Stir Fried Broccoli - 1 point

I promised you this recipe a few days ago, when I did my resolution round up! Here it is....

Stone and I went out to eat at our favorite Chinese restaurant, Bo Bo Chinese, for Valentine's Day. This was thanks to his parents who slipped us some cash after finding out we had used our Valentine's money to take Simon out for reward pizza. (It is nice to be in love with someone who has lovely parents.)

While we were enjoying our meal, a couple walked in and asked the hostess, "Do ya'll have a buffet?"

"No," she replied, "We have a menu. Would you like to see it?"

"No thanks," said the man, "We really want a buffet." The couple turned and walked out. Stone and I looked at each other with eyebrows cocked.

I am not disparaging the buffet, but it was a bit of an eye opening moment. Stone and I used to go to buffets - whether it be pizza or Chinese or southern style food. We would load up plate after plate of food and leave feeling miserable. Now, I look back and wonder at the fat that I would consume in that one sitting. I have no problem with indulgence now and then, but this was a frequent occurrence.

My eating has changed so much - my whole lifestyle has changed. There is a part of me that misses the buffet - the multitude of dishes laid out for me so that I didn't have to make a choice about what I wanted. I could have it all. The bigger part of me is thankful that I am not doing that to myself anymore; I am healthier and happier.

Here is a lovely bowl of hot and sour soup that I enjoyed that day...

Here is a recipe for stir fried broccoli that will taste much better than the wilted stuff you would get off a buffet.

Stir Fry Broccoli
1 lb broccoli florets
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 cubes chicken bouillon
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup onion, chopped

1. Combine soy sauce, water, and bouillon cubes. Set aside.
2. Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Spray with non-stick cooking spray. Add onions, saute until transparent.
3. Add broccoli and stir fry for three minutes.
4. Add sauce and reheat.
5. Yields 4, 1 point servings

Meanwhile, I am still enjoying smoothies.... Temporary crown goes on tomorrow!

Broccoli Salad- 2 points

Broccoli Salad
1 head broccoli, chopped
1 medium onion, sliced into rings
2 slices of bacon
1 tsp Splenda
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/4 cup vinegar
1/4 cup water

1. Place broccoli and onion rings in a large bowl.
2. Chop bacon. Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Fry bacon in skillet until crisp.
3. Add Splenda, salt, pepper, vinegar, and water to skillet. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
4. Pour bacon dressing from skillet over broccoli and onions. Toss to coat.
5. Yields 5, 2 point servings

Broccoli with Cabbage - 3 points

The best description I can give you for this recipe is that it tastes like the delicious stuffing on the inside of an egg roll - without the extra points for the wrapper and the deep frying!

Broccoli with Cabbage
1 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp white wine
1/2 tsp Complete Seasoning or other seasoning salt
1/2 tsp ginger
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tsp chili oil
1/2 large head of cabbage, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups broccoli florets and tender stems, chopped

1. Heat the oil in a large skillet. Add the cabbage, onions, and garlic. Saute until onions are transparent.
2. Add broccoli and continue to saute until the broccoli begins to soften.
3. Add remaining ingredients. Cover; lower heat to simmer for an additional ten minutes.
4. Yields 4, 3 point servings