It's Harvest Time

Walking out to the garden to see spots of red makes me smile!  Ahhh, it's harvest time.  My Beefsteak tomatoes are almost ready--2 are pink, and my Romas are exploding:

One lone green tomato dropped when I tugged...fried green tomatoes are tasty, too!

Not a bad harvest for June in San Diego!  So, now to decide which yummy recipe I plan to make with these juicy treats.  Perhaps....

Gazpacho

Or a tomato & olive salad

 Caprese salad sounds great, too

Or maybe I'll just toss them with pasta!

Decisions, decisions!  Fabulous decisions to make! ;o)  Hope you are enjoying your garden this season, too!

Congrats to the Giveaway Winner....

Michelle Crawford is the winner--Congratulations!

Michelle prepared Denise Austin's Turkey Bacon Muffins and had this to say about the recipe:

I made the Turkey Bacon Morning Muffins with a slight adjustment to the recipe.  Rather than 1 1/4 cups white flour, I used 1 cup white flour and 1/4 cup whole wheat flour.  I try and do that with all the muffins I make.  Other than that I followed it as stated.  I have to say that I don’t think I’ve ever made muffins without sugar!  I was a little worried because to me a muffin is cakey which means sugary.  These muffins were pretty good and healthy.  I was really hoping that my kids would like them.  Breakfast is a favorite meal in our house and we even eat it for dinner from time to time.  They both love muffins and they love breakfast meats.  I thought for sure with the two combined they’d be delighted.  Well, not really.  My son ate a little bit of it but my daughter didn’t even want to touch it!  I really talked them up and ate mine first.  Finally, after adding a tiny bit of butter to hers she took a couple bites.  She still wasn’t crazy about them.  I think it was a texture thing for for of them.  My husband probably would have liked these because they are NOT sweet.  I decided to freeze most of the leftovers since the kids will not eat them tomorrow.  I’ll try again when daddy is home and see if he likes them.  All in all, I thought they were light, moist and filling.  I’d make them again.

Thanks for hosting a give-away and having me branch out of my normal blueberry or sweeter muffins! I’ve attached two pictures.

 Yes, savory muffins take a bit to get our head wrapped around the idea that muffins can be savory, too.  I absolutely adore William & Sonoma's Muffin Cookbook!  There are numerous dinner muffins that I make and love.  Kids might be a tougher sell, but kudos to Michelle for trying and challenging her kids to try new foods!  I hope your hubby loves them, too!  Perhaps served with dinner instead of breakfast or with an omelet.  Yum!

Thanks Michelle for whipping these up and sharing!  Michelle, also has her own blog @ http://mykindofcrafts.blogspot.com/ where she shares amazing crafts with her kiddos!  It's on my RSS feed!!!

Michelle you won....

• Free coupons for Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon
• Denise Austin-approved Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon recipes
• Denise Austin’s new book: “Denise’s Daily Dozen”
• Denise Austin Yoga Pack – includes: Denise Austin Yoga Body Burn DVD & Official Yoga Mat
• Jump rope
• Workout CD mix
• Branded water bottle
• Exercise journal
• Eco-friendly tote – perfect for heading to the gym or the grocery store

The videos are great--I did yoga last night! I hope you enjoy!  To everyone else, stay tuned tomorrow for another chance to win this great giveaway...

Denise Austin & a Great Giveaway!

There are those who have taken on an iconic role as fitness & nutrition experts.  We have all grown up with them…Richard Simmons (don’t deny it, he is a lover of fitness), Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jane Fonda (although Vietnam Vets remember her for different reasons), Ellie Krieger (a favorite dietitian of mine), Denise Austin…and the list can go on.  I am thankful for those who choose the public light and promote what we need more of—balance…balance of our health and life.  Fitness & nutrition is a way of life!  Just recently I was given the opportunity to interview Denise Austin, and yes, she truly is as energetic off screen as she is on screen.  I was getting motivated just interviewing her!

