Marsala Pork Chops. The best pork chops you'll ever eat!

I made these Marsala Pork Chops about two years ago, and they were so good I wanted to make them again in the same week.  I remember when I first moved away from home, I was hooked on my Foreman grill.  I used it to cook any kind of meat I bought because it was easy and convenient, and my husband loved it.  Unfortunately, it dries the meat out like no other.  It did the same to pork chops.  I started looking in to new ways to make pork chops, and found a bunch of different ways that were 100% better than the Foreman grill.  This was/is by far my VERY favorite *drool*.

Marsala Pork Chops

1/2 C. Seasoned bread crumbs

4 boneless center-cut pork chops

3 Tbs. Olive Oil divided

2 medium onions thinly sliced

6 garlic cloves minced

1/2 C. white wine or chicken broth

1 Tbs. Marsala wine or chicken broth

1/4 tsp. pepper

1/8 tsp. salt

1/4 C. cold butter, cubed

Place bread crumbs in a large resealable plastic bag. Add pork chops, one at a time, and shake to coat. In a large skillet, cook chops in 2 tablespoons oil over medium heat for 4-6 minutes on each side. Remove and keep warm.

In the same skillet, saute onions in remaining oil until tender. Add garlic; cook 2 minutes longer. Add the white wine, Marsala, pepper and salt, stirring to loosen browned bits from pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until liquid is nearly evaporated. Stir in butter until melted. Serve with pork chops and noodles

Nutrition Facts:

1 pork chop with 1/4 cup onions equals 526 calories, 36 g fat (14 g saturated fat), 113 mg cholesterol, 351 mg sodium, 19 g carbohydrate, 3 g fiber, 30 g protein.

Recipe adapted from Taste of Home

To Die For Baked Basil Fries (Nutrition facts included)

I can barely contain myself long enough to post these on this blog.  But I guess I will have to since we just finished off the entire pan within 5 minutes.  I am very guilty of frying up a big batch of french fries, sometimes even melting cheese on them, and eating them for lunch (bad, I know).

I found this recipe in a book I have, and have made them twice since yesterday.  They are low fat and low salt.  I will admit, I added extra salt because they did not have enough, and I would do it again.  This yields 4 servings, I suggest you make extra ;-)

Baked Basil Fries:

1/4 C. Grated Parmesan Cheese

1 Tbs. Olive Oil (I use Filippo Berio)

1 Tbs. Dried Basil

1/4 tsp. Garlic Powder

4 medium red potatoes (I use more to make more)

Directions:

In a bowl, combine Parmesan cheese, oil, Basil, and Garlic Powder.  Cut potatoes into 1/4-in. sticks.  Add to cheese mixture, toss to coat.

Place in a 15-in. by 1-in. baking pan coated with cooking spray.  Bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes; turn potatoes.  Bake 15-20 minutes longer or until crisp and tender.

NUTRITION FACTS per-serving

162 calories

5 g fat

0 g saturated fat

5 mg cholesterol

117 mg sodium

27 g carbohydrate

3 g fiber

7 g protein

DIY Chemical-Free Plant/Flower Pesticide (Budget-Friendly)

I planted annuals earlier this year and have been happy at the fact that they have been growing and thriving.  However, I often have to pick off the dead parts so that fresh can grow.  When I was trimming the dead parts off, I noticed that there were holes where little buggies have been.  I decided that my annuals probably wouldn't have so many brown spots if the bugs weren't on there.  Despite our triple-digit weather here in AZ, they have been growing beautifully!  I am also growing some herbs and would like them to stay off of there, but do not want to use chemical-based spray on the herbs.

Here is a very strong, homemade solution to the bug problem, without spraying chemicals all over the place.  It takes some time to set, but is well worth it in the end, and budget-friendly!  A lot of people use this as a mosquito repellent on their skin as well.

