Chicken Parmesan

Oh, it's so GOOD!

If you are anything like me, you love Chicken Parmesan. But I always feel so bad about eating it. It's so not good for you. BUT here is a recipe that is low in fat and high in flavor.

Ingredients:

1 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp. minced garlic
1/4 C. hot-pepper sauce (this does not mean tabasco)
1 egg white
1/4 tsp. salt

1/2 C. grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 C. breadcrumbs (I use the Italian flavored ones)
1/4 C. minced fresh cilantro
4 skinless boneless chicken breast halves, 4 oz. each

Step #1:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.

Step #2:
In a shallow bowl, whisk the oil, garlic, hot-pepper sauce, egg white, salt, and 2 tsp. of water.



Step #3:
In another shallow bowl, combine the Parmesan, breadcrums, and cilantro.

Step #4:
Dip a chicken breast half in the egg white mixture to coat. Then dredge in the Parmesan mixture to coat completely and place on the baking sheet. Repeat with remaining chicken. Lightly coat the chicken with cooking spray and bake 35 minutes.



The finished chicken.



This recipe yields 4 servings.

For a different taste, substitute 1/4 C. Worcestershire sauce for the hot sauce and shopped, fresh, flat-leaf parsley for the cilantro.

Per Serving:
Calories 200, Carbohydrates 11 g., Fat 6 g., Protein 24 g., Fiber 1 g.

It was a great hit. Even with my mom who doesn't like things too spicy. My brothers and dad loved it. My hubby asks when we will have it again. YUMMY!



*****This recipe came from The Volumetrics Eating Plan by Barbara Rolls, Ph. D., pg 205*****

Little things to Match

Do you remember that blanket that I made last week? Well This week was the week of crocheting hats to match. Here they are. Just as soft and wonderful.

Hush Hush Fireside last Sunday

On Sunday, I was privileged enough to attend a fireside held at the Conference Center Theatre. This was a hush, hush concert. (Held for those who were attending a work conference in SLC last week) There were many different musicians there to perform their favorite hymns and church songs. (at this moment I can't find the program, so I will just tell you the names I remember)

There was a girl from Finland (I think) that played the violin. She was amazing! There was a couple that were both opera singers who were dazzling. I really liked the little birdie song they sang. A local youth choir was there. (my brothers were in it. why I was invited) They sang the medley of As Sisters In Zion and Army of Helaman. I know that song is ridiculously over sung especially in this area; however, this was the best performance of it I have heard in a LONG time.

Also there was Sam Cardon who accompanied a young couple. Kalai was there. He sang Be Still My Soul, Kalai style. Interesting version. I liked it. He sang a couple of other songs, but I don't remember at the moment. There was a 12 year old girl there who rocked the house. She was great. She flew out from New Jersey to participate.

And, of course, the reason for the hush, hush. . . . . .

David Archuleta was there to finish off the night. Now, I'm not really an American Idol fan, but he really is good. Really shy, but boy does he have a set of pipes on his body. It was beautiful.

The night was wonderful. I got to listen to some amazing people sing/play some amazing songs. It was a good night.

Catch Up

So sorry. My internet has been non-existent this week. And it just happened on a week that I really wanted to share.

Anyway.



Last Friday I went with some friends on the Halloween Haunted Cruise at the Clas Ropes Course in Provo. As you walk out to your raft you might see some things like these:





When you get to the dock, you board your boat that takes you for a ride along the river. Lining the river there are pumpkins carved and lit. Some of them are really good.

The pirate steering the boat tells ghost stories. You get over taken by another Pirate who leaves candy for everyone. (although we didn't let him on our boat, we dunked him. It was pretty funny. Probably cold for him though) The boat ride lasts about 25 minutes. Adults were $5. And I honestly don't remember how much the kids were. But it was a cute little adventure for the family to go on.

Your Constant Companion

I am your constant companion. I am your greatest helper or your heaviest burden. I will push you onward or drag you down to failure. I am completely at your command. Half the tasks you do you might just as well turn over to me and I will be able to do them quickly and correctly.

I am easily managed. you must merely be firm with me. Show me how you want something done, and after a few lessons, I will do it automatically.

I am the servant of all great people and, alas, of all failures as well. Those who are great, I have made great. those who are failures, I have made failures.

I am not a machine, but I work with all the precision of a machine, plus the intelligence of a man. you may run me for profit or run me for ruin. It makes no difference to me.

Take me, train me, be firm with me and I will put the world at your feet. Be easy with me and I will destroy you.

Who am I? I am HABIT.

--Author Unknown

*********************************************************************

I hope you can look at your habits and know they are benefiting your life and not pulling you down. If they are undesirable habits I hope you have the strength to over come them and develop a new, replacement habit.

Have a wonderful Sabbath.

Corn and Tomato Chowder

This soup was really good and super filling. My hubby loved it and it's good for him. (don't tell) It was wonderful for a cold, rainy day. I hope you like it.

Ingredients:

1 tsp unsalted butter
1 C. chopped onions
1 C. chopped celery
3 C. peeled, diced, boiling potatoes
1 bay leaf
2 C. nonfat, reduced-sodium chicken broth

1 1/2 C. canned diced tomatoes, with liquid
1 1/2 C. frozen corn, thawed (you can use fresh corn kernels)
1 1/2 C. nonfat milk
Freshly ground black pepper
1/2 C. chopped, fresh flat-leaf parsley


Lightly spray a 4-5 quart nonstick pot with cooking spray. Ad the butter and place over medium heat. Add the onions. and cook, stirring, 5 minutes. Add the celery and potatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 minutes.

Add the bay leaf and broth and bring to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Remove the bay leaf, puree 2 cups of soup in a blender or food processor, and return to the pot.

Stir in the tomatoes, corn, and milk. Return the soup to a simmer, stirring and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Stir in a few grindings of the black pepper, ladle the soup into 8 soup bowls, and serve, garnished with parsley.

Yields: 8 servings of 1 cup each

This soup can be frozen.

Per serving:
105 Calories; 19 g. Carbohydrates; 2 g. Fat; 5 g. Protein; 2 g. Fiber

*****This recipe came from The Volumetrics Eating Plan by Barbara Rolls, Ph. D., pg. 95*****

The WinCo Excusion is Complete

While going to school at BYU-Idaho, I had heard of the store that students would drive twenty minutes to just to get a good deal, but never made the trek myself. So, when one popped up here in Utah, I decided I better go check it out. (I have mixed feelings because I like to buy local)

I found a large store set up as a mix between a Macey's and a Costco look. I was interested in seeing just if the prices were less, and for a lot of things they are. I thought their produce (for the most part) was close to Sunflower Farmers Market. WinCo had cereal and canned goods that were way less than anywhere else. They also carry the largest and cheapest variety of bulk foods I have seen in the area. Their meat and fish looked to be really good prices as well.

Their prices are listed in two different colors. Yellow for their everyday prices and green for their sale prices (the ones that will change). I asked a worker how long their green price tags usually stayed on and she said that she was told 30 days. I thought that was pretty good. Most stores I know of have sales for only about a week.

I didn't really get a feel for their customer service or the ambiance of the store because their were so many people. I will have to find that out another day when the excitement about a new store has lessened. Everyone seemed nice enough, especially since they have probably already encountered so many ornery people by noon on a REALLY busy day.

There are no express lanes at WinCo. They just don't exist. However, if you have only 3-4 items you are welcome to go to the Customer Service desk and they can check you out there. You must be prepared to pay in cash, check or debit. They do NOT accept credit cards.

If you plan on going to WinCo in the next little bit, plan for at least 1.5 hours. (I was there for 2, but I walk really preggie slow) You will want to get a good look at everything and it's just so busy. You will wait in line to check out for about a half hour. Oh, while you're walking in ask someone who is walking out it you can follow them to their car and have their cart when they are finished or you just wont get one.

It was a pretty good experience and I will go back a few times more to really figure out if their prices are wonderful. There just wasn't time or space today.

How do you like or not like about WinCo?

Baby Boy Blankie

Just a little something I finished this morning. It's blue, zig-zag, and extremely soft. What's not to like?



OH, this is a crocheted blanket. Just in case you wanted to know. (Although I can knit, I don't know how to knit a blanket, just scarfs.)

Witches Night Out

This past weekend I was able to attend the Witches Night Out at Gardner Village. It was a blast. They have lots of activities, food, and of course, SALES! Everyone comes dressed as a witch. I saw some wonderful costumes.


Here are just a few. People went all out. They have elaborate costumes and lots decorated their own hats. I saw some with skulls on them. It was great.



