Thursday, December 23, 2010

Go For A Walk In The Snow!

Today's Health Tip!


Go for a walk in the snow - Exercise improves sleep!  Studies from the University of Arizona show that women who even walked short distances at a normal pace during the day found their sleep significantly improved. Exercise reduces the time it takes to get to sleep by 12 minutes, and it increases total sleep time by 42 minutes.

Getting enough sleep has so many benefits!  To list a few...
Sleep Keeps Your Heart Healthy,  Sleep Reduces Stress, Sleep Reduces Inflammation, Sleep Makes You More Alert, Sleep Bolsters Your Memory, Sleep Helps You Lose Weight, Naps are known to make you smarter, and Sleep Helps the Body Make Repairs!

Wow!  Who is with me today!  Lets all go for a walk in the snow! Make a snowman or just have fun with the kids!

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Mustard Crusted Potatoes (Potato Review)

I am in love with these little potatoes!  They are not only tasty but so good for you too!  These potatoes are already pre-washed and ready to cook.  No peeling or prep, just season and cook!  So nice for busy moms!


Tasteful Selections has eight varieties to choose from.

  1. Ruby Sensation: A light fresh flavor with creamy flesh & tender skin
  2. White Delights: Mellow with hints of sweet flavor and a firm, yet fine texture
  3. Golden Temptation: A hint of butter flavor with a soft & creamy flesh and soft skin
  4. Purple Passion: Slightly sweet, yet nutty with a plump texture and firm skin
  5. Honey Gold: Buttery sweet flavor with velvety golden flesh and delicate skin
  6. Sunrise Medley: A mix of sweet, nutty and fresh flavors with consistently soft texture
  7. Gold Fingerlings: Golden flesh with a firm texture and rich buttery flavor
  8. Ruby Fingerlings: Light red flesh with a creamy, moist flavor
  9. Sunset Fingerlings: A bouquet of flavors and textures from buttery to nutty

With The holiday season here.  These would be a perfect potluck dish to bring to parties.  They will definitely be the dish everyone wants to try! I particularly like Sunrise Melody, looks so festive with three colors.  I would throw in an extra bag of Purple Passion as everyone wants to try a purple potato!  Yes the inside is purple!  Very fun and cool.

I tried this recipe from Tasteful Selections Website!  It was so yummy,  the kids gobbled them up and asked when I was going to make more!

Mustard Crusted Potatoes


  • 1 package Tasteful Selections Sunrise Melody Potatoes
  • 3 tbls Dijon Mustard
  • 2 tbls Olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning


Mix all ingredients together, Throw in potatoes to coat.  bake in preheated oven for 35-40 mins
And Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary product exchange for my honest review. The opinions & thoughts expressed are my own. I received no other compensation for my review nor was I under any obligation to give a positive review.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

WMWW - A Guest Post

Winter Workout: 6 Tips on Staying Active During the Holiday Season

Edward Stern is a guest blogger for An Apple a Day and a writer on becoming a phlebotomist for the Guide to Health Education.

During the season of eggnog, gingerbread cookies, and family feasts, it's hard not to overindulge. And why not indulge? After working so hard all year, you’ve earned the right to kick back and treat yourself.
At the same time, the end of the year brings new opportunities. Don't just make a New Year’s resolution to “exercise more” and “live healthier;” instead, kickstart new habits by beginning them right away. Here are six ways you can stay active during the holiday season:

1.    Sign up for indoor fitness classes. If you're already a member of a gym or YMCA, these classes are often free for members. Try something you've always wanted to learn, like yoga, or push yourself hard with a spin class or boot-camp. Sign up with friends to push each other to do your best, or meet some new people. For many, it's easier to stay motivated when you have others to hold you accountable.

2.    Go shopping. You'll need to do some holiday shopping anyway, so plan one or two days of mega shopping at large indoor malls to get some walking time in. Walking burns calories, and depending on the size of your gift list, you can log more than two or three miles in no time. If you're looking for a serious workout, wear light ankle weights or muscle-building shoes to give your lower body a better challenge.

