Versatility and Me

Thank you so much to ErikaKind for nominating me for The Versatile Blogger Award!! It’s such an honor to be thought of by you as worthy of this award!

There are, of course, rules to go with this award. I will get into that later.

First, an explanation. I am by no means a scientist although I am always interested in the science behind whatever it is I am thinking about. The “whys” and “how comes” have become nagging friends of mine, always demanding explanations.  However, I am one to love a good experiment (even if it is subconscious).

That is probably why I love to cook. I have allowed myself to not be restrained by recipes and really just use them as a guide. Taking a bunch of ingredients and mixing them together is creative. The result for me is just icing in the cake. It’s the process I really enjoy.

Same with clothes.  A fashionista I am not but I am so entertained walking through a mall or a store and eyeing the fabrics and patterns.  It’s all eye candy. (My husband wishes I didn’t have such a sweet tooth)!

Writing is obviously also creative.  One does not need to write well to still get the thrill of stringing words together and making a point. When it becomes interactive you know your words have made an impact.  That’s the most phenomenal feeling of all.

The truth is we are all versatile. Everyone has various interests and/or hobbies.  People are educated in multiple doctrines. Some of us are more expert at one thing or another and have chosen to direct their energies into focusing on that particular subject. I do not have the attention span for that!😬

Bouncing from one idea/activity to the other is much more my speed. One day cooking, another writing, reading, shopping, gardening, I never know what I’ll be inspired to blog about.

When I was young I always heard ” do something you love”.  I could never pick.  I love too many things. I decided I love my family best of all and since I was blessed with the opportunity to be a stay at home mom I chose that. I have been blessed again to be writing a blog that includes all of my passions. To be considered a Versatile Blogger means to me that I have been recognized for being myself.

That is awesome!

So again, thank you Erika Kind for such an awesome award.

THE RULES FOR THE NOMINEES:

1.Show the award on your Blog.  Done.

2.Tell something about yourself stating a) your country of origin b) Likes & Dislikes c)School where you studied.    I am from the United States, specifically New York.  I like chocolate and going to the movies. I studied at a private all girls university in Manhattan.

3. Thank and acknowledge the person who nominated you. Thanks, Erika.

4. Share some facts of life leading to your blogging or what made you blog? I blog, therefore I am. It helps to keep me real.

5. In your opinion, is blogging worth your time spent? Explain or expand your answer. Blogging is definitely worth my time or I wouldn’t be doing it! It not only gives my readers a chance to know me, it helps me know myself.

6. Nominate fellow deserving bloggers.

I nominate the following bloggers for the Versatile Blogger Award:

hotchocolateandcream

mydailycitylife

7. Link your nominees and let them know. Done.

Thanks for reading,

Janie

Tuesdays Table Healthy Fish and Chips

Fabulous Flounder on Tuesdays Table with Addicting Zucchini Chips

 

Is it healthy, fast and full of flavor?   Yes, yes and yes!  You DO like fish you just didn’t know it.  A great alternative to a heavy meat meal, perfect for the warmer weather.

Ingredients

1/3 cup rolled oats and if I dint have them I just up the amount of panko
¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 ½ tablespoons chopped parsley plus extra for garnish
½ teaspoon dried oregano
4 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon olive oil
Kosher salt and black pepper
4 flounder fillets (6 ounces each) or tilapia
Lemon wedges for garnish (optional)

Directions

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.

Mix the ground oats with the panko breadcrumbs, garlic, parsley, oregano, lemon juice, zest, oil, and ½ teaspoon salt in a small bowl.

Place the fish filets on a baking sheet lined with parchment or foil and season them lightly with salt and pepper. Spoon equal amounts of the breadcrumb mixture onto the filets, lightly pressing it in so that it adheres to the fish.

Bake in the oven 10-12 minutes until the fish is opaque and topping is golden brown. If the topping needs to be browned further, place the fish under the broiler for a minute or two.

Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices. Squeeze lemon on top just before eating.

Slice zucchini very thin and place on baking pan.  Drizzle olive oil, add  garlic powder,pepper, sea salt, and onion powder and bake for 25-35 minutes at 375*  or until crispy.

 

Fish and chips never tasted so good to your heart❤️

5 Ideas to Beat Hunger on Tuesdays Table ( that don’t include chocolate!)

Everyone wants to watch what their eating. Everyone has good intentions.  Not everyone  is good at dieting. So after eating a healthy breakfast and a salad for lunch (day after day😁) a snack might be the only thing between  surviving and a full blown  melt-down! For some of us carrot sticks and celery logs won’t cut it.

WE WANT FOOD!!!!! Thankfully there are options. Here are five ideas to get you through the workweek with at least your stomachs feeling satisfied and your dignity in tact.  Oh, and your diet in tact too.  They are all low in calorie, quick and manageable at your desk.

Greek yogurt with raspberries and honey.  Sweet and satisfying, creamy and cold.

Grilled chicken with grilled vegetables in half a pita.  A mini dinner with a lot of chew.

Classic tuna on whole wheat crackers. Boring, you say?  No, classic! Add a dash of dried herbs.

A toasted waffle with part skim ricotta and raspberry jam.  An adult version of pb&j only better.

An apple and a glass of skim milk.  For those of you who need to prove to the whole office you really are on a diet.  It will hold your over until dinner though. So really who has the last laugh?

What’s your version of a snack?

Moroccan Chickpeas on Tuesdays Table

Moroccan Chickpeas is what’s on Tuesdays Table
     Chickpeas are full of protein and these are full of flavor.

Delicious as a side dish or a main course, you could add chicken to bulk it up if you want something more substantial.  Don’t get discouraged at the ingredient list. If you don’t have any of the spices, leave it out or add your own favorite combination

Ingredients:

canola oil for cooking

1 yellow onion chopped

1 tsp cinnamon

2tsp cumin

2 tsp ground coriander

1/2 tsp tumeric

1/2 nutmeg

1 tbsp ginger

2 cloves of crushed garlic

2 tbsp raisens

1 small can of tomato paste

1/4 cup tomato juice

4 cups cooked chickpeas, or right out of a can

1 roasted or raw red pepper, chopped

1/4 cup chopped parsley

1/2 tsp cayenne

2 tbsp mint, optional

juice of a  lemon

Method:

In a large skillet sauté the onion in oil until soft.  Add cumin, coriander and turmeric and cayenne and cook for  one minute.

Add the garlic and ginger and continue to cook for another minute. Add tomato paste, raisens and a tomato juice and bring to a simmer. It should be saucy. Add chickpeas and stir to coat. Add red pepper, parsley, mint if your using it, and squeeze lemon over top.  Stir and reduce liquid.

Can be served warm or room temperature.

I hope you enjoy them.

Janie