Friday, May 13, 2011

Becoming a Slave


So basically, I've not been feeling so hot and, thus, haven't been cooking as much. Which, in turn, means not as many recipes here.

When I do cook?

I'm making those low carb cookies I posted a few weeks ago.

When I'm not making the cookies I'm taking pictures of them, trying to get used to my new camera. (As you can tell, this is going to take a while.)

And when I'm done taking pictures, I eat the cookies.

Because they are deeeelicious!

Rinse and repeat.

These cookies should come with a warning.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Low Carb Salads: Goat Cheese, Blueberries and Spinach


Here's a salad that will get your goat.

Okay, bad pun, but I couldn't resist.

This is an easy-peasy salad. It looks gourmet. It tastes gourmet.

But all you have to do to make this fabulous healthy salad?

Assemble it.

Yep, that's it. Just put Tab A into Slot B.

Nothing fancy about it other than its looks and taste. I swear.

The goat cheese melds well with the mild sweetness of the blueberries, and the salad gets a zing of contrast from Balsamic dressing. Top with grilled chicken to make a complete low carb meal.

This is a great salad to take to work for lunch. Or to pack on a picnic.

The next time you're grilling dinner? Throw on a couple extra chicken breasts, put this salad on the meal plan and get a head start on the next night's dinner.

Oh! And I know goat cheese is expensive. The best price is often at warehouse stores like Costco. You can also opt for other cheeses, such as gouda, or bleu cheese or even a nice parmesan. Don't let mere cheese hold you back, pick something on sale or that otherwise fits your budget (or, you know, join Costco).

Ingredients for 4 servings:
  • 1 plastic tub of organic spinach (gotta get organic, spinach is a heavy pesticide crop)
  • 4 oz. goat cheese
  • 12 Thinly sliced red onion rings (about 3 per person)
  • 1/2 cup roasted nuts: walnuts, pecans or almonds, your choice
  • 1/2 cup blueberries
  • Balsamic dressing (store bought, look for the lowest carb count)
Instructions:

1.Put spinach in a bowl. (Or, to make individual servings, just divide all the ingredients in fourths on plates.)

2.Top with onion.

3.Sprinkle with nuts and berries.

4.Scatter goat cheese on top.

5.Add sliced grilled chicken.

6.Serve with balsamic vinaigrette.