Messes with your head! I'm seriously lawling at my incredibly long, rambling post from yesterday.
The rest of yesterday's food:
A mini-bottle of sprite, warm and flat...felt gooooooood on the throat
A few pieces of baguette with fake butter
A pork chop and a baked potato
Could have had a salad, didn't sound good with the sore throat.
I'm down 2.2lbs, though. I've decided I need something tangible to motivate me, and I found this great blog called Fab Finds Under $50. She's a plus-size girl who is a really fashionable person but everything she buys is on clearance, thrifted, or she just finds a great deal. So, I'm going to allow myself to do a little shopping when I hit 10 pounds. Nothing huge, a few shirts or a pair of pants, something for Spring.
How do you reward yourself when you reach a goal? (Doesn't have to be a weight-related goal).
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Just call me Miss Sensitive
So, yesterday I was exposed to the fumes from sepia toner in the photo lab at school. I guess I was in there for about 30 minutes, then was gone for an hour, then was back in it for about an hour and a half. Mind you, I wasn't in the actual lab, I was just in the classroom which, unfortunately, smelled of rotten eggs due to the sulfur in the compound.
I guess I'm horribly sensitive to the stuff because I had a fairly severe allergic reaction, one so strong I thought I had strep! (I've never had strep). As a precaution, I went to the doc today and he prescribed me some claritin and gave me some free nasal steroid spray, along with a $25 coupon and a script for it in case I like it, since I do tend to suffer from time to time with seasonal allergies and allergies from mold/mildew in my school.
I did not eat well yesterday. Get ready to laugh, cry, poke your eyes out, whatever...
B: Grape nuts, 1% organic milk, and I left my tea on the counter. Whoops.
S: I had a little OJ from the breakfast at work, and a couple of bites of a honeybun (yes, only a couple of bites. The thing was huge so I just cut off the very bottom)
L: Went to Moe's, had a burrito in a bowl (can't do the whole burrito thing...messy and it's way too much with the tortilla) and focused mainly on eating the beans, the steak, and the guacamole. I did have too many chips with queso. I drank iced tea.
S: Tea
D: Our "fun" meal for the week: Chicken fried steak (it's literally been at least 2 years since I've made it), mashed potatoes (at least made with 1% milk and not that much butter) green beans, and some gravy. I had a glass of wine with my dinner. It was pretty smooth and didn't seem to irritate my angry throat.
By the time dinner rolled around, I could barely talk and I was starting to get a runny nose. The throat thing had started about 2:30 and progressively got worse, and worse. Husband slept on the couch just in case.
So, yeah. Terrible food day. Today I've just had a blue coconut slush and some popcorn chicken from Sonic (it's 1:45 by the way, and I've been up since 6am) and I'm stuffed. I'm forcing some tea with lemon and honey right now for my throat. I can use my chloraseptic spray again soon (every two hours).
Now, I'm sure you're thinking, geez, Kelli. What the hell is wrong iwth you that you would react so violently to sepia toner? Well, let me tell you.
I get migraines from vanilla scented candles. Full-blown migraines.
My eyes swell shut if I am ever exposed to smoke from "funny cigarettes* (I have never smoked anything in my life. I'm pretty sure at this point it would kill me).
I got almost hilariously high off of primer while painting in my ventilated bedroom. I was higher than a kite and almost fell off the ladder.
Axe makes my face swell shut.
Most perfumes make me sneeze for hours, including aftershave.
I can't stand most detergents, body washes, soaps, or candles (I can take the ones from Glade, the white, green, and blue ones are it for me, though) and most plug-in smell-type things.
So, there you go. Maybe I was a drug dog in a past life. My sister is about as sensitive as I am.
My whole family is sensitive to things. One time, my dad bought laundry detergent on sale, a brand we had never bought. We all broke out in a rash, so my sister and I come across it humbly from both sides. My sister is also very sensitive to medications and sunscreen, and my mom and I suffer from psoriasis.
I feel like an old woman talking about her ailments. It's quite funny, though. Other than a slight intolerance for some dairy products on my end, none of us appear to have any food allergies (hallelujah!).
So, that's what's going on around here. I would love to go enjoy the warm-ish sunny day, but I'm kind of loopy from the meds. And exhausted from not sleeping.
