Southwestern Open-Faced Sammich

Sometimes I love being a on a budget for grocery shopping.  It forces me to be creative and new ideas that I might not try otherwise.  Today, I got really creative.  I had bell pepers that needed to be used, but I wanted some type of sammich.  So, this is what I came up with:

Southwestern Open-Faced Sammich

red & green bell peppers, sliced fajita style

3 eggs

salsa

2 slices whole wheat bread (I used Orrowheat Whole Wheat Sandwich Thins)

Directions:

1. Steam the peppers

2. Toast the bread and scramble the eggs

3. Put the eggs on the bread, followed by the peppers and salsa

I LOVE hot sauce so I put some of that on top, too.  My favorite is Tapatio.

I know the pictures are a little blurry...  but let me tell you, this sammich was SO GOOD!!!  It totally hit the spot!  Don't forget to link up!

Dance Forever!

"Feel the melody and the rhythm of the music around you...  It's like I waited my whole life for this one night.  It's gonna be me, you, and the dance floor.  And cause we've only got one night; double your pleasure, double your fun, and dance forever!" - Forever, Chris Brown

Every once in a while, a song will strike the right mood and I have to listen to it over and over and over again.  This morning is totally one of  those mornings!  I cannot get enough of this song!  It reminded me that I sometimes forget to live in the moment and soak up everything around me.  The biggest problem is that now I want to DANCE!  What a great problem to have: simple and easy to fix!  :)

Shortbread Delicious-ness!

Shortbread Cookies

1 1/4 cups Whole Wheat Flour

3 tablespoons Splenda

1/2 cup butter, softened

1/4 to 1/2 cup sugar-free chocolate, melted

Directions:

1. Combine flour and Splenda in a bowl.

2. Using a pastry blender, cut in butter until mixture looks like crumbs and starts to cling together.

3. Knead with your hands until smooth.

4. Form into little mounds in the palm of your hand, (cupped to make the round top).

5. Place an inch apart on a cookie sheet.

6. Bake at 325 degrees for 20 minutes.  Makes 24 cookies.

7. Cool on cookie sheet.  Once cooled, drizzle with melted sugar-free chocolate.

Make sure to check out Sandwich 365!  I am featured in their Sandwich Contest Sneak Peek!  I follow their blog and LOVE how creative it is!  Thanks, Sandwich 365, for the opportunity and the feature!

To My Siblings: Thank You!

Does anyone else ever get the feeling that they are cheating on their bed with the rest of life?  My bed misses me.  It told me so when I crawled out of it this morning around 5:30am.  My warm, soft sheets and fluffy pillows...  Getting up this morning was difficult.  I have never enjoyed being up before the sun.  This morning I thought back to when I was in college and how I would always sign up for 7am or 8am classes and either switch the class or miss half of them.  Most of the time I was lucky if I had done more than pull my hair back in a pony tail before running out the door, in flop flops, coat half way on. 

Why do I share this?  Because I am extremely grateful to be single and child-less.  Don't get me wrong; I love kids.  I was Baby-sitter Extraordinaire growing up, sometimes baby-sitting for two or three different families a week.  I loved it!  But kids are not for me...  I am also very grateful for my siblings providing my parents with a ridiculous amount of grand kids so I don't have to.  Between my five older siblings, they have 13 kids...  and I have NO idea how they do it.  So, thanks guys!  I will continue to play proud Auntie and spoil your kids rotten, then give them back.  :)  Love you all!

Dessert!

Today, I'm turning the tables.  What I'm looking for is dessert!  I want to actually make these recipes, so here's the catch:  they have to be healthy!  I'm talking sugar free, whole grains, healthy.  :)

Link up!

Sick of Being Sick?

I was on Facebook recently and saw a post from a friend of mine.  Her kids are sick and her little girl is running a fever.  She said she picked up the bottle of Motrin and actually read the label for the first time and was shocked when she saw what it said.  She asked what alternatives there are.  My heart broke for her because I know she is a good mom and only wants the best for her family.  Her post is similar to many other posts I've seen:  People are sick and don't know what to do!  It's been a while since I've done a rant post, so here it is.  I honestly cannot keep my mouth shut a second longer because EVERYBODY needs this information.

