Moderation

They say one of the main keys to weight loss is moderation-you know, the phrase you can eat whatever you want, as long as it's in moderation. I know you've all heard it before. My problems is I don't know how to moderate. Especially when I make these yummy muffins for breakfast.

I'd like you all to get fat with me; so I'm giving you the recipe for our favorite muffins.

Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

INGREDIENTS

2 extra ripe bananas

2 eggs

1 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup butter, melted

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 1/4 cups flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup chocolate chips

Directions

Puree bananas. In a medium bowl beat bananas, eggs, sugar, butter and vanilla until well blended. In a large bowl combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. Make well in center of dry ingredients and pour in banana mixture. Mix until just blended. Add chocolate chips. Spoon into well greased muffin cups.

Bake at 350 for 25 to 30 min. (makes 1 dozen muffins)

Go ahead, make them. Then just eat one; only one. I dare you.

Comfort Food

I don't know what it is about chicken noodle soup and being sick, but it always seems to be the only thing that sounds good when I don't feel well.  Since this cold has taken quite a toll on me (and my house--it's a disaster) this week I've had my fair share of soup.  I hope none of you get this cold; but if you do here's my favorite chicken noodle soup. 

2 1/2 quarts water

6 chicken flavor bullion cubes or 2 tablespoons chicken flavor instant bullion

6 1/2 cups uncooked egg noodles

2 cans (10 3/4 ounces each) cream of chicken soup

3 to 4 chicken breasts cooked and diced (or shredded)

8 ounces sour cream

Parsley flakes for garnish

In a large saucepan, combine the water and the bullion cubes; bring to a boil. Add the noodles and cook uncovered for 10 minutes, or until noodles are tender. Add soup and chicken; heat thoroughly. Add more bullion, if necessary, to taste. Remove from heat; add sour cream and stir to blend. Sprinkle with parsley just before serving.

*I also like to add in shredded carrots a few minutes after I add the noodles. I know some people also like celery in their chicken noodle soup, but I think celery tastes like dirt so I don't add it.*