- Resentment - This is a poison that starts as something small (”He didn’t get a new roll of toilet paper” or “She doesn’t wash her dishes after she eats”) and builds up into something big. Resentment is dangerous because it often flies under our radar, so that we don’t even notice we have the resentment, and our partner doesn’t realize that there’s anything wrong. If you ever notice yourself having resentment, you need to address this immediately, before it gets worse. Cut it off while it’s small. There are two good ways to deal with resentment: 1) breathe, and just let it go — accept your partner for who she/he is, faults and all; none of us is perfect; or 2) talk to your partner about it if you cannot accept it, and try to come up with a solution that works for both of you (not just for you); try to talk to them in a non-confrontational way, but in a way that expresses how you feel without being accusatory.
- Jealousy - It’s hard to control jealousy if you feel it, I know. It seems to happen by itself, out of our control, unbidden and unwanted. However, jealousy, like resentment, is relationship poison. A little jealousy is fine, but when it gets to a certain level it turns into a need to control your partner, and turns into unnecessary fights, and makes both parties unhappy. If you have problems with jealousy (like I once did), instead of trying to control them it’s important that you examine and deal with the root issue, which is usually insecurity. That insecurity might be tied to your childhood (abandonment by a parent, for example), in a past relationship where you got hurt, or in an incident or incidents in the past of your current relationship.
- Unrealistic expectations - Often we have an idea of what our partner should be like. We might expect them to clean up after themselves, to be considerate, to always think of us first, to surprise us, to support us, to always have a smile, to work hard and not be lazy. Not necessarily these expectations, but almost always we have expectations of our partner. Having some expectations is fine — we should expect our partner to be faithful, for example. But sometimes, without realizing it ourselves, we have expectations that are too high to meet. Our partner isn’t perfect — no one is. We can’t expect them to be cheerful and loving every minute of the day — everyone has their moods. We can’t expect them to always think of us, as they will obviously think of themselves or others sometimes too. We can’t expect them to be exactly as we are, as everyone is different. High expectations lead to disappointment and frustration, especially if we do not communicate these expectations. How can we expect our partner to meet these expectations if they don’t know about them? The remedy is to lower your expectations — allow your partner to be himself/herself, and accept and love them for that. What basic expectations we do have, we must communicate clearly.
- Not making time - This is a problem with couples who have kids, but also with other couples who get caught up in work or hobbies or friends and family or other passions. Couples who don’t spend time alone together will drift apart. And while spending time together when you’re with the kids or other friends and family is a good thing, it’s important that you have time alone together. Can’t find time with all the things you have going on — work and kids and all the other stuff? Make time. Seriously — make the time. It can be done. I do it — I just make sure that this time with my wife is a priority, and I’ll drop just about anything else to make the time. Get a babysitter, drop a couple commitments, put off work for a day, and go on a date. It doesn’t have to be an expensive date — some time in nature, or exercising together, or watching a DVD and having a home-cooked dinner, are all good options. And when you’re together, make an effort to connect, not just be together.
- Lack of communication - This sin affects all the others on this list — it’s been said many times before, but it’s true: good communication is the cornerstone of a good relationship. If you have resentment, you must talk it out rather than let the resentment grow. If you are jealous, you must communicate in an open and honest manner to address your insecurities. If you have expectations of your partner, you must communicate them. If there are any problems whatsoever, you must communicate them and work them out. Communication doesn’t just mean talking or arguing — good communication is honest without being attacking or blaming. Communicate your feelings — being hurt, frustrated, sorry, scared, sad, happy — rather than criticizing. Communicate a desire to work out a solution that works for you both, a compromise, rather than a need for the other person to change. And communicate more than just problems — communicate the good things too (see below for more).
- Not showing gratitude - Sometimes there are no real problems in a relationship, such as resentment or jealousy or unrealistic expectations — but there is also no expression of the good things about your partner either. This lack of gratitude and appreciation is just as bad as the problems, because without it your partner will feel like he or she is being taken for granted. Every person wants to be appreciated for all they do. And while you might have some problems with what your partner does (see above), you should also realize that your partner does good things too. Does she wash your dishes or cook you something you like? Does he clean up after you or support you in your job? Take the time to say thank you, and give a hug and kiss. This little expression can go a long way.
