::to market, to market::

In my previous post, I mentioned a product called Better Than Bouillon. It got me thinking about all of the different store-bought products I have tested out in the past and the ones I love the most. I thought it would be helpful to share these findings, in case you haven't yet run across them in your local supermarket. I have narrowed it down to my top ten favorite store-bought food items:

1) Mario Black Olive Tapanaude

This has got to be one of my most favorite condiments ever. You can use it on just about anything. It is great on crackers, sandwiches, and pasta. I like to layer it in my lasagna. Yum! Unfortunately, they stopped selling it at the Walmart near my house. Alas, I must look elsewhere.

2) Better Than Bouillon Stock Base

Never buy bouillon cubes ever again. This highly concentrated chicken stock base has so much more flavor. They make an amazing beef stock base too. Wonderful for soups as well as a cooking liquid for rice, quinoa or couscous. I always have this in the fridge!

3) Tapatio Hot Sauce

This seemingly ordinary bottle of hot sauce is proof that big things come in small packages. It is the only kind of hot sauce I have found that does not contain vinegar. The ingredients are simply water, red chilies and spices. Without vinegar overpowering everything, you get the most amazing red chili flavor. Great on just about everything. I have even tried it on vanilla ice cream with surprisingly good results!

4)Reames Frozen Egg Noodles

When I want to make a killer pot of chicken noodle soup, I always buy these frozen noodles. They take a little longer to cook than dried egg noodles because of their thickness. They tend to hold up better and longer without becoming a big pot of mush. These also make amazing beef and noodles. Want a comforting warm meal? Reach for the Reames. (I should be their spokes person. lol)

5) Soy Vay Veri Veri Teriyaki Sauce

This teriyaki is by far my favorite. It is particularly amazing on fish. Sometimes I like to make a marinade with this for salmon. The sugars caramelize beautifully and it has just the right amount of sweetness.

6) Maggi Sweet Chili Sauce

I love this sweet chili sauce, mainly for dipping. Dip chicken strips, pot stickers, egg rolls and more! There are other brands that are just as tasty, but this is the brand I usually get. It is mostly sweet with only a hint of heat.

7) Head Country BBQ Sauce

Now, if you are from Oklahoma, you probably are very familiar with this sweet and tangy bottle of delight. Whether you prefer regular, spicy or hickory smoke, Head country is definitely the best.

8) Wholly Guacamole

I hate it when I plan Mexican night only to find that the avocado selection is less than spectacular. Sometimes they just aren't ready when you need them. Packaged guacamole has always been definite 'NO' to me, but this particular product is better than one might expect. It tastes fresh and very close to homemade. You can even see chunks of avocado here and there, which I love. So next time the avocado bin is a sea of bright green, Wholly Guacamole is the perfect solution.

9) MaraNatha Almond Butter

If you like natural peanut butter, definitely give this almond butter a try. I started eating natural peanut butter because it is healthier and keeps me fuller longer. While peanuts taste pretty good, almonds taste so much better. They are less fatty and have a slightly sweeter taste without added sugar. They have both creamy and crunchy. It is a little on the expensive side, but will last you a long time in the refrigerator.

10) Gladiola Yellow Cornbread mix

I see cornbread as a blank canvas. This particular brand is quick, easy and not sweet (like Jiffy Cornbread). You can mix anything into the batter for more flavor. I love to add cheese, bacon, green chilies, herbs and fresh corn. Its the perfect side to fish, beans or chili.

::couscous me softly::

With Jonathan working late this evening, I was posed with a dilemma as to what to cook for dinner. Cooking for one is tricky and at times seems unworthy of the effort. With a few kitchen staples and a little creativity, you can create a delicious and healthy meal for one with very little effort. Tonight I happened to have some couscous in the pantry. Couscous is one of the most versatile foods ever. You can add literally anything you want according to your tastes. I had a half an onion, garlic, a few mushrooms, yellow squash, a couple of grape tomatoes, dried cranberries, sliced almonds, lemon juice and fresh parsley. I sauteed all the veggies together in some olive oil, added the couscous, chicken stock and lemon juice (you can just use water if you don't have any stock). Just cook according to the package directions. After it finished cooking (literally 5 minutes), I just stirred in the dried cranberries, almonds and parsley. If you don't have as much on hand, no worries. It can be as simple as couscous, onions and garlic and still be great. Fresh herbs or pepper flakes can be added for extra flavor. You can also add last nights leftover grilled chicken. The possibilities are pretty much endless. You may want to make enough for two so that you can have the rest for lunch tomorrow. That is, if you don't go back for seconds! Remember: A well stocked kitchen is a happy kitchen! Here is a list of a few things I like to always have on hand:

