Snow Driving
After driving in snow storms for the past few days, I decided I would do us all a public service and offer up some tips on driving in the snow.
1. Like normal driving, it is adviseable to stay more than 1 foot away from the car in front of you.
2. I know it's a shock, because I've seen so many of you do it, but it is not best to get up a slick hill by gunning your car and spinning your tires … this only wastes gas.
3. Ditto getting out of ditches.
4. Changing lanes suddenly is even less of a good idea in the snow.
5. Having four-wheel drive does not make you invincible nor does it give you super powers.
6. Speed LIMITs really are applicable… strange but true.
7. And finally … snow, ice and slush are SLICK.
Spiced Chicken & Greens with Pomegranate Dressing
from: Cooking Light, January 2006
Ingredients
Salsa:
1/2 cup chopped peeled avocado
1/2 cup chopped seeded tomato
1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
Remaining ingredients:
2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
4 (8-inch) flour tortillas
1 cup shredded roasted skinless, boneless chicken breast
3/4 cup (3 ounces) preshredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
1/2 cup fat-free sour cream
Directions
Preheat broiler.
To prepare salsa, combine first 5 ingredients in a small bowl. Toss gently, and set aside.
Combine 2 tablespoons water, lime juice, cumin, salt, ground red pepper, and black beans in a blender; process until smooth.
Place tortillas on a baking sheet, and spread about 1/4 cup black bean mixture evenly over each tortilla. Top each evenly with 1/4 cup chicken and 3 tablespoons cheese. Broil 2 minutes or until cheese melts and tortilla edges are just beginning to brown.
Top each tortilla with 1/4 cup lettuce, 1/4 cup salsa, and 2 tablespoons sour cream. Cut each tortilla into 4 wedges.
Nutritional Info (1 tostada(
CALORIES 410(32% from fat); FAT 14.4g (sat 5.9g,mono 5.9g,poly 1.4g); PROTEIN 25.3g; CHOLESTEROL 49mg; CALCIUM 264mg; SODIUM 858mg; FIBER 7.2g; IRON 3.7mg; CARBOHYDRATE 47.7g
from: Cooking Light, September 2002
Ingredients
3/4 cup coarsely chopped onion
1 teaspoon coarsely chopped peeled fresh ginger
2 garlic cloves, peeled
1/2 cup plain low-fat yogurt
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander seeds
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Dash of ground nutmeg
4 (4-ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
Cooking spray
Directions
Place first 3 ingredients in a food processor; process until finely chopped. Add yogurt and the next 8 ingredients (yogurt through nutmeg); pulse 4 times or until blended.
Make 3 diagonal cuts 1/4 inch deep across top of each chicken breast half. Combine chicken and yogurt mixture in a large zip-top plastic bag. Seal and marinate in refrigerator 8 hours or overnight, turning occasionally.
Prepare grill or broiler.
Remove chicken breast from bag; discard marinade. Place chicken on grill rack or broiler pan coated with cooking spray; cook 6 minutes on each side or until chicken is done.
Nutritional Info (1 chicken breast half(
CALORIES 146(12% from fat); FAT 1.9g (sat 0.6g,mono 0.4g,poly 0.4g); PROTEIN 27.4g; CHOLESTEROL 67mg; CALCIUM 50mg; SODIUM 234mg; FIBER 0.7g; IRON 1.1mg; CARBOHYDRATE 3.4g
from: Cooking Light, July 1999
Ingredients
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (8-ounce) block 1/3-less-fat cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup toffee bits (such as Skor) (about 4 ounces)
1 cup pineapple juice
6 Red Delicious apples, each cored and cut into 8 wedges
6 Granny Smith apples, each cored and cut into 8 wedges
Directions
Combine first 4 ingredients in a bowl; beat at medium speed of a mixer until smooth. Add toffee bits, and mix well. Cover and chill.
Combine juice and apples in a bowl; toss well. Drain apples; serve with dip.