Clearly fitness is her expertise, so I wanted to get her take on nutrition. Sometimes I worry that fitness gurus will also be fanatics when it comes to food—which is not balanced.  Well, Denise Austin is balanced!  She noted that she is not a nutrition expert, but she likes to cook and eat.  She practices mindful eating and does not even know it!  I had to ask her for some lifelong nutrition rules she lives by…

Denise Austin: I like to cook!  I really cook and we [husband, two teenage daughters, and herself] sit down as a family—we eat and talk as a family.

Denise expressed that it’s important that she and her family know what is in their food. She likes food fresh, healthy, & tasty!  Denise stated that both her daughters are athletes and she feels that they need to nourish themselves, but she never discusses weight or calories with them.  She feels it is more import that she models healthy behaviors while eating.  Through this approach she has raised two teenage girls who share her love for food & fitness.  Kudos to Denise for this approach!

Her mantra she shared with me was that if you exercise you can eat healthy 80% of the time and 20% of the time give yourself a break to splurge. Agreed!  Just make sure you do a couple of her workouts a week and make sure you watch that the 20% doesn’t creep over to 50%! J

More tips from Denise Austin: Don’t watch TV while eating & always eat at the dinner table.  Those are both “biggies” at my house, too!

Oh, and the best part of the interview…Denise Austin is giving away a “goodie bag” to two of my readers!  She really is fabulous!  I am going to break this up into two giveaways! 

The first giveaway…Denise Austin generously shared with me some of her favorite quick meals that she loves to make!  All of these are made with Oscar Mayer’s Turkey Bacon (yum—bacon really adds a lot of flavor with just a single piece!) 
Giveaway goodies...

 Prizes to be supplied by Kraft:

• Free coupons for Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon
• Denise Austin-approved Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon recipes
• Denise Austin’s new book: “Denise’s Daily Dozen”
• Denise Austin Yoga Pack – includes: Denise Austin Yoga Body Burn DVD & Official Yoga Mat
• Jump rope
• Workout CD mix
• Branded water bottle
• Exercise journal
• Eco-friendly tote – perfect for heading to the gym or the grocery store

 

Here is how to win…

Try one of these recipes, write up a 100-300 word review (what you liked, did you share it with anyone, was it simple, any changes, etc.), take a picture, and share with me via email: WJPetersonRD@aol.com I am going to pick the winner based on your picture and review of the recipe.  Giveaway ends on Sunday, June 13^th at 6pm PST.  All participants will have their recipe and picture posted on my blog, and the winner will be notified on my post.

Turkey Bacon Morning Muffins

·     http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/turkey-bacon-morning-muffins-52479.aspx

Prep Time: 5 min

Total Time: 20 min

Makes: 12 servings, 1 muffin each

 

What You Need!

12 slices OSCAR MAYER Turkey Bacon, cut into 1/4-inch pieces

1-1/4 cups flour

1 cup quick-cooking oats

2 tsp.  CALUMET Baking Powder

1/2 cup fat-free milk

1/3 cup honey

1/4 cup canola oil

2 large egg whites

 

Make It!

PREHEAT oven to 400°F. Mix bacon, flour, oats and baking powder in large bowl. Add remaining ingredients; stir just until moistened. (Batter will be lumpy.)

SPOON batter into paper-lined muffin pan or muffin pan sprayed with cooking spray, filling each cup 2/3 full.

BAKE 15 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on wire racks. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate or freeze any leftover muffins.

Nutritional Information

Per Serving:  

·      Calories  180

·      Total fat  7 g

·      Saturated fat  1 g

·      Cholesterol  10 mg

·      Sodium  270 mg

·      Carbohydrate  23 g

·      Dietary fiber  1 g

·      Sugars  9 g

·      Protein 5 g

·      Vitamin A  0 %DV

·      Vitamin C  0 %DV

·      Calcium  6 %DV

·      Iron  6 %DV

 

Turkey Cobb Lettuce Wraps

·       http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/turkey-cobb-lettuce-wraps-63840.aspx 

Prep Time: 10 min

Total Time: 10 min

Makes: 1 serving

 

What You Need!