Here's the deal:
1.) Pharmaceuticals are not your friend!  The chemicals in medications and over the counter drugs are keeping you sick and perpetuating the cycle!  Think about it:  if people were not getting sick, there would be no need for doctors (except for emergencies).  So, if the doctors and Pharmaceutical companies can keep us sick, they stay in business.  The side effects of common medications are often vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, migraines, heart attacks, stroke, heart disease, cancer, death...  None of those side effects are necessary and they all stem from the chemicals used to make the drugs. 
2.)  The FDA is not your friend, either!  Did you know most of the pre-packaged food products out there contain corn or genetically modified soybeans?  They are government subsidized and extremely cheap to grow and use for manufacturers.  Same with processed sugar.  The average kid in America consumes 26 teaspoons of sugar every day, and that does not include candy, cookies, ice cream, etc.  That's in their cereal, sandwiches, mac and cheese, etc.  No wonder we have behavior problems!  High fructose corn syrup hits the same spot in your brain that heroin does.  Kids are even more susceptible to the effects.  Every time your kids eat something with high fructose corn syrup, they are getting the same high they would from heroin.  That's why you crave more - if you stay hooked, then the Pharmaceutical companies have you for life.  Yes, I did just connect the FDA and the Pharmaceutical companies.  They are virtually one in the same, sadly.
3.)  You do not have to get sick.  I personally know people that have not been sick in years!  When you stop eating processed sugars and foods, stop taking medications, and give your body what it needs and wants, your body takes care of itself.  I have not been sick since I made these changes and I cannot express how much better I feel!  I wake up feeling good every single day, even when I'm running on little sleep.  I am vibrant and alive, with all the energy I need.  I am far more productive than I ever was before.  My body actually heals while I sleep!  Life does not have to be miserable, day to day, sickness to sickness, paycheck to paycheck. 

I know these are very bold statements, but trust me when I tell you I have done the research to back all this up. If you want to know more, email me at cheffiejo@gmail.com.

My Guilty Pleasure

I'm sure you all have figured out that I love food.  And I simply refuse to give up my favorites, even though I sometimes have to get really creative to make them healthy.  :)  Last night I had one of my all-time most favorite foods ever:  'mato sammich.  For those of you that don't like tomatoes: You are missing out on one of my guilty pleasures.  I did take pictures, (but didn't remember til I was almost half way through the sandwich), and I have a recipe for you, too.  So, here ya go!  Happy Foodie Linky Party!

'Mato Sammich

2 slices whole wheat bread (I use Nature's Own Whole Wheat Bread)

1 roma tomato (firm, red, and hearty)

1 tablespoon mayonnaise (I use Kraft's Olive Oil Mayo)

Directions:

1. Toast the bread.  Slice tomato.

2. Spread mayo on both slices of bread.

3. Put tomato slices on bread.

I used to put cheese on the sammich.  Cheddar is pretty delish!

I know... super difficult.  :)  But, I thoroughly enjoyed every single bite of my 'mato sammich!

Don't forget to link up!

The Serenity Prayer - Revised

"God grant me the serenity to accept the people I cannot change, courage to change the one I can, and the wisdom to know it's me."

I heard this tonight on a training call, and it fell right in line with everything I've been working on for myself.

This week I:
Slept in
Made and ate delicious food
Repainted my nails
Went shopping
Watched movies
Had great conversations with old friends
Met new friends

   Don't forget to share how you're taking care of yourself!
Happy Selfish Respect Tuesday!

Blog Friends :)

I LOVE my blog friends!  Y'all are the BEST!  Thanks for hanging out with me every week!

Salsa with a Twist!

When I was in Culinary school, I had a restaurant class.  We had a teaching kitchen and the restaurant was open for lunch every Tuesday and Wednesday.  Each week we had different food from somewhere in the world.  One week for our start, the class decided to make fresh chips and salsa, and it was SO GOOD!  I don't remember everything we put in it, but I make fresh salsa all the time, so now it's time to share!

