For those of you who know me, know that I truly love to bake! And now that I'm working on my body makeover, baking hasn't been something I've done since Christmas (about a month). I mean, I made sugar cookies at Christmas, just so I could decorate them!
And as of now, it really is the only creative outlet I have. Unfortunately, there haven't been any interior design firms hiring, so baking has been such a fun hobby for me. You can see why I might be having withdrawals; it's almost as if I'm going stir crazy. My hands need to be used and my creative juices need to flow.
I haven't baked because I'm working hard on my body makeover. I mean having cake, cookies, and icing as temptation is not good for me. I don't really eat the food I bake, but even the slightest temptation could be bad. I don't really bake to eat it, which is sad; I bake to bake it.
But tomorrow will be the day that I am going to start baking again. I'm thinking of a banana cake with a honey buttercream, a chocolate sheet cake from my Grandmother's kitchen, almond cookies from my Aunt's kitchen. I might even try my Great-Grandmother Liz' German rye bread recipe as well (all by myself).
The only downside to not eating these scrumptious items is that I feel guilty for making them (I feel like I'm wasting money). But someone will eat them; no not my husband (you see his on the same bodymakeover as me), but our employees will--thank God for them!
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Body Make Over, Entry 1
So with every new year, one of my resolutions (like so many Americans) is to lose weight and get into shape. I start with good intentions but after a couple of months, life goes on, and I find less time to make it to the gym and make every excuse on why not to get there and on not to eat healthier.
After joining the gym in November, I started working out immediately; however, starting a diet during the holidays is not the best time or the easiest. Let's be honest, working out, this time of the year, really only combats the holiday food you eat. I did my best to not eat all the "bad" food during the holidays, but I had to indulge myself just once or twice. And with all the holiday travels; it's hard to get into the gym.
This year, is the year to be different, I just know it! I have more time to devote to working out and to really focus on healthy eating. I am tired of this 5'-3.5", 135 lb girl being a cream puff. Once the gym told me my body fat percentage (which I will not disclose for the fact of being embarrassed; I mean I already provided my weight-which was hard enough to do), I knew I had gotten out of control. Oh yes, I'm a fatty! Now to getting into shape!
1. Hire a personal trainer-best thing ever! (I like that I have someone to push me harder)
2. Work out minimum 3-4 times a week
3. Plan healthy meals
I am doing lots of cardio and squats, as well as free weights! We are eating lots of protein and trying to eat a minimal amount of sugar and carbs (which is so hard for both Chris and me). I am bound and determined to gain muscle mass and slim down.
Also, I am setting realistic small goals. Goal #1 is to lose between 5-8lbs by our trip to Colorado-Feb. 17th. That gives me a little more than a month to do so; we shall see if I make my first goal...wish me luck!
After joining the gym in November, I started working out immediately; however, starting a diet during the holidays is not the best time or the easiest. Let's be honest, working out, this time of the year, really only combats the holiday food you eat. I did my best to not eat all the "bad" food during the holidays, but I had to indulge myself just once or twice. And with all the holiday travels; it's hard to get into the gym.
This year, is the year to be different, I just know it! I have more time to devote to working out and to really focus on healthy eating. I am tired of this 5'-3.5", 135 lb girl being a cream puff. Once the gym told me my body fat percentage (which I will not disclose for the fact of being embarrassed; I mean I already provided my weight-which was hard enough to do), I knew I had gotten out of control. Oh yes, I'm a fatty! Now to getting into shape!
1. Hire a personal trainer-best thing ever! (I like that I have someone to push me harder)
2. Work out minimum 3-4 times a week
3. Plan healthy meals
I am doing lots of cardio and squats, as well as free weights! We are eating lots of protein and trying to eat a minimal amount of sugar and carbs (which is so hard for both Chris and me). I am bound and determined to gain muscle mass and slim down.
Also, I am setting realistic small goals. Goal #1 is to lose between 5-8lbs by our trip to Colorado-Feb. 17th. That gives me a little more than a month to do so; we shall see if I make my first goal...wish me luck!
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Chicken Italiana
I thought I would share a delicious, healthy, and easy recipe with you that I came up with. I'm not quite sure what to call it, but Chicken Italiana was the best I could do. I came up with this recipe when watching one of the Cake Boss episodes (Yes, I watch this show-I like to see what kind of cake designs they come up with). I'm sure there is a recipe somewhere out there similar to this.