3.    Try out winter sports. Go snowboarding, skiing, ice skating, or all of the above, especially if you never have before. Not only is this a great outing with family or friends, but it also gives you a tremendous workout--believe me, the next day muscles will be aching that you didn't know you even had before. Downhill skiing or snowboarding is great for your lower body and your core, and cross country is one of the ultimate total body workouts.

4.    Play in the snow. If your town is blanketed in a layer of fluffy white snow, get outside and enjoy it. Make a snowman, have a snowball fight, play tackle football while it won't hurt to go down. Bundle up to store heat and burn more calories. If you're the working type, shovel your drive and walkways for a terrific upper body workout.

5.    Check out holiday lights in your neighborhood. But don't drive—walk. Again, extra layers = extra calories burned, so bundle up well. Grab a significant other, friend, or relative in town for the holidays and go for a long walk around the neighborhood to admire the holiday decorations and yard displays. Sometimes, exercise is at its best when it's disguised as something else.

6.    Decorate the house. Housework burns calories too, even just everyday chores like vacuuming and dusting. For the holidays, ramp it up a little bit by going all out on the decorations. Spending lots of time on a ladder hanging up holiday lights or hauling out big, light-up reindeer from storage can be a good workout. So is cutting your own holiday tree, especially for upper body and core. 


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This is Decembers blog hop!   Add your old or new post below with Linky! You can post once a week.  


I can't wait to see all the helpful tips/recipes/stories you have!

Please link directly to your post and not your blog URL. If you could please link back here, so that everyone can join in the fun!


Saturday, December 11, 2010

Quick Quesadilla's

Quick Quesadilla's

Sometimes during the holiday you will find you are to busy to make a whole healthy meal.  That is why I always relies on this quick and healthy recipe!  It one of our family favorites!

I always use what ever I have in the fridge!  
  • tomato diced
  • green onion sliced
  • soft cooked black beans(can substitute w/chickpea's, or leftover chicken or beef)
  • frozen corn
  • jalapeno pepper, diced real small, no seeds.(this gives it some kick...just enough that kids will still like it)
  • shredded marble cheddar cheese
Arrange ingredients in separate bowl and let you family members load up there own tortilla's!  When they are done, fold in half, and bake till cheese is melted and tortilla crisp!
So simple! So yummy!  No extra seasoning required!
Eat it with a side of salad and Enjoy!

I hope you have fun with creating your own quesadilla!  

Let me know, what do you like in yours!

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Watch My Weight Wednesday

This is a blog hop! Add your old or new post below with Linky! You can post any helpful tips/recipes/stories you have!  Please link directly to your post and not your blog URL. If you could please link back here, so that everyone can join in the fun!

Friday, December 3, 2010

Five Question Friday!




It has been awhile since I participated in 5 Question Friday, I have been so busy trying to get ready for Christmas.  I still have many things to do and buy.  But I have a free moment to participate even though it is going to be Saturday in a few short minutes  :)

1. What's on the top of your holiday wish list and why?!
My wish list is full of wishes!  My #1 would be a 10cup food processor!  My little one just can't handle a family of 4.  But my real "wish" is for a food dehydrator!

2. What is your favorite Christmas gift from the past?
Diamond earrings from my husband...the year we agreed not to buy gift for each other!  It was such a beautiful surprise...He is very romantic like that.

3. If you had life to do over, what would you be when you grow up?
I wouldn't want to do it all over...I like the person I am today and wouldn't change anything.  I don't think I am fully grown up yet...so I still have time to figure out what I ultimately want to be  :)

4. When do you put up your tree?
Soon!  We buy a real tree, so we can't put it up to early.  But I am so excited to get all the decorations out and decorate!!!!

5. What is your favorite Holiday?
Christmas.  I like it cause it lasts for the whole month!  It is the best time of the year!

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Watch My Weight Wednesday!