Fresh Salsa

Mango

Bell Peppers (any color)

Onion

Garlic

Tomatoes

Cilantro

Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice

Black Pepper and Salt

Use as much or as little of each ingredient as you want. Dice the ingredients, gently stir together.

It's better if you let it sit in the refrigerator overnight so all the flavors come together. 

No pictures today.  Bummer when I write the post and can't find the picture...  Guess that means I need to make more this afternoon!

Selfish Respect Tuesday!!

Last week I got an excellent suggestion!  It was suggested that I make my Selfish Respect post a permanent Linky Party!  I have to admit, the thought had not even crossed my mind when I wrote it, but I l-o-v-e the idea!  I know my blog is what falls behind when I get really busy, but I am working on scheduling my time better, so I have blog time on the calendar. :)

The past couple weeks I have made sure to take time to take care of myself.    The Herbalife products I am on have made my hair and nails grow SO fast!  My hair has grown 4 inches since April, (which for me is ridiculously fast...), and my nails are practically as hard as acrylics.  So, I make sure to keep my nails buffed and polished.  Today they are hot pink - 80's Jane Fonda exercise video hot pink!  I have also been working on my Personal Development every day.  I truly love my time to myself, when no one interrupts me or gives me their opinion.  I have a new book that I am reading and I am so fascinated by it!  Here is a quote from what I read last night:

"Human beings... have been given the dignity of choice.  They can choose to be all, or they can choose to be less.  Why not stretch up to the full measure of the challenge and see all you can do?" - Twelve Pillars, Jim Rohn & Chris Widener

The Most Compounded Difficulty

"Because, you know information can change your life. What you don't know will hurt you. What you don't know will leave you without an idea that can change your life. What you don't know will harm your health. What you don't know will jeopardize your financial security. So, it's important to know.  Ignorance is not bliss. Ignorance is poverty. Ignorance is tragedy. Ignorance is the most compounded difficulty. But, if you know, and especially if you are privy to the truth, as the old prophet said, 'The truth will set you free'. The truth gives you freedom to make decisions. The truth helps you to decide a course of life and follow it and see if you can make the best of it." - Jim Rohn

Pampered... Now Back to Work!

This weekend was incredible!  We had a blast with all the spa parties, manicures, pedicures, food... Even the puppy was tired!

Peggy, Holly, and Sarah

Katelyn and Cindy

Banana Muffins

End of the Spa Party

Before the Manicure

After the Manicure - Thanks, Tionna!

Before the Pedicure

After the Pedicure - I did it MYSELF!

Sunset

After Playing Fetch - Tired Puppy!

After Playing Fetch - OWIE!  This is what happens when your toes connect with the puppy's jaw... Don't worry - puppy and Jo are both okay.  :)

Enchiladas for Dinner

Lightning Storm - I couldn't get the lightning...

Banana Bars

Banana Bars - After the chocolate melted

Banana Bars

1/2 cup butter, softened

1 cup Splenda

1 egg

1 cup whole wheat flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

1 package sugar free cheesecake pudding

3 bananas, mashed

1/2 bag sugar free chocolate chips (I used Hershey's)

Directions:

1. Cream butter and Splenda.  Add egg and stir.

2. Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and pudding.  Mix together.

3. Add bananas and mix til combined.

4. Spread into a buttered pan.

5. Bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes.

6. Sprinkle chocolate chips on top.  When melted, spread across bars.

This recipe is a Cheffie Jo original. I made it up last night.  They tasted pretty good, too, so I'm pretty proud of that!  :)

Don't forget to link your weekend to Thursday's Selfish Respect post!  I want to see how pampered everyone was!

Ah, Pizza!

Thursday night is Pizza night.  My friend and I make pizza just about every week, and every time we make it, it's different.  We switch back and forth between different dough and sauce recipes, so instead of a recipe today, I'm going to post pictures and some of our favorite ingredients.

