ruminations
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january resolutions kept
Confession: the peach cobbler remains elusive.
It doesn’t mean I don’t want to have it, or that I’m not excited to try to make it. It does mean that the prospect of peeling and slicing 12 peaches when I’m getting home at 9pm most nights just doesn’t feel appealing (pun unintended, but I giggled at it anyway).
The past two nights I succeeded in making cookies and enchiladas, and I’m feeling pretty content with my efforts for October thus far. Up next ~ learning how to cook authentic beef & broccoli (and finally making peach cobbler so there’s a dessert for after dinner!).
What I haven’t been completely happy with is my exercise routine.
It doesn’t help that I haven’t been able to fall asleep the past few nights (which means less sleep than normal) and I’ve been staying at work later to try to catch up on stuff (I actually filed paperwork today for the first time since July!!!) plus doing some cooking in the evening leaves very little time for working out.
As I pep-talked my way through getting changed into work-out gear and popping Pure Cardio into the DVD player, I began to think a lot about why I would … well, for lack of a better word, force myself into working out tonight, when all I really wanted to do was put on sweatpants, make some TJ’s treats, and cuddle up on the couch to catch up on my DVR list.
The answer goes back aways.
The thing is, I’ve never been super good at working out consistently, or eating well consistently. I’ve always just done whatever felt good at the time, and then done ‘exercise binges’ ~ a four month or six month stint when I get into a work-out routine … and then something comes along and all of a sudden six months have gone by and I haven’t even lifted a finger in an active way.
I attribute part of this to working as a waitress for such a long time. As an FYI to non-restaurant people, being on your feet, carrying trays, cleaning tables, etc etc etc, is pretty good, steady exercise. It’s definitely an adjustment to transition into working at a desk for 10 hours a day. But … at first, you don’t realize it. And you don’t realize that you need to “make up” that exercise some other way.
The man and I made a pact this year that we would try to be more healthy. We’ve lived together for over two years now, and after the first few months of settling in, and then about a year of me figuring out how to grocery shop and make food, we’re now making lifestyle changes steadily.
Working out is a big part of that. We joined the new gym that opened across the street in July. I’d like to say we go every day, but that would be a bold-faced lie. We try to go to the gym at least three times a week. We also enjoy taking long walks through the neighborhoods near our home. Even after a bad day, or a long day …. actually, let me re-phrase that. Especially after a long day of work, it’s almost a relief to put sneaks on, and start walking. The man jokes that it takes him the first ten to fifteen minutes to start enjoying himself, but I completely agree. Sometimes, I’ll be ready to go, and the first few steps down the driveway make me want to turn around. An hour and half later, I could keep on walking! I think it also helps a ton with our mental health. Walking allows us to communicate without the distractions of television or the Internet. Or phones. It’s just me and the man and our thoughts and daydreams.
I think the other part of it is that as I’ve gotten older, I’ve started to be more aware of my body and my health. Some examples: I love wine (love. wine.). I hate hate hate being hung over. For a lot of reasons, but the top two are, I don’t like feeling that physically terrible, and it usually means you lose an entire day that you could otherwise be doing something else (something fun).
Sleeping is better when I work out. I physically feel better; I’m not as anxious, angry, tense or stressed out when I work out. I feel as though I’m taking care of myself. And that’s a really great feeling.
As I did my third Shaun T. workout today, in my third cycle of ‘Insanity,’ I could feel that my body is in better shape. The work-outs are challenging, and I’m still dripping with sweat at the end, but I’m much better at keeping up, and doing the moves correctly. When the man and I made our pact in January (and we downloaded calorie-counting apps, and moved an old stationary bike in the living room) I thought in the back of my mind that it would be like most January resolutions. I’d be gun-hoe about it for about six weeks, and then forget.
But I stuck with it this time. I’m not fanatical. I don’t beat myself up too hard if I only work out once a week (but I do try to be better the next week, and that’s really all a person can do ~ try to keep improving). I don’t get stressed out because I ate two brownies. At nine a.m. Because I was hungry and didn’t feel like cooking.
