Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Zesty Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad



Zesty lime juice and cilantro are the key ingredients to creating this light and refreshing salad, no heavy mayonnaise to weigh it down. Made with the freshest ingredients; jumbo shrimp, avocados, tomatoes, red onion, cilantro and chopped jalapeño tossed with some freshly squeezed lime juice and a touch of olive oil.

This will be a huge hit at your Cinco de Mayo fiesta or summer bash! Serve this as is for an appetizer, or over lettuce o tostadas for a lunch or light meal. You can easily adapt this to suit your taste by adding more or less cilantro, jalapeño etc. If you plan on making this ahead of time, you can combine all the ingredients except for the avocado and cilantro and keep this refrigerated, then add them right before serving. This easily doubles for a large crowd.


Shrimp is low in fat and calories, but tends to be naturally high in sodium so if you are on a restricted sodium diet, you may want to limit your shrimp intake. Moving forward, I will be posting the sodium info on new recipes without the salt as most foods contain sodium. If you use salt be sure to adjust the nutritional info.

Zesty Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad
Gina's Weight Watcher Recipes 
Servings: 4 • Serving Size: 7/8 cup • Old Points: 4 pt • Points+: 5 pt
Calories: 210.4 • Fat: 9.2 g • Protein: 25.1 g • Carb: 7.8 g • Fiber: 3.6 g • Sugar: 0.6

Sodium without salt: 260.8 mg 

  • 1 lb jumbo cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined, chopped*
  • 1 medium tomato, diced
  • 1 hass avocado, diced
  • 1 jalapeno, seeds removed, diced fine
  • 1/4 cup chopped red onion
  • 2 limes, juice of
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp chopped cilantro
  • salt and fresh pepper to taste

In a small bowl combine red onion, lime juice, olive oil, pinch of salt and pepper. Let them marinate at least 5 minutes to mellow the flavor of the onion.



In a large bowl combine chopped shrimp, avocado, tomato, jalapeño. Combine all the ingredients together, add cilantro and gently toss. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.


Makes 3 1/2 cups.

Cheesy Bacon Casserole



Ingredients
  • 1/2 pound ground beef
  • 6 strips bacon, cut into 1 inch pieces
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 clove garlic, chopped
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella, shredded
  • 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoon ketchup
Directions
  1. Cook the ground beef in a pan over medium heat, set it aside and drain the grease from the pan.
  2. Cook the bacon in the pan until crispy, about 6-10 minutes, set aside and drain all but a tablespoon of the grease.
  3. Add the onion and saute until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Add the garlic and saute until fragrant, about a minute.
  5. Mix the ground beef, bacon, onions and garlic, cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, mozzarella, cheddar, worcestershire sauce and ketchup and pour it into a baking dish.
  6. Bake in a preheated 350F oven until the top starts turning a light golden brown and then sides are bubbling, about 20-30 minutes.

Fresh Vietnamese Spring Rolls


Fresh Vietnamese Spring Rolls



These little beauties are one of my favorite foods of all time. Crisp, bright, cool, clean and colorful.
Full of flavor, and a trace amount of fat (from a few boiled shrimp). Gluten free as well.

Some of these items may not be readily available in the supermarket. I used to have to stock up when we visited the big city or ordered online, no problems,  from here.  Amazon is also an option. Fortunately my supermarket, here is rural Colorado carries the wrappers and noodles, Yeaaah!



Shopping list

Bahn Trang (rice or tapioca wrappers)
A note about fresh springroll wrappers, Bahn Trang, they last forever unopened in their original package. Once exposed to air they become very brittle and crack easily. Store the package in a gallon ziplock bag and take out as many as you are preparing and quickly seal shut.



mung bean tread/cellophane noodles
Soak in a bowl of water for 15 minutes then strain. They are ready to use, no boiling necessary.



lettuce leaves 
(soft like bibb, or just the flexible green from romaine
any stiff parts, like the center rib of the romaine will tear the wrapper)



whole fresh mint leaves 
(from my garden, read about it here)

whole fresh cilantro leaves

carrot, julienned or matchsticks 
(if you don't have a mandolin or slicer, shave off some carrot with a peeler, it works equally well and is actually easier)



shrimp, cooked and de-veined
So I like to de-vein my shrimp then boil in some seasoned water, take the stems from the mint and cilantro and toss into the water. Bring to a boil a large pot of water. Add the cleaned shrimp shell on cook 2-3 minutes until pink but don't overcook. Strain shell and place in a bowl of ice, refrigerate until ready to use. OR use already peeled and cooked if you like a more simple version.

