Big News for Ms.Just Chow Bella!

I first would like to appologize for my spotty blogging lately, I realize I have not been posting with the frequency that I normally do but I think I have a good excuse... I'm PREGNANT! Thats right, Chow Babies, I have a little bun in the oven which has been wreaking havoc on my taste buds and stomach alike. I am just about 7 1/2 weeks but the little guy or girl is not yet as crazy about food and cooking as mom. The very odor of cooking food right now is almost too much for me to take, thus the lack of inspired recipes or culinary comentary.

I hope you excuse my temporary absence and if you feel like sharing any morning sickness remedies that have worked for you BRING IT ON!!!! I am also interested in hearing about some of your recipes for anything you may have enjoyed in the queesy early days of your pregnancies. I am really struggling with any kind of meat or protein though I know I need to incorporate more somehow. Mom suggested casseroles- do any of you have some good ones that you'd like to share? Your contributions will be MUCH appreciated!

Thanks so much!!!
CHOW!

Avgolemono Soup (Greek Egg Lemon Soup)

I grew up eating this soup in the fabulous Greek restaurants and at friend's homes that made up my diverse neighborhood. It has become a favorite of mine and reminds me of home every time I make it. I love this soup no matter the weather though its especially comforting when its chilly out. It is easier than is looks and will make a beautiful addition to your recipe box.

Chicken with Yellow Rice

This is an old family favorite in our house. My mom used to make this when we were growing up and we always looked forward to the nights we were having Chicken with Yellow Rice. The recipe could not be any easier and the result is something so saturated with deep wholesome flavor it will have everyone thinking you spent hours slaving over a hot stove. My mom made hers by boiling a whole chicken, then picking it and using the stock in place of water in the rice. I have tweeked it just a bit as I use whatever chicken cut I find on sale in the supermarket that week. For this particular batch, chicken thighs were on sale at my grocery store for $.89/lb so I bought those and roasted them as opposed to boiling. Either was you do it, the outcome remains the same- a delicious complete meal with for well under $2 a serving. Beat that!

Perfectly Peanut Buttery Cookies

Last night the hubs felt like doing (or should I say making) something sweet for his adoring wife. Upon the two of us perusing recipes and trying to decide exactly what treat I wanted to eat, we settled on classic Peanut Butter Cookies. These came out simple and perfect, just like grandma used to make. We prefer bigger cookies so while the original recipe says it yields 36 it made only about 14 for us. These are perfect for curling up on the couch with someone you love and sharing an ice cold glass of milk for dunking. Super simple and loaded with peanutty-ness, you cant' loose!

Pan Seared London Broil with Sharp Cheddar Grits

What's not to love about a dinner that's cheap and easy?! This whole meal is done in about 12 minutes start to finish and costs only about $2 a serving. Though the price tag is low, this recipe sets the flavor bar high and is fit for just a quick weeknight fix or for a night with company whey you don't want to be stuck in the kitchen all night. There are many recipes out there that call for marinating London Broil in an attempt to tenderize it a bit. My trick is just to cook the meat high and fast, searing the outside and keeping the inside tender and juicy. My husband was convinced that this wasn't London Broil but a sirloin of some sort.

Nutella Cookies... You'll think you died and went to Hazelnut Heaven!

Hello everybody! Upon further review I have come to the conclussion that I may have gone a little nutty on Nutella yesterday. Don't get too excited- I still think its total crap that they are trying to pass off the chock-full-o-sugar spread as a nutritious breakfast option. However, I decided that maybe I was a bit harsh and should show Nutella a little love by giving you all an example of something that Nutella is extremely good for- DESSERT! While a granola bar it is not, it is undoubtedly delicious and creamy which makes it a perfect ingredient for sweets and treats. So, I set out on the internet to find a recipe to showcase just what Nutella is workin' with. I saw many options, most of which sounded yummy enough but I knew I had found The One when I stumbled up on one of my fellow blogger's posts for Nutella Cookies.

Nutella, its not just for dessert anymore!

Upon perusing the internet this weekend and catching up on all of the latest food happenings like I do, it has come to my attention that my beloved Nutella is making a media push to put a new spin on the brand by portraying it as (get this...) HEALTHY! Most of the hubbub is in response to a ad campaign and commercial that aired throughout out the US, UK and parts of Europe that feature a mother lovingly spreading the chocolate hazelnut spread on slices of toast for her adoring little offspring's breakfasts. Mom's assures the audience that Nutella is " a delicious hazelnut spread that [she uses] to get her kids to eat healthy food. Mom goes on to proclaim that this spread, with 52 hazelnuts in each jar, is both "wholesome and nutritious". The commercial ends with both kids feverishly chomping down on a piece of toast slathered with the spread while eyes rolling back in their heads as the sugar high crawls up over their little bodies and finally sets in. I am incredibly  disturbed by this.