I have to think that January and February are my least favorite months of the year.  It’s days like today that I think back to our days in the summer of me and Tony hanging out under our gazebo with a couple beers watching the Sox game.  Spring cannot get here soon enough (and I think the White Sox are going to have a great year!)

And it’s days like today that I am so happy I don’t work in downtown Chicago anymore!  The last law firm I worked at was on north Michigan Avenue, almost to Water Tower.  So when I left my house at 7 to catch the 7:15 train, I would get into the train station at 8:25, then it was a good 25 minute walk from the train station to my office!  Brrr!!  Although, in the nicer months, I did enjoy taking the water taxi to Michigan Avenue – it was like planes, trains and automobiles just to get to my desk!

Do you get Cuisine at Home?  I’ve never subscribed to it, but every once in a while I get a free copy.  They had a recipe for chicken apple breakfast sausage that looked really good.  Although I changed it up quite a bit with what I had on hand, and of course left off the onions! 😀

Chicken Apple Sausage (printer friendly version here)

Course: main meals

PointsPlus™ Value:    3

Servings:  4

Preparation Time:  5 min

Cooking Time:  10 min

Level of Difficulty:  Easy

Ingredients

12 oz uncooked boneless, skinless chicken breast

1 medium apple(s), cut into quarters and seeds removed

1 Tbsp dried parsley

1 tsp caraway seeds

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (or Cajun seasoning like I used)

1/2 tsp kosher salt

1 tsp black pepper

1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

2 tsp olive oil, (for pan frying)

Instructions

Toss all ingredients (except olive oil) in a food processor.

Pulse until just combined. I weighed this mixture, and it came in at exactly 16 ounces, so I measured out 4 ounce patties.

Heat olive oil over medium-high heat, and cook until each side is browned, about 4 minutes per side.

Serve with a fried egg on top and fresh fruit.

Do you have a Big Lots by you? All of their seasonings are only $1!
don’t over process – just pulse until combined (I left the apple skin on too)

These make pretty big patties:

Breakfast comes in at 9 PointsPlus

I am submitting this to Christina’s Friday Firsts.  😀

I don’t know if it was all the protein or what, but this kept me full for hours!  I had a work obligation at lunch time and wasn’t sure I would be able to work out.  I usually don’t like to eat before working out, and I thought it may be too late, but I was fine.  I walked for 45 minutes (still got a stuffy nose!) and didn’t end up eating my lunch until 2:30!

One serving of my Buffalo Chicken Chili with a serving of tortilla chips (which I have to remember are 4 points, not 3!):  10 Points Plus.

And since I had 51 points yesterday, and I had to make sure I paid attention to my points today.  Dinner was 4 ounces of grilled chicken over a bed of mixed greens with a tablespoon of light balsamic dressing – 5 Points (+7 points for wine during the evening).

Stats for Thursday:

  • 33 points, 1 flex point remains and 11 activity points earned (you don’t earn very many just walking!)
  • 45 minute walk, 2.8 miles
  • average blood sugar 113

And now onto the winner of the variety pack case of Chobani!

True Random Number Generator 106 2

The winner is . . .

Jacky says:

Lucky you! I love Chobani, especially straight up with granola. Hope you are felling better today!

I used to think if I was first or second on a giveaway, I never had a chance to win – congrats to Jacky who was the second commenter out of 106! 😀  Send me your mailing address at mybizzykitchen@gmail.com and I’ll forward it onto Chobani.

Have a great Friday and Weekend!  And thanks for all your well wishes about Tony’s medical results – we’ll hear back either today or Monday at the latest – keep your positive vibes coming our way!

p.s.  Can you stop by my brother Charlie’s blog and leave him a Happy Birthday message?  His birthday is tomorrow – HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHARLIE!