Misery Self-inflicted misery but misery nonetheless. Why do we (women) do this to ourselves? It hurts to sit down, sit, stand up, walk, lay down, go downstairs. And no amount of Motrin, wine and hot tub soaks (simultaneous) are helping. It hurts to simply exist. Who's bright idea was it to run 4 mi on Sunday (after a roughly 8 month hiatus from running), go to a body sculpting and cycling class (consecutively) on Monday any way. Oh yeah, it was mine, dammit. As if I haven't learned my lesson, I will be heading to spin in about 45 minutes. Actually, I will be hobbling to the yellow bike of doom. Obviously, I am not that bright. 30-50 minutes of cardio 5-6 days a week and 2 days of weight training, 2 days of yoga and 1400 calories a day. If I don't lose 15 pounds by July, I am going to sue the fitness industry for spreading lies. That is only a pound a week. I think for the pain I am suffering, that is not too much to ask.

Last night was fun, there wasn't very many of us. Brooke and I went a little early. Becky, Eva and Jude came, and later on Melanie showed up. Brooke had to leave because Jack was a little grumpy, but it was good to see her and the little guy...he definitely loves attention! It was nice just to sit around and chat and knit. Becky taught me the awesome German Round toe technique...no Kitchner for me! So, hopefully Broadripple 1 will be finished today.

New Recipe Tuesday. It will be my goal to post a new recipe every Tuesday. I don't forsee this going very well

Spicy Eastern/African/Mediterranean style Chicken..with the usual commentary

1 pound chicken (I like to use boneless skinless thights..but use whatever cut you like) cut into bite sized pieces.
2 carrots, sliced
2 ribs of celery sliced
1 onion chopped
(for those that don't know, the aforementioned veggie combo is know in the culinary world as the Holy Trinity)
1 zuchinni - sliced
1 yellow squash - sliced
(or two of either- or none if you are a summer squash hater)
1 28 oz can chopped tomatoes in puree
1-2 cups broth (yummiest, Kitchen Basics or Pacific, if not homemade)
1 can garbanzo beans/chickpeas
half and half - can be omitted if you are a crazy dieter (see above) or lactose intolerant
tomato paste
fresh garlic - a few cloves minced. (or if you're lazy like me, buy it in the squezze bottles)
fresh ginger- a tablespoon or so minced (this also comes in the squeeze bottle)
cumin - a couple teaspoons, to taste
tumeric - teaspoon, to taste
paparika - I like the Hungarian stuff - to taste
cardamom - its strong, you don't need a lot
cayenne - a pinch
oregano - tablespoon or so
juice of 1/2 lemon
(yes I hoard spices the way I hoard needles)

Season chicken with S&P and chicken LIGHTLY in a tablespoon or so of olive oil. Remove from pan.
Add carrots, onion and celery, ginger and garlice. Saute until almost tender.
Return chicken to pan and add spices. Remember spices are to taste. Its easier to add than take away.
Add broth and tomatoes, simmer at least 30 minutes, or longer if you have time.
During last 20 minutes of cooking throw in squash and garbanzo beans, this will prevent mushiness. You may need to adjust seasoning, more garlic if you are a garlic junky, or more cayenne if you like heat. You will probably need more S&P.
If you find its to runny for your taste add a bit of tomto paste to thicken things up
When almost ready to serve, drizzle in a little half and half for a yummy creamy texture and the lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
Serve over basmati rice
YUM - all my leftover are GONE!  ¶ 8:47 AM