Making Healthy Choices
So I decided to go on a diet. I never do any specific diet I just believe when you eat in moderation it can make a tremendous difference. I'm really not a "sweets" type of person. I LOVE FOOD!! It was Nonni's 96th Birthday a couple of weeks ago and Madrina Sylvia made lasagna. That, for sure, is my weakness! Lasagna is my absolute favorite! Of course I ate a slightly larger than normal portion to start and went back for more!
Well summer is just around the corner and I am determined to get in shape. Since it is Lent it has been my tradition not to eat meat and try mostly to eat fish on Wednesdays and Fridays. So far, on Ash Wednesday I made a delicious baked tilapia with my own seasoned panko, baked potatoes and roasted brussel sprouts. The kids loved it and and so did my hubby. Friday I made baked pasta with broccoli with garlic and oil. This is my husbands favorite dish! Its great when you top it with some grated pecorino romano cheese and toasted breadcrumbs!
Today I sent the kids to school with tuna salad on a whole-grain wrap and a clementine. Speaking of clementines, I bought a big bag of them and some fresh fennel (anise) along with a purple onion and I made an insalata d'aranci. They love it as an after school snack or as a side with dinner. It's a nice sweet alternative to your regular salad.
RECIPE ALERT:
~Peel 6-10 clementines
~Chop 3/4 cup fresh fennel (anise) in small pieces - only the bottom white part. Save the green stems for another recipe.
~Chop about 1/4 cup of the purple onion in small pieces.
~Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil
~Add salt and black pepper to taste
~Add about a 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
Buon Apetito! Enjoy
Guys...it's so important to have some food staples in your fridge ready to go! Figure out what you use the most and don't forget to replenish. When I look in the fridge and I'm not quite sure what I feel like cooking, I simply look at my staples and I'm able to put something together in a pinch! Always have a variety of frozen fruits and vegetables in the freezer. I like to have frozen strawberries and blueberries. I also like to have some frozen spinach and broccoli and corn. Keep a frozen pie crust and also a box of frozen puff pastry sheets. These are important just in case you want to make a quick Spanikopita, Quiche or Chicken Pot Pie.
Always have flour, rice and sugar in the fridge. I keep these in the fridge so it stays fresh for a longer period of time. I like to have powdered chicken bouillon for a quick broth for risotto. Keep some bags of pasta in your pantry and make sure to stock up on sauce while it's on sale and don't forget the pecorino romano cheese and the parmesan! When in doubt and you need a quickie you can whip up a simple "Pasta ca Salsa".
Of course, always have your spices readily available. I like to pick Bay Leaf from Madrina Sylvia's tree and save them in a zip lock bag in the drawer in my fridge. I usually use that for a nice meat sauce or L'aqua cu lauru. Especially always make sure to have your fresh garlic and scallions! Very important! Fresh Thyme and Sage are also nice to keep in the fridge "just in case". Lemon juice is good to have and also some cooking wine, such as white wine and marsala. This is for a night of Chicken Francese or Chicken Marsala (or veal) , your preference. Breadcrumbs are definitely an important staple to have! If you want Chicken CordonBlu, Baked Chicken breast with Parmesan Crust or just plain old Chicken Cutlets , let's not forget riceballs!
I always have the bottom draw of the fridge filled with vidalia onions and potatoes. You never know when you're gonna need them.
If you have these things in your fridge it makes your life easier since all you really have to do is buy the meat or fish during the week for dinner and other fresh veggies that you will use and can't keep in the fridge for long. Your food will always be fresh and your ingredients will always be on hand. This is better than the alternative of saying, "Oh no! I don't have anything in the house! We have to order!", or running out to pick up fast food! You can have a fresh home-cooked meal in minutes! Believe me, my cookbook is filled with recipes that a "gourmet" and not difficult to make. Follow me and I'll get you there! You'll be able to put together a"gourmet quickie" for a busy weeknight!
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