Jan 29, 2013

Good Eats

I thought i would take a little break from talking about sad things.  I have finally started to get back into the swing of things since dad passed.  I took an almost 6 week break from cooking and working out.  I did both occasionally- but nothing consistent   So i am really happy to be back in the gym and back to cooking.  Here are some of my favorite go to 'lighter' recipes.

Fish Tacos (minus the taco)
3/4 lb of Cod (or any other fish you prefer)
1/2 Cup of House Autry seafood breader
1 Tbsp of Oil
1 Mango, diced
1/2 Can of Black beans, drained and rinsed
1/3 Cup of shredded cheese
1/2 Cup diced tomatoes, drained
1/2 Can of Shoe-peg corn, drained
Shredded Cabbage
Green Onions (diced)

Spicy Pink Sauce:  1/4 cup of light sour cream, 1/4 cup fat free mayo, 1 tspn of Sriracha
*  Add as much sriracha as you would like- the more you add the hotter it is

1.  Cut cod up into bite sized pieces.  Place cut up fish in plastic bag with seafood breader.
2.  Pan fry fish in 1 Tbsp of oil until golden brown on both sides
3.  Place half of fish on plate and top with :  shredded cheese, shredded cabbage, mango, black beans, tomatoes  corn, green onions, spicy pink sauce.

Lemon Salmon
2 Pieces of Salmon
1 Lemon
Salt and Pepper

1.  I lay out 2 pieces of foil in a cross- both pieces fairly long.
2.  Cut up lemon in rounds
3.  Place lemon in the middle of the foil.
4.  Place salmon on top of lemon.  Drizzle with a little evoo and sprinkle with salt and pepper
5.  Fold up sides of foil to make a little packet.
6.  Bake at 350-375 for 15 minutes (may take longer if piece of fish is bigger).

Yall, this is SO good.  I probably have this 2 times a week.  It is super easy and fast- with very little clean up (because of the foil packet).  I usually serve this with steamed broccoli and sweet potatoes or pierogies.

Cauliflower Rice
1 Head of cauliflower
1/4 cup of cheese
Salt and Pepper

1.  Boil head of cauliflower until tender.  You should be able to get a fork through the thickest part really easily.  
2.  Put the cauliflower through a ricer or mash with potato masher.
3.  Once the cauliflower is at the consistency that you like - add the cheese, salt and pepper
4.  Stir and serve


I love this as a side.  We actually had it last night.  It is a good way to change up your typical boring veggies.


Zucchini Boats
1 or 2 med size zucchini
1/2 of bell pepper - your favorite color (mine is yellow or orange)
1/2 of an onion
handful of mushrooms
1/4 cup of cheese- whatever your favorite is
1/4 cup of bread crumbs- i use panko for crunch
salt and pepper

1.  Cut zucchini in half (lengthwise) add a couple TBS of water to dish.
2.  Microwave to cook zucchini- about 5 minutes
3.  You want the zucchini to be cooked enough to scoop out the middle easily- but not cooked too much that it is mushy.  
4.  Scoop out the center of the zucchini - set aside.  This will be added back into the filling.
5.  Saute the mushrooms, onion, peppers, and zucchini that was scooped out.  Once cooked add the cheese, salt and pepper
6.  Place zucchini ' shells' into a casserole dish.
7.  Fill each shell with mixture
8.  Top each with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs
9.  Bake in 350 degree oven for 15-20 minutes until top is golden brown

I usually make these as a side dish- but you can also make these the main dish.  I've also added meat- ground turkey or ground beef.  These are yummy!

Jan 9, 2013

Christmas 2012

Christmas was hard this year- for obvious reasons, however, at the same time it as also really nice.  Christmas gave us something to celebrate and something to focus on.  We kept all of our usual traditions this year, just as if my dad were here.  I know he would have wanted us to do that.  With the holidays over, i am anxious to begin the new year.  I know this year will bring so many happy things, i just wish dad were here to be a part of it too.  I know he is looking down and is so proud.

Here are some highlights from our holidays...

Mom's tree- Chris and I helped her decorate.  I have to say, and she agrees, that this is the most beautiful tree she has ever had.  I loved the way it turned out.


Mom got Lora and I this ornament ...it is so special to me.  I love the quote that it has on it and the Christmas poem that came with it.  I keep it in a memory box (more on that later).


We had lots of presents to open both at our house and at my in laws.  Chris and I truly had a wonderful Christmas. We spent time with the people that we love the most and really appreciated their company.



We rang in the new year by ourselves at home.  We are very much looking for healing, contentment, and growth this year.  We are also excited for what 2013 will bring, one things for sure, my sweet neice/nephew will be here before i know it.