Thursday 30 June 2011

Barbequed Chicken Pizza Braid

I seen this posted of foodgawker the other day. Of course, as I was making it up, I forget to add the cheese so I sprinkled it on top. Definitely should have been inside, and because we have a hard time controlling the temperature of our old BBQ, the pizza dough was burnt on the bottom and not cooked on top. Maybe I should have waited for our new BBQ to show up! Definitely was super yummy though!

IMG_0049


Barbequed Chicken Pizza Braid
Serves 2

1 can pizza dough
2 cups shredded, cooked chicken
1 whole yellow pepper
1 cup bbq sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Preheat the bbq to 400 degrees.

Roll the dough into about an 11X17-inch rectangle.

Using a knife, cut 1-inch wide strips in towards the center, starting on the long sides. There should be a solid strip about 3 inches wide down the center, with the cut strips forming a fringe down each side. Spread half of the barbecue sauce down the center strip. Top with the chicken, peppers and cheese. Fold the side strips over filling, alternating strips from each side and pressing them into the dough on the opposite side, forming a braid. Pinch or twist to seal.

Transfer to a grill safe baking sheet and let rest for 15 minutes.

Bake the braid for 15-20 minutes , until golden brown and bread is baked through.

Let the braidsrest for 5 minutes. Using a serrated knife, cut braid into sections and serve warm.

Wednesday 29 June 2011

Chocolate Mug Cake

I had a super bad chocolate cake craving today at lunch. This was super yummy, not like real cake, but still super good!

IMG_0045

Chocolate Mug Cake
Serves 2

5 tbsp flour
5 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp cocoa
Salt- a pinch
1/4 to 1/2 tsp Baking powder
1 egg
4 tbsp milk
4 tbsp oil
Pure vanilla extract- a dash
2 microwave-safe coffee mugs

Mix all the dry ingredients in a coffee mug to make the cake.
Beat the eggs slightly in a small mixing bowl and add the rest of the wet ingredients and mix well with a fork. Add in the dry mixture and mix well. Pour out half of the batter into each coffee mug. Microwave the coffee mugs,one at a time, half- filled with the batter, on high, for a minute. If it does not get done in a minute, keep for another 20-30 seconds. Do not overcook, you might end up with a dry cake. (I kept it for 1 minute and 20seconds)
Let it cool and dig in.


Thursday 23 June 2011

Mini Rhubarb Pies

Baking 004


I've been meaning to clean up my rhubarb plants for the past couple days and I finally got around to it last night. I was going to make a Rhubarb Pie for work today, but thats kind of difficult to eat on the job. So I came up with these.

Mini Rhubarb Pies
Serves 20 / 7 Points+

20 pre-made tart shells
1 to 1½ pounds rhubarb (about 5 cups ½-inch diced)
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup light brown sugar
¼ cup cornstarch
¼ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Sanding sugar or granulated sugar, for sprinkling

Combine the diced rhubarb, both sugars, the cornstarch and salt in a medium saucepan and place over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the rhubarb releases its liquid and begins to breakdown, creating a thick, chunky sauce, about 10 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Set aside to cool to room temperature.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Spoon rhubarb filling into the center of each dough round (about 2 big spoonfuls), and place on a cookie sheet. Sprinkle with sugar. Bake until the crust is golden brown and the filling bubbles a bit, 20 to 25 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature. Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Wednesday 22 June 2011

Something to think about

I just read a post by one of my favorite bloggers. She is a very inspirational woman, and she has a way of just bringing you in and sharing her life with you. I feel so close to her, even though I don't even know her. Her stories, her journey, had definitely not been the easiest, and today's post is a very touching one.

See post here: http://oscbb.blogspot.com/2011/06/youre-grand-old-flag.html

Please keep in mind this isn't something I like to openly talk about.
I believe in God, even though my faith hasn't always been something I turn to when I need help. Since meeting with the priest for our wedding I think its something I want to start doing.

I have been hurt, I have been told I was a waste of space. I was with an abusive, hurtful man, that lied and cheated and broke my heart over and over again. I struggle daily to get over this. I think about him, how he lied to me. I think of how I feel like I can't open up to anyone, for fear of people hurting me takes over. I trusted someone and loved someone more than they ever deserved!

I agree with Charlie one hundred percent when she says, "this is what hurts for. Its to help you grow past that person you used to be. To learn why things still hurt, and figure out the best way to heal your heart."

