Livin' Lean Topic Tuesday: It's National Pancake Day!!

It seems as if every day is a celebration of some food or drink...as it should be! Just last week,  my sister got us all together for National Margarita Day. Great idea, Molly! Today, I wake up to the news and they are super excited about National Pancake Day. I don't blame 'em! What's not exciting about those hotcakes that can be stacked, smothered and topped with almost anything your little heart desires?!?!

I am a little picky about my pancakes. They have to be Heart Smart Bisquick. They have to be fluffy. And they must have that little trace of vanilla flavor mixed into the batter. Oh...and I love 'em topped with fruit!

Mornings are busy in my house, so whippin' up a batch of pancakes this morning was not an option. However, one of the beautiful things about pancakes is that they are not just reserved for morning meals. That's why "pancake days" exist, right?

If you still need to get your pancake fix in for today, try pancakes for dinner! Here is a recipe for Bananas Foster syrup to top your hot, fluffy stack of pancakes with. ENJOY!!

For the complete recipe of Paula Deen's Lean Bananas Foster French Toast, click HERE.

Syrup Recipe...

INGREDIENTS:

2 tablespoons dark corn syrup



2 tablespoons firmly packed brown sugar


3/4 cup LITE or SUGAR FREE maple syrup


1/4 cup chopped pecans


2 ripe bananas; sliced


1 teaspoon rum extract


DIRECTIONS

In a large skillet, combine corn syrup, brown sugar, maple syrup and pecans. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat, and simmer for 2 minutes. Add banana slices and rum extract. Coat with the syrup mixture, and simmer 1 minute. Spoon over French toast (or pancakes). Serve immediately.


So yummy!! Keep thos pancakes "lean" by cutting the butter, using egg whites in the batter, using lite syrup and by topping with fresh fruits. Cut the calories...never the taste! That's how we do it around here.

Hope you have a wonderful Tuesday and a fabulous National Pancake Day!!

What's your favorite way to do pancakes? Share!

Paula Deen's Lean: Eggs In A Nest

Scrambled eggs are a favorite go-to in our house for breakfast, lunch or dinner! Eggs are a great source of protein, easy to cook, affordable and just incredible. Guess that's why it is called the incredible edible egg!

Anyway...when I saw Paula's adorable recipe for Eggs in a Nest, I just had to try it out! I knew Kimber would love it. Plus, how cute would these be for an Easter brunch?!?!

Below is a basic recipe for the lean version of Paula's recipe. However, there is a lot of room to really have some fun with these and still keep 'em nutritious. Think about what you would normally put in your eggs. Maybe some sauteed peppers and onions? Maybe a little bit of diced lean ham or crumbled turkey sausage? Salmon? The options are there. Just remember to keep it lean.

EGGS IN A NEST
Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

• 1-1/2 cup Egg Beaters
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan Cheese
• 1/2 cup 2% shredded Cheddar Cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Parsley, for garnish

DIRECTIONS

For the nest...
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. On a prepared baking sheet (spray with non-fat cooking spray), divide Parmesan cheese into four circles.

Bake for 3 minutes, until cheese is bubbly.

Remove from oven and allow to cool for a minute. When able to handle, carefully take the melted cheese circles and place inside a cupcake mold.

Allow to harden for at least 5 minutes. Remove from muffin cups and place on serving platter.

For the eggs...
In a pan over medium-high heat, scramble the Egg Beaters. Season with salt and pepper. Add Cheddar cheese and other desired ingredients into the eggs. Continue to scramble until cheese in melted.

Remove the eggs from the heat and allow to cool slightly. Spoon the eggs evenly into the "nests" and top with parsley. Serve!

RESULTS

We LOVED these guys! Not only did subbing the Parm nest for the phyllo save nutritionally, it added so much flavor!! And the Egg Beaters....Rudy didn't even realize they weren't regular crack n' cook eggs! I can't wait to make these again with a little somethin' extra like turkey sausage or some veggies.

Overall, just leave out the butter and you are making huge steps in the right direction!

Let's see how we did nutritionally speaking!

NUTRITION FACTS (per nest):

BEFORE~ 627.75 calories / 57.59g fat / 11.65g carb / 31.93g protein / .28g fiber
AFTER~ 202.75 calories / 10.75g fat / 2.72g carb / 21.73g protein / 0g fiber
SAVES~ 425 calories / 46.8g fat / 8.93g carbohydrate

*PRINTER~FRIENDLY*

Livin' Lean Topic Tuesday: 14 Ways to Show Your Heart Some Love on Valentine's Day

It's Valentine's Day! I am not really a huge fan of the day (that's just me), but I still can't resist acknowledging the day or drawing inspiration from it all. It's everywhere!! I give in.

Since Valentine's Day seems to be catered toward couples and tends to makes some single people feel terrible, I wanted to focus on something that everyone can relate to.

We all have hearts! Let's focus on some fun and fit things to do today to show your heart a little love on this special day!

Single or coupled ... this list is for you!!

14 WAYS TO SHOW YOUR HEART SOME LOVE ON VALENTINE'S DAY

1. Have some red wine (my favorite)~ Antioxidants = good 4 U. CHEERS!

2. Eat dark chocolate (my 2nd favorite)~ Indulge in the name of heart health.

3. Make yourself a "heart healthy" meal at home~ I know where you can find a ton of those recipes!! *hint

4. Dance!

5. Think RED with food today~ Strawberries, raspberries, watermelon, cranberries, pomegranates, tomatoes and red chili peppers all have powerful antioxidants that keep the heart healthy.

6. Be Spicy! ~ Many herbs and spices (such as basil, cinnamon, rosemary and thyme) have antioxidant properties that help to suppress inflammation.

7.Take a Walk ~ Find your favorite play list and hit the road for some me time that your heart will love.

8. Sleep ~ Research supports that lack of sleep is related to an increased risk of heart disease.

9. Do What Makes You Happy ~ Happier people are more likely to be healthier. Research is finding a strong connection between emotions and heart health.

10. Get Together With The Girls~ Girl time always makes things better. That has to be good for the heart!

11. Go Fish!~ Fish that contains Omega-3 fatty acids has been shown to reduce inflammation in the body and lower harmful cholesteral levels. Suggestions? Salmon, albacore tuna and trout.

12. Buy Yourself Something Sexy ~ It doesn't matter if "someone special" is going to see it or not! Every woman deserves to feel hot. So go buy that adorable VS number you have been eyeing or the dress that makes you feel like a million bucks. Feelin' hot is so good for your heart!! Get to shoppin'!

13. Bake Some Cookies ~ Something about baking can be relaxing and therapeutic. Use whole wheat flour in those cookies to boost those heart healthy benefits.

14. Relax ~ Stress is not good on the heart. Curl up with a good book, pick up a magazine, turn on some quiet music and just close your eyes...whatever it takes to slow down your pace and relax.

There ya go! 14 heart healthy ways to spend this Valentine's Day! I plan on doing the first two for sure!!

HAPPY HEART DAY!!