The Healthy Lifestyle is Payin' Off!

I'm lovin' this Healthy Lifestyle! Eating right and drinking heavily (I'm JOKING) is what life is all about. Remember that puttin' on your pretty can make a girl feel like a million bucks so ...get out there and put on your dancin' shoes. Take one day at a time and make it count!

My two favorite tricks regarding healthy eating is when you have a sweet craving...go for the FAGE yogurt mixed with brown sugar Splenda and some berries! Tons of protein to keep you feeling full and it taste delicious!

The other is when you feel like munching (especially during football season when everybody else is eating all of the chips and salsa) you can cut up some carrots ( STOP LOOKING AT THE SCREEN AND THINKING ...RIIIIIIIIGHT!!!! ) and dip them in some Jalapeno Yogurt Dip from Costco. You will NOT feel deprived and you won't be eating tons of calories and fat!!!

Just give it a try and complain about it later. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised!!!

AND THE BEAT GOES ON!!!

Has it REALLY BEEN 6 months?

Ok, so maybe after 6 months of living this new HEALTHY LIFESTYLE I don't look exactly like Betty Draper but OMG, do I FEEL like I LOOK like her and that is ALL that matters!!! RIGHT? Living with exersize and healthy eating does wonders! I have cut all cravings for sugar with my TRICKS and have the attitude that THIS IS THE ME that I have been waiting for! I am back and it feels like a million dollars!!! Even better because I know I'm here to stay! Stay tuned for some exciting news where I will share my secrets of how to live life to the fullest while looking FABULOUS at any age! Now go put on YOUR PRETTY and YOUR PEARLS and have a kick ass day!!!

Monari Federzoni Balsamic Vinegar or a Ferrari?

Ok, so maybe this looks delicious for many of you! And maybe this smooth export from Modena, Italy is about the most beautiful piece of machinery in the world! I will definetley agree with that statement! BUT NOTHING! Absolutely NOTHING beats the export of MONARI FEDERZONI balsamic vinegar from Modena! The taste is orgasmic and is truly the most AMAZING balsamic vinegar in the world!

MONARI FEDERZONI!!! Almost 100 years old and still the best recipe bottled up and sold to this day! Mille grazie Elena Monari for inventing this food of the Gods! Try this balsamic vinegar warmed and concentrated a bit over some fresh, grilled fruit! My favorite fruit would have to be figs from my tree in the garden that have some finely sliced prosciutto wrapped around the fig. Drizzle some honey and Monari Federzoni balsamic vinegar on top and get ready to see the heavens! Life is too short not to try this simple, Italian delicacy! Don't forget to serve a glass of Prosecco to really see the moon and the stars with the heavens!!!
Mangia! Now does that red ferrari REALLY look better than this?

DON'T ANSWER if you're a MAN !!!

The Men in my Life...Can't Live Without Them!

Are these the best looking guys in the world or what? The family was over for Sunday dinner this afternoon and of course, my guys were enjoying the pool and the "beverages" to keep them hydrated! I often speak of the women in my life but I couldn't be where I am right now without these men. They have completely taken care of every need in the world for me this summer. Emilio, Stefano, Giovanni and my brother Michael. What would I do without them? I don't even want to think about it. My son is the best, my brother has never refused a call to fix or repair anything and my son in laws check EVERYTHING when they come over. They don't miss a beat.They are the epitome of what a great husband and father should be. I am so very blessed to have strong men in my life and am so grateful that I, (I mean my girls) picked such fabulous husbands. These men courted one women when they were dating my girls but they captured two hearts...

We had a delicious dinner today. Spiedinis (stuffed meat rolls), eggplant parmigiana, pasta with clams and a fresh salad. We celebrated my mom's birthday too with a great spice cake from Angela and homemade s'mores from Grace. That's right. She made the freakin' graham crackers and homemade marshmallows and melted the chocolate over a double boiler! Are they their mother's daughters or WHAT? I'm in heaven with my family! Happy Birthday Mom! I hope you have many, many more to share with all of us! Make a wish!

The Cundina Girls!

Above are the girls that showed up ON TIME!

