I love when dinner becomes a delicious breakfast the next day. Since Tony’s appetite hasn’t been the same (um, for those of you who have been asking. . . Tony has lost 43 pounds since his colon cancer surgery!) the steaks I bought for dinner last night were tiny . . . each one raw was about 5 ounces, so 4 ounces cooked. I cooked up another one for my breakfast yesterday morning, and on the side took the other half of my baked potato and made hash browns with 1 tsp. olive oil.
Then fried an egg with a handful of baby spinach and came up with something of a hash. I have no idea what to call it . . . except a delicious way to start the day! This plate comes in at 9 PointsPlus.
So I am sure lots of you saw Jessica’s Warm Spinach and Strawberry Bacon Pecan Salad with Goat Cheese. I finally smartened up and now I have a notebook I can not only write down recipes I want to make – but actually remember where I found them so I can give proper credit. Since I am counting my points, I did have to adjust the recipe somewhat.
Biz’s Strawberry Orzo Salad with Romaine, Bacon and Candied Pecans
This made 3 giant servings – 9 PointsPlus (7 for the orzo salad and 2 points for the salad dressing)
- 1/2 cup uncooked orzo, prepared according to package directions and drained
- 1/8 cup candied pecans (found at Aldo for $2.19) chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp. of olive oil and Pam
- 6 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- juice of 1/4 of a lemon
- 1 tsp. lemon zest
- 3 tablespoons goat cheese (which I forgot to bring to work š )
- 3 pieces of cooked bacon
- 4 1/2 cups romaine lettuce chopped
- 2 carrots chopped
- 3 servings of Annie’s Light Goddess Dressing (2 tablespoons is 2 points!)
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add bacon and cook until crisp. Remove and drain the bacon fat (I know Jessica just had a heart attack if she read this!). Add the olive oil and a spray of Pam and add garlic. Cook for a couple minutes. Add baby spinach and just cook until slightly wilted. Add lemon juice and zest and remove from heat.
Add the orzo, bacon and pecans and mix well. I put this mixture in a separate container. In another bag, I put the romaine, carrots and strawberries. When I got to work, I tossed the romaine, carrots and strawberries in the Annie’s dressing. (I also had some leftover zucchini from the night before and tossed that in the orzo mixture too). I heated the orzo mixture for about 30 seconds and scooped that on top of my romaine salad.
This was not only delicious, but completely filling. I ate lunch around 1:00 and it kept me full all the way to dinner – sometimes when I eat a salad I can be hungry a couple of hours later.
Tony had a doctor appointment this afternoon, so I had him run to Fresh Market for me to pick up bay scallops and tuna steaks. He also bought me. . . .CHEESE!
Seared Tuna Steak Salad
- makes 2 servings – 8 Points Plus (the side dish is just one serving for me – the tuna is 4 points and the side dish is 4 points)
- 1 tsp. olive oil
- 1 tsp. lemon zest, frated
- 1/2 tsp. pepper
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- two 5 ounces tuna steaks
- 1 1/2 cups chopped romaine heart
- 1/4 cup chopped red pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped yellow pepper
- 1/2 cup cooked orzo
- any additional zero point veggie you want to add to your salad
- 1 tablespoon Annie’s Light Goddess Dressing
Mix together the oil, lemon zest, salt and pepper. Rub the mixture over two tuna steaks. Dip the sides of the tuna steaks into toasted sesame seeds. Heat a nonstick skillet over high heat. Spray the steaks with Pam so they don’t stick.
Cook one minute a side for rare. I still like it on the medium side – so I cooked mine for two minutes a side (next time I think I’ll do mine just a minute and a half a side). In a bowl, mix the romaine, peppers, orzo and tablespoon of Annie’s dressing and salt and pepper to taste. Slice the tuna steak and serve over the orzo salad.
I loved this dinner! But I have to thank Tony for introducing me to tuna steaks. It took me a really long time to get over how raw it looks – the first time he made it for me I made him cook it until it was all grey!
Who wants some cheese?
