Crock Pot Timer

Tonight I tried a new recipe. Actually I should say today...

I found a recipe for jambalaya on the internet and thought it would be a yummy recipe to try. I love the Zataran's brand of the rice where you add the meat and it makes a tasty dish, but I have wanted to try an actual recipe that didn't come from a box. Throughout my searching, I found one online that is cooked in the crock pot. Just what I need.

I got up early this morning to chop the veggies, open the cans, and slice the meat that all goes in the slow cooker. I put everything in and was anxiously waiting for dinner tonight. The problem...dinner was 12 hours away and I wouldn't be home for at least 11. No problem, I thought...at least I know my chicken will get done.

Ha...the chicken was done alright. The jambalaya had excellent flavor! The spices were just right and it worked perfectly with the white rice. The problem. The meat was way over cooked. The chicken was dry and the sausage was mushy. It would have been the perfect new meal if I would have been home about 7 hours earlier to shut off the crock pot.

I have decided that I want a crock pot with a timer. That way I can set it to cook for as long as I need it to and then automatically it will turn to warm. I will try this recipe again, although next time I will make sure it is a day that I will be around to monitor the cooking.

Ugh!

Ugh...the sound I am always making at this time of year. I have over eaten, over indulged, and over stuffed myself to the point that I can only say "ugh..." That sound is again repeated when I step on the scale in the morning..."Ugh!" I have never been a believer in dieting, but changing your lifestyle. I love food. I have no desire to give up my after-dinner dessert or the occasional run to Dairy Queen. But I do believe in my pants fitting and that number on the scale remaining where I like it. So, in order to keep my jeans in my closet (and not the Goodwill pile) and enjoy life to it's fullest I will...

~ Walk as often as possible. Around my classroom at school, while I'm cleaning the house, on a nice evening when I get home. As much walking as I can squeeze out of the day will help burn as many calories as possible.

~ Measure everything! Again, I don't believe in dieting...but I do believe in moderation. If I want ice cream after dinner, that's fine. As long as I measure out the 1/2 cup and eat it slowly to savor the taste.

~ Make simple substitutions. Low-fat yogurt and cottage cheese, light salad dressing, and canola or olive oil rather than vegetable oil. Bake French fries and use non-stick cooking spray. Simple changes that don't alter the flavor.

~ Try to make it to my local Y at least 2-3 times a week. (I coach and teach so my days fill up pretty fast through the week during this time of year).

~ Eat salads and veggies! I do like the healthy stuff...

~ Wear my jeans instead of loose fitting sweat pants that can stretch!

~ Order small or kid sized French fries if I just "have to have them," get a grilled chicken sandwich rather than the crispy, and drink water instead of pop. Small changes!

Living life to it's fullest is one of the big goals I strive to achieve each day, and I simply cannot do that without carbs, cheese, or chocolate. I'm always trying to find that balance!

Welcome!

Hello all! I have decided to expand even further into the blogging world by starting up a second blog on one of my recent addictions. Cooking. I recently wrote a blog on my other page (Endless Chatter) about my new love for cooking, and it seems when I come to sit down to write, I have been thinking a lot about my adventures in cooking. So I decided that I would create another blog over that particular topic. Here I will share the things from my kitchen to yours. Enjoy!