I live in Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love. This wonderful city is still digging out from the snow-capades where it snowed up to 4 feet (happy 2010 to Philly, eh?). I just finally dug my car out of the snow, as it had been parked on the street. 4 hours, one shovel, 2 L of water, and I am done.
As I am shoveling out my car, I see the snow plow heading down my street to clean up the residual snow that frosted my neighborhood and I don't think I have ever been so happy to see state employees in my neck of the woods. I waved to them and nodded as if they were celebrities that were touching my life with a bit of sunshine. I felt like I should thank them profusely!!...maybe even flash them a tata like it was mardi-gras?! Then again I live in Philly, not New Orleans. Thank you snow removal people!! You made my Valentine's Day day today!!
And, because I live in Philly, it would not be wise of me to talk about the city without mentioning South Philly. Not only is it where my dad grew up (he was poor but from a loving family; he is a true American success story today - I love, respect, and adore my dad so here is a teeny ode to him as well...) but South Philly today signifies what it means to be 'Italian'...bada bing! Restaurants are cash only; patrons are there for flavor and delicious comfort food - lasagna, homemade gnocchi, tiramisu that makes you want to cry it's so delicious. South Philly food = happiness
This Valentine's Day blog is therefore dedicated to my current city; my Dad (the man in my life who keeps me believing in my dreams); and fabulous Italian food...Enjoy!! Try this Naughty Italian recipe with your honey and let your imagination do the rest ;-) Not only is this lower in calories than most Italian dishes (sorry South Philly) but it makes you feel like you are in food euphoria without the guilty after-effects.
Send comments, success stories, and Qs to lunchladyCynthia@gmail.com!!
The Naughty Italian
- ~4 cups baby spinach
- ~1.5 t crushed garlic
- ~2-3 spicy chicken sausages, sliced (if you are cooking for 2 people) (my fave are from Lou's which does not use antibiotics and is fresh - I tend to buy them at Whole Foods: http://www.wellshirefarms.com/store/page8.html)
- ~1c Vodka sauce (I like Paul Newman's fresh sauce: http://www.newmansown.com/product_detail.aspx?productid=31)
- ~3T reduced fat parmesan cheese (I go simple here: http://brands.kraftfoods.com/kraftparm/parmproducts.htm)
- ~1/2 cup reduced fat mozzarella cheese
- ~1/2 t crushed red pepper
1. in saute pan coated with a drizzle of olive oil or with cooking spray, add garlic and let the garlic start to sizzle
2. once garlic is sizzling, add sliced sausage and let it brown just a bit
3. add spinach and sauce, and continue to cook until spinach is a bit wilted or is of your desired consistency
4. empty the saute pan contents into a bowl, then adding the mozz, parm, and crushed red pepper allowing the cheese to melt a bit
5. eat and enjoy...GREAT with a little red wine (merlot works well with this dish)
Nutritional value:
- spinach - high in fiber, folate, and low in calories so it fills you up, helps your cells repair themselves, and on minimal calories
- chicken sausage - great source of protein with a bit of flavor
- garlic - studies have shown it can help lower cholesterol and is a great antioxidant
- parm and mozz cheese - great sources of calcium with a bit of protein, but easy on the cheese...it can be addicting
- crushed red pepper - spicy has been shown to kick start your metabolism which can help burn additional calories
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