Belly Up to the Bar With Bendy and Her Friendies!!! Button Pics & New Thread Started!

[D&R love Disney]

So... last night I had a breakdown and had to have hot cocoa. I made it with 1% milk so justifiable on weight watchers. My dh had bought me this Italian Hot Cocoa machine for my Birthday. I have to admit I don't like coffee and I'm a hot cocoa snob. I even avoid places that make hot cocoa out of hersery syrup junk. I love hot cocoa made with dutch cocoa. My all time favorite. Well, this hot cocoa machine I have makes perfectly whipped hot cocoa at the right temperature. It looks like a cappacino if you ask me.. Thought I'd share:

Oh my God that looks good! I love hot cocoa!

 

[shovan]

Could you hear me hyperventilating over the internet?

It was a little frightening, but I made it thru the first night. I'm doing taxes, which is kinda funny because I don't even help with ours at home-DH does them

The scariest part yesterday, was that since we're still early in the tax season and business is slow, they're keeping staffing down. I worked with the office manager for 2 hours and then had the office all to myself for the next 4 hours and closed up by myself. Thankfully I had my first client while the manager was there, which made it a little easier when a family came in later in the evening.
Congrats

I was hyperventilating for you! Hearing about your 1st day is even scarier. I'm glad it went well for you!

Yummy... do share the recipe...

Thanks! I don't have a recipe for all of it, but I'll come back & post what I do have.

So... last night I had a breakdown and had to have hot cocoa. I made it with 1% milk so justifiable on weight watchers. My dh had bought me this Italian Hot Cocoa machine for my Birthday. I have to admit I don't like coffee and I'm a hot cocoa snob. I even avoid places that make hot cocoa out of hersery syrup junk. I love hot cocoa made with dutch cocoa. My all time favorite. Well, this hot cocoa machine I have makes perfectly whipped hot cocoa at the right temperature. It looks like a cappacino if you ask me.. Thought I'd share:

A hot cocoa machine! Oh I'm jealous! I agree funky hot chocolate is not worth drinking. Unless of course there is Godiva liqueur in it!

I haven't been on the Disboards for (gulp) 2 WEEKS, so forgive me the multi-quoting.

My ds (now 12) thought the saying was "Those who live in glass houses shouldn't get dressed in their living rooms."

That looks awesome. I need other people to cook for me. Not happening.
Even when the kids cook, I have to tell them what to cook.
Sigh.
On a bright note, I think dh is taking me out tonight. We'll use our gift cert. to Applebees. Hey, it's not gourmet, but I don't have to cook it!

What's up with the lack of DISing? We can't let life get in the way of that, can we?

I like your ds saying the best!

If I had kids that took food order & cooked for me, you wouldn't find me cooking either!

 

[shovan]

Here's last night's dinner. It's my 1st attempt at cooking scallops. They were good, served them with stir fried bok choy & the leftover pineapple coconut rice.

This is the recipe for the Pineapple Coconut Rice. This one has become a regular in our house. It's from a friend on the WFDT. She is the Best & the Fanciest Home Cook I have ever seen!

Since I'm dieting, I used brown basmati rice, light organic coconut rice & olive oil instead of butter. I added 1/4 cup more water to cook the rice. (Sorry I haven't figure out WW points for any of these recipes. I just look up each ingredient & guessitmate. )

Pineapple Coconut Rice by liamsaunt

Ingredients:
1 cup long grain white rice, well rinsed and soaked
1 can coconut milk, plus enough water to make 2 1/4 cups total liquid (you may need a little more)
1 tbsp. butter
salt to taste
1/2 fresh pineapple, peeled and diced (or cheat and use canned pineapple)

extras can be added, such as: 1/2 cup of unsweetened toasted coconut, 1/2 cup of coarsely chopped roasted cashews, and 1/4 cup minced cilantro


Add rice, coconut milk, water, salt and butter to pan.

Bring to simmer, cover, and allow to cook on low heat until liquid is absorbed--20-30 minutes depending on the freshness of your rice.

Allow to stand off heat for five minutes or so, then fluff with a fork and stir in pineapple and extras.

 

[shovan]

I had been trying different homemade & store bought Jerk marinades & seasonings. This is the one I like the best. It's an Emeril recipe. It's a lot of ingredients, but you just whirl them up in the blender or processor.

Jerk Marinade:

1/2 cup chopped fresh thyme leaves
1 cup chopped green onions
1/2 cup chopped parsley leaves
1/2 cup minced onion
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 crushed bay leaves
2 teaspoons ground allspice
1 teaspoons ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon coriander seeds
2 Scotch bonnet chiles, seeded
1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/4 cup soy sauce
3 tablespoons lime juice
2 tablespoons vinegar

In the bowl of a food processor combine the thyme, green onions, parsley, onion, brown sugar, bay leaves, allspice, nutmeg, cinnamon, coriander seeds, chilies, garlic, ginger, salt, pepper, and vegetable oil and process to a smooth paste. Transfer to a non-reactive bowl and stir in the soy sauce, lime juice, and vinegar.