The holidays are here!  The cold weather has arrived.  And I just want to hibernate!   So I can't tell you how happy I am that I have a treadmill in my home!  It is so easy to turn it on and start going!  Between the treadmill and RevAbs I have lost 5lbs!  So that is a huge motivator for me to stay away from holiday treats!  I am trying to work out 5 days a week.  I still find it hard to do workouts on the weekend.  I am so pleased with my results so far, I can feel the difference on how my clothes fit!


So my question to you is...
What do you do to keep motivated during the holidays?  
Do you have a plan?


I have changed WMWW into a monthly link up party!  Now you can link up as many times as you like through out the month!  I will still post on Wednesdays.  You still can post  all your recipes, tips, and your weight loss stories! 


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This is a blog hop!   Add your old or new post below with Linky! I can't wait to see all the helpful tips/recipes/stories you have!
Please link directly to your post and not your blog URL. If you could please link back here, so that everyone can join in the fun!

Monday, November 29, 2010

"RAW" Taco Salad

I found this yummy recipe here

http://www.fitmomsfitkidsclub.com/2010/08/daddy-does-it-raw-week-3-menu/


I am always looking for new yummy recipes and when I found this one I just had to try it out!  This was a hit with the family!  We all enjoyed it.  The kids liked the nut(meat) mixture scooped into lettuce leaves drizzled with the cashew cream.  I made up a huge garden salad and added the nut(meat) mixture to the top, also drizzled with cashew cream.  It was so filling and yummy!  Another "RAW" recipe our family will make again and again!

Taco Mixture - Process 1 cup of sunflower seeds (soaked for 1 hour), 1/2 cup of cashews, 1 clove of garlic, 2 tablespoons of onions, 2 tablespoons of cumin, 1 tablespoon of cajun seasoning, a dash of sea salt. 


Cashew Sour Cream 
In a food processor or high powered blender 1 cup cashews (soaked), 1 cup water, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder.  Blend until the ingredients are a thick and smooth cream (add more water if needed) it should look like sour cream.

Fit Meals Monday!


Fit Meals Monday


Monday - Leftover Shepard's Pie (made from yesterdays leftover roast beef and potatoes!)
Tuesday -  Soup (I am bringing back soup Tuesday!)
Wednesday - Chicken Curry
Thursday -  Curried Sprouted Mung Beans (Didn't have this last week, forgot to sprout the beans...starting today with the sprouting process to prepare for Thursday!)
Friday - Veggie Lasagna
Click on the above button to find some more Fit Meal Plans!

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

WMWW - RevAbs Winner!

And the winner is...#37 Joyce she says  "I need this cause I have no abs and would really like some!"


Congratulations Joyce!   I have sent you an email you have 48hours to respond.

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Thank you to all participants!  Please visit the below links to meet some great people!  Next week it will be a new linky.  


This is a blog hop! Post your recipes, tips, and your weight loss stories! It can be a new post or an older one that you would like to share.

Add your old or new post below with Linky! I can't wait to see all the helpful tips/recipes/stories you have!
Please link directly to your post and not your blog URL. If you could please link back here, so that everyone can join in the fun!

Monday, November 22, 2010

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

WMWW

Hi all!  I am still on the RevAbs 14 day Jump start program!  I did have a little set back over the weekend, but now I am back on track.


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This weeks link up is more of last weeks! The more you linkup the more chances you have to win The RevAbs program! Please link up one link per week.
Just comment to let me know you linked up, so it will count in the contest!

Good Luck!


________________________________________________________________________________

This is a blog hop! Post your recipes, tips, and your weight loss stories! It can be a new post or an older one that you would like to share.


Would you like to be a guest blogger? Send me an email!

Add your old or new post below with Linky! I can't wait to see all the helpful tips/recipes/stories you have!
Please link directly to your post and not your blog URL. If you could please link back here, so that everyone can join in the fun!


Monday, November 15, 2010

Fit Meals Monday!


Fit Meals Monday

This is a great new blog hop to share our family’s healthy food meal plans for the week!  