I’ve realized that I’ve made a lot of progress. I’m more active. We eat much more balanced meals that we used to. We’re better at preparing food for a week and having veggies every day. We drink in moderation (and we enjoy it ~ I knew that trying to give everything up would just make me resentful. So we did all this and kept the things we love ~ wine, vodka for the man, chai tea lattes from Starbucks for me ~ you get the point). We take walks together, and work the stress and angst out of our systems. We don’t eat after we get full (this is a lot harder to get in the habit of doing, but once you start, you realize that you probably eat a lot more than you need to … or maybe I should change the pronoun from “you” to “I” ~ either way, same point). It’s easier to see the progress now that I can look back over nine months and analyze everything. It was harder sometimes to keep being disciplined in the thick of it all.
Reading other people’s blogs helped, and kept me motivated, which is a great thing. This whole blogging thing is great ~ even if no one reads it, and it’s just me finally writing again after years of picking up a pen and paper and having no motivation to put anything down ~ that in and of itself makes it worth it.
I don’t look like I lost a lot of weight ~ but I have made steady progress. And I’ve slimmed down. All I can do now is keep focusing on living well: exercising, and eating right, and getting enough sleep (which you never need to twist my arm about ~ I love me some sleep!).
So tonight, when I was tired, and my neck hurt because I’d (probably) slept funny last night, and all I wanted to do was be a bum … instead, I pulled on my work-out duds (which I smartly keep in one drawer ~ a one-stop shop so I don’t lose focus half-way through!) and put the DVD in, and before I could talk myself out of it, I was jogging in place, and doing all sorts of crazy moves that Shaun T is excited about … and now- I am, too.
cravings….
When I used to crave a certain type of food, I would immediately google the restaurants in the area (or head directly to an old favorite). I still have fond memories of eating at Chi-Chis (yes, I am going to own up to that, even after the green onion debacle). A little part of my heart broke when it went out of business, because when it comes to Mexi-American food (I’ve gotta be real and admit that we Americanize all cuisines … just like they do to ours in foreign countries! Micky D’s in London, anyone? No thank you!), it was my favorite.
I’m gonna guess that you’ve picked up on my recent longing for Mexican.
So, the thing is, I love Mexican food. Even though I don’t love spicy food, I love the cheesy, carbohydrate-laden cuisine that wraps delicious amalgamations of ingredients (no need to be specific! just enjoy!) in a fluffy flour tortilla. Mmmmm.
When I was younger, I’m pretty sure I had fajita night for my birthday five years in a row (this followed my lasagna obsession and my roast chicken obsession ….fun fact: neither of which I have ever cooked).
My dad’s mom lived with us for most of my life, and she would ask every year what my brother and I wanted for our birthday dinners. One year, she made my father lobster tails with drawn butter ~ another year Delmonico steaks au poivre. My grandmother was an amazing cook. She made everything, and she made the most delicious, succulent, flavorful version of it you’d ever had. A lot of my interest in cooking now comes from the deep sense of missing her I feel on a daily basis.
But … this isn’t a sad post! It’s about my triumphant meander down Mexican Cuisine Lane. I masterfully suggested making enchiladas to new mama & papa J&J for WeHangsDay. And so this evening, I set to work and made a version of Rachael Ray’s Homemade Chicken Enchiladas.
It was a big hit. Both J&J had thirds. (And me, too!) Yes, thirds. That’s what comes after seconds. Hehe!
What you need:
6 Flour tortillas
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (on the large side if possible)
3 cups chicken bouillon
1 24oz jar of Tomato Sauce (I used a Tomato Basil flavor and it was yummers)
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp chili powder (used separately in 1 tsp increments)
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 bag (approx 2 cups) shredded cheddar cheese
What to do:
1. In a medium skillet over high heat, bring bouillon to a bubble. Add chicken breasts, bring back to a bubble, cover and lower to medium heat. Allow chicken to poach (approximately 10 minutes). When cooked, remove chicken and allow to cool; preserve boullion.
