Bariatric Surgery - My Story · German · German Potato Salad · memories · Recipes · Uncategorized · WLS

Potato Nibble 

When my Mom used to make her German Potato Salad, she would make a peel or two have a little more potato on it than she would really like to have.  It was a nibble for me.  

So I had to do the same when I made the potato salad the other day.  Of course, my peels had more potato on them just because I don’t peel potatoes often enough (my Mom would say). Ha.Add some butter and  salt…and it is perfect.My portion size…for my tummy.  Ha.  Not anywhere near the amount I used to have.  Thank goodness.

Loved the flavor memories from this simple dish.  I loved thinking of my Mom while making the potato salad, but especially loved this nibble.  It was something so small, but always a fond memory.

Blessings.

German · German Potato Salad · Mom · Recipes · Uncategorized

German Potato Salad

This is the way my Mom would make potato salad. I swear there are as many different variations of potato salads as there are people.

So…

Potatoes – Mom loved Yukon Gold potatoes for her potato salad.  So…that it is what I used.

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Clean them with cold water, scrubbing the dirt off.  Place in a large pot, with cold water and bring to boil.  We add salt here (not a lot).

Once fork tender (I think I cooked them about 2 minutes too long. They were a little mushy).  So depending on the size of the potatoes, this could take anywhere from 8 – 20 minutes.

Cool on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.  Peeling comes next.  I have tried to do this with the potatoes already peeled…it doesn’t taste the same.  Really.

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While the potatoes are boiling, cook some bacon.  I cook mine in the oven (place bacon strips on a cookie sheet covered in foil at 350 degrees for about 20-25 minutes).

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img_0426So once the potatoes are peeled, and cooled a bit, slice and place in a large bowl.  Add salt and pepper.  img_0432img_0437Chop a bunch of green onions, add to the potatoes (reserve some for topping).

img_0442I consider this the secret…Beef Bouillon.  You can leave this out, but it adds a subtle hint of flavor, and added moisture.  Bring a cube with water to boil, and cool.  Spoon over warm potatoes (about a 1/4 cup).

img_0422img_0423img_0441Then it is just vinegar and oil depending on taste.  We have always liked it with more vinegar. 

img_0443Add more vinegar than oil, but enough to stir in for flavor.  It should be wet, like a dressing for a lettuce salad.

img_0444Add the chopped bacon (about 6 medium slices).


Forgot to take a plate picture.  It was yummy.  Nice memories for a Memorial Day weekend. 

Blessings. 

Beth Moore · Goals · lupus · Random Thoughts · Sunday · thoughts · Uncategorized

Sunday Thought

“Sometimes a storm in your life is what will blow you to the place you are longing to be.” – Beth Moore

Storms.  Not really.  Just feeling as though I should be doing something other than what I am doing.  My body is still adjusting, and the Lupus is conquering now.  Everyday I battle the inflammation and pain.  I am SO much better than I was a year ago.  But still in pain.  Storms.

So, I remind myself that I am working full time, taking two college classes (have taken 3 so far) this summer, and challenging myself to do more (walking daily and 5k’s).

So I read this quote and think of today and tomorrow.  Tomorrow is a dream.  Today is the moment I should be in.  Not worrying about what I am not doing, but what I have already accomplished.  God has blessed me with having more energy and a supportive, loving family.  They encourage me daily, if not moment by moment.  So why the storms?

I struggle always wanting to do more, because I can’t just sit anymore.  I maybe in pain from my joints and basic life, but I don’t want to sit on the couch anymore.  Ever.   I know that I need rest days but dreams.  Dreams of being more involved, starting a shop (really), getting back into ministry…dreams.

So…today’s post is just a bunch of scattered thoughts…but thank you for listening.

Blessings.

 

Bariatric Surgery - My Story · Recipes · Uncategorized · WLS

Rosemary Chicken Thighs

A stick of unsalted butter, a tablespoon of garlic (minced), and 1/4 cup of fresh rosemary sauteed until lightly cooked.  5 boneless, skinless, chicken thighs.

