Stella's Kitchen Blog

Stella's Video Recipe Debut

2006-10-25T21:56:00.000-07:00

Hey friends, I haven't said anything about this, but I recently decided to send in an audition tape to the Food Network's America's Top Food Chef contest. It's an cooking-based "survival of the fittest" reality show. It turns out that three minutes ain't much time to show what you can do...and it's hard to figure out what you can actually cook in such a short time. It's also really strange to see yourself on camera.

There is so much I feel got left out but I had to call it quits and go with what I could do and just hope my application would speak to my intent. This isn't the final, final version, but close. (Hey Art H. from IOL, if you're watching, these savory pot-roast packets are an interpretation of the Wisconsin Pot Roast packets in Stella's Kitchen).

Make an online slideshow at onetruemedia.com

Outdoor Fitness Bootcamp

2006-09-28T21:03:00.000-07:00

My friend Bryan Schuler, owner of San Diego's popular outdoor fitness bootcamp program, has begun offering classes in even more locations. Head out to any location for a free session, and you'll see why these classes were featured in the San Diego Union Tribune. They are a fun, effective way to reshape your body!

A 4th of July Tribute

2006-07-04T00:32:00.000-07:00

This is a tribute to those serving our country this 4th of July. Click the title of the post to view it (I'm still learning how to host video files...bear with me!)

The Gift I Received Today

2006-06-15T05:59:00.000-07:00

The Gift I Received Today

Today is the first day of the rest of my life.
I have 24 hours to move forward, sit still, or take a step back.
I have one more time to rejoice in the divine opportunity to start over again.

I have one day to make a difference in the rest of my life,
impact the life of someone I love,
show genuine kindness to someone who will become a friend,
or anonymously provide to the person who will enjoy my fruits
without ever knowing my name.

I have enough time to make a positive decision, choice, or action
that will move me at least an inch closer in the right direction,
but not so much time that I don't have the grace to make a mistake.
I am human, I am not perfect,
I make errors in judgement and bad decisions.
Fortunately, this twenty-hours hours of time
doesn't have the power to crush my destiny.

There is no risk I can take in a single day,
no single mistake I can make,
that has the capability to destroy
the goodness God has purposed for my life before I even had a name.

I awoke with the gift of a new day in my hands.
With the next few hours, I can dream, hope, and imagine possibility,
and I can do something to make them real.
In the next few hours, I can embrace,
I can encourage, I can forgive,I can apologize,
I can love.

My life started all over when I woke up this morning,
and in my hands, I have the priceless gift of another chance.

- Stella Juarez, 6/2006

The Little Things

2006-04-08T19:58:00.000-07:00

I have been eagerly awaiting the Dave Matthews summer tour tix to go on sale. They went on sale this morning at 10 am and of course I was sitting there poised for it to turn 10 am with all kinds of computer windows open to see where I could get better tix....San Diego, Irvine, or Hollywood.

I am so amazed at how many THOUSANDS of seats are sold in mere SECONDS!! By just hitting keystrokes seconds apart in my little windows, I wound up with fairly crappy seats in Hollywood, okay third level ones in Irvine, but am now the proud purchaser of two center section, lower level, center of the row, unobstructed view seats for the San Diego show at the Coors Amphitheatre in Chula Vista (two tix were $146, though...remember when concerts were like $25 total?)!!!

I am taking my awesome son Isaiah, who is now old enough to really appreciate and remember the experience of listening great music under the stars. He was raised taking cheap road trips with just momma through the Grand Canyon, Utah, Arizona, Texas, Vegas, and yes, even to Mexico. We'd drive for hours on end and even when he was really little, his job was to "DJ" and change the CDs to what he thought matched the scenery or mood. If he got bored, he went in the cargo area of my SUV to play with a small toy from his self-packed little pack-pack (backpack) or read a book or nap or look at "moo cows". He knew it was hard for me to drive at night, so he'd try to stay up to change the CDs as long as he could. We would sleep in the cargo area at rest stops, truck stops, and sometimes on the side of the highway. If I seemed to sleep too long, he gently wake me "Mommy, it's time to get on the road again."

So odd, I never, ever, have to listen to Sesame Street tunes, Britney Spears or Barney crap in my car. I never heard "I'm bored!" "Are we there?" "Turn it down, mom!" or any of that busines. It would be just me and this little man, hitting the road for little cheap adventures when Momma needed to think and telling him if life ever got to him, to just get in the car and go for a long drive to listen to some good music and drive until he felt it was time to turn around and come back home...that if he needed money for gas, I'd give it to him. We'd be jammin' out to every kind of music you could think of, including Dave Matthews.

I hear good music and my heart sees these pictures...like a good movie...and I hear the soundtrack of my life with this little kid who has shaped and re-defined the last 10 years of my life again and again. I can think of nobody I'd rather go to this concert with than this little boy of mine.

New Recipe: Insalata Caprese

2006-03-05T00:33:00.000-08:00

The kiddo is asleep and I'm up burning the midnight oil tonight. I WILL finish the vegetable chapter tonight. Anyhoo, here's a recipe that I just finished typing in, I thought you'd like a flavor of what's coming soon.

Insalata Caprese
2 Servings

This salad will remind you of a similar Italian antipasti dish but you'll get to eat more of it because this version is much lower in calories.

