Raspberry Banana Protein Shake

Happy Wednesday!

I'm feeling quite pink today. I blame the raspberries.

I found them in our fridge this morning, pretty much on their last leg. I knew someone just had to eat these berries. Like right this minute. As I was popping them into my mouth I remembered, Uh, you don't really like raspberries.

I don't know what it is, but out of all the fruit I eat, raspberries are my least favorite. And it's not the seeds or the texture. It's definitely the taste. I just don't like them raw. I love raspberry preserves, ice cream, cobbler, pie....I really like them frozen.

But these sad, raw berries needed to be consumed two days ago. And I couldn't just let them hang out a couple more hours until Mr. B. woke up.

So, I threw them into a protein shake and it made this pretty pink color.

Pretty Pink.

Pretty in Pink.

Cheers!

Raspberry Banana Protein Shake

Serves 1

handful of raspberries, rinsed
1 frozen banana
1 scoop vanilla soy protein
1/2 c almond milk
1/2 c 1% milk
1 Tbsp ground flaxseed meal
2-4 ice cubes

Place all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth.

NOTE: A handful of spinach would be delicious as well. (You can't taste it. It will just change the color and add a healthy dose of vegetables.)


With Love and God Bless,
Brindi

Spring Pea Soup

Happy St. Patty's Day!

I have a super healthy green soup to celebrate the day....and just in time for Spring!

Today is the one day we celebrate all things green, at least in my household. And when I made this soup a few weekends ago to celebrate the approaching spring (this warm weather is crazy, but I'm loving it), I knew this dish was a St. Patty's Day must.

Only five ingredients, ready in 30 minutes, it's light and simple and spring-y and healthy and GREEN!

Plus, it's one of my all-time favorite soups. EVER. Mr. B despises peas. He can find them in anything. So this is a great way for me to get my pea-fix, and knowing it's all mine because he won't go near it is fabulous.

I'm almost positive I could eat the whole batch.

Perfecto!

Spring Pea Soup

Serves 6-8

2 c peeled and cubed potatoes
2 Tbsp butter, cubed
6 c chicken broth
1 c frozen peas
handful of minced chives

In a Dutch oven, saute potatoes in butter until lightly browned. Stir in broth. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 12 minutes. Stir in peas; cook 5-8 minutes longer or until potatoes and peas are tender. Cool slightly. Transfer soup to a blender (in batches, if needed) and puree until smooth. (Or you could use an immersion blender if you have one. I do not. I'm demanding one for my birthday.) Return soup to pan and heat through. Sprinkle with chives and enjoy!


Nutritional Information
Per cup: 99 calories, 3 Fat, 14 Carbs, 3 Fiber, 3 Protein

This soup is perfect for a work lunch. I make this Sunday night and eat on it throughout the week.

With Love and God Bless,
Brindi

Are you wearing GREEN today?

Sunday Sweets

Every other Sunday I like to post a blog sharing my favorite finds from around the Internet and current obsessions.

What I Had For Breakfast Today: Toast with peanut butter and strawberry jam, an apple and a mug of Wild Berry Black Tea. (Sorry, no photo today.)

Sweet Dessert Option: Kiwi Popsicles.....yes, please! (Plus, check out this site for more popsicle ideas!)

Daily Inspiration: "Faith in God includes faith in His Timing." This is something I've been telling myself multiple times a day recently. Trust in Him and work with Him and He will bring you through it.

Sweet Do-It-Yourself Craft: I'm dying to get my hands on this craft: Wood Pallet Photo Display. LOVE.

Sweet Recipe Find: Next year to celebrate Dr. Seuss' birthday, I'm making this Cat in the Hat Bread.

Sweet For-the-Home Want: I want this home office STAT! It looks well organized.....and nothing makes me happier than organization!

Daily Smile: Haha. This happens to me every time! But I still love you, Target.

Sweet Place: Check out this awesome Tree House! Kids these days have it so good.....

Sweet Fashion Find: I want this outfit. Love the color and the lace :)

Sweet Entertaining Idea: I think these striped linens would be cute for a tea or coffee party.

Sweet Dish To Make Soon: Stuffed Zucchini. I'm thinking dinner tonight with pork chops for Mr. B.

