Healthy Chicks

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No matter how old I get, I still love presents just as much as I did when I was a little kid. Seriously, what is better than getting an unexpected surprise gift “just because?” No, I don’t need diamonds or expensive clothes to be happy. It’s the little things that count for me, and yesterday was FILLED with them. Let’s just say I felt like a little kid on Christmas. C’mon, who doesn’t love presents?

My day of fun gifts started off in the morning when I met with Catherine and Kathy of Boston Sports Woman for coffee, chit-chat, work and snacks. Let’s just say it never feels like work when I’m with these ladies; we always have so much fun together! Anyway, Catherine is notorious for cooking up fun appetizers for us at her beautiful apartment, and this time she really impressed. She surprised us with a super expensive (hence super delicious) triple creme cheese from Cowgirl Creamery served aside a sliced baguette. If you know me, cheese is the way to my heart. I was one happy camper.

After our glorious meeting, I headed over to The Boy’s for another surprise. Well, this one was more expected as I knew he had a post-Valentine’s day “end of February” gift in store for me. He handed me a large box, as I ripped off the tape with my nails (my poor nails) to get into it as fast as I could. When I opened it I had not the slightest clue what it was. A Slap Chop? What’s a Slap Chop? At first I thought it was one of those Shake Weights and thought “Why would my boyfriend get me a shake weight? How romantic.” But then he played me the Slap Chop commercial – which is hilarious might I add – and everything came together. THIS IS SO COOL, I shouted. We then immediately rushed into the kitchen to chop as many things as we could. I was slap chopping the sh*t out of everything – onions, tomatoes, cilantro, you name it. That’s when we decided to make some oh so fabulous guacamole with our chopped remnants. Mmm. I have to say, The Boy did a good job.

Just when I thought my day couldn’t get any better, I then came home to two more surprises! The lovely people over at Pretzel Crisps hand-delivered me two ginormous reusable shopping bags filled with pretzel bags, plus two containers of Tribe hummus. I was in my glory. I already cracked open the Cinnamon Sugar for a late night snack to eat with my greek yogurt. Yum.

I was high on life, then I saw it – the most glorious present of all! My Victoria’s Secret package had arrived early – that is a bikini and two pairs of yoga pants for $30. Oh, and I tried it all on ASAP and everything fit wonderfully. Really, what a day, what a day.

Now, a little surprise for you! Here is my Healthy “Chick”-en Sausage Primavera recipe. Enjoy! Oh, and it’s GLUTEN FREE. : )

Makes two servings

What ya Need:

-2 chicken sausage links, fully cooked and diced into thin chunks (I like the Garlic & Herb variety from Trader Joe’s)

-1 c. brown rice pasta

-1/2 c. reduced-fat ricotta cheese

-4 TB extra virgin olive oil

-large handful fresh spinach

-1 small red pepper, chopped

-1/4 c. mushrooms, chopped

-1/2 small red onion, chopped

-2 cloves garlic, crushed

-1 TB dried oregano

-2 TB basil

-salt & pepper to taste

1. In a large olive oil-coated (use 2 TB to coat) skillet, sauté onion, mushrooms and red pepper on medium heat. Once cooked, reduce to low and add in the crushed garlic, spinach leaves, and sausage.

2. In the meantime, cook the pasta al dente. (It tastes good a little tender in this recipe…plus no one wants mushy pasta!)

3. Drain pasta and pour into large bowl. Add in 2 TB olive oil, ricotta cheese, and herbs. Mix well. Then add in the veggies and chicken sausage, and give it a nice stir. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Enjoy with a glass of wine. You’ve had a hard day and totally enjoy it.

XoXo,

Have you received any fun presents this week? Or got a fun healthy recipe to share? I’d love to hear!