2. While the chicken is poaching, combine the tomato sauce, 1 tsp chili powder, cinnamon and cayenne pepper in saucepan over medium heat. Bring to simmer and then reduce to low heat. Keep warm.
3. Shred cooled chicken with two forks or fingers. (I thought fingers would be easier, but what do I know? Turns out shredding semi-hot chicken is much easier when done wielding forks).
4. In a bowl, combine shredded chicken, 1 cup boullion, 1 tsp chili powder and tomato paste. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Pour half of the enchilada sauce into a casserole dish. Lay out tortillas and evenly distribute chicken mixture. Roll carefully, and place in casserole dish. Pour the remainder of the enchilada sauce on top. Add all the cheese on the very top, and put in over under the broiler for 5-8 minutes, or until the level of cheesy melted-ness meets your approval.
Serve.
Oy. I thought I would have some to take for lunch tomorrow, but nope. We practically licked the dish clean. The cinnamon adds a depth to the flavors, and is a great compliment to the cayenne pepper. Soooooo good. As the new dad said ~ “Gwyn, you can make this any time. ” Pause. “No. Seriously.”
by request
A few weeks ago, I off-handedly mentioned that I might bring extra baked goods in when I go on a baking bender, because having them at home is dangerous for a girl who is trying to watch her weight.
Today, I was totally called out.
I brought in some pumpkin muffins last week, but most of the baked goods journeyed west with the man and his pops. So when this was brought to my attention today, I asked what would be appreciated.
The first choice was chocolate chip cookies. But I wanted to make something a little different. So I combined the healthy information I received in one of my daily email newsletters (eight foods you should eat everyday, which included oatmeal) and I made oatmeal chocolate chip cookies.
It might sound odd, but after acquiring mums for the front step (delightful off-white and decadent maroon courtesy of my lovely mum), and new delicious Glade Apple & Cinnamon candles (my absolute favorite), the smell of oatmeal and cinnamon and apple make fall feel completely official.
Join in the fun and enjoy some almost healthy (haha! it’s just the oatmeal!) Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies.
What you need:
1/2 cup (1 stick) + 6 tablespoons butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar (firmly packed)
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional ~ and this time, I opted IN!)
3 cups old-fashioned oats
1 cup chocolate chips (I used the mini kind, because that’s what I had in the house!)
What to do:
Preheat oven to 350.
1. Beat butter, sugar and brown sugar together until smooth and creamy. (I did this by hand, but recipe I used implied that you should use a mixer on medium speed).
2. Add eggs and vanilla and mix until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Once combined, add to the butter mixture and mix well.
4. Stir in oats and chocolate chips.
5. Using a small spoon, scoop dough onto cookie sheet (I fit twelve on a sheet). Press the center of the ball with the back of the spoon to flatten it and give it shape.
6. Bake for approximately 10 minutes. The edges will be browning, although the center may look as though it’s not finished yet. Remove from oven and leave on cookie sheet for about a minute (the cookies are still cooking!). After a minute, move onto cooling rack. If you’re nervous, poke the cookies with a toothpick ~ I like my cookies to be soft, so I just took the plunge and pulled them when the edges got brown.
Enjoy with a big glass of milk!
heartache
I woke up snuggled in bed, a distinct chill in the air, and I was both excited about the fall, and all the wonderful things it holds, but also mournful of the season that has passed ~ cold drinks on the patio, the warm heat of the sun, sweet corn, heirloom tomatoes, barbeques …. Ah well. Adieu ’til next year!
Despite wanting to have a low key weekend (I think of it as a battery recharge for the five days of work that wear me out completely) this one seemed to be jam-packed with things to do. Today, after a yum breakfast courtesy of my lovely Mama, we went over to the storage unit to assess the workload necessary to clear it out of extraneous… stuff (I’ll refrain from saying ‘junk’ because it probably isn’t junk … but it has been in storage for years, so I don’t think one could call it necessary). It’s amazing the amount of stuff I thought I’d lost, but it has been sealed up in boxes instead! Very exciting stuff ~ and probably a lot of work for an upcoming weekend.
