Parmesan Spread

September 20, 2017September 20, 2017 jachancellorLeave a comment

David found this recipe online (where?), and we wanted to give it a try.

1/3 cup olive oil
150 grams of grated Parmesan cheese (one container)
1/4 white wine
And any other thing you may want to add…

We added black pepper and Herbs De Provence and more wine.It needed something a little extra – so we added about a tablespoon of lemon juice.

Add in ideas: black pepper, lemon juice, chopped dried figs, chopped dates, finely chopped chives, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, dried herbs, or chopped sun dried tomatoes.

Combine the cheese, olive oil, and wine in a jar or bowl. Stir gently until it all comes together, then press the mixture down a bit to make a flat surface. It will keep like this, drizzled with a layer of olive oil for a few weeks refrigerated. Bring to room temperature before serving.

To serve the cheese spread, scoop out a bit into a separate smaller bowl or plate, and stir in or sprinkle with any add-ins at this point. Serve with crackers, toasts or crudites; spread on sandwiches, layer in tarts; spoon into soups.

We just had some on a Trixit. Yummy.

Bariatric Surgery - My Story · gifts · Random Thoughts · Sunday · thoughts · U2 · Uncategorized

Sunday Thought

September 17, 2017September 17, 2017 jachancellorLeave a comment

“Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.” – Leo Tolstoy

I was in New Orleans for the U2 concert with Carmen over the last few days. Home now, and need to do homework, but first this post.

We spent Friday exploring Cafe’ Du Monde, and Jackson Square. We had the famous beignets (and water not coffee), and wandered around looking for a cheap protein for me to eat. We found a cafe (that also had beignets), and ordered ham and cheese croissant, and a turkey and cheese on French bread. Carmen and I only ended up eating half of each sandwich (I only had the meat and cheese off of a half). It was a ton of food.

As we were sitting and waiting on the food to be delivered, we talked about the homeless and despair in the city. I had taken pictures of the inside of the cafe (ceiling tiles) and outside – just in general pictures.I had noticed a guy sitting on the corner with a handwritten sign. What did it say? I don’t know. But the discussion of what was on it was typical. Don’t give him food, he will just throw it away. They only want drug money. Or they only want money for booze. I kept trying to read his sign.
My heart was heavy. I had eaten half of this sandwich, and was unable to finish it. Carmen was unable to finish her other half as well. We were just going to throw it away. We didn’t want to carry the leftovers around with us. I got a to-go box, and placed both of our uneaten halves of food in the box. Well, I said, if he throws it away, I tried. I at least would give him the opportunity to eat. Something kept telling me to do this. No one else was noticing him. He was just sitting there. People kept walking by—avoiding eye contact. Most of the time with his head in his hands. Tired. Dirty. Hungry. I heard “you don’t know his story. it isn’t for you to judge. just love.”

As I walked up to him, I was bothered. I didn’t want to do this. I didn’t want to look at him. It was leftovers. I had touched it. …wasn’t my choice… all I could read of his handmade sign said… anything will help. Looking straight at him, green eyes. I asked if he would mind that it was my leftovers. “No, ma’am. I haven’t eaten in 3 days.” It’s not much, but I am happy to help. “God bless you.” I walked away sadder than I did going over with the food. I didn’t look back at first. I couldn’t. I didn’t want to know what he was doing with the food. I didn’t want to be proven correct.

By the time I got back to my chair in the cafe, he had already eaten one of the sandwiches per Carmen. He was very hungry. Eating everything in front of him. My heart was sad, but felt good about not just throwing away our food. Carmen and I needed more water, so we bought an extra. As we were leaving the cafe’, I noticed he was still there finishing off one of the sandwiches. I took over my bottle of water, and as I was walking towards him, his head was shaken “no.” “you have done enough” – I said not near enough, and I had given you bread, but nothing to drink. “someone kicked my cup and broke it.” I am not sure that I heard him correctly, but again, not for me to even think about what was being said —just gave him a small bottle of water.