Nutritional Info (1 tablespoon dip and 3 apple wedges(
CALORIES 92(28% from fat); FAT 2.9g (sat 1.8g,mono 0.8g,poly 0.2g); PROTEIN 0.8g; CHOLESTEROL 8mg; CALCIUM 13mg; SODIUM 51mg; FIBER 1.4g; IRON 0.2mg; CARBOHYDRATE 16.9g
from: Cooking Light, May 2004
Ingredients
Shrimp cakes:
3/4 teaspoon curry powder
1 cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
2 tablespoons flaked sweetened coconut
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons minced red bell pepper
2 tablespoons minced green onions
1 tablespoon minced peeled fresh ginger
3 tablespoons light coconut milk
2 teaspoons minced seeded serrano chile
1 teaspoon low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon salt
12 ounces medium shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
1 large egg
1 garlic clove, minced
Cooking spray
Sauce:
1 cup diced peeled papaya
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
2 teaspoons sugar
Remaining ingredients:
4 cups gourmet salad greens
2 teaspoons sesame seeds, toasted
Directions
To prepare shrimp cakes, heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add curry powder; cook 30 seconds or until lightly toasted and fragrant, stirring constantly. Combine curry powder and next 13 ingredients (curry powder through garlic), stirring well. Cover and chill 1 hour. Divide shrimp mixture into 8 equal portions; shape each portion into a 1/2-inch-thick patty. Heat pan over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add shrimp cakes to pan, and cook 4 minutes on each side or until browned. Remove pan from heat; cover and let stand 5 minutes.
To prepare sauce, combine papaya and next 3 ingredients (papaya through sugar) in a food processor; process until smooth.
Place 1 cup greens on each of 4 plates. Top each serving with 2 shrimp cakes; spoon about 1/4 cup sauce over each serving, and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
Nutritional Info (1/4 recipe(
CALORIES 256(20% from fat); FAT 5.7g (sat 1.9g,mono 1.1g,poly 1.2g); PROTEIN 22.9g; CHOLESTEROL 182mg; CALCIUM 101mg; SODIUM 402mg; FIBER 3g; IRON 3.4mg; CARBOHYDRATE 28.5g
from: Cooking Light, November 2005
Ingredients
Pancakes:
1 cup all-purpose flour (about 4 1/2 ounces)
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 (1-ounce) package uncooked instant farina (such as Cream of Wheat)
1 1/4 cups low-fat buttermilk
1 tablespoon canola oil
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg
1 cup mashed banana (about 1 large)
Syrup:
1/2 cup pomegranate juice
1/2 cup maple syrup
2 tablespoons pomegranate juice
2 teaspoons cornstarch
Directions
To prepare pancakes, lightly spoon flour into a dry measuring cup; level with a knife. Combine flour and the next 6 ingredients (through farina) in a large bowl; stir with a whisk. Combine buttermilk, oil, vanilla, and egg; add to flour mixture, stirring until smooth. Fold in banana.
Spoon 1/4 cup batter per pancake onto a hot nonstick griddle. Turn when tops are covered with bubbles and edges look cooked.
To prepare syrup, combine 1/2 cup juice and syrup in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Combine 2 tablespoons juice and cornstarch in a bowl; add to pan. Cook 1 minute or until thickened; remove from heat. Serve with pancakes.
Nutritional Info (3 pancakes, 2 T syrup(
CALORIES 315(11% from fat); FAT 4g (sat 1g,mono 0.5g,poly 0.3g); PROTEIN 5.7g; CHOLESTEROL 37mg; CALCIUM 128mg; SODIUM 312mg; FIBER 1.4g; IRON 3.3mg; CARBOHYDRATE 66.6g
from: Cooking Light, March 2006
Ingredients
Chicken:
Cooking spray
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 (6-ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
Dressing:
1/3 cup pomegranate juice
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons sugar
2 teaspoons canola oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
Salad:
1 (5-ounce) package gourmet salad greens
1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
3/4 cup orange sections (about 2 medium oranges)
1/3 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup (1 ounce) crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
Directions
To prepare chicken, heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Sprinkle chili powder and salt over chicken. Add chicken to pan; cook 5 minutes on each side or until done. Remove chicken from skillet; let stand 3 minutes. Cut chicken across grain into thin slices; set aside.
