New Year...Endless Possibilties!

The title of this blog truly sums up how I can't help but look at 2011.  As many of you know the year 2010 has been the MOST eventful, interesting, surprising, and really beautiful year of my life.  I married my absolute without a doubt partner in life.  I honestly believe that without him none of what has happened this year to me would have taken place.  I went from graduating school in December, and starting 2010 thinking I would embrace my new real estate career and never look back.  I went full force for the first quarter of 2010.  However, something was missing.  You see I had always dreamed, ever since I was little girl about doing something that really meant something to me.  I always wanted to do something that I would be truly passionate about.   Let me give you a hint, if you spend most of your free time thinking about an activity and how you can improve upon it, yet it has nothing to do with your job...you might want to consider making a change.  This is not easy.  Believe me 2 months before I got married, a career/focus change was not exactly a safe plan.  But I knew something was missing in my day to day, I wanted that excitement and hunger to be better at something because I wanted to.  So I prayed, made a video, and the rest is history.

 Now don't get me wrong, I am not a successful, money making, always optimistic and cheerful Food Personality...YET. ha  I have made way less money than I planned on this year,  I have spent the majority of my time since August writing and testing recipes, taking pictures of food for goodness sake, walking the grocery aisles, wondering if I'm crazy, and cooking for families as a supplement income.   And let me just say, it has been a blast!!  I have met some amazing people through all of this!  I mean most of the text messages and emails I received before and on my wedding day were from my RWOP friends..WOW!  I have stretched and grown as a cook tremendously.  I have also learned more about myself and who I am in this year more than ever.

There was a time in my life when I didn't know if I would fulfill any of my dreams, I thought maybe I had slipped too far into a destructive lifestyle.  Maybe I didn't deserve an amazing husband who loves me despite my faults and being a able to have a hobby that turned into my job and true passion.  But you know what,  God is faithful.  He had a plan that was far greater than mine would ever be, and that is why I can't wait to see what he does in my life this year.  It probably won't be anything like I have imagined in my head, and that's okay...I mean this year sure turned out way better than what I had planned!!  I guess my resolution or goal is to make tremendous effort to keep him the center of every aspect of my life.  I want to cooperate with him in all things.  I could keep writing forever on this one, but I will leave you with this.  This song is very special to me so I want to share it with you...

Happy 2011!

Meatless Monday!

If you would have asked me a year ago if I would ever give up eating meat, I would have said there is no possible way!!  I love poultry, pork, beef, and fish!  So trust me, I don't think I will ever totally give it up.  However, over the past month I've been taking a day a week to cut out meat in my diet.  At Thanksgiving my cousin Courtney, who is a vegetarian, explained her reasons for not eating meat and some of the health benefits of even cutting it out once a day.  She also has an awesome blog you should check out with all kids of great nutrition info, here is the link http://reallyphatchow.com/

I have to say it makes sense, unless you can buy all organic or locally raised meat, you are probably putting some not so great things in your body.  If your like me, you probably can't afford to buy the best of the best all of the time.  So I decided to give just cutting some meat out a try.  It is actually kind of fun and cheaper, because I have to stretch myself creatively to cook fulfilling meals without meat.  I have made an awesome Chipotle-Carrot Kidney Bean Burger that I will be sharing soon.  BUT I made these Spinach and Artichoke Mini Bellas with a side of Couscous last night, and we didn't miss the meat at all!!  These things are awesome, and they would also be great for a party as an appetizer.


Spinach and Artichoke Mini Bellas

Ingredients:

• 6 small Portabella Caps
• 1/2 C Light Balsamic Vinaigrette
• 1 Cup frozen spinach, thawed and water squeezed out
• 1 6 oz Can of quartered Artichoke Hearts, I usually give them a rough chop
• 1/3 C Chopped Sun dried tomatoes
• 3 oz Light Cream Cheese, room temperature
• 1/2 Cup Mozzarella
• 1 garlic clove, grated (may sub 1/2 tsp garlic powder)
• 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1/4 C Parmesan

Directions

• Place portabellas in a Ziploc bag with balsamic for up to 30 minutes (at least 10 minutes)

• Preheat Broiler
• Combine spinach, artichokes, tomatoes, cream cheese, garlic, salt, pepper, and mozzarella
• Heat a non stick skillet over medium heat, place portabellas flesh side down and brown on each side for 4-5 minutes.

