An Resolute Update

So far, with my two goals in mind (to remind all of you who don't keep my goings-on in the fore front of your mind...they are to a. read a literary classic a month and b. do a new recipe (not necessarily a dinner) a week) I have not slacked off my resolutions. I am sorta glad that I picked such goals, because I know had it been "to lose 5 pounds (or even one for that matter)" or "to stop eating sweets" I would have massively failed. These, however, were picked because hopefully, they would allow for success. And they have.

I am currently at that stage of book reading with Little Women were it is really hard to put down. It happens with me with about every book I read. Prior to the halfway point, I can read 5, 17, or 42 pages and put the book down, with no anxiety on my part. It seems that once I past half way, it is an insatiable desire of mine to keep reading, even if it means staying up past midnight. I just can't bring myself to stop. And that's where I find myself in the story with the March sisters. I am on page 619 and confidently say that I'll get to the end by February 1. I'll have to discuss it with you all then..!

As per my second goal, I have done one new recipe from my "Double Delicious" cookbook. So far, I have done: Teriyaki Chicken, Pasta with Pea Pasto, Chicken Cannelloni, Rice Pilaf, and tonight's Turkey Meatloaf. Seeing as we four week's in to the new year, I am right on schedule. Though a lot of these things sound normal and basic, all her recipes add in some pureed vegetables as well as other yummy ingredients, to make it slightly different. If you want any of these recipes, let me know, for they were enjoyed by all. (My kids especially liked the Pasta with Pea Pesto. And seeing as peas where the main ingredient and made the pasta very green, we called it the "Buzz Lightyear Pasta" that night).

I'll share one of my favorites with you, and if you try it, let me know!

Chicken Cannelloni

- 8 whole wheat lasagna sheets (I looked forever in my store but couldn't find them, so good luck to you! I just used normal ones).

- Nonstick cooking spray

- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts cooked and thinly sliced (I only used one chicken breast, which was more than enough for my family. But you know how much your family needs!)

- 3/4 cup part-skim ricotta cheese

- 3/4 cup cauliflower puree

- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

- 1 teaspoon garlic powder

- 1/4 teaspoon salt

- 2 cups jarred tomato sauce

- 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella

1. Boil and salt the lasagna sheets. Cook, drain, and then place the lasagna in a bowl of cool water.

2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Coat an 9 x 12 dish with cooking spray

3. In a large bowl, mix the chicken, ricotta, cauliflower puree, Parmesan, garlic powder, and salt until the chicken is well coated.

4. Place 1 lasagna sheet on the cutting board. On the edge closet to you, spread out the 1/4 cup of filling so that it covers one third of the sheet. With your fingers, roll the lasagna into a tube. Transfer seam-side down to the baking dish. Repeat with the remain sheets. Pour the sauce around the cannelloni, but not on top. Sprinkle with the mozzarella cheese and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes.

You don't have to use the cauliflower puree, but if you do:

1. Steam the florets for 8 to 10 minutes.

2. Use a food processor or blender for about 2 minutes, add some teaspoons of water for a creamy texture.

That's it! Happy Cooking!