Ingredients:

Ground Turkey

Ham

Cheese

Olives

Green, Red, Orange, Yellow Bell Peppers

Onions

Garlic

Mushrooms
Eggs

Sometimes we make one BIG pizza and share...

With eggs on top, of course!

But sometimes we make our own...

So everyone can have what they want!

Selfish Respect

One of the things I do as a Personal Wellness Coach is work on myself through personal development.  As I've done this, I've become more aware of myself, my surroundings, and the people I interact with.  Every single choice we make has a consequence.  A couple weeks ago I had this conversation with someone and I was told I live my life in fear because there are certain things I won't do.  I have to disagree.  It isn't that I live in fear, it's that I do think about the consequences.  The other person said it's better to have the fun now and deal with the consequence later.  I've thought about this conversation a lot the last couple weeks and here is what I have to say: hospitals, cemeteries, and jails are full of people who 'had fun now' and dealt with the consequences later.  We get to make the decision, but do not get to choose the consequence.

This isn't meant to be a 'doomsday' post.  Inside of my thoughts on the conversation, I realized decisions and consequences have a lot to do with respect: respect for self, others, the earth, the universe.  Because our decisions directly affect everything around us, we have to respect everything around us to truly be in harmony.  This process starts with self and is tied to just how 'selfish' we are with our own health, thoughts, actions, etc.  Before I starting using Herbalife's products, I was selfish in the wrong direction. I blamed others for my decisions and situations.  When I started to get healthy again, it became easier to take responsibility for myself and my decisions.  Now, I am very selfish with my health.  I take care of myself first.


The challenge this weekend is to take time for yourself.  Pamper yourself, sleep in, make yourself a healthy and balanced meal; whatever you need to truly feel good!  My commitment to all of you this weekend is that I will also put myself first, but then I will share that with others.  I will document the weekend and share, and I encourage everyone to do the same!  I want to see pictures!  Link up to this post when you do so we can all inspire others to do the same!

Bring on the FUN!

Here are pictures and recipes from the weekend.  We all had so much fun!

Pasta Salad: 

Whole Wheat Egg Noodles

Cilantro

Garlic

Onion

Hard Boiled Egg

Tomatoes

Cheddar Cheese

Fat Free Balsamic Vinaigrette

I admit, I didn't measure anything, (as usual...), so I don't have amounts, but it is so easy to make!  If anyone would like me to figure out exact amounts, I'd be happy to make it again.  Hehe!!  :)

Getting the Spa Party set up

The night sky after the rain storm!  SO beautiful!

Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes

2 cups whole wheat flour (any flour could be used)

2 cups Splenda

1/2 cup cocoa powder

1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups milk, soy milk, or Herbalife Vanilla Protein Drink Mix

1/2 cup butter, softened

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 eggs

All Natural Peanut Butter

Directions: 

1. In a large bowl, mix flour, Splenda, cocoa powder, baking soda, nutmeg, cinnamon and salt together. 

2. Add milk, butter and vanilla.  Mix til combined.

3. Add eggs and mix til combined.

4. Mixture will be VERY thick!  For cupcakes, makes 6 regular and about 11 minis.

5. For regular cupcakes, place about a tablespoon cake mix in bottom of lined cup.  Place about 1 teaspoon peanut butter on top.  Cover with enough cake batter to fill cup a little over half way.

6. For minis, do the same, just reduce the amounts.

7. Bake regular cupcakes in a 350 degree over for 12-15 minutes and minis for 7-8 minutes.

8. Cool completely.  Can be eaten without topping, (which I prefer), or can be topped with anything desired

In the pictures, the cupcakes are topped with fat free cream cheese and Cool Whip, with cocoa powder dusted on top.  Not my favorites, but it wasn't my birthday.  :)

Best Weekend... Ever!

This last week was absolutely crazy!  My blog posts slacked last week, (sorry to all my Linky friends!), but I had an absolute blast keeping so busy!

My weekend was full of:

• Spa Facials
• Protein packed sugar free banana muffins
• Protein packed sugar free, lactose free chocolate/peanut butter cake
• Friends
• The BEST stuffed chicken ever
• A relaxing, thoroughly enjoyable drive to the boonies

Life is so good!  Pictures and recipes to come!

Easy 'Shortcake'

I made this with a friend last night.  SO good!!  And easy to make, too.  

'Shortcake'

1 1/3 cups whole wheat flour

2/3 cup Splenda

1 teaspoon baking powder

2/3 cup milk

1/4 cup butter, softened

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions:

1. In a medium bowl combine flour, Splenda, and baking powder.

2. Add reminaing ingredients and mix on low til combined. Beat on medium for 1 minute.

3. Makes 9 cupcakes.  Bake at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes.

For the fruit filling we used diced mangoes, peaches, and sliced bananas.  For the sauce, we sliced fresh strawberries and crushed them with a fork to get the fruit and the juice.  To put them together, cut the cupcake in half, put fruit inside, top with the other side of the cupcake, and drizzle the strawberry sauce on top. 

Making them was really quick and easy, and everyone loved them!  You can use any fruit, too.  Blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, kiwi...  Nothing better than cake and fruit!

Fruit Pizza

I've had a new baking and cooking buddy as of late. We've made some pretty random creations, but everything has turned out awesome!  Twice in the last week we've made Fruit Pizza because it's such a great dessert!!  It's completely sugar free and de-li-cious!  We used different fruits both times, but both turned out so tasty.  We also made the first one as a real pizza, but the second time we just did mini cookies.

Fruit Pizza

1 cup softened butter

1 1/2 cups Splenda

2 eggs

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions:

1. Cream butter and sugar together.  Add egg and vanilla and mix.

2. Add all the dry ingredients and mix.

Bake at 400 degrees.  For pizza, 10-12 minutes.  For cookies, 8 minutes.

Cream Cheese Frosting

1 package fat free cream cheese (8 ounces)

1/2 cup Splenda

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Directions:

1. Cream cream cheese.  Add Splenda and vanilla and mix.

Once the 'pizza' crust has cooled, top with the cream cheese frosting, then with fruit.

Bucket List

I have heard several people talk about their Bucket Lists lately. Right now, I'm sitting here listening to "Empire State of Mind" by Jay-Z and Alicia Keys, and all I can think about is my dearest friend who actually is in New York. I've always wanted to visit New York. I've been creating my own Bucket List and traveling is a HUGE part of it!

One of the things I do inside of being a Personal Wellness Coach is teach how to use a Vision Board. Mine recently got a makeover and I realized that my dreams are much bigger than they were when I made the board the first time. My Vision Board is directly tied to my Bucket List. I also noticed that I have already achieved SO much! Here are some of the things that are still on my Bucket List and Vision Board:

• Hawaii
• Venice
• Tahiti
• Shoes!  (I found the most gorgeous shoes in a magazine!)
• This Donna Karan hot pink taffeta dress  -------->
• A custom-built house with a ridiculous kitchen and top of the line appliances

I really could go on and on.  As I cross things off, more gets added.

Now I have two questions for all of you:  What's on YOUR Bucket List or Vision Board?  What are you doing to achieve those dreams?

For more info on how to achieve everything you desire, click here or email me at cheffiejo@gmail.com and I can teach you how.

Fresh Tomato Bruschetta

This is an appetizer we made in Culinary School.  We were given some liberties this day to come up with recipes for different things on our own, and this is one that my group came up with.

Fresh Tomato Bruschetta

8-10 small pieces French bread

2 ounces cream cheese

2 ounces fresh mozzarella

1 clove minced garlic

1 ounce minced onion

¼ teaspoon balsamic vinegar

Parsley, finely chopped

Chives, finely chopped

2 tomatoes concassee, small dice

Salt and pepper

 

1. Mix tomatoes, vinegar, garlic, onion, parsley and chives

2. Salt and pepper to taste

3. Refrigerate for 30 minutes

4. Mix cream cheese and mozzarella together

5. Toast bread in salamander for 45 seconds

6. Spread cheese mixture evenly on bread

7. Top with tomato mixture

8. Toast in salamander for 20 seconds

The video below shows how to make Tomato Concasse.  A salamander is like a broiler, so you can use the broiler on your oven.