• Once browned place cheese mixture in caps, then top with Parmesan

• Place in broiler for 5 minutes, until top is browned enjoy!!

Hey! Please, don't forget to vote for my Gorgonzola B-A-T here: Sandwich Thins® Rolls Recipe Contest

Love ya!

Inspiration in Hartsville...WOW

Last night I travelled to Hartsville, TN in Trousdale County to do a cooking demo put on by UT Extension.  The town has been participating in a program called "Get healthy Hartsville" all year in which they have made goals and decisions to live healthier lifestyles.  I wasn't sure what to expect or how exciting my night would in Hartsville, TN.  I had no idea I'd be challenged and inspired by one special woman.  I had the pleasure of meeting Jennifer Yates, a high school math teacher from Montgomery County.  She was going to be talking about staying healthy through the holidays and goals for 2011.

She came up to me before everything started and said she was so glad I was there and so excited get this opportunity.  I asked her what brought her here and what she was going to talk about.  She proceeded to tell my mom and I that she had lost OVER 250 POUNDS in the past 2 years!  Oh and guess what else, she did it ALL ON HER OWN, NO PILLS OR SURGERY!!  Our jaws dropped, she was so passionate about her experience and her decision to change her life.  She did it, and she did in a way that many people don't believe is possible.  She said she had to really research how to eat healthy and how to exercise, because she really had no clue.  It almost brought me to tears listening to her, and knowing she didn't turn to anything but her faith and her own strength to make the change she wanted to see happen.  How refreshing it is to see some one MAKE A DECISION, KEEP THE FAITH, PERSEVERE, and NOT EXPECT someone or something else to do it for them.  I think it is something we tend to forget in our society where we think we have a "right" to everything without making any sacrifices or experiencing any discomfort.  Jennifer believed and knew that this was up to her, and she wasn't looking to anything but God and herself to get it done.

She is a single woman and understands that most people don't have the time to put in to research like she did, so she has now become a certified health coach!  WOW!  She began talking about how everyone has a relationship with food, and she was so glad and shocked to hear that even I had struggled with emotional eating.  My demo went fine, but Jennifer was truly the star of the show, it was worth the trip just to be able to meet her.  I'd like to leave you with a piece of Jennifer's positive affirmation she says to herself each day, I am going to join her in that!

"Today is a great day and I have the opportunity to show up the best me ever!  I am an irresistible magnet with the absolute power to attract in my life everything I desire.  My life is a huge success!  

My beliefs create my reality!  I choose robust health, constant happiness, and eternal love.  I attract, heal, and positively influence the lives of people in my community. I think BIG thoughts, relish small pleasures and handle all set backs gracefully.

I AM WORTH IT!"

P.S. Don't forget to vote for My Sandwich Here!  :)  

I Need YOUR Votes!!

I have some exciting news, BUT I need your help!!  I was chosen as a winner of the Sandwich Thin "Simply Delicious"  sandwich competition.  My recipe was the Gorgonzola B-A-T (bacon, avocado, tomato), and this contest required recipes to be 6 ingredients or under (Unlike the others). There are 5 winners total, and 1 Grand Prize winner!  The grand prize winner gets $1000 and a trip to New York with a chance to meet Food Network Host Claire Robinson!  

As you all know I am working on my food blog/recipes/making meals for familes/cooking classes/tv appearances/recipe contests all of the time!  This would be a great opportunity for me, and another notch on my belt for future endeavers.  Not to mention, the money would be VERY helpful!!!!

So why have I told you all of this?!  Well, I need your votes to be the Grand Prize winner!!!  Yes you!  

