Grape Basket

Yes, I’ll be dieting, but I don’t intend to be fanatical about it. I love food and I’m not going to starve myself just because my jeans are a bit snug. I plan to limit myself to between 1250 and 1550 calories per day, six days a week. Then I’ll take my brother’s advice and eat exactly what I’ve been craving on the seventh day. I tend to munch when I’m frustrated, tired or in pain. So when I catch myself feeling this way, instead of grazing I’ll take a walk, take a nap or take an aspirin. I think if I make a point of buying more of the fruits and veggies that I like I’ll be more apt to snack on them than on sweet or salty things. Also, I’ve read a lot about the benefits of fasting. So in addition to skipping two consecutive meals a month, I mean to go without eating during the hours between supper and breakfast.

Triangle Puzzle

Saturday we begin a twelve-week weight loss competition. I’m not what you’d call a sedentary person. I can’t sit still through a thirty-minute television show. I don’t eat fast food. I don’t drink alcohol, coffee, or soda. I’m not into doughnuts, ice cream, candy bars or potato chips. But somehow, without a deliberate effort to fight it, my middle is slowly and steadily growing. You don’t tackle something like this without a plan, and the competition is part of my plan. I’m gambling $50 that I’ll lose a larger percentage of my excess baggage than the competition. The money’s incentive, but a bigger drive is the weekly weigh-ins where I’ll share my success or failure with everyone else. Another part of my plan is water; I mean to drink at least eight glasses every day. I’m counting on water to keep me feeling full as I diet, to hydrate me as I exercise, to help me stay regular, and to improve my overall feeling of well-being.

Double Sawtooth

Thin Mint Girl Scout cookies won’t be out for a few more weeks, but you can make these today for National Chocolate Mint Day:

Mint Chocolate Fudge Squares

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 can sweetened condensed milk, divided
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
6 ounces white candy coating
2 -3 teaspoons peppermint extract
3 drops green food coloring

In a saucepan, melt chocolate chips with 1 cup milk. Remove from the heat; stir in vanilla. Spread half into a parchment-lined 8-in. pan; chill about 10 minutes. In a saucepan over low heat, cook and stir candy coating with remaining milk until coating is melted and mixture is smooth. Stir in peppermint extract and food coloring. Spread over bottom layer; chill about 10 more minutes. Rewarm remaining chocolate mixture; spread over mint layer. Chill for 2 hours or until firm. Remove from pan; cut into 1 inch squares.

Mother's Choice

Every president from George Washington to Barack Obama has taken this oath: “I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.” It’s only thirty-five words, but filling them is a pretty tall order. Some presidents have done it well, and others have not. Abraham Lincoln said, “I know very well that many others might in this matter as in others, do better than I can. But I am here. I must do the best I can, and bear the responsibility of taking the course which I feel I ought to take.” I’ve already shown Washington Star, Lincoln’s Platform and Martha Washington blocks here. There’s a Washington Puzzle and a Lincoln’s Hat quilt block, but I dislike them both.  So I’ve chosen this instead. Have a pleasant President’s Day.

Nine-Patch Square

This is a wonderful dish when you want comfort food and don’t have a lot of time on your hands. Best of all, it only needs one pot!

Creamy Garlic Pasta

2 teaspoons olive oil

4 cloves minced garlic

2 tablespoons butter

1/4 teaspoon coarse salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

3 cups chicken broth

1/2 pound spaghetti

1 cup grated Parmesan

3/4 cup cream

2 tablespoons chopped parsley

In a pot, heat olive oil to medium-low. Add garlic and stir; cook for 2 minutes. Add butter and keep cooking until it melts. Add salt, pepper and broth. Raise the heat to high and let it come to a boil. Once it is at a rolling boil, add pasta and cook until it reaches al dente. Reduce to medium heat and mix in the parmesan until completely melted. Turn off the heat and stir in the cream and parsley. Serve immediately.