I think sticking (no pun intended) with honey is best as it is a bit thicker than the nectar.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
EatingWell Wednesday: Lime & Agave Nectar Chicken
I think sticking (no pun intended) with honey is best as it is a bit thicker than the nectar.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Jen’s adventures at Tortilla Flats: Can you make healthy choices at a Mexican Restaurant?
First up is my story of Jen’s healthy adventures at Tortilla Flats.
I was recently invited to a luncheon by the owners of Tortilla Flats in Providence, Rhode Island, who were very excited about their new menu. I debated whether to go? I write about and practice eating healthy so can I go there knowing they will be giving me cheese and guacamole? I debated but found out that we would be ordering whatever we wanted off the menu. I took a look at the menu online and realized that it would be possible and that I could then share my experiences with you.
Upon arriving at this former firehouse, I was charmed by the slightly industrial decor as well as the wooden tables and other Mexican touches. It was refreshing not to sit at tables covered in uneven bright tiles or overbearing bright colors. First up, what to order to an appetizer? Yup, there is a nice selection of the less healthier choices but then I spot the winner: Chicken Tortilla Soup. This soup is made with a chicken broth base, shredded chicken, and loaded with veggies. The soup is not salty and I can taste the cumin. I am pleased.
Next up, I get to choose the main dish. I peruse the menu and then question the owner: tons of cheese in the quesadillas? No, but feel free to request that they go light on the cheese? Can I get whole wheat tortillas? Yes, or choose corn tortillas. I was impressed. I also note that you can order a vegetable or shrimp quesadilla. Other healthier main dish choices: baja tacos made with sauteed tilapia (hold the dressing), or the Santa Fe salad (substitute grilled chicken), or the house salad. I was thrilled to see that they had a bison burger, just hold the cheese and instead of fries, ask for the cucumber salad (spicy but yummy). So my choice you wonder? I choose the Baton Rouge Tilapia Sandwich. I loved the subtle spicing as so many Mexican restaurants go overboard. I also thought the ciabbiata roll was great but I thought I would be stuffed so I simply ate the tilapia and the lettuce and tomato it came with it. I enjoyed that it was not smothered with the aioli but instead an adequate drizzle. You can wipe it off if you wish or ask for it on the side but I would not skip it. A children’s menu was also offered but contains the standard less than healthy options however, they do come with apple slices. Always keep in mind that you can always order the little ones something that is not on the kids menu (grilled chicken kiddos?).

Dessert: To be honest, most Mexican restaurants do not have healthy options however, if you must have something, I suggest this: split the dishes! maybe split ice cream amongst the group? Tortilla Flats has a strawberry shortcake cornbread that I am sure the group would be happy to share with you but try to steal most of the strawberries. Maybe you should have a margarita instead.
In summary, I was happily surprised at the selections, flexibility and taste of the food offered at Tortilla Flats and that I left with not a fried chip of guilt. I bet that as with most restaurants, you will find the Mexican place near you willing to make adjustments.
So now on to other ideas for eating lighter at a Mexican Restaurant:
*Ask them not bring the chips to the table
*Ask what substitutions you can get besides rice or fries or if you can simply get the rice if there are no vegetable side dishes.
*Order soft tortillas instead of hard as 'hard' equals fried
*Substitute black beans for refried beans
*Use salsa as a condiment instead of sour cream or guacamole
*Do not restrict the children to the kids menu: if need be, order the 'grown up' version and either share (keeps the cost down) or bring the rest home.
Any other suggestions that you have to cut the fat?
Monday, July 6, 2009
Lil Kids in the Kitchen - An Ice Cream Social

We had two friends over to help and each has their turn.