Ingredients

4 oz mozzarella cheese (made from skim), cut into small chunks
4 roma tomatoes, sliced (or 1 medium tomato, diced)
1 large head romaine lettuce, washed & torn
1/2 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
Fresh ground pepper, to taste

Modifications: If you want to make this into a full meal, add a serving of sliced grilled chicken to the top of each salad.

Directions: Mix olive oil and balsamic vinegar together in small bowl and set aside. Arrange tomato slices across a bed of lettuce. Sprinkle basil and mozzarella over the top of the tomatoes. Drizzle with dressing and serve.

In Stella's Kitchen
Cooking with Fresh Herbs: Did you know fresh herbs release their flavors when they are cut? When using fresh herbs in a recipe, always cut them last and as close to serving time as possible.

Treading My Field of Dreams

2006-03-04T00:33:00.000-08:00

You know, I sometimes questions the amount of money, effort and time I have put into some things, but was thinking today how much I have never, ever, ever wished I'd done anything else from the years 1992-1997 than finish a BA. I wasn't born into a family that necessarily promoted or valued education, but something in me knew it must be pursued. Even when I was unwed and pregnant during my junior year at the University of Colorado and my family thought I should quit school for awhile. I'm so glad now I stuck it out.

I am not financially wealthy by any means, but I have a day job that I really love with great insurance and benefits and exciting people to work for that I couldn't have even applied for without a BA. I'm not always under the thumb of the boss because I am trusted to make decisions and take actions independently. I'll leave this job better connected than when I came to it and positioned for an even greater opportunity.

Am I any more intelligent than a person without an education? Not at all. Someone once said "the most valuable result of all education is the ability to make yourself do the thing you have to do, when it ought to be done, whether you like it or not." Maybe that's all I got out of it, not book knowledge, but the wisdom to research what needs to happen before I can get what I want and the disciplined tencity to hammer away at it a little bit every day.

My friend, dreams and goals are wonderful, but they mean nothing if your hands are in the clouds with your imagination. If you're treading a field of dreams, your eyes must be looking forward and your calloused hands must be on the plow.

If this practical understanding of how a harvest is yeilded is all I walked away with, then I am grateful for the doors that have been open to me and the freedom of choice that nobody can take away from me. I don't know what it is to have to depend on someone else to make sure I can take my kid to the orthodontist or buy good steak or brake pads. I've never had to stay with a man because I relied on his paycheck or health insurance. Oh, yes, it helps to get a little somethin' for child support, but if it never comes, I can still make it. I can quit a good job and move from Denver to California all by myself and have complete confidence that I'll get another good job when I get there. Getting some kind of higher educations doesn't make me any better, but it does make me free.

I did have to earn it, but my education is as much a part of my freedom in life as the gift of my faith. Education is your independence. Education gives you choices. And my sister, my brother, my friend, it's never too late to drop what you are doing and pursue your own freedom. For it is in that freedom that you are enable to pursue your personal greatness.

"Everything that is really great and inspiring is created by the individual who can labor in freedom." -- Albert Einstein

New recipe: Southwestern Chicken and Vegetable Stir-fry

2006-02-28T16:28:00.000-08:00

I've been laying low these days due to working a ton of hours at my day job and trying desperately at the end of my long days to get the new edition completed of Stella's Kitchen: Creative Cooking for Fun, Flavor, and a Lean, Strong Body. How I long for the day you can buy it as a printed book again (and you WILL buy it, won't ya?) Since nobody ever hears from me these days, I'm gonna have to show you love with a recipe from said upcoming cookbook that's so new I haven't even gotten the nutritional analysis back yet.... just take my word, it's easy to make and good for you!

Southwestern Chicken and Vegetable Stir-fry
4 Servings

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken, diced or cut into strips
1 cup frozen corn kernels
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
3 Anaheim green chili peppers, diced (or 1 small can diced green chilies)
1 small red or green bell pepper, diced
1 teaspoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
Salt and pepper to taste

Modifications:
Reduced carb version: Omit beans and corn, and substitute with 1 cup diced celery.

Vegetarian version: Substitute chiecken with 1 can drained pinto beans or 1 block of your favorite tofu.

Directions
In a medium nonstick skillet, heat oil. Add garlic and chicken and saut until chicken is cooked through. Add the onion, bell pepper, green chili peppers and continue to stir-fry for about 2 minutes (onions will become clear and translucent). Stir in corn and black beans and cook until entire mixture is hot. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve over mixed greens or brown rice.

Copyright 2006, Stella C. Juarez

Recipe for a Happy New Year

2005-12-31T11:44:00.000-08:00

Recipe for a Happy New Year

Take twelve whole months
Clean them thoroughly of all bitterness, hate, and jealousy.
Make them just as fresh and clean as possible.
Now cut each month into twenty-eight, thirty, or
Thirty-one different parts,
But don't make up the whole batch at once.

Prepare it one day at a time out of these ingredients.
Mix well into each day one part of faith,
One part of patience, one part of courage,
And one part of work.

Add to each day one part of hope,
Faithfulness, generosity, and kindness.
Blend with one part prayer, one part meditation,
And one good deed.

Season the whole with a dash of good spirits,
A sprinkle of fun, a pinch of play,
And a cupful of good humor.
Pour all of this into a vessel of love.

Cook thoroughly over radiant joy, garnish with a smile,
And serve with quietness, unselfishness, and cheerfulness.

You're bound to have a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

THE ART OF USING A FRENCH PRESS

2005-12-17T09:01:00.000-08:00

I'm an easy-going and down to earth person....except for my morning cup of coffee. I really don't even want to talk to anybody until after I have had that first quiet block of time in the morning when my mind isn't full of all the things I need to get done. Well, when I got the electric bean grinder with grind and serving settings and all I had to do was hit a button to grind the perfect amount & grind of coffee, I thought I had it made. Just this morning I discovered coffee from a french press. It's so wonderful I think I will retire my coffee maker. If you've got one sitting around in your kitchen cabinets, get it out and try it.

Dole Salad Packages Recalled for E-coli

2005-10-03T10:27:00.000-07:00

To all my pre-packaged salad eating friends, Dole has recalled certain packages of their pre-packaged salad mixes that were distributed nationwide. Please check the label on your salad at home!

While you do that, think about buying your own leafy lettuce heads. It is much cheaper and a lot easier to keep fresh than you might think. Here's a few tips from yours truly on how to keep lettuce fresh.

Hold On, America - A Hurricane Survivor Tribute

2005-09-12T15:44:00.000-07:00

I had a lot on my heart this weekend with the anniversary of 9/11 and continued feelings about the hurricane. I decided to do something with the grief in my heart as I was listening to an CD of mine. Anyway, just thought I'd share a pictorial slide tribute I put together to some music for Hurricane Katrina survivors.

Hold On, America - A Hurricane Survivor Tribute

40 Tons of Rotten Chicken

2005-09-02T10:14:00.000-07:00

I am broken hearted and absolutely heartsick inside by what is happening to all of the people in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and in all the places these people are being evacuated to in Texas and elsewhere.

The Little Things
I'm one of those people who remembers the importance of doing the "little things" and so when it comes to something like this, I imagine everything so vividly, right down to the smell of rotting chicken and just how big and heavy an unchanged wet diaper can be before it finally splits apart. I imagine the cost of the buildings down to each nail and the labor of love it took to build & maintain homes. Lost family photos and baby teeth, drowned family pets, wedding rings never again to be seen. Historical landmarks and artifacts gone forever.....

Our Families
I imagine men trying to be strong for their families when they have no answers. I imagine the long term consequence and magnitude of recovery from this. Knowing the vulnerabilities and challenges of single motherhood myself, I think of all the single parent families there now, like the 18 project women who couldn't fit on a boat and gave their kids to one man to take care of while they waited for help. I imagine the kind of conversations mothers might be having with their children trying to explain this and comfort the thirst...how? Lost husbands, wives, and even little-kid lives.

Our Leaders
I feel the weight leadership carries on its shoulders, the tiredness of the police, firefighters, doctors, nurses, guardsmen, and volunteer aid workers and wish that I could give them my relatively unburdened shoulders. I want to give my fresh heart so their stores of compassion can stay full and they have an endless grace of patience. I want to give the right mix of words of strength, comfort, and directive action to those in positions of authority who are under the microscope of the world's eyes.

Our Tragedy
If you have ever been without food, perhaps fasted for a day or few days, or seriously dieted, then you know the tricks hunger alone can play with your mind. Add to this thirst, heat, humidity, stench, the feeling of losing a home, loved ones, seeing people die, knowing you have no job, having no answers... extrapolate these details out into a big picture of this tragedy and it just tears you to imagine what so many endure and will have to continue to endure until they can be replenished.

Our Friends
I am thinking of the many I know are from the area, most particularly wonderful and kind-hearted friend Vince McConnell of ET Fitness. I've got the feeling in my heart you are okay, but I am picturing you and your brother Mitch out there, tirelessly assisting others ignoring the crushing weight of your compassionate heart. You are in my prayers brother, Vince.

Our Nation, Our Prayers
All cities of the south, all affected people of the south, all leaders, soldiers, and relief workers, Mr. President, and our dear country of America, you are in our minds, our swollen hearts, our constant state of prayer.

DONATE TO THE RED CROSS

Store Wars - Revenge of the Organic Vegetables

2005-06-05T11:14:00.000-07:00

This is a cute video about an important topic to many people- organic produce. Even if you aren't concerned with eating organic food, you'll enjoy the
funny take on Star Wars.

Fitness Bootcamp -San Diego

2005-06-01T22:20:00.000-07:00

SAN DIEGO FITNESS BOOTCAMP DETAILS
I just thought I'd let my San Diego friends know about a great fitness bootcamp here in San Diego run by Bryan Schuler, BS, NASM-CPT, NSCA of Wired Fitness. Wired Fitness offers outdoor fitness "bootcamps"

If you haven't tried working out in the fresh air, think about Wired Fitness' bootcamps. Don't worry if you are out of shape or "too old"- the instructors are experienced with all levels and have created a fun environment that will allow you to challenge yourself at your own pace.

