Eat Clean Chicken Nuggets!

Fried Chicken is like pearls and mint juleps...it is an essential part of every Southern girl's life.  Unfortunately, fried chicken can take a toll on our "bless your hearts" and well, um, waistlines...so, I could not wait to try for myself a very clean version of "fried" chicken nuggets!  

Continue for the verdict...

I gathered all my necessary ingredients....instead of the traditional flour, this recipe calls for almonds, flax seeds, oats, and wheat germ!  I blended all my dry ingredients, along with garlic powder and pepper in my always reliable magic bullet.  Knowing the health benefits of all these items, I was a little nervous about how they would actually taste, but was pleasanty surprised and excited to continue...

After cutting your chicken into nugget size pieces, dip each nugget into your egg whites and roll in your "flour"  

Place on parchment papered cookie sheet spritzed with EVOO.  Bake for 15 minutes at 400.  

TA-DA!!!!  Your very own "fried" chicken nuggets....served with Dijon mustard.  

Dottie's verdict: absolutely delicious!!!!  

For full recipe click here! 

Cooking with Jordan

As promised...

Fitness and Nutrition Expert Jordan joins me in the kitchen for COOKING CLEAN...episode one!

a top ten of sorts..wrapping up 2011.

So it would be impossible to do a Top Ten of 2011*, but I used to do these sorts of lists, so I think I will do another...in no particular order, here are the first ten things that come to mind why life has been good lately**...

10. I have had more than my share of festive friend fun!  I am so grateful for the most amazing friends on the planet and having so much fun with them during the holidays...back the grind now...

9. My co-workers are awesome.  They make me laugh, and more importantly, they pray for me and inspire me.

8.  I made it thru 2011 and my trainer didnt fire me!  It's been a roller coaster these past several weeks--I am quite the dramatic client with my love of sour patch kids and wine, but the trainer has not let me go...yet.  Cheers to 2012, friend!

7. Bikini challenge 2012, Jordan.  She will be making an appearance on the video blog soon.  (hope you are ok with that, friend!)

6.  My mom and dad.  No particular reason except that they deal with me.  As always.

5.  How completely shallow is it for me to say my new iphone?  Well I said it.  I'm obsessed.  I tweet, I pinterest, I facebook with such ease..

4. Top Chef.  on DVR. Yeah, let's add to my nerd status.  I am in love with a reality food competition show, and I have to DVR it cause it comes on past my bedtime.

3. I got to witness both my brothers truly and completely happy over Christmas with their respective Sara(h)'s.  I love my brothers so much, and to see them thriving thrills me.

2. I spent my New Year's Eve with some pretty special people including Seth and Scott Avett.

1.  I serve a forgiving and gracious God.  2011 was another year of learning, with it's fair share of growing pains, but I am humbled that despite my wandering heart, my Lord, keeps taking me in.

Cheers to a beautiful 2012!

*I could never narrow it down, there are so many moments, events, and days!
**I want to be clear that this list is just things of late and recent days...I'm too old to remember from months ago...that's why I have this blog...see past posts for that.  :)

Heeeey Brother---he's engaged!

Little sister loves her two big brothers...and I'm so happy they both are blessed with some fabulous ladies! Woohooo!!!! Bring on the festivities!!!!

Currently.

I realize I am a bit overdue, but tonight seems as good as any for a "Currently" post.  

Currently...

WATCHING: The Holiday.  Do I need to explain why?!  Jude. Jack. Kate and Cameron.  Enough said  

ROCKING:  Avett Brothers. I'll be spending New Year's Eve with these classy gentlemen.

READING: fitness and nutrition articles.  praying I soak them in by December 26.  Cause, it's on then, folks! Canadian Boxing Day marks the beginning of my newest goals and training....stay tuned.

WEARING: reindeer pajamas.  I'm just being honest. ;)

DRINKING:   well this weekend, it was wine.  Again, just being honest.  It's a festive time of year, right?

EATING: ummmmm, does everything in site count???  I'm pretty sure the trainer is not pleased.  I confess my sins to him---sour patch kids, wine, brownies, and cinnamon pastries...but my guilt still lingers.  Merry Christmas friends, I'll stop eating like a man soon enough! Boxing Day, to be exact.

SURFING:  youtube.  I am my father's daughter.  I cant help it.  love watching live performaces from bands and movie clips over. and over.  

LOATHING: negative Debbie Downer Facebook status posters.  You know who I am talking about.  Seriously folks, get a therapist.  I'm sure my statuses are not always Pollyanna approved, but I might have to defriend you if you do it again...just sayin... 

MISSING: real Christmas vacation.  I want to go back to school just for the ridiculously long breaks.  This whole adult thing is for the birds! 

Cheers!  

domestic diva.

I recently discovered a company that I am completely in love with! IceMilk Aprons makes me want to bake like it is Christmas all year long! Inspired by her grandmother, the creator of IceMilk aprons makes these aprons just a little more special.  Each apron comes with a Heirloom kit (<--click to read more)to encourage the new owner to make it more than just an apron.  Some of my own favorite Christmas memories include baking Sugar cookies with my mom from the Tasha Tudor's Take Joy!   I picture her in her white lace apron, and me in my matching child size.  

These luxury aprons, though, might could double as a cocktail dress! Ha! How cute are they?!! 

And these market totes may just be on my gift list for friends next year....LOVE!

And while I may not be the owner of one of those pricey bad boys, I do have a new apron to add to my collection!  Taylor gave me the most precious festive apron yesterday!  

Goes well with my mimosa, right?! ;) 

and the video blog goes up!