Counting Calories A New Adventure: Google and Aunt Millies Bread

Okay, so I have been looking at labels once again.

Since I started looking at how many calories I consume daily I have lost three pounds! Not sure where! The clothes don't seem any looser :( but the scale seems to be telling me the truth.

I was very shocked to see that some of my favorite things were on the "oh don't go there list"!

Like rice for instance. One portion is about 238 calories! So my guess is that I will make a recipe with more veggies and less rice? Eating rice is not like eating a portion of fried chicken it's the calories from fat right? Unless you are an expert in the calorie department I recommend checking out this free service from Google:

Free Calorie Counter

This little counter from Google is a wonderful little calculator that lets you type in the food item and it produces the item as well as similar items and the calories. Best of all it's just FREE! You don't even have to sign up or log in ;)

I did find a item to share with you all while starting this little adventure! Aunt Millies's Light Whole Grain Bread. No High Fructose Corn Syrup and it's only 35 Calories Per Slice. Another bonus is that it has 3 grams of Fiber per slice.. yipee! We eat a lot of bread in our house and it has always been some sort of "wheat". After reading the ingredients (the first five which are the most important) it contains: water, whole grain wheat flour, sugar cane fiber, wheat gluten, corn starch and yeast. Dr. Oz says the first five are the most important. So I am not so sure about the "sugar cane fiber" but you bet I will find out and let you know ;)

Happy Calorie Counting ;)

Tip Of The Day: Disposing Of Leftover Cooking Grease

What do you do with that little bit of left over Cooking Grease? Whether it be from frying some chicken or searing some meat for the oven... DON'T pour it down the drain!!

If you pour grease down the drain you are only looking for some long term trouble. The grease will solidify as it goes down the pipes and into the outside sewer systems. What happens when that happens? The grease will coat the insides of the drain and field pipes. This is a even bigger NO NO for septic systems. After build up your start getting back ups.

The best way to get rid of the grease is to lay a couple paper towels in the pan. Let it sit a couple minutes and then with a pair of tongs wipe out the pan and dispose the toweling in the garbage can.

You can then wash out the pan with very little grease left on the surface.

Back in the "old" days you never threw out the grease. The housewives would pour the leftover grease into a grease canister. The canister had a strainer into so it would drain out the bits and pieces of food. They would remove the strainer to use the strained oil for cooking.

We have came a long way baby since then!

Happy Cooking ;)

Counting Calories A New Adventure

Okay we eat healthy. We buy organic meats, produce and dairy. On any given day when you open our fridge it is filled to the brim with food, all mostly healthy.

We have cut down on the amount of red meat we consume and have added more fish especially wild Salmon to our diet. Yes, we do have "ice cream" in the fridge, cookies, candy and eat cupcakes once in a while". Yes, we do go to McDonald's but only if we are traveling and only for a special "treat" for the kids once in a while. Drive through is not a daily part of our diet.

Both my husband and I work out. He works out I would say almost everyday. I being the Mother, running kids back and forth to school, cleaning, cooking, errands, laundry have to squeeze time in. So my workouts are about every other day but I do try to get in cardio at least five times a week fitting in yoga and Pilate's.

This Spring I have been working out more. In my mid 40's it is getting harder to keep it off. I have not lost but have gained! What is up with that. The Dr. said I need an hour on the treadmill not a half hour anymore :( So I try to get in the hour and weight, yoga or the others also... pushing it! I cannot get rid of the few extra pounds I have put on.

So, I have started counting calories. I don't eat breakfast so this morning I had a piece of whole wheat toast (dry) with a sliced egg white on top. About 90 Calories. The egg white has no fat but has tons of protein. Whole wheat has the needed fiber you need. And guess what, I just finished and I feel full! My Son had a pop tart 450 calories each!

I started poking around in the fridge to see what the calories were for the every day items we eat. Being surprised a lot of food we do eat has low calories, except the natural peanut butter! It has 200 calories per teaspoon! I buy the natural not Jif, that has basically Crisco added to it. Jelly only has 50 calories, shocking, I thought it would have more than the "healthy" peanut butter!

In moderation right ;)

I will keep you posted on how I do. The other day I basically starved all day and lost 1/2 pound. I know that is cheating and will not help. So today we are doing it right. I am fueled up and ready to go.

Have a great day ;)

Healthy Heart Smart Oatmeal For Breakfast

Are you looking for a healthier version of breakfast for you or your children? Well it's probably sitting in your cupboard as you are sitting here reading this post.

Oatmeal

Yes the Old Fashion Oats that you use for cookies! Forget the little flavored packages that need 1/2 cup of hot water. Have you read the ingredients in those? You may want to. Oatmeal has so many health benefits as well as keeping you fuller longer.

I make Old Fashion Oats for my kids. Make per instructions on the box. That Simple.

