:bacon::

In The Kitchen...

I have never tried fake anything before...well...actually that is probably a total lie. A lot of food that is out there is fake and overly processed. Man made. Like fast food and such...but I mean like, fake chicken, beef or bacon. That sort of thing...like Fakin' Bacon. I am not sure why it scares me. I guess you can't compare it to the real thing, but the real thing isn't necessarily healthy if you eat it all the time and the fake stuff...well, apparently it's a lot better for you. 

I have been perusing MindBodyGreen for the past week and have been looking through their recipes - a lot of which are vegan, but are *healthy* and that is what we are going for here. This Fakin' Bacon sandwich that I found actually looks quite tasty and I am intrigued and would like to give it a try. Therefore, I am going to share this recipe and then go to the grocery store and look for this Fakin' Bacon and try this recipe and let you know exactly my 2 cents on what this whole rage is about! 

Bon Appetit!!

::mushroom:&:leek:flatbread::

Loving Candice Kumai!

I am feeling a little more inspired lately. I think this Christmas break was good for me and it was nice to laze about and just BE. With the puplets and with Travis…and to read and listen to motivating music, take enlivening pictures and surround myself with refreshing people. I am sad to see Christmas come and go so quickly but am really looking forward to 2014. 

2013 definitely had its trials and tribulations ~ as well as it's blessings in disguise but it's made me a stronger person for it and I've learned many things about myself and about other people. 

One thing I definitely want to do for *myself* {because this year is going to be about ME} is try new healthy foods. 

I am going to try many recipes from all of my cookbooks and I am not going to shy away from them!! No matter if I screw it up or not! One recipe for sure I am going to try is a quinoa chili recipe that I saw on Shape Magazines website that Candice Kumai shared but that's not the recipe that I wanted to post. The recipe that I am going to post is from her cookbook "Cook Yourself Sexy" that can be found on Amazon here. 

It can be found on page 130 if you already have it. So let's get cooking! I am definitely trying this recipe out and will share pics when I do! :) 

Bon Appetit!

::paprika:shrimp:&:havarti:crostini::

In The Kitchen...

Something a little abnormal is happening in the fact that I am not too predisposed in trying new recipes this week. Don't ask me why, I am not quite entirely sure of it myself. 

Maybe it's just one of those weeks? Which is why I am grateful that I decided on making a large pot of chili the other night and I don't really have to put much thought into dinner this week. Although I must admit that I do have quite a hankering for crostini's and not your traditional run-of-the-mill Italian types that you must be thinking of. 

My Dad used to make the best types on baguettes when my Sister and I were growing up at home. They were on the freshest of breads, with just a tiny bit of butter, some mushrooms and mozzarella thrown on top and thrown into a toaster oven. Heaven! Of course I would massacre it and drench it in ketchup - but what else is new when you grow up in North America? 

Anyways...I think I might make that this weekend. 

As much as the boyfriend despises shrimp right now I am going to share this recipe with you *anyway* even though I might not make this anytime soon. 

Still, sounds ludicrously delicious. 

A little play on what my Dad used to make for us at home.

Bon Appetit!

Paprika Shrimp & Havarti Crostini

Prep: 10 min// Cook Time: 10 min // Yield: 24 Canapes

Ingredients

1 baguette

2 cups {500 mL} northern shrimps, cooked

1 tbsp {15 mL} orange zest

1/4 tsp {1 mL} ground paprika
1/4 cup {60 mL} fresh parsley, chopped
10 oz {300 g} Canada Havarti, sliced

Preparation
Preheat grill to medium heat. Cut baguette in half lengthwise. Mix shrimp, zest, paprika and parsley. 

Divide mixture onto baguette halves. Cover with Havarti and place directly on grill. Cook 5-7 minutes till bread is crusty and cheese has melted. Slice and serve hot. 

Tips - Cheese alternatives: Canadian Swiss cheese, Cheddar, Mozzarella. 

See how simple!?!
And come on, anything that has cheese on it is simply delicious!!!

Crostini's are absolutely amazing and you can add anything to them. 

I might just make an array of different crostini's this weekend and try a bunch of new things and share with you guys what I think. For sure though the mushroom one is at the TOP of my list. :) 

-S.*

::lemony:chicken:&:orzo:soup::

In The Kitchen...

I wrote the other day that I began writing a post and than quickly deleted it...much of it was about feeling uninspired...and honestly, I can't seem to get out of my rut with regards to writing. It's like I have some sort of writer's block and all my writing is just a bunch of bullshit and I feel like cursing. 

It's all a bunch of monotonous garbage and even my vocabulary is hampered and insipid. 

