Package Deal

YJDKIY told you to switch on Google Reader! I've been busying myself elsewhere lately. But that doesn't mean dinner has suffered!

Even though I haven't made it to a grocery store in a couple of weeks, it's easy to make healthy fast dinners from the freezer. Trader Joe's breaded cod, at only 300 calories per (hearty!) serving, plus frozen green beans, and Annie's whole wheat organic shells & cheese make an excellent choice. Plus ketchup.

And speaking of red. Here's a hint on what I've been up to lately. More on that in a 11 days, but a big thank you to ingenious friend who found the perfect shoes for a foodie. :)

Tuna Casserole and a PSA

The previous switch to nayo was first tested with my tuna casserole redo.

Most tuna casseroles involve some unhealthy ingredients, and I've been trying to do a makeover for a healthier version.

I'm still working on it a bit, as the end result had good flavor, but was a little dry. Any suggestions?

Tuna Casserole Makeover
1/2 package no-yolk egg noodles
2 cans tuna (no sodium added)
5.3 oz plain oikos (maybe I just need to increase this amount)
1/2 c chopped sweet yellow onion
2 c chopped broccoli
1 c green peas (thawed if frozen)
1 egg/substitute
1 c grated cheddar
1/4 c breadcrumbs
garlic powder
celery seeds
kosher salt

Prepare noodles as directed. Combine all ingredients except 1/2 c cheddar and breadcrumbs. Mix  well and transfer to baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs and remaining cheddar. Bake at 375 for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and crispy.


Public Service Announcement
YJDKIY recommends switching to Google Reader or subscribing to the RSS because posts are going to be few and far between over the next few weeks!

Redo

Last week was a little crazy, but at least I get to recycle some meals that didn't happen!

SUNDAY: Tofu-Ricotta Stuffed Shells & Spinach, Broccoli 
MONDAY: Farmer's Market Quesadillas
TUESDAY:  Tangy Tempeh Kitchen Sink Salad
WEDNESDAY: Beet salad, Lemon-Baked Salmon, Roasted Potatoes
THURSDAY: TJ's veggie burger with spinach, avocado & green pepper

Come gather round people

Low and behold, Nayonaise (with it's clever name from Nasoya), just happened to be on sale, $1 off.

With imitation food products, I'm always concerned about not-real igredients. This one fares pretty well.  INGREDIENTS: Soymilk (Water, Organic Whole Soybeans), Sunflower and/or Soybean Oil, Cane Juice (dried), Vinegar, Salt, Mustard (Distilled Vinegar, Water, Mustard Seed, Salt, Turmeric, Paprika, Spice, Garlic Powder), Apple Cider Vinegar, Lemon Juice Concentrate, Guar Gum, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Alginate.

Egg free, cholesterol free, vegan, 35 calories. Upon popping the top, the smell was 100% mayo, but the texture left something to be desired. Neither really mattered though, because the taste was spot on! The times they are a changin!

Remembering This Week

This week, everyone is talking about what they were doing 10 years ago. We all remember and no one will ever forget. Do you remember what you were doing last year this weekend, though? I was hoofing it around Boston, one of my favorite long weekend getaways ever...decidedly better memories.

SUNDAY: Broccoli-Tuna Casserole
MONDAY: Tomato-Zucchini Bake
TUESDAY: Grilled Cheese, side salad
WEDNESDAY: Salads, baked tofu (other cooker)
THURSDAY: Farmer's Market Quesadillas
FRIDAY: Beet salad, Lemon-Baked Salmon, Roasted Potatoes
SATURDAY: on your own

Chicken & Bok Choy with Soba

THIS

turned out delicious. I may never fix chicken any other way.

Poach it for about 15 minutes in water/garlic powder/kosher salt/pepper. Let it cool and shred with a fork. Meanwhile, prepare (local!) baby bok choy, carrot matchsticks, and green onion. Toss with 1T tamari. Mix 2T tamari and 1/2 c prepared sweet & sour sauce. Saute greens until tender, add shredded chicken and sauce mix and simmer. Boil soba noodles according to directions, drain and mix all together.

And in other news...

TUESDAY: Pulled (organic) Chicken & Bok Choy
WEDNESDAY: Farfalle with Chard & White Beans
THURSDAY: Rainbow Veggie Wraps
FRIDAY: Stuffed Acord Squash
SATURDAY: Tomato Eggplant & Olive Pizza

that is all.

Local Undecided and PSA

Oikos. It has it's own tag over there in my word cloud of labels. It USED to mean the fantastically healthy breakfast made by a company I adore. If you've been to a grocery store recently, you may have noticed something odd in the "oikos" section.

via

There is a new game in town and as of yet (typical) YJDKIY is undecided on the verdict. Dannon, owned by the same parent company, Groupe Danone as Stonyfield (although Stonyfield has retained its own leadership), has launched a line of yogurt also called oikos. But not all oikoses are created the same.

1. Dannon oikos is not organic
2. Not all Dannon oikos is fat free

via

3. Dannon oikos is not quite as healthy with the protein, sugars or ingredients (there are a LOT of them and several I don't really want in my yogurt)
4. The packaging is similar and could be easily confused
5. There is an obvious marketing benefit for Dannon and they are embracing their Stonyfield rip-off, but I wonder how Stonyfield really feels about it, and is this just the beginning of more food conglomerate shinanigans?
6. Alternatively, Dannon oikos is still probably better for you than many, MANY, sugar filled, low protein yogurts, so it is good exposure at a lower price point.
7.  The key lime is HEAVENLY and I would rather eat it than ice cream, and I half the serving size for a treat.

screen shot via

8. This is exactly the crazy antics of the food business that get consumers in trouble when trying to make healthy choices. I have no doubt its all about the bottom line and I'm not sure I want to support that. Stonyfield's CE-yo always says, vote with your food dollars, afterall.
9. So what's a Oikos-proper loving girl to do?
10. Did I mention it's like dessert but slightly healthier? Clearly, more research is needed. 

PS: If you want to check it out and make the decision for yourself, visit this site: http://www.oikosyogurt.com/faq/