Chucky's Super Simple Salad

"Friends are the bacon bits in the salad bowl of life."

 - Author Unknown

Greetings everybody!  It's Saturday!  It's Saturday!  It's Saturday!  Need I say more?

Chucky's Super Simple Salad huh?  Okay... you take a bowl of mixed salad greens and pour some salad dressing over it, right?  Can't get much simpler than this!  Well, maybe you can.  Let's use pre-washed salad greens and bottled vegan dressing.  Viola! 

Okay, okay... We're not taking that simple.  Maybe "Chucky's Relatively Simple Salad"?  Do me the favor and look at the pictures and you tell me what I should have named it.  Sound fair?

Basic salad consisting of pre-washed greens, sun dried tomatoes,

kalamata olive, seaweed, and cucumber slices.

Add two tablespoons of hummus on top.

Cover the salad and shake well to mix.

Sprinkle roasted pumpkin seed on top.

The pièce de résistance?

Lots of Frank’s hot sauce of course!

Even if you don't like hot sauce, give this ideal a try.  Even sans hot sauce, it's absolutely delicious and is as simple as the basic salad that you have prepared.  Yepperz... Think outside that culinary box.  Who needs dressing when delicious hummus serves the same purpose?  Umm, I just ate this for my lunch today.  If you're not envious you should be.

Okay... It's killing me!  What do you think that it should be called?  Um... er... keep it clean please.

Hi-dee hi-dee make-yourself-a-Super-Simple-Salad-today ho.

Grilled Tofu

"Have a mouth as sharp as a dagger, but a heart as soft as tofu."

 - Chinese Proverb

Hello my friend!  I was having my doubts but it looks like Friday has finally arrived!

It's another one of those days that I truly don't have much to share.  However, I have some pictures stored away when I last grilled some tofu.  I thought that I would share how simple grilling tofu actually is.  No, no magic involved.  It's... it's... it's as simple as tofu!

It's as simple as 1-2-3.  Slice, marinade and grill.

My picture represents one 19-ounce container of firm tofu.  There are four blocks in each container.  Here are the steps:

1. Drain and rinse tofu blocks.
2. Take an old newspaper section (or magazine to be tossed out).  Lay it on the counter.  Cover it with a clean paper towel.   Lay down the four tofu blocks on top.  Cover with another clean paper towel.  Cover this with another old newspaper section (or magazine).  And place cast iron skillet (or heavy pot) on top to press down on tofu.  Allow to rest for approximately 1/2 hour which allows tofu to drain.
3. When drained, discard wet paper towels, magazines and/or newspaper.
4. Slice each block to half thickness.
5. Carefully lay tofu blocks into zip-lock plastic bags.
6. Spoon over your favorite marinade.  I used BBQ sauce on half of my tofu and a miso-ginger blend on the other half.  Carefully turn over plastic zip-lock bag(s) and repeat marinade on opposite side.
7. HINT:  I added a tablespoon of olive oil into each marinade and blended.  This helped to prevent the tofu from sticking when later grilled.
8. Close the zip-lock bag(s) until it is almost sealed and slip in a plastic drinking straw.  Using the straw, suck out excess air from the bag until it appears somewhat vacuum packed.  Remove straw and complete the seal.
9. Store manually vacuumed zip-lock bag into the refrigerator and allow the marinade to do its thing.
10. Heat grill on high.  Oil grill surface before placing tofu pieces onto hot surface.  Grill for approximately 6 to 7 minutes per side.

What can I do with this grilled tofu?  I can dice it into cubes to be included into a salad.  I can place it onto a bun or bread slices as meat alternative.  I can freeze it for a later use.

And remember... "Tofu.  It's not just for breakfast anymore!"

Hi-dee hi-dee have-some-delicious-and-nutritious-grilled-tofu-tonight-ho my friend.

Umm... New Recipes

"Red lights?  Don't like 'em.  They only impede the flow of traffic."

 - Chucky 16AUG2011

Greetings and a genuine purveyance of will wishes to one and all!

I'm running out of post ideals today but thoughts still run rampant in my hollow plastic head.  I was so excited this past weekend to make some new recipes for the first time.  So far, they've all been genuine winners.  Kudos to the authors and publishers for making them available to me.

Hot and Sour Asian Cabbage Soup

Because I have not requested and obtained permissions, I cannot share the recipes.  However, I am able to cite the author and their cookbook for each delightful culinary concoction.

