Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Baked Ziti


This is one of my all time favorite deployment meals because it makes A LOT of food and is pretty healthy too. I have tossed in spinach before for some added nutrients. I think I adapted this from a Weight Watchers recipe but I can't quite remember. 
Baked Ziti 
Serves 12

1 pound(s) uncooked whole wheat penne   
3/4 pound(s) part-skim ricotta cheese   
  Cooking Spray 
1/4 cup(s) grated Parmesan cheese
4 cup(s) store-bought marinara sauce
1/2 pound(s) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese   
Cooking Instructions
·         Preheat oven to 350ºF. Coat bottom and sides of a lasagna pan with cooking spray. 
·         Cook pasta according to package directions; rinse with cool water and drain.
·         While pasta is cooking, in a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, red pepper flakes, 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese and 1/3 cup marinara sauce. 
·         To assemble ziti, spoon 1/2 cup sauce on bottom of prepared pan; top with half of pasta in an even layer. Evenly spread pasta with ricotta mixture; cover with half of remaining sauce. Top with remaining pasta and spoon remaining sauce over top; sprinkle with mozzarella and remaining tablespoon Parmesan. Bake until cheese melts and is browned, about 20 to 30 minutes. Allow ziti to sit for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing into 12 pieces. Yields 1 piece per serving.

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Meal Plan 1/9-1/15

Monday
Breakfast: Oatmeal with raisins/Cereal
Lunch: Turkey Salad/Turkey Sandwich
Dinner: Pot Roast

Tuesday
Breakfast: Eggs and Turkey Bacon
Lunch: Pot Roast/Green Smoothie
Dinner: Tiliapia with rice and veggies

Wednesday
Breakfast: Oatmeal with raisins/Cereal
Lunch: Green Smoothie/PBJ
Dinner: Meatless Black bean Chili 

Thursday
Breakfast: Eggs and Turkey Bacon
Lunch: Turkey Salad/Turkey Sandwich
Dinner: Turkey Burgers with fruit

Friday
Breakfast: Oatmeal with raisins/Cereal
Lunch: Turkey Burgers/Green Smoothies
Dinner: Tacos

Saturday
Breakfast: Green Smoothie
Lunch: BLT with fruit
Dinner: Free night

Sunday
Breakfast: Eggs and Bacon
Lunch: Leftovers/Turkey Sandwich with fruit
Dinner: Tuna melts with fruit

Meatless Black Bean Chili

2 cans 15oz Black Beans
1 can 15oz Chili Beans
5-6 diced tomatoes (I use fresh you could use canned)
1 can stewed tomatoes (or you could use fresh)
2 bell peppers chopped
1 onion chopped
2 cloves garlic

Mix all ingredients in a crockpot and cook for about 8 hours on low heat.

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Goodbye 2011, Hello 2012

2012 is starting very much like 2011, with a deployment looming loudly in the background. I can't say I am relieved 2011 is over but I am glad we are moving into 2012 because I have some pretty exciting things to look forward to in the new year. Some of the things I am looking forward to in the new year include:

-Graduating with my Bachelors degree in Accounting.
-Fly fishing trip in Northern Wisconsin
-HOMECOMING! Yes with another deployment comes another homecoming which is the most amazing feeling ever.
-Finding a full time job.
-Growing my It Works! business.

I am looking forward to the upcoming year even though S will be gone for a good portion of the year I think we will have a good 2012. I don't really get into the whole resolution thing because I think we can make lifestyle changes, achieve goals, and all of that fun stuff anytime of year. Some of the things I plan to work on in 2012 include:

-Read the bible. Build my relationship with God.
-Find a church home and attend regularly.
-Continue my journey to eat clean.
-Reach my  goal weight.
-Be more organized.
-Get out of debt.
-Stay out of debt.
-Stick with blogging.

I hope you have an amazing and blessed 2012.

~Amy~