We are taking Callie (dog) to husband's parent's house for dinner, to try and socialize her a bit with more people and dogs. She's a little scrrrrred.
I said, "Great, since I had that awful popcorn chicken, I'll eat some healthy food at your mom's."
"Healthy, bland, un-salted food...yay," was husband's response. Aw.
I guess I'm horribly sensitive to the stuff because I had a fairly severe allergic reaction, one so strong I thought I had strep! (I've never had strep). As a precaution, I went to the doc today and he prescribed me some claritin and gave me some free nasal steroid spray, along with a $25 coupon and a script for it in case I like it, since I do tend to suffer from time to time with seasonal allergies and allergies from mold/mildew in my school.
I did not eat well yesterday. Get ready to laugh, cry, poke your eyes out, whatever...
B: Grape nuts, 1% organic milk, and I left my tea on the counter. Whoops.
S: I had a little OJ from the breakfast at work, and a couple of bites of a honeybun (yes, only a couple of bites. The thing was huge so I just cut off the very bottom)
L: Went to Moe's, had a burrito in a bowl (can't do the whole burrito thing...messy and it's way too much with the tortilla) and focused mainly on eating the beans, the steak, and the guacamole. I did have too many chips with queso. I drank iced tea.
S: Tea
D: Our "fun" meal for the week: Chicken fried steak (it's literally been at least 2 years since I've made it), mashed potatoes (at least made with 1% milk and not that much butter) green beans, and some gravy. I had a glass of wine with my dinner. It was pretty smooth and didn't seem to irritate my angry throat.
By the time dinner rolled around, I could barely talk and I was starting to get a runny nose. The throat thing had started about 2:30 and progressively got worse, and worse. Husband slept on the couch just in case.
So, yeah. Terrible food day. Today I've just had a blue coconut slush and some popcorn chicken from Sonic (it's 1:45 by the way, and I've been up since 6am) and I'm stuffed. I'm forcing some tea with lemon and honey right now for my throat. I can use my chloraseptic spray again soon (every two hours).
Now, I'm sure you're thinking, geez, Kelli. What the hell is wrong iwth you that you would react so violently to sepia toner? Well, let me tell you.
I get migraines from vanilla scented candles. Full-blown migraines.
My eyes swell shut if I am ever exposed to smoke from "funny cigarettes* (I have never smoked anything in my life. I'm pretty sure at this point it would kill me).
I got almost hilariously high off of primer while painting in my ventilated bedroom. I was higher than a kite and almost fell off the ladder.
Axe makes my face swell shut.
Most perfumes make me sneeze for hours, including aftershave.
I can't stand most detergents, body washes, soaps, or candles (I can take the ones from Glade, the white, green, and blue ones are it for me, though) and most plug-in smell-type things.
So, there you go. Maybe I was a drug dog in a past life. My sister is about as sensitive as I am.
My whole family is sensitive to things. One time, my dad bought laundry detergent on sale, a brand we had never bought. We all broke out in a rash, so my sister and I come across it humbly from both sides. My sister is also very sensitive to medications and sunscreen, and my mom and I suffer from psoriasis.
I feel like an old woman talking about her ailments. It's quite funny, though. Other than a slight intolerance for some dairy products on my end, none of us appear to have any food allergies (hallelujah!).
So, that's what's going on around here. I would love to go enjoy the warm-ish sunny day, but I'm kind of loopy from the meds. And exhausted from not sleeping.
We are taking Callie (dog) to husband's parent's house for dinner, to try and socialize her a bit with more people and dogs. She's a little scrrrrred.
I said, "Great, since I had that awful popcorn chicken, I'll eat some healthy food at your mom's."
"Healthy, bland, un-salted food...yay," was husband's response. Aw.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
I can't think of an interesting title...
Food for today:
B: Activia yogurt, 1/4 grape nuts mixed in, some grapes, and a little ginger tea
L: (never ate my snack) Same as yesterday
D: This frozen Bertolli meal (luckily those things come in 2 servings so no portioning to figure out) and sourdough bread.
DS: Weight watchers ice cream bar, I think.
Really have nothing of value to post today. Very, very boring day. Fine, but boring.
B: Activia yogurt, 1/4 grape nuts mixed in, some grapes, and a little ginger tea
L: (never ate my snack) Same as yesterday
D: This frozen Bertolli meal (luckily those things come in 2 servings so no portioning to figure out) and sourdough bread.