Below are the BAD GIRLS...but they are so cute, too!!! Every month for the past 10 years, I have joined eleven other women for a CUNDINA evening. Sometimes we don't always show up on time. Boy, do we all have a problem with that "arriving on time." So what if we eat at 10:30 PM?. We are all having a BLAST in the meantime anyway! We all get together for an evening of laughter, friendship and a great meal. Sometimes there are themes...like when we all dressed up as Audrey Hepburn and sometimes we sit in the backyard such as this and sip wine and talk about life. We also save money! Let me explain...The word CUNDINA comes from the Spanish word, "cundir" which means "to spread." Each woman brings a certain predetermined amount of money (usually anywhere from $50-$100) to the home of the host for that particular month and that host pays for the meal. The hosts rotate each month so that all 12 women will receive the same amount of money each year when it is their month to host. Basically, it is a poor excuse for having a fabulous time every month with friends that you love. I wouldn't give it up for anything!

Oh, and by the way, I wore my size 4 pants this evening! Thank God for my new... HEALTHY LIFESTYLE!!!
It's part of keeping HEALTHY, HAPPY AND FULL OF LIFE!

How about a Quickie Quiche?

Nothing difficult about this, that's for sure! Make the basic recipe for quiche which for a 9" pie plate is 6 eggs and 1 and 1/2 cups half and half and salt and pepper. You can substitue Egg Beaters for the eggs, just follow directions on carton for equal amounts to eggs. I totally lowered myself and bought the pie crust...I might lose sleep over this tonight! Anyway...Sprinkle about 1 and 1/2 cups Gruyere on the bottom of the unbaked pie crust. Top it with some pre-sauteed mushrooms. (I cooked mine with a little butter and added about a tablespoon of Marsala) Top those off with about 1/2 cup of chopped red peppers and then pour the egg mixture over the filling. Bake at about 400 degrees until set. Usually it takes about 30 minutes. Let cool a little and cut into 8 wedges and serve.

My other filling is cooked broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese and brown sugar bacon. You can substitute Splenda's Brown Sugar for the regular. It's not bad at all. Same sequence except for the bacon. Line a cookie sheet with foil. Place about 4 slices of thick cut bacon on the foil. Sprinkle with cinnamon and about 2 tablespoons of brown sugar. Bake at 350 degrees until halfway cooked. Turn and sprinkle with another 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and a little cinnamon. Continue to bake until almost done. Don't overcook or get too crisp. Let cool and then tear into bite size pieces. Layer just like the recipe.

A little Proseco with this on a Sunday morning is just what the doctor ordered to start your day off right! Enjoy... and then go for walk at the beach or a park to burn off those delicious calories!

A Perfect Meal after a Great Workout!

I was hungry after a run and some laps in the pool! So.....I made myself a great fish dinner. No protein powder and carrots tonight! Who says you can't cook for one? Well...I used to say that.... but NOT ANYMORE! I deserve to have a great meal even if it's just for me! I always have some cooked brown rice in the fridge and I had some leftover coleslaw so it was so easy just to bake up some fish. I put some chili sauce with a little spray of olive oil on the fish and baked it for about 20 minutes. What a wonderful evening!

Remember to Feed Your Heart and Your Soul!

Oten times we forget that our HEART and our SOUL need nourishment. It is EASY to satisfy our stomach as we hear a grumbling when hungry or a hunger pang in our gut. But what about listening very quietly to the hunger of our heart and the thirst of our soul? How do we know when and how to feed them? Be STILL. Be OPEN. Be ready to feel an appetite that you might not have had for awhile.

For me, my HEALTHY LIFESTYLE came right before another transition in my life. I was lucky enough to have all of my "food" ready to be served to my heart and soul. It wasn't easy but at least it was there! What I am suggesting is this. When challenges hit and they WILL hit...have what comforts you and is there for the taking. For me, it is a blue chair that I have in my bedroom. I bought it for $25 at an "estate" sale...(fancy word for garage sale) and then recovered it in a beautiful blue velvet. It is heaven when I sit in it. Beside it, I have a table of photographs with my children and my parents AND some fresh flowers from my garden...the stephanotis flower. I feel such comfort when I sit beside this table. It is all about what makes me alive. You will also see my rosary that belonged to my father's mother. I say it daily to feed my soul. That's right...MY FAMILY...MY FAITH...and MY FLOWERS! I need nothing else for my heart and my soul to stay full.

Now you go prepare a feast when YOUR heart and soul need feeding!!!

Sunday Dinner in the Summer...Hurray!

