E: White Turkey Chili, Cornbread & Peach/Plum Crisp

Sunday was a very relaxing day. I spent quite a few hours in my kitchen, took Frank for a walk, did a little work, ran to the store….but mostly relaxed! Sunday night, we headed up to my parents house to celebrate both my Mom’s and Josh’s birthdays. Since my parents had literally just returned from vacation, I volunteered to handle the cooking.

First up, I made Mark Bittman’s Good, Old Fashioned corn bread. I used olive oil vs. butter and 1/4 cup of sugar instead of a tablespoon. The bread was very yummy and not overly sweet:

 

The cornbread went alongside Ellie Krieger’s White Chili. I cooked up the onion, celery, peppers, garlic, spices & turkey on the stove until the turkey was cooked through (no longer pink). I then transferred the mixture into the crock pot. I added the remaining ingredients (minus the hominy) and cooked it on low for 3 hours. I added the hominy and cooked on high for another 45 minutes.

 

 

Last, I made a peach & plum crisp. I sort of winged the recipe (as I’ve made a lot of crisps in the last couple years - I can post a recipe if anyone is interested!). I used a little sugar in the raw in the fruit mixture and a little brown sugar in the topping. It came out pretty tasty!

 

All the goodies (along with a gift for my Mama) were then transferred up to my parents house. A couple pictures from the night: Dinner chili topped with non-fat Chobani Greek yogurt, cheddar cheese and served with a piece of cornbread-

 

Me, my Dad & the birthday Girl!

The adorable t-shirt my parents brought back for the baby to be:

 

How did you spend your Sunday?

And the winner of the Stonyfield giveaway is…Maria!!! Maria- send us an email with your address and we’ll get your prize out to you (itzyskitchen at gmail dot com).

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!!

E: Sunny Saturday & Pregnancy Update

  Saturday was a fantastic day! Josh and I got up and went to the gym. I took Body Step & walked and he ran & lifted. If you have a significant other, do you like to go to the gym with them? After, I took advantage of the gorgeous weather and went to Isle of Palms to the beach for a couple hours. On the bridge:

Path to the beach:

Such a pretty walk:

I decided to hit up the more “local” part of the beach. It was so beautiful and there were lots of people out walking their dogs (which I love):

When I got home, I got down to business and cleaned the house & did laundry/ironing. For dinner, Josh and I went out- just the two of us! Since we usually only go out to eat once a week, meals out are usually with friends or family. The alone time was a nice change. We had a Groupon to Dog & Duck, so that was the obvious choice for dinner. I got a Caesar salad with chicken (but got raspberry vinaigrette instead of Caesar dressing):

J got a ham & turkey club with roasted sugar snap peas:

For dessert, we used another coupon- buy one get one half off at Menchies. I got a combination of angel food cake & vanilla yogurt with fruit and a random piece of brownie:

 

J got the tart with lots of fruit. A nice night :)

Pregnancy Update: Week 17 (two pictures, just for fun)-

As I noted in my last post, we had a regular checkup appointment this week. The baby’s heartbeat sounded good and I am right on track with my weight gain!! Craving-wise, I have been having a strange craving for a ham and cheese sandwich (which is really odd because I haven’t eaten ham in years and don’t even like it any more). I haven’t given in yet-haha. Things that have surprised me: how strangers have started to stare at my mini bump. I always wonder if they’re trying to figure out if I’m pregnant or rocking a beer belly ;). Favorite products as of late:

Sarah sent me the Girlfriend’s Guide to Baby Gear and I am obsessed! This is like the registering/purchasing bible.  If you have a pregnant friend, this would make an awesome gift. Thank you again Sarah!!

I also am in love with the Boppy Total Body pillow I purchased. I am a LOT more comfortable sleeping now.

Lots of cooking & baking going on over here today! We’re headed to my parents tonight to celebrate my Mom’s birthday and Josh’s birthday. I am making chili, cornbread & a crisp for dessert!

What did you do this weekend??