Tofu

Ok, I'm going to do it. What is the it? I'm going to make a tofu main dish. I've used silken tofu in smoothies but never in a main dish. I've eaten tofu in a restaurant and like it but can I cook it? I've found a recipe that looks good and easy. Stay tuned for the result.


Well.....I'm not too excited about the spicy crusted tofu. It was dredged in spices and pan fried in a little EVOO. A sauce with lemon juice and honey was not much help.

BUT... I will try again. I've already found the next recipe to be tried.

Dinner Everyone Likes

My mom recommended this recipe Wine & Tomato Braised Chicken which is from Eating Well magazine. The recipe is really simple and very delish! This however, is not the point of this post. The magazine had a section focused on dinners that you cook the first night and then re-fashion into something else the second night. This usually doesn't work for me because we never have enough leftovers for me to be able to pull of the second nights dinner. That said, the first night I served my fam and then alerted them that I needed the leftovers and if they were still hungry to eat an apple... and it worked. The point of this post then, is the second nights dinner, Braised Chicken Gumbo. It is Divine!! Even my husband loved it and it has brown rice which he normally turns his nose up at. It is very very easy, like 10 minutes easy but it is so flavorful and super healthy. If you're looking for something a little different that packs a punch, this is my recommendation.

This article made me so so happy =D

If you love a cold glass of milk as much as I do, The Truth About Milk should put a big smile on your face = )

Frank would like to urge you to eat your vegetables!

Meatless Options

If you are going to embrace a healthier diet you will most likely need to eliminate some of the meat from your diet. Red Lentil and Potato Soup is a fabulous meat-free option. The soup is full of flavor, it's thick and delicious! I made it with spinach instead of kale (after previously having promised my husband that I would never put kale in a soup again) and I omitted the file powder and cilantro for a lack of having them. I also used a tablespoon of olive oil instead of the suggested 2 tablespoons of butter. This has a little bit of bite but it's very good and I will definitely make it again!

Just Words

I am really happy with the success of this challenge. I've been thinking about what is different. During a Kid's Cook lesson we were tasting tomatoes. Before I took a bite I asked the class if they thought I eat tomatoes. They were right when they said yes. Then the Kid's Cook educator asked what I don't eat. The class was quick to tell her that I don't eat cupcakes, cookies, brownies, hot dogs....... I've been thinking about that. The words are just slightly different but they make a world of difference.
" I don't eat that." vs. "I can't have that." Interesting that one little difference means so much.

Eight Weeks of Challenge

Tuesday marked 8 weeks since Amber and I started this challenge. What a difference it has made! I am down one whole size and 16 pounds lighter. I know that the challenge is about eating delicious food and that's what makes it so sweet. I AM HEALTHIER but have not suffered or feel cheated out of something. I eat delicious food. I think one big difference is that I have not and will not say that I am on a diet. I just eat differently and I plan on doing that forever. Cooking is fun but sometimes even Betty Crocker needs a night off.
Tonight I stopped to pick up dinner. Two months ago a stop at Rudy's would have been brisket, ribs, creamed corn, potatoes and probably peach cobbler. Tonight it was pulled pork for Paul, smoked turkey breast and corn on the cob after the guy promised me it had not been dunked in butter.( He told the truth as my taste bud are a witness.) I've found another place, Jason's Deli, that boasts of organic foods on their menu. Ok then, you've got me as a customer. So on nights when I need to stay in town or I'm just really tired I've got options. NICE! Let's see what wonders the next 8 weeks brings.