shop.prep.cook @ home

It was a shop.prep.cook kinda day at my place. After gathering goods from three grocery stores, I went to work prepping and cooking for the upcoming week.

Here's a couple of salads I whipped up:

Bungalow Chicken Salad

This salad is inspired by the "Waldorf Chicken Salad," but since I created it in my bungalow and changed the ingredients I felt a new name was in order. Chicken, red grapes, celery, green onions, sliced almonds, a light lemon, olive oil mix replaces the original creamy caloric dressing.

Kale & Carrot Salad

This salad is a play off of New Seasons Market Kale & Carrot salad. While there version is really good, I made some adjustments and it's ridiculously good.  A bunch of curly Kale, carrots, sunflower seeds, a unique dressing with: Tamari, rice vinegar, cumin, cayenne pepper, garlic, fresh ginger, sour cream, and a hint of fresh lemon juice.

Repost: Grocery Shopping No-Nos

Arrrrrrrrrrgh. This blog post has been in me for a while, but Saturday it all came to a boil. I was at the grocery store restocking on produce -- low and behold I spotted some major shopping offenses. The cart was being pushed by a young boy about ten years old and was full of processed crap: Totino's pizza, Noodle-A-Roni, Bar-S sausage, ice cream, etc, etc. There was no sign of REAL food in the cart. You know food that has not been genetically engineered. The boy's father was gleefully catching up to him with a bag of Cheetos in his hand, (apparently he had forgotten them and HAD to go back). Heavy sigh. What's even more disheartening the two were not native to America. So I guess it's like when in Rome do like the Romans do. SMH.

I shop at a variety of stores because certain stores have better bargains and some just have better quality. I am a regular at New Seasons Market and Chuck's Produce & Street Market for local, organic, specialty goods, meat and fish. I do shop at Fred Meyer's too because it's close and I like the one-stop shopping element. When I shop at New Seasons and Chuck's the shopping experience changes as well as the customers. This has nothing to do with race or ethnicity it's an economic issue. While in these stores you don't see grocery cart no-nos because most folks shopping there understand the importance of good real food and a lot of the name brand processed stuff isn't carried in these stores. Again, it comes down to socioeconomic status (class, education).

It is not my intention to come off as some food snob or act like I've never touched processed boxed so-called food. No doubt, I use to fill my cart with no-nos too, but I've since found my way and I want to raise awareness about processed, boxed so-called food. For me returning to the  basics of cooking fresh meals has been KEY to my success. I prepare 99 percent of my meals at home. Shopping at New Seasons Market and Chuck's Produce can be more expensive, but I bargain shop and most importantly I realize this is an investment in my health.

See the links below for more information...

The Benefits of Healthy Whole Foods
The World's Healthiest Foods
4 Most Harmful Ingredients in Packaged Foods
What are the problems with processed foods?
Wean Yourself Off Processed Foods in 7 steps

Grocery shopping fun!

Some women have clothing shopping issues. Well, I have grocery shopping issues. I love grocery shopping. There's something about the thrill of gathering goods to create  delicious, fresh meals. Fun, fun, fun! Shopping in New Seasons Market is equivalent to shopping in an upscale clothing boutique. The ambiance in the store, and all the fine ingredients to chose from...Oh, la, la.

I realize, however, for some grocery shopping is a daunting task. So...my upcoming cookbook features a Grocery Shopping & Planning section to help folks maneuver and maybe even enjoy the experience.

Shop, Cook, Eat: Outside of the Box -- August 27, 2012

My American Dream

Saturday, I spoke at one of the largest, swankiest libraries in the area. The Vancouver Community Library. The place is amazing! It has five floors, totaling 83,000 square feet. On the fifth-floor there's an outdoor terrace with a view of the Columbia River - spectacular!

I arrived early to take it all in, and to set-up: Make sure the microphone was working, add a few more slides to my presentation, get the feel of the room. As I walked around the 2,000 square foot Columbia Room, I was beaming with pride, satisfaction. I am one lucky gal, I thought to myself. I am living the dream. My dream. For a long time, I was chasing The American Dream. The dream of my great-grandparents generation: Go to college, get married, buy a house with a picket-fence, have 2.5 kids, and retire from a company with a pension. That worked pretty well for that generation, but I'm from the new school. A generation who seizes opportunities, creates opportunities.