DS: Weight watchers ice cream bar, I think.
Really have nothing of value to post today. Very, very boring day. Fine, but boring.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Taco no bueno.
Okay, so here's my food for the day. FAIL.
B: Some sourdough and a poached egg, water
S: 2% cheese stick and some triscuits
L: Subway roasted chicken on 9grain honey oat w/cheddar, tomatoes, banana peppers, a little onion, and a little oil and vinegar, some chips, and iced tea
D: Taco Bueno--nachos and a Coke.
Now I feel like shit, I really do, after eating the Bueno. I will say that it was a sort of win for me, as normally I order the "combo" where you get a larger drink AND a soft taco. I just got a regular sized drink and the nachos and I feel overly stuffed. Again, though, not enough veggies. Not even close.
In my defense, I did walk the dog (Callie) for half an hour, and later I'm going out drinking a bit. Some friends just finished taking the Bar exam today, so we're celebrating. There's this place in OKC that serves a drink called a Lunchbox--beer, with OJ and a shot of amaretto that you are supposed to chug. I can't do that, I try. But I'm not opposed to having one!
So, here's to celebrating with friends, and actually feeling like going out with them. That's always a big step for me. I tend to be a homebody and am usually quite happy with that, but I really should see friends more often, at least for the sake of my sanity.
So, what did you eat today? Was it a win or a fail for you?
B: Some sourdough and a poached egg, water
S: 2% cheese stick and some triscuits
L: Subway roasted chicken on 9grain honey oat w/cheddar, tomatoes, banana peppers, a little onion, and a little oil and vinegar, some chips, and iced tea
D: Taco Bueno--nachos and a Coke.
Now I feel like shit, I really do, after eating the Bueno. I will say that it was a sort of win for me, as normally I order the "combo" where you get a larger drink AND a soft taco. I just got a regular sized drink and the nachos and I feel overly stuffed. Again, though, not enough veggies. Not even close.
In my defense, I did walk the dog (Callie) for half an hour, and later I'm going out drinking a bit. Some friends just finished taking the Bar exam today, so we're celebrating. There's this place in OKC that serves a drink called a Lunchbox--beer, with OJ and a shot of amaretto that you are supposed to chug. I can't do that, I try. But I'm not opposed to having one!
So, here's to celebrating with friends, and actually feeling like going out with them. That's always a big step for me. I tend to be a homebody and am usually quite happy with that, but I really should see friends more often, at least for the sake of my sanity.
So, what did you eat today? Was it a win or a fail for you?
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Pear schmear.
I ate my pears...or rather, 1/4 of one of them. The first pears I bought went bad before I got to them. So, I got some of the red pears. I don't think they were really ripe. Hard and crunchy, but almost too sweet for me.
I long for summer peaches. And blackberries.
Next up is papaya. I have some in a little cup in the fridge--a pineapple papaya mix. When they didn't have the fruit I wanted to try (mango) I had to improvise on the spot. I think I'm going to have to go to Buy For Less and check out their crazy produce section.
I spoke with my doctor today about my weight. I had blood drawn for thyroid testing, just in case. I am also going to use this blog to keep tabs on what I'm eating for the day. So, here's today:
B: 1 slice ww toast, 1 poached egg, green tea (plain, no honey)
S: Grapes
L: Lean Cuisine "spa" thing (it was meh) and an Activia (regular, not sugar-free...can't do artificial sweeteners anymore), water
S: large peanut butter cookie (wasn't the original plan)
D: Balsamic marinated baked chicken breast, roasted broccoli with parm and garlic, a little pasta roni for fun, and I got a lovely loaf of sourdough and made some bruschetta from that. Also water.
DS: 1/4 pear, water
So, obviously, need more veggies. Didn't drink enough water. That's always a hard one--can't always take pee breaks when you want when teaching!
I played in the backyard with our new dog (I'm going to call her Caliope for now, I think we've decided on it) and thought about going to the gym, but it was American Idol night. I'm also dead tired. Dealing with a dog has just added a whole layer of stuff to do in the morning. I do not want to get up any earlier than 5:45 just to deal with peeing her and playing after she's been in a crate all night. We'll see how all of this goes!