2 large leaf lettuce leaves

1 slice OSCAR MAYER Turkey Bacon, cooked, cut in half

6 slices OSCAR MAYER Deli Fresh Shaved Smoked Turkey Breast

2   thin peeled avocado slices

2 thin tomato wedges

1 Tbsp. KRAFT Light ROKA Blue Cheese Dressing

 

Make It!

TOP lettuce with remaining ingredients; roll up tightly.

 

Nutritional Information:

Per Serving:

·       Calories  140

·      Total fat  9 g

·      Saturated fat  1.5 g

·      Cholesterol  30 mg

·      Sodium  770 mg

·      Carbohydrate  6 g

·      Dietary fiber  2 g

·      Sugars  2 g

·      Protein 11 g

·      Vitamin A  35 %DV

·      Vitamin C  15 %DV

·      Calcium  2 %DV

·      Iron  6 %DV

Healthy Living Information

Good source of vitamin A or C

Nutrition Bonus

The lettuce in this breadless sandwich is not only rich in vitamin A but it also teams up with the tomatoes to provide a good source of vitamin C.

Easy Cheesy Frittata

·       http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/easy-cheesy-frittata-95167.asp 

 

Prep Time: 10 min

Total Time: 40 min

Makes: 6 servings

 

What You Need!

4 whole eggs

4   egg whites

2 Tbsp. water

1 cup KRAFT 2% Milk Shredded Mozzarella Cheese, divided

1/2 cup chopped seeded tomatoes

2 slices OSCAR MAYER Bacon or OSCAR MAYER Turkey Bacon, crisply cooked, crumbled

1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

 

Make It!

HEAT oven to 350°F. Beat whole eggs, egg whites and water with whisk in medium bowl until blended.

STIR in 1/2 cup cheese, tomatoes, bacon and basil. Pour into greased 9-inch pie plate.

BAKE 25 min. or until puffed and golden brown. Sprinkle with remaining cheese; bake 5 min. or until melted.

 

Nutritional Information

Per Serving:

·       Calories  120

·       Total fat 7 g

·      Saturated fat  3 g

·      Cholesterol  150 mg

·      Sodium  260 mg

·      Carbohydrate  2 g

·      Dietary fiber  0 g

·      Sugars  0 g

·      Protein 13 g

·      Vitamin A  15 %DV

·      Vitamin C  2 %DV

·      Calcium  30 %DV

·      Iron  4 %DV

Healthy Living Information

Good source of calcium

Nutrition Bonus

The cheese in this flavorful frittata provides a rich source of calcium.

You can find more of Denise’s recipes and health tips on her website: www.DeniseAustin.com

Thank you Denise Austin for your fabulous energy, enthusiasm, your commitment to health, generous giveaway, and allowing me to interview you!

Thank you Oscar Mayer and Kraft Foods for your delicious turkey bacon and food products!


Please note, Kraft Foods is providing the prizes for this program at no cost to me.  This program is not administered or sponsored by Kraft Foods or its affiliates, but solely by Edible Nutrition. 

Stay tuned for your next chance to win this giveaway package next week! 

A Couple Repeats & Special Request!

For those who have been following my posts for awhile you'll remember this cake:

The one with the "special ingredient."  Well, I was asked to bring this cake to the last day of class--I am telling you--it's good!  So, this morning I whipped it up, and since I have left over sauerkraut I decided to do a German favorite: Venison Brats and Sauerkraut.  This an all time favorite at my house--a piece of home.  I know many think sauerkraut stinks, and it does, but for me it brings back memories of my youth.  My mom & dad love sauerkraut!!!  Plus, it is a perfect supper for tonight, because I'll be in class until 9pm tonight!  It will be ready for me when I get home--yum!  