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Place chicken in a casserole dish with liberal amounts of salt and pepper.  Spoon butter, garlic and rosemary mixture over, and place in a hot 425 degree oven for approximately 15 minutes.

Top with Italian cheese (we had a mixture), and place back in the oven until the cheese is melted.

It was moist, and really hearty.  I enjoyed the rosemary flavor, but think I should have cooked the butter longer (needed more browning).  My small plate with some canned, green beans.  Yummy.

Blessings.

Goals · Random Thoughts · thoughts · Uncategorized

Doors

Well, I jumped.  Not sure about what I jumped into, but not where I thought I would be. So…no harm no foul, but now what.

Prayers still appreciated.  Emotions are a little thin.

Thank you.

 

Bariatric Surgery - My Story · Goals · Uncategorized · walking · WLS

Shoe Laces

I know it doesn’t seem like much but my laces are straight, in the middle of the shoe.  I recently realized that I am able to do this.  Actually bend over to tie my shoes.  The ties used to end up on the inside part of my shoe.  I had to hike my leg up on the bed, and grunt while doing that.  Struggling to tie them, I didn’t care where the bow was located.

I really like tying my shoes now.  I like going for walks.  I am liking this new me.

Blessings.

Bariatric Surgery - My Story · Goals · Uncategorized · WLS

Reality…Size L

Perception… I never dreamed that I would be in a size L shorts, let alone Nike Shorts size L.


This picture is really not the best.  And, I had just finished a outside walk with Dexter…BUT these are Carmen’s size L shorts! They are snug. But my bottom is in them!! Definitely a big Non-Scale-Victory!

You can see some of my skin issues.  Thighs, and arms.  Tummy – ugh.  I will take them.  Battle scars! ha.  Happy Wednesday!!

Blessings.

encourage · Goals · Quotes · Random Thoughts · thoughts · Uncategorized

Jumping…

“Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.” – unknown

 

Jumping in feet first.  Becoming fearless in my pursuit of my journey.

Happy Monday!  Find your fire!

Blessings.

Bariatric Surgery - My Story · Random Thoughts · Recipes · thoughts · Uncategorized · WLS

Pizza

One of the things I have missed with my surgery is pizza, well and bread in general.

I found these Flatout Pizza Flatbread at Publix the other day.


I thought it would be a good idea for dinner for all of us to make our “own” pizza.  I had mushrooms, purple onion, pizza sauce, pineapple, ham, hamburger, and of course, pepperoni.

David likes BBQ sauce on his pizza, Carmen and I don’t.  So this was a nice option for all of us to get want we wanted without take out or delivery.



The Flatout’s had 6 grams of protein, and were only 130 calories.  I made one complete bread, but only ate a half of one.  Should have made it into thirds.

But it was yummy, and we all had fun making our own pizzas.

Blessings.

 

 

Bariatric Surgery - My Story · Random Thoughts · Sunday · thoughts · Uncategorized · WLS

Sunday Thought

I need something to do.  Not do, really, but do.  Ya know?  I want to contribute to something that will have an impact.  Make my life worthwhile.  I don’t want my life to be just busy.  Busy with work, laundry, homework, and cleaning.  But busy with family, and friends.  Hearing what they have to say.  Be that encouraging friend or Mom or wife.  I want those things.  I think I do these occasionally, but not near enough.

I have begun my next Math class (online), and feeling overwhelmed at times again.  So, with my anxiety, I don’t just want to add something to my day.  I want my days to count, not to be wasted.

I have spent far too much time in my chair (or couch) with my weight, and Lupus the past 10 years or so.  I am done with that.  Especially now with my weight loss, I feel better.  I have more time to contribute to friendships.  But I want more – I want to be outside in my yard (that is dying…a topic for another post), out with friends chatting about their day, or just walking around the block with our kids.  I want to be strong in faith.  To encourage my friends to take those chances on life, to go on that trip, or start up that business.

So, I am thinking about how my days can be better managed so that I can contribute somewhere.  Just not sure where yet.  Prayers and positive thoughts appreciated.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.” – Ephesians 6:10 (NIV)

Blessings.