There were lots of Witches throughout the Village that were fun to take pictures with.



"Witchy Poo" in the Outhouse.


Lookin Good Witch


Flying Witch


A Witch with a cat chasing a mouse under her dress.


Fishing Witch


This is us. We had a great time, but forgot to take a pic while there. So, here's one after the whole night. I can't wait 'til next year.

Did anyone else go this year? Do you go every year? What kinds of things do you do to get ready?

Personal Interview with the Savior

In June 1965, President David O. McKay, while conversing with some brethren, admonished:

Let me assure you, brethren that some day you will have a personal Priesthood Interview with the Savior, Himself. If you are interested, I will tell you the order in which he will ask you to account for your earthly responsibilities.

First, He will request an accountability report about your relationship with your wife. Have you actively been engaged in making her happy and ensuring that her needs have been met as an individual?

Second, He will want an accountability report about each of your children individually. . .

Third, He will want to know what you personally have done with the talents you were given in the pre-existence.

Fourth, He will want a summary of your activity in your church assignment. . .

Fifth, He will have no interest in how you earned your living, but if you were honest in all your dealings.

Sixth, He will ask for an accountability on what you have done to contribute in a positive manner to your community.

****Taken from the book, Strengthening Our Families: An In-depth Look at the Proclamation on the Family. Edited by David C. Dollahite. Pg. 98. ****


I post this quote not to incriminate any of our husbands, but to only address the accountability that we will undoubtedly share. This quote began as one of my favorites when I was younger because of what the 'guys' were responsible for, but now my attention is drawn to what I am responsible for. It's a reminder of my need to address my priorities and make sure that I am keeping them in order.

I thought you would enjoy it. Have a wonderful Sabbath day

Blueberry Applessauce Muffins

These muffins are good for Breakfast (which I used them for today) or for a nutritious snack.

Ingredients:

1 3/4 C. all-purpose flour
3/4 C. light brown sugar
1/2 C. whole-wheat flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. grated nutmeg

1 tsp. ground cinnnamon
1 1/4 C. low-fat buttermilk
1 1/4 C. unsweetened applesauce
1 egg
1 tsp. vegetable oil
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 1/2 C. fresh blueberries

The Mixing:

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.

Lightly coat a 16-cup muffin pan with cooking spray.

Mix together 1 1/2 C. all-purpose flour, sugar, whole-wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon in a large bowl. Make a well in the center of the mixture.

In a separate, small bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, applesauce, egg, oil and vanilla.

Toss the Blueberries in 1/4 C. all-purpose flour to lightly coat the berries. (I chose not to use blueberries this time because I didn't have any)

Pour the buttermilk mixture into the flour mixture and stir until the batter is just moistened.



Fold in the Blueberries.

Divide the mixture evenly among the muffin cups. (I also do not own one of those larger 16-muffin tins, so I didn't use those. I used paper cups too.) Bake the muffins for 20 minutes.



Cool the muffins in the pan on a rack for 5 minutes.

Serve warm or at room temperature.




Because I didn't use the larger muffin tin, I got twenty-four muffins, didn't have to cook them as long, and the Calories for each of my muffins are probably under or around 100.

~I wouldn't recommend using the paper cups unless you spray them with cooking spray. I don't really know what that would do, but my muffins really stuck to the paper bad. I wouldn't use anything next time.~

16 Servings
**Be sure to use fresh berries. Frozen may make the batter too watery.
**Calories 125, Energy Density 1.6, Carbs 25 g., Fat 1 g., Protein 3 g., Fiber 1g.

***Recipe from: The Volumetrics Eating Plan by Barbara Rolls, Ph. D.***

10 Things You DON'T Have to Do to Get to Heaven in October

1- Get dressed for General Conference. (unless you are headed for the Stake Center)

2- Put up the "Fall" Relief Society craft in your front room

3- Take your kids to the ward "trunk or treat"

4- Win 1st place at the ward chili cook off

5- Dress up as Samuel the Lamanite for Halloween

6- Get the flu shot. (although this one is probably a good one to do anyway)

7- Give all the kids in the ward a "King Size" chocolate bar on Halloween

8- Feel bad about scaring the three year old with the huge bat flying over your door.

9- Pay $30 to go to a Haunted House (really. 30 bucks! I can't believe prices are that high now. I remember when it was 5! that makes me sound old doesn't it?)

