Friday night we still had temperatures in the 50’s before we went to bed. It felt more like April than January. But winter finally reared its ugly head, and we were blanketed in ice.
We don’t have a garage, so it took me about 20 minutes to defrost the car before I could drive anywhere!
Saturday morning Tony me another one of his delicious breakfasts. This was my breakfast and lunch, although I did share my sausage with the dog. 
Saturday night I made this recipe for oven roasted chicken. The kick of lemon was delicious, and the potatoes were super flavorful, although I did overcook the meat a tad. These breasts were huge (that’s what he said) so I think I’ll use the leftover meat in a soup later this week.
So while Tony offered to make me breakfast yesterday morning, going back to my mantra of “moderation” I opted to make a Green monster instead.
Almond Café Mocha Green Monster
makes 1 serving: 350 caloires, 8.7 fat, 64 carbs, 6.5 fiber and 10.4 protein
- 1 cup vanilla soy milk
- 1.5 cups baby spinach
- 1 frozen banana
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 cup coffee
- pinch of cocoa powder
- 10 almonds
Put in a blender and puree.
Our blender is old, so at the end I ended up chewing some of the almonds! But that won’t happen anymore. My bosses gave me a gift card to a swanky mall for Christmas. I checked out Williams-Sonoma and saw that they had a smoothie blender so I went there yesterday to pick it up.
Only one tiny problem. They only sell that smoothie online, and I couldn’t use my gift card online. I decided to check out Crate & Barrel and I scored!
I also scored at the discount rack too!
And while I picked up a hot dog and fries for Tony for lunch, I ended up making a naan pizza (recipe coming tomorrow). The naan bread comes in at just 107 calories.
I tested out the smoothie blender to crush some ice and it’s amazing – definitely having a Green monster for breakfast this morning.
My grocery store had bay scallops on sale for $6 a pounds, so I bought 1/2 a pound for our dinner last night. I ended up making this risotto recipe and adding the sautéed bay scallops on top – so delicious – even Tony said that this could be a regular rotation!
And guess what? I worked out both Saturday and Sunday! Saturday I searched my exercise on demand and did a 40 minute bodyweight boot camp – holy shizzle that was hard. And then yesterday I went to the gym and ran 2 miles and did some upper body weight machines.
So far I am loving my “moderation” mantra. My last post about not having any guilt about food has been eye opening. I feel like I am in control instead of the food being in control of me. Winning!
1) Scallop risotto? Will you make me dinner? I love scallops and love risotto, therefore this would be awesome 😀
2) How did you like the green monster concoction? I have always wondered about putting coffee or tea in smoothies, but I’m not sure how it would be with the fruits/veg.
I never saw a smoothie recipe with coffee in it, that is a great idea. I am glad you found a proper blender, having the right tools makes cooking even more fun. I love getting new kitchen stuff, even if it is just dish towels.
I love new kitchen stuff…such fun! And that will work wonders for your smoothies!
That chicken sounds amazing!!
I have to admit I haven’t bought a Cuisinart product that I don’t love 🙂 I have their griddler and I’ve used it so many times.
that’s what he said, haha! you crack me up. i love those naan pizzas. i have no idea why i don’t have smoothies more often, they always look and sound so good. thanks for the inspiration, i’m going to try yours.
So happy you are back blogging – I miss your food – we like the same things! 😀
HEY!!! Happy new year honey! Guess what?!?! I am eating meat again..now instead of drooling at your photos, I can actually make it! =)
What??!! When the fuck did that happen Mari! I haven’t stopped by your blog in ages, I’ll have to catch up! 😀
Yep, winter is definitely here isn’t it. Though, it’s just cold here. No ice and just a dusting of snow on the ground. Love the new blender, you’ll get your use out of it for sure. Great job on the weekend workouts!! Naan pizza…right up my alley girl!!
Coffee in a green smoothie – I hadn’t thought of that! We have been having some of that cold weather here which is unusual for us in Northern CA – there was ice on the pond next to our house this morning. Brrr!
I’m looking forward to the Naan pizza idea!
I figured I’d get my caffeine and my veggies at the same time! 😀
Hmmm. I’m confused. Where did you put in the part where is destroyed you in my boggle word game app. This omission must mean you are truly humiliated. Like the Pakers???
Well, you see, Mr. Tony – I am waiting to beat your high score, and THEN I will show what your high score is! 😀 I love you!
Naan pizza–can’t wait for that recipe!
Your new outlook with moderation has helped me greatly, it made me realize how I was letting food control everything! So thanks for posting 🙂
OMG, that first picture just chills me to the bone! BRRRRR!!!!!
Love your C&B swag – not only the blender, but the sale goodies as well. Always so fun to get new stuff for the kitchen!
Shelley, I am not sure you’d ever survive a Chicago winter! 😀
*high five*, Biz!!! I’ve never worked out both days of the weekend before and I did it this past weekend too. Go us!!! 😀
Stay warm today!!!
And “high five” back at ya sista – choosing to walk 30 minutes one way to the store to pick up groceries in 24 degree weather – you are a rock star! 😀
Did you say discount rack? Music to my ears 🙂 I cannot believe that in places that cold a garage isn’t mandatory on all houses. We have a 2 car garage but we don’t park our cars in it. There’s food storage, bikes, surfboards and all of Glenn’s woodworking tools. But it has gotten really cold and the windshield wipers aren’t cutting it. We have to bring out a cup of warm water every morning to get the frost/ice off. That’s rough here in Cali!
I know, the payoff is we have a big lot though! 😀
That naan pizza looks great!! Can’t wait to see the recipe.
Hope you’re enjoying working with Tyler, he’s pretty much my oldest sons idol.
Happy cooking to you!
Hey Courtney!! Yep, Tyler is great – he’s got a dry sense of humor, so it’s been fun! 😀
Yay for a new blender! I bet it’ll make all of the difference in the world!
I’m looking forward to trying this Green Monster Smoothie. Never thought about putting coffee in one! Love it.
I like the Idea of the Naan Pizza, I’m planning to make pizza this week anyway so I might have a go if I like the look of the recipe!
Rich – I’ve made this pizza dough for both deep dish and thin crust – it turns out really good and I love the corn meal in the crust. 😀
http://mybizzykitchen.com/2011/10/02/best-deep-dish-pizza-recipe-ever-and-holiday-challenge-update/
I love the idea of adding coffee to a green monster! Sounds good!
My blender isn’t the best either. Glad you were able to get a a new one!!!
Congrats on having such a good weekend! Mmmm, green smoothies. 🙂 That new blender looks awesome, can’t wait to see what concoctions you create with it. Have a great day!
Thanks Christine 😀
The blender you scored at Crate and Barrel looks awesome!! So fun! It’s great for making smoothies, salad dressings, sauces . . . you’re going to have a blast with it. 🙂
Hooray for the new blender! I know that will go to good use! new kitchen tools are the bestest. your smoothie sounds great. I haven’t had any coffee yet and now I NEED it!
Naan makes excellent pizza! I’m going to try to start drinking Green Smoothies again. I did it for a while and felt great, but can’t seem to get back into the habit. I need more veggies in my diet!
That’s mainly why I do it – otherwise I don’t think I’ll get all the veggies in! I am glad you liked the Cincinnati chili – I made it for dinner tonight! 😀
I love naan bread, never thought of using it for pizza. Great idea.
Cool new blender, I love it.