Note the messes have already begun-good times!
Yes, we did share with the friends: the scenario was 6 spoons diving into the pot (yes, the two extra spoons were the moms). I realized afterwards that I had not taken any pictures however, my daughter was willing to demonstrate.
By the way, are you going to participate in our ice cream social? Read my post from last week so you are 'in the know' and can join in the fun!
Next up, we conquer Sorbet!
Easy Vanilla Ice Cream:
1 cup (250 ml) sugar
2 teaspoons (10 ml) lemon juice
2 cups (500 ml) heavy whipping cream
1 cup (250 ml) milk (I used 1%)
1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
Combine all ingredients, mixing well. Start the freezer and pour mixture through
hole in lid. Freeze until desired consistency or unit stops.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Cucumber Vinaigrette on Hearts of Palm Shrimp Salad

Cucumber Vinaigrette Ingredients:
1/2 english cucumber, roughly chopped
2 tablespoons parsley
1/2 tablespoons dijon mustard
1 clove garlic
1/8 teaspoon red sea salt
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
1. Place the first 6 ingredients into the processor/mini chopper, pulse a number of time then drizzle in the EVOO and process until emulsified.
The salad you ask? oh yes, I was planning on making a shrimp dish so I had cooked them but then ran out of time and we were hungry so this is what we had. So what is hearts of palm? They are vegetables from the soft core of a palm tree. If you are intimidated about trying them, do something like the salad here as they mix in with the other flavors. Oh, and no, the kids just wanted the baby spinach, onions and shrimp on the side.
Salad:
Toss baby spinach leaves, red onion, sliced strawberries, sliced hearts of palm and shrimp together and enjoy with the cucumber vinaigrette.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
MomActive chats with me: smart nutrition & healthy foods for our families

Simply come on over to MomActive.com and click on the 'radio' tab. Sit back with the volume on medium (we are loud enough so save the speakers) and have a laugh or two .
FYI: Leah is a co-founder of Momactive Radio and MomActive.com and founder of BookieBoo.com) & Fiona (co-founder of Momactive Radio and Momactive.com & Bantering Blonde )
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
National Ice Cream Month - Ice Cream Social Challenge
What could the challenge be this time? How about making your own ice cream! Yes, go ahead and make is any flavor you want, any color, be crazy or conservative. I am going to take this journey with you by creating ice cream with my kids. Naturally, I will be making it real, as in using the old fashioned ingredients of cream, milk, sugar, etc. I hope to make some sorbets or yogurts to cut down on fat, sugar etc. along the way but enough about me. What do you want to do with it after creating it? eat, wear it? paint with it? Do nothing or anything you want (G rated only). Wait, you do not want to make it? Do you want to visit a local ice creams shop and send us a video? Having an ice cream party that you wish to vlog about? Just want to see how many photos you can take of ice cream? Go for it!
There will also be some surprises for the winners but I am keeping mum for now. We have so many details to share but why overwhelm you as you have ice cream plan to make!
Have a great homemade recipe? Did you visit a favorite ice cream shop or a unique local dairy/creamery? Anywhere and any way you've recently indulged in ice cream ecstasy, let us know; entries can be a blog post, a vlog, video, or just a photograph!
To enter:
1) Post about your ice cream creation on your blog, linking back to ScottySnacks, SavortheThyme and Tangled Noodle. Then send us a link and photo of your post! We welcome any posts that were published before the start of our challenge. Enter as many times as you wish.
2) No blog? No problem! Send us a photo, video or vlog of your entry telling us what, where and when it was taken. Provide a URL, if applicable (a still shot or capture would be great, too).
There will be a round up at the end of the month on all three sites!
Thanks for your participation!
Jennifer, Scotty and Mrs. Noodle
EatingWell Wednesday: Mexican Grilled Corn on the Cob

Although the kids stuck with the buttered version since they were already thrown off by the grill marks, my hubby and I enjoyed this Mexican grilled corn treat. I found that we did not need to sue a tablespoon of the topping as the recipe dictated and and remember to be light with the cheese since we are all watching our figures. Wink. Wink. Oh, this recipe will definitely impress guests..
Monday, June 29, 2009
Martha Stewart and I make Cinnamon-Oat Pancakes

Since I rarely find myself following a recipe exactly and I am always try to up the nutritional content in some way, I opted to vary the recipe by using 1 cup of unbleached organic flour to 1 cup of organic whole wheat flour. I then followed the recipe to a 'T'. The result was tasty and the kids enjoyed them however, I think they would have been less dense if I had cut the oats down to 1 cup.
Do you like your pancakes light and fluffy? If yes, then follow her instructions and see how they come out but I have to wonder: Which is better nutritionally? To use all AP flour with all the oats called for OR use some whole wheat flour but cut down on the oats?
Lil' Kids in the Kitchen: It's a wrap...and a Quesadilla
The latest Quesadilla 'bar' consisted of whole wheat tortillas, leftover chicken I chopped up, sauteed mushrooms, sauteed peppers, shredded reduced fat Monterey Jack cheese, chopped scallions, minced cilantro and parsley from our garden, fire roasted chili's, olives and salsa for a topping.

