Monday, December 30, 2013

I Get Around: 2013 in Review


The places I've been. The people I've seen in 2013, I get around: Clark College, Portland State University, Cascade Park Community Library, Camas Public Library, Camas & Washougal on a Diet, LaCamas  Swim & Sport, KBOO Radio, POIC, Chuck's Produce & Street Market, and The Fruit Valley Foundation.

As 2013 comes to an end, I'm reflecting on another amazing year. I've been busy, busy, busy. Here, there, everywhere. I'm so grateful that I am able to do all things that I love and share my gifts with you.

First, I have to say thank you to God for his Grace and Mercy. All Glory and Honor to Him.  I'm highly favored and blessed.

Next, my immediate circle for your unwavering support and belief. Y'all hold me down! Or should I say lift me up? I love each and every one of you. Thank ya. Thank ya. Thank ya.

An extra special thanks to the Clark College Health Department (my favorite venue!) for their continued support and giving me a platform to reach students. Oh yeah, and for using "Shop, Cook, Eat: Outside of the Box" for the second year! 

To everyone who has embraced and supported my ideas, THANK YOU! To all of my clients, THANK YOU. To everyone who has bought a copy of my cookbook, THANK YOU! To those of you who have attended my events, THANK YOU!  And, to all of my Facebook and blog followers, THANK YOU! 

I am the luckiest girl in the world -- I love what I do!


2013 in pictures:















Thursday, December 26, 2013

2013: Food Chronicles

I've been cooking up a storm this past year: in my kitchen, your kitchen, any available
kitchen. Whether I was whipping up recipes from my cookbook, "Shop, Cook, Eat: Outside of the Box" or catering your event -- it's my great pleasure sharing my passion for food with you. Thanks to everyone who invited me into their homes, classrooms, offices, etc., I appreciate you.


Here's a look-see at some of my culinary creations.
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Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Letting go


I'll be the first to admit I am control freak. My way is the perfect way.  I'm a natural born leader so it kinda comes with the territory. But, as I grow and mature I've come to realize that I'm not in control of much. I can plan things down to a tee, but there are way too many factors/people usually involved. Does that mean that I don't make plans anymore? Absolutely not. It just means that I'm more flexible. It means that I'm able to go with the flow. Even if things don't turn out the way I've planned or expected, I've learned to trust that whatever the end result -- things end up the way they are supposed to. I've learned to take a deep breath and let it go! Because, truthfully, life has a way of picking you up and carrying you to where you are supposed to be.





Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Catering by Chrisetta: Querville's Saturday Dinner Party


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I met Crystal and Ryan at a wedding I catered a few months ago. They personally came to me to tell me how much they enjoyed the food, especially the Potato Gratin (I'm sure that's why they hired me to cater for them). Anyhow, after we chatted for a while they mentioned wanting to host a dinner party at home. After a few email exchanges, together, based on my recommendations and their taste buds we came up with a menu that would serve 12.

I was busy most of the night in the kitchen, but I did over hear someone say: "This is really nice. The food is great. Having the party at home was genius Crystal. Pure genius." Music to my ears.

Here's what Crystal and Ryan had to say: "Every bite was delicious! You are amazing."

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Their personalized menu for 12:
1st -- Sweet Potato Bisque, Brussels Sprouts with Apples and Bacon
2nd -- Grilled Carrot Salad with Brown Butter Vinaigrette, Potato Gratin, Herb Crusted Flat Iron Steak
3rd -- Warm Arugula Quinoa Salad with Lemon Dressing, Roasted Lemon Rosemary Chicken
4th -- Apple Crumble served with Mascarpone
Real food. Taste the difference. Feel the love.
Catering by Chrisetta
Chrisetta.Mosley@gmail.com

Saturday, November 30, 2013

Thanksgiving Detox: Pomegranate Apple Salad

After yesterday's heavy Thanksgiving fare I needed to detox. Since I had all the ingredients on hand (something to be said for a well-stocked kitchen) I created this delightful  Pomegranate Apple Salad with a made from scratch Honey Poppy Seed dressing
It's not only beautiful to look at (we eat with our eyes first), it was light, crunchy, and delicious. 

Thursday, November 21, 2013

A Thanksgiving Favorite: Cranberry-Orange Relish




Thanksgiving steeped in tradition, with food and family at the forefront. So many memories shared around the dinner table. One of my favorite accompaniments to my mother's savory, rich corn bread dressing has always been cranberry sauce.

When I became serious about my health and cooking, I decided it was time to ditch the canned cranberry sauce and make my very own. For the past several years, my Cranberry-Orange Relish has earned a spot on our family's Thanksgiving table.

With Thanksgiving just a week away, I want to share my recipe with you. It's super simple, bursting with flavor, and only uses four ingredients. Perhaps it will become a favorite with your family too.







Cranberry-Orange Relish

Tangy, sweet and bursting with flavor this relish is memorable

Ingredients
2 (12-ounce) packages cranberries, fresh 
1 orange, zested and juiced
1 cup sugar
1 cinnamon stick


Directions
Put all the ingredients into a saucepan over medium heat and simmer until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens, about 15 to 20 minutes. Serve at room temperature or cool and refrigerate. Remove the cinnamon stick before serving.


