friday favorites: tv, shopping and food...

Favorite TV Show: Even deciding to stick with my favorites in the current television line-up, I couldn't choose just one.  In the end, it was that these two shows always  leave me wanting  more, get me singing and often laughing out loud.  What more can you ask for from prime time entertainment?

Modern Family is the funniest comedy I have watched since the advent of Friends and had me hooked from the pilot episode.  The motley crew of this family and excellent comedic acting have me in hysterics every Wednesday night.  And, Glee?  If a show can get me to sing along and not only keep me riveted to the t.v. every Tuesday night but also fill my iPhone playlist it's a sure winner.  I'm a Gleek :)

Favorite Store: While I could have categorized this one there is really one above all favorite.  Some weeks it seems I might be better off just direct depositing my paycheck to a giftcard since it as close as I get to one-stop-shopping.  Oh Target, how I love thee... For great deals on food, toys, clothes, baby needs and just about everything else I could ever want.  You are the it store for me.

Favorite Recipe: The toughest choice of this round. I have gotten to the point where I enjoy cooking.  I love, love, love baking.  There are so many recipes that have made it into regular rotations and on the favorites list in this house.  But, I'm going back to a very happy discovery that never fails to impress and is even a special request from my father-in-law. 

About seven years ago, I joined Weight Watchers and made the commitment to lose weight and change the way I was eating.  At the same time, I wanted to eat food that really tasted good and didn't leave me wanting.  A tall order.  Then, at a meeting one night, I flipped through a new WW cookbook "Turnaround" and found the recipe that I would come to love, that would be my new comfort food and that would simmer on my stove for many years to come.  Bolognese Sauce.  I posted this recipe when this blog was in it's very early days and it's time for a comeback.  This time I'm sharing the doubled version that I now use because, really, a single batch just isn't enough!

Bolognese Sauce
Source: Adapted from the WW Turnaround Cookbook

2.5 lbs ground lean turkey

2 onions, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
3 carrots, chopped
5 cups fresh sliced mushrooms (I use two packages of pre-sliced white or baby bellas)
3 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 small can tomato paste
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 c fat free milk
½ tsp salt
½ tsp ground pepper
3 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 pound whole wheat spaghetti
fresh basil leaves for garnish, if desired

1) Spray a large pot with cooking spray and set over med-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, stirring frequently to break up, until browned, 5-8 minutes.

2) Add the onion and garlic; cook, stirring occasionally until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the carrot and cook about 2 minutes. Stir in the mushrooms, tomatoes, tomato paste, basil and oregano; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, 10 minutes. Add the milk and cook, uncovered, until the sauce is thickened, about 15 minutes longer. Stir in the salt and pepper. Stir in balsamic vinegar, let simmer 5 minutes.

3) Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti according to package directions. Drain, divide among plates and top with sauce.

Serving size: 1 cup pasta, 3/4 cup sauce. (WW: 8 points per serving)