I decided to pave my own path. I found a niche. I started blogging, and sharing my weight loss story to anyone who would listen. I didn't really know what it would lead to, but so far so good. I've been active in the community: Speaking in venues such as the Vancouver Community Library, hosting cooking classes and sharing my love for good real food at Chuck's Produce & Street Market, having my Simply Unforgettable Tomato Soup sold in the deli at New Seasons Market, and authoring not one, but two cookbooks in less than a year. I've seized opportunities, probably even created a few. I'm grateful, thankful and full of pride and joy. I am living my American Dream. 

SOUPer Sweet

What a SOUPer Sweet weekend!

Get it while it's hot!

SOUPer Saturday:  New Seasons Market - Fisher's Landing introduced my Simply Unforgettable Tomato Soup in their deli and Grab n' Go section. I was there celebrating with a smile, serving up samples, chatting with folks, and signing cookbooks.

It was a special, special day. To see my name on the New Seasons Market label "Chrisetta Mosley's Tomato Soup." Surreal. To hear folks rave over the taste. Fabulous. To see them grab a container and head to the register. Awesome. I ♥ New Seasons Market!

Sweet Friday: I hosted a cooking class at Chuck's Produce and Street Market featuring three Sweet Potato recipes for my upcoming cookbook, Shop, Cook, Eat: Outside of the Box. We had a fun time testing the recipes together. The Sweet Potato Bisque was the star attraction. Although I think my favorite was the Baked Sweet Potato Fries. Good times. Good food shared with good folks. 

Not only was my weekend SOUPer Sweet, but my life is SOUPer Sweet. Everyday in some capacity or another I have the pleasure of sharing my passion for food, life, and health. Thanks to everyone who supports and encourages me.

Here's some photos from both events -- enjoy!

Signin'

Samplin'

Oh, snap my name is on the label!

Soup's On!

SOUPer good news!

February: Serving it up

...Starting in June, New Seasons Market - Fisher's Landing will serve my "Simply Unforgettable" Tomato Soup fresh in their deli. It will also be available packaged in the Grab & Go section for easy, reheating at home. On the days, they sell the soup they will also cross-promote "Bringing Cooking Back."

This deal came about after rave reviews when I served samples in the store in February during my cookbook signing. The deli manager, Seth sampled it and bashfully came back for another helping. I even had to give him a bigger bowl. The rest is well, history.

Thanks to chefs, Todd and Peter, my little four serving recipe has been converted to 12 gallons. As SOUPer excited as I was, am -- I did have a little apprehension about selling the soup in the deli. Y'all know, I'm a proponent of home cooked meals using fresh, whole food. Hello, I'm trying to "Bring Cooking Back" and that is still very much my goal. I realize, however, sometimes it's just not possible to cook at home. On those occasions, eating at New Seasons Market is a very good option. I rarely eat out, but when I do, New Seasons Market deli is on my list. I know, they use quality, fresh ingredients and have a great selection of dishes to choose from.

I trust, Todd and Peter. We've talked and laughed together. I shook hands with them. They will make my soup from scratch using the freshest, juiciest tomatoes, and best olive oil. This is a partnership, I'm proud of -- soup's on!

Hope to see you all -- June 9th from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. I'll be back in the store, serving up my "Simply Unforgettable" Tomato Soup prepared by Todd or Peter and signing cookbooks with a BIG smile.

Thanks New Seasons Market for all you do.

# 2

Bringing Cooking Back now available at New Seasons Market -- Concordia

Oh, New Seasons Market how I love thee.  Let me count the ways...

1. January: Fisher's Landing store purchased and put "Bringing Cooking Back," on their shelves.
2. February: They opened their doors to me and the community for a cookbook signing and tasting. 
3. Today: My convenient little cookbook will make it's debut on the shelves of the New Seasons -- Concordia store.  Totally cool. Concordia is the neighborhood where I grew up ( my high school is just a couple of miles down the way).  And, there are lots of foodies in Portland so I'm anxious to see how they receive it. Bonus -- I hear Concordia is the busiest New Seasons store.        

I'm tickled and honored to have "Bringing Cooking Back," in two of their 12 stores. Will "Bringing Cooking Back" grace the shelves of all 12? I sure hope so.

Thank you ever so much New Seasons Market for embracing and promoting little folks like me.