Sweet Photography: Love everything about this picture....especially the boots :)

Sweet Idea I Wish I Had Done: Books as wedding favors!!! Oh well, maybe for another event.... (I found this idea on theknot.com)

Sweet Idea For My Future Home: A vertical garden!!!! Of course!

Best Day Brightener: God's creation cannot subsist without God's abundant grace. God has given human beings the sacred responsibility of mediating God's grace.  --Vigen Guroian

Check out my other Sunday Sweets!
Sunday Sweets #1-5
Sunday Sweets #6
Sunday Sweets #7
Sunday Sweets #8

Was there something you came across this week and just have to share?

With Love and God Bless,
Brindi

My Chicken Parmigiana with Pasta for One

Happy Monday!

I hope you're enjoying a fabulous start to the week. My day started off a little slower than I wanted....sleeping in until 9 AM! However, I did not get to bed until well after midnight because Mr. B got a new toy over the weekend and I was introduced to Angry Birds for the first time. (I know. I'm way behind. I'm aware.) Anyhoo, let's just say I'm obsessed, frustrated, crazy addicted.

Just like I'm addicted to this homemade marinara sauce.
I will never, not ever buy another jar of marinara sauce. This is THE sauce. Light and perfect and tasty and everything a sauce should be.

Not to mention portion controlled. I love recipes for one. I need, need them for the times when my husband wants pork chops (again) and sausage (for the third day in a row).

I've had this recipe in my repertoire for a few years now. But every time I come across it, or remember I have it, it's like a new find. A fantastically, delicious hidden treasure in my cookbook. And I'm serious. I have not bought any other sauce since this discovery. I mean it's not as quick as opening a jar and warming it on the stove, but it's close enough. The taste is worth the extra few minutes it takes to throw the ingredients in a blender and heat up. I mean, the pasta has to cook, the chicken has to cook....to be honest, the sauce is the easiest and the fastest of the three.

And did I mention how fantastically delicious it is?

And that I love Chicken Parmigiana.

And I love making comfort foods healthy.

So this here, my Internet friends, is a winner.

 

Chicken Parmigiana

Serves 1

1 egg white
1 boneless, skinless chicken breast
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 c seasoned bread crumbs
1 tsp EVOO, divided
2 Tbsp grated mozzarella cheese
1 c canned diced tomatoes (with juices)
2 Tbsp chopped onion
1 clove garlic
1 tsp grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp ground black pepper
1 tsp tomato paste
2 basil leaves
1 oz cooked whole-grain angel hair pasta
1 c steamed broccoli

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Place egg white in shallow bowl. Sprinkle chicken with salt. Spread bread crumbs on sheet of wax paper or foil. Dip chicken in egg, then dredge through bread crumbs. Coat small oven-safe skillet with cooking spray. Heat 1/2 tsp oil over medium-high heat. Cook chicken on one side until bread crumbs begin to brown, 4-5 minutes. Turn and cook 2-3 minutes more. Transfer skillet to oven; bake chicken 8-10 minutes. Remove. Sprinkle chicken with mozzarella and bake until cheese melts and chicken is cooked through, 1 minute more.

For sauce: Blend tomatoes, onion, garlic, Parmesan and pepper in food processor or blender until smooth. Heat a small saucepan over medium heat and add remaining 1/2 tsp oil. Cook tomato paste, stirring constantly, until paste browns, 3-4 minutes. Add tomato mixture and basil. Cook until sauce becomes smoother, 4-5 minutes. Stir in pasta; serve with chicken and broccoli.

*Note: When I make this for Mr. B, he needs a little sugar to cut the acidity, so I chop up a few baby carrots and toss them into the blender as well. The sweetness of the carrots cut the acidity and he never even knows they're there. Well, maybe now he does....

Nutritional Info: Calories 521, Fat 10, Carbs 47, Fiber 10, Protein 58

With Love and God Bless,
Brindi

Lemon Linguine

Pasta is one of my absolute favorite dishes. Whenever I dine out, my eyes find the pasta sections on the menu first. There are so many types of pastas, various sauces and numerous cheeses that there are truly endless combinations.