Then, I watched the Steelers’ painful loss to the Texans with my father. No matter how much I try to be calm and collected, watching them this season (and with total honesty, the end of last season) is absolutely gut-wrenching. Where is the fire? And ~ say it with me Steeler Nation ~ where is our Offensive Line? Ugh. Not to mention the salt in the wound reading the news ribbon the rest of the day stating that Ben boarded the plane on crutches and a boot on his foot. For me, being a fan is deep-seeded. The Steelers are part of who I am. No matter what happens this season, or any other, I will always love them beyond what is considered normal. I have to have faith that they will figure this out and triumph as well. But I’d like to think it won’t take until we’re 7-5 to find the fire.
Today also launched my third go-round with Shaun T and Insanity. For some reason, those work outs work better for me than anything else. I’m disciplined about it, and I find it challenging, so I keep up on it. I was thrilled beyond belief that Workout #1 (Plyometric Cardio Circuit) was challenging, but not impossible (as it was the first and second time). Yippee!! I still think the man is crazy, but clearly, also very motivating.
On the food front, the peach cobbler has remained illusive thus far, but fingers crossed, it’s baking away happily tomorrow night. Monday is coming again …. and this girl must get some shut eye before the rat race begins.
happy birthday!
Welcome to the world Parker Olivia – we have all been anxiously awaiting your arrival & you did not disappoint. You are breath-takingly gorgeous and I know you will be spoiled rotten by all who love you.
Me included.
Love, Auntie Gwyn
Hunting Trip Eve
You know how there are those days, when you’re counting minutes (possibly seconds) until you can get home and put sweatpants on?
That was definitely my day today.
It’s the man’s last night before his Western adventure, so our apartment is a mess of hunting equipment, food, flashlights, blankets, and every possible odd or end that you could imagine needing to drive 30 hours across the country to hunt for two weeks.
Couple thoughts before I head into the kitchen to make some peach cobbler … oh, and dinner (lox and bagels, which is ironically appropriate considering today is Rosh Hashanah ~ altho’ the sun is down now, so technically, I believe the holiday is over ….? Chime in anyone!).
1. The kale is WAY better fresh than a day old, but still eminently edible.
2. I think that brownies are not my forte ~ I need Angie for brownies. But my batch from last night are good. Just not epic.
3. I haven’t tried the pumpkin roll, but it still looks good in the fridge. (!)
Also, the new season of TV is almost completely launched (save for some October debuts, such as Tim Allen’s ‘Last Man Standing’ ~). I’m surprised at what I liked and what I didn’t like. But my final word is, “The Good Wife” is still the best thing going on. Perhaps more on this later ~ for now, I’ve gotta eat some food!
Happy Thursday everyone. And Happy New Year!
whew!
Today has been a little crazy.
The restaurant launched a new menu (and several dishes hadn’t even been seen until today … which always keeps it interesting!).
More twists and turns in the great Out West Adventure for the man and his pa ~ so we hustled over to AutoZone after work to get a diagnosis for the truck, then to Kohls for some essentials (okay, okay, I got a few new pairs of earrings … but I haven’t gotten new earrings in YEARS, so I don’t feel so bad ….), and then to the grocery store to stock up on munchies for the man’s long drive, and odds and ends for my baking extravaganza this evening.
Have you ever had one of those shopping lists that is totally random, but you’re legitimately out of things? Some of the things on mine …. grated Parmesan, dishwasher pellets (yes, we’re those kind of people), bleach, shower gel and vitamin C tablets (the man, who NEVER gets sick, is feeling under the weather … my diagnosis? Imminent vacation ….).
As the clock ticks slowly (rapidly?!?) toward midnight -and my house fills with smoke because I forgot about the kale chips baking away on the bottom shelf and just rescued them- I’m feeling content with my accomplishments.