My journey over the past year, since we've been engaged, has been a rough one and its not one that I plan on giving up anytime soon. I am constantly looking for ways to better myself. I have taken days off work to basically lay in bed, take down my flag and fix it. I read a book, I watch movies that make me feel better, I think about my past and ways to make my life better. Last time I did this, I decided it was time to find a new job. I signed up for Early Childhood Classes that start in September and I applied for a few different jobs. If my job isn't making me happy, it needs to go.

Daniel and I have been together for over 3 years. We tend to build up walls between each other. We disagree or fight about something, we add a brick to that wall. We have been working lately to bring our walls down, talking about things brick by brick. Its been working out great for us. The last time we had a fight was about a wedding and the people at it. That was about 5 weeks ago. It took us a long time to take those bricks down. Its a touchy subject, but basically his best friends' wives are clicky and don't include me in anything. I ended up crying in the bathroom because he doesn't understand any of it and we had a fight about it. He will probably never understand because he's never been in that situation, but we talked about it and came up with a semi-solution. He can go out with his friends when they are home, but he can't expect me to go out with him everytime. Its OK for me to say no and do something else. We are definitely getting better about fighting and working things out.

I mean, everyone has their own flag, and brick wall. Everyone needs to take the time to work things out, and mend them. When was the last time you took time to do that?


Tuesday 21 June 2011

Cheeseburger Macaroni

I was looking for something yummy and filling that my Fiance and I have been missing since I started my weight loss journey. We've been eating super healthy lately and this just seemed perfect!

I remember when I used to go visit Dan when he lived 2 hours away from me. He would cook me something similar. We would be standing in his tiny kitchen (usually a huuuge mess) and he would brown some hamburger, add lots of cheese whiz, and top it with macaroni. I would put together a ceasar salad in a pot (I know right! He had no salad bowls) and shake it to spread the dressing. We would lounge on the couch, watch a movie and eat this. Of course, me being polite never commented once on it, and ate as much as I could. It was very bland... this on the other hand, has way more flavour! So good! The chilis make it so much better!

Cheeseburger Macaroni
Serves 4 / 11 Points+

1 lb lean hamburger meat
1 pkg taco seasoning
1 can tomatoes and green chilies (or petite diced tomatoes)
2 cups water
1 cup elbow macaroni

Brown and drain hamburger meat. Stir in taco seasoning, Rotel, beef broth, and macaroni. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat and cover pan. Simmer 12-14 mins until macaroni is tender.

Meanwhile, make the cheese sauce….

2 Tablespoons butter
2 tbsp flour
3/4 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper

Melt the butter in a saucepan. Whisk in the flour and cook, whisking for 5 minutes until fragrant and light brown in color. Whisk in the milk and bring to a boil. Whisk until smooth and thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Add the salt and pepper to the cheese sauce. Pour the cheese sauce over the hamburger mixture. Stir gently to combine.

Monday 20 June 2011

Stagette Party

*cue music *

Everybody get low low low low..

Up down, up down... so goes my weight.

I'm really struggling lately and this past weekend didn't help. It was my stagette..

stagette

Lots of laughs, good times had by all! But I also gained 4lbs. I changed my weigh in day to Fridays. Having it on a Sunday was cruel cruel punishment!


Wednesday 15 June 2011

Zumba

I had a wonderfully OP day yesterday. I was starving when I got home from work yesterday and snacked on some crackers and cheese. But thats ok.. I had some extras.

I tried my zumba game for wii last night. It kicked my ass! I was schweating after 5 minutes and I couldn't do half the moves but I just kept jumping and moving and didn't stop for the whole 20 minute workout! Whew.. and then I did a 20 minute speed walk on my treadmill. I think I might renew my gym membership for a month and go in the mornings. I just don't find that working out at home is enough. I want the weights and the workout I get there. I love getting up and going to the gym for an hour in the morning.. its quiet and it wakes me up and gets me moving! I'm kinda scared though that if I start working out they are going to need to take in my dress. I got a phone call last night and the owner said the seamstress is gone back to her homeland because her mother is ill.... I wont get to do my final fitting until the middle of July now! I'm trying not to stress about it. Everything wil be done on time I'm positive!

Anyway.. happy thoughts.. I'm kinda loving this rain right now. Means its going to be a quiet day at work!

