It's good to be here with you on Weigh-in Wednesday! Are you ready to glide into weeek 3?
So how was week 2? Mine pretty much went like this....I'll let the photo speak for itself.
Be sure to check out the recipe below. I know it might not sound very exciting....grilled lettuce, but REALLY it's so good. Grilling mellows the sometimes sharp flavor of romaine and adds a hint of smoky goodness. It's amazingly easy to make, and freakishly good!
Weigh-in Wednesday:
It turns out I didn't have just a sore throat last week. I had strep throat. One word - YUCK! Thankfullly I'm on the mend. Even though the healing process has taken much longer than I ever dreamed it would there has been plenty going on. I've lost 2 pounds. It's a good start, and not bad for a couple of weeks that made me feel like I'd had a setback almost right out of the gate. Oddly enough though as I write this I'm finding myself at a crossroads. Already!
Starting about 4 years ago I decided to "celebrate" each new year by scheduling my annual physical in January. Crazy, huh? I also have my mamogram, see my cardiologist, my endocrinologist, and of course my dentist. It's quite the way to ring in the new year. 2011 has been no different. I've had some of my appointments, with others still coming down the pike. Part of the outcome of this year's annual physical was having my trusted doctor TELLING me what to do about weight loss, rather than make suggestions. And I'm listening. Although I'll have to admit I'm struggling with what looks like the new game plan. I have more than 50 lbs to lose, so I'm being asked to join a very specific weight-loss program. Originally I didn't want to do that. I didn't want a "one size fits all" program in my life. Mainly because I worry about the transition period out of the program back into what I call "the real world". I was worried about this blog, too. How will drastic changes effect what I do here? Thankfully not all that much. In fact, it may allow me to get back on track with what I really love doing, which are the audio interviews. It's the heart of this blog, so that won't change. And I'll still be in the kitchen cooking my dinner meal every day. That meal, following some guidelines, will be up to me to figure out. Guess I can't drag my feet anymore can I? No more excuses. This program comes with a health coach, too, which may make all the differnce in the world. I meet with her on Friday. Wish me luck!
Pssst....I dare you to try this recipe for Grilled Romaine. Have you ever grilled Romaine before?
For a printer-friendly, text-only version of the recipe below, click here
Grilled Romaine
inspired by Grilled Caesar Salad - Gourmet Magazine
What you'll need:
(Oil mixture is for 4 servings)
1 head of romaine lettuce cut lengthwise, one 1/2 head per serving
Olive Oil - 2 Tablespoons
Fresh garlic, 1 or 2 cloves pressed through a garlic press
Fresh Lemon Juice - 1 teaspoon
Freshly Ground Pepper and Kosher salt to taste
What You'll Do:
1. In a small bowl whisk together the olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt and pepper.
2. With a basting brush lightly coat all sides of each 1/2 head of lettuce.
3. Grill on medium to medium-high heat, each side for approx. 3-4 min., until charred and outer leaves are wilted.
4. Once romaine is on plate you can brush the oil mixture on top again - optional
5. Serve and enjoy!
Mar 25, 2011 at 1:00 
"Finding the best and bringing it home" is what Gwen Pratesi is all about. She cooked as a child, and as an adult you can still find her cooking up a storm. For most of us that would be enough, but not Gwen. Heading out on the open road and finding out just where her food comes from is what she now loves to do. Right along with her theme of seeking out what's best in the kitchen, Gwen not only finds out where her food comes from, but she often makes time to meet the chefs that are cooking up good food, too.
"Chef Interview" series, too. There'll be none of this just sittin' around business for Gwen. Nope she's out there finding the best and bringing it home to share with you and me.
