Monday, May 31, 2010

Pizza Pockets!

Pizza Pockets

I was so surprised at how well these turned out!  I was disappointed when the pockets didn't stay sealed...but after tasting them it didn't matter.  These are so tasty!  The bread is soft and yummy!  I think I may try to add garlic to the dough next time.  So much fun for the kids to make there own too!

 Ingredients
  • 4 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1 tbls yeast
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 2 tbls olive oil
  • 1 1/3 cups warm water

Mix dry ingredients together in a bowl.
Combine wet ingredients in a big measuring cup.
Add the wet to the dry...stir, then kneed.
Wash bowl with warm water and dry.
Let dough rest in warm covered bowl for 20 mins.
Separate into 8 balled pieces.  Keep them covered till ready to roll them out.
Roll each ball out and fill with fave pizza toppings!  Fold and close!
Bake in a preheated 350 oven for 15 mins.
Let cool and Enjoy!

Sunday, May 30, 2010

Chickpea Taco's!

Chickpea Taco's

Normally I would mash the chickpeas with seasonings to put inside the taco's but today I decided to try something new!  I was inspired by this recipe!  This was another hit with the kids, so will be made again!

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked chickpeas
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbls taco seasoning
  • 8 corn tortilla shells
  • Tomato, diced
  • Lettuce, shredded
  • cheese, shredded 
  • yogurt

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 400F.
Mix the soy sauce, lemon juice, and taco seasoning together. Add the chickpeas and toss until well covered. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, until crunchy. Assemble tacos and ENJOY!

Friday, May 28, 2010

Turkey Grilled Pita

This is a great healthy lunch!  And such a fun use of leftover turkey!  The kids like to make there own with the toppings they like,  This recipe is what I had on mine!  You can assemble these and freeze too, for work lunches! 

Turkey Grilled Pita
  • 1 whole wheat greek pita
  • leftover cooked turkey
  • tomato, diced
  • green onion, sliced
  • jalapeno pepper, diced
  • mushrooms, sliced
  • cheese, shredded
  • dash of no salt seasoning, I use a garlic blend.


Assemble ingredients on the pita.  Grill open(like a pizza) in the oven till cheese is bubbly and pita is toasted! Fold and serve with a side of garden salad.

Turkey Garam Masala

I tried a new recipe last night.  I used turkey leftovers for this dish but you could use chicken or chickpeas as well!  This is not a spicy dish, it was quite mild.  The kids really like it!

Turkey Garam Masala
  • 1/2 Tbls olive oil
  • 1lbs turkey, or any protein.
  • 1 green pepper
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 Tbls curry powder
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 cup almonds
  • water as needed.

Stir fry all ingredients, till cooked.  Serve on a bed of couscous.
Enjoy!

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Lets have a SALAD Party!

I have been experimenting with making my own homemade salad dressings.   I loved this dressing with the leftover turkey that I put on my garden salad.  I am sure it would taste good with chicken too.  I just wish I had some spinach!  But as always I use what I have!

Homemade Salad Dressing!  


  • 1/4 cup POM Wonderful juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dijon grainy mustard

Combine all ingredients in a small jar,  shake till mixed! Drizzle over salad!

This is the last week of the salad party.   Can't wait to see all your salad recipes!  You can post as many salads as you like!


Saturday, May 22, 2010

Granola Bars

 I have made these 3 times now...different each time.  This recipe seems to work the best!


Granola Bars 

2 c. old-fashioned oats
1 c. spelt flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2  c. honey
1/4 c. agave nectar
1/4 c. melted butter(going to try apple sauce next time)
1 c. chocolate chips, nuts, seeds, coconut, or dried fruit

Combine oats, flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt in a bowl and mix.
Add the vanilla, honey, and agave and mix well.
Press the mix evenly into a greased 8x10 pan.
Bake at 300 degrees for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Before cutting, cool completely.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

This is me. Angie.

My Before & After Pictures


                                           


I used to be over weight.  With a lot of pushing and shoving and stubbornness I finally took the first step to make me healthy again.  Loosing the weight was the first step.  It was hard but once I got used to it..it became easier and the weight seemed to fall off!