So, tomorrow I guess tune in to see what lovely meal I make. I think it will either be pork chops or asian marinated chicken.
I long for summer peaches. And blackberries.
Next up is papaya. I have some in a little cup in the fridge--a pineapple papaya mix. When they didn't have the fruit I wanted to try (mango) I had to improvise on the spot. I think I'm going to have to go to Buy For Less and check out their crazy produce section.
I spoke with my doctor today about my weight. I had blood drawn for thyroid testing, just in case. I am also going to use this blog to keep tabs on what I'm eating for the day. So, here's today:
B: 1 slice ww toast, 1 poached egg, green tea (plain, no honey)
S: Grapes
L: Lean Cuisine "spa" thing (it was meh) and an Activia (regular, not sugar-free...can't do artificial sweeteners anymore), water
S: large peanut butter cookie (wasn't the original plan)
D: Balsamic marinated baked chicken breast, roasted broccoli with parm and garlic, a little pasta roni for fun, and I got a lovely loaf of sourdough and made some bruschetta from that. Also water.
DS: 1/4 pear, water
So, obviously, need more veggies. Didn't drink enough water. That's always a hard one--can't always take pee breaks when you want when teaching!
I played in the backyard with our new dog (I'm going to call her Caliope for now, I think we've decided on it) and thought about going to the gym, but it was American Idol night. I'm also dead tired. Dealing with a dog has just added a whole layer of stuff to do in the morning. I do not want to get up any earlier than 5:45 just to deal with peeing her and playing after she's been in a crate all night. We'll see how all of this goes!
So, tomorrow I guess tune in to see what lovely meal I make. I think it will either be pork chops or asian marinated chicken.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
I saw a picture today
Of myself. Full body.
My other Firefox tab is currently opened to Weight Watchers. I've done it in the past and I lost a whopping 7 pounds. I can't even manage to lose more than 1 pound on my own.
That picture was motivation, though. No more soda. Avoiding fast food, lest I want my spare tire to grow. I swear, my home mirror has some sort of spell on it that doesn't allow me to see my body the way it really looks. Anyone else ever feel that way?
My other Firefox tab is currently opened to Weight Watchers. I've done it in the past and I lost a whopping 7 pounds. I can't even manage to lose more than 1 pound on my own.
That picture was motivation, though. No more soda. Avoiding fast food, lest I want my spare tire to grow. I swear, my home mirror has some sort of spell on it that doesn't allow me to see my body the way it really looks. Anyone else ever feel that way?
Monday, February 15, 2010
Played a little hooky today
Man, I was not feeling well earlier. I woke up at 12:30 when my husband came to bed and really fought the urge to throw up. You know how it feels...your body gets all hot and your mouth starts making more saliva. I hate throwing up more than anything else in this world, I think.
I went to work, thinking I was fine, then my stomach started hurting. Later I started feeling queasy so I left halfway through the day, came home and ate something (I was starving...probably didn't make the best choice in food but I didn't care), and crashed for about two hours while Speed was on. I had turned up the heat to nearly 70 (that's high around here) and slept with a sweatshirt, t-shirt, flannel pants and socks on! Stomach's still a bit gurgly, but I figured taking half of today will save me for tomorrow when I have a game to deal with.
I sort of feel bad about taking the time when I'm not actually spewing any fluids, but isn't there a saying about an ounce of prevention, blah blah blah? I'm banking on that right now.
It's weird being here when I feel like I should be doing something because I'm not *that* sick. Why is it that we get that way? Why do we feel so awful for taking time off work to let our bodies and minds heal? Why do we let ourselves feel like burdens on our fellow employees because we succumbed to a virus? It's stupid! At least I only left my subs to deal with two classes.
Perhaps I should get back into bed and watch some more Tony Bourdain.
I could even go back to sleep.
I went to work, thinking I was fine, then my stomach started hurting. Later I started feeling queasy so I left halfway through the day, came home and ate something (I was starving...probably didn't make the best choice in food but I didn't care), and crashed for about two hours while Speed was on. I had turned up the heat to nearly 70 (that's high around here) and slept with a sweatshirt, t-shirt, flannel pants and socks on! Stomach's still a bit gurgly, but I figured taking half of today will save me for tomorrow when I have a game to deal with.