To prepare dressing, combine juice and next 5 ingredients (through crushed red pepper) in a small bowl; stir well with whisk.
To prepare salad, place greens on a serving platter; top with onion, orange, cranberries, and chicken slices. Sprinkle evenly with cheese; pour dressing over salad.
Nutritional Info (2 C salad, 4.5 oz chicken, 2 T dressing(
CALORIES 333(18% from fat); FAT 6.7g (sat 2.3g,mono 2.4g,poly 1.2g); PROTEIN 42.2g; CHOLESTEROL 105mg; CALCIUM 115mg; SODIUM 527mg; FIBER 5.4g; IRON 2mg; CARBOHYDRATE 27.1g
Buttermilk-Banana Pancakes with Pomegranate Syrup
from: Cooking Light, January 2006
Ingredients
Salsa:
1/2 cup chopped peeled avocado
1/2 cup chopped seeded tomato
1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
Remaining ingredients:
2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
4 (8-inch) flour tortillas
1 cup shredded roasted skinless, boneless chicken breast
3/4 cup (3 ounces) preshredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
1/2 cup fat-free sour cream
Directions
Preheat broiler.
To prepare salsa, combine first 5 ingredients in a small bowl. Toss gently, and set aside.
Combine 2 tablespoons water, lime juice, cumin, salt, ground red pepper, and black beans in a blender; process until smooth.
Place tortillas on a baking sheet, and spread about 1/4 cup black bean mixture evenly over each tortilla. Top each evenly with 1/4 cup chicken and 3 tablespoons cheese. Broil 2 minutes or until cheese melts and tortilla edges are just beginning to brown.
Top each tortilla with 1/4 cup lettuce, 1/4 cup salsa, and 2 tablespoons sour cream. Cut each tortilla into 4 wedges.
Nutritional Info (1 tostada(
CALORIES 410(32% from fat); FAT 14.4g (sat 5.9g,mono 5.9g,poly 1.4g); PROTEIN 25.3g; CHOLESTEROL 49mg; CALCIUM 264mg; SODIUM 858mg; FIBER 7.2g; IRON 3.7mg; CARBOHYDRATE 47.7g
from: Cooking Light, September 2002
Ingredients
3/4 cup coarsely chopped onion
1 teaspoon coarsely chopped peeled fresh ginger
2 garlic cloves, peeled
1/2 cup plain low-fat yogurt
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander seeds
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Dash of ground nutmeg
4 (4-ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
Cooking spray
Directions
Place first 3 ingredients in a food processor; process until finely chopped. Add yogurt and the next 8 ingredients (yogurt through nutmeg); pulse 4 times or until blended.
Make 3 diagonal cuts 1/4 inch deep across top of each chicken breast half. Combine chicken and yogurt mixture in a large zip-top plastic bag. Seal and marinate in refrigerator 8 hours or overnight, turning occasionally.
Prepare grill or broiler.
Remove chicken breast from bag; discard marinade. Place chicken on grill rack or broiler pan coated with cooking spray; cook 6 minutes on each side or until chicken is done.
Nutritional Info (1 chicken breast half(
CALORIES 146(12% from fat); FAT 1.9g (sat 0.6g,mono 0.4g,poly 0.4g); PROTEIN 27.4g; CHOLESTEROL 67mg; CALCIUM 50mg; SODIUM 234mg; FIBER 0.7g; IRON 1.1mg; CARBOHYDRATE 3.4g
from: Cooking Light, July 1999
Ingredients
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (8-ounce) block 1/3-less-fat cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup toffee bits (such as Skor) (about 4 ounces)
1 cup pineapple juice
6 Red Delicious apples, each cored and cut into 8 wedges
6 Granny Smith apples, each cored and cut into 8 wedges
Directions
Combine first 4 ingredients in a bowl; beat at medium speed of a mixer until smooth. Add toffee bits, and mix well. Cover and chill.