Warning: a little nibbling may occur during creation process...

Does he look like he is having fun?

Loading up on the good stuff.
Enjoying their own creations!
This is truly a great way to entertain the children, use up leftovers, AND create a frugal and healthy meal.
TIPS: I have learned that my lil ones can get a bit distraught if the tortilla is not firm and hold in the ingredients, so you may need to limit the amount of ingredient you place out in front of them so they do not overload. It also aids in the ease of eating by folding the tortilla in half so they end up with a half moon shape. You can always fill the entire tortilla and place another one on top, warm it and then cut it into pizza like triangles.
The ingredients can vary so I will simply tell you more about how we go about creating them. I made a small line across the middle (with salsa) and asked them to keep in the ingredients on one side. Once they finished with the toppings, I carefully transferred it to a nonstick pan (heated on medium), flipped the empty side on top, pressed down firmly and let it warm for about 5 minutes. Once it seems to have crisped just a bit, I flipped it over and finished that side.
I will be posting more 'lil kids in the kitchen' throughout the month.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Fast & Frugal Friday: Crusted Mahi-Mahi and Quinoa with Vegetables


Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Disney Food Report & DisneyFamily.com Travel giveaway!
I realized that I have never updated you folks regarding the food we took to Disney World and what was worth taking and what was a bust. So without further ado, here is my report on the snacks we packed.
What was worth packing:
*Sesame Seeds
*Bars (not ones with lots of chocolate or caramel drizzle as they will get to sticky in the heat)
*Powdered milk was great as we brought a plastic quart container and then kept it in the mini-fridge
*Cheese sticks
*Cereal (in vacuum bags-go ziploc!)
*Carrots (so great to have a veggie to snack on in the hotel room)
*Oatmeal packets (use hot water from the coffee pot in room!)
*Whole almonds (as held up well to pressure)
*Jerky: they can really hold up to pressure, heat etc (read more here)
What I will not bring again:
*Bananas (we packed them in a box but still got bruised up and disintegrated quickly)
*Crackers were OK but only if you have sturdy container (we had a qt. container to make milk in)
*Lunch Meats as too concerned about keeping them cold
*Dried cranberries as easyily smashed up in your bag pack
*Chocolate milks were great for the kids but get heavy so if you do not have to worry about weight AND you can protect them from puncture-go for it)
Speaking of Disney, we are lucky enough to have a great giveaway for all of you sponsored by DisneyFamily.com and MomGenerations.com. I enjoy the Disney Family website as one of the many great features on the site is a list of “Cities on a Shoestring” where parents can find inexpensive or free activities to do in cities around the country. The site also includes tips for hassle free air travel, videos of popular family destinations, and safety travel tips.

Disney Family.com is offering an “On the Road with Family.com” kit to one lucky reader! The kit promises to keep children comfortably entertained during car or plane trips this summer and will put an end to the dreaded “Are we there yet?” questions while allowing families to share their favorite family vacation destinations. The travel kit includes a plush kid size travel pillow, a copy of Dr. Seuss’s There’s a Map in My Lap, a travel game kit, notepad and pen and adorable tote bag (a $30 value).