Vegan Mayonnaise - Made from basically firm tofu, seasonings and canola oil.  Wonderful!  Psst... I shall be replacing my most beloved Reduced Fat Vegenaise.  Besides being rather high in price for what I'm actually buying, it's somewhat hard to come by in the reduced fat form.  Hoover's Essential Market carries it but they don't always have the Chucky-sized jar of my Reduced Fat Vegenaise.  I now have a homemade 2-die-4 alternative!   From Cherise Grifoni's book, "The Part-Time Vegan:  201 Yummy Recipes That Put the Fun in Flexitarian". 

Sun-Dried Tomato Ketchup - I had a really nice tomato sitting in my fridge getting near its retirement age.  If not used soon I would surely have to sent it to the "tomato retirement home" (compost bin).  Hmm... I keep reading blog comments how wonderful homemade ketchup is so why not make some?  Result?  Absolutely delicious with true unadulterated tomato flavor from fresh tomato, sun-dried tomato, and other ingredients.  From Ani Phyo and her book, "Ani's Raw Food Essentials".  Psst... I found a hardbound copy of this $27.95 book for only $6.99 at Book Warehouse in the Seminole Towne Center mall, Sanford, Florida!  I feel guilty because I feel like I practically stole it!

Hot and Sour Asian Cabbage Soup - I have always had a fondness and soft spot in my stomach for hot & sour soup.  Whether Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, or any variation thereof, I absolutely love the stuff.  The exotic flavors and complexity of sweet and sour on the palate makes my mind recall some truly wonderful soup experiences.  I recently purchased Eric Tucker and John Westerdahl's book, "The Millennium Cookbook:  Extraordinary Vegetarian Cuisine".  Sitting there on page 60 was an intriguing variation of hot and sour soup.  So after visiting Phuoc Loc To Super Oriental Market and purchasing kaffir lime leaves, dried tree ear fungus, and tiger lily buds, I found myself ready to cook up a culinary masterpiece.  Luckily I had ginger root in the freezer, white (and red) miso in the refrigerator, a can of oyster mushroom in the cupboard, and a patch of lemon grass outside in the yard.  Trust me... Do you like hot and sour soup?  This one is a "don't miss" version!

I can assure you that I shall be re-making all three of these recipes really soon.  Vegan mayonnaise and bottled ketchup will never taste the same again.  I suppose this is the downsize of finding, making and enjoying your very own homemade recipes.  Not a bad price to pay my friend!

Hi-dee hi-dee I-love-making-new-things-from-scratch-ho my friend.

Wrap Planet (In a Bowl)

NOTE:  It is with much regret (but many happy memories) that I must report that Wrap Planet is now out of business.

"I was at this restaurant.  The sign said "Breakfast Anytime."  So I ordered French Toast in the Renaissance."

 - Steven Wright

I bestow upon you my sincerest wishes that you have nothing short of an exceptional Tuesday!  Sorry... That's about as good as I can wish.

Since most of you don't know the madman behind the Chucky mask, please allow me to give you a wee bit of inner-working insight.  I've always said that if I could only select but a single person to sit at a bar to share a beer and conversation with, it would be either Gary Larson (retired cartoonist, The Far Side) or Steven Wright (comedian).  For those of you who do know me, this will probably not surprise you whatsoever!

"Huh?"  "What?"  "Oh, why am I presenting this post today?"  "For what matter or purpose has thouest scribbled?"  Well... Tiffany and I visited Wrap Planet twice this past week!  Remember... I still managed to lose 8 pounds.  This after visiting Wrap Planet twice, Green Day Cafe once, Subway five times, and Maitland Breakfast Club twice!  Was I worried about messing up the diet?  No I wasn't.  I shall not attempt a lifestyle change with too much sacrifice.  In the long term, I don't believe that I would be successful.  My "lifestyle change" (-aka- diet) has to accommodate and accept diversity.

Birdie Breakfast Bowl:  scrambled eggs, mashed potato, pinto beans,

salsa and cheese.  I added hot salsa and pesto.

Instead of the previous wrap selections, I now order it naked (sans tortilla) or opt for a salad.  I pass up the side of tortilla chips.  Once I have "earned" the right to do so, I will occasionally opt for a wrap.  I'm simply limiting the number of carbohydrate choices consumed within my meal selections.

So darn delicious that I ordered this on both visits this week!

Truthfully?  Yes I do miss the soft chewy texture of the soft flour tortilla shell.  However, by the same token, a wrap choice in a bowl (without the shell) is quite delicious, filling and satisfying!  Admittedly I surprised myself with the delight in consuming a bowl rather than wrap.

