by ThallenBLiving on December 12, 2011
Last night, my hubby and I decided to have a late dinner. We’d had a pretty heavy lunch, so we wanted something light yet filling. I suggested we heat up some canned Hormel Veggie Chili… but Hubby decided that was too bland. Apparently, it needed a little bit of his own flare! He went into the kitchen and got to work… Hubby ended up seasoning and baking a chicken breast and cutting it up into the chili. He also tossed a few pieces of delicious garlic toast in the oven. The result? A hearty meal, packed full of flavor, yet light enough to keep me from feeling stuffed. I must say, he always impresses me with his creativity in the kitchen!
Do you have a favorite “made-up” meal?
by ThallenBLiving on November 30, 2011
I’ve found the perfect do-it-yourself gift idea: Cookies in a Jar! I came across this while browsing the internet the other day (the photo above is from www.Make-It-Do.com). The idea is simple… Fill mason jars with the ingredients of your favorite cookie recipe. All the gift recipients will have to do is pour out the ingredients and add egg, butter and vanilla. These are so simple to make and so unique because each giver’s recipe is different!
Here’s what you need:
- Quart size mason jars (these can be found at local craft stores)
- Festive fabric and ribbon
- Cookie ingredients
- Labels (or double-side tape and paper)
What to do:
- Clean and dry mason jars and lids. Measure and add ingredients to the jar. On a computer, print out what you want your label to say. It may be a good idea to include the ingredients in case someone is allergic. Cut and tape labels to jar. Cut fabric in squares large enough to cover the lid of the jar. Cut ribbon long enough to wrap around the fabric at the neck of the jars to hold the fabric in place. Tie the ribbon into a secure knot, then make a bow
by ThallenBLiving on November 29, 2011
Last week, Hubby offered to help out in the kitchen with dinner. Of course that meant we pulled out his favorite kitchen appliance – the George Forman Grill! We made Chicken & Spinach Quesdillas and boy were they delicious (and pretty healthy too!). Here’s what we used:
- Organic Chicken Breast
- Taco Seasoning
- Whole Wheat Tortillas
- Fresh Spinach
- Mozzerella Cheese
- Light Sour Cream
- Salsa
- Jalapeno Peppers
- George Foreman Grill
Here’s what to do:
- Season the chicken breast with taco seasoning and bake in the oven until done.
- Slice the chicken and place on a tortilla.
- Add spinach and mozzerella cheese.
- Cover with second tortilla, then place on George Forman Grill.
- All done when cheese appears melted and tortilla is brown!
- Cut into triangles, garnish with sour cream, salsa and jalapeno peppers.
by ThallenBLiving on November 23, 2011
It’s Thanksgiving and I’m pooped! Last week, Hubby and I moved apartments and I’ve spent the past few days getting things in order. Not to mention working full-time and otherwise coordinating life! Even with the best of intentions, when Thanksgiving rolled around I had nothing left to give… no stuffing, no homemade cranberry sauce, no endless sea of desserts. But as they say, necessity is the mother of invention! So in the absence of our traditional Thanksgiving feast, I had this bright idea– a Thanksgiving Salad! Perhaps you can create one with the leftovers from your meal…
Thallen B.’s Thanksgiving Salad Ingredients:
- Romaine Lettuce
- Sliced Turkey Breast (to represent the Turkey)
- Croutons (to represent dressing/stuffing)
- Dried Cranberries (to represent cranberry sauce)
- Green Beans (to represent green bean casserole)
- Mozzerella Cheese (to represent macaroni & cheese)
- Pecan pieces (to represent pecan pie!)
- Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
Bon Appétit and Happy Thanksgiving!
by ThallenBLiving on November 22, 2011
As I’ve mentioned before, I’ve been on the Weight Watchers program since the summer. So far I’ve lost 20 pounds, and feel great (cue the Jennifer Hudson song!). Weight Watchers is great because you can eat whatever you want, so long as its in moderation. I love to snack, so I had to find healthy snacks to go along with the endless amounts of fruits and vegetables that I’m allowed. The Skinny Cow product line is amazing! They make ice cream and candy bars that are the perfect sweet treat to satisfy my cravings. The best part is that they are low-calorie and low in Weight Watchers points! My personal favorites are the Skinny Cow Ice Cream Sandwiches (all flavors!), the Skinny Cow Heavenly Crisps and the Skinny Cow Dreamy Clusters. Oh wait! That’s pretty much everything they make!
Have you tried Skinny Cow? Do you love it too?
by ThallenBLiving on November 17, 2011
“Have you ever spatchcocked a turkey?!” That’s the question I asked my confused friend, Janille, the other day. Her obvious reply was “No!” as I’m sure yours is too. However, I’m looking to change that… together Martha Stewart and I will make spatchcocking the newest holiday trend!
I came across the link to Martha Stewart’s post on the blog Pattern & Palette. One of the blog’s writers worked for Martha Stewart Living for 5 years (talk about a dream job!). I had never heard of this practice before, so I decided to go straight to the source – MarthaStewart.com. Here, Martha gives a step-by-step of how to remove the backbone from your holiday turkey so that it will lie flat on the cooking pan. By roasting your turkey in this position, the meat will be more tender and juicy so carving the bird will be a breeze!