I have many favorites; gnocchi is at the very top of my list. This Lemon Linguine is right behind it.

The fact that I LOVE lemon is an understatement. And that is why this pasta dish is one of my favorite indulgences. The lemon-Parmesan-chives-sour cream combination is ideal.....and easy to throw together.

It's so simple it should be illegal. All of the ingredients are probably in your pantry right now, and it's almost a one-pot deal.

This pasta dish comes together so quickly, I advise you have all of the ingredients measured out and ready before starting.

Lemon Linguine

Serves 4-6

8 oz linguine
1/4 c minced onion
3 gloves garlic, minced
1 Tbsp butter, melted
8 oz sour cream
4 Tbsp grated Parmesan, divided
1 Tbsp milk
1 3/4 tsp lemon-pepper seasoning
1/4 tsp salt
1 lemon, zested + 1 Tbsp juice
2 Tbsp chopped parsley
2 Tbsp chopped chives

Cook linguine according to package directions. Drain and keep warm. In a skillet, cook onion and garlic in butter, stirring constantly until tender, not brown. Stir in sour cream, 2 Tbsp Parmesan, milk, seasonings, lemon juice and zest. Cook about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and pour over linguine. Toss gently, adding parsley, chives and remaining cheese. Serve warm.

*NOTE: Mr. B likes his with caramelized onions and mushrooms.

With Love and God Bless,
Brindi

Sunday Sweets

Every other Sunday I like to post a blog sharing my favorite finds from around the Internet and current obsessions.

What I Had For Breakfast Today: Strawberry Peanut Butter Toasted Bagel Thin and a tall Americano :)

Sweet Must-Have For My Future Home: A coffee and tea bar in the dining room. Great way to clear up counter space. This is definitely a must!!!

Sweet Mouth-Watering Dish: Slow Cooker Parmesan and Honey Pork Roast. YUM.

Sweet Health Tip: This is great to know for when the cravings hit.

Sweet Hair: Love this braid! Check out this site for more hair tips.

Favorite Photography: LOVE everything about this photo. The hair, the black and white, and the pattern contrasts.

Sweet Library Story Time Idea: A picture puzzle using wooden popsicle sticks!

Daily Inspiration: I need to write a few of the verses out and keep them in my purse!

Sweet Want Right Now Dish: This Nectarine Pizza with Basil and Balsamic looks mouth-watering!

Favorite Fashion Find: This would be perfect for work :)

Sweet "I Want!": I'd love to have this for the Indians games!

Daily Smile: Haha, so true!

Daily Laugh-Out-Loud: I had to share this one, too!

Sweet Do-It-Yourself Find: Turning an old dresser into an island for the kitchen. And I love the color! I need to get Daddy to make me one....for one day when I do have a kitchen big enough to need an island.

Favorite Find EVERYBODY Should Know: Grammar. Learn it. Know it. USE IT!

Favorite Must-Make-Soon Sweet: Check out this color! Creamy Blackberry Frozen Yogurt

Sweet Craft Idea: Print out maps of where you met, married and now live.

Current Obsessions: Pistol Annie's "Hell on Heels" video. These girls are so freaking cute!

Best Day Brightener: I love the Lord because he hears my prayers and answers them. Because he bends down and listens, I will pray as long as I breathe!  --Psalm 116:1-2


Check out my other Sunday Sweets!
Sunday Sweets #1-5
Sunday Sweets #6
Sunday Sweets #7

Was there something you came across this week and just have to share?

With Love and God Bless,

Brindi

Skillet Potatoes and My Ash Wednesday

It's Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Even though I am not Catholic, I always observe Lent. Because Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice for me, I feel I must respond and acknowledge this with a sacrifice of my own.

"Yet even now," said the Lord, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments." Turn to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love.   --Joel 2: 12-13

Last year I gave up bread. I thought it was going to be challenging, but I was wrong. Every once in a while my craving for a sandwich, homemade biscuits or Subway's BLT on flatbread would hit. When these moments came, I turned to God's Word. I found strength in His promises. He said we shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God (Luke 4:4). For me, this was actually literal last year. I was able to understand my craving, turn to Scripture, understand why I was making this sacrifice and meditate on it.

