Christmas Shrimp

Just salted pasture butter and garlic, a sprinkle of pepper.

You Need Fat to Digest Your Food

I had no idea that the right fats played such an important role in digestion.

Coconut Chicken

I made this in the same was as the tropical fish: egg bath, then dip in seasoned (Fajita seasoning from Spice World plus cayenne) coconut flakes. I coated the bottom of my heavy skillet with oil before baking, though. They stuck to the bottom a little bit, but even the bottom side was not soggy because I took the lid off for the last 30min of baking.

Brussels Sprouts on the Stalk

Sprouts on the stalk add one step: pop them right off. They taste much sweeter. Trader Joe's had them for $2.69.

Flowering Greens

Chinese broccoli is flowering delicious yellow. I've seen it at several markets now.

Broiled Bison Ribeye and Jalapeno

I'm reading a cookbook called "Hotter than Hell," so I bought some jalapenos. I broiled my Lindner bison ribeye with one pepper. I couldn't eat the whole thing, so I will make spicy dip with sour cream later.

Quick Weeknight Meal

Nandor had to make his dinner in a jiffy, so he went to Nijiya Market on Sawtelle and Olympic. He got strips of pork and shitake mushrooms. He added that to the baby broccoli he already had from Trader Joe's. Less than 10 minutes later, he was dipping his meat in hot sauce. He simply sauteed the veggies in some Eden hot sesame oil and olive oil.

Tropical Fish

This was a little something different that took no time at all. Unsweetened organic coconut flakes were on sale at Whole Foods. I rinsed albacore steaks (from frozen Trader Joe's) and patted them dry. I dipped them in one lightly beaten egg, then in coconut flakes I had seasoned with ancho and pepper. I fried them on medium high. Delicious. I'm going to do it with chicken too!

The Evidence is Rolling In

Fructose is NOT the same as plain ol' sugar (glucose). This study showed that although two groups with similar diets but made up of different sugars gained about the same amount of weight. The problem is that the fructose group made more fat cells around the deep organs, which is already known to be dangerous to your health.

Watch those corn derivatives in your food.

Red Cabbage Slaw - Bikini Quest Continues

Somehow stocked my house with three bunches of fresh celery, so made celery-intensive soup, which was tasty and aromatic.

Also made red cabbage slaw with plenty of celery and collard greens. Ever since I made that collard wrap, I have discovered that I really like the strong bitter/sweet flavor of raw collards. Dressing was olive oil, a few drops hot sesame oil, juice of a large orange, lots and lots of pepper, ancho powder and some Spicely Italian seasoning.

Two Weeks to Bikini

I will be in South Florida after Christmas, hoping that I'll look great in my bikini. I've maintained my weight during my forced inactivity, but I've lost muscle in the hips, glutes and the backs of my upper thighs. Trying to focus on activating those deep muscles without much impact.

Diet-related goals for the next 14 days - as much raw and cooked veggies as I can eat, mostly green ones.

Today:
Breakfast - 2 cups coffee with cinnamon, 2 eggs, olive oil, red onion, broccoli and spinach served over arugula
Snack - 2 bowls mostly veggie soup with red cabbage, lots of celery, and onion
Lunch - 1 butter drumstick with garlic, more soup, red cabbage slaw with celery and collards
Snack - red radishes and daikon
Dinner - swordfish with garlic, olive oil, chard, more red cabbage slaw

Collard Green Wraps

If you're a beginner with raw greens, try this first with a sturdy piece of romaine. Your filling shouldn't be too hot or romaine will tear.

My collard green wrap had sauteed red onions, sliced collards, spinach, bison, garlic. Collard greens can take a warmer filling.

The pictures are terrible but it tasted great.

Delicious Friday Breakfast

Eggs, salmon, pea pods, hot sesame oil, butter, onions, all over salad.

New Flavor Combo for Chicken

We always put chipotle with turmeric, so I tried cayenne instead, along with your basic cracked black pepper. On a whim, I added a sprinkle of coriander. I baked it with pasture butter. Delicious, spicy and complex. Remind me to look more into this coriander.

What Won't You Eat?

Most of these were on my list, but I didn't know about canned tomatoes.

Holiday Temptation - Abstain or Moderate?

I am an abstainer. Are you a moderator? This article from Slate has some tips.

Incredible Article about Fat

www.nytimes.com/2002/07/07/magazine/what-if-it-s-all-been-a-big-fat-lie.html?sec=health&spon=&pagewanted=1

Dave's Spicy Chicken Wings

Guest star Dave's creation:
Coconut Oil
Raw Honey
Chipotle Peppers
Guajillo Chili powder
Cayenne Pepper
dash of Adobo

Sunday Veggie Preparations

I didn't know that radishes are cruciferous. That must be why I feel so great when I eat them.

Red and gold chard looks great at the West LA Farmers Market. I will use in morning eggs and to float in my turkey broth.

Shepherd's Pie

comfort food

First steam two large heads of cauliflower until very very tender. Boil some green beans or broccoli (or just layer with raw spinach) for a few minutes, then rinse with cold water. You could steam the green veggies too.

Cook one pound of ground beef, bison or lamb, maybe even dark meat turkey, with onions, garlic, and seasonings. I used organic ground beef from Trader Joe's along with Spice World Garlic Herb Sensation grinder, fresh ground black pepper, Spicely Greek, turmeric and paprika. Try lemon zest or tomato paste to the meat to change up the flavor profile. Cook the meat until just brown - ground meat is rubbery if overcooked.

Preheat the oven to 350. Mash the steamed cauliflower with a fork for chunky or in a food processor for smooth. I mixed in some Horizon brand sour cream, mustard powder, lots of pepper, ancho, paprika. Milk, grated cheese, or whatever your mom put in her mashed potatoes would be fine. Season it heavily since cauliflower is so bland.

Layer the meat, then veggies in your casserole dish or large oven safe pan. Smooth the mashed cauliflower over the top, sprinkle with a little more paprika and/or pepper if desired and bake about 50-60 minutes until browned a little. Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes before serving or it will be a little too runny.

This is not beautiful food, but delicious, and even kids like it.

Healthy Herbs

Rosemary: Rosemary contains strong antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances. It is also wonderful with any kind of poultry, fattier white fish like swordfish and halibut, and makes a good addition to a spice rub for a steak. You can grow rosemary in a pot right inside your apartment and have it fresh whenever you like.

Parsley: I like parsley sprinkled over egg and veggies, in soups and as an ingredient in salads. A cabbage salad with parsley and nuts is easy and tasty.

Herbs are an easy cheap way to make your meals more exciting.