Betty Crocker brownies

I actually used the Olivio spread to make these brownies and I did not over bake them. They turned out just right. Chewy yet moist. I added walnuts but not the semi sweet chocolate morsels.

Another chickpea salad

This is the first time I purchased radicchio. I have eaten it before in salads while dining out but I had never used it at home. I think this recipe was from Food Network magazine. You saute 1 cup of fresh parsley in 1/4 cup EVO. You add that to the rinsed chickpeas and radicchio that is cut into wedges. Season with salt, pepper and lemon to taste. The fried parsley adds such a sweet taste. I shared this with a co worker and she loved it. This is actually tomorrows lunch. I feel so healthy and organized.

escarole and beans

I think that the good in this meal overcomes the bad. You cook the bacon and then crumble it. Then you cook the garlic in the bacon grease, next add the escarole and cook for a few minutes. Add the rinsed beans and season with salt and pepper, heating through. I added dried oregano too. I used white beans one day and pinto beans another. Both were good.

cookies

These cookies melt in your mouth. They are so delicious I can not believe it. I purchased them at Whole Foods and I want to look for more of their products. Check out their website www.aleia's.com.

Beans, beans, beans

If I had to go on a strict, strict budget, I think I could live on beans and tortillas (of course, I would want salsa and cheese on them). For example, I had a bean salad for lunch and these beans for dinner. I made them last night, so when I came home from getting a manicure, I did not have to do much. I did make my tuna for the next days lunch.

I got on the scale, and sure enough I did gain TWO pounds. Doesn't sound like a lot until you realize that means I ate 7,000 calories that I didn't burn off!

Italian Food

This was a too much food week. First, lasagna on Christmas. Then buffets in Atlantic City. Not to mention the cookies and tapioca pudding at home in addition to all the other snacking and eating I did. And now, baked ziti with meat sauce and sausage and peppers with garlic on the side. Oh, and red and white wine. Plus, Spanish food on New Year's Day with a shot of Bacardi. Must mention the grilled cheese sandwich made with GF bread and the large order of Nathan's fries. It's a good thing tomorrow is Monday. Back to work and a "normal routine". But I did get on the floor and do my stretching and toning exercises for the last 3 days.

Swedish Pancakes

This is even better than it looks. I went to Ikea (first time ever) and purchased lingonberry preserves. I creamed the preserves with butter and added powdered sugar to the pancakes after I spread the lingonberry butter on it. I was transported back to the International House of Pancakes with the first bite. Unbelievably delicious. This was the second one I ate. It was just too good to be true.

I also bought a few other items for the kitchen while I was at Ikea. A drainboard, glasses, a big towel and a ladle. They have a free shuttle bus from downtown. It was a fun day.