Refrigerate, in a glass container with a lid, until ready to use. Any unused marinade will keep for up to 1 month.

Grill pork or chicken.

(This recipe was for pork. It's really good with both the pork & chicken. Marinate over night if you can, but just an hour will also work.)

Oh I did have a recipe saved for the guacamole! I've also made this using fresh pineapple.

Mango Guacamole
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 1 bowl 685g

Calories 758
Calories from Fat 487 (64%)
Amount Per Serving %DV
Total Fat 54.1g 83%
Saturated Fat 7.5g 37%
Monounsaturated Fat 34.1g
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.5g
Trans Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 35mg 1%
Potassium 2278mg 65%
Total Carbohydrate 76.5g 25%
Dietary Fiber 29.1g 116%
Sugars 35.7g
Protein 9.1g 18%

Mango Guacamole
Ingredients
2 Hass avocados, cubed
1 ripe mango or 1 cup jarred mango, chopped
1/2 medium red onion, chopped
1-2 clove garlic, minced
2 jalapenos, seeded & chopped
1-2 tablespoon chopped cilantro
1-2 limes, juice of or 2 tablespoons lime juice
salt and fresh ground black pepper

Directions
Combine all ingredients and chill if you have the time.
I don't mash the avocados, they get mashed enough while mixing.

 

[OurDogCisco]

Ohhh Baby... slip some schnaaps in there and we're in BUSINESS!!!!

OMGOSH.... I didn't even think alcohol. Where oh, where is my Bendy brain... I have some butterscotch schnaaps too...

A hot cocoa machine! Oh I'm jealous! I agree funky hot chocolate is not worth drinking. Unless of course there is Godiva liqueur in it!

Okay.. this could be dangerous. I'm suppose to be losing weight here.

Here's last night's dinner. It's my 1st attempt at cooking scallops. They were good, served them with stir fried bok choy & the leftover pineapple coconut rice.

OMGOSH... that looks wonderful.. You guys must get some AWESOME fish out in NOLA. I live in the middle of hick-ville. We have great tomatoes. The best place I can get fish is Whole Foods but even then it is flown in from Seattle. I love going to Hawaii just to eat the fish. It is sooooooo amazing and fresh. TFS all your wonderful recipes and taking the time to type them out...

 

[oybolshoi]

hey guys ... thanks for the updates ... keep 'em coming!

I'm going to be spare for the next few days ... we had a death in the family yesterday. We knew it was coming but that doesn't make it any easier when it happens. If you can spare a moment to send some good thoughts towards my nephew Dylan and his new wife Jen (it was her mother who died last night) and her family, I'd sure appreciate it. That's a terribly difficult way to start out a new marriage ...

Hope you are all well and taking good care of each other and the ones you love.

 

[ChelleinNC]

& for you & your family

 

[*KeepMovingForward*]

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Good thoughts heading your way. Take care.

 

[D&R love Disney]

Good thoughts on the way for you and your family

 

[TigerKat]

Good thoughts coming your way.

 

[kabuki]

Hey Brenda.. sorry to hear about the sad news.. good, happy, thoughts all the way to them and you.. I lost my mom not too long ago and it's never easy!

 

[shovan]

hey guys ... thanks for the updates ... keep 'em coming!

I'm going to be spare for the next few days ... we had a death in the family yesterday. We knew it was coming but that doesn't make it any easier when it happens. If you can spare a moment to send some good thoughts towards my nephew Dylan and his new wife Jen (it was her mother who died last night) and her family, I'd sure appreciate it. That's a terribly difficult way to start out a new marriage ...

Hope you are all well and taking good care of each other and the ones you love.

Brenda, So sorry for Jen, Dylan & the rest of the family. That is a very hard way to start thier life together.

OMGOSH.... I didn't even think alcohol. Where oh, where is my Bendy brain... I have some butterscotch schnaaps too...

Okay.. this could be dangerous. I'm suppose to be losing weight here.


OMGOSH... that looks wonderful.. You guys must get some AWESOME fish out in NOLA. I live in the middle of hick-ville. We have great tomatoes. The best place I can get fish is Whole Foods but even then it is flown in from Seattle. I love going to Hawaii just to eat the fish. It is sooooooo amazing and fresh. TFS all your wonderful recipes and taking the time to type them out...

Sorry about tempting you with hot cocoa + ! I know how hard it is.

