Thursday, September 25, 2008

Pad Thai




I made the best dinner last night! I made Pad Thai with chicken from a recipe that I found on myrecipes.com. It was just like you get in a restaurant. Really, really, just like in a restaurant. I couldn't believe it. And it has ketchup in it, that seemed like a weird ingredient, but must be necessary. Also, has fish sauce, which is an odd ingredient. Maybe you could leave that out, but I think it added to the authentic flavor and it's cheap, so get it. It's in the Asian section of the grocery store.

PAD THAI (pictured with shrimp)

8 ounces linguine or fettuccine pasta
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons fish sauce
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
OR
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thinly
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup fresh bean sprouts
3/4 cup sliced green onions
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1/4 cup chopped peanuts

Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, combine ketchup, sugar, fish sauce and red pepper in a small bowl. Heat 2 teaspoons of oil in a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add shrimp or chicken; sauté until done. Remove from pan; keep warm.

Heat 4 teaspoons of oil in same pan over medium-high heat. Add eggs; cook 30 seconds or until soft-scrambled, stirring constantly. Add sprouts, green onions and garlic; cook 1 minute. Add noodles, ketchup mixture, peanuts and meat; cook for about 3 minutes or until heated through.

Yield: 6 servings

Monday, September 22, 2008

Skinny Girl

Well, not really skinny, but I weigh a lot less than I did in April when I began Weight Watchers. I have lost about 26 pounds in four and a half months. I'm still trying to lose a little more, but it's coming off much slower now. This has been so much easier than any other eating plan I've been on. The only problem is that you have to continue to eat this way for life (if you want to stay skinny, that is!) And I do.

It's been so great mostly because I have never been hungry, I don't eat anything unusual and Eddie has been extremely supportive. It helps that I enjoy planning and cooking meals and that I don't mind taking my lunch to work everyday. You definitely need a commitment to planning and cooking for yourself.

Maybe I'll show you some before and after pictures one day soon.