I have been super excited for this recipe since we bought the pork chops for it this last weekend. It was another success, so this is another one I'll be making again - plus it's really simple. Like last time, here's the recipe for it:
Sweet and Sour Pork Chops:
1 (8 0z.) can Crushed Pineapple (undrained)
1/3 c. Finely Chopped Onion
1 c. Honey Barbecue sauce
1/4 c. Chili sauce
4 Bone-in Pork Chops (about 3/4 inch thick)
Combine all ingredients except pork chops. Spray inside of slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. Pour 1/2 of the mixture into slow cooker. Top with pork chops and cover chops with remaining sauce. Cover and cook on low for 4 1/2 - 5/12 hours.
We didn't buy the pork chops with the bone in, but I don't think it effected anything. Although, Dayne says that the bone is sometimes where a good deal of flavor comes from, so maybe next time we'll get the pork chops with the bone in to see if there really is any difference. For anyone doing Weight Watchers, this was 5 points per serving (figuring that each chop is one serving).
Speaking of Weight Watchers, I think I've decided to up my goal weight. Starting out, it was set at 110 - but that was back before I got married. Since then, I've decided to set a different goal for myself - which is just to be more healthy. According to the BMI (which I know is total bunk, but there isn't really anything else to go from) the heaviest I should weigh for my height is 124, so as long as I'm in the healthy weight limit, I'll be happy. So I decided to set it for 120 instead.
Anyone who's looked at my Facebook (which, chances are, is most of anyone reading this) already knows that I've also started doing a work out video called Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred. With this regiment, you're supposed to do level 1 for ten days, level two for ten days, and then level 3 for 10 days. I do plan to do this, but I am also pacing myself. Technically, you're supposed to do it every day - I'm only doing it on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings, just so I'm getting a good 20 minutes work out at least three days a week. Although, since the strength portion was my weakness, I have also decided to do a few strength exercises on the mornings I don't do the video. My physician has told me on my last two visits that I need to get into an exercise routine, so when I see her again in three months, hopefully she'll be happy.
During these next three months, I'll also be taking a prescription Vitamin D supplement. Last week when I went in for my check up, I had mentioned being really tired lately, so they tested my Vitamin D. Apparently, your levels should be at around 30... mine was at 17. So when I go back, they'll check it again, and hopefully it will be back to normal, and hopefully I won't be so dang tired anymore.
That's all for now!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Sunday, February 21, 2010
For the first time
I finally cooked a meal for Dayne and I! I had been making us meals, but it was usually just Rice A Roni or Ramen or something equally simple. But tonight I tried a recipe from my family's cook book, and I'm so glad I did! It was DELICIOUS. For anyone that wants to try it, here it is:
HONEY-BAKED CHICKEN
3 lbs. skinless, boneless chicken breast, chopped
1/4 cup melted butter
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
2/3 cup honey
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. curry powder
Place chicken pieces in ungreased 13"x9" baking dish. Combine all other ingredients and pour over chicken. Bake, uncovered, for 1 hour at 350 degrees. Baste occasionally until tender and brown.
I made the mistake of putting it into a round baking dish, rather than a 13"x9" but it still turned out just fine - but maybe a bit juicier and not as brown as it would have otherwise. But it still came out yummy! And there is plenty left over to send with Dayne for his lunch for a couple days.
On Wednesday I plan on trying a recipe for Sweet and Sour Pork Chops. I'm excited because I'll finally have a chance to use my slow cooker! I'm going to get that bad boy started shortly after lunch, though, because it takes roughly 5 and a half hours. I don't want another 9:00 dinner like we had tonight.
HONEY-BAKED CHICKEN
3 lbs. skinless, boneless chicken breast, chopped
1/4 cup melted butter
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
2/3 cup honey
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. curry powder
Place chicken pieces in ungreased 13"x9" baking dish. Combine all other ingredients and pour over chicken. Bake, uncovered, for 1 hour at 350 degrees. Baste occasionally until tender and brown.
