Cheers! Here's to a yummy new year!

Ok, let's get started! It is a new year and with that brings new ideas, new dishes and some old traditions with a new twist.

You can tell it is January because of the healthy commercials, how to loose weight tips, and the new year resolutions to get fit. All of these are great ideas. And we all know that life is short and why not make the best of each day that we are blessed with.

I am not a nutritionist, diet specialist, or even a perfect example of how to eat and live healthy every minute of every day. I too over splurge on food. I am guilty of eating past 7:00 pm and ill admit..I love my carbs.

But really...think about it...who the heck likes to diet? Surely not me. Who wants to be healthy? Well all of us do! The best way to accomplish both of these is moderation. I adore my cupcakes. In fact I get a craving once in awhile for that sweet moist melt in your mouth cake. Cupcakes are the best because they are already portioned for you. You don't have to guess the size of the slice your cutting. I cant cut the cupcakes out totally. I have found that when i am craving a cupcake.. I might as well just eat one and get it over with. Because denying myself that cupcake just means that I will eat and snack out of control because i am trying to curb that cupcake craving. So what is worse? Eating the small cupcake and then being satisfided? Or eating the half bag of chips, cheese and crackers , and small container ofo yogurt AND then finally eating that cupcake? I say...pass the cake!!
That said....I said cake. Not pan..or cakes! Haha

I am not going to start out my year on a diet. I am simply just going to watch my portions. Eat slower. And a realize when i am full. Again, moderation. I did a little experiment. For one month I ate just like i said. And tried to pick health options when i was hungry but not craving anything specific. If a time came and i was dyin for a cookie? I ate it. A cupcake? I ate it. I just didn't give into that craving constantly. I can wait out a craving for over a day. If that baby was still there the next day? Then I must really want it. So guess what? I ate it.
After that month I went back to just eating like rebellious child. ( insert evil chuckle )
I felt sluggish, sick to my stomach half the time, and tired and wanted to nap alot.

So...rather than reading a stack of books about this diet, or that diet. Rather than shelling out money for meetings and other weight loss programs, I am going to spend that money on something else. Clothes, my kids, family nights, or maybe if the mood strikes me..that cupcake!

That is my new years resolution. Just simply to pay attention to what I am eating.
Now..as for that dreaded excersise word. It isn't eazy. Its hard work. Its sweaty work. It's also necessary. I and found that I do better on my own. However, I need accountability. Accountability for me is simply a fun goal. Preferably one that i can't get out of. My goal of choice is racing. I schedule the year in advance, so it's like a little reminder on my shoulder each day saying "hey! Chubbs! Ya got a race coming up..your going to look mighty funny if you can't finish!". Trust me...no one wants to embarrass themselves on purpose.
So....that said. Lots of new recipes are coming this year. I promise they will be easy, delicious, and your family will love them. As far as being healthy? Yes. I have a bunch of fun healthy recipes that are simply and delightful.

Are you ready for the new year?

On your marks, get set, GO!

Sausage Strata

This is a huge family favorite for the holidays.
1 loaf of french bread cubed
1 package of sausage links cooked and diced
1/2 pound bacon cooked crisp and diced
2 slices of thick cut breakfast ham diced
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar
1 cup Monterrey jack cheese shredded
7 beaten eggs
3 1/2 c milk
1 tsp oregano
1/2 t salt
1/4 t pepper.

Grease 9x13 pan. Preheat oven to 350*. Toss in large bowl the bread chunks, onion and meats. Pour into baking dish. Mix eggs/milk/salt/pepper/oregano together and pour over the meat and bread. Top with sprinkled cheeses.
Bake for 30-40 minutes and serve!

My Belgian Waffles

Simple... and Delish!

1 3/4 cups flour
2 T sugar
1 T baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
2 eggs
1 3/4 cups milk
1/2 c butter melted
1 t real vanilla

In medium bowl stir together all ingreds. Batter will be slightly lumpy. This makes for the best moist, light and fluffy waffles! (if you mix the batter smooth.. your waffles will be dense, chewy, and flat)
Feel free to add chocolate chips, bananas, walnuts, blueberries, ect!

Hot Artichoke Dip

1 can artichoke hearts, drained and diced
2 T dried onion flakes
1 T lemon juice
1 (8 ounce pkg)  cream cheese softened
1/2 c Parmesan cheese grated
1 (3 ounce can) diced green chili's mild
Combine all of these in a mixer/food processor and place in casserole dish. Sprinkle with parsley and bake at 350* for 30 minutes. Stir occasionally. Serve with chunks of bread, pita bread, triscuits, tortilla chips, ect

Crock Pot Hot Apple Cider

1 gallon apple cider
12 whole cloves
3 sticks cinnamon
2 whole nutmegs
2 large pieces of crystallized ginger

Place all of these in a crock pot. Cover and heat on high for 2 hours. Then turn to low to keep warm.

Want to add a little zip? add a splash of dark rum to your cup! Mmmmmmm

The best Fruit Dip ever!

French Creme:
1 8 ounce package of cream cheese
1 cup powdered sugar
1 cup whole whipping cream (not cool whip)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 lemon zested and juiced
Pineapple Juice

Soften Cream cheese and then whip with powdered sugar. In another bowl: Whip the whole whipping cream and sugar together until it forms soft peaks *
Combine beaten cream cheese mixture and your whole whipping cream mixture, lemon zest and juice. Continue to beat, adding just enough pineapple juice to get your desired consistency. Serve with fresh fruit tray.
Trust me... its worth the two bowl step! Don't like Lemon? Use Orange... or Lime. Don't have Pineapple juice? Use orange juice!

*Soft Peaks: when your liquid cream starts to hold its shape...stop and lift out your beaters..if there is a little peak at the bottom and it folds over slightly and holds..this is your goal. (think of a DQ ice cream cone tip)

Oreo Delight

If you like Oreo Cookies... this is a sure way to cure your craving!
Simple and Delish!!

1 stick butter melted
1 pkg oreo cookies, crushed
1/2 gal vanilla ice cream, softened. ( I set out on counter before I start making dessert. Can use frozen yogurt too!)
2 jars ice cream fudge topping
1 large container of Cool Whip

Melt butter in a 9x13 pan. Crush oreo cookies and reserve 1/2 cup of the crumbs to sprinkle on top. Mix crumbs with butter and press down to form a crust in pan. Spread the softened ice cream over crust, then add layer of fudge topping. Top with carton of cool whip. Sprinkle with remaining crumbs. Keep frozen until ready to serve.

I'd love to be able to add a photo... but it goes that fast around here!