Monday, November 18, 2013

Healthy Holidays with Chrisetta


We all have our favorite, traditional dishes that we just can't wait to enjoy during the holidays. But I say let's put a twist on the classics or add something all together new.

Saturday, I showed a crowd how to whip up: Wild Rice Apple Cranberry Salad, Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Sage Butter, and a Festive Popcorn Mix. The salad was the biggest hit and everyone loved the popcorn too.
I was pleased to have so many young kids in the room. Thank you all for joining me and as always thanks to the staff of the Cascade Park Community Library.Let the holiday season begin. Good food. Good folks. Good times.









Thursday, November 14, 2013

Thankful



Today, I'm thankful to God for giving me the strength, courage, and belief in myself to battle obesity. Battling obesity has been one of the hardest things I've done in my life. And, while I've yet to beat obesity entirely I'm so grateful for the progress I've made. Today, I'm healthier and happier. I know that I couldn't do it without God's Grace and Mercy.

For anyone out there struggling with your weight...YOU can do anything you set your mind to. Take it from someone who knows...I used to weigh 388 pounds and have lost 170 pounds with a change in my attitude, diet, and incorporating exercise.

PRAY to God
BELIEVE you can
LOVE yourself every step of the way
FORGIVE yourself when you stumble
SURROUND yourself with healthy, positive people



Sunday, November 10, 2013

What's for dinner? Broccoli Potato Cheddar Soup


A perfect fall evening for Broccoli Potato Cheddar Soup. For a twist, I hit it with a little nutmeg which pairs really well with the taste of the sharp cheddar. The result, a warm satisfying bowl of goodness. 


Shop, Cook, Eat: Outside of the Box with Chrisetta Mosley


Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Health 100: Food and Your Health -- Fall 2013

Two days, three classes, and 100 Clark College students are OFFICIALLY Outside of the Box! On Monday, I had the pleasure of having back-to-back lectures. I absolutely love talking to and with the students and showing them how simple it is to make food OUTSIDE of the Box!
So much fun, delicious fun! 

On the menu: Blueberry Banana Kale Smoothies, Cashew Energy Bars, and Quinoa Spinach Salad









Thursday, October 31, 2013

Health 100: Food and Your Health -- Fall '13

This marks the second academic year Clark College -- Vancouver, Washington is using my cookbook "Shop, Cook, Eat: Outside of the Box." Today, I guest lectured for the first time this year. It's always a good time when I'm on campus and being teamed up with my mentor Veronica extra-sweeeet. I really, really love what I do!





Sunday, October 27, 2013

What's for Dinner? Herb Roasted Chicken

There's nothing simpler than roasting a chicken. And few things are more delicious and satisfying. The aroma as the chicken roasts creates an inviting, cozy ambiance in the house. Served here with roasted carrots and sautéed green beans. 







Tuesday, October 22, 2013

The Power to Change




You, yes, you have the power to change. I know this to be true not because I've read about it in self-help books but because I've changed. Not on accident, but on purpose.

Most people who meet me these days don't believe this about me, but I used to be a bitter, unhappy, carping person with a very negative outlook. I think part of my ugly disposition stemmed from carrying so much excess weight. I mean weighing 388 pounds is hard. Being overweight makes the simplest things much harder: walking, tying shoes, being social, on and on.  It takes a toll on your body and consequently it weighs down the spirit.

After a series of unfortunate events in 2009 I began to realize that the physical weight was causing most of my unhappiness but there was a lot of other things about myself that I really didn't like. It's been a long time coming and I'm still a work in progress, but I've changed. I changed because I realized that I had the power to change.  Yes, it's just that simple -- make the conscious decision to do something and then put forth the effort. I'll be honest, it's been hard, very hard. But, today I'm happier, friendlier, healthier, and 170 (give or take a few) pounds lighter.

Might I suggest, if you have areas in your life that you'd like to improve (weight, health, attitude). Take the time and take the necessary steps. You, yes, you have the power to change. Take it from someone who knows, you can do anything you set your mind to.





Related post:

The better part of my life
Kicking and Screaming

Saturday, October 12, 2013

Fall Stroll

I absolutely love fall. It's arguably my favorite season next to spring. Then when spring arrives I say spring is my favorite. Oh well, luckily I don't have to chose. I just enjoy each season in it's unique splendor.

Here's some photos from my strolls around my neighborhood and Pacific Community Park.



My first time ever noticing this type of tree. But today it caught my eye as I was rounding the corner coming home. The picture doesn't quiet do the berries justice. They were plump, bright, and beautiful. 

Come to find out it's a dogwood tree. A Kousa Dogwood tree those are edible berries sometimes used to make wine.





 


Pacific Community Park 




The Obesity Epidemic is REAL!

The evidence of an epidemic is everywhere.

· Two-thirds, more than 190 million Americans are
overweight or obese.

· Obesity-related diseases are a $147 billion dollar
medical burden every year.

· Childhood obesity has tripled in the last thirty years


Source: CBS News