What defines summer more than a Sunday barbeque with watermelon on the side? NOTHIN' !
We had a ball today...swimming and barbequing and laughing with the family. Nothing special...still healthy but simple. Barbequed chicken thighs, coleslaw with a delicious dressing, roasted new potatoes with Herbs de Provence and WATERMELON! Isn't LIFE fabulous?
AND ICE CREAM and GUMMY WORMS FOR DESSERT! I had a glass of wine....SHHHH

We had my niece here from Austin with her fiance and it was a joy to see her and spend time with her before her wedding in November. I'm gettin' my boots ready for some dancin' in Austin!

Sunday dinners are what life was made for....HURRAY for FAMILY!!!

Sunday Pranza Al Fresco with the Family

Does it get any better when you are having an al fresco lunch with your family? NO! But if you're having delicious food, a great bottle of red wine and laughter with your family...it pretty much is heaven on earth! Today Angela and Stefano started out by serving FRESH ricotta that we served on bread drizzled with olive oil and salt and pepper, grilled eggplant, Italian meats and cheeses and olives. It was wonderful. Sundays are for families and I have the best in the world!

Now...you're asking how I did this if I am still living my "healthy lifestyle?" Well, let me tell you that I worked out with Emily Reynolds today. She is on the cover of "Fitness Gurls" magazine this month. Wow!!! We went up to Carlsbad and worked out a couple blocks from the beach. She practically killed me. Great butt and thigh workout! It's all about balance!

Eggplant Caponata or as we Sicilians say...Caponatina

If I say so myself...THIS IS AMAZING!!! Hands down, my family and friends go CRAZY for this dish. It is pretty much a staple in my house. I can't keep it around very long. I used to fry the eggplant but NOT ANY MORE! Actually, I have thought about roasting the onions and celery too but I am taking baby steps to adjust this recipe because it is just so good. I will say that I don't eat the bread with it anymore. I slice up carrots on the diagonal and they look and taste great with it. Once through the lips...forever on the hips. I have worked too hard to get to my size 6! Nothing like the taste of feeling thin! Oh...I serve this at room temp. If, for any reason, you might have some leftovers, you can serve it as a pasta sauce or in my case....over some tofu shiratake noodles. My father is definetely going to turn over in his grave with that last "tofu noodle" remark.

Caponatina

Eggplant is sometimes a vegetable that you either love or hate. I love it. It has a pleasant, somewhat bitter taste and a spongy texture. When you add the ingredients that follow to this dish you will absolutely be amazed at how wonderful this vegetable is to your palette. The nice thing about this dish is that you can freeze it and use it a million ways. Try it on a sandwich as the spread, as a side dish, or a topping for bruschetta. Just let your imagination go! This makes approximately 4 cups so you will have enough to last for awhile! Just try it.

Ingredients
2 eggplant (chopped into cubes)
¼ cup olive oil (divided in 2 increments)
3 onions (finely chopped)
3 ribs of celery (finely diced)
1/4 cup pine nuts
1/3 cup of currants
1/4 cup capers
1 cup green olives (finely chopped)
2 tablespoons white vinegar
6 oz can of tomato paste
3 tablespoons sugar
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon oregano

Place eggplant on cookie sheet lined with foil and dabble with olive oil. Roast at 400 degrees until lightly browned and soft. Coat sauté pan with olive oil and sauté onions and celery until caramelized. Don’t add more oil, just add water if you need to cook them more. Add pine nuts, currants, capers and green olives. Stir. Add vinegar, tomato paste. Add cooked eggplant. Sprinkle in oregano and sugar. Season with salt and pepper. It should have a sweet, yet savory taste.

Happy 4th of July!

Had a fabulous weekend with my family! Jogged, swam, and worked my tail off with weights. Now...the bad news! Had sangria, margaritas and wine! Was it worth it? You know it baby! The best part was being with my family and friends the whole weekend. I am the luckiest girl in the world!!! The good news is that for appetizers today I served carrots with capanatina which is an eggplant tapenade that is delicious, some jalapeno yogurt dip and olives and cheese. DO NOT ASK ME WHAT I MADE FOR DINNER! Ok...you know I can't lie! I HAD A PIZZA PARTY! My grandkids got to make their own big sheet pan of pizza and boy, did we have fun. I sauteed bulk sausage, had sliced pepperoni, tons of different cheeses and other toppings. The kids had a ball! A nice salad and some baked pasta and OMG... I love living in the US of A!

Recipe for Capanatina will be up tomorrow!

Sugar on Sunday? Why not?...but now it's MY WAY!

NO, NO, NO! I have not given up my HEALTHY LIFESTYLE! But do I still need a little Sugar on Sunday? Well, yes... in some form or another. And of course, it's after morning mass.