Real example

I've been there, done that -- am doing that. That's why most of you can relate to me.  I'm not a Biggest Loser contestant on TV being worked by a staff of personal trainers and fed by personal chefs. I'm not an airbrushed Weight Watchers celebrity spokesperson. I'm not a health professional who has all the book smarts, but none of the real gritty insight of battling obesity and life at the same time. I'm your real example.

I'm the gal at the gym working out along side you. I speak to you and with you at community events. I host fun, informational, cooking classes locally. If you see me at the grocery store I'll chat with you. If you shoot me an email I'll respond. I'm here, there, everywhere. I'm accessible. I'm your real example.

Real example: I met Judy at my cookbook
signing at New Seasons Market last week. She reads my blog in print in The Columbian. After reading my blog posts for a few weeks she came to my cookbook signing all jazzed up to meet me. We had a nice conversation at the cookbook signing. About a week later, I ran into Judy while I was out picking up a few grocery items. I stopped and chatted with her. She was so excited to see me again and was impressed that I remembered her -- though I did admit at the time I couldn't recall her name.  Judy told me that she loves reading my blog:  Admires how honest, open I am.  She really feels connected with me and can relate to me. She said, I am a real example, a real inspiration.

I am honored, grateful, and lucky to be your real example.

New Seasons Market & Farewell Fatso! Bringing Cooking Back

Partners - LeeAnn and me

I can honestly say, New Seasons Market is "The friendliest store in town."  My first encounter was by phone with LeeAnn, (Community Coordinator - Fishers Landing) in December. I told her about the launching of  Bringing Cooking Back, my involvement with the community, and of course of my weight loss. She was interested in having me in the store in some capacity, but admitted she was new to her position, the store was new, and it was the holiday season. She asked if we could connect sometime after the first of the year. Although I wanted things to happen right then, as I often do, I agreed to wait. They made it worth my wait. LeeAnn worked her magic -- had my books purchased for sale at the store in early January and then started waving her wand to have me in store for a book-signing.

Last night, the Fishers Landing store embraced me and the community with open arms.  I was there serving up samples of my tomato soup, signing books, conversing with great people, in a beautiful well-lit store surrounded by the friendliest staff and my loved ones. Oh, boy, I had a cheering section: My mother, my uncle, a high-school chum (arguably one of my biggest fans) and her aunt, a few of my other close friends dropped in, and to round it all out-- some of my loyal cooking class attendees joined me. A night I'll cherish forever.

New Seasons Market is not only the friendliest store in town, but they want to promote local authors, artists, and local stuff. They are willing to give folks like me a chance.  They are happy to give folks like me a chance.  New Seasons Market is a local store who hasn't gotten to big, still remembers where it came from.

And, this morning as I was still basking in last night's glory, I received this email from LeeAnn: "... I can’t thank YOU enough for finding me here at New Seasons Market and being so persistent from the start on being here with us. Last night was ‘a feather in my cap’ here at the store! I knew people would LOVE you and you came through like a rainbow - it was a great event and I hope we can do it again sometime soon! Thank you. Thank you. Thank you." Huh? They're thanking me? I'm the one who benefits most in my eyes. I'm the little fish in the pond. It took me a minute to wrap my head around it, but that's exactly the point. They want to help me Bring Cooking Back. They want to help me fulfill my dream. I'm proud to have found a partner in New Seasons Market.

Happy

The sky is clear, the temperature is mild, I spent the morning working out and chatting with positive, energetic people, and in a few hours my self-published little cookbook "Bringing Cooking Back" will be on the shelves at New Seasons Market. I'm honored to work with New Seasons. They promote sustainability, support local businesses, and local authors like myself. Oh, and of course they sell really good high-quality food. Partnering with New Seasons gives me the opportunity to reach a larger market of my community. I recognize a good thing when I see it. I am happy, happy, very happy.

Better for 2012!

Hello, 2012!  What a heck of a year 2011 was. It started off with me being knocked off my path when I was hit by a car and suffered a fractured Tibia and concluded with my first cookbook "Bringing Cooking Back" being bought by New Seasons Market - what a stark contrast. So many positive things happened for me over the year. Being knocked off my axis in the form of a car was actually a blessing in disguise. I learned and grew a lot in '11 and was presented with wonderful opportunities that allowed me to share my passion and knowledge with others. I am grateful for everything that happened over the course of the year, yes -- even being hit by a car. I made a bold statement in my blog post "Hello 2011… Goodbye 2010" and I fell short of the statement...I'm still fat. Ha ha. Fat, but better.

