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Friday, October 15, 2010
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Fresh Fall Veggies
This is going to be short and sweet!!! I LOVE fall veggies fresh from the garden and I planted a little garden with tomatoes, basil, rosemary, mint, different kinds of hot peppers, etc. I have had a little abundance of my lovely veggies but not nearly enough to can or make much with...it doesn't help that I eat the tomatoes as fast as they grow....so when a friend/co-worker said she had an abundance of tomatoes of course I jumped at it. I got them today and as soon as I got home I made Tomato-Tortilla Soup. OOOOOHHHHH my was it good. I thought it would be a great recipe to pass along.... don't be afraid to be creative and original and change it to your way.
Corn tortillas (you can find them in the salad section as a topping)
1 tsp canola oil
1/4 tsp salt
1 small onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely diced
1 tsp ground cumin
3/4 tsp dried oregano
4 c. low sodium chicken broth
1 1/2 lbs. tomatoes, diced with juice
1/4 c reduced fat sour cream
2 tbsp fresh cilantro
Heat canola oil in large heavy skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until soft and translucent. Add garlic, jalapeno, cumin, and oregano. Cook for 1 minute. Add broth and tomatoes, bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes.
Remove pan from the heat and puree with an immersion blender or in 2 batches in a regular blender until soup lightens in color...about 30 seconds. Serve the soup topped with tortillas, sour cream and cilantro.
You can add grilled chicken breast slices.
You can add lime juice.
I added a bit of chipotle powder and pepper for heat.
135 calories in 1 cup of soup (without chicken)
10 g. of fat
Great source of Vitamin A and C, as well as Fiber, Niacin, Phosphorus, Iron, Vitamin K, and Protein
If you make it let me know what you think and if or how you changed it!!!
I hope you enjoy it. And remember have a wonderful day, love with all your heart, live your life to the fullest, be positive (with yourself and others), and make sure to smile at someone you do not know...they may need it.
Deb
Corn tortillas (you can find them in the salad section as a topping)
1 tsp canola oil
1/4 tsp salt
1 small onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely diced
1 tsp ground cumin
3/4 tsp dried oregano
4 c. low sodium chicken broth
1 1/2 lbs. tomatoes, diced with juice
1/4 c reduced fat sour cream
2 tbsp fresh cilantro
Heat canola oil in large heavy skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until soft and translucent. Add garlic, jalapeno, cumin, and oregano. Cook for 1 minute. Add broth and tomatoes, bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes.
Remove pan from the heat and puree with an immersion blender or in 2 batches in a regular blender until soup lightens in color...about 30 seconds. Serve the soup topped with tortillas, sour cream and cilantro.
You can add grilled chicken breast slices.
You can add lime juice.
I added a bit of chipotle powder and pepper for heat.
135 calories in 1 cup of soup (without chicken)
10 g. of fat
Great source of Vitamin A and C, as well as Fiber, Niacin, Phosphorus, Iron, Vitamin K, and Protein
If you make it let me know what you think and if or how you changed it!!!
I hope you enjoy it. And remember have a wonderful day, love with all your heart, live your life to the fullest, be positive (with yourself and others), and make sure to smile at someone you do not know...they may need it.
Deb
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Am I finally making sense?
There is always so much that seems to happen in my days and weeks that time just seems to fly!!! Since my last post some interesting things have transpired to make me believe that I may FINALLY be making sense to Mitch and Carson at least :) But I also believe I have learned a bit from them and grown from it and that may be just as important as them learning and growing.
I have been focusing on healthy eating at home for quite some time now. Substituting ground turkey for beef, grilled chicken for steak, etc. Not all the time, but more and more. The kids, along the way, have grumbled a bit from the "Chicken again?" to "Why can't we just have regular hamburgers?" (even though there isn't much of a taste difference). I have defended the meals by saying they are healthier for you, you feel better when you eat healtier, etc. Anything to convince them that it is just BETTER for them because that is what mom's do :)
Well, these first 2 weeks in August, Mitch and Carson have been at their dad's. The first week went great, then I get the call that both boys have been sick for a couple of days. Not being able to hold even water down, but no fevers. It started Saturday, I found out Sunday. By Monday, Mitch called crying because he felt so bad. He said he felt worse and Carson wasn't getting any better either. I called my mom (thank you mom) and had her go check on them. I also called their dad and suggested they go to the doctor. He took them and after both receiving an IV and some medicine, they were sent home. Mitch called on Tuesday, he felt great but Carson still didn't. Then came the next shock....he had lost 8 pounds in those three days and Carson had lost 9 pounds (about 1/8 of his weight). For those of you who don't know him very well, Carson didn't have 1 extra pound to lose and 9 is just out of the question. Carson told me he still wasn't eating much and when he stood up he was dizzy. Of course...his body was not getting enough nutrients!!!
