Sunday Dinner

There is just something special about Sunday’s. It’s a day for families, but todays families are always so scattered and it seems the older we all get the busier we are. Regardless of what is going on in our lives or how “busy” we are, we always take the time to spend Sunday with Grandma.  On a typical Sunday at my Grandma’s house you will find (at least) 12 people watching whatever sport is on, various chips & dips on the table and me overloading on M&M’s before dinner is even served!

If you’ve ever met my Grandma you know what an amazing woman she is. She always leaves a lasting impression, knows exactly what to say at exactly the right time and cooks up some of the best dinners I’ve ever had. No matter what’s on the menu we know it’s going to be delicious. Some of our Sunday staples include lasagna, chicken tetrazini, stuffed chicken, stir fry, GRANDMA BREAD and let’s not forget about dessert! I truly give my Grandma credit (blame) for my obsession with sweets. When a waitress at a restaurant asks if we want to order dessert after we’ve all eaten ourselves silly she always says “Sure, we’ll have a bite!” My kind of girl…

Last night’s Sunday dinner was one of my favorites. We inahled enjoyed Pot Roast, Mashed Potatoes (the best you’ll ever have), carrots, broccoli, strawberries and rolls. I almost didn’t go because I was “busy”… I had/have a lot to do for an upcoming Bridal shower this weekend and didn’t think lounging at Grandma’s for 6 hours was a good idea. My brother called and said he was going back to college in the morning and wanted to make sure I’d be there. So, off I went. I don’t need much convincing when it comes to a homecooked meal – ESPECIALLY when it gives me a break out of the kitchen.

 

Grandma with her grandchildren - I'm the only girl!

 

 

I hope we continue this tradition forever and ever. I love the family time, the memories it makes and the dessert my grandma serves

Of course I forgot to take pictures of my dessert… I was overly excited that we were having brownie sundaes and there were 4 different types of ice creams to choose from. I also had to try out all 4 flavors. It was completely unnecessary.

I wont be giving out any of Grandma’s recipes today… But I did make a cookie you might be interested in!

When these are on sale for $1…you buy them.

Then, you think of some way to incorporate them into a dessert recipe…

Next, you remember how good these monster sized cookies were.

So you decide to substitute the butterfinger for the oreo.

Now you do a happy dance because you are a genius (and you’re on a sugar high)

Butterfinger Stuffed White Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients

• 2/3 c Butter plus 2 tbs.
• 1/2 c Sugar
• 1/2 c Dark brown sugar
• 1 Egg
• 1 ts Vanilla
• 1 1/2 c Flour
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (i used ghiradelli)
• 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips (i used ghiradelli)
• Mini butterfingers

Directions

• Heat oven to 325 degrees F.
• Grease cookie sheets. In large bowl with electric mixer beat butter, sugars, egg and vanilla at med-high speed until fluffy.
• Reduce mixer speed to low, add flour, increase speed gradually and beat just until blended. Stir in white and milk chocolate chips

• Take a ice cream sized scoop and place one on each end of butterfinger

• Press sides down and seal edges so butterfinger is completely covered.
• Place on baking sheet about 2 inches apart because these will be large and in charge

• Bake for 10-14 minutes. Remove from oven when browned on edges

I dare you to eat just one…Double dog dare you. Now you have to…

I clearly need some type of detoxing in my life… My stretchy pants aren’t stretching anymore.

QUESTIONS: Do you have Sunday dinners with your family?? What is your favorite dish your Grandma makes?

Nothing but good

My countdown to Florida has officially reached 1 week! I’m thinking I will probably mentally check out sometime around next Tuesday? Sounds about right.

Breakfast this morning was a little something different from my regular carb load… Vanilla pudding? An extremely healthy version of Vanilla pudding that has 3 ingredients. Unsweetened Almond Milk, NuNaturals Stevia Vanilla Pure Liquid and Chia Seeds.

2 tbsp of chia seeds – 1 3/4 cup of unsweetened almond milk & 12 drops of NuNaturals Stevia Liquid… Combine all ingredients and let sit for 20 minutes. I let mine sit for 24 hours…The longer it sits, the thicker it becomes!

I Mixed it with one of my protein bars of course! I loved the texture, the flavor, the way I can drive/take a picture/hold my food at the same time and of course how healthy this was!

Do you use Chia Seeds? They are insanely good for you. Check out some of the health benefits …

1. Supports Heart Health
   Chia seeds can help reduce blood pressure. The seeds contain one of the highest known plant sources of essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6). EFAs cannot be synthesized by our bodies however, it is very important that we get enough to support our immune, cardiovascular, nervous and reproductive systems. EFA deficiency is quite common in North America.
   
2. Stabilizes Blood Sugar
   Chia seeds slow down the rate at which complex carbohydrates are digested and then assimilated into the body. The soluble fiber helps to stabilize blood glucose levels resulting in steady, sustained energy. In one study on diabetic patients, Dr. Vladamir Vuksan of St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, found that blood was thinner and less prone to clotting and blood pressure of participants dropped significantly, after three months of taking Chia seeds daily.
   
