Fantastic Foodie Friday~ Rosemary & Sweet Potato Tart

Have I ever mentioned how much I love making tarts?

 They're easy, create a full course meal in one and look oh so pretty 
when they come out of the oven.

Ok so this one didn't turn out as pretty as I had hoped, but tasted 
absolutely delicious all the same.  I caramelized slices of sweet potato 
with a little white wine, garlic and brown sugar.  
Sounds strange...translation = most amazing combination EVER!  
I was inspired for this by Miss Martha Stewart herself and decided to make
 a tart using her caramelized sweet potato recipe.  
I sprinkled grated gouda cheese on top along with some toasted walnuts, 
fresh rosemary and a bit of thyme.  
To keep it simple I used a sheet of puff pastry, 
but you could use any dough you'd like!

Just a quick disclaimer, 95% of the time I share really healthy recipes 
on my blog while the other rare times I simply just like to share a recipe 
that I really enjoyed.  
I'm well aware that puff pastry isn't exactly the healthiest 
and no this certainly won't help you lose weight, 
but it IS a delicious Fall tart that was just too good not to share.

Plus the servings are small so win-win.
Now hopefully that will steer the negative comments away.

Eh, probably not.    

_________________________________

Servings: 10

Serving Size: 1 slice

Calories: 180

Fat: 11 g

Carbs: 12.8 g

Fiber: 1.2 g

Protein: 3.8 g

Old Points: 4.3 pts

Points+: 4 pts

_______________________________________

Here are your ingredients:

Recipe adapted from Martha Stewart 

1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed

Flour, for surface

1/2 cup grated Gouda cheese

1/4 cup chopped walnuts, toasted

Fresh rosemary and thyme, as desired

For caramelized sweet potatoes:

2 small sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch thick rounds

2 Tbsp olive oil

1 Tbsp garlic, minced

1/2 cup of dry white wine

3/4 cup of low-sodium chicken stock

1 Tbsp packed dark-brown sugar

1/2 tsp. sea salt

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.  
Open pastry sheet, remove paper and folk back up.    
On a lightly floured work surface, roll out pastry street (still folded) 
into an 8-by-14-inch rectangle.  
Trim edges with a pizza cutter and transfer to a baking sheet.  
Place in freezer until ready to use.

For the sweet potatoes, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.  
Add sweet potato slices, turning occasionally, and cook for about 3 minutes.  
Add garlic, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute.  
Add wine and chicken stock and allow to simmer for about 15 minutes, 
stirring occasionally, until almost all of the liquid has evaporated.

Add brown sugar and salt and cook for about 10 minutes, 
carefully turning sweet potatoes to brown both sides.  
Transfer to a plate and allow to cool.

Using a sharp paring knife, score a 3/4-inch border around pastry 
(do not cut all the way through).  
Sprinkle cheese inside border, then add walnuts, rosemary and thyme
and top with sweet potatoes, overlapping and pushing them into
the dough in places.  Bake until pastry is golden, about 30 minutes.  
Enjoy!

Click here for a printable version of this recipe

Enjoy dahhhlings!!

Found in the Blog~ Eat Yourself Skinny by Kelly

Through the Eyes~

When did life become so complicated?

Sometimes I sit & think back to days 

gone by when things were so much easier.

Innocence, Love & Trust were how 

I viewed the world.

As a child, you didn't know all of the things 

that could Hurt or cause Pain...

As I move forward, I try to embrace 

what I once knew as my world.

Not being naive, but also trying to not let 

all the negitive and hate be all that I know.

I find these days that it is easy, ( all too easy ) 

to be consumed with all that is wrong with the world.

I fight every day, to not let the darkness take hold.

So, I seek out my inner child...

I try to,

Give more than I Take, 

Smile more than I Cry,

and 

Pratice Kindness more than Dwelling in the Hurt.

Life is not Perfect,

but we can choose the Attitude that we Generate...

Try to look at life through the eyes of a child,

the world becomes so much more beautiful...

XoXo

<3

Because~

In a world that moves too fast,

we forget to tell those that we love how

much they mean to us.