So, for the last couple of days the boys have been calling wondering what they should eat. Mitch even said, "Mom, I think I need to come home and eat some of your chicken or grilled salmon or something good." To me that was the great break through number 1! Am I finally making sense to them? They are starting to realize you feel better when you eat better. Even Carson called and said, "It French Toast better than regular toast to eat?" For them absolutely YES, it has carbs, protein, etc.
I think the next big break through was that both boys realized that while being at dad's when they feel great is fun, being away from mom when they are sick is sad and lonely. I also realized that when the boys are home and sick it is much easier and less stressful to deal with than when they are 190 miles away and I can't see them, touch them, or try to make things better for them.
Break through number 3 came when I realized they are growing boys and it is okay to let them splurge as long as it is not on an everyday basis AND as long as they are also eating properly. They need more fatty, high carb, high protein foods. They need to be able to feed their ever grown minds and bodies. As, I'm sure many grandmothers have said, we need to get some meat on those bones. But, shhhhhh, let's keep this to ourselves and that way they will be more excited about the changes that are coming their way!!!
I have been focusing on healthy eating at home for quite some time now. Substituting ground turkey for beef, grilled chicken for steak, etc. Not all the time, but more and more. The kids, along the way, have grumbled a bit from the "Chicken again?" to "Why can't we just have regular hamburgers?" (even though there isn't much of a taste difference). I have defended the meals by saying they are healthier for you, you feel better when you eat healtier, etc. Anything to convince them that it is just BETTER for them because that is what mom's do :)
Well, these first 2 weeks in August, Mitch and Carson have been at their dad's. The first week went great, then I get the call that both boys have been sick for a couple of days. Not being able to hold even water down, but no fevers. It started Saturday, I found out Sunday. By Monday, Mitch called crying because he felt so bad. He said he felt worse and Carson wasn't getting any better either. I called my mom (thank you mom) and had her go check on them. I also called their dad and suggested they go to the doctor. He took them and after both receiving an IV and some medicine, they were sent home. Mitch called on Tuesday, he felt great but Carson still didn't. Then came the next shock....he had lost 8 pounds in those three days and Carson had lost 9 pounds (about 1/8 of his weight). For those of you who don't know him very well, Carson didn't have 1 extra pound to lose and 9 is just out of the question. Carson told me he still wasn't eating much and when he stood up he was dizzy. Of course...his body was not getting enough nutrients!!!
So, for the last couple of days the boys have been calling wondering what they should eat. Mitch even said, "Mom, I think I need to come home and eat some of your chicken or grilled salmon or something good." To me that was the great break through number 1! Am I finally making sense to them? They are starting to realize you feel better when you eat better. Even Carson called and said, "It French Toast better than regular toast to eat?" For them absolutely YES, it has carbs, protein, etc.
I think the next big break through was that both boys realized that while being at dad's when they feel great is fun, being away from mom when they are sick is sad and lonely. I also realized that when the boys are home and sick it is much easier and less stressful to deal with than when they are 190 miles away and I can't see them, touch them, or try to make things better for them.
Break through number 3 came when I realized they are growing boys and it is okay to let them splurge as long as it is not on an everyday basis AND as long as they are also eating properly. They need more fatty, high carb, high protein foods. They need to be able to feed their ever grown minds and bodies. As, I'm sure many grandmothers have said, we need to get some meat on those bones. But, shhhhhh, let's keep this to ourselves and that way they will be more excited about the changes that are coming their way!!!
Friday, July 23, 2010
Healthy Eating
So, I went to the local farmers market and the grocery store yesterday looking for fresh and healthy ingredients to make new recipes. I was quite disappointed with the farmer's market. I felt it was more of an art, jewelry, flower display than a farmer's market, but I am willing to give it another chance possibly next month. Maybe the crops aren't quite ready yet. However, I did get some fresh tomatoes, corn on the cob, zucchini and summer squash. Delicious!!! After, I headed to the grocery store for the rest of my fresh and healthy foods. The most hilarious part about this was that when I got home I couldn't remember what I wanted to make :)
On my journey's yesterday, I discovered the difference in the cost of fresh, healthy ingredients and processed, fatty foods. I've known for quite some time that healthy is more expensive but with the obesity rate in adults and children in America, I was very saddened by this. It seems to be very hard for a person struggling on a small budge to eat wisely. I know how much it costs to feed 4 growing boys and it can be devastating if you think about it too much, so a family that is struggling is most likely going to choose value and quantity over health. How can we change this? The companies that are making the processed, fatty, oily foods are (I'm sure) quite aware of the economic down falls of people and I believe they take advantage of the situation. The advertising and the packaging are extremely eye appealing, especially to children. We are teaching our children terrible eating habits. So, I have decided I am going to try and change things one person at a time, starting with my own family. They may not like what I make (3 out of 4 are a bit picky), but I believe I can make meals for them that are healthy and fun so here goes :)
Today's recipe:
Tomato Basil Soup
1/4 c onion
2 cloves of garlic
1 tbsp of olive oil
2 cups of vegetable broth
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
10 med. size tomatoes cored
1 bunch of fresh basil loosely chopped (no stems)
salt and pepper to taste.
