Monday, September 12, 2011
Missing...
Sorry for the long period with no blogs or updates. My computer had some huge issue with logging in. I am glad to say that I think it is now fixed and I will be posting several recipes tomorrow along with many more to come and even a DIY blog that I'm very excited about!!
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Spinach Tuna Rotini Bake
Ok So wonderful new recipe. It takes about 30 min. roughly and makes about 9 servings.
Ingredients:
1/2 box of whole wheat Rotini Pasta
1- 10 oz Can of Tomato Soup
1 7 oz Can of Tuna drained
3 tbsp of flour
1 Cup Hot water
1 1/4 Cup Milk
2-3 Cups Fresh Baby Spinach, chopped
4 tbsp butter
1 1/2 Cup Shredded cheese
Directions:
Heat oven to 375
Bring a pot of salted water to boil add the 1/2 box of rotini noodles. Boil gently until al dente.
In a sauce pan melt 2 tbsp butter add water and 1 tbsp flour then add the tomato soup and about 1/4 can of water. Mix until all is well blended and has a smooth texture. Add any seasoning you desire to flavor the sauce.
(If you're in a hurry you could use your favorite spaghetti sauce instead and just heat it to a simmer)
After this add the can of tuna to the tomato mixture and stir well. Heat thoroughly.
In a second saucepan melt the other 2 tbsp of butter. Add the milk and 2 tbsp of flour and mix until well combined and smooth. Now add the chopped spinach leaves and mix well. Cook around medium until the sauce starts to thicken slightly. Add around 1 Cup of shredded cheese. Turn it down to low until the cheese is melted.
Take a small casserole dish and grease it. Pour in the noodles first. Then evenly spread the tomato mixture over the noodles. Now scoop the spinach mixture evenly over the top of the tomato mixture. Sprinkle some of the leftover shredded cheese over the top of the spinach mixture. Now bake until the cheese is thoroughly melted or the edges start to brown.
Ingredients:
1/2 box of whole wheat Rotini Pasta
1- 10 oz Can of Tomato Soup
1 7 oz Can of Tuna drained
3 tbsp of flour
1 Cup Hot water
1 1/4 Cup Milk
2-3 Cups Fresh Baby Spinach, chopped
4 tbsp butter
1 1/2 Cup Shredded cheese
Directions:
Heat oven to 375
Bring a pot of salted water to boil add the 1/2 box of rotini noodles. Boil gently until al dente.
In a sauce pan melt 2 tbsp butter add water and 1 tbsp flour then add the tomato soup and about 1/4 can of water. Mix until all is well blended and has a smooth texture. Add any seasoning you desire to flavor the sauce.
(If you're in a hurry you could use your favorite spaghetti sauce instead and just heat it to a simmer)
After this add the can of tuna to the tomato mixture and stir well. Heat thoroughly.
In a second saucepan melt the other 2 tbsp of butter. Add the milk and 2 tbsp of flour and mix until well combined and smooth. Now add the chopped spinach leaves and mix well. Cook around medium until the sauce starts to thicken slightly. Add around 1 Cup of shredded cheese. Turn it down to low until the cheese is melted.
Take a small casserole dish and grease it. Pour in the noodles first. Then evenly spread the tomato mixture over the noodles. Now scoop the spinach mixture evenly over the top of the tomato mixture. Sprinkle some of the leftover shredded cheese over the top of the spinach mixture. Now bake until the cheese is thoroughly melted or the edges start to brown.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Healthy fats?
OK so some people are wondering what I'm talking about when I say "healthy" fat. Some may not even know there are different types of fats! So I'm here to explain
As a dietitian student, I hear a lot about fats and the types of fats everyday so here is a little information for those who don't really understand the difference.
OK so there are the "healthier" fats monounsaturated and polyunsaturated. Then there are the not so healthy fats saturated and trans fats (which is more complicated and I won't be explaining in the post, please ask if you really want to know something!).
OK so the term saturated (or unsaturated) refers to the number of double bonds and degree of saturation with hydrogen of that compound. This is sort of hard to understand with out a background in Chemistry. To put it more simple, the less hydrogen and more double bonds the better it is for our bodies. Polyunsaturated fats or PUFA's are the best under these terms, then monounsaturated or MUFA's, and then saturated fats.