I sort of feel bad about taking the time when I'm not actually spewing any fluids, but isn't there a saying about an ounce of prevention, blah blah blah? I'm banking on that right now.
It's weird being here when I feel like I should be doing something because I'm not *that* sick. Why is it that we get that way? Why do we feel so awful for taking time off work to let our bodies and minds heal? Why do we let ourselves feel like burdens on our fellow employees because we succumbed to a virus? It's stupid! At least I only left my subs to deal with two classes.
Perhaps I should get back into bed and watch some more Tony Bourdain.
I could even go back to sleep.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Time flies when you're having...fun?
Sorry I haven't been around. I just realized I haven't posted hardly at all. My fruit/veggie this week was supposed to be pears, but they went way too soft before I could eat them...Grr. Probably because the tomato I bought went bad, grew fuzz, and infected everything else in the non-refrigerated produce bowl I have. I will buy some pears again tomorrow and I'll double up my fruit veggie.
Things at work have been seriously blah. In high school, I was the nerdy kid (no surprise there) and the "popular" kids always tried to make me feel inferior. Well, now that's happening to my newspaper staff, the "nerdy" kids, by STUCO kids. My god, whoever said journalists have to always play nicey-nice? They don't. Especially in editorials. Some groups need to learn to handle constructive criticism without feeling the need to retaliate like little kids. It's a very long story, and I've talked to enough people that I am tired of sharing it. But, that is the long and short of it.
My school is also under fire. There are articles in local weekly papers about the dispute between the two schools sharing a building. I will decline to comment on any of it, except to say that it's ridiculous to drag our name through the mud in a lame appeal to the masses, because the masses don't decide anyone's fate in this matter.
I also haven't been home hardly this week. The house is a disaster...the cats evidently went on a puking rampage and I keep finding new spots; the kitchen is a mess, which is a complete mystery seeing as I haven't cooked since Monday night (!!!), and my bathroom is gross. I have no compulsion to clean today, however. I have a very sore neck from I don't know what and frankly, I just feel like complaining today, if that isn't already obvious. So, I think I'm going to play a lot of video games and avoid doing anything that requires me to turn my head to the left!
At least we won our basketball games. Everyone was very complimentary of the band. Some of the students seemed shocked at how good they are. Damn right, they're good. You'd know that if you ever came to a concert. They are MY band, and so they WILL be good. You don't have to tell me for me to know that, so why don't you tell them, instead?
Okay, I should just stop typing. I'm obviously not in the best of mindsets for this type of behavior. I will return upon finding a better mood!
Things at work have been seriously blah. In high school, I was the nerdy kid (no surprise there) and the "popular" kids always tried to make me feel inferior. Well, now that's happening to my newspaper staff, the "nerdy" kids, by STUCO kids. My god, whoever said journalists have to always play nicey-nice? They don't. Especially in editorials. Some groups need to learn to handle constructive criticism without feeling the need to retaliate like little kids. It's a very long story, and I've talked to enough people that I am tired of sharing it. But, that is the long and short of it.
My school is also under fire. There are articles in local weekly papers about the dispute between the two schools sharing a building. I will decline to comment on any of it, except to say that it's ridiculous to drag our name through the mud in a lame appeal to the masses, because the masses don't decide anyone's fate in this matter.
I also haven't been home hardly this week. The house is a disaster...the cats evidently went on a puking rampage and I keep finding new spots; the kitchen is a mess, which is a complete mystery seeing as I haven't cooked since Monday night (!!!), and my bathroom is gross. I have no compulsion to clean today, however. I have a very sore neck from I don't know what and frankly, I just feel like complaining today, if that isn't already obvious. So, I think I'm going to play a lot of video games and avoid doing anything that requires me to turn my head to the left!
At least we won our basketball games. Everyone was very complimentary of the band. Some of the students seemed shocked at how good they are. Damn right, they're good. You'd know that if you ever came to a concert. They are MY band, and so they WILL be good. You don't have to tell me for me to know that, so why don't you tell them, instead?
Okay, I should just stop typing. I'm obviously not in the best of mindsets for this type of behavior. I will return upon finding a better mood!
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Sabotage
Why do I self-sabotage? The first week of the 10 in 10 challenge has passed and I gained a friggin' pound. I drank way too much over the weekend. I ate too much. I ate too many cookies.
