Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Time to Lighten Up!

Gone are all the cookies, cakes and heavy foods, it's time to snap out of it!
 Now I'm craving all things green, lighter fare, and it feels good. I've made this salad three times already, it's that good! Simple ingredients, but the combination of flavors work so well together.
Roasted butternut squash, feta cheese, toasted pecans, sliced red onion and a generous sprinkling of pomegranate arils all laying on a bed of spinach tossed in white wine vinegar and olive oil. 
I love these little jewels, even though it can be a little messy when de-seeding them. I find that by cutting them in half and whacking the back with a meat mallet or heavy spoon preferably over a bowl does the trick fast and easy and all the arils just fall right out.
Kale is another green I crave and this healthy bowl of soup just makes me feel good.
 No real recipe here just leftover roasted butternut squash and chicken along with some white beans, lots of kale, carrots and leeks bathing in a chicken or vegetable based broth cooked with a parmesan rind.
 It's all good, lets hope I keep this up!
Buon Appetito!

16 comments:

Ciao Chow Linda said...

Marie - These look perfect for right now. I am trying to be good too and had vegetable soup for lunch. But then there's that leftover ice cream, panettone, candies, cookies and cakes in the freezer that I can't let go to waste either. It may be March before I can really detox.

Fallon said...

The salad looks great. I love adding butternut squash to salads!

ARLENE said...

I'm lightening up myself and love your salad. Have to pick up some butternut squash next time I shop.

bellini said...

Definitely time to lighten up. Our tight will thank us:D Health and happiness in the New year!!

EliFla said...

In Italy Holidays end on 9th January, because on the 6th is Epiphany...so we are going to lighten up on next week, :D , Happy new year, Flavia

Mila said...

Always been a bit hesitant aboutn trying kale...but you make me want to be brave and try it out...Happy New Year to you!

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Claudia said...

Never did a smashed pomegranate look so inviting. I'm with you - I not only know this is good for me - I crave this right now. (And I still have kale in the garden)

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

I'm also eating more soups and salads instead of heavier meals, Marie. It feels good to lighten up after all the holiday excesses.
New York City's annual "Restaurant Week" will begin soon and I'm wondering if I can resist that temptation.

Caren with a "C" said...

Looks yummy and healthy! I have to ask about your New Years and Christmas foods... you had so many dishes... how much time did it take you or did friends help?

Rosemary said...

My detox is well underway, too . . . I feel lighter, and healthier, although a craving for creamy pasta will hit me soon. In the meantime, I want to find a pomengranate to smash!

Bunny said...

Marie you could make me want to eat anything. It looks soooo good and comforting.

Lori said...

Made this soup today.....delicious!

Best Deals said...

It looks so delicious and healthy. I'm also craving for veggie food and yes, it's time to lighten up ourselves and try to eat healthy foods. You make me want to make salad right now. You're salad looks perfect.

Frank said...

Amen! I may never eat again. ;-)

Lori Lynn said...

Your soup and salad both look fabulous, again the colors are great!
LL

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