Week 8 Friday (2/28/14)

Recipe Review

Today’s Recipe and Location:  Chicken Tortilla Soup

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

                           Page 76 - 78      Copyright:  2012  Harper Collins

I figured out that there are 202 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.)

         I actually like making homemade soup. The whole house was filled with the aroma and the flavors filled the air. Ree called this a Tex-Mex soup and she was right on! There are so many things in this soup that I have never eaten in the past, beginning with black beans. I actually liked them in this soup. The peppers were a real plus and chilies are a new favorite. This is a soup to take to work each day as it is warm and comforting. I think this one would be a hit on a buffet line.  Step right up and eat some chicken tortilla soup today!

I am cooking the onions and wonderful peppers.  

Today’s critics: 

         Brandy:  - Really good, had a kick but not over whelming, liked the tortilla strips. I thought it was good. Wouldn't change anything!

Why Weight?

         What is a realistic goal?  Is it a small goal that keeps you striving for success?  Is it a goal that can be achieved in a set amount of time?  If so, who knows what that time frame is?

         The schools latched onto the concept of SMART goals. My goal is supposed to be specific.  I will lose 10 lbs. or whatever number I select. Okay, that’s specific.          Is the goal is measureable?  That one is easy because of the invention of the scale.  Two down – three to go.

         Is it attainable?  Well that one can be debated. Of course it can IF, and that is a big IF, I keep doing what works, I don’t sabotage myself or someone else doesn’t sabotage me, and IF what I am doing continues to work.

         Is my goal realistic? To whom? To me? To you? To the American public? That one should be okay, I think?

         Lastly, is my goal timely?  Say Whaaaaat?  This is where it really fell apart of me.  I may not be able to say what is timely. 

         When I started this endeavor, in July of 2012, I thought through these areas and here’s what happened. The goal was specific – lose 100 lbs. in 1 year. The goal was measurable – my weight should drop at least 100 lbs.  The goal was attainable – I couldn’t see any reason that it wouldn’t work. The goal is realistic – I thought that it seemed realistic to me. The goal is timely – I wanted it when I started, and had a clear ending – so what could go wrong.

         OMG – WAS I CLUELESS!  I only lost 75 lbs. the first year – bummer.  Now that is nothing to whine about but being a goal driven person – it made me a little annoyed. 

         Let’s re-evaluate. Specific – yes!  Measurable – yes! Attainable – no way.  I reached for the stars – I overestimated what my body would allow me to lose. Realistic – no way.  My head was in the clouds. Timely – yes!

         So the moral of this fairy tale is that I have slowed down, need to accept it, and need to just lose what I lose each day. No pressure – just hard work, exercise, and a positive attitude.  

Fabulous “Family” Food

Sharon Ory’s Peanut Butter Eggs

Makes about 24 eggs

         Today’s recipe came from a friend from about 25 years ago named Sharon Ory. I do not know where she got the recipe, but she kindly shared it with me. These peanut butter eggs are just fabulous.

Mix together:  2 cups powdered sugar with 3 Tablespoons                                     melted butter, and 1 ½ cups peanut butter.

Press into small balls and refrigerate several hours or overnight.

In a double boiler or microwave oven, melt 1 (12 oz.) package of milk chocolate chips and 1 package of almond bark.

Use a slotted spoon to dip the candy into the chocolate and then place it on waxed paper.  Let the candy set.

Variation:  you can use butterscotch chips if desired.