- Lack of affection - Similarly, everything else can be going right, including the expression of gratitude, but if there is no affection among partners then there is serious trouble. In effect, the relationship is drifting towards a platonic status. That might be better than many relationships that have serious problems, but it’s not a good thing. Affection is important –everyone needs some of it, especially from someone we love. Take the time, every single day, to give affection to your partner. Greet her when she comes home from work with a tight hug. Wake him up with a passionate kiss (who cares about morning breath!). Sneak up behind her and kiss her on the neck. Make out in the movie theater like teen-agers. Caress his back and neck while watching TV. Smile at her often.
- Stubbornness - This wasn’t on my original list but I just thought about it before publishing this post, and had to add it in. Every relationship will have problems and arguments — but it’s important that you learn to work out these problems after cooling down a bit. Unfortunately, many of us are too stubborn to even talk about things. Perhaps we always want to be right. Perhaps we never want to admit that we made a mistake. Perhaps we don’t like to say we’re sorry. Perhaps we don’t like to compromise. I’ve done all of these things — but I’ve learned over the years that this is just childish. When I find myself being stubborn these days, I try to get over this childishness and suck it up and put away my ego and say I’m sorry. Talk about the problem and work it out. Don’t be afraid to be the first one to apologize. Then move past it to better things.
Relationship Sins
Adopting Healthier Habits
Calorie restriction and exercise help many people lose weight, but only for as long as they keep up the effort. And the same environmental and psychological factors that accounted for the weight gain in the first place can play a role in causing someone to stop exercising or start consuming too many calories. The difficulty in sustaining a diet and exercise routine is one of the main reasons that people who lose weight fail to keep it off. But the difference between long-term success and failure is the ability to make the changes in your diet and activity level permanent.
Certain strategies are useful for everyone who wants to lose weight, regardless of the main causes or severity of their obesity. Many of the following strategies seem like common sense, but they are easily overlooked. You're most likely to follow them if you plan for them in advance.
Eat slowly. Chewing and swallowing your food at a leisurely pace can help you keep from overeating. Here's why: It takes about 20 minutes for your brain to "tell" you when you feel full. Until then, you continue to feel hungry and want to eat. If you eat quickly, you'll end up consuming more than you need to feel full. But eating slowly gives your brain the time it needs to signal that you've had enough.
Make changes gradually. Don't expect to change your diet and activity level overnight. Instead of switching all at once to a low-calorie eating plan, try gradually decreasing the calories of your meals and snacks. For example, start by cutting out snacking or limiting yourself to certain snacks at certain times of day (such as a mid-morning banana or a late-afternoon apple). Also, gradually reduce the calorie content of particular foods. For example, if you're used to drinking whole milk, first switch to milk with 2% fat; then, as you get used to the taste of less fat, go on to milk with 1% fat and finally to skim milk. Another strategy is to lower the calorie content of one meal at a time. In the first week, you might want to eat a low-calorie breakfast, but keep lunch and dinner the same as before. During the second week, you might reduce the calorie content of your lunch. Finally, you can begin eating low-calorie dinners.
Keep a record. Keeping a daily log of what you eat and what physical activities you engage in can help keep you motivated to stay with your diet and exercise plan. Looking over a week's worth of entries can tell you how successful you've been and can help you identify areas where you need to improve.
Seek social support. You'll find it easier to maintain behavioral changes if you have the support and encouragement of others. Social support can come in many forms and from various people. For starters, ask your family members to keep high-calorie foods out of the house, or at least to refrain from eating them in front of you. You might even try to enlist your family to eat the same meals you do. Exercise with someone else, or join a support group. The camaraderie can help keep your spirits up during the inevitable periods when you become discouraged with your progress.
Use a list when buying food. Stick to your grocery list, and steer clear of those aisles or areas with the kinds of calorie-dense foods that you need to avoid.
Out of sight, out of mind. At home, put the most tempting foods high up in the cupboard, at the very back of the fridge, or in other inconvenient spots. Replace the cookie jar and candy bowl with a fruit bowl. Never eat directly out of a large package; many small containers are better than a few large ones, because they provide convenient stopping points. And don't put out too many different varieties of the same kind of food — you'll be tempted to sample from each one and eat a lot more than if you were faced with fewer choices.
Don't go all out when eating out. Eat a low-calorie snack before going out; you're less likely to go off your diet if you're feeling full when you get to the party or restaurant. Go elsewhere for after-dinner coffee so you are less tempted to segue right into dessert.
Make a plan for special occasions. Decide how much you're going to eat before an event, and do your best to stick with that plan. Set some limits before you go to the movies or watch the Sunday afternoon football games. It's so easy to mindlessly munch when you're in front of a screen of any kind.