Last night I made my mango salsa chicken!  Fabulous! I love the simplicity of this dish and the fact that it's healthy!  Two for one!  

Hope you have a fabulous Tuesday, y'all! 

2 Quick Chicken Dinners for 1

Dinner for one again tonight!  

My husband hit the rocks in Nevada for a weekend of climbing while I sat behind my laptop and typed away at my paper.  Although I was sad to be alone for the weekend, I really appreciated that he 1) got to go play and 2) I had time to focus (FOOOOOOO----CUSSSSS)!  I made progress, so that is what counts. With that said I did not want to make a big meal, but it's important for me to eat something healthy.  Need to fuel the brain with the good stuff or I just crash!  I headed out to the grill and cooked up 2 chicken breasts to inspire the following dishes.


Spinach & Chicken Salad
Ingredients:
2 cups baby spinach
1 Tbsp goat cheese, crumbled

3 oz grilled chicken breast, thinly sliced
1/4 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
1/4 sweet onion (Texas 1500, Maui or Vidalia), thinly sliced
Dressing:
1 Tbsp olive oil
Zest of 1 lime
1/2 lime, juiced
1 Tbsp thyme (can use parsley or basil, too)
Sea salt, to taste

Directions:
Plate spinach and top with goat cheese.  Top with chicken slices.
In a skillet, saute onion and bell pepper, add in dressing for 1 minute and pour over salad. Serve!

Monday Night Chicken (Round 2 for grilled chicken breast)
Ingredients:
2 baby cukes, quartered lengthwise
1/4 yellow bell pepper, thick sliced
1/4 cup hummus
3 oz chicken breast, thinly sliced
2 Tbsp parsley
1 Tbsp olive oil
1/2 lime, juiced
1 pita bread, heated on a cast iron skillet or griddle

Directions:
Plate cukes, peppers, and hummus (for dipping).  In a skillet, reheat chicken breast in olive oil.  Toss in parsley and lime juice.  Serve along side veggies, hummus, and pita bread for a quick and simple (yet delicious) dinner for one!

Cheers!  Now, it's time for a glass of wine and a chance to unwind a bit.

Buyer Beware

I'll admit that I am a bit of a nerd at the grocery store. I meander the aisles looking for new products to explore, taste, try, and yes--scrutinize. Food companies love to entice the buyer, which is fabulous marketing practices, but it can come at a cost. If you are not a savvy shopper you may be paying the price in your waist line if you are not careful.  Two products I saw today would have many scratching their heads.  So things to watch:

1. Calories per SERVING
2. Servings per container
3. Know how many servings you are going to eat and calculate what you will take in

Buyer beware:

photo source: http://www.taipeifood.com/products/index.html

Tai Pei's Asian Take Out boxes--all the same size and many with different servings per container.
Beef & Broccoli--170 Calories per SERVING with 2.5 servings per container = 425 Calories / container
Szechuan Chicken--150 Calories per serving with 3 servings per container = 450 Calories / container
Orange Chicken--210 Calories per serving with 2.5 servings per container = 525 Calories / container
Sweet & Sour Shrimp--230 Calories per serving with 2.5 servings per container = 575 Calories/container

Photo source: http://www.planters.com/varieties/harvest.aspx 

Next...
Planter's New Harvest Nuts--be aware that the serving size is 1/4 cup (that's 1/2 of an applesauce cup) and the servings per containers also vary.
Pistachio Grove--160 Calories per serving, 10 servings per container = 1600 Calories / bag
Dark Chocolate Forest Blend--170 Calories per serving, 8 servings per container = 1360 Calories / bag
Almond Orchard--150 Calories per serving, 9 servings per container = 1350 Calories / bag
Almonds--160 Calories per serving, 11 servings per container = 1760 Calories / bag
Cashews--160 Calories per serving, 15 servings per container = 2400 Calories / bag (WOW!)