Blah.
I'm trying to get back on track. Yesterday, I just felt awful (blaming aunt flo); exhausted, started to get a migraine, probably the most drained I've felt in awhile. I actually closed my eyes while sitting in my car at an intersection...baaaaaaad idea. So, I didn't go to the gym. I thought, oh, I'll just go tomorrow. Eeeeeeeeeaaaaahhhhh wrong. Basketball game today. Basketball game on Friday. No time for the gym. I might be able to squeeze it in Wednesday, but I have after school lessons and an open house for friends. Thursday should be fine. Saturday is free. I have got to get there on weekends!!!
Oh, my veggie/fruit of the week is pears. I got 2 Bosc pears to try. Haven't gotten around to them yet--I'll letcha know. I hated pears as a kid.
Blah.
I'm trying to get back on track. Yesterday, I just felt awful (blaming aunt flo); exhausted, started to get a migraine, probably the most drained I've felt in awhile. I actually closed my eyes while sitting in my car at an intersection...baaaaaaad idea. So, I didn't go to the gym. I thought, oh, I'll just go tomorrow. Eeeeeeeeeaaaaahhhhh wrong. Basketball game today. Basketball game on Friday. No time for the gym. I might be able to squeeze it in Wednesday, but I have after school lessons and an open house for friends. Thursday should be fine. Saturday is free. I have got to get there on weekends!!!
Oh, my veggie/fruit of the week is pears. I got 2 Bosc pears to try. Haven't gotten around to them yet--I'll letcha know. I hated pears as a kid.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Alliteration = instant coolness
I love alliteration. I pink puffy sparkly heart it. So, in celebration of all things alliteration, I will have Wine on Wednesday.
Yup. Wine on Wednesday. Screw rule #20 (drink less wine). I've been doing better about drinking. I just dropped nearly 10 students' grades from an A to a D today because they failed to turn in an important rough draft. I deserve some wine with my hamburger tonight.
Ha.
Yup. Wine on Wednesday. Screw rule #20 (drink less wine). I've been doing better about drinking. I just dropped nearly 10 students' grades from an A to a D today because they failed to turn in an important rough draft. I deserve some wine with my hamburger tonight.
Ha.
10 in 10
The girls on my local Nest board posed a challenge of 10 pounds in 10 weeks. Instead of trying to look at the entire amount of weight I need to lose, 10 pounds at a time is MUCH more manageable. So, I joined them in their quest.
I get kind of oddly competitive about things, and sometimes need that competition as motivation, otherwise I won't do anything. I think it's safe to say that I'm being a lemming here, but in the end I'll be a healthier lemming!
I need to come up with some sort of treat for when I lose those 10 pounds. 10 weeks away is too far to get a massage...I desperately need one now! I don't want to buy clothes, as I would hope that my own would start fitting better. Ah, perhaps new gym shoes. There's something I really need.
10 pounds in 10 weeks for new gym shoes. Watch out, folks, it just. Got. Interesting.
I get kind of oddly competitive about things, and sometimes need that competition as motivation, otherwise I won't do anything. I think it's safe to say that I'm being a lemming here, but in the end I'll be a healthier lemming!
I need to come up with some sort of treat for when I lose those 10 pounds. 10 weeks away is too far to get a massage...I desperately need one now! I don't want to buy clothes, as I would hope that my own would start fitting better. Ah, perhaps new gym shoes. There's something I really need.
10 pounds in 10 weeks for new gym shoes. Watch out, folks, it just. Got. Interesting.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Workin' the rules
Today, I:
Went to the gym (rule #2)
Am in the process of changing something to give me more time to myself not as a teacher (rules #7 and 8)
Flew by the seat of my pants a little (rule #1)
Ate at home (Rule #17)
I'm doing all right today :)
Spent 45 minutes on the elliptical doing intervals after work. Making kabobs and brown rice (lean steak, peppers, onions, zucchini). Feeling good.
Went to the gym (rule #2)
Am in the process of changing something to give me more time to myself not as a teacher (rules #7 and 8)
Flew by the seat of my pants a little (rule #1)
Ate at home (Rule #17)
I'm doing all right today :)
Spent 45 minutes on the elliptical doing intervals after work. Making kabobs and brown rice (lean steak, peppers, onions, zucchini). Feeling good.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Chicken and Dumplings
Neely style.