Be a copycat. When eating with a group of people, look around. Who's eating the least? Who has the healthiest food on their plate? Model your eating habits on those people's.
Find physical activities that you enjoy. For example, if you don't like exercising outdoors on cold days, join a fitness club, or get an exercise bicycle and hand weights to use at home. If the problem is a time crunch, exercise in increments of 10 minutes whenever you have the time — before work, after work, or during your lunch hour.
Reduce stress. If you overeat when you are under stress, find a stress-reduction method that works for you: meditation, relaxation techniques, listening to music, exercising, or talking to a friend.
Certain strategies are useful for everyone who wants to lose weight, regardless of the main causes or severity of their obesity. Many of the following strategies seem like common sense, but they are easily overlooked. You're most likely to follow them if you plan for them in advance.
Eat slowly. Chewing and swallowing your food at a leisurely pace can help you keep from overeating. Here's why: It takes about 20 minutes for your brain to "tell" you when you feel full. Until then, you continue to feel hungry and want to eat. If you eat quickly, you'll end up consuming more than you need to feel full. But eating slowly gives your brain the time it needs to signal that you've had enough.
Make changes gradually. Don't expect to change your diet and activity level overnight. Instead of switching all at once to a low-calorie eating plan, try gradually decreasing the calories of your meals and snacks. For example, start by cutting out snacking or limiting yourself to certain snacks at certain times of day (such as a mid-morning banana or a late-afternoon apple). Also, gradually reduce the calorie content of particular foods. For example, if you're used to drinking whole milk, first switch to milk with 2% fat; then, as you get used to the taste of less fat, go on to milk with 1% fat and finally to skim milk. Another strategy is to lower the calorie content of one meal at a time. In the first week, you might want to eat a low-calorie breakfast, but keep lunch and dinner the same as before. During the second week, you might reduce the calorie content of your lunch. Finally, you can begin eating low-calorie dinners.
Keep a record. Keeping a daily log of what you eat and what physical activities you engage in can help keep you motivated to stay with your diet and exercise plan. Looking over a week's worth of entries can tell you how successful you've been and can help you identify areas where you need to improve.
Seek social support. You'll find it easier to maintain behavioral changes if you have the support and encouragement of others. Social support can come in many forms and from various people. For starters, ask your family members to keep high-calorie foods out of the house, or at least to refrain from eating them in front of you. You might even try to enlist your family to eat the same meals you do. Exercise with someone else, or join a support group. The camaraderie can help keep your spirits up during the inevitable periods when you become discouraged with your progress.
Use a list when buying food. Stick to your grocery list, and steer clear of those aisles or areas with the kinds of calorie-dense foods that you need to avoid.
Out of sight, out of mind. At home, put the most tempting foods high up in the cupboard, at the very back of the fridge, or in other inconvenient spots. Replace the cookie jar and candy bowl with a fruit bowl. Never eat directly out of a large package; many small containers are better than a few large ones, because they provide convenient stopping points. And don't put out too many different varieties of the same kind of food — you'll be tempted to sample from each one and eat a lot more than if you were faced with fewer choices.
Don't go all out when eating out. Eat a low-calorie snack before going out; you're less likely to go off your diet if you're feeling full when you get to the party or restaurant. Go elsewhere for after-dinner coffee so you are less tempted to segue right into dessert.
Make a plan for special occasions. Decide how much you're going to eat before an event, and do your best to stick with that plan. Set some limits before you go to the movies or watch the Sunday afternoon football games. It's so easy to mindlessly munch when you're in front of a screen of any kind.
Be a copycat. When eating with a group of people, look around. Who's eating the least? Who has the healthiest food on their plate? Model your eating habits on those people's.
Find physical activities that you enjoy. For example, if you don't like exercising outdoors on cold days, join a fitness club, or get an exercise bicycle and hand weights to use at home. If the problem is a time crunch, exercise in increments of 10 minutes whenever you have the time — before work, after work, or during your lunch hour.
Reduce stress. If you overeat when you are under stress, find a stress-reduction method that works for you: meditation, relaxation techniques, listening to music, exercising, or talking to a friend.
Dealing With Negative Energy
First for the dealing with unpleasant eminations attached to your altar. Remember that not only is your altar a sacred space, but also the images that surround it. Set the scene around your altar with visually soothing elements, this may rid you of some negativity you are unwittingly taking in when you recharge in front of your altar.
Second for negativity in general, a ritual can be performed to banish bad energy from yourself and your home.