So now the hard part.  How do I keep my weight healthy?  Due to vacations, holidays, weekends, and being a food lover this is very difficult for me. 
The first pic is what I look like today.  It was hard to post this pic, because this is the real me.  When it stands next to the two others I have very mixed emotions about it. 
And the "skinny" (middle)pic of me was taken on my Cuba vacation September 2009.  That Dress is a LeChateau size small!  I lost 75lbs!
My goal is to get back in this dress!
The last pic is of me in 2007.  

I hope you all come back on Wednesdays where I will give you all my updated goals and achievements!  And maybe join with me!
Go here to see the latest Watch My Weight Wednesdays!

Watch My Weight Wednesdays!

Welcome back to Watch My Weight Wednesdays!

If you are new to my blog and would like to see my before and after pic click here.  I really need to update and put a now pic up.  I will do so soon!

Last week I was looking into metabolic typing.  I have a bunch a books requested at my local library, and waiting for them to come in.  I found this video describing what metabolic typing is all about!

This weeks goal, along with all the normal ones I have..is to start keeping a food journal, not just documenting the food I consume, but also writing down how I feel after eating.  Going to listen to my body!
Also I will be on the look out for how much it costs for someone local to have me tested professionally!  I feel that an online test wouldn't be as accurate as talking to real person.

I am not trying to help sell the test she is offering...but I think she describes it well to get you interested in learning more about it!
Add your old or new post below with Linky! Would love to see all the helpful tips/recipes/stories you have!

Please link directly to your post and not your blog URL. Link back here so that everyone can join in the fun.  And don't forget after linking check back and visit some great blogs!  That why we are doing this!  To help each other succeed!  We can do this!

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Homemade Tahini and Hummus

Last week while visiting Hallee The Homemaker she posted on how to make your own Tahini Paste.  We all know how expensive tahini paste is!  I can't believe I didn't think of this, can you?  Super easy recipe 2 ingredients!

So today I decided to make some hummus, but first I would have to make some tahini.  Found the recipe, and that was when I realized I didn't have enough sesame seeds!  So  I thought ok I will half the recipe...but then I remembered Hallee also posted recipe that same day to make Sunflower Seed Substitute Tahini Paste !  Well ok!   I have sunflower seeds!  With both sesame seeds and sunflower seeds I still was a bit short.  So I adjusted the oil a little and I made Sesame/Sunflower (tahini)paste!  Mmmm yummy!  No more buying expensive tahini!  Hallee says that the jar should last about 3months in the fridge...but I really don't think my jar will last that long.

Sesame/Sunflower (tahini)paste
  • 1cup toasted sesame seeds
  • 1cup toasted sunflower seeds
  • 1/2cup olive oil 
Put all ingredients into food processor, whirl till mixed!
This is the best tasting Tahini ever!  I am totally addicted to this!  So easy, so yummy!  You really got to try it!


Hummus
I do not have an amazing must make recipe for hummus...Yet.  I just throw in the chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and today I tried seasoning with cumin.  Nothing special but still yummy.  Do you have a good hummus recipe?  Let me know!

Sharing with Ultimate Recipe Swap hosted by Life as a Mom.

Monday, May 17, 2010

Lets have a SALAD Party!

Today I am posting a true garden salad!  Complete with fresh green leaf lettuce, cucumbers, celery, radishes, sweet yellow pepper, and some juicy tomato!  Doesn't this look so yummy!  I think my favorite lettuce is green or red leaf!  What is you fave lettuce?

 Now it is your turn!  In honor of salad month this May.   I am hosting a salad party!   Link up your salad recipes...They don't have to be garden salad be creative!  Can't wait to see all your salads!  This Link will be open all of the Month of May!  You can post as many salads as you like!

P.S. If you don't have a blog or if you want to share a salad on my blog...just email me a pic and the recipe And I will feature you as a guest chef!

Friday, May 14, 2010

Sprout SALAD!

May is salad month!

Today I tried something different for my lunch salad!  I did have lettuce in the fridge, but didn't feel like washing and preparing it...yes I was being lazy.  So today I used sprouts instead lettuce!