MondayCountry Dijon Pork Chops with a garden side salad! 
Tuesday Butternut Squash Soup.
WednesdayBlack Bean Burgers with a side salad.
Thursday - Lemon Rosemary Chicken with salad.  
Friday - Leftover Chicken with red pepper, mushroom, and onion grilled salad.  

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Stuffed Tomato for One a "Raw" Recipe

I am starting to add "raw" recipes to our meal plans!  This is a tasty easy recipe that only requires a food processor!  Perfect if you are making lunch for one.  Of course you can double/quadruple the recipe if making for more than one.  I did have more mix that didn't fit into the tomato, you can save for later or share with a friend...perhaps put it in to a lettuce leaf!


Stuffed Tomato for One


Ingredients

  • 1 tomato cut in half,
  • 1/4 cup of soaked sunflower seeds (soak 1 hr in water, then drain), 
  • 1/4 teaspoon of mustard powder, 
  • half a stalk celery, 
  • finger sized carrot, 
  • 1 green onion, 
  • 1 small clove of garlic, 
  • a squirt of lemon juice to taste, 
  • Optional - Add your favorite spices. (dill, cilantro, curry, paprika, etc).
Hallow out half of your tomato, throwing all tomato remains in food processor.
Process all ingredients.
Scoop mixture into tomato half.
Enjoy this very healthy lunch beside extra celery, and carrot sticks!
Yummy! 

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Watch My Weight Wednesday!

Just a reminder to enter my Giveaway for RevAbs


On Monday I started the RevAbs 14 day Jump start program!  The 14 day program provides me with meal and snack plans.  Including when to eat, what to eat, drink, and workout routines.  It is great!  I am on my 3rd day and am very excited to see what results will come after 14!
I am still getting used to the workouts, but the meal plan is easy and is working out fine for me!  I even got my hubby to do this program with me!  So I am super motivated!

This weeks link up is more of last weeks!  The more you linkups the more chances you have to win The RevAbs program!  Please link up one link per week.
Just comment to let me know you linked up, so it will count in the contest!

Good Luck!


________________________________________________________________________________

This is a blog hop! Post your recipes, tips, and your weight loss stories! It can be a new post or an older one that you would like to share.


Would you like to be a guest blogger? Send me an email!

Add your old or new post below with Linky! I can't wait to see all the helpful tips/recipes/stories you have!
Please link directly to your post and not your blog URL. If you could please link back here, so that everyone can join in the fun!

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Fit Meals Monday!



Oh no I am a day late for this new blog hop Fit Meals Monday


This blog hop is for us to share our family’s healthy food meal plan for the week!  So here I go!


Monday - Chicken with red pepper, mushroom, and onion grilled salad.  (So yummy!)
Tuesday - Roasted beef with carrots and broccoli.
Wednesday - Left over beef(sandwich or stir fry).
Thursday - Lemon Thyme Chicken with salad.  (a new recipe I am trying out!)
Friday - Country Dijon Pork Chops with Bean, Tomato, Onion grilled salad! 


Monday, November 1, 2010

Fit Meals Monday!


So I am attempting to plan my meals once again. And what better day to start, then the day after Halloween! I am really excited about this new blog hop Fit Meals Monday.   This blog hop is for us mom's to share our family’s healthy food meal plan for the week!  so here I go!

Monday - Black Bean Burgers with a side salad.
Tuesday - Butternut Squash Soup
Wednesday - Roast Beef, roasted potatoes and veggies!
Thursday - Beef Fajita's (to use up leftover roast)
Friday - Thai Peanut Noodles
Not sure of the weekend yet...just baby steps for me  :)

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Halloween Whole Wheat Spice Cookies

With Halloween around the corner this is a yummy healthy recipe for the kids.   I did not make these.  This recipe is from my very good friend!  Thank you for letting me share!
Just look how gorgeous they are!  And so very tasty!