As I've mentioned before, when I sacrifice or fast as a Christian, I draw closer to the Lord when doing so. If not, I guess I feel I'm not truly sacrificing in my faith. When I take something away, I need to turn to my Lord instead. I know this is something I should be doing always: Putting the lord first in everything I do. But I'm human. I live in the flesh. I live in a fallen world and I cannot do this always. By observing Lent and making this small sacrifice, I am finding someway to humble myself.

This year I've decided to abstain from all meat but poultry. This includes that beautiful bacon you see below.

I made this decision as a way to keep a healthier lifestyle. On the days when Mr. B indulges in a steak, hamburger, or bacon slices, I plan to fill my plate with more natural foods, like veggies, fruits and grains.

In order to prepare myself for this small sacrifice, I did my own indulging in this potato skillet dish over the weekend. Skillet-fried potatoes slathered in cheddar cheese and crispy bacon.....I stuffed myself full.

Skillet Potatoes with Bacon & Cheddar

Serves 6-8

2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced
4 slices bacon, crispy and chopped
1/2 large onion, chopped
1 c shredded cheddar cheese
scallions and plain Greek yogurt to garnish

Heat a large skillet over medium-high, cooking onions in 3 Tbsp oil, about 5 minutes. Stir in potatoes and cover. Cook on medium-low heat 20-25 minutes or until potatoes are tender, stirring often. (Cooking time varies depending on thinness of potatoes.) Sprinkle cheese and bacon pieces on top. Cover and cook another 2-3 minutes or until cheese is melted. Add garnishes and serve.

In case you're at a lost this Lenten observation, check out these blog posts for creative ideas on what to give up (or add), or for more insight: Reflection: Lent, 33 Things to Give Up for Lent, 25 Creative Ideas, Yoga Thoughts on Lent, Welcoming Ash Wednesday.

Are you observing Lent? If so, what are you giving up or adding?

With Love and God Bless,
Brindi

What I'm Reading

This month for the Ladies and Literature Book Club I'm reading Outlander. I had never heard of this series until I saw it on Good Reads. Apparently the eighth book is coming out this year, and there's rumors of a movie premiering next year. I talked to a few co-workers about the book and they just couldn't believe I had never read it. "It will change your life!" one co-worker exclaimed.

I don't know about life-changing, but it's a book I'd recommend reading. After WWII, the main character, Claire, is vacationing with her husband. One day she touches some ancient rocks and ends up lost in The Highlands of 1774. The attention to historical detail is phenomenal. It took a little while to get into the book, but pretty soon I was lost in The Highlands myself. Other than the numerous "passion" scenes (which I tended to skim over) I was thoroughly intrigued, and I am now reading the second book in the series, Dragonfly In Amber.

A Wrinkle In Time

This is the next read for my Book Club. We chose to read the whole five-book children's series by our next meeting in April. I finished the first installment and I found it not as enjoyable as I did when I first read it in 6th grade. I think it's because I'm an adult now and I need more of an explanation. The book ends quickly, with no reason to why things happened. I need to know! That's the problem with being an adult and needing to know the whys and logic of everything. I'll be starting the second book soon, and I've been told the books get stranger and stranger.....

For my own pleasure....

Anne of Green Gables

I just adore Anne! (with an "e" please.) I cannot wait to read the rest of the series (there's 8 books total) and watch Anne's life take shape. This series is a favorite of one of my best friend's and she has told me over and over again that I should read it. Now, I'm devastated that I missed out on this great character and wonderful classic as a child! A series every little girl should know! *However my friend was kind enough to tell me to have a box of tissues nearby.....a box for each book.

The Help

I'm still not completely sure on this book. I am about a quarter of the way through and keep fighting the urge to stop reading. I can't put my finger on it, but I don't know what it is that I don't like. It's not the subject matter because that's what inspired me to read it. Maybe it's all the hype....the style it's written in....the lack of concrete images....I'm not sure. But I'm really struggling to get through it, mainly so I can watch the movie and compare the two. I know if I put this book down I'm never going to pick it up again.

Have you read and good books lately? Share your good reads in the comments!

With Love and God Bless,

Brindi