So here is how I made my salad today!
  1. Open fridge, and grab as much produce as I have. 
  2. Make a bed of sprouts in my favorite dish.
  3. Slice grape tomatoes, cucumber, green onion, and celery.
  4. Pretend you are decorating a pizza....
  5. Viola!  Now your almost done...snap a quick pic!  
  6. Add your favorite salad dressing, and enjoy outside if the weather is nice!
Now it is your turn!  In honor of salad month this May.   I am going to host a salad party!   Link up your salad recipes...The don't have to be garden salad be creative!  Can't wait to see all your salads!  This Link will be open all of the Month of May!  You can post as many salads as you like!

Cartoon

This was sent to me in email today.  Exaggerated but true!  Eat your produce to keep the pharmacist away!  Yeah, I made that up...you can use it  :)

CounterThink Cartoons from NaturalNews.com(Please forward to others who may also want to see this.)

When it comes to drug stores versus health food stores, the results speak for themselves...
Click here to read the full commentary or post comments on this cartoon.

Post your comments on this cartoon (and read comments from others) at:
http://www.naturalnews.com/028789_pharmacies_health_food_stores.html

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Are you on a QUEST searching for a QUICK dinner? How about QUESADILLA'S!

Jenny MatlockToday's Letter is Q! 

Quick Quesadilla's
This is a quick and healthy recipe I make that the whole family just loves!  I always use what ever I have in the fridge!  Today this is what I ate for lunch!
I used...
  • 1 tomato diced
  • 1 green onion sliced
  • a handful of cooked black beans(can substitute w/chickpea's, or leftover chicken or beef)
  • a handful frozen corn
  • 1 part jalapeno pepper, diced real small, no seeds.(this gives it some kick...just enough that kids will still like it)
  • shredded marble cheddar cheese
Put what you like in a tortilla, fold in half, bake till cheese is melted!
So simple! So yummy!  No extra seasoning required!
Eat it with a side of salad and Enjoy!
Also if you make some extra this recipe easily freezes for those days when you don't have time to cook!
I hope you have fun with creating your own quesadilla!  
Let me know what you like in yours!

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

What to eat to Lose Weight!

There is no one-size-fits-all diet! Metabolic typing does not require calories counting, or weighing foods.  It's all about YOU as an individual. It is nearly impossible to know exactly what foods you should be consuming without knowing your Metabolic Type. Taking the MT Test will pinpoint exactly which foods will balance your body chemistry. It will also give you a starting point as to the proportions in which you should be consuming these foods. This video clip is old so his special at the end is over...I looked online and found a free test you all can take!


http://www.naturalhealthyellowpages.com/metabolic/self_test.html
I am profile #3
My goal this week is going to the library and finding some books on this subject to learn more.

http://www.undergroundwellness.com

Watch My Weight Wednesdays

Have you ever been to busy to make a healthy lunch or dinner?  

My super easy healthy meal tip.
When preparing a healthy dinner cook a little extra to freeze for another day.  Measure all the ingredients...1/4 cup rice/pasta, 1-2 cup veggies, 4 oz protein.  What ever works with your meal planning!  Voila!  No more excuses!  You can eat healthy with just a little bit of planning ahead!

What are your goals this week? Let me know in the comment section!

Add your old or new post below with Linky! Can't wait to see all the helpful tips/recipes/stories you have!

Please link directly to your post and not your blog URL. Link back here so that everyone can join in the fun.  And don't forget after linking check back and visit some great blogs!  That why we are doing this!  To help each other succeed!  We can do this!

If you like what your reading please subscribe! click here!

The Versatile Blogger Award


Versatile Blogger Award
I would like to thank Heather at Out Of The Box Into The Kitchen for this award!  I love Heathers blog!  She describes her blog "A journey of a mom on a mission to go from cooking from a box to cooking in the kitchen."  She has so many yummy recipes that she posts!  I want you all to head over and say hi to her!  Tell her Angie sent you!

The rules of the award are:
1. Thank the person who gave you the award 
2. Share seven things about you.
3. Nominate 15 newly discovered blogs that you think are fantastic
4. Let your nominees know about the award.