I hope you enjoy!
Chicken Italiana:
Ingredients:
Directions:
Clean chicken and sprinkle with salt and pepper and dash with balsamic vinegar. Chop or slice onion, however you prefer. I bought pre-chopped because it was easier and they didn't have the sliced onion when I was there. Quarter the tomatoes; mince clove of garlic. Drain and rinse capers, and drain most of juice from olive can-leave some for "sauce".
Pour the Olive oil in large hot pan (medium high) and add chicken; cook for 3 minutes on each side until done. Remove chicken and keep warm.
Turn the temperature down to medium/medium low. Add onion to hot skillet with chicken drippings. You might have to add just a tad bit more oil due to sticking. Once onions are opaque (about 1-2 minutes) add tomatoes (about 1-2 minutes)-the juices from the tomatoes will help thicken and create a sauce. Stir tomatoes and onions; add salt and pepper to taste (I only added pepper). When the tomatoes start "juicing", add the garlic and olives with some of the olive juice. Stir mixture and add capers; continue to stir. Add cooked chicken to "sauce" and turn the temperature down to low. Let the juices of the "sauce" simmer for a minute with the chicken.
Plate and serve.
**Note: You can substitute chicken for a white fish.
Please forgive my recipe writing skills and food photography...eventually I'll get better.
I hope you enjoy!
Ingredients:
- 4 Boneless, skinless Chicken Cutlets
- 1 Small Onion
- 5 Campari Tomatoes, quartered
- 1 can 3 oz Olives
- 1 Clove Garlic, minced
- 2 Tbsp Capers, drained & rinsed
- 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 2-3 Dashes Balsamic Vinegar plus more for chicken marinade
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Directions:
Clean chicken and sprinkle with salt and pepper and dash with balsamic vinegar. Chop or slice onion, however you prefer. I bought pre-chopped because it was easier and they didn't have the sliced onion when I was there. Quarter the tomatoes; mince clove of garlic. Drain and rinse capers, and drain most of juice from olive can-leave some for "sauce".
Pour the Olive oil in large hot pan (medium high) and add chicken; cook for 3 minutes on each side until done. Remove chicken and keep warm.
Turn the temperature down to medium/medium low. Add onion to hot skillet with chicken drippings. You might have to add just a tad bit more oil due to sticking. Once onions are opaque (about 1-2 minutes) add tomatoes (about 1-2 minutes)-the juices from the tomatoes will help thicken and create a sauce. Stir tomatoes and onions; add salt and pepper to taste (I only added pepper). When the tomatoes start "juicing", add the garlic and olives with some of the olive juice. Stir mixture and add capers; continue to stir. Add cooked chicken to "sauce" and turn the temperature down to low. Let the juices of the "sauce" simmer for a minute with the chicken.
 |
| Simmering in the pan-forgot to take photos of each step..whoops |
 |
| Served with sauteed green beans (it's the only veggie Chris likes) |
Plate and serve.
**Note: You can substitute chicken for a white fish.
Please forgive my recipe writing skills and food photography...eventually I'll get better.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Here's to 2011!
I'm very excited to take on this new year; I just know 2011 will be great!
Here's a little recap of a memorable 2010:
1. Great design opportunities working at JPDG
2. Biggest decision of our lives; buying Pavlov's in Columbia SC
3. Hardest thing to do-tell my boss that I'm moving
4. Selling our very first home-it was very bittersweet
5. The BIG Move to Columbia
6. Adjusting to the housewife life--I've officially gotten the hang of it and really enjoy it
7. Trying to figure out what to do with my life profession wise-still haven't figured that one out :)
8. Trip to Houston for a friend's wedding
9. Cake decorating classes
10. Entering a cake design into the state fair and winning 2nd place-wahoo!
11. Trip to Houston for design awards
12. House I worked on made the cover and feature story in a local Houston, TX magazine
13. Being able to spend time with family and friends more than once a year!!
14. Surprise trip to NYC
15. Holidays with the fam-all three sides
So here's to 2011! May it bring you happiness and joy! Cheers!!
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