For those of you who made it all the way down this far – I am doing a mini-BSI this week on the side. The wonderful people from Cabot cheese have offered me a $25 gift basket to give away to one of my readers! All you have to do is submit a recipe or recipe link in the comments section of this post, or email me your recipe to mybizzykitchen@gmail.com with your favorite recipe using cheese.
You all know what a cheese whore I am so I am anxiously awaiting your recipes! A winner will be picked by . . . Tony! Yep, let’s let him be a judge for this one! I’ll announce the winner on April 11th – good luck! š
Stats for Tuesday:
- 36 points (including wine)
- 17 flex points left for the week
- 45 minute walk outside carrying 4 pound weights
Today is Wednesday . . . so I’ll be Hanging with Hannah! We are going to do a group exercise class and pick up Chipotle on the way home. Did any other of you Weight Watchers get the Buy 1 Get 1 Free coupons at your meetings? I’ve only been there once, so any suggestions would be appreciated! And then we’ll watch American Idol. š
Have a great day!
We like a very simple recipe of 2% american or chedder melted over pasta. Always easy, always good.
This is my current fave – http://www.food.com/recipe/traditional-english-cheddar-cauliflower-cheese-gratin-216237
I am totally ADD so I change my mind on faves every week!!
I <3 cheese
Aunt Dorris' Chicken
place 6 boneless/skinless chicken breasts in a pan, add slices of swiss cheese to the top of each piece of chicken
mix one can of cream of mush soup with 5 oz applce juice and pour on top
mix pep farm stuffing mix with a few tablespoons of butter and pour on top
Bake at 375 for about 50 minutes
Macaroni and cheese is my favorite way to use cheese. I just follow Mary of Owlhaven’s recipe here:
http://www.owlhaven.net/2006/09/22/homemade-macaroni-and-cheese/
It’s tasty!
I love to cook with cheese. . . .especially one with a “bite” like the more aged. Extra sharp cheddar is great in many things. Love Vermont white cheddar.
My quick recipe is for an appetizer:
2 English muffins cut into 4’s ( will have 16 pieces-tops and bottoms)
1/2 c. shredded cheese
1 tbl. green onions chopped- especially tops
1/4 c Crab meat (optional)
1 tbl. Light mayo or enough to hold cheese and onions together
Mix, spread on muffin pieces then broil until bubbly.
Can vary amounts according to how much you are serving. Enjoy
I don’t have a lot of cheese recipes since I’m lactose intolerant, but I have fallen in love with pimiento cheese spread. Always wondered what all the fuss was about until I tried it. It’s so easy to make and so very delicious. This is my own version.
PIMIENTO-PECAN CHEESE SPREAD CROSTINI
Recipe courtesy of The Bear Cupboard (www.bearcupboard.blogspot.com)
For Pimiento-Pecan Cheese Spread:
3/4 cup toasted chopped pecans
1 (3 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, or Neufchatel cheese, softened
2-1/4 tsp. minced garlic
1/4 cup mayonnaise
4 oz. Monterey Jack cheese with jalapenos, grated using large holes of box grater
1/2 tsp. Louisiana pepper sauce
1 (10 oz.) pkg. good-quality aged cheddar cheese, grated using large holes of box grater
1 (4 oz.) jar diced pimientos with juice
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
For Crostini:
1 baguette, sliced
1 jar roasted red peppers, sliced in thin strips
Prepare pimiento-pecan cheese spread: In work bowl of food processor, pulse pecans till finely chopped. Transfer to medium bowl. Combine cream cheese, garlic, mayonnaise and Monterey Jack cheese in work bowl; pulse till smooth; transfer to bowl with pecans. With spatula, stir in cheddar cheese, pimientos and parsley*. Refrigerate.
Prepare crostini: Heat oven to 400F. Place baguette slices on baking sheet and toast till crisp, about 5 minutes each side. Spoon some cheese spread on each baguette, then top with some roasted red pepper strips. Serve immediately, or place back in oven for about 5 minutes to just warm the cheese. Enjoy!
*Please be sure to add the parsley last. Otherwise, you might get green cheese spread, as I did the first time I made this.
