Simple Yet Satisfying

I've been seeing a certain 4 letter word splattered all over the blog world the last few weeks. Have you noticed it? Do you know the one I mean?

D-I-E-T! Yes. This is the word to which I refer. Heaven knows that I should take heed and follow some of your leads and go on one of these. I know there are others that feel the same. But the truth is... I have always been very BAD at diets. Do you notice that whatever you are bad at, you seem to do poorly at and you just DO NOT like?

Okay. So let's drop the dreaded 4 letters and just say we need to modify or adjust some habits. Mostly I need and should exercise but frankly as a practically single mom with very small kids and a little business, not to mention some house work, when do you propose I do that? You see, I can type this in 5-10 minute increments. Or while the kids are watching a show or in between little things. But exercise is not so easy to fit in. And as some older and wiser women tell me, "the kids are only really little for such a short period of time."

Okay so let's just work on the food thing. I know I can do better in that department as well. One problem is that though I LOVE to cook, I often say I HATE to make dinner. By this I mean that making dinner is trying to decide what to make for dinner that is at least somewhat kid friendly, healthy, doesn't take too much time out of a busy day and isn't a fortune. COOKING is creating, playing, and fiddling around. Loving the ingredients and letting them help mold the meal. It is an act of love and passion. Making dinner is a way to nourish myself and my family in a healthy, efficient and sensible way. This is not always pure joy. Do you know what I mean?

Well here is one version of a dish I make that is quick, easy, affordable, luxurious and what I consider fairly light or dietetic at the same time.

I don't really know what to call it... Egg on spinach??? Spinach salad with poached egg? What I do is put a good handful of fresh, raw baby spinach on a plate. Meanwhile I caramelize onions and or shallots (in this instance, both) and poach an egg. I drizzle olive oil and possibly a tiny splash of vinegar and fresh ground pepper on the spinach, then top with the onions and egg. The heat from the warm onions and egg will slightly wilt the spinach making it just the perfect texture.

Look how appealing and colorful this is when the egg is cut open. This dish is rich and flavorful and more than filling and satisfying. It comes together in minutes. Spinach is packed with vitamins and minerals. The eggs have such great protein and the onions not only taste like candy but help burn calories to a degree. Now beat that!

The other night I paired it with a small slice of the Trader Joe's Tarte Alsace. I wanted just a little bit of crunch and feeling of bread and the crust is very very thin so I don't feel too too guilty about it. For a frozen food that is ready in minutes, this is amazing. It is probably my all time favorite frozen food of all time (aside from ice cream etc...). If you have a Trader Joe's near you, I highly recommend picking this up and keeping it stocked in the freezer for those night you just can't cook.

Stay tuned for my own homemade versions of the Alsatian Tart. I am still playing around some but have made a few. They are a crowd pleaser to say the least!