Last night I tried to write a blog post as I sat next to our fireplace. We turned it on for the first time...who wouldn't feel inspirited? Cozied up under the blanket with my puppy, Travis watching a bit of TV, fireplace going, cool and crisp out there, knowing that Autumn is on its way...I mean? Why am I always drawing blanks?!!
Anyways, there is no sense in beating myself up now...I am even deliberating on deleting this blurb right here. I can't even effing type properly right now!!!

So I have been on the search for some Fall-isk recipes since it has been quite cool ~ this morning it's only +11C out there! 
But now I hear that this weekend we are supposed to get a bit of a heat wave...what is with you Mother Nature?!? 
Regardless, I am still going to share a recipe that I found. I was thinking of making it tonight but honestly, I can't be bothered going into the grocery store, yet again tonight...I am notorious for going into Zehr's {our grocery store here in Southern Ontario} on a nightly basis grabbing random ingredients and that really has to stop because I tend to just grab arbitrary things here and there also. I have been doing pretty good lately just going once a week but I also tend to get into these moods where I do plan my meals on a weekly basis and then I change my mind abruptly because I peruse sites and suddenly change my mind on what tonight's dinner meal will be. 

Who know's...I might do that tonight...either way...this is the recipe I'd like to share with you, sounds delicious, although my boyfriend isn't too fond of "too much" lemon, I think I will give this a try soon enough...I am not a fond of celery, but I will give this a crack either way. ;) 

Bon Appetit!

Lemony Chicken & Orzo Soup

Serves: 4 // Prep: 15 min // Total: 45 min

Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium leek, white and pale-green parts only, halved length-wise, sliced crosswise 1/2-inch thick

1 celery stalk, sliced crosswise 1/2-inch thick

12-ounces skinless, boneless chicken thighs

6 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper

1/2 cup orzo

1/4 cup chopped fresh dill

Lemon halves {for servings}

Directions
Heat oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Add leek and celery and cook, stirring often, until vegetables are soft, 5-8 minutes. Add chicken and broth; season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat, and simmer until chicken is cooked through, 15-20 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate. Let cook, then shred chicken into bite-size pieces. 

Meanwhile, return broth to a boil. Add orzo and cook until al dente, 8-10 minutes. 

Remove pot from heat. Stir in chicken and dill. Serve with lemon halves for squeezing over. 

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Actually that didn't seem so bad. I thought that the recipe called for lemon within the cooking and not for an actual garnishing. So my boyfriend might not mind too much. 

This sounds like a delightful dinner for a cold night, like what it's supposed to be like tonight! Maybe I can convince Travis to make a stop at Zehr's. :P 

Instead of celery I might just add carrots instead since I prefer that, and we are both fans of leeks, so I am sure neither of us would mind that and instead of thighs I might throw in boneless, skinless breasts. Orzo sounds like a nice alternative to egg noodles too. 

And it's all in one pot, which makes for easy cleanup. 

Definitely something I am going to have to give a try soon. 

-S.*

::tex:mex:chicken::

In The Kitchen...

Many people are beginning to think that Summer has already come to it's end here in Ontario, which would mean that we have had a very short hot season. Or maybe it just flew by and I hadn't realized it. I hadn't really been able to enjoy it to be quite honest. 

Between packing, moving, unpacking and a slew of other things, money being tight amongst other things, we haven't really been able to relax on the beach, go camping, enjoy campfires, sit outside, watch storms or any of the many things that we used to do. 

It's rather unfortunate, because I do enjoy Summer. 

That's not to say that I am not eager and quite excited for my favourite season; Autumn. 

I love everything about it. I love how the leaves begin to change brilliant colours, the crisp cool air, the smells, how the chunky knit sweaters come out and the fabulous boots and scarves do as well. How the greatest candles and scents are released from Bath & Bodyworks. Thanksgiving and Hallowe'en are around the corner and all the seasonal delicious vegetables are out. I just love it all! 

So Fall is in the air here...who knows, maybe we might get another heat wave...but September is slowly approaching and that is inevitable, and I am quite thrilled about that. 

So with that being said...when it comes to cooler, crisp weather...I love to start bringing out my soups and heartier dish recipes out and am on the lookout to try something new as well this Autumn season. 

I found this recipe on the Martha Stewart site {surprise surprise!} and according to reviews, this is a huuuge hit. 

So will definitely be trying this recipe either this weekend or when it's around +18C, Practical Magic on in the background, leaves scattered around on the balcony and I need to take my chunky wool sweater out. :) 

Bon Appetit!

Slow-Cooked Tex-Mex Chicken & Beans

For this memorable fix-and-forget chicken stew, use a high-quality salsa to save time without skimping on flavour; choose a jar with a short ingredient list. 

