Archive for August, 2010
Last week I shared a pretty stellar creation. Go ahead, OOOO and AAAAH.
While I remember vividly explaining the chocolatey euphoria each bite created in my mouth, I failed to expound upon on pretty important detail: Justin’s Chocolate Almond Butter.
Ingredients: Dry Roasted Almonds, Organic Evaporated Cane Sugar, Organic Cocoa Powder, Organic Cocoa Butter, Organic Palm Fruit Oil, Natural Vanilla, Sea Salt.
When I first spotted the packet on the shelf I let out a piglet-like squeal and then apologized to those around me for making such a big to-do — what can I say, I’m a bit dramatic and when you combine that with my deep adoration for all things food, well you can see how this is a fairly common response. Anyway, after calming myself down, I was most interested in finding out the sugar content of the smooth chocolate treat. Those other Nutella lovers out there may know that one of my least favorite parts about the creamy goodness is the SUGAR! Two tablespoons contains 20 grams!
You can imagine my relief, then, when I quickly learned that two tablespoons of Justin’s formula contains a mere 7 grams – let the heavens rejoice!
But how would it taste? I mean yea, Nutella packs in the sugar, but it also makes my heart flutter, and well, that’s an important side-effect I look for in my chocolatey goods. After putting Justin’s to the test, not just in my delicious sandwich, but also implementing a finger-licking test (I find it’s the most effective), I can safely say this stuff is AMAZEBALLS.
Heart=fluttering
If you can, find Justin’s chocolate almond butter. Do not rest. Do not sleep. FIND IT. If you are having trouble, I’m pretty sure you can score some from the Internet gods – i.e. good old fashion e-commerce sites.
Have you tried Justin’s Chocolate Almond Butter yet? What did you think?
p.s. Justin’s Almond Butter did NOT provide compensation or product for this review — although I pray they will would graciously accept any surplus of the good stuff.
This recipe was posted quite some time ago, but I’m posting it again because the Mister’s birthday’s coming up and it’s the meal he’s requested I make. If he deems it delicious enough for his birthday dinner, I figured those of you who missed it the first time might be interested in trying it yourself!
Some background info: The Mister is OBSESSED with Pizza Hut’s stuffed crust pizza. I realize that obsessed is a strong word and some people may even tend to over-use it. To put it simply, obsessed doesn’t even do his adoration for the stuffed crust justice. Bottom line: he loves the stuff.
Now, yes, this particular za is one tasty pie, but I’ll tell ya, I’m not real wild about the calorie and fat count. Half the pizza is more than 1,100 calories! (and you all know the Mister and I go ‘halfsies,’ cuz that’s how we roll).
I knew that some creative thinking and time in the kitchen could present an equally delicious treat that didn’t contain all the nasty fat and calories.
People, I DID IT! Not only did I manage to cut the calories to 750 calories for HALF the pizza, but it turned out even MORE delicious than the original. I don’t mean to toot my own horn, but… I WILL (TOOT! TOOT!). Because I am kind of a genius.
Here’s what you’ll need:
2/3 cup Kraft 2% mozzarella cheese
2/3 cup pizza sauce (we used Mid’s)
Whole wheat pizza dough (The Mister’s favorite is Whole Foods’ Multigrain)
Reduced fat string cheese (6 pieces) (we used Sargentio’s)
Step one: Using your hands, spread the dough into a pie shaped circle.
Step two: Fold the edges of the dough over pieces of string cheese (make sure you seal the dough, or the cheese with melt out). forming a crust. Continue around the entire pie.
Step 3: Top with sauce, cheese and Italian seasonings
Step 4: Bake according to directions given with the dough
Step 5: ENJOY!
What do you typically request for your Birthday dinner? I have a special cake I’ll be making, as well – I can’t wait to share the recipe!
Who says that taking the long way has it’s rewards? Clearly they’ve never encounter pre-cooked chicken sausage.
Don’t get me wrong, the scenic route is great and making homemade food provides a real sense of accomplishment and added happiness when you eat your dishes. People, this is not one of those times.
This next recipe requires 6 ingredients and makes a complete, delicious meal.
You’ll need (serves two hungry people):
1 package of mushrooms (I used baby bellas – pre-washed and sliced, of course!)
1 package of chicken sausage
Your favorite pasta sauce – about 1 1/2 cups – go with the jarred, people! Save the homemade stuff for a long, winter/fall afternoon.
2 slices of bread
Butter
Parmesan Cheese
First, place a saute pan on medium heat and mist with cooking spray. Add your mushrooms and brown on both sides.
Now that things are getting hot and steamy, add the chicken sausage (make sure to slice it before hand). Since it’s already cooked, you shouldn’t have to cook it long.
Add the pasta sauce an mix, reducing the heat to low/med.
While this is simmering, turn your broiler on to low/med and microwave a few tablespoons of butter. Add Parmesan cheese and stir — keep adding cheese until the butter thickens, resembling a paste (but not too thick). Spread on top of bread and place in the broiler for about 3 minutes.
Remove sausages/sauce/shrooms from stove top and transfer into bowls. Top with Parmesan cheese and serve along side garlic bread, the perfect “dipper!”
Rub your belly and thank yourself for taking the shortcuts 
What are your favorite kitchen shortcuts?