Part Deux

So Saturday after the mall I hit the grocery store. Something about going grocery shopping by myself excited the heck out of me. I can’t explain it. If I’m not in a hurry, I walk around the store for at least twenty minutes, even if I only have a few things to pick up. I walk around, look at the products, try to remember if I have any coupons for them and then calculate all that good stuff in my head. It’s relaxing and enjoyable; luckily my husband doesn’t often ask to accompany me. I’d have to go with, NO.

The Steelers, OF COURSE!

Since it is August already and that means FOOTBALL is on the horizon, I have been collecting new recipes for football parties and tailgating spectaculars. I am so excited, this is my favorite time of the year, hands down. Football, FOOD and friends combined with the anticipated fall weather, it doesn’t get any better. Anyhow, I decided to try some new recipes Saturday night since I was cooking for the reunion. I don’t really know how anything tasted since I was very strict with myself and did not taste any of it! I hope everything was good, but I had a lot of food leftover. Perhaps because I make a lot of food to begin with. Everyone is ALWAYS invited to our house any time we are having a get together, I love to cook especially during football. Geez, I’m rambling. So Steve & I were watching Man vs. Food the other night and they were cooking hamburgers on a grill with a heaping pile of raw onions on top. The thought there is the onions will cook right along with the hamburger once flipped. I decided to make those but in slider fashion and they turned out great ( I can only imagine how they tasted). I also made handmade quiches with spinach artichoke dip in some and sautéed mushrooms in the others. Everybody said they were good but I’m skeptical. The worst thing you can do is lie to me about how something tastes because chances are you will be back to my house, and you will be eating that same food you don’t like. ‘Fess up people!! I also made homemade salsa & guacamole, and that, my friends, is the recipe I’m sharing today! It is so good and easy, I am a salsa connoisseur (in my own little land).

Homemade Salsa

1 12oz can of Diced Tomatoes & Chile's ( I use off brand)

1 12 oz can of Diced Tomatoes with Cilantro & Lime
1 chopped jalapeno, optional

½ white onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, chopped

Salt & Pepper to taste

Pinch of sugar (it cuts down on the acidity of the tomatoes)

Chopped Cilantro…if that’s how you roll.

Directions: Put all ingredients in a blender, juicer, or food processor and pulse. Keep blending until it’s the consistency you want. I like mine with no chunks. You can omit the jalapeno or add more depending on the amount of heat you prefer. I love this recipe, its so simple and everybody enjoys it. I alter it for my friends that can’t stand the heat. Put in container and if you have time stick in the fridge for a bit to let the flavors marry, if not serve with whatever you want! Enjoy.

So that was Saturday night. I still am up in the air with a few recipes for the season. I want something stellar that just steals the show when I present it on the table. I need to invest in an apron, a girl I went to middle school with sells them on ETSY. Maybe she can customize one for me. What a grand idea. I know you’re curious what I ate on Saturday night….grilled chicken, tomatoes, salsa, guacamole & zucchini. Pretty boring compared to the yummy burgers and sausage bread. It’s alright though, I didn’t cheat and I am proud of that. I would have just regretted it in the morning.

Sunday was a nice relaxing day, started with the usual meal shake and brought it with me when I went to Starbucks. Still no coffee…20 days and counting! For lunch I had a peach, a pack of nuts from Starbucks oatmeal and stopped at Salsaritas for another naked salad on my way home. Dinner was a salad with grilled chicken, tomatoes and two hard boiled egg whites. Not too exciting, but by Sunday night I am all out of steam and throw together whatever I have left from the weekend. I did well and only have until Friday before the 24 days are over. I still have not met my goal for the total lbs lost during the challenge, I think I may be about 4 shy depending on what scale I use. I would love to continue on another 24 days but the cleanse is meant to be used only once every three months. I could do the 14 day supplements but I’m going to be all out. Oh no!