Everyday Food; November Winter 2007

Prep: 15 min // Total Time: 8 hours 15 mins // Servings: 4

Ingredients
1 cup dried pinto beans, rinsed

1 jar {11 ounces} mild or medium salsa {1-1/2 cups}

2 tablespoons chopped or canned chipotle chiles in adobo sauce

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1-1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs {about 8}

Coarse salt and ground pepper

1 medium red onion, chopped

1 red bell pepper {ribs and seeds removed}, chopped

1/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream, for serving

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for serving

Directions
STEP 1 - In a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker, stir together beans, salsa, chiles, flour, and 1 cup water. Season chicken with salt and pepper; arrange on top of bean mixture. Scatter onion and bell pepper on top of chicken. 

STEP 2 - Cover and cook on low heat for 8 hours. {Do not open lid or stir.}

STEP 3 - Remove chicken from stew; shred into large pieces and return to stew. Serve topped with sour cream and cilantro. 

Love slow cooker recipes because they are so damn simple and you throw everything into one pot and you're done!!
Now I did read some of the reviews and this is what I have come up with.
First, a lot of people used canned beans because they dried ones took a lot longer to cook then the recommended 8 hours in the recipe...so I think I am going to use the canned stuff as well as add a little bit more then one can to make it slightly heartier. 

Also some people added a bit more veggies to the mix. 

Another tip was that if you don't like it too spicy then lay back on the chipotle peppers a tad. 

And I also wonder if you can use an 8-quart slow cooker, which I have...I hope so...maybe I can up the amount of ingredients to make up for it? But I am sure at the end of the day it should be fine. 

OH! And lots of people serve this with rice or on tortilla's! :) 

A yummy and healthy dish!

-S.*

::peanut:crusted:chicken:breasts::

In The Kitchen...

Sometimes I am totally lost as to what to make for dinner's...I know dinner's shouldn't be the biggest meal of the day but I make 'em that. Probably because I LOVE to cook. But you already knew that. 

I have the most random things in my pantry that don't go together which is tough when you are living on a budget and are trying to make healthful yet delicious meals. 

I need to figure out what to make for tonight. 

I know my boyfriend wants chicken and I have a couple chicken breasts in the freezer. I have yellow wax beans but they're waiting for a rotisserie chicken to go with for my lunches at work so I'm not touching them. I have some broccoli....rice...quinoa...lettuce...tomatoes...shrimps, boyfriend definitely doesn't want anything to do with shrimps lately...oh boy...

Doesn't help that I am completely scatterbrained today too and that I am not feeling all that well and that the day seems to be d.r.a.g.g.i.n.g.

Anyways, let's just share a random recipe. I then may feel inspired. 

Bon Appetit!

Peanut-Crusted Chicken Breasts

Everyday Food, June 2006

Prep: 35 mins // Total: 40 mins // Servings: 4

Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for baking sheet

3/4 cup unsalted peanuts

3 slices white sandwich bread, torn into small pieces

Coarse salt and ground pepper

2 large eggs

4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, (6 to 8 ounces each)

1-1/2 pounds asparagus, trimmed

1 tablespoon butter

2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest

Directions

STEP 1 - Preheat over to 475* degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil; lightly oil, and set aside. In a food processor, pulse peanuts and bread until coarsely ground. Transfer to a wide rimmed medium bowl; whisk in oil, 1-1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. 

STEP 2 - In a large bowl, beat eggs; season generously with salt and pepper. Add chicken, and turn to coat. One piece at a time, dredge in peanut breading, gently pressing onto chicken; transfer to prepared baking sheet. Bake until lightly browned and just cooked through, about 15 minutes. 

STEP 3 - While chicken is baking, cook asparagus in a large saucepan of boiling salted water until tender, 3 to 4 minutes, depending on thickness. Drain and transfer to a bowl along with butter and lemon zest; season with salt and pepper, and toss to combine. Serve chicken with asparagus.

This would require me to go and pick up peanuts and eggs so it's back to the drawing board for me. Lol. But this definitely is something I am going to try very soon! Sounds delicious!!

-S.*

::roasted:red:pepper:&:sausage:orecchiette::

In The Kitchen...

For some reason my blog is beginning to get slightly mundane for me. I am not sure if it's the font or the layout...maybe not the layout, but the background? Or maybe I am just in a mood today, lol. 

The long weekend is right around the corner, literally, a few hours away and I am trying to think of ways to fill our time as money is tight right now and we don't have the money to go away or do much of anything. 

I do plan on spending at least one day devoted to studying and finishing my exam so I can have that sent off for marking by Tuesday. 

I would also love to go to the beach or at least spend an afternoon walking around and seeing something new. 

I also need to start taking more pictures - document my adventures. ;) 

So...I tried that quinoa recipe the other night and it was deeeeelicious! I definitely recommend it 110% ~ it's something I will definitely be making again. Quinoa is scrumptious! 