I got my "new recipe of the month" out of the way on the first day of the month and I didn't even realize what I was doing until I was halfway done!
It's been very dreary, what with the freezing fog and ice, and clouds...and being here at home for DAYS. I'm find with being here, though, because then I can really try new things in the kitchen without feeling rushed! I also made Heath bar cookies using the "Best Big Fat Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie" recipe, subbing Heath bar bits (in your baking aisle) for the chocolate chips. Gotta be spontaneous. Flying by the seat of my pants (rule #1, dontchaknow).
Now, of course I made a few changes. Having leftover roasted chicken in the fridge meant I didn't have to poach a chicken. I also bought some stock (Swanson's stock ain't bad, yo) since I wasn't going to be poaching the chicken. The dumpling dough seemed just a teensy bit dry, and I couldn't buy a small container of heavy cream at the store because they were out (I really can't come up with enough uses for the BIG GIGANTIC sized heavy cream cartons!) so I got half and half. I'm assuming it subbed fine as I wouldn't know otherwise! I just splashed in a little more half and half to the dough. Maybe a little too much as they got very sticky, like drop-biscuit dough...which is essentially what they are, anyway.
So, all that lead-in and here's the recipe!
Source: Food Network dot com
Neely's Chicken and Dumplings (Down Home with the Neelys)
Ingredients
* 1 whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces
* 6 cups chicken broth
* 1/2 bunch thyme
* 1 bay leaf
Dumplings:
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper
* 1 tablespoon baking powder
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 2 tablespoons salted butter
* 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley leaves
* 1 teaspoon finely chopped thyme leaves
* 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
* 2 ribs celery, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
* 3 cloves finely chopped garlic
Directions
In a very large saucepan or Dutch oven, add chicken, chicken broth, thyme, and bay leaf to cover. Turn on heat to low and let simmer for 20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through. *Cook's Note: You'll want to poach the chicken on a low simmer and start with cold stock so the chicken cooks evenly.
Once the chicken is cooked, transfer to a 13 by 9-inch casserole dish and let cool. Reserve broth and discard the thyme and bay leaf. When chicken has cooled, shred. Use your hands or a fork and make sure to get all the meat off the bone. Discard the skin and bones.
Dumplings:
Add flour, salt and pepper, to taste, and baking powder to a large bowl and whisk together. In a small saucepan, bring heavy cream, butter and herbs to a low simmer then add to the dry ingredients. Stir with a rubber spatula until combined. Using your hands, form dough into dumplings.
Heat a large Dutch oven over medium heat and add oil. Once oil is hot, add onions, carrots, celery and garlic. Saute until soft, 3 to 4 minutes. Add reserved broth to Dutch oven with vegetables and add the chicken. Bring to a low simmer. Add dumplings 1 at a time into the simmering soup. Cover pan with a lid and cook for 25 minutes. Add salt and pepper, to taste, if necessary.
Perfect winter comfort food :)
I got my "new recipe of the month" out of the way on the first day of the month and I didn't even realize what I was doing until I was halfway done!
It's been very dreary, what with the freezing fog and ice, and clouds...and being here at home for DAYS. I'm find with being here, though, because then I can really try new things in the kitchen without feeling rushed! I also made Heath bar cookies using the "Best Big Fat Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie" recipe, subbing Heath bar bits (in your baking aisle) for the chocolate chips. Gotta be spontaneous. Flying by the seat of my pants (rule #1, dontchaknow).
Now, of course I made a few changes. Having leftover roasted chicken in the fridge meant I didn't have to poach a chicken. I also bought some stock (Swanson's stock ain't bad, yo) since I wasn't going to be poaching the chicken. The dumpling dough seemed just a teensy bit dry, and I couldn't buy a small container of heavy cream at the store because they were out (I really can't come up with enough uses for the BIG GIGANTIC sized heavy cream cartons!) so I got half and half. I'm assuming it subbed fine as I wouldn't know otherwise! I just splashed in a little more half and half to the dough. Maybe a little too much as they got very sticky, like drop-biscuit dough...which is essentially what they are, anyway.
So, all that lead-in and here's the recipe!