Sometimes, we wait until it is too late...

Take the gift of today,

tell those that you love how much 

they mean to you.

Don't wait for tomorrow...

Take the time

& 

say the words that are in your heart...

XoXo

<3

Give & Take~

In this life we should always give what we can.

Even if it only a smile.

Today I did something that many may find 

trivial, but to me, it meant something...

I went to a local coffee shop and left $20.00.

I asked the woman working at the shop to 

use all of it giving coffee to people that came in 

after me.  

Why you might ask?

Because some time ago I was introduced to 

an amazing woman thru Facebook.

She would every now and again do this.

Sending love out into the world

just because she could.

Today, I was thinking about her,

as I do often & wanted to send out that love.

Though we have never met face to face,

her act of kindness will always live in my heart.

I hope that the people that got the free coffee,

pay it forward in some way.

If we all just did little random acts of kindness,

what a world we would live in...

XoXo

<3

Motivational Monday~ It's all in your Approach

You will witness many things in your life that will move you.

This one, moved me.

I wanted to share it as hopefull it will inspire you.

We all have different beginnings,

some are much more fortunate than others.

When we look at our lives we sometimes forget 

that others have had a harder road to travel than ourselves.

It takes courage, desire and heart to make our lives 

better every day reaching for our dreams.

Here is a beautiful example of one man,

that had every reason to be hard, bitter & angry.

When you look at him, all you see is joy, love and compassion.

I wish him every success in this life & look forward to see 

where he goes from here...

XoXo

<3

A Family Tradition~

I love my job!

I have the chance every year to come in contact with so many different people.

Sometimes, it isn't always pleasant, but it really makes you think about things.

Passion...

Every game of every season I see fans coming out to cheer on their teams.

Some are much more extreme than others, but all are passionate.

Today, I got to see the Browns win against the Steelers.

No matter what your opinion is on the team,

I have to say that I have never witnessed a fan base that is more loyal.

Thru the good times & bad, they are there to cheer on the team.

I am always finding a smile on my face as I drive to the Stadium.

As I pass all of the tailgaters that have camped out over night, 

just so that they have the spot to show off their pride for the team.

The decorated vehicles are simply amazing.

One of these days, I will actually take the time

 to take some pictures of them.

Today, I share with you a father and son taking in the game 

&

showing their pride for the team they love so much.

Heart warming to see a bonding moment that is more than just the 

outfits, it is a tradition that a father is passing down to his son.

Priceless...

XoXo

<3

Savvy Saturday~ Sandpiper Gallery

My dear friends at the Sandpiper Gallery 

were gone for a while, 

but now they are back!

  They have a new location, but are still in the 

Historic part of Ashtabula Harbor.

They offer many different beautiful types 

of art work for you to purchase.

They showcase several local artists.

I could go on and on about how 

amazing their shop is, 

the items that you will find 

and how Nancy & her Husband 

are just a joy to talk to.

This is what I will say...

Below are just a few pictures of what they have for sale,

if you are in the area, you should go in & check it out.

If you are unable to do so, you should still check them out!

With the Holidays fast approaching, 

get a one of a kind gift for 

the special person in your life or treat yourself!

XoXo

<3

Fantastic Foodie Friday~Chicken Florentine

This recipe was inspired by a dish I had at Dan Tana's in Los Angeles. James Woods is a frequent guest of the restaurant and has a veal scallopine dish with spinach named after him there. This isn't that dish, but it uses a couple of elements that can make a dish healthier, including making a paillard and sautéing in broth. A paillard is a piece of veal or beef usually pounded thin for tenderization. In addition to tenderizing, it's also a great way to get more surface area out of your favorite protein. To make a paillard, wrap the meat in a high-quality plastic wrap (heavy duty, if available; otherwise, your kitchen will look like a crime scene) and pound away with a meat tenderizer or mallet until you reach the desired thinness. It's good for venting your frustrations as well as turning a small piece of meat into something that feels like a bigger portion. Sautéing it in broth (in addition to oil) also is a good way of reducing calories while creating a yummy sauce.

