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A Little Hot, A Little Cold May 4, 2012

Posted by cirellih in Food, Health, Lunch.
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I really appreciate my neighborhood. I love that it’s residential with lots of trees, parks and trails nearby. I enjoy the fact that we have a library and shopping center across the street. And I particularly like that the shopping center includes a grocery store.

One of the greatest purchases that I can make in said grocery store is in the produce section. There is a bulk bin of salad greens and baby spinach. I love that I can purchase the perfect amount of flavorful greens for a salad. I don’t always manage to eat a whole head of lettuce before it goes bad, so this is the perfect solution for me.

Recently, I have been on a couscous kick. In salads, I find it particularly delicious to have warm couscous on a bed of cool baby greens. Add in some carrots, peppers, and tomatoes… you’ve got yourself a fantastic salad!

Doesn’t this just scream summer? So refreshing and comforting at the same time. The couscous is garlic and olive oil flavored, so I sprinkled a small amount of olive oil, salt, and pepper over the lettuce for a cohesive flavor.

Happy Friday, everyone!

Wiiiiinnnnnggggsssss!!! April 8, 2011

Posted by cirellih in Craving, Dinner, Exercise, Food, Motivation.
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Today was delightfully restful/productive. I had the day off so managed to go to the gym during the daylight hours!!! Heaven forbid. This was the first time in a long while that my elliptical excursions have taken place before the 8:00 hour. Hurray for daylight and days off! I then spent the rest of the day mucking about and watching the Tudors… very addicting.

When Chris got home we discovered that we were having a hankering for Buffalo wings. Rather than going to a restaurant where they would surely be deep-fried [into crunchy goodness] we decided to go the slightly healthier grilled route.

They were nice and crispy, no oil involved, and covered in just enough sauce not drowning like they sometimes are. We definitely liked these better than previous oven attempts which often leave the wings a little mushy. Grilling is certainly the way to go! Besides, you can easily add a side of grilled veggies which complement well and hit the spot.

They certainly add a nice pop of color to the meal and are incredibly versatile. We had a zucchini and a yellow pepper on hand today, so that’s what we went for. I’m sure you could add in any other veggies that you like to mix it up a bit and add in even more color!

South of the Boarder Pasta February 9, 2011

Posted by cirellih in Food, Health, Weight Watchers.
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Today was certainly a busy day. Meetings with teachers to learn about lesson planning techniques. Working with my class on math and CSAP preparations. Taking kids home in nasty snowy conditions. Definitely cause for a relaxing evening with a quick dinner and a few episodes of ‘North and South’.  Perfect way to unwind after a long day.

South of the Boarder Pasta:

  • Left over broiled chicken
  • 1 yellow pepper
  • 1 green pepper
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 3 tbsp. cilantro
  • 1/2 tsp sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 1/3 cups of uncooked penne
  1. Cook the penne according to the box instructions.
  2. Meanwhile, sautee the peppers and chicken in the olive oil.
  3. Combine the lime juice, cilantro, sugar and salt in a large bowl.
  4. When the pasta is finished, drain and toss with the cilantro-lime mixture and the peppers and chicken.
  5. Serve while still warm.

The combination of the sweet and sour is delicious. The original recipe from Weight Watchers called to make this a cold pasta salad, but on a cold winter night like this one a warm dish was a must.

Sometime You Feel Like Coconut February 1, 2011

Posted by cirellih in Food, Health, Motivation, Weight Watchers.
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Each Weight Watchers meeting we are given a booklet that has some helpful hints that pertain to the topic of discussion. For example, this week’s meeting was about being more active, so the booklet was about walking plans. They also contain some glorious recipes!

I give you Coconut Shrimp!!!

The recipe is ridiculously easy. It doesn’t take long, and the result it delectable!

The Recipe:

  • 8 small shrimp, shelled and deveined
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 2 splashes of skim milk
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup coconut
  • 1/4 cup panko crumbs
  1. Preheat the oven to 450*
  2. Mix 1tbsp of flour, salt and milk together.
  3. Drag shrimp through the remaining flour, shaking off any excess.
  4. Dip the shrimp into the milk batter.
  5. Mix the coconut and panko crumbs together. Press the shrimp into the mixture.
  6. Spray a baking sheet with cooking oil.
  7. Place the shrimp on the baking sheet. Lightly spray the shrimp with cooking spray.
  8. Bake for 12 minutes until the shrimp is pink on the inside.

I decided to serve this with spinach and pepper pasta. Not a particularly conventional pairing, but it hit the spot.