I just recently tried this dish and is was super easy and so creamy delicious! It is worth a try. š
Here is the link: http://www.katheats.com/?page_id=6977
Are you counting cream cheese in this contest? If so, I submit this WW Apple Cake that I make all the time because it is absolutely divine: http://losingit1.wordpress.com/2010/04/05/cinnamon-apple-cake-rachel/
If you aren’t counting cream cheese, then I submit this recipe using goat cheese which is equally as awesome…just in a different taste bud area: http://losingit1.wordpress.com/2010/03/13/for-mushroom-lovers-only-rachel/
I love love love Cabot 75% reduced fat cheese!
Absolutely! Thanks Rachel! š
I’m a hugeeee fan of grilled cheese with a little something extra.
seeded jewish rye sandwich bread
some extra sharp cheddar (white and orange for appearance if you can!)
chutney
1/6 of an apple, thinly sliced
I toss the chutney on the bread along with a little butter on the outside of the bread, add the cheddar and layered apple slices, and grill that puppy right up!! Savory, sweet, and satisfying!
http://southernfood.about.com/od/hamburgcasseroles/r/bl20908j.htm
Mac and cheese with bacon – no sauce though only a cup of cheddar, and one of fontina or havarti, and some sort of Swiss, so it is just Macaroni, cheeses and bacon!
i know this isn’t horribly exciting, but my favorite dish with cheese is a good, homemade macaroni and cheese. Super creamy and cheesy, baked until you get a crust on top. there’s nothing better!
That looks great! Here’s my recipe for Goat Cheese, Grape & Pecan Truffles:
http://iwasborntocook.blogspot.com/2011/04/yay-or-nay.html
Cool giveaway! I love this one: http://reciperhapsody.wordpress.com/2010/04/20/barbecue-bacon-grilled-cheese-sandwich/
Mmmmm that salad is so swoon-worthy!
biz that strawberry salad is to die for! i can’t wait to try it.
i’ve been away for awhile, so i haven’t gotten all the updates. how has tony’s recovery been? good for him for the weight loss! hope all is well š
From one cheeseslut to another…any recipe that includes cheese is a favorite in my book, but how ’bout the latest one I’ve posted…these Whole Wheat Goldfish Crackers which use Sharp Cheddar (one of my faves): http://www.girlichef.com/2011/04/whole-wheat-goldfish-crackers-and-few.html š
mmmmmm…..cheese. I bought cranberry chipotle cheddar at whole foods once, best cheese ever! You will love it!
I keep saying this but it’s true…you make the best looking meals!!!! That cheese looks so good! I have a hard time finding Cabot cheese….not sure why. š
I hope Tony is doing well! Have fun with your daughter tonight.
Here’s a cheesy recipe with goat cheese- my favorite š
http://whatkateiscooking.com/?p=43
You are awesome!
Wonderful food as always! Still want to move in with you! š
Unfortunately, IĀ“m not able to enter your fabulous giveaway, but IĀ“m book-marking this post to look through everyoneĀ“s cheese recipes soon!!!
Yummmmmmmm to all of your food today (and to the mention of cheese in general, glad it’s almost lunchtime here). I’m still a little afraid of tuna steaks, which is ridiculous because I love almost all seafood and I love tuna. You have encouraged me to finally try them. And I can’t believe Tony has lost 43 pounds! You will have to post update pics (preferably more funny face ones) soon! Glad you all seem to be doing well!
Hey Biz! Hope you’re having a great Wednesday!
I’m going to submit my Beef Broccoli Strudel because it’s buttery & cheesy & delicious!
http://errign.wordpress.com/2010/08/23/beef-broccoli-strudel/
I absolutely love tuna steaks! I always ask for mine rare :). That meal looks so incredible Biz.
– Beth @ http://www.DiningAndDishing.com
That cheese he bought you looks awesome. You know me, I love the cheese. I would like to say I can’t believe Tony lost that much weight, but as an RD who has worked with patients in the same situation, it does not surprise me. I am sure I don’t need to ask, but I will any way, Has he met with an RD? Maybe in the hospital? If you have any questions or need ideas about things to do to prevent malnutrition, let me know. Can’t you tell I am in need of work as I sit here in the Azores, the only RD for at least 900 miles!
omg you know I LOVE some Cabot!! It’s so hard to choose. I guess this one: Burrito Casserole – http://healthifiedkitchen.blogspot.com/2011/01/burrito-casserole.html.