This recipe is from Emily Zaler. She is a fitness model, author and CEO of the EZ Whey Protein Powder, LLC. I heard of her through the webseries that I am on ... Art of Fitness. It airs next month...HURRAY!!! Boy, do I look different!!! Check out the trailer on the network,

Healthy Power TV.

Her recipes are AMAZING. I will meet her next month at Natalie Jill's house (my trainer) and then we will be best friends, I'm sure!!! She is absolutely gorgeous but more importantly than that, she bakes with this new addiction that I have acquired...PROTEIN POWDER. It completely satiates you and is so versatile. You know that I have been mixing it with Fage yogurt for a dessert for quite some time but baking with it? Well, here is the recipe for the...

Chocolate Peaunut Butter Cups

1 Scoop Chocolate Protein Powder

1 Tablespoon Natural Peanut or Almond Butter

3 ounces water

1-2 packets of Stevia ( I use Splenda)

Optional...a little cocoa powder

Blend all ingredients together and freeze in muffin ins for about an hour or until solid. They pop out just like Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups !

Yes...hell yes...THIS IS PART OF MY HEALTHY LIFESTYLE!

A martini you say? YES...a martini I say! If you freakin' think that I am going through this

"TRANSITION" without an occasional martini...you better sign on to another blog!!! My attitude, and it seems to improve with a little bubbly, is 80% of the time I am on track with no alcohol at all but a little Vodka (which comes from potatoes) is not going to kill me every once in a while. But to be honest, let's talk about what it does to your body...

First, the way alcohol is absorbed by the body is different. All other foods and drinks are digested, converted and transported to cells and tissues. Alcohol goes directly to the blood stream. About 20 percent of the alcohol is absorbed (into the bloodstream) through the stomach walls and about 80 percent is absorbed through the small intestine. They are empty calories, meaning you get all the calories with little or no nutritional value.

You know, I'm not going to say another word because I just think that I popped my own balloon!

Dammit! I hope that I still even go to the birthday party tonight after this post!!!

You Need to Move to Lose...Then have a HEALTHY BREAKFAST!

START the day off RIGHT or END the day doing something wonderful for yourself that relates to your new HEALTHY LIFESTYLE!!! I am so fortunate to live in an amazing city where I can feel like I'm on vacation even though I have lived here my whole life! Had a great jog yesterday down at San Diego's Embarcadero! What a high!! Smelled the salt of the ocean, listened to the "out of towners" rave about San Diego and had my little babies and daughter by my side! Can life really get any better? Normally, I would say no but right now...HELL YES! But this is a good start! Today I will start the day with a bowl of Fage Nonfat Greek Yogurt with some blueberries and because OF COURSE, I have to have a little sweetness...I had a teaspoon of SPLENDA's brown sugar mixed in! (Don't tell my trainer and nutritionist on the show, the Art of Fitness. Show should air in about 4 weeks) They are NOT into fake sweeteners! I am!

Like they are not going to see this post! Oh well...Who has lost almost 30 pounds? You know it!!!


Have a FABULOUS, HEALTHY and HAPPY day!!!

Tofu Pasta with Chicken? Don't knock it til you try it!!!

Ok, now before you make the assumption that I have totally lost it, just listen!!! This is pretty darn good. The GREAT part about this "noodle substitute" is that for an 8 ounce portion there are only 40 calories, 1 gram of fat and 6 carbs. I thought...ARE YOU SERIOUS? A regular 8 ounce portion of pasta is over 200 calories and at least 40 carbs. I'm telling you...this is amazing! You have to remember to rinse the noodles really well so the "TOFU" smell is gone. Microwave the noodles in a bowl for about 3 minutes and then dry them with paper towels. Add about a tablespoon and a half of either mascarpone cheese or cream cheese, another tablespoon and a half of Jalapeno yogurt (you can buy this at Costco) and a handful of grated Romano cheese. I added some roasted chicken for the protein. Fresh cracked pepper adds a nice touch, too. Almost a spicy Alfredo sauce. Really! I am eating a whole different way now that I am on the "Art of Fitness" show and I need to be creative. This is something I'm proud of for sure!

Parasols and Pasta! Yes, I'll eventually be OK!