In a pot over medium heat saute onion and garlic in the olive oil. Once they are a bit soft (5 - 10 min) add vegetable broth and balsamic vinegar. Let simmer. Next boil a pot of water and immerse the tomatoes for about 2-3 minutes to loosen the skins. Remove from water and let cool. Remove skins and add to vegetable broth mixure. Add basil and salt and pepper to taste. Allow to simmer for approximately 10 minutes for the flavors to fuse. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Place in a blender, food processor, or (as I used) magic bullet (Rob loves it). Process until smooth. This soup may be eaten hot or cold as a gaspacho.
I hope you enjoy it. And remember have a wonderful day, love with all your heart, live your life to the fullest, be positive (with yourself and others), and make sure to smile at someone you do not know...they may need it.
On my journey's yesterday, I discovered the difference in the cost of fresh, healthy ingredients and processed, fatty foods. I've known for quite some time that healthy is more expensive but with the obesity rate in adults and children in America, I was very saddened by this. It seems to be very hard for a person struggling on a small budge to eat wisely. I know how much it costs to feed 4 growing boys and it can be devastating if you think about it too much, so a family that is struggling is most likely going to choose value and quantity over health. How can we change this? The companies that are making the processed, fatty, oily foods are (I'm sure) quite aware of the economic down falls of people and I believe they take advantage of the situation. The advertising and the packaging are extremely eye appealing, especially to children. We are teaching our children terrible eating habits. So, I have decided I am going to try and change things one person at a time, starting with my own family. They may not like what I make (3 out of 4 are a bit picky), but I believe I can make meals for them that are healthy and fun so here goes :)
Today's recipe:
Tomato Basil Soup
1/4 c onion
2 cloves of garlic
1 tbsp of olive oil
2 cups of vegetable broth
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
10 med. size tomatoes cored
1 bunch of fresh basil loosely chopped (no stems)
salt and pepper to taste.
In a pot over medium heat saute onion and garlic in the olive oil. Once they are a bit soft (5 - 10 min) add vegetable broth and balsamic vinegar. Let simmer. Next boil a pot of water and immerse the tomatoes for about 2-3 minutes to loosen the skins. Remove from water and let cool. Remove skins and add to vegetable broth mixure. Add basil and salt and pepper to taste. Allow to simmer for approximately 10 minutes for the flavors to fuse. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Place in a blender, food processor, or (as I used) magic bullet (Rob loves it). Process until smooth. This soup may be eaten hot or cold as a gaspacho.
I hope you enjoy it. And remember have a wonderful day, love with all your heart, live your life to the fullest, be positive (with yourself and others), and make sure to smile at someone you do not know...they may need it.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Something new
Good afternoon bloggers ;) I have decided to try something new...blogging. I'm not sure why but it seems like the thing to do for me right now. I will blog about a random variety of things, however, I am sure A LOT of it will focus on family, kids, relaxation, food, and beverages or whatever life throws at me at the time. I just feel the need to get random thoughts written and "out there" because you never know...we may be thinking the same thing!
This past weekend (4th of July) was beautiful and hot. We spent it with family and friends, which always makes for good times. We didn't have all the boys, which was sad but I am thankful for the time we had together and the wonderful weather :) I also know the boys, even though they weren't with us, had fun as well. I love this adventure called life that my husband, Rob, and I are enjoying together. It may not always be easy, but it certainly satisfying.
I am very excited about this new journey I have started and I hope you will enjoy it as well. Have a wonderful day, love with all your heart, live your life to the fullest, be positive (with yourself and others), and make sure to smile at someone you do not know...they may need it.
This past weekend (4th of July) was beautiful and hot. We spent it with family and friends, which always makes for good times. We didn't have all the boys, which was sad but I am thankful for the time we had together and the wonderful weather :) I also know the boys, even though they weren't with us, had fun as well. I love this adventure called life that my husband, Rob, and I are enjoying together. It may not always be easy, but it certainly satisfying.
I am very excited about this new journey I have started and I hope you will enjoy it as well. Have a wonderful day, love with all your heart, live your life to the fullest, be positive (with yourself and others), and make sure to smile at someone you do not know...they may need it.
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