DIY Bug Repellent Recipe:

1 32 oz. Bottle Apple Cider Vinegar

2 TBS. each of dried dried Sage, Rosemary, Lavender, Thyme and Mint

Quart-sized glass jar with airtight lid

Put the vinegar and dried herbs into large glass jar.

Seal tightly and store on counter or place you will see it daily.

Shake well each day for 2-3 weeks.

After 2-3 weeks, strain the herbs out and store in spray bottles or tincture bottles, preferably in fridge.

To use on skin, dilute to half with water in a spray bottle and use as needed.

Use whenever you need serious bug control! [Note: This mixture is very strong and has antiviral and antibacterial properties.]

Waffles and Pancakes

Sometimes when you are in a rush, you are unable to make a big batch of pancakes or waffles, whether you are making them from a box or from scratch.  One of my favorite things to do to save time in the coming days, is to pre-make the waffles and pancakes, then freeze them in a large freezer bag.  All it takes is a few minutes in the toaster oven, and Viola!

I don't use mixes from the box, because it is very simple to make your own from scratch, and if you are going to take the time to make and freeze a big batch, obviously you want to make them healthy and fresh.  The great thing about making your own waffles and pancakes from scratch, is that they are one of those foods that you can add many variations to!  Fresh fruit, cinnamon, honey, etc.  They don't contain all the chemicals, dyes, and sugar, so you'll feel better feeding them to your kids (since the frozen convenient ones contain ZERO nutritional value).

Here are a couple of recipes I like to use when making a batch.  They are not only healthy, but REALLY tasty:

                                                Homemade Whole Grain Waffles

Ingredients

• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 3/4 cups skim milk
• 1/4 cup canola oil
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
• 1/2 cup flax seed meal
• 1/4 cup wheat germ
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, oil, applesauce, and vanilla. Beat in whole wheat pastry flour, flax seed meal, wheat germ, all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt until batter is smooth.
1. Preheat a waffle iron, and coat with cooking spray. Pour batter into waffle iron in batches, and cook until crisp and golden brown.

*Note: I never have pastry flour, so I just use regular whole wheat.  The reason they tell you to use pastry flour is because it makes the breading less "dense".  They turn out just fine with regular whole wheat flour.  If you can't use regular milk, use soy or Almond milk, they work fine too.

                                                       Whole Wheat Banana Pancakes

1/2 c. flour (all-purpose)
1/2 c. whole wheat flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tbsp. sugar
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
2/3 c. skim milk
1/2 c. mashed, ripe banana
1 tbsp. vegetable oil
1 egg, lightly beaten

Combine first 5 ingredients. Stir well. Combine milk and next 3 ingredients. Add to dry ingredients, stirring until smooth.

*Note:  I suggest that if you have whole wheat pastry flour, you use it in the pancakes, as it will help make them less dense.

Diets....from a box?



One thing that has always driven me crazy ever since I can remember, is boxed diets.  Diets that you see on infomercials.  Diets that show women with hard bodies, and men that look like Hercules.  Diets that want to sell for $150 a pop.  The reason they bother me is because they are NOT healthy, and they are a waste of money. 

I always complain about how people are naive and fall for these crash diets (I guess now they call some "cleanses"), then end up gaining the weight back, or go back to eating badly.  Was it really worth the $150 you just tossed?  I was watching TMZ last night, and my suspicions were confirmed by none other than the famous Jillian Michaels!  I felt better knowing that SHE felt the exact same way, considering she is a very famous personal trainer!  She was talking about a 10 day diet (or "cleanse"), and her exact words were, "Do not do it".  She said the EXACT same thing I have been saying for the longest time: "CLEAN eating, and HEALTHY eating". 

The cleanse that you just paid $150 for, can be done for under $2 per-day with raw, whole foods.  You know what is going in to your body.  It is proven that dark leafy greens and certain fruits will detox your liver/kidneys, help you lose weight (if that's your goal), and not only those two main things, but will include a TON of other health benefits and is cheaper!  Jillian Michaels says that diets such as the "Master Cleanse" are terrible for you, and the biggest crash diet there is. 