1st smudge (burn sage) to clear away the negative energy in your home. Then take a spiritual cleansing bath using the 5 senses and the 4 elements. The recipe for this bath is 8 oz. of sea salt, a box of baking soda, a drip of lavender oil or lavender bubble bath, light a candle (dim the lights), light an incense, turn on some mellow music, and get a nice cool beverage of your choice. Enjoy!
Salt is the Earth
Candle is the Fire
Smoke from incense is the Air
The water is obviously the Water
See fire
Smell incense
Taste beverage
Touch water and
Hear music
Then after your bath spend 20 minutes in the sun to re-energize yourself. I do this like once a week.
Second for negativity in general, a ritual can be performed to banish bad energy from yourself and your home.
1st smudge (burn sage) to clear away the negative energy in your home. Then take a spiritual cleansing bath using the 5 senses and the 4 elements. The recipe for this bath is 8 oz. of sea salt, a box of baking soda, a drip of lavender oil or lavender bubble bath, light a candle (dim the lights), light an incense, turn on some mellow music, and get a nice cool beverage of your choice. Enjoy!
Salt is the Earth
Candle is the Fire
Smoke from incense is the Air
The water is obviously the Water
See fire
Smell incense
Taste beverage
Touch water and
Hear music
Then after your bath spend 20 minutes in the sun to re-energize yourself. I do this like once a week.
A Fairy's Wish
Fairies and Pixies, elves and gnomes.
Spinning some magic, spells for our homes.
Their wishes are happy, of joys to share.
Join in their revelry, if only you dare.
Carefree of spirit, their happiness impart
Sending you Magick, to store in your heart.
Spinning some magic, spells for our homes.
Their wishes are happy, of joys to share.
Join in their revelry, if only you dare.
Carefree of spirit, their happiness impart
Sending you Magick, to store in your heart.
Fairy Sugar
- 3 cups fine white sugar
- 1 tablespoon Vanilla extract (the good stuff)
- 1/8 teaspoon red food coloring
- Glass container
Lay sugar on wax paper sprinkle on the Vanilla; stir into the sugar till all mixed in. Next sprinkle on the red food coloring and also incorporate in till sugar turns “Faery pink”. Save in glass container, you have labeled “Faery Sugar”; you can now use this special treat in the recipe above for Faery cookies, cakes and offerings to the Fae. You can eat some your self, but remember the recipe is a secret!
Forrest Goes to Heaven
The day finally arrives: Forrest Gump dies and goes to Heaven. He is at the Pearly Gates, met by St. Peter himself. The gates are closed, however, and Forrest approaches the gatekeeper.
St. Peter says, “Well, Forrest, it’s certainly good to see you. We have heard a lot about you. I must inform you that the place is filling up fast, and we’ve been administering an entrance examination for everyone. The tests are fairly short, but you need to pass before you can get into Heaven.”
Forrest responds, “It shore is good to be here, St. Peter. I was looking forward to this. Nobody ever told me about any entrance exam. Sure hope the test ain’t too hard; life was a big enough test as it was.”
St. Peter goes on, “Yes, I know Forrest, but the test I have for you is only three questions.”
What days of the week begin with the letter T?
How many seconds are there in a year?
What is God’s first name?
Forrest goes away to think the questions over. He returns the next day and goes up to St. Peter to try to answer the exam questions. St. Peter waves him up and says, “Now that you have had a chance to think the questions over, tell me your answers.”
Forrest says, “Well, the first one—how many days in the week begin with the letter ‘T’? Shucks, that one’s easy. That’d be Today and Tomorrow.”
The Saint’s eyes open wide and he exclaims, “Forrest! That’s not what I was thinking, but… you do have a point though, and I guess I didn’t specify, so I’ll give you credit for that answer.
“How about the next one?” asks St. Peter. “How many seconds in a year?”
“Now, that one’s harder,” says Forrest, “but I thunk and thunk about that and I guess the only answer can be twelve.”
Astounded, St. Peter says, “Twelve! Twelve! Forrest, how in Heaven’s name could you come up with twelve seconds in a year?”
Forrest says, “Shucks, there’s gotta be twelve: January second, February second, March second…”
“Hold it,” interrupts St. Peter, “I see where you’re going with this, and I guess I see your point, though that wasn’t quite what I had in mind, but I’ll give you credit for that one too. Let’s go on with the next and final question. Can you tell me God’s first name?”
Forrest replied, “Andy.”
“OK, OK,” said a frustrated St. Peter, “I can understand how you came up with your answers to my first two questions, but just how in the world did you come up with the name of Andy as the first name of God?”