Southern Salad:  black beans, corn salsa, lettuce, chopped onions,

and avocado ranch dressing.  Hold the crunchy corn strips please.

Umm… what’s a salad without the tofu?

Wrap Planet is more than happy to make any wrap selection into a bowl or modify any selection to tailor it's taste to your own preference.  Substitutions are encouraged.  It's obvious that their only wish is to make you a satisfied customer and encourage you to return soon.  Wrap Planet is by no means a gigantic conglomerate corporation ramming their limited choices down your stomach.  

It's the type of dining establishment that makes your selection to order and doesn't own a heat lamp.  Sure... It may take a few minutes for them to prepare your order but this is no price to pay for quality, freshness, taste and value.  Want crappy 'n fast?  Wrap Planet isn't for you.

Oh... It's a happy day indeed when I can continue to visit Wrap Planet and keep my hard earned nickels working in our local economy.  I'm supporting a locally owned establishment and getting tasty, healthy and value in return.  Am I a lucky 4-foot plastic bubble headed man or what?

Hi-dee hi-dee simply-rethink-your-menu-selections-when-dining-out-ho my friend!

Chucky's Confession Time - 15AUG2011

"I recently went to a new doctor and noticed he was located in something called the Professional Building.  I felt better right away."
  - George Carlin

Hello everyone!  Mondays are but Tuesdays (Monday #2), Wednesdays (Monday #3) and Thursdays (Monday #4)... deal with it.  They shall be what you make of them.  Don't allow others to make your days for you.  A smile on a Monday is just as contagious as a smile on a Friday.

Yepperz ~ It's baseline time again.  When I woke this morning I honestly didn't feel as though I had lost but a pound or two.  I honestly haven't noticed a difference since losing my recent weight.  But, I do have so much to lose.

Here are the metrics that I am able to share with you. I am overly pleased with the results having done little to accomplish them.  22 pounds in 3 weeks isn't shabby, huh?

WEIGHT (newest to oldest)

• 8-15-2011, Dr X office visit - 322 pounds
• 8-8-2011, Dr X office visit - 330 pounds
• 8-2-2011, Dr Y office visit - 330 pounds
• 8-1-2011, Dr X office visit - 331 pounds
• 7-25-2011, Dr X office visit - 344 pounds
• 11-1-2010, home scale - 318.4 pounds

BLOOD PRESSURE (newest to oldest)

• 8-15-2011, Dr X office visit - 132/80 mm/Hg
• 8-15-2011, self-test blood pressure - 121/76 mm/Hg
• 8-8-2011, Dr X office visit - 136/78 mm/Hg
• 8-8-2011, self-test blood pressure - 120/70 mm/Hg
• 8-2-2011, Dr Y office visit - 122/84 mm/Hg
• 8-1-2011, self-test blood pressure - 125/75 mm/Hg
• 11-1-2010, self-test blood pressure - 123/79 mm/Hg

PULSE RATE (newest to oldest)

• 8-15-2011, self-test pulse rate = 74 pulse/minute
• 8-8-2011, self-test pulse rate = 79 pulse/minute
• 8-1-2011, self-test pulse rate = 76 pulses/minute
• 11-1-2010, self-test pulse rate = 74 pulses/minute

BLOOD GLUCOSE (newest to oldest)

• 8-15-2011, self-test Glucose (fasting) - 115 mg/dL
• 8-8-2011, self-test Glucose (fasting) - 117 mg/dL
• 8-1-2011, self-test Glucose (fasting) - 120 mg/dL
• 11-1-2010, self-test Glucose (fasting) - 114 mg/dL

So, what was different this week from the last?  To be honest, not much.  I did scale back on the lunch portions but haven't made any major sacrifices.  Tiffany and I are still visiting our regular establishment... Wrap Planet, Green Day Cafe, and Maitland Breakfast Club.  We're perhaps dining out less and temporarily foregoing the higher carb establishments like La Fiesta Mexican Restaurant and Firehouse Subs.

NOTE:  It is with much regret (but many happy memories) that I must report that Wrap Planet is now out of business.

We'll return to La Fiesta and Firehouse when we've "earned" the right to do so.  Additionally, we shall be dining more cognizant of what we're eating when we return.  But, all in all I am not making any major sacrifices.  Simply making better food choices and holding back on the carbohydrates.