Wired Fitness Outdoor Fitness Classes Scheduled for Summer 2005 include:

CARMEL VALLEY
Carmel Valley Community Park
3777 Townsgate Drive
San Diego, CA 92130

Monday/Wednesday/Friday
6:00 – 7:00 AM

MISSION BAY PARK - (Starting Soon!!)
Blue Gazebo to the “Left” of the
Visitor Center on Mission Bay Drive

Monday/Wednesday/Friday
6:00 – 7:00 AM
7:30 – 8:30 AM
8:30 – 9:30 AM
Possible Mid-day Class
5:00 – 6:00 PM
6:00 – 7:00 PM

Tuesday/Thursday
(Classes are 45 Minutes)
7:15 – 8:00 PM

Saturday
9:00 – 10:00 AM

BALBOA PARK

Tuesday/Thursday
(Classes are 45 Minutes)
7:00 – 7:45 AM
6:00 – 6:45 PM

Saturday
8:00 – 8:45 AM

IF INTERESTED, Please contact Bryan at bryan@wiredfitness.com for more details. Be sure to let him know I sent you.

Weight Watchers recipe cards, circa 1974

2005-05-30T09:11:00.000-07:00

Weight Watchers recipe cards, circa 1974

These are real recipe cards from the the 1970's. If you've ever been on any kind of weight loss program, you'll get a laugh out of looking at these (and be glad that we know a lot more about food than back then).

A Mother's Day Tribute to My Parents

2005-05-07T14:13:00.000-07:00

Thank you, brave and crazy refuge, mother, for showing me how to live strong for my family and teaching me to hang on with my teeth if I ever need to. You loved all six of us kids equally in every one of our circumstances. The freedom and grace of your unconditional love freed my spirit to explore the bounds of both its human darkness and heavenly righteousness with equal passion.

Thank you humble, fearless, and steadfast father for whatever it took of you to be so widely known as a man of your word. I have never once seen life break you. You are a real man with an altruistic, unselfish heart that showed me how living right is one of the best ways you can love your kids. Your silent sacrifices taught me to protect and put the needs of my family ahead of my own. It has been my heart's challenge to find a man I trust and respect as much as I do you.

Thank you both for the bottomless well of love that's quenched my thirst as I've galloped unbridled in a field of stars, even as the hooves of a sweet wobbly colt joined my single stallion's stride. Thank you for showing me how loving without measure can overcome a life without treasure.

Thank you for teaching me that faith in God and personal integrity are more important than the breath it takes to declare struggles and other people your enemies. It is some strange, imperfect mix of you both that makes me a happy mother today.

Love,
Your Little Lucky Charm (Estella)

Note: The audio for this post has been disabled

"Daughters"

I know a girl
She puts the color inside of my world
and she's just like a maze
Where all of the walls all continually change
And I've done all I can
To stand on the steps with my heart in my hand
Now I'm starting to see
Maybe it's got nothing to do with me

Fathers be good to your daughters
Daughters will love like you do
Girls become lovers who turn into mothers
So mothers be good to your daughters, too

Ooh, you see that skin
It's the same she's been standing in
Since the day she saw him walking away
Now she's left cleaning up the mess he made

So fathers be good to your daughters
Daughters will love like you do
Girls become lovers who turn into mothers
So mothers be good to your daughters, too

Boys you can break
You find out how much they can take
Boys will be strong and boys soldier on
But boys would be gone without warmth
from a woman's good, good heart

On behalf of every man, looking out for every girl
You are the god and the weight of her world
So fathers be good to your daughters
Daughters will love like you do

Girls become lovers who turn into mothers
So mothers be good to your daughters, too
So mothers be good to your daughters, too
So mothers be good to your daughters, too

Cinco de Mayo - Low Fat Mexican recipes

2005-05-04T02:23:00.000-07:00

Cinco de Mayo - Low Fat Mexican recipes

The most popular Mexican food entrees have a well-deserved reputation for being both delicious and fattening. Here's some good alternative choices for the next time you have a craving.

Top 10 Food Trends

2005-04-16T22:38:00.000-07:00

According to the Institute of Food Technologists , most of the Top 10 food trends that are changing globally are driven by concerns for better health.

Top 10 Food Trends:

1. Quick Fix – Time to prepare food is still at a minimum, so a limited number of side dishes are prepared with entrees and ease of preparation is a major factor in eating at home.

2. Drive-and-Go – Takeout service at full service restaurants is growing, and the combination of stress with a sense of entitlement is leading consumers’ drive for more upscale foods.

3. Inherently Healthy – More people are eating more fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts and yogurts.

4. Fancy – The premium foods market is projected to grow to nearly $100 billion before 2010. Wine and liqueurs are finding their way into crackers and drinks, and products for cocktails are hot.

5. Farm-Friendly – Foods deemed to be closer to the farm are capturing consumers’ dollars.

6. Layered Flavors – Layering flavors is sending sales of food such as cheeses, condiments and ethnic foods soaring. Exotic fruit flavors such as starfruit, dragonfruit and Kaffir lime continue to grow.

7. Grazing – Seven million vending machines are in the U.S. with 100 million daily customers and more healthy fare to choose from. The low-carb snack category is falling, but smaller portion sizes are gaining and gourmet snack selections are strong. Health-oriented fun kid snacks will be well received.

8. Low-, No- and Reduced – With low-carb interest waning, consumers are returning to watching their fat and calorie intake. Low-fat tops the many health claims consumers now seek out.

9. Do-It-Yourself Doctoring – Shoppers are trying to manage or treat conditions through diet. Whey peptides are playing a role in Europe in beverages formulated to reduce blood pressure. IFT’s new Functional Foods Expert Report details the promise bioactive components in new products can have on health. (See www.ift.org/ExpertReport.)