Dipping sauce - sweet chili sauce
(these are intended for fried spring rolls, but work excellent with these fresh rolls,
sweet and spicy - but not too spicy
not nearly as hot as Tabasco or even Srirachia)
Any version will work and many supermarkets have some. These are my favorites from an Asian market in the big city.


Take one of the wrappers and handle carefully. You don't want them to crack. Small cracks are OK but they can be difficult to handle and roll after they soften.


Fill a shallow dish with about 1" of water and place one wrapper in at a time or they will stick together.


Move it around gently to make sure it's getting wet on both sides. It takes just one minute or less. Remove it before it is completely saturated, yet flexible. Let it soak longer than a minute and it will be really floppy and hard to manage.

Place it on a cutting board and smooth it flat.



Now lets build the roll

Place 2 or 3 mint leaves in the center


then a piece of lettuce


some noodles



a bunch of carrot


a couple pieces of shrimp (you can use more, but I like to taste all the flavors, I find if you use more shrimp it over powers the other ingredients)


and a bunch of cilantro


Maybe  you can notice that the cutting board is wet, this keeps the wrapper slippery and easy to work with, don't bother wiping it dry

Now roll it up, similar to rolling a burrito.


This next little tuck squeeze and 1/2 roll is how the roll stays nice and uniform




They will seem wet at first. After sitting for about five minutes, any remaining water will absorb into the wrapper, it will no longer feel slippery and will have sealed itself.

Aren't they gorgeous?


Serve on a simple platter, as to not distract from their beauty. 

That wasn't so hard.

These keep for a day in the fridge and make EXCELLENT finger foods for any occasion. You can slice them on the diagonal to show off the goodness inside.
I guarantee everyone will be asking you how you made them and wanting more.

10 Weeks

How far along? 10 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: I have gained 1 lb since my last update so in all I have only gained 6 lbs since pre-pregnancy. 
Maternity clothes?
 I bought my first pair of Maternity jeans yesterday, I have been having to use a rubber band or my "BeBand" to keep my normal jeans up lately.
Stretch marks? 
NONE and praying it stays that way
Sleep: 
At my last OB appointment my doctor gave me some medicine that has been helping me sleep but I still have good days and bad days.  
Best moment this week: 
I bought some wash cloths and the cutest little hooded towel. 
Movement: 
NONE, I can't wait to start feeling the baby move
Food cravings: 
Every now and then I will crave something sweet but lately I have been craving fruit!
Gender:
We are both really thinking it's a GIRL!!!
Labor Signs: 
NONE
Belly button in or out? 
IN
What I miss: 
Besides sleep, being able to wake up in the morning and not feel sick. I miss not feeling sick all day long!
What I am looking forward to:
I can't wait until our appointment next month so we can see our little bean again!
Milestones:
 Surviving a 12 hour trip to NY without my husband and I strangling each other.  

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Doctor's Update

My appointment yesterday was at 1:00 and unfortunately our morning started off a little rough. 

