Where's the Beef?

What can I say? My husband loves meat. I do too, but it's not something I crave on a daily basis. He thinks meat and thinks protein. But because I love making him happy this next recipe is quite beefy and made especially for him with love.

Grilled Beef with Basil Puree Over Tuscan Beans
Serves 4
(Found in Fitness Magazine, July/August 2010)

1 tsp fresh lemon juice
1/4 c extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 loosely packed fresh basil
3 garlic cloves
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground pepper
1 lb sirloin steak cut into 4 portions
2 15.5 ounce cans white beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup grape tomatoes halved
1 TBS finely chopped red onions

I mixed in the leftover Gorgonzola cheese from the spinach/shrimp penne recipe

I did this recipe a lot different than how it's listed in the magazine. I busted out our George Forman, which I accidentally called Greg Forman and got laughed at by Karl for a good three minutes. I salted and peppered both sides of meat. Grilled for 5 minutes. I drained and rinsed beans and put in a bowl. I mixed with olive oil, already made pesto leftover from another recipe, basil, tomatoes, lemon, salt, garlic (browned in a skillet with olive oil), onions, pepper, salt. Put the meat on plate and put beans next to it. Served and it was realllllly good.

Karl's reaction: "The bean salad is good. Wholesome. Gosh, this meat is thin."

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Spinach will keep you lean

Growing up we had a big garden in our backyard. I used to love this garden and I especially couldn't wait to eat all the fresh vegetables, either could my dad. He used to care for the garden like a fourth child and prepare all the veggies on the table for Saturday dinner. For some reason I remember the radishes, leeks and chives the most. But there was spinach and it always tasted so good. It was a great summer tradition - one I obviously remember and want to have myself one day. My grandparents also used to have a garden that was ten times as big as my dad's. It was the coolest ever - now it's a postage stamp but there are reasons for that. My grandpa and I would go out and pull carrots from the ground, wash them off with a hose and eat them. There was nothing quite like like it.

Today's recipe focuses on Spinach! It fights cancer, heart disease, stroke, obesity and osteoporosis. It's loaded with Vitamins A, C, K, folate and minerals: calcium, magnesium, fiber and beta-carotene. It's supposed to help fight aging too! Yeah! Why wouldn't you want to eat it? I always substitute spinach on my Subway sandwich too rather than iceberg.

Savory Seafood Penne
serves 4
(Found in Women's Health - March 2010)

2 oz mulitgrain penne (we actually used this and it was good!)
12-14 medium precooked peeled shrimp (oops, I didn't peel ours)
2 Tbsp crumbled Gorgonzola
3 c chopped baby spinach (I put a whole 5 ounce box in)
1 tomato (I cut up grape tomatoes)
2 TBS chopped walnuts
3 TBS ready-made pesto

I also added:

• Mushrooms (according to Women's Health, December 2010, and The Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, fungi may fight colds and the flu. Compounds in the white button variety boost the activity of immune-system cells that help wipe out infections. Researchers believe shiitake, cremini, and other species have the same effect, so add them to salads, soups, and stir-fries.)
• Kalamata olives
• whole pack of basil

Cook pasta according to directions, drain and transfer to large bowl. Add shrimp, cheese, spinach, tomato, shrooms, kalamata olives, walnuts, and pesto, stirring well to help wilt the spinach and distribute the pesto.

I grabbed a large wok, heated it up, poured in some olive oil and warmed the shrimp, spinach, mushrooms and mixed in some pesto too. I like getting the flavor over everything.

Karl's reaction: "I really like this little dish a lot. The olives are a nice addition. Mmmm, good babe."

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The Power of Lentils

First of all, I'm just going to say crock pots are an amazing invention. Second of all, I'm sorry I haven't posted any recipes this week. I have a lot of them, so I'll try to get them up by this weekend.

Side note: Lentils are freakin' GOOD for you. Loads of fiber, protein and vitamin B...among other good stuff. Read more.

Vegetable and Green Lentil Soup
(courtesy of Rival Crock-Pot Best Loved Slow Cooker Recipes)
Makes 4 servings

1 can (14 1/2 ounces) vegetable broth
1 can (14 1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
2 medium zucchini or yellow summer squash, diced (I used both...what the heck, right?)
1 red or yellow pepper. (I used a green one too)
1/2 cup thinly sliced carrots
1/2 cup lentils, rinsed and sorted (I used the whole darn bag...)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 TBS fresh basil

Combine all the goods for 4 hours (high) or 8 hours low. Sprinkle with cheese. Enjoy! I feel like there needed to be some more zest. But that could be because I went a little happy with the lentils and it sucked out all the juices. Not sure.