Also, make sure to visit Disney Family.com Travel to help with all your vacation planning needs as the site provides a unique resource for parents providing a combination of expert reviews, parent recommendations, and age-appropriate points of interest for family-friendly destinations on any budget.
To enter to win:
*Leave a comment about your favorite family vacation destination spot. The winner will be announced on July 1st.
For additional entries you can do the following:
*Tweet about this contest: "Trying to win a Disney travel kit @savorthethyme http://savorthethyme.blogspot.com/2009/06/disney-food-report-disneyfamilycom.html
*Follow me on Twitter @savorthethyme (tweet me to tell me you are a new follower)
*Join the Savor The Thyme group on Facebook
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Daddy's Egg & Ham Sandwiches
Ingredients for 1 sandwich:
2 slices whole wheat bread
1 organic egg
1 slice ham (no preservative, no nitrates/rites added)
ketchup

Directions:
1. Place the egg and 1 teaspoon of water in a microwavable bowl. Drape a piece of paper towel over the bowl and microwave on high for 2 minutes (or less if you like runnier yolk).
2. While the egg is cooking, place two slices of bread on your plate and spread some ketchup on one piece (I would have never have thought of ketchup).
3. Place a slice of ham on a piece of paper towel and microwave, maybe 20 seconds to warm.
4. Assemble and enjoy.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Jerky goes to Disney & Socialuxe Lounge
So, initial impressions: nice packaging, pineapple looks like high quality pineapple and the ingredients: pineapple and honey. We rip into them, bite, chew, and ahhhh....sweet, flavorful pineapple. I think pineapple is sweet enough as is but I can also appreciate that the honey seems to highlight the flavor. And there is not tons of honey, just a drizzle. In fact, this pineapple jerky would also be a perfect snack when you are craving something sweet and is a healthy option for dessert. And you all should know that if you are going to use a sweetener, make it something natural like honey, not a fake substitute. And here is my favorite part about this: its’ portability. This was great to bring with us to the park and is not one of those snacks that will get easily crushed or bruised. Ever carry a banana in your purse? Ugh.


Sunday, June 21, 2009
Turkey Cutlets with Baked Vegetables & Mom's Club Wine & Cheese Party
This is another 'one dish' type of meal, where you do a little prep, toss it all into dish, cook it and you are done. I did make some multi-grain pasta on the side however, that was mostly for the kids. This is a great dish for 4 adults. We all loved it.
Ingredients:
1 lb, boneless, skinless turkey cutlets
1/2 red pepper, cut into strips
1/3 sweet onions, cut into thick slices
4 oz. baby bella mushrooms
4 oz. green beans
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
1/3 cup low sodium organic chicken broth
1/4 teaspoon dried sage
salt & pepper
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Whisk together the chicken broth and vinegar in a separate bowl and set aside.
3. Season the turkey with salt and pepper and dredge through the broth/vinegar mixture and
place into an oven proof dish.
4. Toss vegetables into the remaining broth/vinegar mixture, stir and place the veggies and liquid onto the turkeys cutlets.
5. Bake approx. 20-25 minutes depending on the thickness of the cutlets.
So, onto the party. I joined the MOMS Club back when I first became a stay at home mom and found it to be so supportive and a great way to make friends. Once a month we have a moms night out and this month we met for a wine and cheese party.

The woman who hosted the party used the suggestions from my post titled 'Cheese-Wine pairings for Dummies'. She printed some information from the site and used it as labels on the wine bottles.

We had a great time with the pairings and some other nibbles (including the watermelon salad) that ladies brought along. Host one of these parties yourself: maybe for couples, guys or gals.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Grilling Tools - Father's Day Gift Ideas
Circle Kabob Skewers: These look so darn cool. Too feminine? well, then get them the old straight stand-bys.

Laser Thermometer: Not cheap, but a real cool toy and you can say good-bye to cutting your meat in half to take a peek.
Monogrammed Branding Iron: This is sure to puff up any man’s chest

And finally, some great rubs. Just what a guy would love as this is such a quick and easy way to infuse some great flavor.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Rainy Day Parfait - Breakfast or Dessert?

6oz. cup of organic non-fat vanilla yogurt
approx. 1/2 cup organic vanilla almond crunch cereal (cascadian farms)
approx. 1/3 cup blueberries
approx. 1/4 cup raspberries
Directions:
Place a layer of yogurt in the bottom and top with granola, then blueberries and repeat. When almost to the top, place a thin layer of yogurt, granola and raspberries on the top.
If you prefer a thicker yogurt, consider using greek yogurt. This would also be a great breakfast or dessert.

