Are You A Fan of Sushi?

Hey Amber Chase! Are you a fan of sushi? If so, you should definitely check out the Groupon.com deal for today. It’s for $35 worth of sushi, sake, and more at Zuma Sushi in Atlanta for only $15.

I can honestly say that I’m not a die hard fan of sushi. I tried it for the first time in life about 2 weeks ago. The taste was definitely…different. It’s not something that I would order regularly, but it was truly an experience. This shouldn’t deter you sushi lovers out there; everyone has their own preference.

The coupon, or should I say Groupon, is actually a pretty good deal. There are limitations however. The coupon is limited to one person per table, and two for parties of 5 or more. It’s also dine in only.

If you’ve never been to Zuma Sushi in Atlanta, here’s the description from Groupon.com:

Image via Wikipedia

Zuma’s extensive menu offers traditional and innovative sushi rolls, sashimi, and nigiri, made from the freshest ocean-plucked fish available. Pair your catch with a selection of 20+ sakes, all served in a chic, cosmopolitan environment. Start with an order of lobster tempura for a crunchy meal-beginning bite ($14.50) or the scallop carpaccio ($9.95) for a textured treat. Traditionalists will enjoy entreeing on the hamachi sashimi ($5.50) or the calamari roll, which swaddles the crispy-fried squid with cucumber and spicy mayo in a blanket of rice ($5.50). Those with more contemporary tongues can stare at one of the 15 chef’s special rolls, such as the Godzilla, a barbecue eel and bonita flake-topped roll stuffed with golden-fried lobster, cucumber, and a touch of mayonnaise ($14), and the falcon roll, with fresh tuna, salmon, yellowtail, whitefish, and smelt roe lovingly hugged by rice ($12.50), before introducing it to one of their mouths.

Log on and get your coupon today!

Most Amazing Pancakes EVER!

And I’m not talking taste wise! I’m talking the sheer construction of this favorite breakfast food! (Well, it’s certainly MY favorite. )

Jim Belosic has come up with some truly ingenious ways of transforming the original circular shape of a pancake and making it a work of art. From hamburgers, to sushi, to a Ferris Wheel, to the Golden Gate Bridge, Jim puts a lot of creativity and love into his creations. And his three year old daughter loves them!

Check out Jim’s creations!

Do you like to have different varieties of pancakes or are you all about the classic style?

Photo credit: Jim’s Pancakes

PJ’s Café

All I can say is that the Blackened Tilapia is amazing! I’ve only been here once, but I will definitely go again. The restaurant has a very refreshing feel; in the midst of a host of other national chain restaurants, it’s a welcome change. The parking stinks, but most parking around the square isn’t all that hot. Either way, whether you’re a local, or just stopping through on business, I’d recommend PJ’s Café on Macon St. Can’t go wrong with a classic.

Have you ever eaten at PJ’s?

Worst Cereal?

Why did someone just hurt my feelings and say that Raisin Bran is the Worst Iconic Cereal? Now, I don’t eat Raisin Bran, I eat Raisin Bran Crunch, but it’s close enough. I thought that this was one of the healthier ones! It turns out that Raisin Bran has very high amounts of sugar; this is due to the amount of sugar wrapped around each raisin. Maybe that’s why I like them so much? (That’s the only way I’ll eat raisins, by the way).

The best cereal where Raisin Bran is concerned, according to Yahoo, is Kellog’s All Bran with a scoop of raisins. Now where’s the fun in that? I’m sticking to my Raisin Bran Crunch, thank you very much. I’ll eat healthy elsewhere.

What’s your favorite brand of cereal?

Healthier Salads Lead to a Healthier You

I love salads, though I have to admit, the amount of toppings that I add to it can be considered a little less than healthy. I just recently discovered the Chicken Caesar salad from Zaxby’s this past weekend, and fell in love all over again. Granted, the salad totaled me at 500-600 calories, but it was just so HEAVENLY. Lol.

I know I need to add healthier ingredients to live a healthier lifestyle. For me, it’s a 12 step process. But for you, I have 5 ways to make your salads healthier. (And no, I’m not a hypocrite; I found this article on the internet. )

• Add fresh fruit instead of dried: If you opt for fresh fruit instead of dried, such as the popular raisins and cranberries, you’ll get more fiber, less sugar, and more crunch. (Who likes a soggy salad??) This translates into a healthier, more filling salad.
• Use oil and vinegar instead of creamy dressings: Now, I love a good Caesar salad, but I know it’s not the healthiest at times. Oil and vinegar or vinaigrette are the way to go when it comes to flavoring your greens. Olive oil is healthy fat, while the creamier dressings are often high in sodium, saturated fat, and cholesterol. You could go even healthier by squeezing lemon juice on your greens.
  