'Tis truly a wonderful life!  Losing weight while eating scrumptious healthy and wholesome foods.  I've never felt better, physically and mentally. What else can a 4-foot tall plastic bubble headed doll ask for?

Hi-dee hi-dee the-weight-loss-has-but-only-just-begun-ho my friend

Subway Breakfast of Champions

"A champion is afraid of losing.  Everyone else is afraid of winning."

 - Billie Jean King

Greeting folks!  May you and those around you experience a most wonderful day.

I thought that I would share the single substantive meal per day that Tiffany and I have been having.  Due to a temporary scheduling requirement, we find ourselves getting up before the sun rises each morning.  There is a task that I must accomplish prior to work every morning that should last about four more weeks or so.  I won't go into specifics at this time as to the nature of this task but we rise earlier than normal and have very long days.

We've found a convenient Subway restaurant location where the manager opens earlier than usual.  We get up early, get dressed and head onto the road earlier before most traffic.  Before my daily appointments we've got time to walk into Subway, order a breakfast sandwich, and sit to enjoy our meal.  Afterwards we head right up the road to take care of "pre-work" business.  

It's not the perfect solution but it's relatively healthy and it works to our temporary schedules.  We call it our substantive meal because lunch and dinner are intentionally kept light.  We accept the bread at breakfast but avoid it during the remainder of the day.  Lunch is typically 100% vegetable based and we try to do a pulp juice as dinner.  Everything is ordered with reduced calories and minimally processed ingredients in mind.

So... here 'tis.  The magic of a modified Subway breakfast sandwich!

6" whole wheat roll, egg white, bell pepper, onion,

spinach, tomato, jalapeno pepper & banana pepper.

No meat, no cheese, and no condiments please.

Bring your own hot sauce, diced fresh jalapeno pepper,

grilled sliced tofu, and vegan blue cheese.

Mmm... who's the sandwich artist here?

Variation?  You want variation?  Well...  we've got variation!  These past two days we've substituted black olive for the jalapeno & banana pepper slices.  Hey... You only live once.  Live healthy and live dangerously.  Uh... Er... Something like that.

If my ciphering serves me correctly, we're talking approximately 320-calories (280- for the sub and another 40- for the tofu plus vegan cheese).  Again, this is the largest meal of our day.  For example, the other day was miso soup and salad for lunch.  No dressing except hummus and hot sauce as condiment.

We're talking healthy here people.  Just wait until Monday's weigh-in.  Crap!  I said that last week too, right?  Wasn't that 1-pound hard-earned weight loss?  I suppose that the proof is in the scale and we'll see how I am doing on Monday.

I just wanted to share that I can do Subway on a relative regular basis and still maintain the plan.  It's a little bit of give 'n take.  I take Subway for breakfast but give up calories later from lunch and dinner.

Hi-dee hi-dee don't-discount-your-dining-out-choices-ho my friend.

It's Time for a Healthy Lunch

"I never drink coffee at lunch.  I find it keeps me awake for the afternoon."

 - Ronald Reagan

Hello there!  Yes... It's me again.  Thought that I would simply go away huh?  Well... I haven't.  I might be wasting away but, trust me... I'm not going away.

What has Tiffany been packing away in my lunch bucket now that I spent an entire week for a net 1 pound weight loss?   What's different since this past Monday's wake up call?  Most certainly are the items in my lunch.  Truthfully speaking, my lunches weren't horrible and were certainly packed more nutritious than the average person's.  But, again with the truth ~ The past wasn't working.

So I thought I'd share my lunch with you.  Uh... er... share the pictures perhaps?

Tomato, Onion, Cabbage & Asparagus Soup

Chucky's quinoa stuffed mushrooms, smoked eggplant, & grilled asparagus.

Bottom line?  Besides very, very few calories there is lots of delicious taste.  I did not use any oils, fats or butters to make any of this items.  Either nothing or a spritz of non-stick cooking oil.  I grilled the mushrooms and asparagus.  I smoked the eggplant using pecan shells as smoke fodder.

Umm… My mind is recollecting the most wonderful tastes when I shook some low sodium soy sauce onto my heated veggies.  My office mates came running into my office at lunchtime believing I had heated kielbasa sausage in the microwave!  <hehe> 

I don’t see how I can’t lose my weight making these type of choices.  Who says that ne’er delicious and nutritious shall cross paths?  If you find someone preaching this culinary blasphemy, send ‘em my way! 

Hi-dee hi-dee what-a-wonderful-lunch-bucket-ho my friend.