Happy Holidays everyone!

I know I’ve been MIA for more days than usually, but it’s really just par for the course with the holidays.  Things have been crazy with tying up all these loose ends at work, Christmas shopping, Christmas gift making, holiday parties, and on and on and on.  I’m sure you all know EXACTLY what I’m talking about! 

Going along with all that – I got a rude awakening when I hoped on the scale this morning – it was my highest weight in about 8 months!  Although – really, it wasn’t that much of a surprise.  Because of being so busy, constantly being around delicious temptations (that I’ve totally been giving in to – HEY – IT’S THE HOLIDAYS!), and not going to the gym…what did I expect?   And it’s not an insane number – 8 months ago I’m pretty sure I was doing a jig when I got down to that weight – but still – 2 more days and then that’s it, no more excuses, back on track.   

On to food, I don’t have too many pictures for you, but wanted to show you the few highlights I have. 

Wonderful office goodies – Crate and Barrel gifts and delicious things dipped in chocolate!

The best homemade pizza to date – Trader Joe’s whole wheat pizza dough, black olives, banana peppers, artichokes, onions and spinach!  It got “Best to Date” approval from Mike!  

Homemade Saturday brunch – some eggies with ham and sweet potato fries:

Saturday night, we had some friends over, and I decided to cook  for everyone.  I needed to cook something that was appealing to everyone (let’s face it – not everyone feels the same way about vegetables as us foodies!)

So enchiladas with turkey meat it was!   Unfortunately, I only snapped on picture, I really should have shown you the prep along the way.   Before the company came over, I cooked the turkey meat, and added in a packet of taco seasoning.   I also chopped up a WHOLE BOATLOAD of veggies (it could be whatever you want) – I went with black olives, a can of corn, a can of kidney beans, a can of black beans, green pepper, red pepper, and red onion.   But you could get creative and add whatever you like.  I spiced the veggies up with some garlic powder and chili powder, and let it all hang out in the fridge until it was time to actually prep.

Here’s the whole meal, right before going in the oven:

All you  need to do is just spread some refried beans on the tortilla (I used 99% fat free), and then mix in you filling, drizzle a little enchilada sauce and cheese on the inside, and roll up!  I cooked them for about 15 minutes on 350 and we were all set!  The 3 pans were enough to feed 4 “growing” boys, and me and my friend Steph.  I’d put a picture of  us lovely ladies right here – but SOMEONE (HINT HINT – STEPHANIE!!!) hasn’t posted pictures to Facebook yet.  I can’t steal pictures if they aren’t posted!  

In the morning, we were all a little “tired” – read HUNGOVER – and the boys wanted lots of food.  Rather than spending a ton of money, they asked if I’d cook, as long as they went out and got the food.  How could I say no?  I got to stay in my PJ’s, not go outside in the cold, AND cook!  I jumped all over that!   Here’s the feast:

We had

• sausage
• bacon
• english muffins
• pancakes
• eggs
• sweet potato fries

Pretty awesome huh? 

Last night I got fancy and decided to break into the Annie’s Mac n Cheese I had been holding out on trying:

IT WAS AMAZING!  I only took half to being with, but ended up eating the whole box! 

I found this on sale at Walmart (I know, groan) – but it was only a dollar, which I think is super cheap for Annie’s products.  I’d buy this again in a heartbeat, and may just have to make a trip to Walmart, solely for the purpose of buying more!

That’s it kiddos, nothing more to update you on.  I made some really cool Christmas presents this year (I know it sounds cheap, but with the economy being in the crapper, and Mike being in law school, we didn’t really have a choice).   I’m not sure who in my family reads this so I can’t post the pics yet, but after all the gifts are open on Christmas, I’ll snap some pictures for you so you can see all the neat stuff!

Hope you are all enjoying the holidays and time with your family!   Take care!