3. Energizing
   The word “Chia” comes from the Mayan language and means strength. Chia seeds are a balanced blend of protein, carbohydrates, fats and fiber. It is said that 1 tablespoon of Chia can sustain a person for 24 hours. Athletes have reported that Chia seeds help them perform at optimal levels for much longer periods of time.
   
4. Anti-Inflammatory Properties
   A number of arthritis sufferers have reported reduced pain and inflammation after a few weeks of taking Chia seeds. The high concentration of omega-3 helps to lubricate joints and keep them supple. Additionally, Omega-3s are converted into prostaglandins which are known to have both pain relieving and anti-inflammatory effects.
   
5. Weight Loss
   The essential fatty acids contained in Chia seeds helps to boost metabolism and promote lean muscle mass. The seeds are sometimes added to food to provide bulk and nutrients while adding very few calories. For these reasons, many people have found Chia quite useful in weight loss and weight maintenance.
   
6. Detoxification and Elimination
   Similar to psyllium, the swelling action of Chia in the body helps to cleanse and soothe the colon, and absorb toxins while lubricating and strengthening peristaltic action.
   
7. High Quality Protein
   Chia seeds contain about 20% protein, a higher percentage than found in many other grains such as wheat and rice. Chia seeds contain strontium which helps to assimilate protein and produce high energy.
   
8. Antioxidants
   Chia seeds are an excellent source of antioxidants containing even more antioxidants than fresh blueberries. The high amounts of antioxidants in Chia seeds also keeps the oils from going rancid – contributing to a long shelf life.
   
9. Provides Fiber and Other Nutrients
   Besides EFAs, Chia seeds also provide fiber, iron, calcium, niacin, magnesium, zinc and phosphorus.
   2 tablespoons of Chia = 7 grams of fiber, 2 grams of protein, 205 milligrams of calcium, 5 grams omega-3
   
10. Brain Power
    EFAs are known to make cell membranes more flexible and efficient making nutrients more readily available and nerve transmission more efficient. This helps to improve brain function (including memory and concentration).

Source

I had promised the girls that we could make cupcakes one day this week (children never let you forget ANYTHING) so as soon as I got there this morning they were ready! We used Cherry Chip (from a box) batter and experimented from there…

Add some fruit loops? Sure, why not!

What about crushed graham crackers & chocolate chips?

You’re right…It’s missing something else!

Marshmallows & Dark Chocolate Bar chopped added with 5 minutes left of baking

MMM. I love colorful things…No need for icing on these! The crunch on top is perfect.

But, a little powdered sugar never hurt anybody

S’mores Flavored. Yes PLEASE.

marshmallow + chocolate + graham crackers is almost as incredible as peanut butter + chocolate

Then the plain ones….

Dyed the vanilla icing the girls favorite colors and stuck it in a dessert bag for easy spreading.

Who doesn’t love icing?

The girls love playing Secret Cupcake Santa and dropping these off at their friend’s houses I wish someone would drop these off for me!! Any takers?

Lunch was gigundo. I was attempting to make a wrap…

*Low Carb whole wheat wrap, bib lettuce, sliced carrots, sprouts, sliced tomato and a piece of chicken tossed in Franks Buffalo Sauce*

The wrap was too big to wrap… so i shoved some toothpicks in there to keep it closed.

Whatevs. Still delicious!

I rushed to Camp24 after work which kicked my butt once again. My glutes are already feeling it!! I love the sore feeling you get after an awesome workout.

After the gym I headed straight to my girlfriends house for dinner (without showering, sorry girls!) She was recently married and I wanted to check out their place – No better way to do it then with food, right? Their house is GORGEOUS. She’s done a great job decorating I wish I would’ve taken pics – Next time!

We made Sesame Miso Glazed Salmon. This is by far my favorite Salmon dish… If you eat Salmon often and are looking for a new way to make it – try this. It won’t disappoint!

We also attempted a dessert that came out less than pretty so it went undocumented. I still inhaled it. I’m not one to waste food, especially when there is peanut butter involved

By the time I got home it was dark but I could see a huge glowing box on my steps!

Oh, Hellllllo there Chobani! The people over at Chobani were kind enough to send me a box of Greek Yogurt to sample. There are SO many yummy flavors included in this package I can’t wait to get to work on them

Strawberry, Vanilla, Honey, Lemon, Raspberry, Black Cherry, Blueberry, Pomegranate, Mango, Pineapple, Strawberry Banana and Peach! Have I mentioned that I was excited yet?? Because I am! I’ll clearly be having one of these for breakfast

I figured out another way for me to save money…

Um, I’m ridiculous and need an intervention asap. This is from the past month and not even counting my gossip trash mags…. Do you know how many I’ve read? ZERO.  No more getting sucked in at the checkout line! New goal to be added for March…

I’m falling asleep typing this so it’s off to bed for me… See you tomorrow on everyone’s Favorite Day of the Week – Friiiiidayyyyyy!

QUESTIONS: What is your favorite Chobani flavor? Do you use Chia Seeds? Tell me your favorite thing you ate this week!