10. Global Gangbusters – Convenience and ready-meals are accelerating worldwide. Fresh, chilled, ready-to-eat products are emerging domestically and dominate the United Kingdom, commanding 25% of the food market, excluding beverages. More flexible packaging (e.g. pouches) is appearing. A majority of Southeast Asians eat take-out at least once a week, even more than Americans.

Source: The Institute of Food Technologists, http://www.ift.org

Top Online Specialty Foods Sites

2005-04-04T05:47:00.000-07:00

Lacking variety at your local natural foods store? These online sites provide all kinds of foods and baking ingredients for individuals who require gluten-free/wheat-free, casein-free, or dairy-free diets, or who have multiple food allergies.

Spicy Tuna Burger Recipe

2005-03-05T19:42:00.000-08:00

Isaiah's Spicy Tuna Burger Recipe My nine year old son made his first tuna burgers this week. Awwww. He's also a good helper when it comes to grocery shopping!

Listen to my AudioBlog!

2005-01-31T01:50:00.000-08:00

Stella's Kitchen - Revision in the Works

2005-01-16T04:20:00.000-08:00

I'm here in San Diego and getting settled. The weather is beautiful but don't think for one second I am out on the beach looking for seashells everyday. I've been busy! As you may know, the first print of Stella's Kitchen sold much quicker than expected, thanks to all of you who recommended it to friends! Rather than just run a quick second print, I decided to expand the cookbook and make it twice the size as well as invite a few of my favorite fitness authors and athlete's to contribute a recipe for a special "guest" section. Your patience while it gets completed is appreciated.

You can buy the Stella's Kitchen E-book from Amazon for only $14.95:

Or, you can download a copy of the free 32-page sampler. Just click here and scroll to the bottom of the page for the download link.

California Dreamin'

2004-10-14T20:31:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I've checked in. I've been traveling a lot and was recently in the Big Apple for an Iron Online community get-together. Dave Draper and Dr. Ken Leistner hosted a great training seminar at the Mid-City Gym in Manhattan. Mike Katz was a surprise guest. Still has quite a barrel of a chest.

Anyway.... I'm MOVING to San Diego, California in just a couple of weeks. I'm so excited. I also found a jewel of a gym in Point Loma. It is a newly remodeled Gold's with every possible feature and peice of equipment you could imagine. They even have an outdoor free weight and hammer strength machine area. I am thrilled at the idea of training in the open air and living close to the beach. This will be the beginning of something awesome for me so stay tuned!

2004-08-27T15:55:00.000-07:00

CHICKEN RECALL Those of you who are regular consumers of chicken breast meat should know that ConAgra foods has just issued a Class 1 recall of 85,600 pounds of cooked chicken breast and breaded chicken patties. Although no injuried have been reported, the meat, packaged on July 20,21, and 27, is believed to contain pieces of metal.

2004-05-22T06:54:00.000-07:00

Guide to Grilling
Here's a little grilling guide for my friends who are still learning to use a barbeque grill. Mmm, nothing like chargrilled taste of meat....

2004-05-17T21:23:00.000-07:00

Do Men or Women Eat Healthier? Interesting article comparing the eating habits of men and women.

2004-03-09T22:22:00.000-08:00

It's Time to Examine Salmon! Spring is springing for me and I'm finding my palate craving stuff that is good but good for me. Have you tried the recipe for Teriyaki Salmon from my cookbook? If you haven;t or the thought of buying and cooking fresh fish seems a little scary, I'd encourage you to read this brief article. As an old wise woman once told me, the only thing sexier than a great cook is a great cook who knows enough about what she's doing to pass the gift on to others.

2004-02-16T10:09:00.000-08:00

Controversy over Dr. Atkin�s Death: "

Very interesting article about the death of Dr. Atkins. I guess the crux of the argument hinges upon whether or not Atkins actually followed his own diet or not. We'll never know.

2004-02-08T07:38:00.000-08:00

Pemmican Did you ever sit in your elemntary school class and wonder what exactly "pemmican" was? I found a recipe for it online and was actually thinking about trying it (or some variation of it). Anybody ever eat anything like this?

2004-02-04T08:03:00.000-08:00

Dry Stir Fry Problems?

I got an email from someone saying that they loved the stir-fry recipes in the Stella's Kitchen cookbook but that sometimes they were kind of dry.

What to do?

First, cooking with lean meat will always present this "problem". You can do a number of things to overcome it. The first would be to add more low-sodium broth or soy sauce (closer to the end of cookin). I was very conservative in the suggested amounts for the recipes because many people are on low-sodium diets and I didn't want to exclude them. You can also add a few squeezes of lemon or just plain old water towards the end of cooking to "re-wet" the food. Further, and probably best, you can just add more high-water content vegetables like onions or bell peppers or tomatoes (for an Italian type of stir fry).

2004-01-28T22:00:00.000-08:00

Souper Bowl I'm not much for football...to be honest it's almost like watching one long, continuous football game year in and year out (with the exception of "costume" changes). However, the Super Bowl does give me the excuse to cook. Here's the recipe for Wild Bill's 15 Bean Texas Chili. Wild Bill is actually a friend of mine. Back in his competitive powerlifting years, his 3 lift total exceed 1,000 pounds.
Super Bowl Chili

2004-01-25T14:22:00.000-08:00

I know I haven't posted very often lately. I've been so busy with work, family, and otherwise broadening my horizons with activities outside of cooking and writing and working out. I kind of needed a break from anything to do with food, I think! After church, we went to Country Buffett. Now I remember why I don't go to buffetts! Way to hard to face all that temptation. I think I ate like 3 meals worth of food! Once in awhile I guess it's okay to do that but I'm uncomfortably stuffed and don't recommend it for anyone whose dieting right now...not even for a cheat day, lol.

