Archive for October, 2009

Daily Delish – The art of cottage cheese

I’m here today to share my latest addiction. People, I do not care if the ingredient list isn’t perfect… so don’t bother on trying to sway me, because I’m not going anywhere.

Behold….

Fiber One cottage cheese

Fiber One cottage cheese

Note: FiberOne did NOT contact me or ask that I promote this product in any way.

Creamy perfection in a tub. So incredibly delicious.

Cottage cheese is a touchy subject, no? It can often be dry, crumbly or even sour tasting (blech!) Sometimes the curds can be too large and feel like spoiled milk in your mouth. Other times the curds are so small that it feels like you’re eating grainy yogurt. Sorry for the gross visuals!

But when a brand gets it right, boy do they get it right!

My cottage cheese criteria:

  • Creamy
  • Light
  • Small/medium curds (p.s. how TERRIBLE is the word curd? — ugh!)
  • NOT sour (if anything verging on sweet!)
  • Low (or no) fat

The new Fiber One reduced fat cottage cheese fits the bill perfectly. I grabbed a tub of it a few weeks ago to give it a try and I’ve gone through 3 more – it’s that good! Each 1/2 size serving is only 80 calories and with 10 grams of protein and 20% of your daily fiber intake, this product will be hard to beat.

Cottage cheese, in general, is a tasty,  filling and healthy snack. I love having mine with fruit — how do you like yours?

Are you a cottage cheese lover or hater? The Mister is a HATER!

Try it for yourself! – COOKBOOK GIVEAWAY

Last week I received The Blue Heron Ranch Cookbook from the fabulous Nadia Natali.

The Blue Heron Ranch Cookbook, based on Cooking Off the Grid, also by Nadia Natali, blends 126 tasty, healthful recipes with lively tales of the Natali family’s adventures living close to the land-in the wilds of California’s Los Padres National Forest. Nadia Natali’s varied dishes, suitable for any group or family, are presented in a simple style that makes them both visually appealing and effortless, as a sequence of ingredients that correspond to numbered directions. Each chapter opens with a vivid account of the family’s trials and triumphs at Blue Heron Ranch, followed by a particular category of recipes, arranged in seven groupings. Whimsical illustrations adorn the recipes and embellish the sometimes poignant, often hilarious stories about raising a family in the wilderness, running a meditation center, and facing nature’s seemingly endless challenges-with the Blue Heron Ranch kitchen being the center around which these events unfold. Recipes include Blue Heron Ranch Potato Leek Soup, Saturday Market Quiche, Miso Pine Salmon, Ojai Bouillabaisse, Early Morning Rice Cream, Aunt Ev’s Cardamom Bundt Cake, and Honey Almond Chai. The Blue Heron Ranch Cookbook offers culinary and spiritual sustenance to anyone who wants to experience, or revisit, the pleasures of comforting, communal meals at Zen and other retreat centers.

I was so excited when I finally received this book! Each section of healthy recipes is prefaced by one of Nadia’s family adventures. It’s fun to read along and discover the story behind each of her recipes.

The recipes are extremely easy to follow and I ADORE the accompanying illustrations! I’ve earmarked several recipes that I plan on making ASAP, so I’m sure you’ll be seeing lots of delicious results on the blog soon.

Blue Heron Ranch Cookbook

Blue Heron Ranch Cookbook

For the oatmeal lovers!

For the oatmeal lovers!

'Tis the season

'Tis the season

Lucky for you, you can give them a try, as well! Nadia has graciously offered a copy of her book to one of YOU.

3 ways to win!

1.) Leave a comment on this post

2.) Tweet about the contest (with a link to this post)

3.) Link to the post on your own blog or if you don’t have a blog, tell a friend of family member (just let me know you did so in the comments so I count the extra entry!)

I’ll use my good friend, the random integer generator, to select a winner!

GOOD LUCK!

‘Make it’ Monday – Pumpkin Soup

Happy Monday!!!

No one likes Mondays and all the stress they bring, so I thought I’d share this delicious and comforting recipe. It’ll make you want to curl up on the couch with a cozy blanket and good tunes. Enjoy!

Pumpkin soup

You’ll need:

  • 3/4 cup of pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
  • 1/2 cup chicken stock
  • 1/2 cup soy milk
  • 1/2 cup apple cider
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • pinch of cinnamon
  • pinch of nutmeg
  • black pepper, seasoned to taste

Combine all ingredients over medium heat. Stir until heated through. Pour into a bowl and ENJOY!

This makes a large, entree-sized portion for one, or two small/medium bowls.

Pumpkin Soup

Pumpkin Soup

Don’t let the unappetizing photo fool, you, this is fantastic ;)

Fashion Friday – No stains, Mom, I promise!

Last week, my mom and I made plans to meet up to walk. This was nothing out of the ordinary, as we normally do this at least once a week. My mom was running a bit later than me (and I was relishing the moment, because this never happens!), so she still had to change into her walking clothes. Which means I got a sneak peek at her outfit! I know I’ve mentioned that my mom is quite the fashionista before, and this day was no different. I immediately asked her if I could borrow her outfit to wear sometime this week. And being the generous woman she is (after making me promise I wouldn’t stain it), she let me.

Behold:

fall outfit

fall fashion

Shirt: SAKS

Dress: Theory

Jacket: SAKS

Boots: Boutique in Cleveland

Now I really wish I would have snapped a picture of my mom so you could see how stylin’ she looked!

REMEMBER: Next week is the Fashion Friday contest! Send me all your photos by midnight next Thursday. A great prize pack is up for grabs!

What is everyone up to this weekend? The Mister and I are heading to Columbus for a Taking Back Sunday concert and to hang out with two of our best friends and their beautiful (almost 2-year-old!) daughter.

Thankful Thursday – For my body…

Today’s post is simple. (And very fitting after yesterday’s post)

This week I’m thankful for my body. In an effort to continue to end the fat talk, I invite you all to think about why you love your body and what makes it beautiful.

I’m thankful for my…

Eyes, because they allow me to see the beautiful faces of my family and friends, read my favorite novels, twinkle when I laugh and enjoy the beautiful landscape that God has given us.

Mouth, because it lets me taste incredible foods, kiss the Mister passionately, talk a mile a minute and smile until by face hurts.

Nose, because my Mom’s homemade sweet bread just wouldn’t be the same if I couldn’t smell it baking.

Ears, because the sound of laughter is too precious to miss.

Arms, because they’ll one day rock my children to sleep and tickle them silly.

Hands, because they fit perfectly into the Mister’s.

Stomach, because it will keep my growing children safe. (Note: I am NOT pregnant – just really excited to be a mom one day!)

Hips, because they can boogie on the dance floor.

Thighs, because they are strong and allow me to keep up with my Mom on our long walks.

Feet, because they let me torture them with all my high-heeled shoes.

Why do you love your body?

you are beautiful

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