1) If you have a facebook you can easily vote by going to http://apps.facebook.com/spinonthin/?page=VoteNow and voting once a day from today until Jan 17.    

2) If you don't have facebook, can you PLEASE PLEASE sign up for it to vote for me once a day?!  You can sign up at www.facebook.com create a user name and password, and vote by using this link http://apps.facebook.com/spinonthin/?page=VoteNow

THANK YOU for your support!!  

FUN FOOD FACT: The average chocolate bar has 8 insects' legs in it...

MERRY CHIRSTMAS!  

Kickin Chicken Satay

I entered this recipe/video in the Lea and Perrins Contest. I didn't win this time, BUT I love this recipe and wanted to share it. Enjoy!

Kickin' Chicken Satay

Ingredients:
1 lb Chicken Cutlets, sliced into strips
1 Cup Peanut Butter
1/2 Cup Lea and Perrins Worcestershire Sauce
2 limes, juice and zest
2 tsp Honey
1 Tbs Chili-Garlic Sauce
1/2 Cup Canola Oil

Directions:
1 Mix Peanut butter, Lea and Perrins, Lime juice and zest, Chili-garlic sauce, honey, and oil with a whisk until well blended.
2 Add half of the mixture to chicken strips, coat them well, reserve the rest of mixture for dipping
3 Marinate chicken for 30 minutes
4 Skewer chicken strips onto long skewers
5 Heat grill to medium heat, spray with nonstick spray, and grill chicken 4-5 minutes on each side
6 Enjoy with reserved dipping sauce!

Healthy Holiday Cooking Class Video!

I had so much fun at Lane-Agri Park at the Healthy Holiday Cooking Class! RCTV filmed the first half of the event. Enjoy:)

Marcy Jams and Sweet Cornbread

I was so excited when Miss Marcy gave me a few of her "Marcy Jams" to try out recently.  If you live in or around Murfreesboro you should definitely check out some her delicious creations!  I made some sweet, simple cornbread the other day, and I knew her "Ten Pound Apple Butter" would be the perfect accompaniment.  Let me tell you, it was!  This delicious jam is made from 10 lbs of apples, and you all know about my little apple obsession. I was going to cook with this one, but it was just too good slathered on a good piece of cornbread.  The cornbread recipe came from Allrecipes.com however, I decreased the sugar by half and used Skim milk.  It was still very sweet and moist!  Zach actually said "That's the best cornbread and butter I've ever had!"  That is saying quite a bit, he has eaten his share of cornbread!  I can't wait to try the Firecracker Pepper Jam glazed onto some Chicken Thighs tonight!

I love to support a local gal doing what she loves with fresh ingredients, visit Marcy's Website to place your order today...
 These yummy jams would make perfect Christmas gifts!!

Golden Sweet Cornbread Recipe

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• 1/3 cup white sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 egg
• 1 cup Skim milk
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Spray or lightly grease a 9 inch round cake pan.
  2. In a large bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, sugar, salt and baking powder. Stir in egg, milk and vegetable oil until well combined. Pour batter into prepared pan.
  3. Bake in preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.

Cranberry Naturals and a Christmas Cocktail!

I usually try to avoid just drinking fruit juices, because they tend to have tons of sugar or WORSE High Fructose Corn Syrup.  However, I was sent two varieties of Old Orchard Cranberry Naturals, and I must say they are delicious!  And guess what, they have NO high fructose corn syrup,  and they are naturally sweetened with Truvia and Beet sugar.  They only have 70 calories per serving as opposed to the 120+ calories in similar products.  Keep an eye out they will be in stores soon!

 I decided I'd make a little Christmas Cocktail with the Cranberry-Raspberry Flavor...YUM!

Ingredients:

• 3 oz Old Orchard Cranberry Rasberry
•  1 1/2 oz White Rum
• Top with Gingerale
• lemon wedge, sugar, and cranberries for garnish

Rub a lemon wedge around the rim of glas and dip in sugar.  Shake rum and juice over ice, strain into martini glass.  Top it off with gingerale, and drop in a few cranberries! Enjoy!