OMG that’s so exciting! I’m sure you’re so proud of his weight loss! The orzo salad sounds AWESOME!
My meeting is on Saturday, so I’ll see if I get a coupon. If not, can I go to yours? haha
I got to your blog by following links from one of my cooking blog faves. I’m so glad I found you. I’m doing WW and eat “real” food, your blog is a treasure trove. I’ll be back often.
Cranberry chipotle cheddar cheese!? (thats alot of “c’s”) Be still my heart. As always, you meals look great, and wow…43 lbs. Not a fun way to drop weight, but I guess thats a good thing?
I love cheese as well! Someone at work commented that they think all of my recipes contain cream cheese š
Here is a recipe for Swiss Cheese Dip: http://fink-girl.livejournal.com/18585.html. It’s nice and tangy! I am looking forward to seeing all of the recipes – will you have a post where you list and link them?
Thanks!
Both your salads for lunch and dinner look awesome.
When I first got married I had a huge wooden salad bowl and I would make a salad with lettuce, carrots, tomato, cucumber, calamata olives, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled feta cheese, grated parmesan and then I would cook small pasta shells and drain them and mix into the salad while they were still hot. It was a great filling healthy salad for a warm South African summer and we loved it. Oh I also added your dreaded ingredient – onion š
cranberry chipotle cheddar cheese sounds amazing! i bet that cheese works perfectly eaten in lovely little cubes – no other food needed š
i love ahi tuna steaks but am wary about cooking them. 3 minutes total sounds easy enough though! i have a tendency to cook meat too long even though i don’t like it well done. i’m impressed by your added sesame seeds – so fancy!
i love beautiful filled salads like that! definitely must make!
Wow, that’s a LOT of weight!!! He’s lucky to have you to force feed some nutrients. š
Sounds like you and Hanna are going to have a great night! Exercise and Chipotle sounds awesome to me. š
I’m so addicted to seared tuna and tuna sashimi right now. I can’t get enough! I cringed when you said you used to make Tony cook it to gray! I just about bawl when my in-laws cook their steaks to gray.
April 11th is a beautiful day to select a winner! That’s my birthday! š
I’m all about the Burrito Bowl at Chipotle. I’ve never had a bad meal there! Happy Hannah night! š
My favorite cheese recipe…roasted red pepper pesto-goat cheese quesadillas. So good!
http://cupcakemuffin.blogspot.com/2011/01/roasted-red-pepper-pesto-goat-cheese.html
43 lbs? DANG! How is he feeling?
That tuna looks so pretty! I’m still squeamish about eating fish, Andy’s been trying to work on me.
Can’t wait to think up a recipe with cheese. i love cheese!
I need some fancy salads in my life. After eating straight shit food since Ryan has been home, I need some fruit and veggies asap!
I love Chipotle. I work close to one and have an app on my phone where I can order and pay instantly. It’s dangerous. But I love to get the vegatarian burrito bowls. I can live without meat but not guac. If you go veg, you don’t have to pay the extra $2 for that little piece of guacamole heaven!
Hell of a way to lose weight, Tony. Hope you are feeling better and better each day. š
My opinion is that everything tastes better with fresh strawberries – which is why I love this time of year! Your version of the orzo salad looks fantastic!
Enjoy Hanging with Hannah. Woohoo for adult children – they’re pretty cool!
You always have such great food ideas.
Here is one of my favorite Weight watchers recipies. I change it a little and use fresh spinach instead of frozen and I use spicy ground turkey instead of chicken.
http://www.weightwatchers.com/food/rcp/index.aspx?recipeid=108401
Apple and Cheddar Omlette…yum!
3 large eggs, 1 tbs milk
2 oz sharp cheddar shredded
1 medium apple chopped
Whisk the eggs with the milk, add to pan, add apple and cheddar
Okay here is my recipe entry.