“Shucks, that was the easiest one of all,” Forrest replied. “I learned it from the song: ANDY WALKS WITH ME, ANDY TALKS WITH ME, ANDY TELLS ME I AM HIS OWN…”
St. Peter says, “Well, Forrest, it’s certainly good to see you. We have heard a lot about you. I must inform you that the place is filling up fast, and we’ve been administering an entrance examination for everyone. The tests are fairly short, but you need to pass before you can get into Heaven.”
Forrest responds, “It shore is good to be here, St. Peter. I was looking forward to this. Nobody ever told me about any entrance exam. Sure hope the test ain’t too hard; life was a big enough test as it was.”
St. Peter goes on, “Yes, I know Forrest, but the test I have for you is only three questions.”
What days of the week begin with the letter T?
How many seconds are there in a year?
What is God’s first name?
Forrest goes away to think the questions over. He returns the next day and goes up to St. Peter to try to answer the exam questions. St. Peter waves him up and says, “Now that you have had a chance to think the questions over, tell me your answers.”
Forrest says, “Well, the first one—how many days in the week begin with the letter ‘T’? Shucks, that one’s easy. That’d be Today and Tomorrow.”
The Saint’s eyes open wide and he exclaims, “Forrest! That’s not what I was thinking, but… you do have a point though, and I guess I didn’t specify, so I’ll give you credit for that answer.
“How about the next one?” asks St. Peter. “How many seconds in a year?”
“Now, that one’s harder,” says Forrest, “but I thunk and thunk about that and I guess the only answer can be twelve.”
Astounded, St. Peter says, “Twelve! Twelve! Forrest, how in Heaven’s name could you come up with twelve seconds in a year?”
Forrest says, “Shucks, there’s gotta be twelve: January second, February second, March second…”
“Hold it,” interrupts St. Peter, “I see where you’re going with this, and I guess I see your point, though that wasn’t quite what I had in mind, but I’ll give you credit for that one too. Let’s go on with the next and final question. Can you tell me God’s first name?”
Forrest replied, “Andy.”
“OK, OK,” said a frustrated St. Peter, “I can understand how you came up with your answers to my first two questions, but just how in the world did you come up with the name of Andy as the first name of God?”
“Shucks, that was the easiest one of all,” Forrest replied. “I learned it from the song: ANDY WALKS WITH ME, ANDY TALKS WITH ME, ANDY TELLS ME I AM HIS OWN…”
3 Little Pigs
Three Little Pigs went out to dinner one night. The waiter comes and takes their drink order.
“I would like a Sprite,” said the first little piggy.
“I would like a Coke,” said the second little piggy.
“I want water, lots and lots of water,” said the third little piggy.
The drinks are brought out and the waiter takes their orders for dinner.
“I want a nice big steak,” said the first piggy.
“I would like the salad plate,” said the second piggy.
“I want water, lots and lots of water,” said the third little piggy.
The meals were brought out and a while later the waiter approached the table and asked if the piggies would like any dessert.
“I want a banana split,” said the first piggy.
“I want a root beer float,” said the second piggy.
“I want water, lots and lots of water,” exclaimed the third little piggy.
“Pardon me for asking,” said the waiter, “but why have you only ordered water?”
You’re gonna hate me for this…
Hold on to your seat…
The third piggy says—
“Well, somebody has to go ‘Wee, wee, wee, all the way home.’”
“I would like a Sprite,” said the first little piggy.
“I would like a Coke,” said the second little piggy.
“I want water, lots and lots of water,” said the third little piggy.
The drinks are brought out and the waiter takes their orders for dinner.
“I want a nice big steak,” said the first piggy.
“I would like the salad plate,” said the second piggy.
“I want water, lots and lots of water,” said the third little piggy.
The meals were brought out and a while later the waiter approached the table and asked if the piggies would like any dessert.
“I want a banana split,” said the first piggy.
“I want a root beer float,” said the second piggy.
“I want water, lots and lots of water,” exclaimed the third little piggy.
“Pardon me for asking,” said the waiter, “but why have you only ordered water?”
You’re gonna hate me for this…
Hold on to your seat…
The third piggy says—
“Well, somebody has to go ‘Wee, wee, wee, all the way home.’”
Coffee Break for Tired Feet
What you need:
¼ cup sea salt
1 tablespoon freshly ground coffee beans
1 tablespoon ground vanilla beans
¼ cup olive oil
1 pot of coffee, at room temperature
Whipped cream
Follow these steps:
1. Mix salt, coffee and vanilla beans, and oil in a bowl.
2. Pour the coffee in a basin and add the whipped cream.
3. Place feet in the basin and soak for about 10 minutes.
4. Take a scoop of the salt mixture and rub it over feet and calves, concentrating on callused areas.
5. Rinse feet with warm water, dry them lightly with a towel, and follow with a hydrating moisturizer.
¼ cup sea salt
1 tablespoon freshly ground coffee beans
1 tablespoon ground vanilla beans
¼ cup olive oil
1 pot of coffee, at room temperature
Whipped cream
Follow these steps:
1. Mix salt, coffee and vanilla beans, and oil in a bowl.
2. Pour the coffee in a basin and add the whipped cream.
3. Place feet in the basin and soak for about 10 minutes.
4. Take a scoop of the salt mixture and rub it over feet and calves, concentrating on callused areas.
5. Rinse feet with warm water, dry them lightly with a towel, and follow with a hydrating moisturizer.
Strawberry Exfoliant
Strawberries contain a natural fruit acid which aids in exfoliation.
8-10 Strawberries
2 tablespoons Apricot Oil (you may substitute olive oil)
1 teaspoon of coarse salt, such as Kosher Salt, or Sea Salt
Mix together all ingredients into a paste, massage into hands and feet, rinse, and pat dry
8-10 Strawberries
2 tablespoons Apricot Oil (you may substitute olive oil)
1 teaspoon of coarse salt, such as Kosher Salt, or Sea Salt
Mix together all ingredients into a paste, massage into hands and feet, rinse, and pat dry
Citrus Lift for Hair
What you need:
¼ cup club soda
¼ cup fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice
¼ cup fresh-squeezed orange juice
¼ cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice
Drop of sage essential oil
Follow these steps:
– In a clean spray bottle, mix the club soda, grapefruit juice, orange juice, and lemon juice. If your hair is longer than shoulder length, add an eighth of a cup more of each ingredient.
– Add the sage essential oil (found at most health-food stores).
– Wet hair thoroughly, then spray on the mixture. Comb it through so hair strands are evenly covered; leave it on for two to four minutes.
– Finish with your usual shampoo and conditioner. Repeat the Citrus Lift once every two weeks; for superdry, damaged hair, do it once every three weeks.
¼ cup club soda
¼ cup fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice
¼ cup fresh-squeezed orange juice
¼ cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice
Drop of sage essential oil
Follow these steps:
– In a clean spray bottle, mix the club soda, grapefruit juice, orange juice, and lemon juice. If your hair is longer than shoulder length, add an eighth of a cup more of each ingredient.
– Add the sage essential oil (found at most health-food stores).
– Wet hair thoroughly, then spray on the mixture. Comb it through so hair strands are evenly covered; leave it on for two to four minutes.
– Finish with your usual shampoo and conditioner. Repeat the Citrus Lift once every two weeks; for superdry, damaged hair, do it once every three weeks.
Caribbean Chicken
INGREDIENTS
1⁄4 cup flour
2 Tbsp curry powder
1 tsp salt
3⁄4 tsp pepper
6 boned, skinned chicken thighs (11⁄2 lb), fat trimmed, cut crosswise in thirds
1 can (13.5 or 14 oz) light coconut milk
2⁄3 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1 Tbsp oil
11⁄4 cups uncooked parboiled (converted) white rice
2 cups shredded carrots (from a 10-oz bag)
1⁄4 cup golden raisins
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Mix flour, curry powder, salt and pepper in a large, sturdy plastic food bag. Add chicken; toss to coat.
2. Shake can of coconut milk vigorously; pour into a 4-cup measure. Add water to equal 3 cups.
3. Stir coconut in a deep, large nonstick skillet over medium heat 3 minutes or until golden. Transfer to a small bowl.
4. Wipe skillet with a paper towel. Add 1⁄2 Tbsp oil and heat over medium-high heat. Add half the chicken and, turning once, cook 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown. Transfer to a bowl. Repeat with remaining oil and chicken (save flour mixture remaining in bag); return other half of chicken and any juices to skillet.
5. Whisk flour mixture in bag into coconut-milk mixture. Add to skillet along with the rice, carrots, raisins and all but 2 Tbsp toasted coconut. Stir to mix well.
6. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer, stirring 2 or 3 times, 20 to 25 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid absorbed. Sprinkle with reserved coconut.
Good with wedges of refreshing honeydew melon and a twist of lime.