Source: Food Network dot com
Neely's Chicken and Dumplings (Down Home with the Neelys)
Ingredients
* 1 whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces
* 6 cups chicken broth
* 1/2 bunch thyme
* 1 bay leaf
Dumplings:
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper
* 1 tablespoon baking powder
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 2 tablespoons salted butter
* 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley leaves
* 1 teaspoon finely chopped thyme leaves
* 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
* 2 ribs celery, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
* 3 cloves finely chopped garlic
Directions
In a very large saucepan or Dutch oven, add chicken, chicken broth, thyme, and bay leaf to cover. Turn on heat to low and let simmer for 20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through. *Cook's Note: You'll want to poach the chicken on a low simmer and start with cold stock so the chicken cooks evenly.
Once the chicken is cooked, transfer to a 13 by 9-inch casserole dish and let cool. Reserve broth and discard the thyme and bay leaf. When chicken has cooled, shred. Use your hands or a fork and make sure to get all the meat off the bone. Discard the skin and bones.
Dumplings:
Add flour, salt and pepper, to taste, and baking powder to a large bowl and whisk together. In a small saucepan, bring heavy cream, butter and herbs to a low simmer then add to the dry ingredients. Stir with a rubber spatula until combined. Using your hands, form dough into dumplings.
Heat a large Dutch oven over medium heat and add oil. Once oil is hot, add onions, carrots, celery and garlic. Saute until soft, 3 to 4 minutes. Add reserved broth to Dutch oven with vegetables and add the chicken. Bring to a low simmer. Add dumplings 1 at a time into the simmering soup. Cover pan with a lid and cook for 25 minutes. Add salt and pepper, to taste, if necessary.
Perfect winter comfort food :)
I'm a bad teacher...
All this time at home has really made me realize just how much I enjoy being home. I've always had all these aspirations and they have always been work-related. I'm in the middle (well, I'm 1/3 through) of getting my Master's in music ed. But not having the stress of work weighing down on me allows me to be the person I feel I really am. There's always something going wrong at school; either a yearbook submission was screwed up, band kids are ineligible, drama gets started between teachers, administrators go on a tear about whatever it is they go on tears about...and all of those things just weigh me down and make me an unhappy person.
Maybe it's just been a hard year. But it sure is hard to want to go back when Anchovy is literally pulling me over with his paw so he can forehead-bump me and give me kisses. And yes, he's a cat. It's also hard when I can take the time to make a really nice meal for myself and my husband. I can take care of my home...
Do I have to go back tomorrow?
Maybe it's just been a hard year. But it sure is hard to want to go back when Anchovy is literally pulling me over with his paw so he can forehead-bump me and give me kisses. And yes, he's a cat. It's also hard when I can take the time to make a really nice meal for myself and my husband. I can take care of my home...
Do I have to go back tomorrow?
Why can't I have a waffle of the week?
We had Julia Child's (well, an easier version but close) roasted chicken, parslied red potatoes, and buttered baby brussels sprouts for dinner last night. The sprouts were ok. I think I have finally found a vegetable that I can make for my husband once in awhile and not hate it! I would like to get my hands on some fresh ones and either saute or roast them. I've gotten some interesting recipes for them but I wasn't feeling inspired this week by the frozen selection at my neighborhood grocery.
I was watching Throwdown with Bobby Flay last night. His assignment was Belgian Waffles. Turns out, there's no such thing. They are really called Brussels Wafels and then there's this Liege Wafel that is made with yeast and pearl sugar and it's supposed to be chewy and amazing.
Why didn't I choose that as one of my 30 goals? Try a pastry from every country that has pastries. That would either require me to seriously ramp up my baking skills or do some serious searching in the 405 to find all that! Maybe the veggies and fruits really are a better deal.
I'm posting to you at 9 on a Monday morning because, yet again, no school. Some people get really upset over that! I'm kind of whatever about it...I don't get any time off between the end of school and the start of summer grad classes, except the weekend, so it doesn't really matter to me as long as it doesn't run over into June. I'm going to try and use this time productively, since I used the last four days mostly lounging!
I will try and upload some pictures of the ice. I'm still kind of new at the whole placement of photos.
I think I will also post a picture of my favorite citrus fruit: the tangelo. I have a bunch in the kitchen. Stay tuned!
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