I have numerous clients that tell me that they healthily snack on nuts throughout the day or they healthily choose trail mix as a snack. Yes, nuts are healthy, but watch your portions closely.  You can quickly overindulge.  With such creative names it's tempting to buy these creatively labeled foods.  If you do, be sure to come home and break out your measuring cup.  Measure out 1/4 cup and place that in a baggie or container so you know how much you are consuming (and not over-consuming).

Another favorite of mine are pot pies...do you eat a 1/2 or a whole?  Check out the labels so you know just what you are "supposed" to eat.

Do you have a favorite food find or a label to scrutinize?  If so, please share!

Venison Ragu

After a long weekend away it felt wonderful to come home and cook!  Perhaps I am strange, but I really do prefer a home cooked meal over eating out.  Granted, there are times when I am not in the mood and crave the simplicity of having someone else prepare me a meal--like a sushi chef!

My cupboards are pretty bare, but I do have some great stand-bys: pasta & pasta sauce!  I opted for venison ragu over fettuccine.  Why venison?  Because I have ample in my freezer from my fabulous nephews.  Venison is much leaner than beef and a great source of protein.  For 3oz of ground venison it is only ~160 Calories.  For more nutrition information check out this link:  http://www.nutritiondata.com/facts/lamb-veal-and-game-products/4813/2

Venison Ragu
Ingredients
1 lb ground venison
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp chili pepper flakes (I like a kick!)
1/4 tsp dried oregano
2 bay leaves
1 jar pasta sauce (your choice, but I love Newman's Own Sockarooni)
8 oz mushrooms, quartered
1 lb pasta
Directions

1. In a heavy skillet brown venison.  
2. Add in seasonings: garlic powder, chili pepper flakes, oregano, and bay leaves
3. Add mushrooms and stir
4. Pour in sauce and allow to simmer for at least 30 minutes
5. Meanwhile, bring a stock pot full of water up to a boil and add in 1 tsp of salt
6. Cook pasta according to package directions
7. Drain pasta and immediately toss in with ragu sauce
8. Serve with Parmesan cheese and enjoy!

Beet Kick Continues!

The hubby and I spent a romantic Easter weekend at SE San Diego Hotel--very shi shi, almost too much for him.  :)  We did a have a nice "connection" weekend.  The restaurant at the hotel is Suite & Tender and it is very nice.  Although, don't go there expecting portions beyond petite!  I enjoyed it because it meant that we could try many things! Between the four of us (we shared dinner with our very dear friends, Kathie & Paul) we had:

• Butternut Squash Soup--really tasty
• Beet Salad (I'm on a kick)--yummy, but I can make it the same at home and for much less $
• Fried Rock Shrimp--our favorite appetizer
• Raw bar selections--fresh
• Red Snapper w/Spanish twist--really flavorful
• Salmon--decent, but I can make it better (so said my hubby)
• Scallops & Venison--TINY!  
• Apple Pie--devine!  Great pastry crust!!!
• Ricotta Cheesecake w/ blood orange/pomegranate sorbet--ooooo la la, really tasty sorbet!
• Chocolate Truffle Cake--nice hint of Mexican chocolate

The experience was great and the hotel is definitely a stylish & chic environment. 

Needless to say when we got home today we were not craving a big dinner (to say the least).  So, I grilled up top sirloin steaks (seasoned w/Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, S&P--yes that is it), a beet salad (recipe to follow), sourdough bread, and fresh strawberries for "dessert." Happy Happy!  It was an enjoyable and blessed Easter!

Beet Salad

2 beets, boil for 25 minutes or until fork tender w/ skin on and then peel + slice

1 oz herbed goat cheese, crumbled

4 cups baby spinach leaves

1 slice red onion, just enough for color

1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar

1 Tbsp olive oil

S&P

Enjoy!