So let's see seven things about me...
1. I have red hair.
2. I have 2 great kids.
3. I like to bake my own bread.
4. I like to cook yummy foods!
5. I don't eat out of cans.
6. I enjoy reading cookbooks...but rarely follow the recipes...I love to substitute ingredients!  It does not always work out.
7. Well #2 rule didn't say it had to be new things you didn't already know...lol


1. When the Smoke Alarm Goes Off, Dinner's Ready!
2. What's for Dinner?
3. This Woman's Work
4. This Mum's World
5. The Wonders of Doing
6. Gluten Free-Dairy Free Recipes | The W.H.O.L.E. Gang
7. The Not So Perfect Housewife
8. The Mother Load

9. The Mommy Chef
10. The Home Made Cook
11 The going to be new me.....
12. The Gluten-Free Homemaker
13. The Bee Zoo
14. Sweet Pea
15. Southern Seven

Ok well that is 15 Blogs I follow now go and check them all out!  You may see some you like!

Monday, May 10, 2010

Broccoli with Mung Bean Sprouts

Broccoli with Mung Bean Sprouts

2 stalks Broccoli, chopped
3 cups Mung bean sprouts
1/2 cup Sun flower seeds
1 tablespoon Cornstarch
1/2 cup Water
1 1/2 tablespoons Soy sauce
1 teaspoon Sesame oil

Steam broccoli  till tender. Put broccoli and mung beans in a pot/wok and add sunflower seeds. Dissolve starch in 1/2 cup water, add to broccoli and sprout mixture along with soy sauce. Stir, then cover for 2 minutes. When ready to serve drizzle with sesame oil and serve hot.

Celery Salad

Celery Salad
  • 4 chopped Celery Stalks
  • 1 cup torn celery leaves
  • 2 Tbls Lemon Juice
  • 1 Tbls Olive Oil
  • 1 tsp mustard
  • 1tsp honey
Optional add ins
  • raisins
  • nuts
  • seeds

In a large bowl whisk together all dressing ingredients, then add celery and leaves.
Enjoy!

Sprouting Beans

I love sprouting!  Sprouting beans is easy, and fun, and healthy for everyone!   The sprouting process of beans increases the nutritional value of beans as well as reduces its calorific value too. They also increase the digestive enzymes which facilitates digestion process in your body.  So Bean sprouts are low in calories, are also a good source of B vitamins, and protein!   And just one handful provides 75 percent of the daily requirement of vitamin C!      

 How to sprout beans?
So how do you get started?  First buy some dried organic beans!  Mung beans and chickpeas(garbanzo) are good to learn with!  You can sprout fenugreek, lentils, soya beans, lima, maro, pinto, kidney, harlot, navy, aduki and broad beans. You can also sprout black-eyed, cowgram, pidgeon and redgram peas. Some of these may be difficult to find but are fast becoming more available.
1. First, pick through and discard any broken, moldy, discolored or disfigured seeds. They can contain harmful toxins that you would want to avoid.
2. Keep in mind that the beans will at least double in size during sprouting, so only prepare as many sprouts as you can eat in about 4 weeks.
3. Wash them and then soak them in cool filtered or spring water for 12-16 hours. I usually do this step at night. 
4. After soaking, keep the seeds damp. I put them in a large sieve, and rinse them under the tap a couple of times a day. The seeds need to be kept damp and aired, but not wet.
5.  On the 3rd day you should see a small tail!  Now your beans are ready to be enjoyed!
6.Finish sprouting by giving your beans a final rinse and then placing them in a container in the refrigerator. Sprouts should last about 2 to 6 weeks; however, it will depend on the length of sprouting and amount of moisture on the beans when you placed them in the refrigerator. Make sure that you smell the sprouts for spoilage after 2 weeks and toss them if you are in doubt.

Now what do you do with these very yummy healthy sprouts?
You can add them to any garden salad, or sandwich!
Use them in any curry(don't cook them longer than 3 mins!  Cooking destroys some of the heat-sensitive vitamin C in sprouts. To save it, steam the sprouts quickly, stir-fry them, or add them uncooked just before you serve the dish.)
Make my fave recipe! Curried Sprouted Mung Beans
Or as my kids do, grab handfuls and eat as is for a healthy snack!






   
    Hey What's For Dinner

    Friday, May 7, 2010

    Honest Scrap Award!

    Thank you Kate at Mommy Monologues for the Honest Scrap Award! 
    This is what I have to do: I have to share 10 random things about me then pass the award along to 10 other bloggers!