Karl's reaction. "This is different. There's no meat in here?"  Where's the meat???

Before Pic - with all the fresh veggies!

Yummy Goodness! Your heart will thank you! :)

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Seeking Change!

I don't want to write too much in this blog post and save it for my next Star Tribune blog, but if I don't write my thoughts, I go batty. And after today's commute into work, I'm pretty much there. And it's not even 8:00 in the morning! Great. I spent my morning drive listing off things I'm grateful for to help motivate me through the day.

1. The sun is peeking through the clouds.
2. It's actually semi-light out at 7:20.
3. We're able to afford food (the healthy kind).
4. I have a car that runs.
5. I'm married to the cutest little bugger ever.
6. My skin is actually starting to look kind of nice (buh bye zits).
7. I'm healthy.
8. I live in a warm house with lots of blankets.
9. My pants are loose and not cutting off my circulation.
10. I wrote a frickin' book.

And then I pulled into the parking lot. I crawled out of my car (that now makes creaking noises), slipped in the snow and headed out into the cold. Not just normal cold, but the take-my-breath-away-below-zero stuff. Just like that, I was grumpy again.

This has been happening a lot lately. Call me Mrs. Cranks. Everything about my day is so routine. I can't stand it. The weather is cold; the earth all dark...all the time. I want to jog outside. I want to roll in the grass. I want to smell spring and hear birds chirping, but it's only January. There's a long way to go. What I can't figure out is why I didn't feel this crazy around the same time last year? I can't figure out what my problem is. But I've deciphered some ways to change things up outside of work, and it helps. Problem is most of my day is spent at work. Can you see a pattern here?

Without boring you with the details, instead I thought I'd blog about some of my more exciting news. These things always bring a smile to my face and help me stay motivated and determined. And God knows I need that right now!

1. Book status.
Where do I start? Luke still has my full manuscript; poor fella. I can't sit still and have managed to make plenty of changes since I sent him draft number one. And then I created an outline. And then I made some more changes. And some more. And even more. In the meantime, I'm sending him all of these changed documents and emails with questions. Yes, I'm a lunatic. I can only imagine his reaction. He has enough on his plate with his movie coming out in March and more screen play requests. This past weekend I filled in a few holes toward the end of the book since Karl felt there were still unanswered questions after reading the whole thing. So I adjusted and changed some things around. My book went from 324 pages to 346 pages. Oops! But I'm much happier with it and like the end a lot. Before I felt maybe it was too cheesy. Don't get me wrong, I love cheesy-goodness romance, but my first draft was a bit over the top. Think BrideWars. I was so excited to see that movie, but it just ended up so so so stupid. Cheesy stupid. I don't want that! I just hope other people like it...like literary agents so they can send off to publishers.

Just when I think I have a completed manuscript and I print chapters one through three, I sit down and flip through each page with a smile and a ton of confidence and pride. However, I end up making more changes and catch things I missed in the first place. What the heck? Then I go into this tizzy. I'd like to blame it on my computer. I swear it doesn't save my changes. But I know this is simply a major work in progress and will always be. And I need to accept that, considering I have 47 chapters to go through. For some reason I feel like I'm in a race against time. Not sure what that's about. I do know I want to send something I'm 100 percent proud of and know I gave my all.

My goal was to have my manuscript out to agencies in February, before we leave for Mexico, but now I don't know if that's possible. Damn it! Since I sent my manuscript to Luke, I've also written a query letter, and fixed up my outline to go along with my submission. What's left: a two-page synopsis. I have a feeling that is going to be hard to write. How can I condense my entire book in two pages? And I guess what worries me the most...what if Luke and the rest of my critiquers get toward the end and say..."well that was silly and you're going to have to think deeper." And the fact that I even have the thought, scares me. Karl liked it, but he's my husband and has to. I guess time will tell.