Nathan got off work at about 9:30 so we would have enough time for the 2 hour trip to Wilson. Well let's just say that that didn't turn out exactly the way we had planned. We got to Emerald Isle and had to turn around because some jackass in Nathan's unit needed him to come turn in his weapons cards. So... We turned around, finally got to base and we were passed the 172 gate when he gets a call stating that his Lieutenant said "never mind, and we can go to our appointment!" Need less to say, I was pretty pissed by this point because it is already almost 10:30. By the time we got to Wilson we only had about 20-30 minutes before my appointment, which is what I was trying to avoid because they are usually packed and I like to be there early so I can actually make my appointment on time. My mom actually came to the appointment with us. We got there at about 12:50 and signed in, waited and finally got called back at about 1:30. To the lab we go... I had to give a urine sample, and then of course like a dozen vials of blood, and then it was time for my ultrasound. Nathan, and my mom went in with me for my ultrasound and finally for the first time we were able to see and hear the babies heartbeat. The nurse said that the baby had a very strong heartbeat for being so early in the pregnancy, that made me feel so happy knowing that we have such a strong baby growing. The nurse also gave us a few ultrasound pictures as well. We had such a great appointment and I can't wait until our next appointment July 20th so I can see and hear our little bean's heartbeat again!!



Our little baby bean is in there!! It is so small but yet I already love it so much, I can't wait to see our baby again next month and see how much it has grown. 

Monday, June 18, 2012

9 Weeks

How far along? 9 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: I have gained 2lbs since my last update so in all I have only gained 5lbs since pre-pregnancy. I am getting tired of this gaining and losing thing.
Maternity clothes?
 Not wearing any yet but I did buy a "Beband"and I am in love with it
Stretch marks? 
NONE and praying it stays that way
Sleep:
What is that? 
Best moment this week:
Appointment tomorrow:)
Movement: 
NONE, I can't wait to start feeling the baby move
Food cravings:
None really, I got my ColdStone fix this weekend
Gender: 
I'm still thinking GIRL!!!
Labor Signs: 
NONE
Belly button in or out? 
IN
What I miss: 
Besides sleep, not being sick!
What I am looking forward to: 
My OB appointment on the tomorrow, I am praying they do an ultrasound so I can finally see my little bundle of joy, I am desperatly wanting to see our little bean!!
Milestones:
 Making it without sleep for the past week and not killing anyone:(

I must say that I am getting super excited about being a mommy but I am so worried. I am so lost on what and when to start buying anything for the nursery. We don't even have a nursery because we will be moving in August so I am not sure as to if I should even start buying anything yet... 

Monday, June 11, 2012

8 Weeks

How far along? 8 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: I have lost 3lbs since my last update so in all I have only gained 2lbs since pre-pregnancy.
Maternity clothes?
 Not wearing any yet
Stretch marks? 
NONE and praying it stays that way
Sleep: 
I haven't slept in what seems like FOREVER
Best moment this week: 
Having the worst breakdown ever and my husband being there for me
Movement: 
NONE, I can't wait to start feeling the baby move
Food cravings: 
I have a few cravings here and there but mostly for spicy foods
Gender: 
I'm really thinking GIRL!!!
Labor Signs: 
NONE
Belly button in or out? 
IN
What I miss: 
Besides sleep, nothing
What I am looking forward to: 
My OB appointment on the 19th, I am praying they do an ultrasound so I can finally see my little bundle of joy, I am desperatly wanting to see our little bean!!
Milestones:
 Making it to 8 weeks!!

I will also be sure to post a picture and hopefully soon an ultrasound picture if I can get one when I go to the doctor next.

Monday, June 4, 2012

We are further than we thought!

How far along? 7 weeks
Total weight gain/loss:
+5 lbs

Maternity clothes?
 Not wearing any yet.
Stretch marks? 
NONE and I hope to keep it that way!
Sleep: 
I have good nights and I have bad nights.
Best moment this week: 
Finding out I am finally pregnant and further along then we initially thought!  

Movement: 
None yet

Food cravings: 
I have been craving lots of spicy foods and Cold Stone Creamery!
Gender: 
I am really thinking GIRL!!

Labor Signs:
NONE

Belly button in or out? In
What I miss: 
Being able to do stuff, everyone treats me like a porcelain doll.

What I am looking forward to: 
Seeing the baby for the first time!

Weekly Wisdom:
 Never take anything for granted!
Milestones:
 Making it to 7 weeks already!



My first OBGYN appointment is June 19th and we finally get to see the baby, I am so excited!!! I promise to post an update with some sonogram pictures if I can get any while at the doctor. 

