I'm really ashamed of my dinner last night. We went with several members of the family to a Chinese restaurant. Far from kosher, I stuck to "the rules" as I always do, but the next day I feel like I could...levied upon me by others. As such, I'm going to go to the gym today and do *something* within my abilities. When consistently applied, a little bit of anything is better than a whole lot of nothing

1/4 cup chopped green pepper 2 Tblsp chopped onion 2 tsp butter 1 (7 oz.) can mushroom stems and pieces, drained 2/3 cup water 1/3 cup uncooked long grain rice 1 tsp vegetarian "chicken" bouillon granules...but, holy cow. It's best if you shake it up A LOT before you even consider pouring it out, then cut it with some water, and then toss in plenty of ice. Guess I'll stick to plain pomegranate, thanks. 

Actually, the soup was fine; I think the bug that took up residence in my digestive tract came from some questionable pasta last Sunday night. So, no new-to-me foods or recipes this week. This week's diet...might come close to Shadowbrook's.  Anyway, the bug seems to be nearly flushed (heh - ugh) out of my system, so I'll try something new again next week. I'll finish cleaning out the fridge tomorrow.  

Just now remembering to post about the new-to-me foods I tried last week: Star fruit - http://thaifood.about.com/od/introtothaicooking/ss/starfruithowto.htm I... didn't really like this all that...has any taste. Really, how does something with jalapenos in it have so little taste? I don't get it. On the upside, though, Super Saver's parmesan pull-apart bread is mighty good with a bowl of soup!  

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup sugar 1/4 cup baking cocoa 1 cup cold butter 1 egg, lightly beaten 1 tsp almond extract 1 21 oz. can cherry pie filling 2 cups (1 12 oz. pkg.) semi-sweet chocolate chips...recipe box. Again, not bad at all, just not as great as I was hoping. Oh, and Valentine's Day? Not one, not two, but three paper cuts in one day? Seriously?! Valentine's Day, I snarl at you...

12 hard-cooked eggs 1/2 cup mayonnaise 4 vegetarian bacon strips, cooked and crumbled 2 Tblsp finely shredded cheddar cheese 1 Tblsp honey mustard 1/4 tsp black pepper Slice eggs in half lengthwise; remove...buy any more. *shrug* Oh, well.   Now, a decision to make: What to make for Valentine's Day treats? Go with an old favorite, or try another new recipe? I don't even like this holiday. Hmph.  

Already?! Imbolg was yesterday, so I guess it's time to look back and see if I did what I said I wanted to do over these past few weeks. Did :   2. Try one new-to-me food or recipe per week. 10....I'd mention it. So, not bad at all. Despite the three items I didn't get done, I'm actually quite pleased with what I accomplished. Next up, goals for Imbolg. Will post those tomorrow...    

1/2 cup butter 2 1/2 Tblsp lemon juice 2 tsp grated lemon peel In a small  mixing bowl, cream butter until softened. Add juice and peel. Blend until well mixed. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto parchment...of today! I think I'm losing my taste for Diet Coke, which is something I never, ever thought I'd say. I'm at the point where I'd just rather have tea (though not necessarily Raspberry Zinger!)...

Watched the first episode of the 3rd season of Skins . It was all right - the usual adrenaline-pumped debauchery, as is expected. Can't help but miss the old crew, though. Tony, Sid, and the gang. I mean... elschmo ! I demand that you feel hungry in response to these pictures! XD ETA: OH! NEIL GAIMAN WON A NEWBERY MEDAL FOR THE GRAVEYARD BOOK , OMG! CONGRATS, NEIL! A WELL DESERVED AWARD. =DD

1 cup uncooked penne pasta 1/4 cup chopped onion 1/4 tsp minced garlic 1 Tblsp butter 4-1/2 tsp all-purpose flour 1 cup 2% milk 1-1/2 cups (6 oz.) shredded cheddar cheese, divided 1 vegetarian bacon strip...a lot of recipes that I do really like. I wonder how long it would have taken me to start trying them if I hadn't put this on the 101 list... *goes off to sift through "recipes to try" folders*