OUR ORDINARY IDAHO DINNERS

I was still thinking about this email, when preparing last nights dinner. I decided to take pictures of our dinner, so that you might see what our typical, ordinary dinners are all about. In this house, we have to eat our main meal in the evening. I really don’t like this, but my husband is gone from 6:00 a.m. to late evening every night. This is really the only “good meal” he will eat during the entire day. He doesn’t ever go to pick up lunch or brown bag it, like so many others do. If you know my husband, then you already know that he is a “FRUIT – A- HOLIC!” The guy lives on healthy. We do eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, and our idea of sweets or desserts is a small portion, and give the rest away!

I’m not one to deprive myself of anything, but I do know that portion control is huge. So I guess the answer to the 2ND question is: “No, I’m not heavy, and I exercise a lot!” However, you can be thin and still jiggly! This is why I exercise. “WHAT do I do?”…..she asked. I like Pilate’s and running. Those are the two main exercises that I try in incorporate on a daily basis. I have given myself rules that I stick by. I am trying to use free weights as well for my fifty year old arms! My husband certainly won’t do Pilate’s with me, but we often run together. I also couldn’t live without my treadmill in the winter time. We have a lot of WINTER around these parts.

The rules that I’ve given myself are:

(1) No eating while sitting at the computer…..that’s huge!

(2) When I make cookies or dessert, I eat one.

(3) I love chips and crackers, but If I divulge – I must exercise even harder and a little longer.

SO……there you have it. We do eat fairly healthy in this house. We are getting older, and realize the better you eat, the better you feel. I don’t deprive myself of anything I like, because I enjoy cooking and baking. Portion control! Will Power! I also don’t want to be bigger than my skinny husband! He’s my motivation for staying fit. He works like a machine – no kidding!

This is my favorite way to make chicken. I simply shake my chicken in seasoned flour. I use a large electric skillet. Yes…..I do fry the breasts or tender in a little bit of butter. Well actually, it’s half butter and half margarine. Why? If you use all butter, it will burn. Cook the breasts or tenders, until they are golden on one side, then flip over

See how crispy and delicious they look! Once the chicken has browned on both sides, I turn the heat to very low. Tenders cook very quickly, and they will be ready to serve. A chicken breast is thicker and larger. Simmer on low heat until they are cooked through. Don’t over cook, or they will begin to get tough.

 

 Our garden broccoli has done very well this year. It multiplies like zucchini! I simply add a bit of water to the pot, with a sprinkle of Kosher salt. Place the lid on the pot, turn your heat to medium high. Cook just until crisp tender. Drain, and serve. I usually make a cheese sauce to go over the top.

I also cut up garden fresh red and russet potatoes. Why both? I dug up the Russets first, but wanted RED! I used a little of both. Simply cut your potatoes to the desired size. Place then in a large deep pot, and cover with water. Cold water….if you are going to let them sit awhile before cooking. Toss a little bit of salt (1/2 tsp) into that water. Cover.  Turn your heat to medium high until they start to boil. Watch carefully, or they will boil over and leave you a big mess! Let them boil, until they are fork tender. Simple.

Drain your water, Serve with butter, salt and pepper. Simple. I always make extra. The next morning or evening, I fry those cooked potatoes in a little bit of butter/marg.

For dessert:

I made the only cookie that my husband really likes and will eat!

~Applesauce Cookies~

 I will post pictures and the recipe again very soon.

In the oven: