A Sneak Peak

First things first; THANK YOU to all who left such encouraging & caring comments on my last post!  I'm doing much better these days thanks to the physio & massage I've been doing.  Cranky muscles are no joke!

We've been on vacation the past week with one more week to go so I wanted to post a few photos of what we've been getting up to.  The weather has been terrific; only one day of rain so LOTS of outside time....

The kids have been sitting on their rumps while we've been at work so the first thing we tackled was a family hike.  At 13, Sarah been a bit of a challenge to get out, but once she was there she cheered up.  Teenagers!!

Inflatable water toys and cliff jumping at the quarry.  Notice me in clothes, not a bathing suit?  Yeah...water isn't my thing, however, I'm perfectly happy to play the role of photographer!  This place has been a favourite this summer.

And it wouldn't be summer without a trip to Canada's Wonderland!  Now, I wasn't able to go on most of the rides, but I did manage a few.  I've loved this place since I was a kid.  We'll be heading back sometime this week because we have season passes and they have a great water park that the kids love.

On Saturday we ventured in to Toronto to spend some time at the St. Lawrence Market.  As you'll see in the picture's below, there is SO MUCH great stuff at this market!

Just look at all that fabulous meat & produce!!!  I was in heaven, to be sure.  We came home with some bacon wrapped beef tenderloin, fresh snapper, sausages, peaches, kale, jam, Schwarma marinade and some of those fresh ravioli from the first picture.  They're stuffed with crab & ricotta, btw...

So there you have a sneak peek of vacation; week 1!  I shall be back....and not in 2 months!!!  LOL

Bye for now!!

What’s Been Going Down

Hello?  I wonder if anyone is still out there seeing as I’ve been gone so long!  I did want to pop in with a bit of an explanation for my absence.  Although I’ve still been reading blogs and trying to comment as much as possible, Krista’s Kraving’s has fallen by the wayside. :(  Since the end of May I’ve been struggling with some back/neck issues that have made me pretty uncomfortable.  Especially when sitting at the computer for long(er) periods of time.  When this first started I didn’t really know what was going on with me.   My arms were going numb, my upper legs were weak, I pretty much always felt off balance, almost passed out a few times and just going up the stairs was enough to exhaust me.  I ended up at the ER once scared out of my mind (which didn’t help any).   Needless to say, anxiety set in pretty bad.   After an MRI of my brain to check for lesions (which came back clear, AMEN!) and LOTS of blood work (which tested for things like Lupus, rheumatiod  arthritis, thyroid, Lyme Disease to name a few) we discovered that 1) my vitamin B12 was low and 2) the muscles in my back and neck were tight to the point of pretty much constant spasms.  The end of May into the first part of June was a really dark time for me mentally.  And to add to the stress, in the last 3 weeks of June we lost 3 friends and the saddest of all, my father in law.  It got to the point where too much was being piled on and I could feel myself hitting my breaking point.  In the last month or so, intense physio 2 times a week and ART (active release massage therapy) once a week have been a TREMENDOUS help and I finally feel like I’m coming back to myself.  For a while there it was all I could do to get through the day.  Never mind cooking, baking, blogging, etc!  I’m slowly getting back into my “normal” routine which feels SO good!  Although I’m restricted somewhat when it comes to activity, I’ve been walking a lot and this past week was able to tour around Canada’s Wonderland and the beach with the fam.  It really is amazing just how much our muscles control our bodies….and not just in movement.  I’ve learned that they can play a roll in causing anxiety, over active bladder, heart burn, jaw pain, racing heart and so much more.   Crazy stuff, I tell ya!

Anyways!  Sorry for the ramble….but at least now you know what I’ve been up to, right?  I also want to put out there that I do quite often update my Krista’s Kraving’s Facebook page.  I’d love to see you over on that side of the world, too!

Bye for now!

Paula Deen's Turkey & Black Bean Burgers

If you've been reading Krista's Kravings for a while you'll know that I hit the gym at the office each day on my lunch hour.  And although my fellow gym buddies think it's slightly odd to watch the Food Network while working out, it's my favourite kind of TV to watch!  I can't tell you how many dinner ideas have been born while watching Jamie, Giada, Rachael,Paula, etc.  So as it happened, last Monday before leaving for work I pulled some ground turkey out of the freezer for dinner.  I really had no idea what I was going to make with it, but figured inspiration would hit at some point through the day.  Off I went to the gym at lunch, hopped on the elliptical, turned the TV on and there's Paula and Bobby getting ready to make turkey & black bean burgers!  BAZINGA!  (As Sheldon would say)  Dinner was born.

I pretty much followed the recipe where the "main" ingredients are concerned.  I mashed 1/2 a can of kidney beans in a bowl then added the ground turkey, crushed tortilla chips and chili powder, oregano, S&P.  I divided the mixture into 4 even portions (these were pretty big so next time I'll make 6) and formed them into patties.  I actually let them rest, covered for about an hour, because I had to take Sarah to dance class.  I don't think this really makes a difference, though!  To prepare them I simply sprayed a pan was a light mist of EVOO and cooked them over low heat for 5-6 minutes a side.  I served mine up on toasted GF bread with marbled cheddar, tomato, lettuce and Dijon mustard.

These were GREAT!  Even picky Mr. Noah gobbled his up!  He made me laugh at one point when he noticed the beans.  He says "Hmmm potato!"  LOL  Whatever he thinks as long as he eats, I say!