    10 Random Things about me:  ?????
    1. What do you guys want to know?  Ask away!  I love answering your questions!
    2. I have a really cool apron and tea towel collection!
    3. I love the 80's and early 90's Movies!  They are the best!
    4. I love to read!  Novels, Parenting books, Cookbooks, and Picture books too!
    5. I can't dance...but do it all the time!
    6. I can't remember words to songs on the radio...so I make my own up to sing along!
    7. I don't know my phone #...So I have to ask my daughter for it if I am somewhere were I need it.
    8. I really enjoy card making...but have not made any for a long while.
    9. I am a DIY dreamer...I so wish I had the vision and the know how to create beautiful things with a lil paint and glue!
    10. I love getting Blog awards!  Even if they are like chain letters!  It makes me happy that people are enjoying my blog!  So Thank you very Much Kate! 

    And the Award goes to.....
    Trippy Momma at A Green Girl's Guide to Food and Life
    Lis at An American Girl in Bristol
    Debbi at Debbi Does Dinner... Healthy & Low Calorie 
    Kitty at Developing Healthy Habits for a Healthy Me!
    Danielle at The Crunchy Kitchen
    Miss Fit
    50 Cent of Your Love 

    Enjoy your Awards!  I can't wait to learn some honest scrap from you all!

    Easy Healthy Bruschetta Bread

    This is what I had for lunch today!   I make this recipe with what ever buns or bread I have handy!  Focaccia bread is my favorite!  I wanted to make this recipe healthier with leaving out all of the extra oils!   Some oils are healthy for you but once they are heated up all the goodness disappears! I always add oil after the food is cooked!  
    This is so tasty I hope you will give it a try and let me know what you think!

    Easy Healthy Bruschetta Bread
    • Fresh tomato, diced
    • Mushroom, diced
    • Green onion, sliced thin
    • Seasoning, I used a garlic blend with no salt added.
    • Mozzarella cheese, small cubes
    • Bun

    Put all ingredients on a bun and slip into the oven.  Heat until bun is toast and cheese is melted...you do not want to cook the tomatoes.  Enjoy!

    This is my comfort food.....Mmmmm!
    Sharing with Ultimate Recipe Swap hosted by Life as a Mom.


    Thursday, May 6, 2010

    Thai Peanut Noodles


    Thai Peanut Noodles




    This dish was so good!
    My son said "Mom you cook the greatest dinners ever!"
    Asked Kaitie if it was a keeper?  She nodded yes cause her mouth was full  :)
    I think next time I am going to use bean sprouts instead of pasta...so I don't feel so guilty having seconds :)

    Pkg of pasta
    Mixed vegetables chopped up

    1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
    1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
    1 tablespoon honey
    4 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
    3 1/2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
    4 tablespoons natural peanut butter


    Cook your pasta by directions, add veggies in 3 min before pasta is done or stir fry them.
    Make sauce.
    Drain pasta and veggies.
    Mix pasta and veggies with sauce and serve!
    Enjoy!

      Wednesday, May 5, 2010

      Do you Eat Fast Food?

      Found this on YouTube.  Thought it would be a good post for Watch My Weight Wednesdays! 
      I do not agree with him that people can not afford to eat healthy!  Eating healthy is very easy and affordable when you learn how to do it!  That is what I am trying to share through my blog.  I found his approach interesting.  But think he could of done better.

      What do you think?

      Go to Watch My Weight Wednesdays to check out more weight loss tips!

      Watch My Weight Wednesdays

      If you're looking to get fit and get healthy I hope you'll join me on watch my weight Wednesdays if not I hope that you'll at least be rooting for me to succeed. I can do this!

      So...How was your week?  Did you meet your goals?

      My Goals this week(same as last)...

      1. Go to the gym 3 times!
      I would like to say more but this works.

      2. Keep up with my water!
      Somedays I do great, but others not so good! 

      3. Work out on the wii fitt everyday.
      You can see the calendar that this is something I need to work on :)  Do you like my Mii?

      4. No Junk including coffee, alcohol, and baked treats for this week.
      Last week didn't work out so well with this one.

      5. Keep up with portion control!
      This is so hard!  I love eating food!


      Looking for recipes, tips, and your weight loss stories!
      Hoping to find some inspiration and helpful tips from you all!

      What are your goals this week? Let me know in the comment section!

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

      If you like what your reading please subscribe! click here!