Drugs. Alcohol. Dirty. Poor. I prayed for him then. I prayed for him on Saturday, and again this morning. I can’t seem to get him out of my head. My heart was heavy sitting there with a plate of food that I couldn’t finish. How many others did the same thing and ignore that man sitting there hungry? Something so simple. Not for me to judge, just love.

I had a great time with seeing a band that I love their music. But now, and for as long as I can remember, has a mission of helping others. Many may not agree with what they do, or how they go about helping, but they give. My heart always wants to help, but I have gotten burned but people that have abused that gift. This weekend, that man, helped my heart give willingly again even if it was only a leftover sandwich.

“That one day is today.” – Thega-Alem Berhe

God has a way…always. Sometimes we listen.

Blessings.

Bariatric Surgery - My Story · Bucket List · family · Happys · Uncategorized

Bucket List #21

September 16, 2017September 15, 2017 jachancellor2 Comments

On my bucket list, #21 is to see the band U2 in concert. CHECK!

Thursday night in New Orleans (nose bleeds) in the super dome with my concert buddy -Carmen. AWESOME!

Happy.

Blessings.

Bariatric Surgery - My Story · Quotes · Random Stuff · Random Thoughts · Uncategorized

Life

September 15, 2017September 15, 2017 jachancellorLeave a comment

drew barrymore

Blessings!!

Bariatric Surgery - My Story · Brussels Sprouts · Recipes · roasted · Uncategorized · WLS

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

September 11, 2017September 9, 2017 jachancellorLeave a comment

I love these. Roasting the Brussels Sprouts brings a nutty flavor, and gives it a different texture (not gummy but crisp) especially when you add bacon. I trimmed up the ends, and cut them in half. Added about one tablespoon of olive oil, and salt and pepper. Baked at 400 degrees for about 20-25 minutes. Chopped bacon slices (about 4), and sprinkled those on the sprouts as well. Turned or tossed once to keep from over cooking on one side.I served these with the London Broil. Roasting really adds a sweetness to the sprouts, and bacon is always a good addition to vegetables.

Blessings!

Bariatric Surgery - My Story · BBQ · Hurricane · London Broil · Recipes · Uncategorized · WLS

London Broil

September 9, 2017September 9, 2017 jachancellorLeave a comment

We got a London Broil for buy one/get one at Winn Dixie the other day. We decided to have it on Friday evening.

I was off due to Hurricane Irma, and thought it would be a good idea to marinate the London Broil. So I found this recipe at the Food Network, and modified to the ingredients I had on hand.

4 large garlic cloves
1 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup dry red wine
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon honey
top-round London broil

Chop the garlic add salt. Blend together with all other ingredients and place in a large Ziploc.

Marinate steak, chilled, turning occasionally, at least 4 hours and up to 24.

Bring steak to room temperature before grilling. Remove steak from marinade, letting excess drip off, and grill on an oiled rack set 5 to 6 inches over glowing coals, 7 to 9 minutes on each side for medium-rare. Let rest on a cutting board or in a dish for at least 10 minutes.

When cutting, hold a knife at a 45-degree angle, cut steak across grain into thin slices.

David’s plate.

While I can’t eat as much as I would like of the steak, having a couple of thin slices is perfect for me and my sleeve. I don’t eat red meat often, so this is a true treat.

So far we are still out of harms way with the Hurricane. Praying for those in its path.

Blessings.

Bariatric Surgery - My Story · football · Pimento Cheese · Recipes · Uncategorized · WLS

Pimento Cheese

September 5, 2017September 3, 2017 jachancellor2 Comments

Yes, pimento cheese. Football season begs for pimento cheese. At least in my house. I used to make it a lot. And, then stopped.