So tell me, where do you get your dinner inspiration from?

Can I just say that as I gaze out the window at a dreary, windy day I SO wish I was back here??

Bye for now!!

Easiest Ever "Baked" Beans

Hi!  How was everyone's weekend?  Mine was busy yet FUN!  On Saturday Noah's soccer team was in a local tournament which had them competing in 2 games.  They tied & won respectively.  He also had a ball hockey game and a hockey try out.  At the end of the day, as I was running him a nice bath, he informed me that every bone in his body hurt.  I reminded him that we tried to talk him out of one of the hockey time slots but he insisted on playing.  He then looks at me all matter of fact and says that just because he is sore doesn't mean that he was complaining.  HA!  His soccer team also played a game Sunday morning but lost so they were put out of the tourney.  Bummer for the boys, but that meant I had the rest of the day to chill....as did he!  Here's a group shot of his team this year;

It was a crisp weekend but thankfully sunny and dry! 

Moving on now to the meaning behind the title.....A few months back I was watching Jamie Oliver on the Food Network was I was huffing it on the elliptical.  One of the side dishes he made was a simple, quick "baked" bean recipe.  I've made this many times since, especially when I'm in need of a change from rice/quinoa/mac n cheese (that last one is for the fam).  On Friday I finally remembered to get my camera out and photograph the process!  So; here's how I make it! (You can just click on the link to see the original....remember; this is NOT my recipe!)

1)  Saute 4 slices of bacon.  I normally use reduced salt bacon because that's what I buy for regular use....as in bacon & eggs.  Cook the bacon until it's just about crisp.  At this point it's up to you if you drain off the drippings or not.  Add 2 chopped tomatoes to the pan and stir it up...

I let this cook down for about 5 minutes before adding a 19oz can of white kidney beans, liquid and all.  I'm sure you could use whatever bean you'd like here.  Note that I'm not using the "butter beans" that Jamie uses...

Let simmer over low heat for 15-20 minutes.  The bean liquid will turn into a delicious thick & flavourful sauce.  This batch was paired with BBQ steak, but in my opinion, the beans stole the show!

You can see here how the sauce really thickens up quite a bit.  As far a spices go, I usually just add some pepper and chili powder, but it's easy enough to play around with the flavours you like.

One last thing; does anybody know what this is?  

I fell in love with the colour, bought 2, took them home and when Jason asked what they were I couldn't answer him because I just know know!  HELP!

And with that I am off!  Enjoy the week.....I'll try to pop back in with another post before the end of it.  :)

Bye for now!!

Things I'm Loving Lately

Hi!  Thought I'd pop in and do a post on a few things that I'm really into lately.  

This spinach & artichoke dip is highly addictive!  I could seriously eat it by the spoonful, but have kept things lady like using carrot sticks and corn tortilla chips as appropriate vessels.  :)  It's also amazing used as a sandwich spread!

I'm sure you can imagine how divine this coconut spread is melted over pancakes or waffles, right??  Oh, so good!  I've also used it in baking and to saute veggies.  It was a little on the expensive side, but totally worth it.

More coconut!  This is the BEST yogurt I've ever eaten.  Unfortunately, I'm not the only one who feels this way because it's becoming really hard to find!  It's a fruit on the bottom yogurt and is thicker than regular yogurt, but not quite a thick as Greek.  I could basically swim in a tub of this and be happy forever.  LOL

I found this Choo-It granola/oat mix at Home Sense and decided to give it a go.  It's chock full of almonds, raisins, coconut, berries, oats, quinoa flakes....texture, texture, texture!  You can eat it hot or cold, mixed into yogurt or by the handful.

Not sure why I've been into this lately, but I've been drinking the grapefruit flavoured Perrier like it's going out of style!!

On to non-food goodies....although I do stick to my beloved coconut here....I've fallen in love with this J.R. Watkins Coconut & Honey Hand & Body lotion.  It's rich, creamy and luxurious, yet doesn't leave a "sticky" feeling like some creams do.    I've only had this a few days and have been using it on my hands at night.  They're already soft!  The reason this cream has seen hand action only is because I'm still using my next favourite product on the rest of my body:

Palmer's Cocoa Butter!  I mean, who doesn't want to smell like chocolate??  Seriously, though...this product is the bomb body lotion.  

So there you have it!  What is your favourite item lately?  I should also note that I bought all these products on my own.  I'm not receiving any sort of bonus for talking about and linking to any of the above items...

Bye for now!!

Punta Cana!!!

Why hello!  We recently came back from our sunny vacation and I wanted to share a few photos of our week with you!  The weather was wonderful; only one day with rain and the resort was beautiful.  The people in the Dominican Republic are so very friendly.

Bye bye chilly Toronto....hello balmy Punta Cana!!

 The kids very first dip into the ocean!

 I bought this "scuba gear" at the Dollar Store.  The kids (and Jason) used it almost every day.  It was by far the best $4.00 I spent on item for the trip!  LOL

What a relaxing week!  There is something to be said about coming home after a week and sleeping in your own bed, though!  :)

I'm hoping to get back to blogging soon.  I miss posting, but have still been keeping up with all my favourite bloggers!  Truth be told, my life just isn't that interesting right now.  Working and driving the kids around doesn't really make for exciting reading material, ya know?  Noah's hockey season,which is a huge time commitment, is pretty much over until September so I anticipate more free time to dedicate to Krista's Kraving's.  Hope you'll all still be there when I get back on track!!

Bye for now!!