Friday, January 22, 2016

The Friday Five

1. Reading:
From Amazon: Wedding planner Avery Crosslin may be a rising star in Houston society, but she doesn't believe in love―at least not for herself. When she meets wealthy bachelor Joe Travis and mistakes him for a wedding photographer, she has no intention of letting him sweep her off her feet. But Joe is a man who goes after what he wants, and Avery can't resist the temptation of a sexy southern charmer and a hot summer evening.

2. Eating:
Lindt Caramel Brownie
I've really enjoyed this impulse buy.

3. Listening to:
Steve Moakler's Suitcase
Steve is back with a new song and my heart is happy.

4. Recipe I'm pinning:
source
Fine Cooking's Garlicky Kale Sprout Pizza
I made this last week and it was incredible.

5. Things making me laugh:
Stay safe and warm friends!
Happy Friday!

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Weekly Meal Plan

I've challenged myself to branch out and try new recipes this year. I would like to think that I can manage at least one new recipe a week. If all goes according to plan, this is what I will be having for dinner this week.

Sunday
This is one of my favorite recipes. I ended up added shrimp since I had some on hand. You can also save a ton of time by using a packaged brussels sprout salad bag. 

Monday/Tuesday
Chicken Fajitas from Simply Recipes

Wednesday
Steak with roasted kalettes and cauliflower "mashed potatoes"

Thursday
I have dinner plans but will be making this for lunch.

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Happy Birthday Lash!

Happy 30th Birthday to Lash!
Today is his actual birthday but Mary Loyal planned a surprise party for him on Saturday so we could all celebrate together. The day started with a meal at one of his favorite restaurants followed by bowling at the Alley and then the most delicious chocolate peanut cake while he opened presents.
 I hope today is full of fun and surprises. Thanks for being the big brother I always wanted. ILY!

Monday, January 18, 2016

What I Baked on Sunday

I've recently gotten into breakfast foods - whether it is egg scrambles or oat bran, I'm looking for something more filling than my usual protein bar. To save time during the work week, I've started making something on Sunday that will last me a couple of days. Last week was a big breakfast casserole with egg whites, eggs, sausage, onion, broccoli, and sweet potatoes. This week, I stepped outside of my comfort zone and made a frittata. It wasn't hard, I was just worried about putting my nice saute pan in the oven!

Breakfast Frittata
Recipe from Fat Loss Foodies

Ingredients
4 large egg
1/2 c. egg whites
2 Tbs. half and half
1 tsp. butter
1 tsp. olive oil
1 bag of baby spinach, wilted
1 tomato, seeded and diced
4-5 slices of Applewood smoked bacon, fried, drained, and coarsely chopped
1/2 c. Swiss Gruyere shredded
Salt and Pepper

Directions 

  • Preheat the broiler.
  • Whisk the eggs, egg whites, half and half, salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Set aside.
  • Heat the oil and butter in a 9 1/2 inch diameter nonstick ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the wilted spinach, chopped tomato, and chopped bacon and saute until heated through about 2 minutes.* Lightly season with salt and pepper.  
  • Pour the egg mixture over the veggie & bacon mixture and cook for a few minutes until the eggs start to set. Sprinkle with cheese. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook until the frittata is almost set but the top is still runny, about 2 minutes. 
  • Place the skillet under the broiler. Broil until the top is set and golden brown, about 5 minutes Let the frittata stand 2 minutes before using a rubber spatula to loosen the frittata and slide it onto a plate. 

*Note: Use paper towels to drain water from the wilted spinach and diced tomato before reheating.

I had this for brunch on Sunday with a salad and a piece of toast. It was just as good, if not better for breakfast this morning. I'm already thinking about what other veggies to add in next week.