2. Karl and I bought snowshoes. 
Let me just say this is a great investment and I encourage you to go out and buy some for yourself, or at least rent them. I realize my biggest problem in the winter is not getting outside enough and breathing in FRESH AIR. It's so necessary, yet I refuse to do it because I hate being cold. I have no idea what I'm doing in Minnesota either, but I do love my spring, summer and fall here. Snowshoeing was really fun and I look forward to hitting up some trails versus the paved road in our backyard.

3. Getting into healthy cooking
So, Karl and I need to eat to survive, yes. Common knowledge. But why on earth were we eating pizza three times a week around the holidays? Because we got really busy and there wasn't time. I kind of felt like a cyclone every day when I got home from work last month. This is a nice way to burn out quickly. And I don't get the luxury of stepping away from work because I'm bumming out. What I do know: my spirits are lifted a lot when I eat healthy. I feel better inside and about myself in general. So for the past few weeks I've made time to find healthy recipes and get to the grocery story. I've found time to make healthy dinners. And it's really improved my attitude at home. As you see below, I'm trying to post a few recipes a week. I plan to continue this throughout the year.

4. I hired a personal trainer
So I'm not really paying for him because he's super expensive, but wowweeeeee, he's good!!! I'm not paying because all Lifetime Fitness members get one free session with a trainer. So I used my pass, and then my brother and sister-in-law (who remain nameless) became members and used my name as their referral, so I got two free trainer sessions!!! Why haven't I done this before? My workouts are different and more enjoyable. I'm seeing muscle tone I haven't seen...ummm...ever and I feel really good. Plus I was working out maaaybe one time a week at the gym because I was sick of doing stair stepper, level 11, for 25 minutes. Now I'm there three or four times a week and I can steam!!! Steaming at Lifetime is a mini-vacation for me. Next week I have a cardio session where I wear a mask and run and they figure out all sorts of "science" behind my calorie burn. I'm pretty pumped about this. Watch out skinny jeans.

5. Townhome for sale
We're doing it. We have to do it. We're putting Karl's townhome up for sale. This means we have to move all the stuff jammed in his basement to our townhome in Shakopee. We're both dreading this. We both have anxiety about it, but it has to be done. I'm mentally psyching myself up for some major purging. I know this scares my husband, but I think in the end, we'll both feel better. We need to sell it. We need it out of our lives. It's only been bringing both of us down. With that said, anyone interested in buying it? It's cute! It's in a great neighborhood. Costco just went up across the street:) Pics to come.

P.S. Money is such a crazy thing...that's all I'm going to say. It really can change everything.

That's the latest. Hope everyone is finding time to change up their schedules a little. Don't let the cold bring you down. CHANGE! It's a beautiful thing.

If you don't like something change it; if you can't change it, change the way you think about it.  - Mary Engelbreit

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What's for Breakfast?

I like to start off my day with a healthy breakfast. After all, it's the most important meal of the day. And I'm someone who cannot handle being hungry. There are two things people need to know about me:

1. I'm super crabby when I'm hungry (i.e. stay away).
2. And I'm not the most friendliest person when I have less than six hours of sleep under my belt.

So it only makes sense that I start off the day right. And I noticed that the more protein and fiber I consume, the longer I'm able to last until I grab a snack before lunch. For one, I hate getting into work and feeling the start of hunger pains before I even turn my computer on. I try to at least last until 10:00 - 10:30 a.m. before grabbing something to snack on, and that means finding the right breakfast foods for me.

Below is my typical breakfast, which I eat around 6:15-6:30 a.m. during the week. Gotta get my chocolate somehow!

Old-Fashion Oatmeal
packed with protein and flaxseed

Have you seen these new BetterOats "space-saving" oatmeal? Well I have. And they are awesome because there are lots of cool flavors and they aren't packed with sugar, and they are organic! I get mine at CUB for like $1.37 a box or something reasonable like that. There are five pouches per box. I get the dark chocolate flavor. Yum!

1 packet of dark chocolate (Dark Chocolate BetterOats) oatmeal
1 handful of old-fashion Quaker Oats
1 C 2% milk (like I said...hate that fat free stuff)

Heat for a couple minutes

Top with:
1/2 TBS of PB - I use Smart Balance
1/2 TBS Bob's Red Mill Flaxseed
1/2 TBS Organic 100% Protein Whey (I use Biochem)
Stir together and enjoy

I like to eat blueberries or 1/2 grapefruit with breakfast. I usually drink a bottle of water and coffee with half and half.