Cheesy meatloaf minis! http://nutmegnotebook.com/?p=2781
Thanks for the Tony update! Wow that is a huge weight loss.
The eats all look good and I will have to go look at my recipes and pick one then come back to give you a link.
I love, love, love Cabot cheese!
you had me at chipotle…I have gotten a serious addiction to the smoky heat of chipoltle peppers in adobo sauce lately. And dinner at chipoltle….Yes! lol
I am going to submit this recipe to the contest….It uses Cabot cheese as a topping AND the cabot cheese ppl actually commented in the comment section…so I think it qualifies! haha I have long used the 75% reduced fat cheddar….1 oz is one point+…and it tastes fantastic!
http://mykitchenadventures1.blogspot.com/2010/11/very-veggie-turkey-chili-with-jiffy.html
Wow- 43 pounds? Thats nuts. Hes lucky to have you there providing him with some good nourishment! I’m sure he needs it more than ever, given everything he has gone through/is going through!! mmm that salad sounds so good. I need. And if Tony wants to pick me up some Cranberry Chipotle Cheddar the next time hes at the store…I would be ok with that too š This link has two recipes that contain cheese, but the black bean dip is my fav: http://www.itzyskitchen.com/2008/08/black-bean-dip-take-2-broccoli-and.html
I wish I went to meeting instead of online to get a Chipotle coupon, I kind of love that place. My friend and I go when both of our husbands are at work for dinner.
I usually get a burrito bowl with rice, black beans, barbacoa, veggies and pico. Depending on the day and how many points I have left I might add sour cream, guac or cheese too. It is good either way.
I use this site to get points and figure up how many servings of each is really in my bowl…but seriously half of one is really filling!
http://www.chipotlefan.com/index.php?id=nutrition_calculator
I’m so hungry after reading your recipes and seeing your photos. The hash…..the Strawberry Orzo Salad….ohmygoodness! It looks sooo yummy! That Cranberry Chipotle cheese must be amazing. I love a sweet, spicy cheesy combo. We are a Cabot Cheese family. We love the the stuff. What a great giveaway! I looked back through my posts and found 3 with cheese….love them all and make them all quite often. It’s so hard to decide my favorite.
Breakfast Fusion Tacos…. http://discoveringcandace.blogspot.com/2010/07/breakfast-tacos.html
Breakfast Quesadillas…
http://discoveringcandace.blogspot.com/2010/07/breakfast-tacos.html
Tasty Tacos…
http://discoveringcandace.blogspot.com/2011/02/tasty-tacos.html
Thanks for the opportunity to win!
Candace
That is a lot of weight š I am glad he is continuing to heal, though. Thinking about you, Tony!
My favorite cheesy recipe is this Gruyere Risotto. http://www.preventionrd.com/oh-the-irony-and-a-qa/
I adore Cabot cheeses…the low fat versions are so good..all the flavor with way less calories and fat!
Enjoy your time with Hannah!
That is a lot of weight š I am glad he is continuing to heal, though. Thinking about you, Tony!
My favorite cheesy recipe is this Gruyere Risotto. I adore Cabot cheeses…the low fat versions are so good..all the flavor with way less calories and fat!
Enjoy your time with Hannah!
my fave cheese recipe is my “erik e strata”
http://theactorsdiet.wordpress.com/2010/07/30/erik-e-strata/
Love the name Lynn! š
I’ve got lots of cheese recipes but I never use any GOOD cheeses like that chipotle one! I’m too cheap! Holy crap that sounds good though!!
Nice on Tony’s weight loss, crappy and scary way to do it though, dude!
This was the first one I thought of, Grilled Cheese and Apple. Yum!
http://debbidoesdinnerhealthy.blogspot.com/2010/12/grilled-cheese-and-apple-sandwiches.html
Wow, your dinner looks Ah-Mazing, Biz!!!!
I love and use Cabot’s cheese often, so I’ll have to look through my recipes and find my best Tony winning one! š
Mmmmm cheese. I’ll have to think about this because I love Cabot cheeses and would like to win!
All the food here looks so good. Definitely am going to try that orzo salad. I’m so sick of plain green salad with some protein on it.