Touched By Angles

I can't begin to tell you how touched I was by your overwhelming wishes of encouragement and support from my last post. It truly means so much to have an entire network of friends that I am able to connect with on so many levels and who also deliver unbelievable compassion. You guys are the best!

There is so much that I need to get done before I have this surgery and right now I am also in the midst of another big possible life change. More to come on that later, but for now, I can assure you that NO, I am NOT pregnant. (Everyone's first natural thought when any married woman says she is going through a life change, right?)

Okay, moving right along. Since I have been depriving this blog of recent food creations, I thought that I would offer a full day's recap. Today's eats were entirely delicious all around so here is a peak….

Breakfast: Pear Yogurt Granola Bowl



Diced warm pear sprinkled with cinnamon and flax, ½ C of Kashi Autumn Wheat, 2 T of Pumpkin Spice Granola, Honey Okios, Spoon of Chunky Apple Sauce, Drizzle of Honey Almond Butter.

This is coming close to being my favorite Autumn Breakfast.

Lunch:

1 C of TJ's Sweet Potato Bisque, Handful of baby spinach, sprinkle of blue cheese with cranberries and a few roasted pistachios

1 small slice of Pumpernickel with Cran-Apple Butter and Carrots

Fruit

Delicious and well-rounded lunch indeed!

Dinner: Oh WAIT! It's Wednesday. You didn't forget did you? Come on, what is the highlight of our weeks in the Podolsky household…..

Those 3 little letters that produce a bounty of joy….

B!

F!

D!

I think it is so great that you are all diggin the BFD thing too! And for all of you BFD newbies out there, you have no idea what you are missing. Breakfast for Dinner is nothing short of a beautiful thing.

Egg Sammies and Home fries

Egg whites with pesto and Dijon on a Cinnamon Raisin Bagel with Pumpkin Butter, Laughing Cow, Avocado and Spinach

Butternut Squash Home Fries

Toly's Sammy-

Egg, Cheese, and Bacon on Blueberry

I don't think it's possible to ever tire from this staple meal.

Now, time for the Phils to pull out a MUST win! This is when it gets exciting folks. ;)

Before I leave, I can't forget…

TITF #2- Today, I am thankful for my job and the people that I work with. I really do love what I do and I love who I work with even more. They are some of the most supportive and caring people that I have ever met and I couldn't be more blessed to wake up and have this to look forward to every day.

Much Love All! XoX0

Deep Breath

Sorry to leave you all hanging yesterday, but I really needed a night to take a deep breath.

I received the results of my MRI and without going into any of the painstaking details, I will just say that it wasn't the most satisfying news. Basically, there is something going on that they need to remove and have biopsied to determine what it is exactly and how to treat me. Of course I was given the worst case scenarios but I was also told that they are not likely.

What discourages me most is having to endure another intensive and difficult surgery with a rather complex recovery process. In order to remove the infected lymphoid, the surgeon must make some rather intricate incisions in my muscles and nerves that will result in a painful and long process of healing and learning how to use my mouth again. This of course is the WORST news. Taking away my ability to enjoy eating is probably the most devastating thing someone could tell me. Regardless, I want them to find out what is going on and treat it, so I guess the brutal results are necessary.

Oh and I forgot to mention, I will NOT be going back to the doctor who caused this all for the surgery. We left his office yesterday and went straight to another doctor. Not only did the doctor who performed my original surgery cause me more pain and suffering than I would have ever imagined, he lied, he ignored it and he potentially put my life in serious danger.

So that's that. In a few weeks, I'll be going in for surgery once more. Looks like I'll need to stock up on the oats, ice cream, and yogurt. Thank goodness it's pumpkin season, because I have a feeling I will be consuming my fair share of Pumpkin Oats for the entire month of December. That's okay; the big round puffy face will only contribute to my resemblance of a pumpkin, what with the orange skin and all.

Oy vay! What a fiasco. Lesson to you all…..trust your doctor before you go under the knife.

Okay enough of the depressing rant….

I haven't really been in a clear state of mind to remember to document or photograph any new meal creations over the past few days.


(Except for this one because it was just that good)

TJ's Sweet Apple Chicken Sausage, Butternut Squash and Brussle Sprouts over Pumpkin Risotto and Spinach with Goat Cheese




But I can tell you that there is one stand out food that I run to during all of my times of despair…

The classic Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup

What is it about this meal that delivers such comfort? Childhood memories of warm cozy nights perhaps? Whatever it is, it always does the trick.

You know I took a twist on this classic….