-PUFA's are liquid at room temperature and are found in foods such as some nuts, cheeses, leafy greens, and also some fish.
-MUFA's are also found in some nuts and cheeses. They're also in avocados and in olive oil.
-Saturated fats are found in animal fats (such as tallow and lard) and processed foods such as some chips and candy. A good example is the common butter.
Both MUFA's and PUFA's have been studied and shown to help lower the LDL in cholesterol levels. While saturated fats raise the LDL levels, which can lead to cardiovascular disease and other heart problems. **(Since I'm not discussing LDL's and HDL's in this current blog to put it simply LDL is the bad cholesterol and HDL is the good cholesterol.... "What's this.. healthy fats? good cholesterol?" I know your mind is spinning or maybe you're only slightly confused if you have heard this before. Please feel free to comment and ask questions. I'll be happy to answer)**
To be clear though, your body requires certain amounts of fats, they are essential to our body's functions. So while it may be convenient to describe them in terms of healthy and unhealthy... this is not necessarily so. It's really more about the amount of the fats consumed that makes it unhealthy. So simply put.... don't think of fat as a bad thing just be aware of your consumption of each kind and limit intake of saturated fats while trying to increase intake of the poly and monounsaturated fats.
As a dietitian student, I hear a lot about fats and the types of fats everyday so here is a little information for those who don't really understand the difference.
OK so there are the "healthier" fats monounsaturated and polyunsaturated. Then there are the not so healthy fats saturated and trans fats (which is more complicated and I won't be explaining in the post, please ask if you really want to know something!).
OK so the term saturated (or unsaturated) refers to the number of double bonds and degree of saturation with hydrogen of that compound. This is sort of hard to understand with out a background in Chemistry. To put it more simple, the less hydrogen and more double bonds the better it is for our bodies. Polyunsaturated fats or PUFA's are the best under these terms, then monounsaturated or MUFA's, and then saturated fats.
-PUFA's are liquid at room temperature and are found in foods such as some nuts, cheeses, leafy greens, and also some fish.
-MUFA's are also found in some nuts and cheeses. They're also in avocados and in olive oil.
-Saturated fats are found in animal fats (such as tallow and lard) and processed foods such as some chips and candy. A good example is the common butter.
Both MUFA's and PUFA's have been studied and shown to help lower the LDL in cholesterol levels. While saturated fats raise the LDL levels, which can lead to cardiovascular disease and other heart problems. **(Since I'm not discussing LDL's and HDL's in this current blog to put it simply LDL is the bad cholesterol and HDL is the good cholesterol.... "What's this.. healthy fats? good cholesterol?" I know your mind is spinning or maybe you're only slightly confused if you have heard this before. Please feel free to comment and ask questions. I'll be happy to answer)**
To be clear though, your body requires certain amounts of fats, they are essential to our body's functions. So while it may be convenient to describe them in terms of healthy and unhealthy... this is not necessarily so. It's really more about the amount of the fats consumed that makes it unhealthy. So simply put.... don't think of fat as a bad thing just be aware of your consumption of each kind and limit intake of saturated fats while trying to increase intake of the poly and monounsaturated fats.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Return...
I'm finally back after a long break! and even better I have good news too!
Justin got a co-op job near our hometown!!! Yay! we're super excited for him, he's been wanting to co-op but none of the previous companies worked out. The pay is great the experience is going to be wonderful for his career and he won't have to worry about paying for housing. But I am pretty sad he won't be around all the time, but that'll be ok. We're hoping to spend most every weekend together.
Also the fall semester at MSU has begun! Monday starts the first full week back and already I have homework. Nothing too hard though. I'm pretty excited about most of my classes and I've been hearing all of the girls experiences with their field study which makes me excited for mine. Too bad i'll be waiting almost a year. That's right folks one short year left until I finally have my Bachelor's degree!!
This is just a short update on all things happening in Starkvegas with the Sheffield family, but I will be back to answering questions and giving diet and exercise advice and recipes soon.
Let me know what you've been up to and any questions you have!!! I will be more than glad to answer!
