Sweet Potato Appetizers

So, I had some leftover sweet potatoes from Trader Joe's.  Come to think of it, I have a few still, but they expired yesterday.  Should compost those.  We were headed to our friends and neighbors' house for NYE, so I googled "Sweet potato appetizer".  And I found this recipe.  I already had a package of crescent rolls and was about to head out for my walk to the farmer's market and trip to the grocery store.  So I picked up some more crescents at Trader Joe's.

I liberally adjusted this recipe because I only had about 40 minutes, a few items, and I was tired.  Had a SPLITTING headache most of the day, and napped to recover.

Sweet potato appetizers: (makes 16)
1-2 cups diced sweet potato
1 small onion, chopped
1 Tbsp olive oil
salt and pepper
sharp cheddar cheese
2 packages cresent rolls
Saute the onion in olive oil a few minutes until softening.  Add the diced sweet potato (I diced this very fine, 1/2 inch x 1/4 inch pieces).  I cooked this about 10 minutes on low-medium, covered, then increased the heat to brown the pieces a bit.  Salt and pepper to taste.
When the filling is ready, open the crescent packages.  Break into 4 pieces.  Press the diagonal seams so that you have 4 rectangles.  Cut each in half crosswise and press out to 4 inch square.  Spoon filling into each square.  Place a thin slice of cheddar on top.  Fold up the corners and twist into a little "purse".
Bake about 15 min at 350F.  Enjoy!

Plant-strong vs. Plant-perfect. Welcome to 2012.

I wasn't going to blog today but I couldn't resist.

Happy New Year!

First off, I want to say "Hello" to all of the new folks that are finding their way to HGK. We were mentioned in a big blog posting over here at Fat Free Vegan and I can't thank you enough Susan. I feel like I've just won an academy award. The pressure is on for my next film.

All kidding aside, WELCOME! I love this blog and I love everyone who participates in this very important conversation: How to achieve our best lives and our best selves by incorporating a plant-based diet free of processed oils (not fat, just oils). For those of you that have struggled with your weight or health, like I have, for your entire lives, this subject is probably near and dear to your heart too. Please be an active reader and leave your thoughts in the comments section as much as you can. It's no fun to blog without you.

Second, I'm wondering if you saw this article over at The New York Times entitled "The Fat Trap" and Debby's response over at Happy Healthy Long Life? And if you've got the time, the comments to The Fat Trap article, all over 750 of them, are quite, quite interesting. It makes you wonder whether or not we can control our weight with diet and exercise when the reality is that it is uber challenging to do it. Or not . . .

Then, Susan had to go out and blog about her own personal new year's resolution which is, simply, to be PLANT PERFECT. There you go Susan, just when I had decided that I wasn't making any New Year's resolutions that revolved around food.

But I'm so fickle. And easily swayed. And I love a good challenge. And I've got a lot of reasons this year to strive for plant perfect . . .

But there really is a big difference between plant-strong and plant-perfect. Like today for example, my  middle child's 7th birthday (Happy Birthday my New Year's Girl!). Plant-perfect means no indulging in any birthday treats today. None.

Can I commit?

I think I can.

For today, to be plant-perfect. No Dunkin' Donuts (that's what she wants . . . and I'm not at home to bake her something healthier). A green smoothie for breakfast? Soups, huge salads, sauteed greens. Beans. Ditch the nuts. Ditch the crackers, even those whole wheat ones. Lose the little indulgences here and there into SAD sweets.

One day `t a time.

It's a fine line between the two, but one that means the difference between me at my best and me at something close, but no cigar.

I'm not going to be satisfied, really, until I am. My best.

Where is your head at today?


Okay, I know I've given you a lot of reading assignments today, but here's one that you should not miss: Dear 268 Pound Me: A Letter of Weight Loss Advice for the New Year by The Happy Rehab Doc.