Is a picture worth a thousand words? In this case, MORE THAN YOU KNOW! The girls and I took the babies to Disneyland the other day. You know, the happiest place on earth!!! It was a wonderful diversion for me but certainly did not eliminate the pain completely from what I am going through. I looked at this picture that I took that day very lovingly this morning but for some reason the parasols spoke to me. Umbrellas? Why? I immediately looked up the definition as if I didn't know what the word umbrella meant! It came to me VERY LOUD and CLEAR. "Something that covers and protects from above, such as military aircraft safeguarding surface forces." I get it! Not that I doubted it. Not that I questioned it. But it is so evident now! I have so many "parasols" surrounding me on a daily basis. Guarding me, watching over me. I have held the umbrella for so many... for so long... and now, I will graciously accept to be under those who offer me that same protection for my heart.

Yes, I now know that I will not only SURVIVE this transition but I will eventually THRIVE!!!

Now I will go cook up a delicious pot of meat sauce served with either pasta for my son, Emilio or in my case, spaghetti squash for myself! (I am watching my girlie figure!)

Spaghetti Squash with Turkey Meat Sauce

Olive oil spray
1 onion chopped
6 cloves garlic finely chopped
1 pound ground turkey
Large can of tomato puree
Large can of chopped tomatoes
¼ cup red wine
Sugar to taste or Splenda
Salt and Pepper to taste
Fresh basil

Spray your Dutch oven with olive oil. Add onions and sauté. Add about ¼ cup of water because you want to caramelize the onions but you don’t want to add too much olive oil. Water does the same trick. Keep going until they are almost tan in color. Add the chopped garlic and the ground turkey. Saute till it is cooked through. Add the puree and tomatoes. Mix it all together and add the rest of the ingredients. Cook the spaghetti squash as directed on that little tag that is on it. Pour the sauce over the squash. I serve it with ....guess? ROMANO CHEESE! Like everything else, I always seem to add that to it at the end!

I’m sure my dad is looking down at me saying, “fer crying out loud, what have you done to my Sicilian Meat Sauce recipe?” Don’t worry dad….I know what I’m doing!” Trust me! Remember who taught me how to cook?

It's my BLOG and I'll CRY if I want to...but there's Chicken Marsala in the Oven!

No doubt about it. This whole "Healthy Living Lifestyle" blog was supposed to be about eating and fitness and being the "healthiest me that I could be." I guess nothing has really changed except for the fact that my heart is broken. I WAS talking about getting my BODY healthy! I always thought that my HEART was beating just fine.

I read a poem by a new friend who posted on Maria Shriver's page (she is going to be canonized for what SHE is going through) and it just spoke to my heart and soul. Here it is and she is coming out with a book called, "The Great Lemonade Maker" and her name is Lei Shephard.

After you have a good cry, look below and you will see a freakin' fabulous Chicken Marsala recipe. When all else fails...COOK!

Where Do I Go From Here?

Where do you go from here?
When there’s nothing to look back for
And there’s nothing in front to look forward to
When all your dreams dissipate
Like the flash from a camera
Leaving a glare as you stare off into distant view
No longer seeing two—just you
Only you.
Where do you go from here
When you’re not sure where here is
All you feel is fear, see is tears
Knowing, “here” is no place to be
Supposedly, here is the time to be free
The time to find me
The world for me to see
But the “here” and the right now
Has grabbed pain from the past, stolen joy
From the future—added sorrow to the now
So, where do I go from here?
Where I dream no dreams
No joy so it seems?
I will learn from the past,
Press forward to the future
Even if it’s just meallowing the “here” to heal
in order to truly be set free
Not in the “here” but in time
I will eventually be just fine
Eventually, I know, I’ll be just fine
That’s how I’ll get there from here.

CHICKEN MARSALA

6 chicken breasts ( boneless, skinless chicken breasts)
salt & pepper
4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided
2 tbsp butter
2 onions sliced
1 lb mushrooms, sliced
6 cloves minced garlic
1 cup dry Marsala wine
1 cup grated Romano Cheese, divided
1 cup breadcrumbs
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (preferably Italian)

Place the chicken breasts in a serving dish that you can also bake in. It just makes it easier. (less dishes to wash) I cut each chicken breast in 2. It seems like everybody is having smaller portions nowadays. Or is it just me? Pour half of the oil over the chicken, turn it over and make sure that it is covered on both sides. If you need more oil, go for it. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Mix ½ cup of the Romano cheese and breadcrumbs together. Dredge both sides of the chicken with this. Yes, in the same dish. Again, I HATE to wash dishes! Set aside. Now sauté the onions and mushrooms with the other half of the oil and the butter. I like to almost carmelize this. Now I add the garlic. I barely cook the garlic. Remember, this is all going to bake for about an hour. Now add the Marsala to the mushroom, onion and garlic mixture. Pour this over the breaded chicken pieces. I pour a little water in the bottom of the dish just so you form a little juice.
Bake in a 350 degree oven. I cover the dish for the first 30 minutes and then uncover it and let it get sort of browned the last 30 minutes. If you need to cook it more, then do it. It has the Marsala in it so rarely does it get tough for me. I of course, always have to sprinkle MORE Romano cheese on top and then make it look pretty with a little Italian parsley.