I made the mistake of putting it into a round baking dish, rather than a 13"x9" but it still turned out just fine - but maybe a bit juicier and not as brown as it would have otherwise. But it still came out yummy! And there is plenty left over to send with Dayne for his lunch for a couple days.
On Wednesday I plan on trying a recipe for Sweet and Sour Pork Chops. I'm excited because I'll finally have a chance to use my slow cooker! I'm going to get that bad boy started shortly after lunch, though, because it takes roughly 5 and a half hours. I don't want another 9:00 dinner like we had tonight.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Valentine's Day
I think it's safe to say that today was the best Valentine's Day I've ever had, without any romantic meals or anything like that. Last night, Dayne and I stayed up until midnight so that we could say Happy Valentine's Day - all the time we were waiting up, he was teasing me about the gift he got me. He was saying things like "So... when you were cleaning, you're SURE you didn't come across it? It's been in the apartment." By the way... he wasn't supposed to get me anything, since he got me a Christmas present when he wasn't supposed to.
So this morning, we got up, and he asked me to look up the time when Game's Workshop was supposed to open (since we were going there for him to pick something out for his present). When I turn on my computer, this came up:
The Word Document in the center is titled "Click Here," and this is what is says:
For the one who’s always there,
Even when I’m not.
For the one who always cares,
No matter why, or what.
For such a friend, what could I do
Or hope to see repaid
The loving care I get from you,
Of which I’ve seldom said:
Your love means more to me, my dear,
Than any wealth or fame;
For while I’m not the best, I fear,
You love me just the same.
And so, on this most loving days,
When I think oft of you,
I hope you know that, come what may,
You hold my true love, too.
Happy Valentines Day, and to many more to come.
~ Your Love and Companion ~
It's safe to say, I forgave him for teasing me last night. We just hung out around the house this morning and played some video games. Then in the afternoon, we went to Game's Workshop and he picked out a couple things he wanted for his Warhammer army. Then, we had lunch at Panera Bread (using what we had left from a gift card), after that we went home and we put on the Olympics while he built his models and I made Strawberry shortcake using some little heart shaped trays.
The recipe didn't work perfectly, since it said to drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet - not put it into a pan, like I did. I had to cook it longer to make sure the center wasn't gooey, but then the outsides got pretty crispy. It was still good, though, and I learned a lesson. I think I prefer them with a strawberry sauce, rather than just strawberries on top. So I found a recipe for that, and I'll try it for next time I make shortcakes.
We've just been chilling around the apartment since then. I played some games on the X-Box for awhile, but now we're watching more of the Olympics while Dayne still works on his models. We were going to go out to eat for dinner, but I've been stuffed since the shortcake, so we're going to save dinner for another night.
In general it's been a wonderful day with my husband, and I couldn't be happier, even if we didn't do anything typical. :)
So this morning, we got up, and he asked me to look up the time when Game's Workshop was supposed to open (since we were going there for him to pick something out for his present). When I turn on my computer, this came up:
The Word Document in the center is titled "Click Here," and this is what is says:
For the one who’s always there,
Even when I’m not.
For the one who always cares,
No matter why, or what.
For such a friend, what could I do
Or hope to see repaid
The loving care I get from you,
Of which I’ve seldom said:
Your love means more to me, my dear,
Than any wealth or fame;
For while I’m not the best, I fear,
You love me just the same.
And so, on this most loving days,
When I think oft of you,
I hope you know that, come what may,
You hold my true love, too.
Happy Valentines Day, and to many more to come.
~ Your Love and Companion ~
It's safe to say, I forgave him for teasing me last night. We just hung out around the house this morning and played some video games. Then in the afternoon, we went to Game's Workshop and he picked out a couple things he wanted for his Warhammer army. Then, we had lunch at Panera Bread (using what we had left from a gift card), after that we went home and we put on the Olympics while he built his models and I made Strawberry shortcake using some little heart shaped trays.