The other dangerous part about these types of diets is that they do not include enough protein.  There are such diets like the grapefruit diet that really work, but personally I do not recommend them unless you are eating lean proteins with them (beans, chicken, etc.).  You can not drink liquids for 10 days and lose weight in a healthy manner, you just can't.  You may lose weight, but your body is lacking tons of other nutrients.

Clean eating has nothing but amazing benefits.  I think people think that if they use these crash diets, they will lose weight, gain muscle, and be loaded with energy.  Not the case.  The people who do things like protein diets, are also working their butts off to lose the weight.  If you practice clean eating, plus workout, your results are going to be alot better and last alot longer than using a commercial-based diet plan and sitting around watching the clock for results. 

I have followed Kimberly Snyder's blog for a while now.  She is a famous nutritionist for Hollywood.  She does try to sell some things, but she also has a smoothie called "Glowing Green Smoothie".  She explains that the ingredients that are in it will remove toxins from your body, while keeping your skin clear, etc.  Not something you are going to get from a crash diet.  Here is her recipe below:

1 ½- 2 cups very cold, filtered water

6 cups spinach, chopped

5 cups organic romaine lettuce, chopped

2 stalks of organic celery

1 organic apple, cored and chopped

1 organic pear, cored and chopped

1 organic banana

1–2 Tbs. fresh organic lemon juice

I am no nutritionist, and I am not the most healthy person on the planet, and it is all based off my person opinion, experience, and research, but I personally recommend that if you want to lose weight, gain energy, gain muscle mass, not waste money and detoxify your body, you do it with two simple words: "CLEAN-EATING" (and exercise)!  Clean eating is not only benefiting you, but also your children since they aren't included in commercial diets.  You set a good example for them, and you eat/cook meals as a family, instead of just focusing on how you as the adult is eating. 

Hide & Go Seek (with sugar)

Sugar is a sneaky sneaky ingredient.  It is ASTONISHING what you can learn about the amount of sugar in certain foods.  Things that are supposed to be healthy can contain LOADS of sugar, more so than things that are even considered not so healthy, such as but not limited to: Yogurt, Peanut Butter, Applesauce, jams, etc.

Yesterday when I was shopping, I picked up the little containers of applesauce for my kids.  I was going to get the organic package, as I have switched alot of our food to organic (a whole nother post).  The organic applesauce was not unsweetened, but the store brand was all natural unsweetened.  Kids do not need added sugar in applesauce at all.  I looked at the amount of sugar on the back and was in SHOCK!!  The store brand "All natural unsweetened" applesauce contained 8 grams per-serving.  The "organic" applesauce contained...are you ready?  28 grams of sugar per-serving!  I couldn't believe my eyes.  This means: The unsweetened applesauce contained 8 grams of "natural" sugar per-serving, while the organic applesauce contained 8 grams PLUS another 20 grams that are NOT natural.  The added 20 grams of sugar is chemically processed, added sugar even though the applesauce containers were the same serving size.  So, though I am a huge supporter of organic foods, you need to make sure to read the back if you do not want your child loaded with sugar when eating their "healthy" snack.  Fruit already contains natural sugars, so unless you're feeding your child dessert, the extra sugar is not needed and not healthy.

Next: Peanut butter.  Peanut butter can be a great source of protein, but you have to make sure and find the peanut butter without added hydrogenated oils (that aren't needed), and extra sugar (that isn't needed).  Here is an example: An all natural brand of peanut butter, such as Laura Scudder's, contains the following ingredients: Peanuts and less than 1% of salt.  The only oil it contains is natural oil, which is why it all settles at the top (and is a pain to stir sometimes).  This peanut butter contains 1 gram of natural sugar.  A more popular peanut butter brand contains the following in the ingredients: Sugar (added), molasses (more added sugar), and 3 hydrogenated oils that aren't good for you and aren't needed.  The more popular brand also contains 3 grams of sugar due to the "added" sugars and 150 mg of salt instead of 104 mg of salt.