Transition...with a Quinoa Recipe!

In the spirit of HONESTY and being TRUE to my AUTHENTIC self, I want to share with you why I have been absent since my Easter post. Not that you might have wondered... but my heart needs to speak. This simple blog seems to be here for me to share...my recipes... and now my thoughts. Filter out what you wish. It is now evident that my life is going through a very unexpected and extremely difficult transition. You never think something like this will happen to you and then WHAM BAM, a freight train slams into your wonderful life. Now WHAT? It's called TRANSITION. "A passage from one state to the next." "Change." Certainly didn't want it! Absolutely didn't plan on it but nonetheless, I am accepting it with clarity. Difficult though it may be, I will start a new chapter in my book. Maybe even a whole NEW book! I will not fall back into my old ways of eating unhealthy, feeling sorry for myself, not exercising, (sound familiar?) but I will pick myself up and continue on with zest and zeal, knowing that I will SURVIVE. I can only hope that if any of you have been there or are in a situation such as this, you too, will have the same positive attitude. I know Maria does! NOW...on to a GREAT RECIPE with QUINOA!

Quinoa

First of all, let me tell you about this grain. It is an amino acid-rich (protein) seed that has a fluffy, creamy, slightly crunchy texture and a somewhat nutty flavor when cooked. I cook it in my rice cooker and follow the directions adding just a tinge more water that is needed for rice. I then add roasted vegetables, such as red onion, bell peppers, zucchini and yellow squash that have been roasted in a 400 degree oven with a little salt and pepper and Herbs de Provence. Add the veggies to the cooked quinoa along with a teaspoon of coconut oil and of course, some grated Romano cheese and OMGosh! Native to South America this grain was once called the "Gold of the Incas" years ago as it was recognized to increase the stamina of their warriors after being fed this. Let me just say that I have learned a lot from Seal Team Six as far as RECON MISSIONS... AND eating Quinoa!!!

Happy Easter! Let's Splurge a Little!

I love Easter! Really... I love anytime my family gets together to celebrate anything! So this is what I call our "Breakfast of Champions". Ok, well maybe we're not champions but we're still hungry. This is easy to make, can be made the night before and it is sooooo easy! You can get up, enjoy breakfast, go to mass and then come back and eat another fabulous meal! I know EVERYBODY has their own version of this Italian Sausage and Egg Casserole but nonetheless, this one is delicious!

Italian Sausage and Egg Casserole
Also known as…Easter or Christmas Breakfast!

8 slices Hawaiian bread, cubed
¾ pound grated cheddar cheese
1 and ½ pounds bulk sausage
4 eggs
2 ½ cups milk
¾ tsp Dijon mustard
1 can cream of mushroom soup
¼ cup dry vermouth
3 ounce can sliced mushrooms
Freshly grated Romano cheese

Spray pam in a 9x13 pan. Cube the bread and put in pan. Place grated cheese on top of bread. Saute sausage and drain so very little fat is left. Spoon over cheese. Beat the 4 eggs with the mustard, add the milk. Pour over the sausage, cheese and bread. This can be made the night before at this point and covered and put in fridge. Mix the mushroom soup with the mushrooms and dry Vermouth and pour over sausage mixture when you are ready to bake. Sprinkle with the Romano cheese. Bake at a 325 degree oven for about an hour. Test the eggs with a toothpick.

This is a crowd pleaser and it’s nice that you can make it the night before!

Pea Salad..now with Greek Yogurt?

Ok, so with my new healthy lifestyle I had to re-do one of my favorite recipes. Pea Salad with Cheddar Cheese and Red Onions. I have served this for a gazillion years and it is DELICIOUS! I substitute Greek yogurt in lieu of the mayonnaise now. Not bad at all. Considering what else I will be having tomorrow...this will make me feel like I'm still on track! Wait till you see the post tomorrow...OMG! Sausage and Egg Casserole! I mean, fer crying out loud...it's EASTER!

