November 28, 2016

It’s been a while since my last blog but I’m feeling inspired…. okay, perhaps that’s a strong word but anyway it’s time for one.  

I think I’m going to go down a new road here for a bit.  Maybe it’s the cooler weather or the promise of Christmas soon or it could be because I’ve made up my mind to pursue a healthier lifestyle but for whatever reason this installment and probably future ones will be pretty random.  A cross between Paula Dean and Mother Earth with a fair sprinkling of Lucy Ricardo thrown into the mix!

As most of you know I have been on mega doses of Prednisone since 2013 to treat an autoimmune disease and it has not only caused me to gain weight but has also caused other side effects such as weakened bones (when you’re as clumsy as I am…that’s an especially bad thing), insomnia and killer hot flashes!! So, a few months ago I stopped taking it (and yes, I did have my doctor’s blessing). With the exception of a little more pain at times I would have to say I’m doing fine without it.  So now to try and repair some of the damage it has done.  I joined Weight Watchers about five weeks ago (Thank you Lesa for joining with me and supporting me) and I’m reminded again what a wonderful program it really is.  Especially when you love to cook as much as I do.  It becomes a challenge to either find recipes that fit the plan or tweaking existing ones to make them fit. I'm going to include some of my favorite finds or recipes for the past week.  If you're not into cooking feel free to jump right over them!

Last week was Thanksgiving week and my most favorite Thanksgiving dish is …. …. wait for it…. CRANBERRY SALAD!!  I know, it’s weird. Most people would choose the turkey or the pumpkin pies or the sweet potatoes (okay, I don’t actually know anybody who would pick sweet potatoes but maybe they’re out there).  But I love cranberry salad! I love how it tastes. I love the gorgeous red color. I love making it! Each year I start looking in October for the perfect recipe and it’s never the same from year to year... until now.  I have finally created the BEST cranberry salad ever!! PLUS it fits the WW plan perfectly. (One disclaimer…if you have an aversion to a messy kitchen, do not even think about making this!!)

Best Ever Cranberry Salad

(2 WW smart points per serving)

1 12 oz bag fresh cranberries

2 apples (cored)

2 seedless oranges (do not peel)

1 bag frozen sweet cherries

Grind the above ingredients in food processor (I left 1/2 apple to chunk up rather then grind)

Dissolve one package sugar free raspberry jello in one cup boiling water (and just for fun I threw in a few red hot candies).  Let cool slightly and pour over fruit mixture. 

Add one large can crushed pineapple (in juice NOT heavy syrup), 2 cups sliced grapes, 1 1/2 cups Stevia and seeds from one pomegranate (my new favorite fruit).

Let chill several hours or overnight.   I’m still eating on it and it gets better the longer it sits.

And everybody loves chocolate cupcakes but that isn't something you normally think of while trying to loose weight. These are big and rich and chocolaty and make a great mid afternoon snack with a cup of coffee.

Chocolate Banana Cupcakes

(6 WW smart points per cupcake)

1 box Chocolate Cake mix ( I used Betty Crocker)

3 ripe bananas

1/2 cup Egg Beaters

Mix above ingredients together well and pour into paper lined muffin pan. Sprinkle 1 tsp peanut butter chips ( you could also use chocolate chips ) on top and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.  Now how easy is this????

And at our house dinner isn't complete without dessert and this one is great.  Refreshing, light and super easy to make.

Key Lime Pie

(7 WW smart points)

Dissolve 1 pkg sugar free lime jello in 1/4 cup boiling water

let cool slightly

Stir in 2 8oz cartons of low fat lime yogurt

Fold in one 12oz carton of Cool Whip Free

Chill for at least an hour.

The holiday season is always a bittersweet one for me as I’m sure it is for many.  I miss my mom so much especially during the Christmas season! 

I have so many wonderful memories of how much she loved this time of year.  She was truly like a little child. She never ever outgrew the wonder of the season and I know she would want me to find the joy that is all around. So with every twinkling light, every red Starbucks cup, every time I hear Willie Nelson’s Pretty Paper or enjoy a cup of Holiday Coffee and oh if there is a flurry of snow… I’ll think of you, Mama Charley!