Nutrition Facts 12pts
Yield 4 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 595
Total Fat 16 g
Saturated Fat 5 g
Cholesterol 141 mg
Sodium 780 mg
Total Carbohydrate 72 g
Dietary Fiber 5 g
Protein 41 g
1⁄4 cup flour
2 Tbsp curry powder
1 tsp salt
3⁄4 tsp pepper
6 boned, skinned chicken thighs (11⁄2 lb), fat trimmed, cut crosswise in thirds
1 can (13.5 or 14 oz) light coconut milk
2⁄3 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1 Tbsp oil
11⁄4 cups uncooked parboiled (converted) white rice
2 cups shredded carrots (from a 10-oz bag)
1⁄4 cup golden raisins
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Mix flour, curry powder, salt and pepper in a large, sturdy plastic food bag. Add chicken; toss to coat.
2. Shake can of coconut milk vigorously; pour into a 4-cup measure. Add water to equal 3 cups.
3. Stir coconut in a deep, large nonstick skillet over medium heat 3 minutes or until golden. Transfer to a small bowl.
4. Wipe skillet with a paper towel. Add 1⁄2 Tbsp oil and heat over medium-high heat. Add half the chicken and, turning once, cook 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown. Transfer to a bowl. Repeat with remaining oil and chicken (save flour mixture remaining in bag); return other half of chicken and any juices to skillet.
5. Whisk flour mixture in bag into coconut-milk mixture. Add to skillet along with the rice, carrots, raisins and all but 2 Tbsp toasted coconut. Stir to mix well.
6. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer, stirring 2 or 3 times, 20 to 25 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid absorbed. Sprinkle with reserved coconut.
Good with wedges of refreshing honeydew melon and a twist of lime.
Nutrition Facts 12pts
Yield 4 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 595
Total Fat 16 g
Saturated Fat 5 g
Cholesterol 141 mg
Sodium 780 mg
Total Carbohydrate 72 g
Dietary Fiber 5 g
Protein 41 g
Orange-Sesame Chicken
INGREDIENTS
2 tsp sesame seeds
2 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, cut in chunks
1 Tbsp cornstarch
2-1⁄2 tsp oil
1-lb bunch bok choy, stalks and leaves cut in half lengthwise, then in pieces crosswise, leaves and stalks separated
2 small red peppers, cut in strips
1⁄3 cup each stir-fry sauce, orange juice and water
1 tsp grated orange zest
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Cook sesame seeds in large nonstick skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant. Set aside. Put chicken and cornstarch in ziptop bag. Seal and shake to coat.
2. Heat 2 tsp oil in same skillet until hot but not smoking. Add chicken; stir-fry 5 minutes until opaque in center. Remove to a large plate.
3. Heat remaining oil in skillet. Add bok choy stalks and peppers. Stir-fry 5 minutes until almost crisp-tender.
4. Add bok choy leaves; stir-fry 2 minutes. Mix remaining ingredients. Stir into skillet. Return chicken; stir until simmering. Place on serving plate; sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Nutrition Facts 4pts
Yield 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories 199
Total Fat 5 g
Saturated Fat 1 g
Cholesterol 49 mg
Sodium 815 mg
Total Carbohydrate 16 g
Dietary Fiber 2 g
Protein 23 g
2 tsp sesame seeds
2 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, cut in chunks
1 Tbsp cornstarch
2-1⁄2 tsp oil
1-lb bunch bok choy, stalks and leaves cut in half lengthwise, then in pieces crosswise, leaves and stalks separated
2 small red peppers, cut in strips
1⁄3 cup each stir-fry sauce, orange juice and water
1 tsp grated orange zest
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Cook sesame seeds in large nonstick skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant. Set aside. Put chicken and cornstarch in ziptop bag. Seal and shake to coat.
2. Heat 2 tsp oil in same skillet until hot but not smoking. Add chicken; stir-fry 5 minutes until opaque in center. Remove to a large plate.