Here is Karen B's recipe:

Ingredients:

1 Cup Old Fashion Oats (not instant)

2 Cups Water

1/4 teaspoon Cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract

Tiny pinch of Salt (optional)

Pat of Butter

Honey

Bring water to a boil, add Oats and reduce heat to low, add cinnamon and vanilla. Stir. Cover and cook five minutes until Oats are tender but not mushy.

Ladle into serving bowls, top with a pat of butter and locally grown honey ;)

You can also add raisins, nuts and berries.

Tip: Purchasing locally harvested honey is very important. It is known to help with seasonal allergies because the bees harvest honey from flowers in your area. If your area has orange blossoms your local honey bees will produce honey with from the orange blossoms which is a benefit to you.

If you purchase honey from California and you live in Michigan the honey won't help. Purchasing honey locally will also help your local economy.

Enjoy ;)

Easy Easter Ham Glaze

This easy Easter ham glaze is a homemade recipe you can whip up in about a minute ;)

Ingredients:

• 1/2 Cup Dijon Mustard
• 1/2 Cup Honey
• 1 Tablespoon Cinnamon
• 2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar

Mix well and spread over ham before putting in the oven. Baste with glaze every 1/2 hour.

Enjoy ;)

Spring and Summer Dining Outdoors

Spring is here, Summer is right around the corner! It's time to get that patio set out of the garage and cleaned off.

We now have extended our homes by bringing the inside outside. A grill and a folding lawn chair has come along way. Outdoor couches, rugs and pillows extend the beauty of our style. Oh and don't forget the ambiance and mood set by outdoor step lighting I love the look of the round step and deck lights in ceramic, such a elegant touch to my rod iron set that never goes out of style.

Hanging strands of lights, torches, candles and outdoor step lighting are all the little accents you need to make your look complete. Oh, and it serves a purpose too!

So update your old looks with some new chic items, who said that skewer has to be straight? It doesn't fit on your plate, why not bend it!!! Try it you will be pleasantly surprised ;)

Skewers are used for more than grilling. Try my recipe: Caprese Salad Skewers With Basil Vinaigrette at your next outdoor dinner. Such a great Appetizer perfect for outdoors and a party favorite while sipping lemonaide or Spring Sparkling White Wine Sangria on a lazy Saturday afternoon while Cooking The Perfect Steak on the grill.

Keep your eyes peeled, we have some great product reviews heading your way soon ;)

Happy Cooking ;)

Pretty Baby Shower Party Planning Ideas

We just had a Baby Shower for my Nephew this last weekend. The happy couple is indeed having a "boy" if you didn't already guess.

We held it at the family's Heavenly Scent Herb Farm a wonderful amazing place to visit just South of downtown Fenton Michigan. The huge barn on the property has been converted to a herb farm, gift and home decor shop. They hold weddings, garden parties and tea's there all the time. If you ever get the chance you need to check it out. Steve and Cathy (the owner's) have done an amazing job.

The theme they choose for the baby's room is green, yellow, brown's and blue with little animals.

Here I ordered the cupcakes in the green, blue and yellow. How perfect. We stacked heirloom cake plates to form a tree and placed the cupcakes around rotating the colors. Cupcakes are all the rage now and makes a beautiful presentation.

The gift table.

Coffee, Tea and Punch Service.

The table decorations, Ivy topiary with bunnies! How fitting for a baby shower this time of the year! The tables were lined with linen clothes and green, orange and yellow satin ribbons as accents.

I just fell in love with this stained glass wall! Some of the panes are broken but that makes it all the better! They have done a wonderful job with the little added touches to the room. The Heavenly Scent Herb Farm has wonderful herbs for sale, beautiful gardens with fountains oh there is so much to do and see. They even give cooking, gardening and fairy house making classes.

My Daughter and I will be heading out there in May for the Fairy House class. They carry a line of little collectible fairy's and all the little wonderful accessories to make her a tiny home ;)

Palm Sunday

Happy Palm Sunday ;)

Palm Sunday

In Christianity, the first day of Holy Week and the Sunday before Easter, commemorating Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. It usually includes a procession of members of the congregation carrying palms, representing the palm branches the crowd scattered in front of Jesus as he rode into the city. The liturgy also includes readings recounting the suffering and death of Jesus. Palm Sunday was celebrated in Jerusalem as early as the 4th century and in the West by the 8th century.

Baked Cheese Fries Quick Snack For Hungry Kids Or Football Parties

My kids are always hungry! You can use any type oven ready fries but I do use "real" cheese! Not the "cheese food" or processed cheese. Here is a little quick and easy snack for the growling tummies:

Ingredients:

Oven ready french fries

Chunk of Real Medium Cheddar Cheese (shredded)

One scallion, sliced

Lite sour cream

Preheat oven to 400

I use the Schwan's quick bake french fries about one large handful per child. Place french fries on a cookie sheet and bake in oven about 20 minutes until slightly browned.