The scallops did come from Whole Foods. We do get really fresh seafood down here, but scallops isn't one of them. We can get great super fresh oysters, blue crabs, shrimp & a lot of different kinds of local fish from the Gulf & lakes. but for some things, we also have to rely on shipped in seafood. Come on down & try out our seafood, I promise you won't be disappointed! Meanwhile I'll keep dreaming of Hawaii!

Don't discount good tomatoes! Nothing better than a salad with vidalia onions, fresh mozzarella, good fresh tomatoes & basil! We all wait with anticipation for Creole tomato season over here.

 

[whogirl'smom]

Brenda, I'm so sorry to hear about Jen's mother. to you all and prayers being sent your way. I haven't been online much this weekend, so I just saw this--last night we were at our nephews' baptisms and this morning the internet was out. Hope you all are doing okay.

 

[cntkg1]

hey guys ... thanks for the updates ... keep 'em coming!

I'm going to be spare for the next few days ... we had a death in the family yesterday. We knew it was coming but that doesn't make it any easier when it happens. If you can spare a moment to send some good thoughts towards my nephew Dylan and his new wife Jen (it was her mother who died last night) and her family, I'd sure appreciate it. That's a terribly difficult way to start out a new marriage ...

Hope you are all well and taking good care of each other and the ones you love.

 

[Tatania]

I'm so sorry to hear about a death in your extended family, Bendy. I've been missing for a while because I'm swamped with work but I do think about this thread and how enjoyable it is to read. Thanks for giving us that, Bendy, and I know you'll be a great help to your nephew and his wife because of your warmth and sense of humor.

Wow... 90 lbs. That is AWESOME. I haven't been very motivated this week. So, any low-point recipes from Disney just might do the trick. Share away...

So far it's not too bad. The hard part is doing the detox & still trying to do WW's counting points. Maybe the detox one I'm doing isn't as hard as Donny's. Wheat is okay on this some, I read a lot of them that you had to give that up too.


I'm a Weight Watcher fan too! I lost 34 lbs, 6 yrs ago. I crept back up about 10 lbs last year. But I'm back down within 3 lbs of that low. I'm thinking about trying to get about 5 more lbs off after that. I haven't been able to excersise much at all due to spinal problems. I may be facing surgery this year, so I'd really like to get more weight off.

I fixed a really nice WW dinner last night. I come back & post after I've loaded the pics.

Today marks two weeks back on WW for me and I'm down 10 pounds. I'm not going to meetings this time because I've paid for an online subscription for years and I'm going to make use of it. I also don't want to go through the "freaking out" before WI because this time I want it to become a permanent lifestyle. If I feel like not counting points for a day and just eating whatever I want, I'm going to do that BUT I'm also going to make sure I eventually get back in the neighborhood of my goal weight.

Shovan - I'm in total awe of the dishes you're coming up with while being on the program. My dinners don't even look close to being as good. My plate usually looks like a Mount Everest of vegetables with a normal-sized protein serving. There's something out of whack with my body, because unless I have a large volume of food I don't feel full. That's why the mountain of vegetables, LOL. Anyway, I wish I had someone like you living next door and we could trade off the cooking! Your meals look incredible.

I've got a skinned chicken marinating in Durban Paste - which is a Boma recipe. I've made it before and it's very good - but this time I'm doing it without the skin.
I made the "Cherries in the Snow" recipe from this thread and it was good - though I would have preferred more cherries and less almond flavor. I love almond but 2 TBSP seems a bit much.

I wish I were making plans to come to WDW with you all but the Canadian dollar is going to have to do a WHOLE lot better before I dare go to the States again. I also got my year-end Mutual Fund statements today and the news was grim - to put it mildly. I can accept that my hard-earned savings have plummeted but I am furious that the money I scrimped and saved for years, as a single-supporting parent, for my son's education has dropped by more than 50%. It doesn't help to know jokers running these financial institutions are making out like bandits

Apparently WDW is laying off a lot of people right now so all is not happy there either. I may have to cut back on travel this year, but we'll see how the economy does.

 

[OurDogCisco]

hey guys ... thanks for the updates ... keep 'em coming!

I'm going to be spare for the next few days ... we had a death in the family yesterday. We knew it was coming but that doesn't make it any easier when it happens. If you can spare a moment to send some good thoughts towards my nephew Dylan and his new wife Jen (it was her mother who died last night) and her family, I'd sure appreciate it. That's a terribly difficult way to start out a new marriage ...

Hope you are all well and taking good care of each other and the ones you love.

Oh Bendy... sorry to hear your family is going through a difficult time. May peace be with you and your family... Tina

 

[dicar123]

Prayers for your family Brenda. We'll see you soon.

I mostly just lurk, but I would like to share some pictures of our dinner at a Korean BBQ place. I've tried, but my pictures come out postage stamp sized no matter what size Shutterfly says they are. Any ideas? I've never had that trouble before.

