The Pepito Sandwich

I'd been dreaming of the sandwich for over seven years!  I first tasted a version of this sandwich while working at Lucca on the Boca Raton Resort & Club property.  One of my fellow cooks was from Venezuela and whipped these babies up for family meal.  This is the closest that I have ever been able to some to that wonderful dinner memory I've had for so long.  My Pepito is Iron Horse Brewery Irish Death marinated Hangar Steak, ciabatta bun, garlic aioli, balsamic onion jam, sweet pickles, roasted tomatoes, arugula, cheddar and crushed potato chips!

Recipe to be posted soon!! Stay tuned!

Dark Chocolate Brownie Buttercream Cupcakes

These are awesome!  I love myself some cupcakes and I was truly surprised how Good & Easy they are!  I would venture to say that even those who "don't cook" can make these little pieces of heaven!

I used Ghiraradelli Dark Chocolate brownie mix for the base.  I learned from my time working with a French Master Pastry Chef that some box mixes can be just as good as making from scratch.  I would definitely count this product in the category.  Follow the box directions which includes adding water, oil and an egg.  I then lined my muffin pan with 12 cupcake liners and filled them each 3/4 full.  They baked at 350 for about 25-28 minutes.  While they cooled I made the buttercream frosting.

Buttercream Frosting
4 oz unsalted butter
2-1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla

I used a stand mixer and whipped the butter for about 5 minutes.  Periodically, I stopped the mixer and scraped the bottom of the bowl to make sure that all the butter was getting whipped.  Then, add vanilla and mix.  I gradually added the powdered sugar to the whipped butter.  I would add about 1/4 cup at a time on low then increase to high until all the sugar in incorporated.  The mixture will look crumbly, but keep mixing until it becomes creamy. 

Once the brownie cakes are cooled, they are ready for frosting!  Makes 12.

Pancake "Biscuit" with Seasonal Fruit

I whipped up this little beauty by accident today!  I was trying for a whole wheat oven pancake and ended up with this creation.  The thing I like about this is that it reminds me of a danish or pastry, but with a whole wheat base instead of the higher fat alternative.  It's also much more substantial and filling. Serves 4.

Ingredients
1/2 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1/2 cup AP flour
3 TB sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1-1/4  cup 1% milk
3 eggs
2 pears or apples (I used Red Sensation Pears)
4 tsp butter
1/4 cup brown sugar
Lemon juice as needed
Powdered sugar as needed\

Methods
1.  Preheat oven to 420 degrees.
2.  Combine flours, sugar, salt, milk, and eggs in bowl and whisk until blended.
3.  In an ovenproof skillet add 2 tsp butter and place in oven until melted.  Remove from oven and add batter to pan.  Return to oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.
4.  In a second skillet, add remaining 2 tsp butter, fruit, lemon juice (1-2 TB to prevent browning) and brown sugar.  Cook until fruit is tender and golden.
5. Once pancake is removed from oven cut slices or cut circles with cookie/biscuit cutter.  Top with powdered sugar and fruit.  Enjoy!

Almond "breaded" Chicken Tenders

I've been breading my own tenders for awhile and really there's no comparison to the gross store bought ones!  Recently, I bought some Almond Meal at Trader Joe's and decided to give that a go on the tenders.  The results were fabulous!  It's great for those trying to get away from bready-things too!

To make, I use the standard three step breading process: flour, eggs, coating!  That's a quick dip in a flour (AP, Whole Wheat, etc).  Then, use either beaten eggs or egg substitute for the "glue".  The last step is the coating which could be breadcrumbs, panko, nuts or in this case almond meal.  I usually cook the tenders on a baking rack so they don't get soggy.  After a spritz of olive oil spray (or equivalent) and a sprinkle of salt, they're ready for baking at 350 degrees for about 35 minutes or until done (depending on the size of your tender).  The almond coating would be fab on fish too!  This breading process can be used for fish, meat, vegetables, tofu, etc.