Transfer fries to oven safe plate and top the fries with the shredded cheddar cheese. Pop back in the oven for a couple of minutes until the cheese is melted.

Top with scallions and serve with a side of sour cream ;)

You can also top with your favorite chili for a football party appetizer too!

Enjoy!

Healthy Chicken Meatloaf

This recipe is not only easy but it's healthy as well. No red meat here! It's also moist!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. ground chicken (or turkey)
• 1 - 14 1/2 oz can diced tomatoes, juice drained
• 1/4 of a large onion, diced
• 1/4 of a large green bell pepper, diced
• 1 large carrot, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 egg and 1 egg white, whisked
• 1 cup Panko bread crumbs
• 1/2 tablespoon Italian spices
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Ketchup

Preheat Oven to 350

Combine all ingredients into a large mixing bowl and mix together well.

Spray a loaf pan with non stick cooking spray.

Pour meatloaf mixture into prepared pan and make a well in the center. This prevents the edges from shrinking down and burning.

Fill the well with ketchup as shown here:

Bake at 350 for 40 minutes. Remove, cover and let sit for 15 minutes before serving.

Enjoy!

Perfect Every Time Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

My Son Jack helped me bake these very simple and easy Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins. They are so good! They were gone by dinner time.

Ingredients:

• 3 Large Ripe Bananas
• 3/4 Cup Sugar and some extra set aside
• 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup or one stick butter, melted
• 1 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 375

Line your 12 count muffin tin with liners and then spray them with non stick cooking spray, yes inside the papers.

Mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a mixing bowl.

Combine the bananas and sugar in a separate mixing bowl and mash with a potato masher until mashed and mixed well.

Beat the one egg with a fork with one teaspoon pure vanilla, then add to the banana, sugar mixture.

Add the flour to the banana mixture a little at a time just mix until blended (do not over mix). Add the chocolate chips mix in.

Using a ice cream scoop, scoop batter into the muffin tins.

Sprinkle the sugar you have set aside all over the top of the muffins.

Bake 20 minutes, remove and let cool on a baking rack.

Makes 12 yummy muffins ;)

Happy Cooking!

Craig's Restaurant Review: Brasserie, New York

Where:

Brasserie

100 East 53rd Street, New York

(212) 751-4840

www.arcspace.com

What did I eat:

The Chef's selection Scottish Salmon with Brussels Sprouts, Cumin Beurre Blanc and a Caesar Salad.

Review:

I didn't really like it! It was just ok. The fish seamed to be prepared perfectly. I was expecting an amazing dinner which it was not. I did have food envy for the Filet that the person sitting next to me had ordered.

Wine: Red, have no clue, it was ok. I usually choose my own but this one was ordered from the other end of the table.

Atmosphere was great.

I would probably not go back unless I had to.

Restaurant Reviews: Cafe' Via, Birmingham MI

Cafe' Via Restaurant Review:

Location: Birmingham Michigan

Hubby had a filet w/pommes frites filet was good ;) The frites I think was the best part of the entire dinner.

I had the linguine, mussels, shrimp dish... wouldn't recommend. Something about the sauce I didn't care for the mussels were very "fishy" I HATE fishy! The other couple had the salmon and the sea bass. Sea bass was yummy ;)

We would go back for the ambiance and would have to try another meal before I would say whether or not I recommend it :/

I did have the Cafe' Via Chardonnay Napa - great! The rest had Duckhorn Merlot... it was pretty good & ok.

There you go ;)

Cheese Class: English Hollow Wisconcin Aged Cheddar Cheese

I recently had a ladies clothing party at my home. I put out some fruit, cheese wedges, a artichoke jalapeno cheese dip, a strawberry cheese dip, my favorite crackers and some wine of course.

Being so busy getting ready I forgot to take a photo for all of you! Errrrrrrr!

Anyway, back to the point of the post. I happened to pick up a wedge of cheddar that I wanted to try. Something new. It happened to be English Hollow Wisconsin Aged Cheddar Cheese. Oh my! I love it! I would have to say good bye to my old stand by. All the ladies raved and with it sitting next to a Manchego, a Irish white cheddar infused with red wine, oh and the warm brie with raspberry sauce and pine nuts that as a matter of fact is still sitting in my oven (I just realized this while writing, having warmed it up turning off the oven and yes FORGETTING about it until now!) all my fav's.

This aged cheddar is so smooth yet with a mild sharp bite, not over whelming at all just perfect with the Kirkland Sonoma Chardonnay and the Me'nage a' Trois California red wine I served. Make a note both wines under $10.

My Family loves chips and cheese for snacks. My Husband and my Son just came in for a mid day break from playing football on the XBox and wanted chips and cheese. I grabbed the chips, shredded some of the English Hollow Cheddar on top and popped it in the microwave for 30 seconds and walla! Instant chips and cheese pipping hot!

No processed cheese here. Once you leave that behind you never go back.

Happy Cooking ;)