Whole wheat spice cookies with apple and cinnamon icing

Cookies:
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup margarine/butter
1 tbsp water
2 tsp vanilla
1 egg
2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
pinch salt
1/4 tsp cloves
1/2 cup ground sunflower seeds (calls for nuts, but this is nut free for school)

Beat together sugar and margarine/butter.  Add water, vanilla and egg, beat well.
Mix together dry ingredients, and add to wet.  Don't over mix.  Divide into 4 balls, cover and place in fridge for 45 minutes.  Can wrap in wax paper and leave for a couple of days at this point.  Preheat oven to 375F.  Roll out balls, and cut with cookie cutters of choice (we chose halloweeen theme, but this is a good holiday one too).  Place on sheet, and bake for 8-10 minutes, until lightly browned.  Let cool a couple of minutes, then transfer to wire rack.  Prepare icing in the mean time.

Icing:
3 large dried prunes (could use figs)
1/4 cup boiled water
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp ginger
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 cup powder sugar
1/4 cup apple juice (to the consistency you like)

Place prunes in small bowl, and cover with boiled water.  Steep for 20 minutes.  In a blender or mini food processor.  Process the prunes and water, then add brown sugar and spices, till smooth.  Mix powdered sugar in 1/2 cup at a time.  Then add enough apple juice to your liking.  Spread onto cooled cookies and top with sprinkles (if you like them).  Hopefully a little healthier than royal icing!

Sharing with 

Fight Back Friday at The Food Renegade 

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Watch My Weight Wednesday!

Last week I told you all that we purchased a treadmill. I have been researching on how to get the most out of my treadmill and have found these tips!

Treadmill Exercises for Beginners
I wanted to know how do I use a treadmill to lose weight?  This is what I found!

For beginners you should do about 15-20 minutes of cardio everyday. Here are a few treadmill exercises to start off with.

Walking
Set a pace which you feel comfortable walking for up to 20 minutes. You could start with a speed of 5 km/hr and if you feel that the workout is too slow for you, you could yank it up to 6.5 km/hr. Walking is a simple exercise for you and it is better you start your workout with this if you have never played any sports. It is also a good warm-up.


Running
Start your workout with a brisk jog at 10 km/hr. And depending on whether you are comfortable or not, you can increase or decrease the speed of the treadmill at which you're running. Ideally you should maintain a steady pace throughout so select a speed which you are comfortable with. Don't overdo it as it may cause injury. Reduce the speed for the last 4-5 minutes so that you can cool down.

Using the Incline
To increase the intensity of the workout, the treadmill offers the incline function. When you use the incline, the treadmill automatically lifts itself up and gives you the feeling of walking uphill. Walking uphill is obviously tougher than walking on a flat surface so it burns more calories!

Interval Workout
Some treadmills come with an interval workout. An interval workout is a preset function on the treadmill which does all the changes in the incline, and leaves you to adjust the speed. The interval workout intermediately increases the incline of the treadmill to give you a more challenging workout.

Tips to consider while using a treadmill
  • Don't run too close to the control panel of a treadmill, you may hold your arms too high, causing your neck and shoulders to get sore. --  Instead, position yourself in the middle of the treadmill band and you will be less likely to have aches afterwards.
  • Leading with and landing on your heel can do damage to your knees.  Try to land on the middle of your feet and roll onto the balls of them. It will be easier on your knees and, perhaps just as importantly, you will feel like your walk is easier on your body as a whole, making you more likely to keep it up.
  • Move your arms back and forwards rather than across your body and make a point to keep the motion fluid. Once you get the hang of it, it will actually improve your coordination and keep you balanced. Hold your arms at a 90-degree angle and keep your hands around hip level.
  • Looking up at the ceiling, an overhead poster or a mounted television may cause you to tip your torso back and puts pressure on your hips. That makes it even harder to take a step forward with every stride. Try to always look straight ahead to keep yourself from leaning back.
  • You should never actually slouch walking indoors or out, of course, but leaning slightly toward the control panel (from your ankles, not your torso) will create a shift in gravity that helps propel you without any additional effort. (Basically, you can walk faster without putting more energy into it.)

________________________________________________________________________________

This is a blog hop! Post your recipes, tips, and your weight loss stories! It can be a new post or an older one that you would like to share.