2004-01-08T07:02:00.000-08:00

Bread Recipes as Like Ezekiel Bread
I am fasting for spiritul reasons and came across this site. The woman has a whole section on natural , nutritious recipes, including this one for a version of Ezekial Bread. I'm not sure if you've ever tried it, but the Ezekial Bread made by Food for Life is a flourless, live 7 -grain bread. It's pretty dense and hearty but a lot better than regular bread. Tastes better toasted. Anyway, if you don't want to buy it, you can try this recipe.

2004-01-01T21:04:00.000-08:00

What's Cookin Good Lookin?
Happy New Year everyone. I've been enjoying the holiday season so haven't been online much. I hope you can forgive me! I'm back strong for the new year and will have plenty of new stuff for 2004. I ran into this little website-- it has many homemade beauty treatment recipes I think will be fun to try.

2003-12-03T21:56:00.000-08:00

THE MEATRIX
Has anyone seen this? I love meat of course but this is a pretty creative way of getting a message across.

2003-11-23T14:34:00.000-08:00

Free Nutrition Guide & Workout/Meal Planning Worksheets I know it's right before the holidays and may seem useless to start cracking down on your diet, but I'm going to post this anyway. Now is the time to start thinking about what you're going to change and how you will change it and hold yourself accountable. These tools are courtesy of Lean System 7, just right-click on the tool you want to download. Oh, and take a peek at the recipes in the nutrition guide - they may seem familiar if you own a copy of Stella's Kitchen! Lean System 7 Resources

2003-11-18T21:52:00.000-08:00

Overcoming Emotional Urges to Eat With the holiday season approaching, most of our emotions, positive or negative, will find themselves magnified. Here's a great message board post on BestAbs.com by a guy I know practices what he preaches, Stephen Adele. ABSolute Success

2003-11-13T08:30:00.000-08:00

Turkey Time Take Advantage of Holiday Turkey Sales. This close to Thanksgiving, holiday meat sales abound. It's the perfect time to stock up on turkey breast. Here's how to buy, cook, and freeze your turkey breast to ensure you have plenty of lean protein on hand.

2003-11-09T23:53:00.000-08:00

Avoid Thanksgiving Disasters I'm from a huge family. This year, 14 of my aunts & uncles and their kids/spouses (from Dad's side) are all coming to Colorado for Thanksgiving. In my family, it's a little pretentious to visit & stay in a hotel so the sheer volume of food that will be cooked is scaring me- especially Thanksgiving dinner! I found this nice little planner for T-day. If you're going to be cooking, it's worth a read.MSN House & Home - Thanksgiving Planner

2003-11-07T15:39:00.000-08:00

Pay it Forward I beleive that kindness and giving always comes full circle. My friend Wendy, the Walking Guide at About.com, heard of my computer travails and decided to send me her old laptop. What a great person. Stop on by her great site and give her some page views, will ya? Looks like I'll be online next week sometime although the content is gone. Anyone who has sent unanswered "Ask Stella" email is free to submit them again.

2003-11-05T09:08:00.000-08:00

PC Probs
I'm so upset! I lost my PC to a power surge. I lost *SO* much content, email, everything. I feel sick about it. Due to some other things I need to take care of this month, I can't just go buy a complete new system (which is what I needed anyway. Would you believe I was working off a Pent 1 class with a 6 gig HD? ) Any site stuff will be delayed for awhile- I need to recreate the content I was building for November once I get back online. ;-(

2003-10-30T22:15:00.000-08:00

All Recipes | Just Freeze it!
Here are some great tips for freezing. Here are some freezer facts from me!

2003-10-30T09:59:00.000-08:00

Office Sabateurs My office is horrible. There were donuts yesterday. This morning there was more donuts, pistachios, & mini sweet peppers (?) ! Now they just put out trays upon trays of halloween cookies and it's only 10 am. Chocolate is involved, please send prayers. The cookies are looking at me with sad eyes and saying "but don't you want us?" I love chocolate!

Sending vibes of resistance to all of you in offices around America dealing with the same Halloween treats in your face over the next few days! Best thing to do is just avoid the lunch room until everything is gone (or nobody is watching- inwhich case have two of everything).

PS Does anyone need a jogging stroller? I have one up for sale on Ebay that I no longer need.

2003-10-27T22:15:00.000-08:00

Carb Scorecard Here's an super simplified explanation of what types of carbs are better for you than others. Depending on how creative I'm feeling, my carb of choice is usually just plain ole' oatmeal. It's so easy to make it in just the right amount at work that I eat it at least once a day. The best kind are McCann's Steel Cut Oats. They are pricey and take long to cook but a nice treat every few days. These are as close to unprocessed oats as you can buy and very hearty. Bob's Red Mill carries these in their product line too but they are cut smaller and I don't like them as much.