Combine juice and apples in a bowl; toss well. Drain apples; serve with dip.
Nutritional Info (1 tablespoon dip and 3 apple wedges(
CALORIES 92(28% from fat); FAT 2.9g (sat 1.8g,mono 0.8g,poly 0.2g); PROTEIN 0.8g; CHOLESTEROL 8mg; CALCIUM 13mg; SODIUM 51mg; FIBER 1.4g; IRON 0.2mg; CARBOHYDRATE 16.9g
from: Cooking Light, May 2004
Ingredients
Shrimp cakes:
3/4 teaspoon curry powder
1 cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
2 tablespoons flaked sweetened coconut
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons minced red bell pepper
2 tablespoons minced green onions
1 tablespoon minced peeled fresh ginger
3 tablespoons light coconut milk
2 teaspoons minced seeded serrano chile
1 teaspoon low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon salt
12 ounces medium shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
1 large egg
1 garlic clove, minced
Cooking spray
Sauce:
1 cup diced peeled papaya
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
2 teaspoons sugar
Remaining ingredients:
4 cups gourmet salad greens
2 teaspoons sesame seeds, toasted
Directions
To prepare shrimp cakes, heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add curry powder; cook 30 seconds or until lightly toasted and fragrant, stirring constantly. Combine curry powder and next 13 ingredients (curry powder through garlic), stirring well. Cover and chill 1 hour. Divide shrimp mixture into 8 equal portions; shape each portion into a 1/2-inch-thick patty. Heat pan over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add shrimp cakes to pan, and cook 4 minutes on each side or until browned. Remove pan from heat; cover and let stand 5 minutes.
To prepare sauce, combine papaya and next 3 ingredients (papaya through sugar) in a food processor; process until smooth.
Place 1 cup greens on each of 4 plates. Top each serving with 2 shrimp cakes; spoon about 1/4 cup sauce over each serving, and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
Nutritional Info (1/4 recipe(
CALORIES 256(20% from fat); FAT 5.7g (sat 1.9g,mono 1.1g,poly 1.2g); PROTEIN 22.9g; CHOLESTEROL 182mg; CALCIUM 101mg; SODIUM 402mg; FIBER 3g; IRON 3.4mg; CARBOHYDRATE 28.5g
from: Cooking Light, November 2005
Ingredients
Pancakes:
1 cup all-purpose flour (about 4 1/2 ounces)
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 (1-ounce) package uncooked instant farina (such as Cream of Wheat)
1 1/4 cups low-fat buttermilk
1 tablespoon canola oil
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg
1 cup mashed banana (about 1 large)
Syrup:
1/2 cup pomegranate juice
1/2 cup maple syrup
2 tablespoons pomegranate juice
2 teaspoons cornstarch
Directions
To prepare pancakes, lightly spoon flour into a dry measuring cup; level with a knife. Combine flour and the next 6 ingredients (through farina) in a large bowl; stir with a whisk. Combine buttermilk, oil, vanilla, and egg; add to flour mixture, stirring until smooth. Fold in banana.
Spoon 1/4 cup batter per pancake onto a hot nonstick griddle. Turn when tops are covered with bubbles and edges look cooked.
To prepare syrup, combine 1/2 cup juice and syrup in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Combine 2 tablespoons juice and cornstarch in a bowl; add to pan. Cook 1 minute or until thickened; remove from heat. Serve with pancakes.