Pea Salad with Cheese and Red Onions

1 cup sour cream
½ cup Greek yogurt
Drop of Tabasco sauce
2 cups finely diced sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups finely diced red onions
Fresh chopped dill (to taste)
Salt and pepper (to taste)
10 ounce bag of frozen peas

Rinse frozen peas under cold water to separate and drain. Blend the sour cream, mayonnaise and Tabasco sauce together. Pour over peas. Add the onions and cheese. Season with the salt and pepper and fresh dill. Chill at least 1 hour. Delicious.

What size did I buy?

This is REALLY what size I purchased...I mean, that IS what the man said!

Angela must have gotten it WRONG in the dressing room!

I TOLD you.... I'm a size 6!!!

This healthy lifestyle is working for sure!!! I love it!!

Dressing Room Drama...I better have a salad!

This is what I have to go through when I shop with Angela!

Ok, so maybe I AM a large in shirts...but not for long! I'm having a delicious spinach salad with sauteed ground turkey for lunch! That ought to do it, right? Take a look below for a laugh and then make the salad for lunch! I WILL be that size 6 in NO TIME!

"Taco" Spinach Salad


There really isn't even a "recipe" for this. A couple handfuls of washed spinach, some sauteed, ground turkey seasoned with taco seasoning and a drizzle of balsamic glaze infused with raspberries. That's it. Add some beans or shredded cheese, olives, red peppers if you wish but I'm trying to keep it simple. Oh, and make sure to saute an extra pound of turkey meat. It's great during the week when you're in a jam for dinner. NOW go measure your waist! OH YAA!

Eggplant for a size 6?

Baked Eggplant... but still OMGosh delicious? So I love Eggplant Parmigiana but I would like to live past the age of 60.I guess that means that I need to change up my cooking habits. So here it is! AND it turned out DELICIOUS! Try it… and then you should still go for walk!

3 eggplant sliced

salt & pepper

1 cup grated Romano Cheese

drizzle of extra virgin olive oil

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (preferably Italian)

Lay the eggplant slices on 2 cookie sheets sprayed with Pam. Spray more Pam on eggplant slices. Salt and pepper both sides of eggplant. Place in a 400 degree oven and bake until they are lightly tan. You don’t have to brown on both sides. Let them cool a couple of minutes and then place one layer in your serving dish. Drizzle some REALLY good olive oil on them and then sprinkle with some Romano cheese. Keep layering, drizzling and sprinkling. If you really want to splurge, (here I go again, trying to add more calories!) add a little Marsala wine on top and then put it back in the oven at 300 degrees for about 5 minutes. Good luck at not eating the whole dish!! Oh, and don’t forget some good wine!

Shall I wear my horns or my halo this morning? French Toast or Oatmeal?

You think I'm having this for breakfast? I don't think soooooo!! I'm saving this for a special Sunday morning! The recipe for the Grand Marnier French Toast with Mascarpone Cheese is way down on the bottom below the picture of the... delicious?... can of oatmeal. Which, by the way, is what I'M having this morning!!!

Ok, so maybe this is a no-brainer breakfast but supposedly it is the one that really fills you up! That's what I need for sure! Steel cut oatmeal has a little crunch to it compared to the Quaker Oats brand that I grew up eating! I made some up in my rice cooker (three scoops) and now I have 1/2 cup portions for the rest of the week. Add some delicous raspberries and bananas with a little "Splenda"brown sugar and maybe a tablespoon of your favorite chopped nuts. Not bad at all! I'm trying... I'm trying so hard to be good!

Grand Marnier French Toast with Mascarpone Cheese

Ok,get ready to feast on this indulgent breakfast! OMGosh! Out of the ballpark amazing. I would pair it with some Italian champagne and pear necter to really put it over the top. This is one way to start your Sunday morning off with a bang!

6 extra large eggs

1 ½ cups half and half (or milk will do in a pinch)

Grated zest of 1 orange

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon honey

1 tablespoon Grand Marnier

½ teaspoon salt (I use Kosher)

1 large loaf challah or brioche bread

8 ounces Mascarpone cheese

Vegetable oil for sautéing

Unsalted butter for sautéing

Have some pure maple syrup and fresh fruit to garnish the plate. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees to keep slices warm. Whisk together the eggs, half and half, orange zest, vanilla, honey, Grand Marnier and salt. Slice the bread into 1 inch thick slices and cut a small pocket in the middle of the slice. Stuff about a tablespoon and a half of the cheese into the pocket. Soak the bread slices in the egg mixture for at least 5 minutes. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of oil in a very large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the soaked bread and cook for a couple of minutes until nice and brown. Place cooked French toast on a cookie sheet and put in oven to keep warm. You might want to start sipping your champagne about now. Keep frying the bread, adding the oil and butter as need be. Plate up and enjoy!!!