2003-10-19T22:11:00.000-07:00

Good News I heard from my publisher the other day that "Stella's Kitchen" was just awarded "Best Cookbook of 2003" by the San Francisco Bay Area Independent Publishers Association. It feels really good inside to see its existence spread basically by word of mouth endorsement/recommendation from people who like and USE the cookbook instead of finding it something that is better for a bookshelf. The most flattering thing possible would be for me to see it laying in someone's kitchen with worn pages that are kind of smudged with accidental ingredient mishaps.

2003-10-17T06:12:00.000-07:00

Need Your Tips I'm trying to build the Net's largest list of reader tips for sticking to your sticking to your diet and need your help. Send your tips to me and I'll publish them on the site. Thanks!

2003-10-13T00:41:00.000-07:00

Nothing In Particular I had my first good morning workout on Friday. I'm going to keep sticking with it as I know over time I'll be used to it. The time with my family and friends or just relaxing in the evening is going to be*SO* worth it- invaluable, really. Speaking of which, I am going through a tremendous phase of personal/spiritual growth right now and realizing so much about who and what really truly matters to me, like family. This was one reason for the early am workouts. I had a really good time with my family today and *feel* everything going in the right direction. I think a lot of time we let life overtake us and leave family in our back pocket
even when they are what matters the most to us.

2003-10-09T22:26:00.000-07:00

Freaky Finger Foods - Help! Everyone is already bringing candy into work. I founs some cute "healtheir" Halloween party alternatives and thought you might like them. I like the "Acrid Appetizer", I think I'll make one for my son's school party.
~Stella

PS Trying to move into a regular AM workout schedule is killing me. Lacking in intensity, please send me vibes while I re-orient my day to begin at 4:30 am instead of 7. I get the feeling this will be my challenge of the month training-wise.

2003-10-01T08:49:00.000-07:00

A Peek into the Worldwide Pantry For those of you with a more discriminating taste or blessed with adventurous taste buds will enjoy this ingredient/spice chart. Not every single thing can be eaten in mass quantities but it gives you a good idea on how to put an ethnic spin on your food.

2003-09-27T15:38:00.000-07:00

What's Cookin? There is a great new cookbook out called Fitness Menus that you'll enjoy. It's just been published so for a limited time it's available at a discount price of only $15. Inside is a nice variety of healthy recipes from top fitness professionals including Don Lemmon, Lori Ann Lloyd, Jenny Lynn, Raye Hollitt ("Zap" from American Gladiators). I also have several selections included. Let me know how you like it.

2003-09-23T00:05:00.000-07:00

Clean Plate Club Here's an interesting article on the origins of the Clean Plate Club

2003-09-22T15:21:00.000-07:00

Go Broncos Well, for once I am going to do something besides go to the gym on a Monday night. I'm usually not much of a sports fan but I'm expanding my horizons. My sister said I'm in for an experience watching us play Oakland. That's what I tried to tell her about squatting but she quit after two reps because it hurt. I meant to train this morning but didn't wake up in time so now I have to go tonight. ;-( Planning is such an important part of staying on a fitness plan-I've known I was going to this game and should have planned better.

Speaking of expanding horizons, I learned to ski last year and this is the first year I can't wait for the snow. I'm going to get a pass for me and my son and go at least every other week.

2003-09-20T08:00:00.000-07:00

Extra Fun I'm helping my sister move today and strangely, am looking forward to the feeling of big heavy things. It's always kind of cool to see being a regular lifter pay off and hold your own with TVs, boxes, and helping your brother lift up a couch or solid wood armoire. I love not being a wimp. I'm going to wear my pink Super Girl shirt. ;-)

Had a great weekend breakfast. 3 eggwhites with a little of my son's leftover chicken fajitas mixed in and oatmeal with strawberry-banana crystal light mixed in (don't knock it till you try it!). Now I'm off for my vice- a venti American with sugar-free vanilla from Starbucks. I love coffee!

2003-09-17T16:52:00.000-07:00

Test of Will, Matter of Choice My family is meeting at Amici's for my brother's birthday tonight. They make the BEST pizza in the world and do not serve anything healthy. Since I'm leaving from work, I'm just bringing some cooked oatmeal mixed with vanilla protein. I admit this will be hard because I'm having one of those days when I feel hungry even right after eating and of course, it's my favorite place. But I still have to train tonight- legs at that and no way can I do it after pizza. I suppose I'll quit hanging a lip here and go cook my oatmeal. I can have pizza on Sunday.

2003-09-16T19:43:00.000-07:00

The Kitchen News I've got a new edition of the Stella's Kitchen newsletter up (finally- thanks for your patience). The online version isn't as snazzy as the one that comes in your email, especially if your use html-enabled email software so be sure and subscribe yourself (plus it makes me feel better about paying the monthly charge to constant contact for a nice looking newsletter).

2003-09-08T22:31:00.000-07:00

TV + Soda = Obese Kids My friend Rick, the Guide for About.com's Nutrition site has a word or two that I think all parents should read.