Nutritional Info (3 pancakes, 2 T syrup(
CALORIES 315(11% from fat); FAT 4g (sat 1g,mono 0.5g,poly 0.3g); PROTEIN 5.7g; CHOLESTEROL 37mg; CALCIUM 128mg; SODIUM 312mg; FIBER 1.4g; IRON 3.3mg; CARBOHYDRATE 66.6g
Coconut Curry Shrimp Cakes with Papaya-Lime Sauce
from: Cooking Light, January 2006
Ingredients
Salsa:
1/2 cup chopped peeled avocado
1/2 cup chopped seeded tomato
1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
Remaining ingredients:
2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
4 (8-inch) flour tortillas
1 cup shredded roasted skinless, boneless chicken breast
3/4 cup (3 ounces) preshredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
1/2 cup fat-free sour cream
Directions
Preheat broiler.
To prepare salsa, combine first 5 ingredients in a small bowl. Toss gently, and set aside.
Combine 2 tablespoons water, lime juice, cumin, salt, ground red pepper, and black beans in a blender; process until smooth.
Place tortillas on a baking sheet, and spread about 1/4 cup black bean mixture evenly over each tortilla. Top each evenly with 1/4 cup chicken and 3 tablespoons cheese. Broil 2 minutes or until cheese melts and tortilla edges are just beginning to brown.
Top each tortilla with 1/4 cup lettuce, 1/4 cup salsa, and 2 tablespoons sour cream. Cut each tortilla into 4 wedges.
Nutritional Info (1 tostada(
CALORIES 410(32% from fat); FAT 14.4g (sat 5.9g,mono 5.9g,poly 1.4g); PROTEIN 25.3g; CHOLESTEROL 49mg; CALCIUM 264mg; SODIUM 858mg; FIBER 7.2g; IRON 3.7mg; CARBOHYDRATE 47.7g
from: Cooking Light, September 2002
Ingredients
3/4 cup coarsely chopped onion
1 teaspoon coarsely chopped peeled fresh ginger
2 garlic cloves, peeled
1/2 cup plain low-fat yogurt
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander seeds
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Dash of ground nutmeg
4 (4-ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
Cooking spray
Directions
Place first 3 ingredients in a food processor; process until finely chopped. Add yogurt and the next 8 ingredients (yogurt through nutmeg); pulse 4 times or until blended.
Make 3 diagonal cuts 1/4 inch deep across top of each chicken breast half. Combine chicken and yogurt mixture in a large zip-top plastic bag. Seal and marinate in refrigerator 8 hours or overnight, turning occasionally.
Prepare grill or broiler.
Remove chicken breast from bag; discard marinade. Place chicken on grill rack or broiler pan coated with cooking spray; cook 6 minutes on each side or until chicken is done.
Nutritional Info (1 chicken breast half(
CALORIES 146(12% from fat); FAT 1.9g (sat 0.6g,mono 0.4g,poly 0.4g); PROTEIN 27.4g; CHOLESTEROL 67mg; CALCIUM 50mg; SODIUM 234mg; FIBER 0.7g; IRON 1.1mg; CARBOHYDRATE 3.4g
from: Cooking Light, July 1999
Ingredients
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (8-ounce) block 1/3-less-fat cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup toffee bits (such as Skor) (about 4 ounces)
1 cup pineapple juice
6 Red Delicious apples, each cored and cut into 8 wedges
6 Granny Smith apples, each cored and cut into 8 wedges
Directions
Combine first 4 ingredients in a bowl; beat at medium speed of a mixer until smooth. Add toffee bits, and mix well. Cover and chill.
Combine juice and apples in a bowl; toss well. Drain apples; serve with dip.