Oh yeah check out the social vibe widget on the side of the page! It's for a really good cause and I promise it won't take much time out of your day. Thanks bunches
Justin got a co-op job near our hometown!!! Yay! we're super excited for him, he's been wanting to co-op but none of the previous companies worked out. The pay is great the experience is going to be wonderful for his career and he won't have to worry about paying for housing. But I am pretty sad he won't be around all the time, but that'll be ok. We're hoping to spend most every weekend together.
Also the fall semester at MSU has begun! Monday starts the first full week back and already I have homework. Nothing too hard though. I'm pretty excited about most of my classes and I've been hearing all of the girls experiences with their field study which makes me excited for mine. Too bad i'll be waiting almost a year. That's right folks one short year left until I finally have my Bachelor's degree!!
This is just a short update on all things happening in Starkvegas with the Sheffield family, but I will be back to answering questions and giving diet and exercise advice and recipes soon.
Let me know what you've been up to and any questions you have!!! I will be more than glad to answer!
Oh yeah check out the social vibe widget on the side of the page! It's for a really good cause and I promise it won't take much time out of your day. Thanks bunches
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Tiramisu recipe
Ok a not so healthy super tasty recipe for Tiramisu
Ingredients:
Mascarpone Cheese (find it in the fresh cheese section at somewhere like Kroger)
Ladyfingers (puffy pastry things in the bakery section)
3 egg yolks
3 tbsp sugar
2 cups of super strong brewed espresso coffee
Directions:
-Go ahead and brew the coffee and let it be cooling while you follow the other steps
-Now take your egg yolks and sugar mix together until it turns a canary yellow and little bubbles are appearing. Set this to the side for now.
-Empty your container of mascarpone into a big bowl. Now add all of your egg and sugar mixture. Fold that together until it is well incorporated. Now turn your electric mixer on med for about 1min. Now set this aside.
-Take your lady fingers and dip them sugar side down into the coffee. Be careful, you do not want to saturate these or it will mess up the consistancy of the desert. Create the bottom layer of your desert with the dipped ladyfingers.
-Add a layer of mascarpone on top of the ladyfingers. Repeat these layers 2-3 times. End with a layer of mascarpone.
-To make it look really pretty you can sprinkle some cinnamon on top
-Refrigerate for 5 hours to over night. Then eat!
Ingredients:
Mascarpone Cheese (find it in the fresh cheese section at somewhere like Kroger)
Ladyfingers (puffy pastry things in the bakery section)
3 egg yolks
3 tbsp sugar
2 cups of super strong brewed espresso coffee
Directions:
-Go ahead and brew the coffee and let it be cooling while you follow the other steps
-Now take your egg yolks and sugar mix together until it turns a canary yellow and little bubbles are appearing. Set this to the side for now.
-Empty your container of mascarpone into a big bowl. Now add all of your egg and sugar mixture. Fold that together until it is well incorporated. Now turn your electric mixer on med for about 1min. Now set this aside.
-Take your lady fingers and dip them sugar side down into the coffee. Be careful, you do not want to saturate these or it will mess up the consistancy of the desert. Create the bottom layer of your desert with the dipped ladyfingers.
-Add a layer of mascarpone on top of the ladyfingers. Repeat these layers 2-3 times. End with a layer of mascarpone.
-To make it look really pretty you can sprinkle some cinnamon on top
-Refrigerate for 5 hours to over night. Then eat!
Monday, March 22, 2010
Fast and Healthy Recipes
So my much needed spring break was fantastic. I got to spend a lot of time with my family, I was so happy we took my daughter Ayvin to see so much stuff. I think she really enjoyed it, especially the zoo and the Children's museum. So much fun!
Now that I'm back and the polls are in everyone has decided they want some fast and healthy recipes. So I have decided that I am going to give one a week or every other week as I come across some that I have tried and really enjoy.
This week I am going to give you a recipe for Non-fried Crispy Chicken
This is a personal favorite and sometimes it turns out better than others and it is very customizable so feel free to try it my way and then add your own spin!
Ingredients:
1 pack of boneless skinless chicken breasts or strips
Bread crumbs (you can buy these from a grocery store or make them)
or non-salted saltine crackers (this is what I use most often because it's cheaper and less messy)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil or Eggs (I generally use Olive Oil because of the high cholesterol in eggs)
Seasonings (my favorite is Lemon Pepper or Soul Seasoning, which is just a little spicy)
How to do it:
*If you are using the saltines put them in a baggy and use a rolling pin, wine bottle, or can of soup whatever you happen to have, to crush them up. You want a fine sandlike texture to your crumbs.
