January | 2022 | Getting Fit in Massachusetts

Last week I was bored and wanted to do something different for dinner.

I’d been mailed a copy of the Satisfy cookbook to try out some recipes but time warped in the pandemic.

I knew what protein we had in the fridge, so I used the by protein index to find a chicken recipe that we had the ingredients for (well, nearly all).

Dinner for the evening would be Apricot Chicken!

We improvised a little with what ingredients we had but it was delicious!

Here’s while cooking:

The final product was delicious but if I were cooking for just me, I would have left out the pepper flakes. My taste buds are weird and don’t handle spice well.

I definitely will be trying out some more recipes with planning ahead so I have all the ingredients needed

Here’s some information on the cookbook and the author from her press release:

Nutritionist and culinary expert Mona Dolgov has the perfect holiday gift – a cookbook that has solved the longtime challenge of maintaining healthy eating habits and being gluten-free. Her newest cookbook, satisfy, does just this by focusing on plant-forward meals, gluten-free options, kitchen confidence, and more importantly, realistic portions. Finally, a cookbook that allows you to eat well and build healthy habits into 2022.

“It’s been an interesting year and many of us have either created healthy habits that are going to get tested by a return to old routines or are looking to get back into healthy habits we’ve neglected a bit,” Dolgov said. “My goal is to develop cookbooks with healthy, easy recipes that help you feel full and satisfied. That’s important. Behavioral research shows that if you feel like you’re sacrificing too much, or things are unrealistic, you’re not going to stick with and build those healthy habits. If you can learn some new and simple recipes, culinary tricks and nutritional swaps, you become empowered and excited to share with family and friends. You’ll feel great from the inside out. And those habits will stick.”

satisfy (978-0-578-71699-2, $29.99), is based on creating balanced meals from minimally processed ingredients that provide generous and satisfying portions. Each recipe is gluten-free and includes at least 2 cups of vegetables, making every meal nutrient dense while also staying under 500 calories. Recipes are quick and easy and can be prepared in less than 30 minutes. “I use a variety of spice blends, secret sauces, dressings and marinades in mindful portions that can provide a lot of variety, even with your own recipes,” Dolgov explains. To help reinforce the skills and techniques outlined in the book, Dolgov will also be teaching virtual cooking classes. You can find more information and sign up at her website, http://www.monadolgov.com.

Well, I certainly have a lot of great photos to choose from for this December 2021 photo blogging challenge: Holly Jolly.

First, some fun news. My new years eve Instagram of the Boston Harbor Ice Sculpture Stroll won me a “staycation package”

Here’s the winning post:

Instagram Boston Harbor Ice Sculpture Stroll

Now, on to the photo blogging challenge. Let’s start with a unique to us photos.

One of our friends goes all out for Christmas decorations & this year he made stairs so the Christmas Village is viewable from outside! (COVID surge related reasons)

So here’s my daughter looking in at the Christmas Village and the sign inviting anyone to come see. Huge thanks to the Blue family for inviting us over!

Continuing with the theme of both unique and due to wonderful friends – the animal adventures at the home of my friend from high school, Jenn.

Jenn has “Christmas Giraffes” for lawn decorations!!!

Inside only got better! Jenn’s practically got an aquarium in her home!

Now, that would normally be where I stop, because I put up 5 photos. I’m still rolling with the jolly though because gosh darn it – I need positive in this pandemic scary!

Here’s 2 from meeting Santa at the Cape Codder Hotel