3. Heat remaining oil in skillet. Add bok choy stalks and peppers. Stir-fry 5 minutes until almost crisp-tender.
4. Add bok choy leaves; stir-fry 2 minutes. Mix remaining ingredients. Stir into skillet. Return chicken; stir until simmering. Place on serving plate; sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Nutrition Facts 4pts
Yield 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories 199
Total Fat 5 g
Saturated Fat 1 g
Cholesterol 49 mg
Sodium 815 mg
Total Carbohydrate 16 g
Dietary Fiber 2 g
Protein 23 g
Sesame Chicken Fingers
INGREDIENTS
RICE
2 cups water
1 pkt onion soup mix (from a 2.0-oz box)
2 tsp butter or margarine
2 cups uncooked 5-minute rice
2 Tbsp sliced scallions
CHICKEN
1/2 cup sesame seeds
White from 1 large egg
1 lb chicken tenders
1 Tbsp oil
DIPPING SAUCE
1/2 cup red currant jelly, melted
3 Tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp grated fresh ginger
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Rice: Bring water, soup mix and butter to a boil in a medium skillet. Stir in rice and scallions, remove from heat, cover and let stand 5 minutes
until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
2. Chicken: Meanwhile spread seeds on wax paper. Beat egg white in a shallow bowl with a fork. Coat tenders with egg white, then seeds.
3. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet. Add tenders and cook over medium heat 2 minutes per side or until golden and cooked through.
4. Dipping Sauce: Whisk ingredients in a medium bowl until smooth.Spoon into small bowls.
5. Serve chicken with the sauce; serve rice on the side.
Nutrition Facts 13pts
Yield 4 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 591
Total Fat 16 g
Saturated Fat 3 g
Cholesterol 71 mg
Sodium 1515 mg
Total Carbohydrate 76 g
Dietary Fiber 3 g
Protein 35 g
RICE
2 cups water
1 pkt onion soup mix (from a 2.0-oz box)
2 tsp butter or margarine
2 cups uncooked 5-minute rice
2 Tbsp sliced scallions
CHICKEN
1/2 cup sesame seeds
White from 1 large egg
1 lb chicken tenders
1 Tbsp oil
DIPPING SAUCE
1/2 cup red currant jelly, melted
3 Tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp grated fresh ginger
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Rice: Bring water, soup mix and butter to a boil in a medium skillet. Stir in rice and scallions, remove from heat, cover and let stand 5 minutes
until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
2. Chicken: Meanwhile spread seeds on wax paper. Beat egg white in a shallow bowl with a fork. Coat tenders with egg white, then seeds.
3. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet. Add tenders and cook over medium heat 2 minutes per side or until golden and cooked through.
4. Dipping Sauce: Whisk ingredients in a medium bowl until smooth.Spoon into small bowls.
5. Serve chicken with the sauce; serve rice on the side.
Nutrition Facts 13pts
Yield 4 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 591
Total Fat 16 g
Saturated Fat 3 g
Cholesterol 71 mg
Sodium 1515 mg
Total Carbohydrate 76 g
Dietary Fiber 3 g
Protein 35 g
Moroccan Chicken
INGREDIENTS
2 tsp olive oil
4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, each cut into 3 pieces
1/4 tsp salt
1 can (14 1/2 oz) chicken broth
1 can (14 1/2 oz) diced tomatoes with garlic and onion
1 pkg (about 1 lb) cubed fresh butternut squash
1/2 cup raisins
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 cup plain couscous
1 cup frozen peas
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Heat oil in large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle chicken with salt and cook 5 minutes, turning once, until browned. Add broth, tomatoes, squash, raisins, cumin, cinnamon and paprika. Bring to boil; cover and reduce heat. Simmer 15 minutes or until chicken is tender.
2. Stir in couscous and peas and bring to a boil. Cover, remove skillet from heat and let stand 5 minutes.
Nutrition Facts
Yield 5 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 347
Total Fat 5 g
Saturated Fat 1 g
Cholesterol 45 mg
Sodium 752 mg
Total Carbohydrate 58 g
Dietary Fiber 7 g
Protein 20 g
2 tsp olive oil
4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, each cut into 3 pieces
1/4 tsp salt
1 can (14 1/2 oz) chicken broth
1 can (14 1/2 oz) diced tomatoes with garlic and onion
1 pkg (about 1 lb) cubed fresh butternut squash
1/2 cup raisins
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 cup plain couscous
1 cup frozen peas
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Heat oil in large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle chicken with salt and cook 5 minutes, turning once, until browned. Add broth, tomatoes, squash, raisins, cumin, cinnamon and paprika. Bring to boil; cover and reduce heat. Simmer 15 minutes or until chicken is tender.
2. Stir in couscous and peas and bring to a boil. Cover, remove skillet from heat and let stand 5 minutes.
Nutrition Facts
Yield 5 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 347
Total Fat 5 g
Saturated Fat 1 g
Cholesterol 45 mg
Sodium 752 mg
Total Carbohydrate 58 g
Dietary Fiber 7 g
Protein 20 g
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