Pictures!

For the last three months, I have been competing in a Weight Loss Challenge.  Going into the challenge, I didn't think I had any more weight to lose, (even though I would have been happy with five more vanity lbs...), so I was confident if I won at all, it would be for inch loss.  Here's the crazy thing:  I still lost 7.6 lbs!  I don't have the percentages in front of me, but as soon as I do, I'll post them.  That said, (drumroll, please), I have lost 21 lbs and over 27 inches!

The first picture is from Culinary School.  the second picture is from last night.  In the Weight Loss Challenge, I came in 3rd place for both weight and inches, and took home $56!  I cannot even describe how incredible I feel!  I never thought I would feel better at 25 years old than I did at 16, but I do!

Kings to me!

Independence Day

I am so incredibly grateful to live in a country where I am free to speak my mind.  As I've mentioned before, my dad was in the Army and my little brother is currently in the Navy.  I'm so proud of both of them, as well as the rest of my military family and all of those that currently serve or have served this blessed country.

This weekend was busy, but as I watched the fireworks with friends Saturday night, we listened to the music - Proud to Be An American, The Star Spangled Banner - and all I could think about was how grateful I am for everything I have.  Tears definitely came to my eyes, but they were tears of gratitude and joy, (and a few tears for not being with my family on one of our favorite holidays).  We stood in the middle of the stadium we were at and I was absolutely in awe of everyone standing at attention, hands over their hearts, when The Star Spangled Banned played.  It was truly breathtaking.

Today, I am so grateful I can share my thoughts and feelings without fear of persecution.  I am grateful to know and feel patriotic for the country I live in.  I truly am proud to be an American!

This morning I found out one of the chefs I had in Culinary School is headed in for back surgery.  My thoughts are also with him and his family.  I pray he has a quick and full recovery.  Good luck, Chef Shawn!

Mini Oatmeal Pies

Last night I made Mini Oatmeal Cream Pies with some good friends.  They were de-li-cious!  (And pretty healthy, too!)

Mini Oatmeal Pies

1 cup butter, softened

1 cup Splenda

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

1 cup quick oats

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1. Cream butter and Splenda together in mixer.

2. Add eggs one at a time and blend.  Add vanilla and mix in.

3. Add flour, oats, and cinnamon.  Mix til combined.

4. Make small balls and place on cookie sheet. Flatten with the bottom of a cup.

5. Bake at 375 degrees for 8 minutes

Filling:

8 ounces fat free cream cheese

1-1 1/2 cups Splenda

1. Cream Splenda and cream cheese together in mixer.

2. On the bottom side of a cookie, top with filling. 

3. Put another cookie on top to make a sandwich.

Don't forget to link up to today's Foodie Linky Party!!

Education Conversation

Last night I had a great conversation with a friend.  We talked about a lot of different things, but one part of the conversation really stood out.  We talked about education and how it is important, but that education comes from everything we do, not just from a classroom.  The conversation made me stop and think about my own life.  I, too, was taught the importance of education.  I always thought that life was: go to school, get a degree, get a job and earn a paycheck.  I went to college when I was 18 and was working towards a degree in English with a minor in Creative Writing.  I didn't finish.  There were a lot of factors, one of the them being the cost.  Last night my friend asked why college is so expensive.  My reply was that if the average person could afford to go to college, it wouldn't be special anymore.  The degree wouldn't mean anything if everyone had one.  As soon as I said it, I thought of another friend who has a degree and still can't find a job.  So, the question is: does the degree really mean anything?