Would you like to be a guest blogger? Send me an email!

Add your old or new post below with Linky! I can't wait to see all the helpful tips/recipes/stories you have!
Please link directly to your post and not your blog URL. If you could please link back here, so that everyone can join in the fun!

    Monday, October 25, 2010

    Butternut Squash Soup

    Butternut Squash Soup

    • 1 small Butternut Squash
    • a little Butter
    • 1/2 Onion, chopped
    • 1 cup Chicken Stock
    • 2 tbls Cream (or milk)
    • 1/2 tbls Real Maple Syrup
    • Water, as needed
    • Pinch Freshly Ground Nutmeg
    • Ground Black Pepper, to taste

    Instructions

    1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
    2. Cut squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
    3. Arrange the halves cut side down on an oiled baking sheet.
    4. Bake for about 40-45 minutes or until fork tender. Set aside to cool.
    5. Melt butter in large pot over medium heat.
    6. Saute onion in the butter.
    7. Add stock, and cream.
    8. Scoop the squash flesh from the skin using a spoon.
    9. Add the flesh to the pot and maple syrup.
    10. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
    11. Food process until smooth.
    12. Add water to desired consistency.
    13. Return to heat.
    14. Add nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Serve hot.



    Wednesday, October 20, 2010

    Watch My Weight Wednesday! Yummy foods that help promote weight loss!

    Hello Everyone!  I have news!  We invested in a treadmill!  So now I can run in the comforts of my home.
    My new goal is to get on it everyday.  I am open to any tips you may have about running on a treadmill.

    Here is a list of yummy foods that help promote weight loss!


    Tomatoes: very low in calories, source of vitamin A, C and antioxidants. Use cooked and raw. Try halved tomatoes sprinkled with parmesan cheese and broiled until cheese melts.

    Green tea: metabolism booster, rich in antioxidants. Try iced or hot. Green tea can be mixed with black tea if you don’t care for the taste. Add a sprig of mint or lemon for variety.

    Broccoli: high in fiber, folate vitamins A and C, low in calories. Stir fry broccoli with garlic and scallions with a splash of soy sauce for an oriental treat.

    Apples: An apple before each meal helps you lose weight. High in pectin and fiber so you feel full longer. Bake apples with the center filled with walnuts and a sprinkle of brown sugar.

    Spinach: High in antioxidants, vitamins A, K, B and C. Dress a raw spinach salad with olive oil and vinegar dressing. Add a sliced hard boiled egg and you almost have a perfect meal.

    Walnuts: source of protein, healthy fat and fiber. Add chopped walnuts to yogurt to boost the protein and add some fiber. Or to cooked brown rice for a bit of crunch. Other nuts to try include almonds and hazelnuts.

    Oats: the long cooking kind takes only 5 minutes and is a better source of fiber than quick cooking. Oats have been shown to decrease cholesterol. Oats are not just for breakfast add them to meatloaf or meat balls for extra fiber.

    Blueberries: the miracle berry, full of vitamins and antioxidants. Blueberries in a salad are an extra treat. Add a handful of blueberries in the blender with a fruit smoothie.

    Garlic: great for cooking and for your health. Reduces cholesterol and blood pressure. Garlic mellows considerably when cooked. Throw several cloves into the water when you’re making pasta then smash and add to the sauce.
    ________________________________________________________________________________

    This is a blog hop! Post your recipes, tips, and your weight loss stories! It can be a new post or an older one that you would like to share.

    Would you like to be a guest blogger? Send me an email!

    Add your old or new post below with Linky! I can't wait to see all the helpful tips/recipes/stories you have!
    Please link directly to your post and not your blog URL. If you could please link back here, so that everyone can join in the fun!