2003-09-04T04:36:00.000-07:00

Football Chili The football season is upon us so round up the posse for some football and some steamin' hot 5-alarm Texas chili from Stella's Kitchen. High Protein, High Fiber, High Flavor, Hot- what else would you expect from me?! ~Stella

2003-09-03T06:52:00.000-07:00

No Bad Apples Okay, don't go baking an apple pie on me or anything but since it's harvest time, here's a good FAQ on picking the best apples. I did check out some of the recipes listed here. The Apple Stuffed chicken breast is okay as is although you could be extra carefull and sub oatmeal (dry) for the tablespoon of breadcrumbs. If you use the applesauce recipe, drop the cup of sugar of course. You could replace it with an equivalent amount of Splenda although I would think about cutting back on even that. If you use good apples and throw in some cinnamon, I think you'll find you don't need to add a lot of sugar to that which nature has already made sweet. The Apple Walnut salad would be great for a special occasion with a little modification. Reduce the amount of walnuts by 1/2. On the vinaigrette, omit the sugar, increase the balsamic vinegar to 2/3 cup, and use 1/3 c. olive oil instead of the 1 cup of vegetable oil. You'll really only need to lightly drizzle the salad- the flavor of this will go a long way with this modification. You may not even use it all. ~ Stella

2003-08-31T16:08:00.000-07:00

Girl Power Over on my About site, I maintain a special section of resources on motivation so I'm always looking for good sites devoted to inspiration. I ran into a good one that's just getting started called Inspirational Woman that's for women who would like to share their hopes, dreams, successes, and struggles related to reaching their highest potential in life, be it physical, spiritual, financial, or in personal relationships.

2003-08-27T16:53:00.000-07:00

Rip van Winkle Did I miss anything exciting in the last day? I woke up this morning completely, 100% exhausted and decided I'd better take the day off work to refocus and recharge. I went back to bed and didn't wake up until this evening! I just went to Starbucks for a venti Americano and was thinking I might go to cardio but I actually want to go back to bed. Making myself read this article to remind myself that I really need to get on a tighter sleeping schedule, regardless of my creative pursuits or training.

2003-08-23T08:31:00.000-07:00

Up for Fun I woke up super early and excited to train. A friend and I were talking last night about how hard it is to find someone who "gets" the gym thing. I don't know if I could find a person to understand days like today. I feel like a long, sweaty, extended workout. I'm headed to the gym all bundled up now in an extra shirt and pullover. I recently discovered I have awesome workouts if I warm fairly intensely for 15-20 minutes first. I'm getting back on my normal saturday/tuesday leg day groove so it's leg day again and I don't want to look pretty when I'm done. My calves are completely tender from Weds still so I may skip those but I am bringing an extra set of gym clothes for whenever I soak through the first set. I've never done this before and don't know what I'm in for- I just feel like going to the outer limits of my physical capabilities today and enduring something significantly uncomfortable.

Sorry- am I supposed to be talking about food & give you recipes? I've had 1/2 can of tuna this morning with balsamic vinegar & 2 cups of coffee....

2003-08-22T04:56:00.000-07:00

100 Reps I'm up early for cardio. Trying to gradually shift my day to start earlier so I can train at least a few mornings a week. I'm a night owl, big time. My calves are in agony. A bunch of people I know from the Iron Online yahoogroup decided to throw in 100 reppers to our workouts. On Wednesday, I did my regular workout, then tacked on a 100 rep set of squats and two 100 rep sets of standing calf raises. My intent was one of each but I got all crazy and pushed myself to do the 2nd set on the calf raises. I could barely even walk yesterday, LOL. If it sounds like an interesting proposition, You can read what I had to say about the benefits of a 100 rep set here: Yahoo! Groups : IronOnline Messages : Message 88240 of 88346 ">Why You Should Do a 100 Rep Set

2003-08-18T17:17:00.000-07:00

Neven the Terrible My 2x/wk trainer Neven was in Croatia for 3 wks so I've been on bit of a break from training. If you call free weights and non-stop heavier supersets a break anyway! He rang me on the cell to let me know doom awaits me. I'm both fearful and excited as I've reached a new level in my training and know it. The trust & confidence in myself feels really good. I can hardly wait to get to the gym and I think about it all day (more than food, lol).

2003-08-17T11:59:00.000-07:00

Lived a Little I took yesterday off from training. I've been under a lot of stress lately. I'm not blaming anyone- I get involved too many things and wind up not sleeping and therefore losing effectiveness and focus. I don't skip workouts but a lot of times I let personal errands (laundry etc) fall to the wayside and forget to go out and have fun.

I really needed a break so I spent the day dragging my son all over the place. I had my nails done, got a pedicure and then went shopping for stuff I *don't* need. After, we went to dinner and I cheated on my diet (Olive Garden, pasta...yum). Then I went to a friend's house to watch "Old School" (I love when Will Farrell runs to "the quad", lol) and drank 3 Malibu rum & cokes (I only drink 1-2x per year). I guess that qualifies for enough of a break!

I normally train legs on Satuday and Tuesday these days so this means I'm sitting here on a Sunday afternoon DREADING the impending torture that's waiting for me. I guess the fun & games is over...... time to go get my workout & cardio in, grocery shop, and pay some bills.

2003-08-17T07:46:00.000-07:00

Home Page Nav Problems Who would imagine that adding little arrows to my Stella's Kitchen navigation menu would screw up all my pages? The banner is pushing down over the nav links and all of the text is centering once it's live but not when I'm editing the file. Be patient, I'm getting them fixed one page at a time. One day, I'm just gonna have to pay someone to be my webmaster but I hate paying for things I can learn to do.

2003-08-16T08:07:00.000-07:00

Well, this is my very first blog. Let's see if I can get it to work!