The recipe didn't work perfectly, since it said to drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet - not put it into a pan, like I did. I had to cook it longer to make sure the center wasn't gooey, but then the outsides got pretty crispy. It was still good, though, and I learned a lesson. I think I prefer them with a strawberry sauce, rather than just strawberries on top. So I found a recipe for that, and I'll try it for next time I make shortcakes.
We've just been chilling around the apartment since then. I played some games on the X-Box for awhile, but now we're watching more of the Olympics while Dayne still works on his models. We were going to go out to eat for dinner, but I've been stuffed since the shortcake, so we're going to save dinner for another night.
In general it's been a wonderful day with my husband, and I couldn't be happier, even if we didn't do anything typical. :)
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Here we go
This idea has been rolling in my head ever since I knew I was going to be moving. I've finally decided to implement it. I'll be starting a blog for the benefit of my family and friends that are out of state or that I may not keep in contact with as regularly. If you're on my Facebook, when I update it will show up automatically on my profile and in your News Feed. This way, the people I don't see very often will still know what's going on in my life.
If I were to be honest, I'd have to say that nothing of much interest has been happening here in Maryland. After the New Year, I started back up with Weight Watchers and have been working to get back into the rhythm of having self-restraint with snacking. So far, I have not done as well. It's more difficult when your husband isn't doing it, too. Although, Dayne and I have agreed that he'll probably gain weight from eating the extra food I would normally have eaten if I weren't portioning things.
This last Sunday we got a record 24 inches of snow (in our area, at least), and the entire state was in a panic and stocking up on food and toilet paper. It was pretty insane. All the schools are canceled probably this entire week because we're due for another storm to hit tomorrow. And all I can think is "If this were WISCONSIN, we'd have a two-hour delay at best, and then we'd be off to school and work." The mayor can also declare a State of Emergency so the kids don't need to make up the school days, too. Lucky punks.
At present, nothing new is happening. Right now I have a sinus infection, so last night Dayne got me a prescription for a strong anti-biotic (it really is nice having a husband in the medical field) and also picked up some Vicks VapoRub, a Vicks Plug-In, and a Neti Pot. Now, if you don't know what a Neti Pot is... you use it to pour a saline solution into one nostril and it cleans your sinuses and goes out the other nostril. It is possibly the most bizarre sensation EVER, but it works and I'm not as stuffed up.
As I update, I'll try to post some pictures from time to time, and also do a VideoBlog entry every once in awhile. That's is for now!
~Amanda
If I were to be honest, I'd have to say that nothing of much interest has been happening here in Maryland. After the New Year, I started back up with Weight Watchers and have been working to get back into the rhythm of having self-restraint with snacking. So far, I have not done as well. It's more difficult when your husband isn't doing it, too. Although, Dayne and I have agreed that he'll probably gain weight from eating the extra food I would normally have eaten if I weren't portioning things.
This last Sunday we got a record 24 inches of snow (in our area, at least), and the entire state was in a panic and stocking up on food and toilet paper. It was pretty insane. All the schools are canceled probably this entire week because we're due for another storm to hit tomorrow. And all I can think is "If this were WISCONSIN, we'd have a two-hour delay at best, and then we'd be off to school and work." The mayor can also declare a State of Emergency so the kids don't need to make up the school days, too. Lucky punks.
At present, nothing new is happening. Right now I have a sinus infection, so last night Dayne got me a prescription for a strong anti-biotic (it really is nice having a husband in the medical field) and also picked up some Vicks VapoRub, a Vicks Plug-In, and a Neti Pot. Now, if you don't know what a Neti Pot is... you use it to pour a saline solution into one nostril and it cleans your sinuses and goes out the other nostril. It is possibly the most bizarre sensation EVER, but it works and I'm not as stuffed up.
As I update, I'll try to post some pictures from time to time, and also do a VideoBlog entry every once in awhile. That's is for now!
~Amanda
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