    Sunday, October 17, 2010

    Spaghetti Squash with Onions and Garlic

    I love squash! Spaghetti Squash is fun and you can put almost any regular spaghetti topping on it! I love this recipe cause its is so easy and tasty. The kids and I like to put a little parmesan cheese on top

    Spaghetti Squash with Onions and Garlic

    Ingredients:
    • 1 Spaghetti Squash
    • 2 Tablespoon Olive Oil
    • 1 Onion, thinly sliced
    • 4 cloves of Garlic, minced
    • Pepper to taste 
    • Parmesan Cheese to taste(optional)
    Directions:
    1. Cut the spaghetti squash in half and remove seeds and membranes.
    2. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
    3. Place squash on baking dish and add 1 Tablespoon olive oil, half of the onion slices, and half of the garlic to each squash half.
    4. Sprinkle with a little pepper.
    5. Place in deep pan and add enough water to just cover the bottom of pan
    6. Cover pan with a lid or aluminum foil.
    7. Bake at 375 degrees for 45 to 60 minutes until the skin gives easily under pressure (using an oven mitt) and the inside is tender.
    8. Use a fork to pull out the spaghetti-like strands, onions, and garlic from the inside of the squash.
    9. Toss and Serve.
    Serves 4-6

    Saturday, October 16, 2010

    Slow Cooker Saturday! Chicken Mole!

    So it is Slow Cooker Saturday and I am making Chicken Mole(pronounced MOL-ay).  It is simmering away in my crock as we speak I type!  I have never ever had chicken mole.  But I have read about it and have always been very curious as to how it would taste.  I love chocolate and I like chicken so why not?  This week at the grocery store I noticed a jar of mole sauce on the bottom of the shelf tucked away in the corner.  Normally I like to make my own sauce,  But mole sauce has a ton of ingredients, I guess that is is why I never made it before.  I think the selling point on this jar of mole sauce was 1. The ingredients for the most part they are all "real" 2. The jar it self! It can be used as a drinking glass! 3. I have always wanted to taste mole sauce!  So here I am making Chicken Mole for dinner!  I will post pics and let you know how I like it after I try it!

    Chicken Mole
    • Chicken
    • Jar of Mole sauce
    • Chicken Broth

    Turn the crock pot on high, and Jar of sauce and 4 parts broth as per instructions on jar.  Stir until blended(I actually for got to do this part.  oops!) This might be faster in  a sauce pan on the stove depending on how fast your crock heats up.
    Add the chicken breasts and immediately turn down to low. Cook for 6 hours.
    To serve, remove the chicken from the crock pot, shred with a fork, and put back into the sauce. Serve with warm tortillas, or with rice.

    MY UPDATE
    This was so yummy!  I was a little worried about how it would taste while it was cooking, but was very surprised at how well it turned out!  I rolled the chicken mole in ww tortilla and added more sauce on top.  We dressed it up with chopped tomato, swiss cheese(that is what I had in the fridge), and some avocado.  I will definitely make this again.  The whole family enjoyed it!

    To find some more great Slow Cooker Recipes Go visit here!

    So I have some questions for my readers.
    Have you tried Mole before?  How do you like to serve it?  Should I put anything extra into the crock with it?

    Friday, October 15, 2010

    Potato Chowder Recipe

    Tonight I felt like comfort food!  This is pure comfort!  So creamy and tasty.  Perfect for a crisp autumn day.
    Potato Chowder

    Ingredients

    • 2 bacon strips, diced
    • 1 onion, diced
    • 2 medium red potatoes,diced
    • 1 carrot, diced
    • 2 cups vegetable broth
    • 2 cups heavy cream (or use milk if watching your weight)
    • 1 1/2 cup frozen corn
    • Dash of pepper
    • 2-1/2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
    • 2 tablespoons cold water
    • 1 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

    Directions

    1. In a large saucepan, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp; remove to paper towels. Drain, reserving 1 teaspoon drippings. 
    2. In the drippings, saute onion until tender. 
    3. Add the potato, carrot, broth. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the vegetables are almost tender.
    4. Stir in the cream, corn and pepper. Cook 5 minutes longer. 
    5. Combine the flour and cold water until smooth; gradually whisk into soup. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened. 
    6. Remove from the heat; stir in cheese until melted. Sprinkle with bacon.