I have known people that have gotten a degree through little or no effort on their own part.  Let's be honest; it is easy to find a school that will give you degree if Daddy's check has enough zeros.  Having seen that happen, does the degree mean anything?  Does a piece of paper really show exactly what you know and are capable of?  Nope!  As soon as I understood this concept, I realized my education has come through my life experiences.  I am well-rounded.  I am intelligent.  I have learned more about myself, life, love, relationships, etc. through actually living than I ever did sitting in a classroom.  Please don't misunderstand me.  I am grateful for the college education I have received.  I did learn very valuable lessons while in school.  I have simply chosen to do things my way.

The point I'm trying to make is that a college degree does not equate worth.   There are plenty of ways to be create wealth without having the piece of paper.  To find out more click here, then click on Business Opportunity.

Updates!

I realize I announced my Friday Foodie Linky Party and haven't done anything since then.  The last two weeks have been so incredibly busy for me, and some of that was unexpected.  The Linky Party will be back up next week.

Here is the update I'm most excited about:  I hit my goal!  I have lost 20 lbs, 25 inches, and have gone from a size 8 to a size 4!  (And even the 4's are getting roomy...)  I have never felt this incredible or alive!  My life is completely changed and I am so grateful for the opportunities I have had because of Herbalife!

The Shiny Coating on Candy

I have never been a huge candy eater. It was always cookies and cakes that sucked me in and put me in a sugar coma. But I did always have my candy favorites. My most favorite has always been candy corn. I have always loved the Autumn Mix with the pumpkins in it. Since I have cut sugar out of my diet, I no longer eat candy, so when I saw this video, I got a little queasy...

Most people think candy corn is just sugar, but there is way more to it than that.  The 'glaze' this video talks about is called Confectioner's Glaze, (in the food world), but it is also called Pharmaceutical Glaze.  It is usually made with Confectioner's Sugar, (powdered sugar), and 'food grade' shellac.  Nasty!  Shellac is also found in wood finish, primer, high-gloss varnish, etc., and is used in many foods to give it that shiny coating on the outside.  Some of these foods are candy and some are 'diet' foods.  Kinda shameful that shellac is an approved food coating.

The point to all of this is to remind everyone to read food labels!!  You don't know what's in your food unless you look and if you're trying to lose weight or get healthy, the 'diet' food you eat might be keeping you unhealthy or overweight.  If you'd like to learn more about getting healthy or how to lose/gain/maintain weight, email me at cheffiejo@gmail.com and I would be happy to teach you how I went from a size 8 to a size 4 and feel better now than I ever have!

Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls

Last Friday I blogged about my new Foodie Linky Party and I gave a recipe for Baked Meatballs.  On Sunday, I made said meatballs and they were SO good!!  I also made whole wheat dinner rolls to go with them, (and fried apples...  mmmmm!).  I always forget to take pictures, (even though it was required in Culinary school), so I only have pictures of the wheat rolls.  They were an absolute hit and there was not a single roll left by the end of dinner!

Here are the rolls before I baked them:

And here they are after:

And here is the recipe:

Makes 2 large loaves or 35 dinner rolls

2 tablespoons nonfat dry milk powder

18 fluid ounces warm water (warmer than room temp, but not hot)

3 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast

3 tablespoons honey

5 cups whole wheat flour

2 teaspoons salt

1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened

Directions:

1. In a mixer bowl, add milk powder, water, yeast, honey, and enough flour to make a pancake-like batter.

2. Sprinkle flour on top to make a 'blanket'.

3. Cover bowl with a towel and place in a warm spot, until flour on top cracks.

4. Pour rest of flour on top, then salt.

5. Mix with a dough hook attachment until dough starts to come together.

6. Add butter and mix 5-8 minutes.  Dough should be elastic, but not tough.

7. Pour dough out on clean counter, cover with plastic wrap and let sit 5 minutes.

8. Punch dough dough to knock all the air out.

9. Portion dough as desired and shape into loaves or rolls

10. Cover with towel and let dough rise until doubled in size.

11.  Put dough in sprayed pans and bake at 375 degrees (loaves - 1 hour, rolls - 20 minutes)

12. Immediately remove from pans and allow to cool.  May be brushed with melted butter.