Pimento and Spinach Grilled Cheese on Pumpernickel

I made a take on Kelsey's Pimento cheese spread.
1 T diced Pimentos
1 T Greek yogurt
1 T Dijon
2 T shredded Pepper Jack
1 T feta
Garlic Salt, Pepper and Crushed Red Pepper

I lathered this on to a slice of Pumpernickel, added spinach and some sliced avocado, and then pressed on the Foreman.

This had such a sharp intense flavor, just the way I like it!

Toly's was the more classic version.

Grilled Cheese with Bacon and Tomato on Texas Toast

Tomato soup; a must with this meal!

This dinner warmed my heart.

Well, there are some decisions to make and things that need to be taken care of in the next few weeks. Thanks for all of your well wishes. You guys are truly the best! :)

Oh, I almost forgot....

Megan for MegaNerdRuns had a brilliant idea of stating something she is thankful for each day starting now and up until Thanksgiving. I LOVE the idea of taking a second every single day and stating something I am thankful for in my life, so I decided to join her in this November Challenge.

TITF (Things I'm Thankful For) #1- I am thankful for my health. I usually take this for granted and sometimes I don't thank my body enough for allowing me to do the things I am capable of doing. It's times when the most esstential but simple functions are compromised that we truly recognize and appreciate them the most.

What are you thankful for today?

Hope everyone is enjoying the week so far.

Halloween Weekend

Hey guys!

Hope everyone enjoyed Halloween.

It was all treats here.....

I celebrated the day with an appropriate bowl of Spooky Pumpkin Oats.....

Oats, Almond Milk, Pumpkin, Cinnamon and festively topped with some blackberries, crumbled pumpkin muffin and a piece of candy corn to celebrate!

Later that night, we went to a costume party.

Toly's costume was actually pretty amusing, thanks to the big freaky baseball head that he found...

Actually, his jersey is an Utley jersey, so I deemed us as Chase and his gorgeous wife, Jennifer.

Too bad I really look nothing like her. And even more disappointing that Toly looks nothing like Chase. But thank God they both don't have any resemblance to the big scary head....


It was a fun night with a sad ending because unfortunately, the Phils did NOT win! Ugh, come on guys, get it together...we're running out of chances here!

I woke up starving and then realized that my hunger clock had not connected with the time change quite yet.

Breakfast didn't wait long today...

Fruit

Toly's Pancakes (Banana Chocolate Chip)

My Pancakes (Pumpkin Banana Pecan)

I love Sunday Morning Breakfasts!

Tonight, we celebrate Toly's Dad's Birthday with some hibachi and sushi.

Such a fantastic weekend and I'm sad that it's over already.

Tomorrow I find out the results of my MRI so I'll keep you all posted.

Night guys!

Do Your Hands Turn Orange?

When your hands turn orange, I think it's safe to assume that you've eaten your fair share of pumpkin.

The other day at work, one of my coworkers noticed an orange hue on my palms. I didn't really think much about it, until I noticed the same thing this morning. I showed Toly and he replied "Ha, you're actually turning into a pumpkin."

So yes, I may be turning into a gourd, but to be honest, my love for this vegetable is far too great to care if my entire body turns to a carrot.

I've definitely been eating and making my fair share of pumpkin inspired recipes these days. The one thing I admire about this ingredient is the fact that it is so versatile. I love it in every form, sweet, savory, breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I'm also becoming fascinated with the level it takes when united with other unconventional ingredients.

Tonight's dinner is a stimulation of my latest pumpkin-inspired design….

Black Bean and Pumpkin Enchiladas

2 T of Canned Pumpkin Puree
2 T of diced Tomatoes
2 T of Black Beans
1 T minced Garlic
2 T crumbled Goat Cheese
Baby Spinach
Cumin, Salt/Pepper, Chili Powder, Cinnamon, Smoked Paprika
1 Whole Wheat Tortilla
Salsa

Combine the pumpkin, tomatoes, corn, garlic, and seasonings in a bowl. Lay out your tortilla and spread the pumpkin mixture in the center. Add the goat cheese and lay some spinach on top.
Roll the tortilla and place seam side down in a baking dish. Top with salsa and bake for 20 min at 350*. (You can also top with cheese as I did for Toly's, if cheese is your thing)

Everything melted together and it turned into one gooey, heavenly, pumpkiny, mexican mess. Delicious!

I prepared a quick guacamole to serve with the enchilada.

These were incredible easy to make and quite delectable.

