The Jar - Part II

Remember the savings jar? You can read about it here. When D gifted me with the trip to NYC back in February, I immediately pulled out a big jar and got to saving. This time, we amended the rules a little and decided loonies & twoonies were acceptable but the goal was to save paper. We've been tossing in spare cash here & there and in just 4 months, we saved $1107 without feeling a pinch. Bring on NYC!

Booyah!

11km run this evening! As usual, I was running along, listening to my iPod and psyching myself up to train for a half-marathon in the fall. Dare I do it?

Chocolate Chip Cookies

There is a reason I long stopped baking cookies. I cannot resist raw cookie dough. Alas, I got out the butter & sugar and baked a batch of good ol' chocolate chip cookies today. I would likely have had another dozen but I managed to eat enough dough to make myself feel ill.

Baking: 1

Jenn: 0

It's been almost a week since my last run and despite adding in a few mini cheats, I'm still hovering around 130lbs. I'd like to get out for a good run tonight so we'll see.

Lemony Orzo with Tuna & Artichoke Hearts

I stumbled upon this recipe when flipping through an old(er) Fine Cooking collection last weekend. Quick, from the pantry & fresh? Yes, please! It took no time to pull together and was very fresh & delicious.

Lemony Orzo with Tuna & Artichoke Hearts

Kosher Salt

1 1/2 cups dried orzo

1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

1 small yellow onion, finely chopped

Freshly ground black pepper

1/3 cup dry vermouth or white wine

1 14-oz can artichoke heart, drained and quartered

1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and thinly sliced

1 5-oz can water packed solid white tuna, drained

3 tbsp creme fraiche or sour cream

3 tbsp fresh lemon juice

3 tbsp coarsely chopped fresh basil

Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.

Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion 1/2 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp pepper and cook, stirring often, until deep golden brown, 7-8 minutes. Take the skillet off the heat and add the vermouth or wine. Return the skillet to the heat and stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add the artichoke hearts and sun-dried tomatoes and cook just until tender and heated through, another 2-3 minutes. Off the heat, gently stir in the tuna.

Transfer the hot orzo to a large bowl and toss with the creme fraiche and lemon juice. Add the artichoke mixture, 2 tbsp of the basil and salt & pepper to taste. Toss gently to combine. Spoon into bowls, garnish with the remaining 1 tbsp basil & serve.

*Fine Cooking, Fresh & Quick 2010.

Moroccan Toasted Couscous with Spiced Honey Citrus Dressing

I played around with a recipe sent to me by a friend and came up with this delicious variation.

Moroccan Toasted Couscous with Spiced Honey Citrus Dressing

Dressing:

1/2 tsp cumin

1/4 tsp cardamom

1/4 tsp cinnamon

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

1/4 cup fresh orange juice

1 tbsp honey

1/4 cup olive oil

Whisk together & set aside.

Salad:

1 1/2 cups Israeli couscous

1 1/2 cups boiling water

1/4 tsp turmeric

1 red pepper, diced

10 dried apricots, diced

1/2 cup raisins

1 cup pistachios, toasted

1 1/2 tbsp grated orange zest

Handful of chopped fresh Italian parsley (leaves only)

Preheat the oven to 375 and toast the couscous on a cookie sheet for 10 minutes, shaking halfway. Cool and place in a bowl. Combine the turmeric with boiling water and pour over the couscous and let stand for 10-15 minutes. Set aside to cool. Fluff the couscous and combine with the rest of the salad ingredients. Add dressing and add S&P, if you wish.

This makes a perfect side to any sort of grilled meat but is equally good on its own. Enjoy!

Holding Steady...

130lbs.

Meh. Still pleased I dropped the initial 5lbs but I'd love to shed a few more. I'm still eating a cleanse friendly diet and really haven't cheated at all. I could probably work on portion control (as usual) but at least I know I'm eating fresh & healthy.

8.3km run on Monday night followed by an hour of bootcamp last night. The day is early yet but my legs are still working. It's either going to hit me HARD when I first attempt to stand after sitting at a desk all morning or it means I have to work harder tomorrow night.

Boot Camp

I finally gave in and signed up for one of those boot camps that take place in parks across the city. Um, yeah. It was HARD and within 20 minutes, I was panting and secretly looking for a way out. Pushed through and lasted the entire hour (not without a few pauses to make sure my legs were still attached to my body) and am so glad I committed to this program. I dragged my friend with me so at least I/we have motivation to continue. We have 4 weeks of this... twice a week... no excuses. Right?!

Also, buttery popcorn for dinner. It was on the cleanse so I maintain that it's healthy & justified!