    Wednesday, October 6, 2010

    Watch My Weight Wednesday!

    Get Inspired to Get Fit!

    Do you need some extra inspiration?  I found this article of 58 women's weight loss stories! 

    http://www.womenshealthmag.com/weight-loss/weight-loss-success-stories-11?page=0
    ________________________________________________________________________________

    This is a blog hop! Post your recipes, tips, and your weight loss stories! It can be a new post or an older one that you would like to share.

    Would you like to be a guest blogger? Send me an email!

    Add your old or new post below with Linky! I can't wait to see all the helpful tips/recipes/stories you have!
    Please link directly to your post and not your blog URL. If you could please link back here, so that everyone can join in the fun!

    Saturday, October 2, 2010

    Slow Cooker Saturday: Chicken Broth

    Slow Cooker Chicken Broth does take some time but tastes so great!   And it is so easy too!

    1. After you have a nice dinner of roast chicken, remove meat from carcass. 
    2. Put the carcass into a large crock pot and fill with water.  Simmer overnight on low.  You can throw in any veggies in to flavor the broth...celery, onion, carrot, etc.
    3. In the morning strain broth and pull any meat off the bones to put in your soup and discard soggy veggies. 
    4. Put broth in the fridge,  when it cools you can skim off the fat.
    5. Now it is ready to use in your soup recipe!
    Do you have a great slow cooker recipe?  Come join the fun and link up to Slow Cooker Saturdays!

    Friday, October 1, 2010

    Chunky Apple & Banana Oatmeal Muffins

    Another sweetened apple sauce recipe. If you read yesterdays post you would learn that I bought this apple sauce by mistake.  You may want to add a little sweetener(honey?) if you make this recipe if using regular apple sauce.  I made these for my daughter feild trip but forgot to snap a pic before I sent them away. So no pic as they were such a great hit none were brought back home from my daughters group. 

    Chunky Apple & Banana Oatmeal Muffins

    • 1 1/4 cups whole wheat flour
    • 1 1/4 cups oats
    • 1 tsp baking powder
    • 1/2 tsp baking soda
    • 1/4 tsp salt
    • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
    • 1 cup applesauce
    • 1/2 cup milk
    • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
    • 1 lg banana diced
    • 2 apples diced
    Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
    Grease a 12 cup muffin tin.
    In a large bowl combine flour, oats, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon.
    In a medium bowl combine applesauce, milk, and egg.
    Make a well in dry ingredients and add applesauce mixture.
    Stir until just moist. Fold in bananas and apples.
    Fill muffin cups 2/3 full.
    Bake for 30 minutes.

    Thursday, September 30, 2010

    Apple Cinnamon Raisin Bread

    While I was at the grocery store I noticed organic apple sauce on sale! I bought 4 jars. Apple sauce is a good healthy snack if you run out of fresh fruit, as well I use it for baking too. A couple of days ago I decide to enjoy a 1/2 cup of apple sauce as a snack, when I realize that I bought sweetened! I don't understand why you would put sugar in apple sauce? It tastes so much better with out it. So to use up these jars, I will be using them for baking. If you make this recipe you may want to add a little bit of sweetener(honey, maple syrup, organic sugar) if you are using regular apple sauce. 

    Apple Cinnamon Raisin Bread
    • 3 cups flour
    • 3 tsp cinnamon
    • 1 tsp baking soda
    • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1 cup applesauce
    • 2 eggs, beaten
    • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
    • 2 cups apples - peeled, cored, and coarsely chopped
    • 1 cup chopped raisins (I soak my raisins first)
    Pre-heat oven to 350.  Grease loaf pan. (I used a square baking dish this time as I could not find my loaf pan...I totally suggest you use a loaf pan, so you can slice bread for the toaster.  Yummy!)
    In a big bowl, combine flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder and salt; set aside. 
    In larger mixing bowl, add apple sauce, eggs, vanilla, raisins, and apples. 
    Add dry to wet, mix till just moistened, add more applesauce if needed.
    Bake  45-60 minutes or tooth pick come out clean.