*If you are using bread crumbs just put them into a baggy.
Now add the seasonings of your choice to your baggy.
Preheat the oven to around 400
Take out your chicken and olive oil or eggs.
*If you use eggs put those in a bowl and mix them up until the yolks are incorporated into the whites.
*If you use olive oil you will want to just put it in a bowl. I would say I use around 1/4 cup, but I don't actually measure it, so just use a little to start with and add more if you need it. So you don't waste alot.
Get out a baking dish, I use an 8x8 or a 9x9 metal works better for me than glass does, but you can use either.
Now take the chicken and dip it in the eggs or olive oil make sure both sides are coated then put the chicken in the baggy and shake it around until well coated. Place in the baking dish.
Bake around 30-40 minutes, you want a really golden crust, it should look almost like its fried.
So I hope you enjoy this recipe. leave me lots of comments tell me how it goes, or tell me what other kinds of recipes you would like to hear about!
Now that I'm back and the polls are in everyone has decided they want some fast and healthy recipes. So I have decided that I am going to give one a week or every other week as I come across some that I have tried and really enjoy.
This week I am going to give you a recipe for Non-fried Crispy Chicken
This is a personal favorite and sometimes it turns out better than others and it is very customizable so feel free to try it my way and then add your own spin!
Ingredients:
1 pack of boneless skinless chicken breasts or strips
Bread crumbs (you can buy these from a grocery store or make them)
or non-salted saltine crackers (this is what I use most often because it's cheaper and less messy)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil or Eggs (I generally use Olive Oil because of the high cholesterol in eggs)
Seasonings (my favorite is Lemon Pepper or Soul Seasoning, which is just a little spicy)
How to do it:
*If you are using the saltines put them in a baggy and use a rolling pin, wine bottle, or can of soup whatever you happen to have, to crush them up. You want a fine sandlike texture to your crumbs.
*If you are using bread crumbs just put them into a baggy.
Now add the seasonings of your choice to your baggy.
Preheat the oven to around 400
Take out your chicken and olive oil or eggs.
*If you use eggs put those in a bowl and mix them up until the yolks are incorporated into the whites.
*If you use olive oil you will want to just put it in a bowl. I would say I use around 1/4 cup, but I don't actually measure it, so just use a little to start with and add more if you need it. So you don't waste alot.
Get out a baking dish, I use an 8x8 or a 9x9 metal works better for me than glass does, but you can use either.
Now take the chicken and dip it in the eggs or olive oil make sure both sides are coated then put the chicken in the baggy and shake it around until well coated. Place in the baking dish.
Bake around 30-40 minutes, you want a really golden crust, it should look almost like its fried.
So I hope you enjoy this recipe. leave me lots of comments tell me how it goes, or tell me what other kinds of recipes you would like to hear about!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Alcohol
So It's been a busy 2 weeks for me and I haven't had much of a chance to post. But I wanted to say thanks to those who answered my poll questions. And I just wanted to give a little information about alcohol, since I decided to skip the whole vegetarian thing. Anways as a college student, I know that alcohol can be a problem for some people. college students want to go to parties and have fun, but it's important to know what is safe. It's recommended that men drink only 2 alcoholic drinks per day and women 1. Everyone hears that and they through it right out the window, so maybe if they knew that binge drinking for a man is 4-5 drinks and 4 for a woman. Binge drinking much like binge eating is unhealthy, you consume too many calories from alcohol and you inhibit the absorbtion of healthy nutrients in your intestines. Not to mention the many side effects including hangovers, nasuea, vomiting, being disoriented, losing things, and the list goes on. My point is not that people shouldn't drink, but we should drink withing the limits and be safe. I personally know at least three people who have died from drinking and driving, and know countless others who have been injured and/or got in trouble with the law. So remember to make sure you have a driver you can trust. There's also a lot of research out there if you want to know more about how to stay safe and still be able to have a few drinks. I just wanted to say a little about what I've been hearing lately.
Any Questions? Please Ask or send comments.
Any Questions? Please Ask or send comments.
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