OMG...WHAT AM I DOING NOW?

Well, I think I have totally lost it but I am on a new reality show and will be eating really healthy and exercising like a madwoman! All in hopes of having a healthy lifestyle for the rest of my life! I plan to journal this crazy time in my life.... so..... get ready to laugh and learn some new recipes while I figure it all out. This is probably what I'll look like in a couple of weeks, ya think?

No Time To Cook? Try This!!!

Ok, it's "Girls Night Out" and I still have to cook dinner for my family. That's when I call in my 3 best friends...crockpot, rice cooker and bread maker! If you don't have those three items....call for a pizza or take some Xanax! First, run to Costco! Yes, Costco! Get one of the roasted chickens and bring it home and cut it up. If you don't know how, google it and there are plenty of videos that will show you how to do it. It is ridiculously easy. Just use a good knife.

Put the chicken pieces in a crockpot and add your favorite herbs. Mine are sage and thyme...delish!!! Pour a little Marsala wine on top and turn your crockpot on low. It will keep for hours without drying out and you don't have to watch it.

Add some brown rice to your rice cooker and follow directions. That will stay on warm for awhile after it has cooked.

Now, if you really want to wow them, use your breadmaker to make some dough (recipe should be included) and bake some fresh rolls. Put an egg wash on them and sprinkle some salt on top.

Now go put your pretty on and have some fun!!! You deserve it! Got to go...the timer just went off for my rolls!!! Whew!

Salmon Benedict with Chipotle Sauce

What a way to start the day!!

Enjoyed a fabulous birthday brunch for my daughter, Angela at the "Amaya" restaurant located in the "Grand Del Mar" hotel recently. Yes, the private room with the roaring fireplace and spectacular view was amazing but I had a Crab Benedict with Chipotle Hollandaise that was superlative! I put my own twist on it by replacing the crab with a salmon burger and that put it over the top to say the least. You can also replace the English muffin with an artichoke bottom if you are watching the carbs but gee whiz, if you're going to this much trouble...enjoy yourself for one day and eat the whole darn thing!!!

Start by sautéing a salmon burger. I use the ones from Costco and they are straight from Alaska. They are the best! (Did I mention that my husband is a commercial fisherman in Alaska? ) Keep them warm in a 200 degree oven while you prepare the eggs and sauce.

Next, toast up some great bread. Either an English muffin or some sliced Challah will do the trick. Pop that in the oven as well to stay warm. I like to warm my plates as well. It keeps the meal warm for a little longer.

Prepare the Chipotle Sauce and poach the eggs. I put a little white vinegar in my water before I drop the eggs in to cook. It seems to keep them together. Plate this up and dive in. I serve it with some seasonal berries and as usual, some Prosecco and juice. Now... how's THAT for starting your Sunday morning off with a bang?

Chipotle Sauce

3 egg yolks
1 tablespoon cold water
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 sticks unsalted butter
1 tablespoon pureed chipotle peppers in Adobo sauce
salt and pepper to taste

In the top of a double boiler or a heat-proof bowl whisk the egg yolks until they become thick and sticky. Whisk in the water and lemon juice. Place the pan or bowl over a saucepan of simmering, not boiling, water. Whisk until mixture is warm, about 2 minutes. (If mixture looks a little lumpy, dip the pan immediately in a bowl of ice water to cool, whisk until smooth and then continue recipe.) The yolk mixture has thickened enough when you can see the bottom of the pan between strokes and the mixture forms a light cream on the wires of the whisk. While whisking the yolk mixture add the pieces of butter, a tablespoon or so at a time, whisking thoroughly to incorporate before adding more butter. As the mixture begins to thicken and become creamy, the butter can be added more rapidly. Mix in the pureed chipotle sauce.
Add the salt and pepper to taste.

Now plate your dish. Place your toasted bread down first followed by the salmon burger. Put your eggs on top and then drizzle the sauce all over. Be careful not to drown out the dish. The chipotle sauce has a bite so a little goes a long way!

Hmmm...Now what's for dinner?