We did make the-not-really-Le-Cellier, Cheese Soup. It was pretty good! Hubby said if you minus the beer and half of the cheese and add potatos, it would be just like O'Charley's Loaded Baked Potato Soup. That's one of our favorites.

 

[shovan]

Today marks two weeks back on WW for me and I'm down 10 pounds. I'm not going to meetings this time because I've paid for an online subscription for years and I'm going to make use of it. I also don't want to go through the "freaking out" before WI because this time I want it to become a permanent lifestyle. If I feel like not counting points for a day and just eating whatever I want, I'm going to do that BUT I'm also going to make sure I eventually get back in the neighborhood of my goal weight.

Shovan - I'm in total awe of the dishes you're coming up with while being on the program. My dinners don't even look close to being as good. My plate usually looks like a Mount Everest of vegetables with a normal-sized protein serving. There's something out of whack with my body, because unless I have a large volume of food I don't feel full. That's why the mountain of vegetables, LOL. Anyway, I wish I had someone like you living next door and we could trade off the cooking! Your meals look incredible.

I've got a skinned chicken marinating in Durban Paste - which is a Boma recipe. I've made it before and it's very good - but this time I'm doing it without the skin.
I made the "Cherries in the Snow" recipe from this thread and it was good - though I would have preferred more cherries and less almond flavor. I love almond but 2 TBSP seems a bit much.

I wish I were making plans to come to WDW with you all but the Canadian dollar is going to have to do a WHOLE lot better before I dare go to the States again. I also got my year-end Mutual Fund statements today and the news was grim - to put it mildly. I can accept that my hard-earned savings have plummeted but I am furious that the money I scrimped and saved for years, as a single-supporting parent, for my son's education has dropped by more than 50%. It doesn't help to know jokers running these financial institutions are making out like bandits

Apparently WDW is laying off a lot of people right now so all is not happy there either. I may have to cut back on travel this year, but we'll see how the economy does.

WOW! 10lbs in 2 weeks!!! That is fantastic!!! I can tell you are eating your veggies!! My detox program only took off 2 1/2 lbs, but I'm at my lowest weight in years. Just need to get it lower. I found out yesterday, that I will be needing a pretty serious cervical spine surgery sometime this year. So I need to get more weight off before then.

Thanks for the compliments on the food. I enjoy cooking & right now I have the time to work on it.

Could you post that Durban chicken recipe with any changes you've made to make it healthier.

I feel your pain on the mutual funds & stock market. It's very disturbing for us too. My DH has muscular dystrophy. Several years back we made the decision for me to work at home, so that I felt well enough to take care of him & keep him working. ( He has always earned more than I did.) We don't know how long we will be able to keep him working & now my health has gone to crap also. We were looking okay before this latest dive in the market, now we don't know how we are gong to manage in the years to come.

 

[shovan]

dicar123,Sorry I can't offer any help on shutterfly. I use photobucket & can't get it to resize my pics smaller. It looks like it works, but then when I post they are still large.

I forgot (after talking about depressing stuff) that I came to post last night's dinner. It's another go to recipe around here especially when I'm watching the calories.

This is a funky pic, but the dish is soo good!
Halibut with Grapefruit Fennel Salsa. Brown & Wild Rice Pilaf

Here's a prettier pic I took during the summer:

Here's the recipe:
Roasted Halibut with Grapefruit Fennel Salsa Recipe courtesy Giada De Laurentiis


1 cup ruby red grapefruit segments (about 2 grapefruits)
1/4 cup grapefruit juice
1 teaspoon grapefruit zest
1 fennel bulb, trimmed
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons pitted nicoise olives, halved
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
4 (6-ounce) pieces halibut
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
In small bowl combine the grapefruit segments, juice, and zest. Halve the fennel bulb lengthwise, thinly slice and add to the bowl. Add the olive oil, olives, parsley, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.

Meanwhile, place the fish on a parchment-lined roasting dish. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt and pepper and bake for 10 to 12 minutes depending on thickness.

Gently transfer the fish to a serving plate. Top with the grapefruit and fennel salsa and serve immediately.

My Notes: I pan-seared the halibut in olive oil instead of roasting. The salsa tasted great until I added the zest, then it was a little bitter. So I added a splash of limoncello liquor to sweeten it. Next time I won’t use the zest. I didn’t have any nicoise olives I used calamatas. Followed the recipe otherwise & this dish looked and tasted like a really swanky rest. Meal!

More notes: Leave out the grapefruit zest, it’s too bitter. Add the splash of limoncello, it gives it a nice depth. A few splashes of olive oil is enough in the salsa. Roasting the fish works well too. Pine nuts pan roasted then splashed with limoncello is a yummy addition.