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cookin' up a storm!



Nothing like plummeting temperatures, bleak skies, and snow flurries to get me in the mood to whip up some comfort food!  On this particular night, I was inspired by a tuna casserole recipe that one of my friends posted on 'that other social network'.  I adapted the ingredients a bit to accommodate my dietary restrictions, but you can feel free to use the full-fat, full-sodium versions of any of the ingredients.  I didn't measure anything, (I rarely do) so you'll just have to wing it on that front.  Here's what went into the dish:

2 cans tuna fish, drained
1/2 package whole wheat pasta spirals
3 egg whites, beaten
2 tablespoons of Smart Balance spread
grated pepper-jack cheese
diced tomatoes
fresh chopped parsley
chopped onion
fresh ground black pepper
salt, to taste (I didn't use any)

Cook the pasta according to package directions, drain.  Mix in all the other ingredients except for the eggs, and a couple handfuls of the cheese.  When the mixture has cooled slightly, incorporate the beaten egg.  Place in a greased dish, and top with the balance of the grated cheese.  Bake at 425 degrees for about 25 minutes (the cooking time will depend on your oven's mood that day).  Thanks for the recipe Frankie!  You rock!!!

AND.... as if that wasn't enough, I figured that while I had the oven going anyway (a very rare occurrence in my home), I might as well prepare some cauliflower and chickpeas, tossed with ground cumin, olive oil, lemon juice and minced parsley, and roasted for about 35 minutes.   To accompany the cauliflower, I put a couple of lamb leg steaks - seasoned with salt, lemon juice, minced garlic and rosemary - under the broiler and let them go for 2 minutes on each side for medium-rare.





We'll be enjoying the lamb and cauliflower tonight for dinner, and the tuna casserole will be consumed during the very busy week ahead.  It's great to have something tasty and relatively healthful to nibble on when holiday errands wreak havoc on your schedule.

And by the way, that lamb marrow - INSANE!!!!!

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