Vegetable Chili

1 medium eggplant, peeled if wished, cut into 1 inch slices
1tbsp olive oilm plus extra for brushing
1 lg red or yellow onion, finely chopped
2 bell peppers, finely chopped
3-4 garlic cloves, finely chopped or crushed
14oz can chopped tomatoes in juice
1 tbsp mild chili powder, or to taste
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp oregano
2 small zuchini, quarttered lengthwise and sliced
14oz canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed
2 c water
1 tbsp tomato paste
6 scallions, finely chopped
4oz grated cheddar cheese
salt and pepper

brush the eggplant slices on one side with olive oil. heat half the oil in a large frying pan over a medium high heat. add the eggplant, oiled side up, and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned on one side. turn, brown the other side and transfer to a plate. cut into bite sized pieces.

heat the remaining oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat. add the onion and bell peppers, cover and cook for 3-4 minutes stirring occasionally, until the onion is just softened. add the garlic, and continue cooking for 2-3 mins, or until the onion begins to color.

add the tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, and oregano. season with salt and pepper. bring just to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 15 minutes.

add the zuchini, eggplant pieces, and beans. stir in the water and tomato paste. cover again and continue simmering for about 45 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. taste and adjust the seasoning, if you prefer it hotter, stir in a little more chili powder.

season to taste, ladle into bowls, and top with scallions and cheddar cheese.

My new diet!

Well since I am really bad about blogging and I have never done this before, I guess I will blog about my diet!!

I am doing a low fat/low calorie diet. I have been on it for 5 days now, and I have lost 7 lbs so far!! Im super excited!

I am basically eating just fresh/frozen vegetables and fruits, eating eggs and grilled chicken for my protein and sticking to water and diet coke and iced tea for my beverages! Im starting to get a little bored with what Im eating, so maybe this will help me stay on top of it!!


Anyways, here are a few pics of the meals that I have been making DH & I for dinner. He is doing the diet with me at home, although Im about 99% sure he is eating lots and lots of junk at work and at his parents house when he stops by! :P oh well, better than doing it at home in front of me!!

The first one Ill post is My 4oz (each) lemon pepper and cumin chicken (under all the veggies!) with fresh mushrooms, tomatoes from my Grandma's garden (thx!), frozen cut green beans, and baby carrots. Cook to 165F and voila - healthy, yummy dinner for two :)

My breakfast from the other morning:

Scrambled eggs (2) with colby cheese and mushrooms, and a plum :) Delish!

My first blog entry!

Well I thought that this would be a good way to keep track of things going on in my life for not only myself, but for family and friends, and even for the boys to read later on down the road if they so wish.

I dont know how to do this whole blogging thing but I will figure it out :) .

As a mini update for today - I am feeling very grateful. I love the family that Skyler & I have created. I am so thankful for having such a strong, healthy, loving relationship with my husband. I still love him just as much as the day I married him. I love the two boys that we have brought into this world more than anything. They have truly shown me the meaning of life.