Enjoy!

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Healthy Fish Recipe with Flavor

Grilled Halibut Cod with Puttanesca Salsa and Parmesan Orzo
Makes 4 Servings
(found in Fitness Magazine - May 2010)

Takes about 20 minutes to put together. And it is bursting with flavor!!!

So I did some changing to the recipe in the magazine ...

1 cup whole-wheat orzo (I didn't use whole wheat...sorry...still don't like taste)
1 1/2 cups fat-free reduced-sodium chicken broth (I use Wild Harvest Organic instead, not fat free)
1/4 cup dry white wine (or 3 TBS chicken broth and 1 TBS lemon juice) - (I used the broth and fresh lemon)
2 TBS freshly grated Parmesan
1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper
4 6-ounce halibut fillets (could not find these so I grabbed cod. Big mistake. Should have used salmon instead)
4 tsp olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1 pint grape tomatoes
8 large Kalamata olives (I used Peloponnese Halved Kalamatas)
1 TBS drained capers
2 garlic cloves
1/8 tsp crushed red pepper
2 TBS silvered fresh basil (I used a whole Wild Harvest Organic packet!!!)

The goodness I added:
Can of Chickpeas (rinsed and drained...loads of fiber and great health benefits)
1 avocado (good fats!!! And great benefits!)

1. Combine orzo, broth and wine. Bring to a boil and stir; reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 12 minutes...I added in the chickpeas. Stir in Parmesan and black pepper. Cover and set aside.

2. Heat grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush fish with 2 tsp olive oil and 1/4 tsp salt. Grill until just cooked through, 3-4 minutes per side. (I had to bake the cod and sprinkled with paprika for some reason)

3. Combine tomatoes (cut in half), olives and capers in a medium bowl. Warm the remaining olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper; saute until fragrant. Stir in remaining salt. Toss garlic mixture with tomato mixture and add basil.

4. Serve fish over orzo and top with tomato mixture. I sprinkled fresh Parmesan on top.

5. Place sliced avocado around plate. (Each of us had a half)

Karl says, "This is good, babe...minus the lemon seed I just ate."

I would make again but for sure use salmon instead!!!

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Making Chicken Less Boring

I like chicken and all, but over time it can get boring and bland. But after making the recipe below, there was a little chicken dance going on in my mouth. We had Sauteed Zucchini with Lemon-Thyme Chicken. It was SUPER delicious!

Karl's vote: "This is awesome, but could use a little more salt." Now, just so you're aware, he says that about most things I make, but I kinda think he grew up licking a salt cube. When I first met him, he was eating Ramen Noodles out of his coffee cup for breakfast. And I still loved him right on up.

Anyway...  Here it is and it took 15 minutes total!! Yesssssssss!

Sauteed Zucchini with Lemon-Thyme Chicken
Makes 4 servings
(Found in Health Magazine - Sept 2010 issue)

1 TBS lemon zest (I used two lemon's rinds - what can I say, I looove lemon)
1 TBS chopped fresh thyme (stained my cutting board by the way...boo hiss)
1 pound chicken cutlets (I bought a packet of three chicken breasts)
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper
1 TBS olive oil
1/2 water
1/3 cup uncooked couscous (I bought the Near East boxes)
3/4 pound zucchini (about 2 medium)
1/2 pound yellow summer squash (about 2 medium)
1/4 cup fat-free, low-sodium chicken broth
I packet of mushrooms (I added this to the recipe)
Chopped fresh thyme, for garnish

1. Place lemon zest and thyme in small bowl
2. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper on both sides
3. Sprinkle half of the lemon-and-thyme mixture evenly onto one side of each cutlet.
4. Heat the olive oil in large pan and cook chicken - once cooked, transfer out
5. Cook couscous (I followed box instructions)
6. Saute the zucchini and squash (in same skillet chicken came from) - I also added mushrooms since they're such fun...guys...fungi... Get it?
7. Stir in remaining lemon-and-thyme mixture (I added fresh basil to the mix and it smelled really good), chicken broth, and couscous.
8. Spoon the couscous on plate and top with chicken, garnish with thyme!

ENJOY!

My added goodness to recipe:
packet of sliced mushrooms
packet of fresh organic basil

Some more pics below

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