The world of opportunities for pumpkin goes far beyond the standard Pumpkin Pie these days. I think I have convinced myself that one could add pumpkin to just about any type of dish and it would turn out great!

It may turn you orange, but who says a natural glow from eating your powerhouse veggies is a bad thing? :)

Besides, being a pumpkin is rather cute....

Just ask Benny....

Rewarding Awards

Hi guys!

Before I get any further, I need to take a moment and show my greatest appreciation for being awarded the Kreative Blogger Award by the lovely Mara of What's For Dinner?

I'll admit, staying creative everyday can be challenging and I am sure that some days are a lot more mundane than others, but none the less, I still am completely honored that Mara was kind enough to think of me for this one.

Okay so now I must reveal to you 7 things that you don't know about me:

1. I never follow a recipe. It's true! I love to look and recipes and I get most of my inspiration by browsing many different cooking methods and ingredient combinations, but when it comes to the actual cooking part, I can never seem to methodically follow a step by step process. This probably explains my inability to bake.
2. I don't like bananas. Okay let me rephrase that, I don't prefer to eat a banana in its actual form. It's just not my favorite fruit; however, I love banana flavored things and I adore overripe bananas that are mashed on toast and in oatmeal. But give me a big yellow nanner, and I'll probably pass it up for the next available fruit.
3. I have no peripheral vision. This is due to a bit of optic never damage that I have developed over the years. So, if you see me rotating my entire body as I am trying to merge onto a highway, you will know why.
4. I can't spell to save my life. Funny, because most people assume that having an English and Writing degree constitutes your impeccable spelling skills; however, I grew up in the age of spell check and tech talk. Also, I think that when it comes to writing, I feel so passionate to get out my words before I loose them, that I really just don't have the time to think about how they are spelled.
5. I wanted to be a singer when I was younger. I even wrote a song at one point in my life that I can still recite the words to. Ask me sometime and I just might sing it for you. ;)
6. I have horrible patience. Really, I can't stand to wait for more than 30 seconds for anything. This is such an unsightly quality, my husband would agree!
7. I hate cats. After years of horrific experiences with these creatures, I have developed a great loath against all feline animals. It's not even so much a hate as it is a considerable fear. Sorry all you cat lovers out there.

Okay, so there you have it. Seven things you probably didn't know about me.

Now, to pass this along, I must choose 5 lovely individuals whom I believe deserve this noteworthy award as well….

1. Jen of It's A Wonderful Life
2. Katharina of Katharina's Food Adventures
3. Andrea of Off Her Cork
4. Whit of Whit's Getting Fit
5. Bobbi of N Her Shoes

Work today was fun. We had our annual Halloween Festivities which is highly encouraged my place of employment. Not really sure why, but our CEO has a pretty strong obsession with this holiday so every year, each department must choose and theme and decorate. Then, every department is judged and there are prizes awarded.

We did 60's!

There were even "special brownies" that were made along with some "Munchie" chex mix. Our Senior Managment Staff seemed to get a kick out of our little inuendos. ;)

Well, it's that time of the week once again. I know that you are all awaiting in complete and utter anticipation for this week's Wednesday Night BFD creation. And, you're in luck, because it's a new one!

So, here it is….

Baked Eggs with Sautéed Mushrooms and Spinach

1 egg
½ cup of sliced mushrooms
1 cup of baby spinach
2 T of balsamic vinegar
1 T of Dijon
2 T of crumbled Goat Cheese
Smoked Paprika

First, I sautéed the mushrooms with some salt, pepper and rosemary in a small skillet. After about 5 min, I added the vinegar and the spinach and let this cook down.



I placed the mushroom mixture in a small ramekin sprayed with cooking spray and spread the Dijon over top and then the goat cheese.



I cracked the egg carefully in the ramekin and sprinkled the top with some smoked paprika, salt and pepper.
Into the oven at 375 for about 10 min.The eggs will continue to cook after you take them out, so keep that in mind.


Now, mind you, I am not the biggest egg aficionada; however, this egg dish was excellent. I appreciated that the cooking method did not produce any of that gross runny snot that usually comes from cooking whole eggs and the flavors of the balsamic mushrooms, Dijon and goat cheese were superb together.

Toly's Baked Eggs were made with Bacon, Tomato and Cheese. Equally delicious, he proclaimed.

We also had a side Greek salad with romaine, beets, olives, capers, cucumber and tomatoes.

And ½ of a Honey Wheat English Muffin with laughing cow and cran chutney.

I just realized that this meal honors three different countries. France, Greece and England. How cultural!