Yogurt.  People think yogurt is good for them....some can be.  Yogurt (popular brands such as Yoplait) are LOADED with sugar.  Most of them contain HFCS, but even the ones that don't are loaded with extra sugar.  Buying yogurt with fruit one the bottom is not doing you any good.  That "fruit" is mixed with high sugar syrups so that it tastes better.  You're better off getting plain yogurt and adding fresh fruit or honey.

I am in no way against sugar.  My kids get desserts, sucker sometimes, ice cream, etc.  I don't think kids should be deprived of any of this in any way.  But alot of parents aren't aware that when they packed their child's school lunch with peanut butter and jelly, a yogurt (such as those kid portable kinds), a container of peaches in syrup, and a few cookies as the "treat", those cookies were not the only extra sugar they got.  The child just got a school lunch packed with extra sugar which will make them sluggish, hyper, and likely less able to concentrate the rest of the school day.  Oh and don't forget the Capri Sun and Sunny D which is loaded with sugar.  Sugar is a necessary part of our diets, but it is better when it is the natural sugars vs. the chemically processed sugars that have no health benefits, weaken the child's immune system, and do a ton of other damage.

To avoid these things, you can make healthy desserts, snacks, and treats homemade, that way you know how much sugar is going into it.  I could name hundreds of other foods that we run in to the same problem with, but I would be here all day.  My point is,  if you tell your child "You just had a cupcake, you can have a yogurt cup instead", that yogurt may contain just as much sugar as the serving of one cupcake.  Therefore, you might as well have given them another cupcake.

I didn't mention soda since that's a given.  Diet is just as if not WORSE for you than regular.

Food Diary

The reason I created this blog is because if I am not cooking, I am thinking about it.  I will often find recipes to share, or new things to tell people.  I find that I think about it all day long, and I figured this could be the best way to get those thoughts out!  This blog will mainly consist of recipes, reviews, or just things I have learned or thought about.

When I had my old blog, all I ever wanted to do was write about food anyways, so here it is!  I can't design anything to save my life.  I have zero artistic skills, zero photography skills, so excuse me if this isn't a beautiful blog, but the two things I CAN do are cook and write. In fact, as I sit here typing this I am thinking of how badly I want to make an original apple pie.  If I was making that apple pie, I would be thinking about how I want to write about it.  This isn't a "real" food blog, it is just my personal blog where I will be writing about food. 

The funny thing about my love for food and cooking, is that before I had kids I ate things such as chicken nuggets heated up in the oven, or a big bowl of boxed mac & cheese with cut up hot dogs in it.  As I think of those things now, it turns my stomach upside down (no joke).  Also, I was always such a picky eater.  It was always a battle with my family trying to get me to eat meals.  My Grandma cooked nice meals such as pot roast, vegetables, healthy casseroles, etc.  I never wanted to eat any of it.  Now as an adult and a lover of cooking, I appreciate it more than anything, and wish I would have back then.  When I had kids my love for cooking came full force.  I feel it is so important to put good, healthy meals in front of your child at a young age, so that when they are older they are open-minded to trying a variety of things.

When Joe has off and we are trying to think of what we can do for the day, I tell him I want to go to Trader Joe's and Sprouts.  He looks at me funny every time and says, "So you want to go to two grocery stores for fun?"  Yep, that is my idea of fun!  And kitchen stores like Crate & Barrel?!  Ahh!  These things are like toy stores for me!!

I find cooking and baking to be extremely relaxing.  When I am doing it, my mind is focused completely on whatever I am creating at the time.  I find that when I get a bit of down time, instead of sitting down, I find my way to the kitchen to find something to make.  I often find that even when people come over, I am usually making something.  Even if I have to stop a million times in between, I still manage to concoct SOMETHING in the midst of it all.

So, I hope you enjoy it and can use some of the recipes or ideas I share with you, or even learn something new along the way!