Glad you're starting to feel better! I don't think it's easier for "empty nesters" though. I am pretty sure my kids keep me thinner than I would normally be on my own. (Chasing DS down to pry the lint he's contstantly trying to eat is just one activity that burns my calories off!)
What is your favorite recipe from the cookbook you mentioned, and would you be willing to share it?
Absolutely willing to share! There are a lot a great recipes but my favorite so far is Best Oven-Fried Chicken. It looks complicated, due to all the spices that makes the ingredient list pretty long. But it is simple and really gives that great crunch we all love. I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts and cook it for 30 to 35 minutes. They call for bone in which is cheaper and I plan to try that next time.
2 lg egg whites
1/2 tsp garlic pdr
1/2 tsp onion pdr
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp gr. sage
1/4 tsp dried thyme
1 1/4 cups corn flake cereal
1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt
2 tblsp all-purpose flour
1 1/2 lbs. skinned chicken pieces
Preheat oven to 400 Place a wire rack on top of a baking sheet and spray with cooking spray.
In a shallow bowl, whisk tog the egg whites with the garlic pdr, onion pdr, cayenne, sage and thyme.
Place the cereal in a plastic bag and crush thoroughly with a rolling pin. (I just go ahead and use the boxed corn flake crumbs) Place in a shallow bowl and mix together with the bread crumbs, pepper and salt.
Place the flour in a third shallow bowl. (I always need more flour for some reason.)
To bread the chicken pieces, first dredge the chicken in the flour to coat. Next, dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, followed by the crumb mixture, making sure to cover all surfaces. Repeat until all the chicken is coated.
Place the chicken pieces on the prepared rack and bake for 45 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and registers 180 when testd with a meat thermometer in the thickest part.
Calories: 255, Carbs 13g, sugar 1g, total fat 8g (sat fat 2g), Protein 32g, sodium 325mg
Food exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 starch
Carbohydrate choices - 1
WW point comparison - 6