Quick Turkey Chili - just 320 calories + 13 grams of fiber

The great thing about this recipe is that many flavors can be incorporated.  Got some tomatoes? Cut 'em up and throw 'em in!  Same goes for peppers, corn, or just about anything you can dream up (or need to use up).  For convenience, this recipe can be thrown together fast using canned or frozen products.  If using canned, I recommend buying reduced sodium beans.  When I use these, I don't need to add any additional salt.  If you want to make the chili a little more labor intensive, but fresh, try soaking dry beans and cooking your own.  Instead of the canned tomato and chili peppers, roast some fresh tomatoes and chilies.

The chili is delish with so many grains + starches.  I've tried baked sweet potatoes with the chili as a topping, whole wheat couscous, corn bread with added fresh corn or steamed brown rice.

Whole wheat couscous takes about 5 minutes to make and has 6 grams of fiber per 1/4 cup!

Turkey Chili
Serves 8- approx 12 ounce each

1 TB Olive Oil
1 Yellow Onion, diced
1 pound Ground Turkey
1 tsp Ground Cumin
1 tsp Cinnamon (yes, I know this is weird, but don't leave this out)
1 TB Chili Powder
4 oz Green Chilies, chopped, canned
2 cans (14.5 oz each) Tomatoes, mix & match Mexican style, Stewed, Roasted, etc.
2 cans (15 oz each) Black Beans
1 can (15 oz) Pinto Beans

1. In large nonstick pot, saute the chopped onions in olive oil over high heat.
2.  Add turkey and cook until no longer pink.
3.  Add spices (cumin, cinnamon and chili powder), chilies and tomato. Reduce to low heat.
4.  Let simmer for 10 minutes.
5.  Add beans and cook for another 10 minutes.

Top with nonfat sour cream or shredded cheese!

Rebecca's Top 5 for Weight Loss!

1.  Get your fiber!  Fiber helps you feel full.  Foods with fiber include whole grains (whole wheat bread, popcorn, oats, brown rice), fresh fruits/veggies, and beans.  Breads should have at least 3 grams of fiber per serving.
2.  Stay hydrated!  Sip on water or calorie free/caffeine free beverages throughout the day. Tip: Try Sassy Water (2 quarts water with one lemon sliced, one cucumber sliced, small piece fresh peeled ginger and a few mint leaves).
3.  Plan ahead!  Plan meals in advance and always carry snacks.  When we get overly hungry that's when meal plans go out the window and we end up at a drive thru.  At The Culinary Institute of America they had a saying, "preparation is everything" - it certainly is with diets.  Always have cut fruits and veggies ready to eat in the fridge.  Do not stuff produce away in the drawer, you will never see it again.
4.  Record all meals in journal.  Trust me- you won't remember everything you ate during the day!  This is critical action to following a set calorie limit.
5.  Get movin'!  Our bodies need to be exercised!  Walking counts!

Calories In, Calories Out

Now that we've got our diet challenge slated for next Monday, you may be wondering how many calories should I eat per day?  Weight loss results when you take in less calories than you need.  This can be accomplished by diet or exercise, or both!  One pound equals 3500 calories, so if we divide that by 7 days a week that would mean that we need a deficit of 500 calories per day to lose one pound of weight a week.

Most women will have weight loss on a meal plan of 1200 to 1500 calories per day.  For men, 1500 to 1800 calories works.  Please note, there are always exceptions to this guideline as calories needed are based on height, weight and age.  For example, a young-very tall-large framed man will need more calories than an older-short-small framed man.  One thing is for sure: Never drop below 1200 calories per day!  That's just not enough calories to get in the nutrients your body needs.

A word on exercise, the current recommendation for exercise is 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise per day!  That's seven days a week, folks!

So, what of you eat 1200 calories per day for a week and you don't lose weight?  Nine times out of 10, you didn't eat 1200 calories.  This is why journaling your meals is very important.  You'll need to record the food, amount and time that you ate.  Make sure to journal right after eating as memory might not be as honest!  This is based on scientific facts, if you take in less than you need, you have to lose weight!