*onions
*garlic
*lemons
*Italian parsley
*fresh tomatoes
*parmesan
*Better Than Bouillon chicken stock base (the beef base is also good)
*olive oil
*chili flakes
*canned diced tomatoes
*dried pastas/couscous
*cornbread mix
*frozen chicken breasts
*frozen fish (tilapia)

::wholeheartedly whole wheat::

It's amazing what simple ingredients can create. On tonight's menu, whole wheat linguine with lemon and basil in a white wine reduction (Sauvignon blanc). Very summery, very light, very satisfying. I grew up on white pasta, as I'm sure most of you did as well, but I am beginning to better appreciate whole wheat pastas. They open up an entirely new world of flavor and texture that cannot be achieved through white pasta. The pasta itself is no longer merely a vehicle for rich sauces and condiments. It stands firmly on its own, needing only the simplest and purest ingredients to enhance its hearty, earthy flavor. The finished product is a light, yet filling summer supper. I hope I have inspired you to revisit whole wheat pasta. It is the perfect addition to any healthy diet.



Today's recipe:



*Whole wheat linguine, cooked to al dente
*2 cloves crushed garlic, minced
*1/2 small onion, minced
*2-3 tbsp olive oil
*juice of 1 lemon
*1 cup sauvignon blanc
*fresh basil, chiffonade


While pasta is cooking, saute minced onions with olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. When slightly softened, add garlic. Saute a few more minutes. Add lemon juice and wine. Return to a simmer. Reduce until thickened. Add salt to taste. Toss linguine and fresh basil in sauce to coat. Serve with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, if desired. A bit of freshly cracked pepper is also appropriate for an aromatic kick.

::it's that time of the month again::

My new favorite past time has got to be paying bills. Sounds crazy, but it feels so amazing to know that we are almost completely caught up. When Jon lost his job, unemployment was quite a bit less than our monthly bills. I don't know how someone could possibly make a conscious decision to stay on unemployment longer than they need to. It completely sucks. Union jobs require that you sit at home on unemployment and wait for them to tell you to go back to work. It could be for a few weeks or several months. And even if you are sent back to work, you could be laid off again in two weeks if work is slow. We finally got sick of waiting and Jon got an interview for a non union job. I think the coup de grace of this entire thing was when they kicked him out if the apprenticeship for..... well, I'm not exactly sure why. He had extremely high grades and went to class every week. I think it was because he went on that interview.... Well, good riddance. I'm sure unions are good for some people and in some places. It just wasn't the right thing for us anymore. The job he has now at OSU is so much better. He doesn't have to drive an hour every day, the pay is good and he likes the people he works with. I have noticed a positive change in him since he started. Things are looking up. The sight of mail isn't quite as sickening and my blood pressure is in a really good place. If only I could shake this fear I have of mangos, life would be, well, peachy. ~~*

::reuse, renew, rhinestone::

So, in lieu of buying a new book bag for school, I thought I could revamp my old one. Its the only bag I have ever had that wasn't ripped to shreds by the end of the semester. Its actually still in very good condition, no tears or rips in sight. Its pink of course, which I love, but it needed something. I whipped out a sharpie and a few colored pencils and voilà!! In case you were wondering, yes, I am thinking of gluing a few rhinestones here and there. Its not a definite decision yet, though. These things take thought and precise planning.... LOL. So, anyone want me to decorate your back to school tote? Pricing would be based on the size and complexity of the design, and whether or not other accessories are added (such as stones, charms etc). I would say between $5 and $20. Can't beat that, Vera Bradley! Let me know if you are interested. :-)

::too much walking shoes worn thin::

So tonight I got some new exercise/jogging shoes at Walmart. I went for a jog this evening and realized how worn out mine are. The new ones aren't really anything special but they seem to be pretty comfy and supportive. Although I was tempted to grab the Jonas Brothers tennis shoes with the backwards treble clef printed on the side, these were on clearance for $15. Maybe next paycheck. :-/ The jog was short, but felt good. I don't want to push myself too hard in the beginning. I have always hated running in the past because I didn't pace myself. I would push so hard that I would make myself sick. Dumb. If I take it easy and listen to my body, I think I can reassociate jogging with positive feelings. Good vibes are kind of the theme this week. :-)

::nothing is permanent::

This school year marks a big turning point in my life. My last year of college before I am out in the real world, starting my career. Looking back, sometimes I don't know how I managed to get here. It was such a long and difficult road and I wouldn't have made it if it weren't for an amazing support system of friends and family. That being said, I truly feel like I have reached a new and exciting place in my life. I am determined to make this the best, most healthy year of my life thus far. I said goodbye to 6.6 lbs and I feel so much better already. I cant remember the last time I felt this motivated to accomplish anything. Depression has ruled my entire adult life and I am ready to conquer this debilitating condition. It will always be a kind of shadow, lurking around the corner, but now I am better equipped to fight back. There will be weak moments, but nothing is permanent. I am ready to soak up all the wonderful things this life has to give me!