Someone once told me that their biggest irritation with me was that I never followed through with things. And that was true about some of my “life choices” in my early twenties (I started grad school for teaching, I was gonna do real estate … you get the idea). But the criticism has stuck with me ( I have an elephant’s memory, which is a blessing and a curse) so when I say I’m going to do something, I like it when I actually do it! So …. this evening’s culinary adventures (which will be duly photographically documented when I have a minute to figure out what the problem is with uploading) ….
1. Pumpkin Roll (it’s cooling in the fridge, so the verdict is still out, but when the pics go up, the verdict will be in, and I’ll share … it’s the man’s dad’s fav, so I hope it’s at least okay!)
2. Kale Chips (This was something I wanted to try, & every recipe said the end result was amazing … I didn’t believe it but had to try it anyway … and ~ the end result was legit amazing … altho’ the man wasn’t over the moon … but this may have had to do with the blue smoke billowing in the house and the crispy edged kale chips that instigated it).
3. Brownies, Version #2 (the man and his dad need some sweets for the trip!).
So, it’s been sort of a crazy Wednesday. I”m ready for b.e.d. now.
the search for a jersey
Ladies and gentlemen, I cannot tell a lie. These past few weeks have been hectic for me, and while trying to balance long days, intense work requirements and a bundle of social commitments (this girl just can’t say no!), my blog has been woefully neglected. It doesn’t mean I’m not cooking … but it does mean that my time management skills have been pushed to the max.
I’m hoping between the Giants game this afternoon, and the Steelers SNF game tonight, I can finally do some baking, and (dare I say it?) some cooking! Thoughts from readers on this ~ I feel like people fall into two categories: either you’re a baker, or a cook, but rarely do people do both with passion. I love baking, but at the end of the day, I like making savory meals (and creating beautiful presentations) much more. Do you think that people fall on either side of the line, or do you think people do both? More on this later!
Today, we finally ordered jerseys online (something we have been discussing with much enthusiasm since … well, I’d say mid-July, but as early as the end of last season). Choosing a jersey, if you’ve never done it, is quite a commitment. A lot of factors come into it. What player do you like the most? What player represents your franchise best? What player is committed to your franchise?
I own three Steelers jerseys. My first was Hines Ward, #86, a Christmas present from my parents (that I strategically asked and lobbied for through my brother and his fraternity brothers). I still wear this one the most. (I have it on right now). My second and third were also both presents: Troy Polamalu #43 ( & IMHO one of the best free safeties playing the game right now), and a customized throw-back jersey with my last name and favorite number (#12). Twelve also happens to be Terry Bradshaw’s number ~ the Steelers QB from the ’70s who won four Super Bowls with Pittsburgh.
The man has had less luck with his jerseys (a few of his jerseys are players who are no longer Giants, and that’s a bummer, because they are really nice, stitched jerseys). He’s been wanting a new jersey for awhile, but with budgets, and a thousand other things going on, it kept getting pushed back. As of today, a blue New York Giants jersey has his name on it (not literally … figuratively, as in, it’s his), and should be coming our way via the United States Postal Service in (we hope) a timely fashion.
It went down to the wire, as he hemmed and hawed, and debated the pros of each of the players he was contemplating (a throwback Bavaro, a retired great Strahan, or one of the current players Bradshaw, Jacobs, or Nicks). He’d made his mind up over the summer that if Kevin Boss remained a Giant, that was the jersey he was going for … but unfortunately, Kevin Boss left the Giants to go play for the Raiders. (Boo. And ps. Boo to the Giants for letting him go).
The man had different prerequisites than me, and his final choice of Brandon Jacobs (my fav Giant … hey, I watch them every week, so I’m bound to have a favorite!) reflects his thoughts on what makes a Giant player worth wearing. While Nicks may go down in the history books as one of, if not the best, Giants wide receiver in franchise history, my man doesn’t wear receivers. He doesn’t go for flash. He goes for the guys who sweat it out yard by yard. And after today’s beautiful touchdown by Jacobs, I think he’s quite pleased with his choice.
