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Jazzing up some canned soup

As a college  student on a fixed income, I often lack the time and resources to go out and buy really great fresh foods.. and so I often settle for canned or prepackaged varieties.  However, I try to jazz them up as much as I can!  

Here is one example of a jazzed up canned soup:

I took the TJ Split Pea soup that I reviewed before.  I took half a package of frozen chopped spinach and sauteed it in a pan with 1 tbsp of olive oil, cajun seasonings, oregano, and crushed red pepper.  Then I simply dumped that into my pot of soup and mixed until well combined!

Here is a picture of the finished product:  

It tasted delicious!  I’m a huge spinach lover and this would taste great with sauteed portabellas, or any other vegetables, as well.

Lemon Bars

Last month I made lemon bars (and took pictures!) for some family that was coming over for a post-holiday get together.

They are really easy and unfortunately pretty unhealthy because of the high sugar content and the crust is very fattening.  But, as a treat they are delicious if you want to indulge. (and everyone should indulge at least every once in a while)

The recipe was from All Recipes

• 2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1 cup butter, melted
• 4 eggs
• 2 cups white sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 5/8 cup lemon juice

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9×13 inch pan.
2. In a medium bowl, stir together 2 cups flour and confectioners’ sugar. Blend in the melted butter. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until golden. In a large bowl, beat eggs until light. Combine the sugar, baking powder and 1/4 cup of flour so there will be no flour lumps. Stir the sugar mixture into the eggs. Finally, stir in the lemon juice. Pour over the prepared crust and return to the oven.
4. Bake for an additional 30 minutes or until bars are set. Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.

 

Some random pictures from this winter

Here are some random pictures I’ve taken this winter:

Splash, a photo shoot

This is my (well, my family’s actually) 11 year old yellow lab-  Splash is his name

Traditional Medicinals Tea

Whenever I have a sore throat, I flock to the store to purchase Traditional Medicinals Organic Lemon Echinacea Throat Coat.

The taste takes a little getting used to, but once you’ve had a cup or two before it’s no longer bothersome and the benefits by far outweigh a slightly bitter taste.  However, a little drink I learned is to throw in a good-tasting tea bag in there with it to improve the flavor.  

I brew this tea with one or two teabags, depending on the strength I’m desiring, and keep the tea bag in for the duration that I’m drinking it for.  

It’s amazing how well this soothes my sore throat and on a day like today, when my throat is feeling especially scratching, it hits the spot.

Today

This morning I woke up early to make pumpkin yogurt from a recipe I got off of http://www.katheats.com

However, it wasn’t sweet enough for me regardless of how much brown sugar and honey I put into it so only ate about half and ate twice as much granola instead.

Breakfast calories:

• yogurt concoction: 200 cal
• oranges (2): 150 cal
• clif bar: 250 cal
• larabar (2) 400 cal
• emergen C (2): 50 cal
• soup & bread: 200 cal
• yogurt concoction: 500 cal
• 1800 cal

I’m done eating and fulfilled.  I ate enough to refuel after my run and didn’t over indulge.  :)  happy happy

By writing this down beforehand and mentally reminding myself not to overeat, I think I will be able to start and keep a diet today.

Here’s to a happier, healthier me. 

**I will start posting pictures tomorrow, I need my DSLR which is in my apartment and I’ve been at my parents all week.