My workout was a little easier cause today I had something to look forward to. A sweet tasty reward awaited a few doors down from the gym. Coach http://www.mckeefitness.net/dmwp/ has been telling me all week about this awesome new smoothie at Simply Nutrition http://simplynutrition.co/. Peanut butter & Jelly. I have to admit that at first I was skeptical. I'm not the biggest fan of peanut butter although I do enjoy a scrumptious PB&J from time to time. His enthusiasm was intoxicating and let's face it...it's called TMcD vs. Food...did you think I would turn it down? Really?
Post workout I headed on over. I got the PB&J with strawberries for my "jelly". It got REAL, REAL. This shake is phenomenal. I was absolutely amazed. It literally tasted like the perfect combination of PB&J. The flavors were very well balanced. The best part of the entire shake was that it is GOOD FOR ME! Win. Win.
I decided with all of this good fortune and my rejuvenated mental state that I would make a fresh home cooked meal. I was in the mood for something Italian. I decided to make a little recipe that Canette and I stumbled upon in our quaint little Florentine apartment.
It was our last meal in Florence and the Nasty Niccolin's, as we referred to ourselves, decided to make it a good one. We ventured through the Italian grocery grabbing some chicken, spices, and the best potato pasta that I have ever had. To this day I dream of those little pasta bites.
Our little concoction is what I call Honey Glazed Italian Chicken.
Honey Glazed Italian Chicken
1 package of skinless drumsticks
1-3 oz of Honey
Pinch of Thyme
Pinch of Basil
Pinch of Rosemary
Salt and Pepper
Place chicken on a foil wrapped broiler pan and generously glaze chicken with honey. Lightly salt and pepper. Sprinkle a pinch of Thyme, Basil and Rosemary. Broil season side up for 15 minutes then turn over and broil an additional 20 minutes. Viola! Deliciousness :)
Before
After
As a side I traditionally make Basil Tomato Peppery Pasta (one day I will share the recipe). Tonight I went for quick and easy. I bought Mario Batali's Marinara Sauce. I like this sauce mainly because of the fresh ingredients, but also because it's light flavor. There are no additives and very low sugar. Most pasta sauces are loaded with sugar. Time permitting I make my own sauce, but this is great for a busy schedule.
With the sauce I made angel hair pasta. I love, love, love wheat pasta. I personally think it taste much better than traditional pasta. My favorite brand is Ronzoni. I have tried some of the other wheat pasta and this is the only one that makes the grade. Right now it's on sale at Publix...win, win. ;)
One thing that most people don't know about pasta is that traditionally in Italy it is served merely as a side and not as a main dish like we do in the States. Most of the time an Italian meal will last all night with many different courses. One of my favorite things about Italy is the amount of time that is devoted to sitting at a restaurant and enjoying a night out with company. Waiters don't come over at all. When you need something you simply call. Your focus is on the delicacies in front of you and the company you share. It is one of the most beautiful and relaxing customs about Italian culture. It's something I truly wish we had here in the States. But this is America and instead of sitting at a cafe across from the Duomo I plopped down on my coach and chowed down while watching an episode of the Middle.
All in all it was a day of deliciousness! I forgot how much I enjoy cooking. One day I will create my own little Italy. It will be a daily feast of healthy bountiful foods that my family, friends and I will enjoy. It will be a place of happiness, relaxation and love.
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