10- Cut up the pumpkins that haven't gone bad and freeze them so you can do your baking next month.

Unusual But WONDERFUL Fast Sunday

I know it's Wednesday and I am soo slacking. I just haven't been able to catch up on all the things I need to since I was sick last week. BUT I WILL.

I have to tell you about Sunday. It was Fast Sunday in our Stake because of General Conference the week before. Now, as you can imagine, Fast Sunday is one of my dreaded Sundays. You know, just praying there are no visitors in the congregation when someone gets up and says something completely ridiculous.

ANYWAY, this Sunday when my Hubby and I sat down in our pew, I noticed a few men that I hadn't seen before. So, I asked my Hubby who they were. He said he hadn't seen them before either. Okay. I'm thinking I will find out after Sacrament. I didn't have to wait until after Sacrament. I found out during testimony time. The first guy got up in his obviously two sizes too big suit and tells all about how he has been in the ward boundaries for a while, but not come to church. And how he is making a change in his life and will be here every Sunday. And that he is so excited to be back. It was wonderful. Genuinely excited to be at church and enjoying the gospel. (I was thinking 'this could be a good fast and testimony meeting after all.')

Then, two people later, one of the other men I didn't recognize got up. (Now you have to picture him.) Jeans, black and white leather jacket, black t-shirt with white lettering on it (I couldn't see what it said), scruffy face, short, fifty-four year old man. (he told us his age)

He gets up and says that his mother told him he needed to share his life story and so he did. He started talking (100 miles/hour) about all the drugs he had done over the years. Listing them by name along with his age when he started using each one. Talking about his getting married when he was really young. Having kids. Getting divorced. (Now you have to also picture my Bishop, being very uncomfortable, on the edge of his seat trying to decide whether to stop him or not) Getting together to hang out with his kids a few months ago. Dirt Biking. How he promised himself he would stop all the drugs, tobacco, and alcohol by his 50th birthday, but he was four years late. He wrapped it all back into him realizing that his family was important and that he was going to straighten up, come back to church. He had been clean for 22 days and was excited! He said he will be there every week from here on out.

Wonderful. It was a great meeting. Real people making real changes. Everyone from a little different situation beginning/continuing their spiritual goals. I thoroughly enjoyed my Fast Sunday.

Everything I need to know about life, I learned from Noah's Ark. . . .

ONE: Don't miss the boat.

TWO: Remember that we are all in the same boat.

THREE: Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark.

FOUR: Stay fit. When you're 600 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big.

FIVE: Don't listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done.

SIX: Build your future on high ground.

SEVEN: For safety's sake, travel in pairs.

EIGHT: Speed isn't always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs.

NINE: When you're stressed, float a while.

TEN: Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.

ELEVEN: No matter the storm, when you are with God, there's always a rainbow waiting.

~Anonymous

Knotting Fun with Cinnamon and Sugar

Cinnamon Knots



These little treats are extremely easy to make and kids LOVE them.

Here is what you need:

Frozen Rhodes Dough
White Sugar
Cinnamon
Butter

Here is what you do:

Let the Rhodes Rolls thaw.

While the Rhodes Rolls thaw, mix sugar and cinnamon in a bowl.

Melt Butter.

When you are able to manipulate the Rolls, squish and roll out to look like a snake. Then, tie your snake into a knot.

After your snake is all tied up, dip it into the butter and then roll it into the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Make sure you really cover your knot well.

Place your knot on a greased (I prefer Pam) cookie sheet. Cover (lightly) with plastic wrap and let rise. They should rise pretty well. DON'T let them over rise, they will fall.

When they have risen for at least an hour, put in the oven at 350 degree F. for 8 to 12 minutes. (this all depends upon the oven)

They are finished when they are browned. Don't be afraid to poke at them.

Enjoy

The Long Awaited Weekend

This weekend was one I was so excited for. A wedding. My Roommate Reunion. General Conference, of course. But my updates had to be interrupted by sickness. The flu us just never appreciated.

I've had the flu twice since being pregnant. I had the flu vaccine in between the two separate spouts of sickness. And I felt sick for a couple of days with the vaccine. Maybe I'm just not supposed to go too long with out feeling sick with this baby? This baby's immune system should be stellar by the time it pops out.

Anyway, I will have to update about the weekend when I get the detox of my apartment finished.