Well friends, that's it for me tonight. I only have to get through one more day this week thank goodness because I ended up taking the day off on Friday. It's been such a terrible week and I am planning making a meal and spending some time with my friend with just lost her dad. The funeral will be sometime this weekend and I know it is going to be extremely difficult, so any chance I can get to help her through this I will take.

Thanks for all of your kind words! :)

Don't miss your chance to enter the beautiful Katharina's 101 Post Giveaway. She is fabulous and her blog is fabulous to make sure you mosey on over there sometime!

See you later!

Tricks and Treats

When I was a little girl, the only real connotation I had with Halloween was candy. I was fully convinced that the reason behind this holiday was to dress up in a ridiculous costume and flaunt my cuteness in front of complete strangers for the gluttonous reward of copious amounts of candy.

Now, as an adult and being progressively more experienced and reputable, I still believe that Halloween is just another holiday to celebrate indulgences, as most holidays are. However, I see absolutely nothing wrong in the act of rejoicing what would be another ordinary day in order to bring some delight, cheer and happiness to everyone's life.

I do enjoy this holiday, and even though I'm not one for going off the wall in decorations or festive attire, the occasional Halloween Costume Party is always a smashing good time. This weekend, Toly and I will be going to one and we've been throwing around some ideas as far as what to wear.

I think we have it nailed down to Die-Hard Phillies Fans. I know, pretty lame, but it's the best I could come up with and since I won't pay money for an overpriced piece of fabric, the Phillies jerseys will have to do. Plus, they will be playing game number 3 in the World Series that night, so it kind of works!

Looking back though, I can remember some of my favorite costumes as a child. One year I was a cat, another a bride, a gypsy, a cowgirl, a cheerleader, a princess. Obviously, I was never one to partake in the fear-provoking get-up. I was more a girly-girl when it came to playing dress up.

What about you? What were some of your favorite Halloween costumes of all time?

But to digress from the Halloween talk, how about some more thoughts of mine on some new products.

I don't know what it is, but lately, I have been exploring a plethora of new items. I must be feeling rather adventurous!

First, I give you,

Amiee's Vegetarian Black Bean Burrito

Now, you all know my love of Amiee's products. I have full faith in this lady because everything I have purchased from her has been something I have fully enjoyed. And that says a lot for packed and frozen meals because I don't normally consume these types of things.

But I needed to try something new from my beloved Spinach and Feta Pockets and I have always heard great reviews on her Burrito line.

Here are the stats on this guy:

Not bad!
I popped it in the microwave and then in the toaster so that it would form a crispy crust.
And then, I dressed this the only way I know how to dress any kind of Mexican food…

with lots of salsa and Greek Yogurt.

The Burrito was delightful. Full of beans and veggies that swam in a spicy black bean sauce. The tortilla was soft and delicate but had a flaky outer layer. Yum! Another winner in a quick frozen lunch option.

After work, I met Toly in our living room for a much needed Shred workout. We haven't done these in a few weeks and I knew Jillian was getting rather perturbed that we have been ignoring her. Don't worry Jillian, its back on lady!

Shredding makes us hungry, of course, so dinner was next on the agenda.

And guess what guys…..

A few more TJ's products were opened tonight.

The Sweet Potato Bisque

I usually don't get too enthused over boxed or canned soup, but sweet potato bisque is something that stimulates my senses.

I did embellish the actual soup a bit by adding diced green apple and ½ of a diced sweet potato that I slightly roasted with some cinnamon, brown sugar and paprika. Then, I blended it all together and added fresh chopped baby spinach.

Lastly, a few blue cheese crumbles and dried cranberries. (Curiosity of Trader Joes of course)

And a couple roasted pistachios...

Now that's a soup!

Along with the soup, I also made a wonderful little side salad. Roasted beet, apple and sweet potato with avacado in a Cranberry Dijon dressing (homemade).

And 1/2 a Whole White Cinnamon Raisin British Muffin (TJ's) with Pumpkin Butter (TJ's)

Delightful dinner!

And I bet you're wondering what Toly had….

Potato Bacon Cheddar Soup and a side salad, Toly style. (Corn, Bacon, Cheese, Tomato and Sour Cream)

With Garlic Toast

Right before dinner, I received some very difficult news. One of my best friend's father had passed away today. I have known her my entire life and I grew up as a part of her family, so this news was extremely devastating. Please keep her and her family in your thoughts and prayers as they go through this time of despair.

Well, I must call this a day. It has certainly been a long one.

Night!