The Green Monster!

My brother and sister bought me a blender for my birthday. I had to try something new in it and this is what I came up with. It's a wonderful, filling breakfast! And a great way to get fruits and veggies plus dairy in!

Green Monster
1 serving / 9 p+

Handful of Ice
1 tbsp flax
1/2 cup berries
1 banana
1/4 cup greek yogurt
1/2 cup milk
2 cups spinach

Blend well on high. Pour into a glass and enjoy!

Tuesday 14 June 2011

Sucky!

I am not good at this whole blogging thing! I can do it for a day or two and then I completely forget about it! I'm really trying to get into the habit of doing this everyday, I swear!

This past weekend we celebrated my birthday. Friday we spent the night at a friends house and ordered pizza in at 2 am after a succesful night of drinking. Saturday we went out to my farm, then to the city where we picked up a couple things we needed and went out for supper. Then made the 3 hour drive home and went out for more drinks with friends. At 4:30am we decided we needed to go for a round of golf! Can you believe it! We got home at 10am and crashed hard all day sunday! I feel like my sleeping pattern and food schedule is all off! I was so hungry yesterday all day, but I managed to stay OP!

We picked up a new tv yesterday, So I'll be able to run on the treadmill and not have the tv go on and off! We also took the tv stand from the farm, and I rearranged the basement so we have a "living room" now. Our basement desperately needs a good painting.. maybe a winter project this year!

Then tonight, we are planning on moving the bed in the spare room out, and putting the spare tv upstairs, so I can do my zumba/insanity or play wii upstairs. I think I'll end up putting it in the living room so I can play my wii games, but for zumba, etc it will be nice to have the spare room.

Anyway, I should get back to work :)

Thursday 9 June 2011

Missing in action

Sorry everyone, I've been missing in action lately. I've been sick and have a couple things going on all at once and I'm having a hard time finding time to do it all.

I managed to lose 2 lbs this week! I weighed in on Sunday so this is a little late!

I'm super tired, so I'll post something better later when I'm not so bitter and have had a couple cups of coffee.

Wednesday 1 June 2011

June Goals

I have 5 goals for June!

1. Book boudoir photo session for my fiance's wedding present. This is a huge step for me as I am usually so self conscious about my body. I usually have a couple layers of clothes on, and refuse to take them off for anyone! Yes, I have sex with the lights OFF! I hate my body naked!

2. Sign up for a challenge. I need something to keep me motivated. I need other people to hold me accountable for what I'm doing, and I think if I had a little bit of competition it would make me work that much harder!

3. Lose 6 lbs, and keep it off! That would put me at 130lbs... my goal weight is 123lbs. Thats a little more than a pound a week, but I need it.. I need to get in the groove of working out, and I can do it!

4. Workout/run/walk/bike for at least 4 days a week. Try and go for at least 2 miles a day. Shouldn't be too hard, the treadmill counts! 2 miles a day!

5. Track track track! Everything that goes in my mouth must be tracked!


Menu Revamping

I can't believe how much my menus have changed! I'm really doing this!

Daily Menu for June 1, 2011

Breakfast: 1 serving Quaker Weight Control Oatmeal
1/2 cup blueberries
1 cup skim milk
1 cup coffee with 1 tbsp hazelnut flavor

Snack
1 mandarin orange
10 almonds

Lunch
2 cups mixed greens, 1/2 cup tomato with 2 tsp olive oil, 2 tsp lemon, salt and pepper
1/2 Turkey Sandwich (1 slice whole grain bread, 2 slices deli turkey, 1 tbsp mayo, 1 tbsp dijon mustard, 2 leafs lettuce, 2 slices cheddar cheese)

Snack
1 cup fat free plain yogurt with 1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup strawberries

Dinner 1 servings pork chops (bbq'd)
1 corn on the cob
1 cup cooked egg noodles with 1 serving homemade lowfat alfredo sauce

Snack
2 tbsp tostitos spinach dip
12 whole grain tostitos bite size chips

So for my GHGs:
water - will drink throughout the day its only 10pm and I've already had 3!
dairy - I counted 3 but I'm not sure (1 cup milk, 1 cup yogurt, and 2 cheese slices)
veggies - I counted 7 all together (I didn't count the lettuce in my sandwich)
oils - I have 2 tsp in my salad
multivitamins - take at lunch