Check out the link to see how it’s done!
*To avoid confusion, the turkey pictured above has not been spatchcocked
by ThallenBLiving on November 3, 2011
Can you believe that this is the 100th post on Thallen B. Living?! I’m so excited to reach this milestone As a token of my appreciation to all of you, I have decided to do a giveaway! The gift is a (drumroll please)… $25 Sephora gift card!!! Here’s how you enter to win:
- Subscribe to receive Thallen B. Living email updates by entering your email address in the box on the right. Don’t forget to verify by clicking the link in the first email you receive. If you’re already subscribed, no need to subscribe again.
- Next, comment on your favorite Thallen B. Living post, telling me why it’s your favorite.
- Then, tweet or facebook your favorite post. Make sure to “@ThallenBLiving” in your message to notify me.
I’ll select the winner on Monday, November 14. It’s as simple as that! Thanks for reading, and hopefully the $25 Sephora gift card will be YOURS!
by ThallenBLiving on November 2, 2011
The tabloids were all abuzz when First Lady Michelle Obama went incognito to Target. When questioned about her visit, she replied that she often makes secret trips to Target, PetCo, and CHIPOTLE! Wow! I’m so excited that I’m not the only person willing to risk life, limb, and national security to eat Chipotle!!! [Just kidding 
]
But seriously… Chipotle is known as a “healthier” alternative to fast food, yet it’s always so delicious! The food is so flavorful and I’ve never been disappointed by my meal. Plus, the portions are so big I can split it into two servings (which means two meals for the price of one)!
I’ve tried it all — Tacos, Burrito, Burrito Bowl and Salad. My favorite dish is the hardshell tacos, veggie style with black beans and rice. I’m “flexitarian” meaning I try to eat as little meat as possible, and with Chipotle veggie dishes I don’t miss the meat. I load up on the pico, corn salsa, and hot sauce… Oooh…my mouth is watering just thinking about it!
Do you love Chipotle like Mrs. Obama and me? What’s your favorite fast food restaurant?
by ThallenBLiving on October 24, 2011
Lately my life has been consumed with work. It has become increasingly difficult to prepare healthy meals after working 12+ hour days. I have been on the prowl for quick (read: microwaveable) options. Lean Cuisines are now a staple in my household… my all time favorite being the Lemon Pepper Fish (from the Cafe Cuisine collection). Seriously, I could eat this Lean Cuisine EVERY DAY!
What’s your favorite heat and eat meal?!
by ThallenBLiving on October 27, 2010
I’m so excited that my “eat from your kitchen” recipe inspired a reader to share her own at-home creation! I received this recipe from Joanne M. who was so thrilled with her meal that she took a dish to work the next day. Needless to say, her co-workers were so jealous of her tasty, smell-good meal! Here’s what Joanne M. submitted:
Skinless BBQ Chicken
I already had skinned, pre seasoned chicken quarters in my freezer for this recipe so most of the work was done. I skinned & cleaned the chicken (removed all the fat), parboiled the legs (about 15 minutes) & then seasoned them with a mixture of the following: minced onions (white and red) minced garlic, salt, pepper, white vinegar & cumin powder. I then froze the legs for later use.
You’ll need:
-4 to 5 chicken quarters (prepped as above & thawed)
-BBQ sauce
-A hot grill or 400 degree preheated oven
Place the legs evenly on the grill & liberally brush with the BBQ sauce, flipping every 4 – 5 minutes, brushing as you go. They are done once you cut into the joint & there is no pink left in the meat.
In the oven, brush both sides then cover with foil, check after 10 mins & turn. Uncover after 20 mins so they can brown. Just that simple! If you want, you can “doctor” up your favorite bbq sauce & create your own spin. I add a touch of spicy brown mustard, honey & chili powder to mine.
Potato Salad
7 medium sized potatoes (I use Eastern or Idaho)
2 eggs
1 stalk of celery
½ a white onion
1 ½ c mayonnaise
½ cup of relish
1 scallion, diced (green & white parts)
A dash of hot sauce
A dash of Worcestershire sauce
Salt & pepper
Peel & cut the potatoes in quarters. Salt a pot of water & bring to a boil. Add the potatoes & the eggs. Boil until the potatoes are as tender (or as firm) as you like. I personally like about 15-20 minutes. Meanwhile, dice the celery, onion & scallions into a bowl. Once everything is boiled to fork tenderness, drain & cut the potatoes & eggs & add them to the bowl. Mix in the mayo, relish, sauces, salt & pepper till everything is evenly coated. Refrigerate for 1 hour (or overnight) and enjoy!
Last night, my hubby and I decided to have a late dinner. We’d had a pretty heavy lunch, so we wanted something light yet filling. I suggested we heat up some canned Hormel Veggie Chili… but Hubby decided that was too bland. Apparently, it needed a little bit of his own flare! He went into the kitchen and got to work… Hubby ended up seasoning and baking a chicken breast and cutting it up into the chili. He also tossed a few pieces of delicious garlic toast in the oven. The result? A hearty meal, packed full of flavor, yet light enough to keep me from feeling stuffed. I must say, he always impresses me with his creativity in the kitchen!