Forgot to take pictures of the process, but:

2 blocks of cheddar cheese (sharp, mild or medium), coarsely shredded
1 jar of chopped pimentos (or can get whole or sliced and chop them)
1 Tablespoon ground dry mustard (an absolute must have)
Ground pepper to taste
Red chili flakes or Tabasco to taste
Mayonnaise – to taste (about 1/4 cup for a creamy texture)

Mix everything together, and chill for about 30 minutes to let the flavors blend. Serve with crackers or pita chips or chips. Eating from a spoon optional.

Blessings.

Bariatric Surgery - My Story · Meal Prep · Uncategorized · weight loss · WLS

Meal Prep

September 4, 2017September 3, 2017 jachancellorLeave a comment

I am not the best at meal prep.

The past couple of weeks however I have made an effort to cook enough for lunch and dinner to get us through the week.

Dinner tonight with leftover kraut, brats cooked in cider and boiled potatoes.

David’s plate.

Chicken salad with sugared pecans for lunch for the week.

Trying. Right?

Blessings!!

Bariatric Surgery - My Story · Cabbage Rolls · Cauliflower Rice · low-carb diet · Recipes · Uncategorized · WLS

Cabbage Rolls

September 1, 2017August 27, 2017 jachancellorLeave a comment

Cabbage Rolls with a modified filling of cauliflower rice…

I remembered why I don’t make these that often (like every ten years or so)! Head of cabbage – core and place in a large pot of boiling water. img_1641-2 As the cabbage cooks and the leaves wilt (slightly) remove and place in a ice bath. Brown hamburger (or ground turkey), and remove. Shred a carrot (for sweetness), and slice of a purple onion (again for sweetness). I cheat and use the packaged rice cauliflower – super easy. Place in a pan, add the hamburger, onion, carrot, and a teaspoon of garlic. I also added a bit of ground pepper, paprika, and oregano. Stir, and cook until the onion is translucent.Line your crock pot with the odds and ends of the cabbage.With each cabbage leaf, remove the hard stem. Place a bit of the filing in each leaf, roll up like a burrito or egg roll.Place in the crock pot on the extra leaves. Layer until complete (usually two layers). Place another leaf layer in between the rolls.Again, I cheat (too much homework), and use spaghetti sauce. I usually just use whatever is on sale. Pour over the cabbage rolls. Cook on high for 5-6 hours or until the cabbage is cooked through and everything is tender. img_1656-1 David’s plate. Some of the rolls didn’t stay together. Oops. Still tasted good.My plate. You can not tell the difference from not having rice in these beauties. They are time consuming to make but so worth it.So good.

Blessings.

Bariatric Surgery - My Story · Chicken Salad · Cravings · Recipes · Stephen · Uncategorized · WLS

Chicken Salad

August 29, 2017January 14, 2018 jachancellorLeave a comment

I had been craving chicken salad from a local restaurant on Sunday. Of course they are closed on Sundays. But, Stephen used to work there, and he was home. I thought that between the two of us we could figure out the recipe (or close enough) for us to enjoy some chicken salad.

They use boiled chicken breast. We didn’t have those, but we had some leftover rotisserie chicken and had a large can of chicken breast. Chopped up both (drained the canned chicken), and placed in a bowl.They also serve this salad with sliced red grapes. We prepped those as well.They use a food processor, and yes, I have one but didn’t really want to use one. I had my old food chopper and made good use of it. This is about one medium sized stalk of celery, minced.They use a yellow onion, I had purple. Minced as well and about 1/4 of the onion is all we needed.About a cup of mayonnaise, and 1/4 cup of lemon juice. Also, ground black pepper (again, to taste).Another topper is sugared pecans. I always seem to have pecan halves in the freezer (bonus), so I got out about a cup, and placed them in a skillet. I also added about a tablespoon of white granulated sugar, and about two teaspoons of brown sugar. Sauteed until melted, and the pecans are crispy.My plate with 1/2 cup of chicken salad, and a teaspoon (or a little more of the pecans), some grapes, and 3 crackers. So yummy.