I may have mentioned this, but we really love football.
On another note, pumpkin bread and muffins are cooking in the oven right now ~ watch this space for the recipe. The man and his pops leave at the end of the week for their hunting adventure, and I’m trying to bake them some snacks to take along for the ride!
believe the hype
Just a quick check-in to let you know that if you haven’t had Honey Crisp apples, and someone recommends them (and then weirdly, you notice them everywhere … ), go immediately to the store and buy some.
This is definitely an instance where you should absolutely buy into the hype.
I was skeptical. Clearly.
I saw the piles upon piles featured in the produce section Monday, and hemmed and hawed (while frantically looking for Polenta) about whether to buy some. I’m a die-hard Granny Smith fan ~ when I eat apples at all (which, to be honest, can be rare … apples are a lot of work when you’re not comfortable just biting it and gnawing it down to the core-which I’m not). I like apples that have a little bite to them ~ apples that when cooked with, maintain some texture and flavor.
In the end, I figured even if I didn’t love them, John would enjoy having some apples for lunch. And yesterday, along with polenta leftovers, he packed us each an apple for lunch.
Mine sat untouched on my desk all day, and when I finally ran out of the office in a fluster at 6.45pm, I glanced at it and felt a wave of guilt for once again failing to eat my fruit. (Shamefully enough, this was not the first time I brought an apple to work with good intentions … ).
This morning, I didn’t bring lunch (we’re menu testing so I figured I’d grab food at the restaurant) and I was also (this is a true tragedy) out of Cheerios for the second day in a row. Such a disappointment. So at 10am, I looked forlornly at the clock, realized lunch was too far away, that the dregs of my Starbucks would not suffice for another three hours, and I turned to face the apple.
And here’s my conclusion ~ short and sweet. Believe the hype, and enjoy some Honey Crisp apples while they’re on the shelves. Cheers to Fall!
Easy peesy Jalepeno Poppers
Okay, so I’m dead tired, and it’s already past my bedtime (the Giants are winning, so the man is in a good mood, but boy oh boy, this is the longest game … ever!).
Tonight did not go as smoothly as I hoped.
First, the grocery store was not only still out of pumpkin puree (not totally unexpected, but disappointing nonetheless) but also out of polenta! Basic question ~ how does one make MNF Polenta without … polenta?!?! John and I had to visit our least favorite place … the other grocery store. You know what I’m talking about. The store you checked out once upon a time and deemed lacking in all areas before choosing your current, amazing grocery store (which did, in fact, drop the ball today… but let’s not focus on that!).
This followed us getting out of the city late, every person in Philadelphia driving like they just got their learner’s permit, and various other road blocks that, if I were a suspicious person, would have made me go “Hmmmm…..”.
This will be short & sweet, with pics to come later.
This past Christmas Eve I visited with my Italian side of the family, and they served this dish. I loved it so much, I recreated it for the man and my New Year’s Eve celebration (we’re pretty low key, but it was a great day/night).
Jalapeno Poppers
What you need:
10 – 12 small, firm jalapeno peppers
1 160z package of Philadelphia Cream Cheese (or comparable)
1/2 package of bacon (I literally cut a package of bacon in half, and wrap and freeze the other half)
What to do:
Preheat oven to 325.
1. Cut the peppers in half longway ( I cut the top off first, and then cut them in half). Clean out the seeds and interior, and wash in the sink.
2. Fill pepper halves with cream cheese.
3. Wrap in bacon. Arrange on cookie sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until bacon cooks. (I never seem to have toothpicks that do that trick, but you can secure the bacon in place with a toothpick or spear of some sort … altho’ it’s not necessarily necessary).
4. Serve!
Just so you know, these are addictive. So if you’re cooking them, snag one before putting them out for people. I also made them for the Super Bowl this past year, and when I finally got to the food table, only 4 were left. I think of this as a huge triumph (rather than an epic disappointment) -I like contributing food people eat!
D5 Creation