Week 2 Friday (1/17/14)

Recipe Review

Today’s Recipe and Location:  Chicken and Noodles

Found in: The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Food From my Frontier

Pages  82 - 83    Copyright:  2012  Harper Collins

I figured out that there are 486 calories per serving (if 8 servings are made)

(Please note that the calorie counts vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients that you choose to use.)

         This recipe was really easy to make and would probably be best served in the dead of Illinois winter.

         I had mixed feelings about this recipe.  It was definitely a filling comfort food.  It was warm and thick and it didn’t take long before I couldn’t eat another bite. I am not a real fan of the extra thick noodles.  I definitely needed to add additional salt.  I think I would make it again but substitute regular pasta. I think it would be great served with crusty bread such as a flavorful focaccia. I did freeze two servings and had it at a later time.  I actually liked it better after it was frozen.  Who knows? 

Today’s critics:  The Lehman and Serpico Families

         Brandy Lehman  - “The words hearty and comfortable come to mind. I had to add a generous amount of salt and pepper to mine, but Cory did not. The noodles - did you make those from scratch? Awesome! Delish and two thumbs up!”

(Brandy, I can’t take credit for the noodles – they are frozen thick noodles from a company called Reames)

         The Serpico family:  “We all liked the soup.  Marisa liked it so much she even had it the next day.”

Why Weight?

         I hate to admit it but these days I actually feel like I must exercise four to five days a week.  I physically feel better, and my knees and ankles are happier.   The weight loss has been consistent because of counting calories and exercising!  Curves is a place I strongly suggest for every woman…and it’s only for women – no meat market for this girl.

         For those of you unaware, Curves has a series of about 15 machines that alternate with 15 padded relief boards.  You spend 30 seconds on each one and go around the circuit twice. It is 30 minutes of both types of exercise.  I usually run on the relief boards to insure that I get my daily cardio in each day.

         I am one of the more talkative members. (I am sure you are all shocked) because it helps me forget I am actually exercising.  Thank Heavens I am not the only talker. There are the seriously focused members that I respect and try not to distract but many of us do a better job when we chit chat.  The people who work and attend Curves are one of the secrets to my success. We are all there for a purpose and enjoy each other’s company.  Yeah Curves! 

Fabulous “Family” Food

Susan Kunzelman’s Chili Cheese Bites

8 Tablespoons butter, melted

10 eggs, beaten

½ cup flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

dash of salt

2 (4 oz.) cans chopped green chilies

2 cups small curd cottage cheese

4 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheddar cheese

Frito scoops to serve

Directions:  Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

         Add ingredients in order and combine as you go.   When all ingredients are blended, bake in a 400 degree oven for 15 minutes. Then, reduce heat to 350 degrees and bake for another 30 minutes.

         Serve with scoop Fritos.  Yum! Yum!