Nutritional Info (1 tablespoon dip and 3 apple wedges(
CALORIES 92(28% from fat); FAT 2.9g (sat 1.8g,mono 0.8g,poly 0.2g); PROTEIN 0.8g; CHOLESTEROL 8mg; CALCIUM 13mg; SODIUM 51mg; FIBER 1.4g; IRON 0.2mg; CARBOHYDRATE 16.9g
from: Cooking Light, May 2004
Ingredients
Shrimp cakes:
3/4 teaspoon curry powder
1 cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
2 tablespoons flaked sweetened coconut
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons minced red bell pepper
2 tablespoons minced green onions
1 tablespoon minced peeled fresh ginger
3 tablespoons light coconut milk
2 teaspoons minced seeded serrano chile
1 teaspoon low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon salt
12 ounces medium shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
1 large egg
1 garlic clove, minced
Cooking spray
Sauce:
1 cup diced peeled papaya
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
2 teaspoons sugar
Remaining ingredients:
4 cups gourmet salad greens
2 teaspoons sesame seeds, toasted
Directions
To prepare shrimp cakes, heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add curry powder; cook 30 seconds or until lightly toasted and fragrant, stirring constantly. Combine curry powder and next 13 ingredients (curry powder through garlic), stirring well. Cover and chill 1 hour. Divide shrimp mixture into 8 equal portions; shape each portion into a 1/2-inch-thick patty. Heat pan over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add shrimp cakes to pan, and cook 4 minutes on each side or until browned. Remove pan from heat; cover and let stand 5 minutes.
To prepare sauce, combine papaya and next 3 ingredients (papaya through sugar) in a food processor; process until smooth.
Place 1 cup greens on each of 4 plates. Top each serving with 2 shrimp cakes; spoon about 1/4 cup sauce over each serving, and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
Nutritional Info (1/4 recipe(
CALORIES 256(20% from fat); FAT 5.7g (sat 1.9g,mono 1.1g,poly 1.2g); PROTEIN 22.9g; CHOLESTEROL 182mg; CALCIUM 101mg; SODIUM 402mg; FIBER 3g; IRON 3.4mg; CARBOHYDRATE 28.5g
Friday!
Woohooo! Friday again. Even if it has been a “short” week, it has felt long. Perhaps it has something to do with the dreary weather. It makes you not want to leave the house, but stay there with a good book and a cup of tea.
As usual, I've got a healthy list of things that I either want or need to do this weekend, including some recipes to try, finally finishing a scrap book and watching some Netflix and Tivo. I love Fridays. 
Apples with Toffee Dip
from: Cooking Light, July 1999
Ingredients
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (8-ounce) block 1/3-less-fat cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup toffee bits (such as Skor) (about 4 ounces)
1 cup pineapple juice
6 Red Delicious apples, each cored and cut into 8 wedges
6 Granny Smith apples, each cored and cut into 8 wedges
Directions
Combine first 4 ingredients in a bowl; beat at medium speed of a mixer until smooth. Add toffee bits, and mix well. Cover and chill.
Combine juice and apples in a bowl; toss well. Drain apples; serve with dip.
Nutritional Info (1 tablespoon dip and 3 apple wedges(
CALORIES 92(28% from fat); FAT 2.9g (sat 1.8g,mono 0.8g,poly 0.2g); PROTEIN 0.8g; CHOLESTEROL 8mg; CALCIUM 13mg; SODIUM 51mg; FIBER 1.4g; IRON 0.2mg; CARBOHYDRATE 16.9g
This 'n' That
It's been all over the net, so you probably have seen this by now, but there's a live-action Simpsons opening sequence circulating the net. Apparently, a British cable TV station is using this for a promo as they introduce season 17 (or series 17 as they say in Britain) to their viewers. It's pretty darned neat.
What else? Oh. I got a new alarm clock at Costco yesterday. It's nothing real special, execpt that the time was pre-set at the factory and I just set my time zone. Wonder what happens when the power goes off. Well it does have some over-ride buttons. Best, though, it has an in for my MP3 player. This will save on some serious ear chafing during nap time. Continue reading “This 'n' That”
Protected: Sting.
Snowing!
This photo was taken about 20 miles from where I live, just as you're starting to climb into the mountains. Yes folks, that's right … it looks like the Denver area is due for some much needed snow. After a really really warm day yesterday, we awoke to grey skies and wet snow coming down. It is a very springy snow that they say may drop 3-6″ in our area. I'm so excited … SNOW! 
Interestingly enough, one of my best friends is due to have her baby any day now and apparently, low pressure systems, the kind that bring SNOW, can help that sort of thing along. Continue reading “Snowing!”