groceries and weather

i got some groceries today. it is hot and muggy with the possibility of some severe weather today.

gardening

my seeds in the flats are starting to sprout now. :) I am so excited. my tomatoes have grown, and producing many flowers. my peppers are looking fantastic too. :) i have added green beans, carrots, more green onions, and cucumbers into ice cream buckets. those have not yet sprouted but they should be by next week. *keeping my fingers crossed for a good growing year*

gardening

i have begun a container garden again this year. the first time i tried this i was not too successful, but i go the wrong kinds of things planted. this year i have started it out right. i have currently 2 patio tomatoes, 1 cherry tomato, 1 green bell pepper, 1 jalapeno pepper and 1 banana pepper. i am going to try to add some more things too later today if I can get the seeds and stuff. I am pretty excited about the garden this year.

last night

my oldest son bought these for me in his own effort to improve his mother's health. he says that i need to take them to try to alleviate some of the pain I have. i don't know if they will help at all, but we shall see. I took all the ones for today this morning already. they said take with a meal. but I have not yet eaten. I hope that is not a problem.

starving

after watching the morning news and seeing the recipe i just posted cooked i am starving. wishing I had the ingredients to make it for breakfast no less. i will more then likely just resort to a cup of ramen noodles for breakfast.

morning news recipe

Heart Friendly Beef Pitas

Last Update: 2/19 1:17 pm

INGREDIENTS
Cooking Spray
1 pound extra-lean ground beef
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon finely chopped parsley
2 or 3 medium garlic cloves, minced
½ teaspoon (heaping) dried oregano, crumbled
1 teaspoon canola or corn oil
2/3 cup chopped onion
1 ¼ cups chopped bottled roasted red bell pepper, rinsed and patted dry
1 large tomato, seeded and diced
½ cup plain fat-free yogurt
1 tablespoon
4 lettuce leaves (red-leaf or romaine preferred), torn in half
4 6 or 7 inch whole-wheat pita breads, halved

Preheat the broiler. Lightly spray the broiler pan and rack with cooking spray.

In a small bowl, stir together the ground beef, parsley, garlic, ½ teaspoon pepper and oregano. Shape into 4 hamburger-like patties. Put back on the broiler.

Broil about 4 inches from the heat for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until the patties register 160 degrees on a instant-read thermometer.

Meanwhile, in a small skillet, heat the oil over medium heat, swirling to coat the bottom. Cook the onion for 2 to 3 minutes, or until soft, stirring occasionally. Stir in the bell pepper and tomato. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.

In a small bowl, stir together the yogurt, mustard, and remaining ¼ to ½ teaspoon pepper.

To assemble, cut the patties in half. Put half a lettuce leaf and half a patty in each pita half. Top with the bell pepper mixture. Spoon the sauce into the pitas.

Nutrients per serving: Calories 374, Total Fat 9.0g, Saturated Fat 2.5g, Trans Fat 0.5g, Polyunsaturated Fat 1.5g, Monounsaturated Fat 3.5g, Cholesterol 63mg, Sodium 552mg, Carbohydrates 44g, Fiber 6g, Sugars 6g, Protein 34g

Dietary Exchanges: 2 ½ starch, 1 vegetable, 3 lean meat