Thankfully, I finished taking the pictures just in time.
Monday, June 15, 2009
EatingWell Wednesday: Sweet & Tangy Watermelon Salad

In addition, the only other change I made was I only used 1 teaspoon of sugar instead of the 2.5 in the recipe and I personally do not think it needs more. Some more ideas that were 'tweeted' in regards to a watermelon salad: vidalia onions and a bit of balsamic vinegar; arugula, feta cheese and adding sage to the salad. Be sure to follow the link above for the recipe.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Eating Healthy and Losing Weight - An inspirational story by the founder of BookieBoo
Have you ever struggled with weight or adapting a healthier way of eating? Have any of you ladies had to lose weight after having babies? Still need to? And you guys out there, do you have wives, lady friends or moms that have struggled losing the baby weight? So many of us can identify with that struggle so I thought it would share the story of Leah, the founder of BookieBoo.com who lost 100 pounds after adapting to cleaner way of eating and of course, exercise. Also, all of you ladies (guys, tell the women in your life) should join in for support in your journey to lose weight or to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Also, in case you missed it, here is my first article as a contributor to BookieBoo.com.
This is an excerpt from a recent interview of Leah:
1. Please share a bit about that as well as your motivation for starting Bookieboo?
I was 253 lbs. when I gave birth to my first son, whom I refer to as Bookie. (When he was a baby, I called him Bookieboo.) I lost over 100 lbs. after he was born. I did it the old fashioned way: diet and exercise. I did it slowly, taking it 5 lbs. a time, and it ended up taking me two years. Fitness and healthy living have become my lifestyle now. It’s something I enjoy doing and something I enjoy sharing with my family and friends.
After I lost all that weight, I decided to combine my interests and create a site that was helpful to moms. I couldn’t find a go-to place where moms could share their struggles staying or getting into shape. I thought moms would enjoy the concept, so I created Bookieboo.
Bookieboo has over 40 contributors, posting about fitness, weight loss or healthy living. Many are certified personal trainers, but all are moms. No boys please. Bookieboo also has over 100 discount codes to share, as well as weekly giveaways, and great women.
I just had another baby, so the moms on my site are losing weight with me again. This time I only have 20 more pounds to lose. Come join me!
2. How do you stay motivated to exercise and eat well?
Oh, that’s easy. I’m an absolute shrew without exercise. It’s like when you don’t have your coffee in the morning. I’ve noticed that I’m far more patient with my children and family and are able to handle more. It makes me feel good throughout the day. The days I’m not getting any exercise, I’m totally dragging. Would that be an endorphin addiction? Hmmmm….
The eating comes with it. When you exercise a lot, you crave foods that are good for you. I’m not joking…it happens.
3. What do you think is universally the biggest challenge for moms when it comes to being healthy and/or losing weight after pregnancy?
Having children and getting into shape is tough. I’m finding it tougher and tougher with two. I don’t have all the answers. What works for me may not work for everyone, which is exactly the reason I have Bookieboo. It’s about how to do it all with kids from many perspectives. Moms supporting moms. I get a lot of advice from my own members.
4. Tell me about MomActive and any other projects you are working on…
MomActive is the new radio show hosted by myself and Fiona Bryan from The Bantering Blonde. Our premiere is June 19th at 11am pacific standard time. We are going to have weekly guests that talk all about the same sort of stuff on Bookieboo--How to stay fit or live a healthy lifestyle while being a mom. I’ve already gotten a lot of interest in the show and am going to be bringing on some incredible guests. You won’t want to miss this. I’m going to be my eccentric self and Fiona is going to be her witty self and we are just going to make a go of it, so I’m hoping you all can join us.
To celebrate the launch of the radio show, Bookie Boo is hosting a Twitter party this Thursday from 5-8 PST (8-11 for us east coasters). Please follow the link and join in the fun!
Broccoli and Garlic Pasta ala Coconut & Lime

Friday, June 12, 2009
'Good For Us' pasta and Marinara Sauce
Also, I want to share my kitchen essentials and the contest winner: Strainer, Scraper, Immersion Blender, Zester, Chef/Santoki Knife, Parchment and Wax papers, and Citrus Juicer.
The winner of the cookbook (she choose the union square book), is Donna of My Tasty Treasures. Congrats Donna!




