WE'RE PREGNANT!!!!


We are SUPER excited to tell the world that We’re PREGNANT!!!!
On Wednesday, June 30th we found out that our dream was finally going to come true and that we were going to be parents... Both of us are still on cloud 9 with so much excitement.
Our first appointment at the OBGYN is June 19th and we finally get to see our little peanut and to find out how far along we really are.



I had noticed a while ago that I was a week late so I took a test and it had come back negative. I waited until I was about 2 weeks late and took another test, well that one come back negative as well. I decided to wait until I was 3 weeks before taking another and finally that Wednesday morning, Nathan had to leave for work a little early and I decided to sleep in a while longer before getting up. Once I got up, I went to the restroom; like every other morning. I decided to take a pregnancy test, FINALLY, it come out POSITIVE!! I took a second test to make sure just incase it was a false/positive. The second come out POSITIVE as well. I almost died!! I was so ecstatic that I just wanted to scream. I wanted to tell Nathan so badly but I knew he was at work so I couldn't just call him. I decided to take a picture of the pregnancy tests and send it to him. He texted me back with... "Omg... I love you babe, so much!!!" He was sitting at work when he got the text and I guess looked so in shock that everyone was asking him what was wrong. He was showing everyone the picture I sent him and by the end of the day, he received a congratulations by just about everyone in his unit! 
Our next step was to tell our families!! 
I ended up calling my mom, freaking out with excitement! She was so happy but I think she was more or less in shock knowing now that she would be a grandmother within the next year. I don't quite think it was setting in with her though because it was just an at-home test.
We had an appointment at the OBGYN in Wilson that Friday morning to make sure that I was pregnant 100% before we told the rest of our families.
Our appointment lasted maybe 30 minutes. I walked in, signed my name on the wait list and was taken back within 5 minutes to the lab. I had to pee in one of those little blue cups and let me tell you, it is hard to force yourself when you are about to burst with excitement to begin with. Finally after being sent back to the waiting room within 5 minutes the results were in... We are PREGNANT!! I could have died, I was so happy knowing that we were finally going to be parents. 
The next step was telling all of the family. We were going to wait to tell everyone until after our first ultrasound appointment but I was so excited that I couldn't wait. I called my mom while we were leaving the OB and told her the good news, that it was 100% positive. Now was the biggest part though, telling my dad. He was out mowing the lawn so my mom had to bring him the phone. I asked him if he was ready to be a grandfather and he said "Hell, I don't know what to say. I guess I'm happy for you!" He just kept saying that we were a bit too young for kids now, especially with everything going on; having to move to VA and all. 
Then we went to my nana's and told her first; not knowing  that she had already known anyways, my mother had spilled the beans to her before I could get the chance. My mom's younger sister walked in unexpectedly, so I spilled the good news to her as well. If I remember correctly, I think she even screamed! My mom's older sister was next and then my grandmother (my mom's mom). Everyone was so excited and happy for us. I never thought the hugging was ever going to stop. My mom had stopped by my nana's house and my mom, nana, my aunt, my husband and I all decided to go out to eat to celebrate our good news from the day!
It was now Saturday morning and my mom, Nathan and I were all sitting in the living room watching a movie when Nathan decided to call his parents. We are going to New York at the end of this month and we were going to wait to tell his family while we were up there but instead we just couldn't wait and we spilled the beans. His mother screamed with excitement because my husband's brother and his wife is pregnant as well. This is will make her forth grand baby. Nathan's younger sister and two younger brothers were there as well so they heard the good news. We called his oldest sister next, which already has two children of her own. She was super excited and happy for us and actually thought we were already in NY at his parents, she said she would be over soon. lol The last people to tell were his older brother and his wife. We weren't able to get a hold of them but Nathan did finally get in touch with then lastnight and was able to tell them the good news. Me and her are both pregnant so she is really excited about having someone to talk to about it.  
Our days have been pretty crazy since we found out we were pregnant but we are making the best out of everything we just can't wait to have our own little family, life is going to be so perfect with our little bundle of joy!!