All I want is to be better. I"m always striving for improvement, in all areas of my life. Often I put so much emphasize on my health, fitness, and weight loss, but at the end of the day that's not what I will be remembered for.Well, maybe I will be, (Jack Lalanne was). My point is I want people to remember my heart. This year, I'll strive to be: More loving. More caring. More forgiving. More peaceful. More supportive. There are plenty of physically beautiful, rich, powerful people around that are soulless. I strive to not be one of those people.

I'm better inside and out than I was last year at this time. Next year, when I reflect I hope to say the same. This is an ongoing process. I am a work in progress. As I embark on 2012, which is full of fantastic opportunities and promise -- I simply want to be better.

Oh, goodness!

The other day I visited New Seasons Market to restock my produce. I usually go produce shopping every two to three days. If we had fresh corner markets I would go daily. Fresh corner markets...Wouldn't that be nice? Anyhow, some things I will only eat organic. Apples being one of them. Non-organic apples are sprayed with pesticides and waxed - no thanks. Buying organic, however, means paying considerably more. Organic Jazz apples were $2.49 a lb. Four apples cost $5.28. I used to gripe and complain, but now-a-days I just swipe my debit card with a smile. I want to fuel my body with good wholesome food and it's not cheap. That's typically the case with anything.  I could buy the non-organic apples at a lower price. Or if we look at it folks spend five bucks on a cheap processed McDonald's meal.  Instead, I chose to spend my dollar on four natural sweetened apples. 

As I professed a while ago, I have fallen in love with Kale. However, it is quite spendy too. I bought two bunches of Lacinato Kale to the tune of $4.98. It usually serves as a side for two meals. So that's not too bad when you break it down that way. Or if you look at the bigger picture -- I'm paying for my health and well-being upfront. Filling my body with inexpensive, crappy, processed so-called food would only cost me in the long run. I chose to eat good wholesome food and am willing to pay the price.   

*Disclaimer: I realize that eating organic and healthy comes with a significant price tag and when on a budget it can be nearly impossible to afford. I've been very fortunate to afford good quality food. I'm also fortunate enough to have the knowledge about what's good and what's not so good for me. One of my "Food and Your Health" books posed a very valid question: Is the healthy food movement elitist? Darn right it's elitist. It boils down to socioeconomic status (huge subject maybe in another blog post, maybe). Socioeconomic status is only part of the problem though. I believe for some eating healthy just is not a priority. For me, eating whole fresh food is top of my priority list because the alternative not only is going to cost more in the long run, but eating healthy never tasted so good. I hope that you too can make it a priority and find it in your budget to eat fresh whole food.

Be encouraged

Many of you have written to me to tell me I've motivated, inspired, and encouraged you along my journey - thank you. After all, you are a big reason why I blog. Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting with a young woman who found my blog after reading the article that was written in "The Columbian" back in July.  How totally cool. Anyhow, she was interested in buying a copy of my cookbook. She's local, so I met with her at New Seasons Market.  I signed her book, we chatted about my weight loss and I offered her some tips and suggestions. Next thing, I know, my passion for good wholesome food and sharing my knowledge led us to the produce section. I explained to her why it's important to buy local, organic and offered her some recipe suggestions. Before I knew it we were traveling the entire store -- I was giving her a Personal Grocery Shopping 101 class (hmm...this could be an upcoming class).

We talked about exercise and lots of other health, fitness related stuff. I felt honored to be able to pass on what I've learned and to know that people look to me for ideas and motivation is just amazing. I use to be a slothenly 388 pounds. I use to eat highly caloric processed food and my exercise consisted of going back and forth to the kitchen. Today, I promote a healthy fit lifestyle and folks look to me for inspiration. Ha ha. That's awesome.

As we walked around the store and I introduced some of my recipe ideas. She pointed out that she doesn't like oatmeal, Brussels sprouts, and a few other things I suggested she try. I gave her permission to not like these items. There are plenty of other foods that fit the bill that she may like. Our shopping experience/conversation prompted this blog post...Look to me for your inspiration, motivation, but remember the path you travel is unique. Let me be your guide, but your journey is your journey. You may be able to use some of my recipes, exercise routines, tips, however, some of my methods may not work for you and that's okay. Adapt what you can from me and others, but your journey will be different. Be encouraged by me, but remember your journey is uniquely yours. Good luck! Do continue to look to me, I love it!