• 1 chicken breast, skinless and boneless, pounded thin
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1/2 cup chicken broth, low-sodium
• 1 cup spinach, steamed
• 1 slice provolone or mozzarella cheese

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In an ovenproof skillet on the stovetop, sauté garlic in olive oil and broth. Cook until soft, but not brown. Add chicken breast and cook until done. If pounded thin enough, it should just take a couple of minutes per side (don't panic if it's a little underdone; it's going in the oven later). Remove skillet from stove and pile spinach on top. Then, place cheese on top of spinach. Put pan in oven until cheese melts, then serve. Put chicken on plate and drizzle pan broth over as sauce. This recipe is pretty low-carb, so you might serve it with whole-grain pasta if you're not watching your carbs.

Preparation time: 10 to 15 minutes

Nutritional information (per serving):

Calories	Fat	Carbs	Fiber	Protein
416	24 grams	10 grams	4 grams	40 grams

Found at Beachbody

Happy Thanksgiving~

Today so many people are celebrating Thanksgiving 
with Loved ones and Friends.  

It is a day to reflect upon all that we have in our lives 

and to be grateful.  

Some people because of their jobs are unable 
to be with those that they love and hold dear.

  I hope that they know their sacrifices 
do not go un-noticed.  
For those that have left us all too soon,
there is an empty chair where they once sat.

  The smiles and joy that they brought into our lives.

  We miss them, 
during the holidays it is only too apparent their absence 
and the void that now is there.  
Remember them, 
with a smile, be Thankful for the time you had in their company, for the joy they brought in to your life,
 and the legacy of love that remains.

  Tears may come, but I hope, that what remains, 
is the love that they brought into your life. 

To all of our Service Members and 
Emergency Response Personnel, 
Thank you for your sacrifices to ensure that we are 
safe, taken care of and treated if need be.

Your selfless acts do not go un-noticed 
& 
today especially 

I want to take a moment & say Thank You...

Blessings to All...
I hope that you all have a Safe 

& 

Happy Holiday... 

XoXo

<3

Dream a Little Dream~

Today, has mostly been a day of dreaming... 

Literally....

I have had many dream sequences some 

make absolutely no sense...

Three thing repeat in each one of them.

A person, a feeling and a place...

Not sure if it is real, to be or has been real.

I just know that there is a comfort

that I have not felt before.

Since my trip to the ER and the four shots 

that brought me back to a pain free mind,

I have been really tired, a kind of tired I haven't 

felt before...

My body isn't tired, but my mind just shuts down.

So, I am taking things as they come,

but for now, it is a lot of rest...

XoXo

<3

Tuesday 20th~ Mark me

Slacking I tell you... 

In all actuality, I was in the ER with one of my 

Killer Migraines.  

Four shots later & I was home sleeping it off... 

Almost sounds like a hangover... 

My migraines have almost taken on a life of their own

 as of late.  

Double vision, blind spots, magnifying every sound so that I can almost hear a fly buzzing by 

& 

it sounds like a jet engine.  

I have been put in to be seen by Neurology as I am not sure why they are becoming increasingly worse...

Guess time will tell,

till then, it is time for me to drift back to sleep...

XoXo

<3

Motivational Monday~ Your Voice

We each have our own voice, unique to us alone.

  Some will not understand us, others will try to squelch our words, desire, passion and drive.

  These are the people that have lost their dreams.

  They are dangerous to those that are still working towards their journey and finding their way.

  It is not to say that it is always done maliciously,

 but when you are striving, trying something new and taking a chance, their words can be crushing.  

So much so, that some will stop dead in their tracks.

Losing confidence, momentum and the desire 

to chase their truest hearts dream.

It is in these moments,

 when people tell you their thoughts

that you have to listen.

Take what they have to say and apply it 

where necessary, and discard what doesn't suit you.

Never let anyone destroy your dreams.

If you are willing to chase after them,

you never know where it will take you...

There may be unexpected twists and turns,

do not abandon your vision.

Stay true to your heart...

XoXo

<3

Psalm 37:4-5 (K J V)