  Image via Wikipedia

• Choose raw nuts over sugar-coated ones: First off, I don’t know too many people who use sugar-coated nuts on their salads. But for those who do, opt for raw nuts like almonds or walnuts. Only sprinkle a few though, as they are high in calories.
• Add lean protein: Unless it’s a really good salad, I need grilled chicken on my salad. That’s not the only lien protein you can add though; you can add baked tofu, tuna, beans, and boiled eggs. Be sure to measure out your proteins however; you don’t want to overdo the calories.
• Go mostly raw: raw veggies, nuts, fruits, dark, leafy greens, anything of that nature. Stay away from the ingredients that add tons of calories, fat, sugar, and sodium.

Happy eating!

Recipe of the Week: Inside-Out Cheeseburgers

Hi Amber Chase! Do you enjoy a good burger every now and then? I do. But instead of heading to your local fast food eatery, why not try making something yourself. Burgers are usually always easy to make. The only downfall can be the cheese. It melts right off! But, why not make it with the cheese INSIDE so you can enjoy all of the melty goodness? Try this on for size!

Inside-Out Cheeseburgers

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup(s) shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup(s) shredded Gruyère cheese
• 1 pound(s) 90%-lean ground beef
• 1 tablespoon(s) Worcestershire sauce
• 1 1/2 teaspoon(s) paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon(s) freshly ground pepper

Directions:

• Preheat grill to medium-high or preheat the broiler.
• Combine Cheddar and Gruyère in a small bowl.
• Gently mix beef, Worcestershire, paprika and pepper in a large bowl, preferably with your hands, without overworking. Shape into 8 thin, 4-inch-wide patties. Mound 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture on each of 4 patties, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Cover each with one of the remaining patties. Crimp and seal the edges closed.
• To grill: Lightly oil the grill rack. Grill the stuffed patties over medium-high heat, about 4 minutes per side for medium-well. (Be sure not to press the burgers as they cook or they’ll split open and the cheese will ooze out.) To broil: Cover a broiler pan with foil and coat with cooking spray. Broil the stuffed patties in the upper third of the oven, about 4 minutes per side for medium-well. In either case, let the burgers stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Enjoy!

Recipe of the Week: Shrimp with Basil and Fresh Tomatoes

Hey Amber Chase! Looking for something new to cook up for dinner tonight? Try this on for size!

Ingredients:

# 2 ounces fresh or frozen peeled and deveined medium shrimp
# 1 tablespoon cooking oil
# 1 large onion, chopped (1 cup)
# 2 cloves garlic, minced
# 2 cups chopped, plum or common tomatoes
# 2 tablespoons snipped fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried basil, crushed
# 1 tablespoon drained capers (optional)
# 1/2 teaspoon salt
# 1/8 teaspoon pepper
# 8 ounces spaghetti or other pasta, cooked and drained
# 1/4 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese
# Fresh basil leaves (optional)

Directions

# Thaw shrimp, if frozen. Set aside.

# Pour cooking oil into a wok or large skillet. (Add more oil as necessary during cooking.) Preheat over medium-high heat. Stir-fry onion and garlic in hot oil for 2 minutes or until onions are crisp-tender. Remove onion mixture from the wok.

Here’s the rest!

Super Bowl Party Recipe Ideas!

The big game’s coming up this weekend. Needs ideas for the huge shindig you’re throwing? Well here’s a recipe that’s sure to satisfy any Saints (or Colts) fan!

Hot Spinach Dip 

2 teaspoons olive oil, plus more for baking dish

1 medium onion, diced

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 pounds spinach, cleaned, trimmed and coarsely chopped

1/2 cup milk

6 ounces reduced-fat bar cream cheese

3 dashes Worcestershire sauce

3 dashes hot sauce, such as Tabasco

3/4 cup shredded mozzarella

Coarse salt and ground pepper

Baguette slices, breadsticks or crackers, for serving

1.) Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. In a Dutch oven or large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until lightly browned, 5 to 8 minutes.

Click here for the rest!

The New Recipe Is A Hit

Domino’s Pizza is changing the way they make their pizza. Apparently, ranking at the bottom of pizza chains based on taste hit home for Domino’s. They are changing their recipe in all aspects and the new recipe took affect late December.

I tasted the new recipe before I even saw the new commercial or announcement and I knew there was something going on.  The new recipe is so good and I really encourage you to try it.

Will you try the new pizza?

The Drive-Thru Diet: Real Or Fake?

The Drive-Thru diet, I have been on that diet for years and I have not lost any weight.  Oh wait, are they saying you have to eat specific foods?  Okay, I get it, you are suppose to head on over t your local Taco Bell and get foods that are on the lighter menu.

Are we supposed to believe this?  Are we that desperate that we will try anything other than eating healthy and exercising regularly?

Can someone help me to understand this?

Read the entire diet here.