On another note - and I don't want to get ahead of myself here, but the past week, I have dropped 6.4lbs. It is quite possible that a lot of it has been water weight and I might climb back up a bit when I weigh in again tomorrow but I have been doing *extremely* well with eating healthy this week and portion control so I am very optimistic and motivated to continue this healthy eating lifestyle. ;) I do need to work on a few things here and there, but other then that, doin' good!

I was going back through my blog recently and I saw a post where I wrote out things I was grateful for and I think I am going to start doing more of that on a day to day basis as well. 

But before I go on with that, I wanted to share a new recipe that I really would love to try out tonight. It's from Martha Stewart's site {surprise surprise!} and it looks and sounds delicious! 

But first...a little more on the star in this recipe. 

The bell pepper.

Growing up I wasn't a huge fan of the bell pepper...if I didn't have to eat it, then I wouldn't. I didn't want it in salads, on my burgers or nothing...I didn't care for it on the side or grilled either, but recently I have been getting into it more and more. I especially am digging it in my salads, and I do enjoy it especially grilled on the bbq. So when I saw this recipe I was intrigued. Some oven broiled grilled-like peppers, with pasta?? Hmm...sounds kinda interesting, why not? 

Bell peppers are low in calories at about 45 calories for one full cup - that's quite a bonus when you are trying to watch your figure! They are loaded with plenty of vitamin C which powers up your immune system and keeps your skin looking youthful - and who doesn't want that? 

Red bell peppers in particular contain several phytochemicals and carotenoids, particularly beta-carotene, which packs a punch with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits. 

They are also good sources of vitamin A, E and B6 - which is essential for the nervous system and helps renew cells. 

That's just SOME of the benefits to eating bell peppers...there is so much more it can quite frankly boggle the mind! ;) So this meal definitely has it's benefits! So let's get on with the recipe, shall we?? 

Bon Appetit!

Orecchiette with Sausage & Roasted Peppers
Freshly roasted peppers give this heart pasta a smoky taste. If you like, you can use jarred peppers, thinly sliced, instead of making your own, and skip step 1. To skin the peppers, char them and then cover tightly with plastic wrap. This will produce steam and make the skins come off easily. 

Prep: 20 min // Total: 40 min // Servings: 6

Ingredients
2 medium red bell peppers, four flat sides sliced off core, ribs and seeds discarded
2 medium yellow bell peppers, four flat sides sliced off core, ribs and seeds discarded

Coarse salt and ground pepper

1 pound orecchiette or other short pasta

2 teaspoons olive oil

1 pound sweet Italian sausage, removed from casings

1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces

1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cooks Notes: When cooking pasta, save a little of the cooking water before draining -- drizzling a little of it into the finished dish will improve the consistency of your sauce. 

Directions
STEP 1 - Heat broiler. Place peppers, skin side up, on a foil-lined baking sheet; broil 4 inches from heat until charred, 18 to 20 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl. Cover with plastic wrap; steam 2 to 3 minutes. Using a paper towel, rub off pepper skins, reserving any juices in bowl. Thinly slice peppers crosswise into 1/4-inch strips; return to bowl. Set aside. 

STEP 2 - In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water. 

STEP 3 - Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned, 7 to 10 minutes. Add roasted peppers; cook until heated through. 

STEP 4 - Transfer sausage mixture to bowl; add pasta, butter, reserved pasta water, and Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper. Toss to combine. 

Doesn't that sound simply delicious!? 

Wow! Definitely trying this one tonight!

-S.*

::tilapia:&:quinoa::

In The Kitchen...

Quinoa. 

Quinoa is a super food - but before we go any further talking about it, first we must know how to pronounce it properly and that is "keen-wah"...not "kee-know-wah"...HA! Like some people usually do...no, that's not right. 

Anyways...quinoa is not actually a grain but a seed from a grain-like crop and has a sort of slighty nutty flavor and its texture is firm when cooked properly. 

Quinoa is so yummy. I honestly love it. It's high in protein and is considered a complete protein, meaning that is has all 9 amino acids required in your diet. 

It's high in calcium and has good amounts of phosphorous, iron and fibre. It's gluten-free and is higher in monounsaturated {the good stuff!} fats than wheat or grain and is heart-healthy.

Not only that but it also contains small amounts of omega 3 fatty acids. 

This is why it's a super food! Come on!

Just a word of caution when cooking with quinoa...it quadruple's in size, so when cooking it, remember that it may look like you aren't cooking a lot of it, but trust me, you are. 

It can be substituted for in a lot of grain-like dishes and is cooked similarly to rice - just read up the instructions on the box.

Also, for an FYI, store quinoa in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-6 months or you can store cooked quinoa in the fridge for up to 3 days.

If you did just buy the quinoa and it is in a sealed air-tight package you can store it in a cool, dry place. Just make sure to check on it...it is a seed after all.