Friday, April 30, 2010

RECIPES: TASTY III - The Hamptons in the A!

Here are the recipes that Life Chef, Asata Reid demonstrated for us at the Tasty III cooking class. And trust me they were delicious and something that would be great for a romantic dinner with your significant other or entertaining a dinner party.

Water your mouth with the Baked Shrimp Scampi, even more delicous paired with a Pinot Grigio. Serve with a green salad or just french bread. And wow your guests with a Fish Stew paired with Pinot Noir this meal is simple, spicy, and satisfying!

Asata's Spanish Style Fish Soup (Stew)

Prep time: 10
Cook time: 20
Serves: 6 as an entree

Ingredients
28 oz fire roasted tomatoes, pureed
1 medium yellow onion
5 cloves garlic
1 Tbsp turmeric
1 Tbsp smoked paprika
1 Tbsp Italian herb blend
4 tilapia fillets cut into 2" chunks
2 bay leafs
2 cups low sodium chicken stock
Salt/pepper
1 cup green olives (optional)
2 cups cooked yellow rice
Fruity extra virgin olive oil, diced avocado, sliced lime (optional)

Directions
Puree the tomatoes and transfer to a large soup pot. Add onions, garlic, herbs and spices and stock and stir together over medium hear. Bring up to a simmer and submerge the fish into the soup base. Cook gently for 15 minutes or until fish is thoroughly cooked but not falling apart (stir as little as possible during the cooking so as not to break up the fish). Gently fold in cooked rice and olives and heat through. Finish soup by garnishing bowls with a drizzle of flavorful olive oil, diced avocado and/or a wedge of lime.

For this and more recipes from Life Chef visit www.lifechef.net.

Ina Garten's Baked Shrimp Scampi



Prep Time: 30 min
Cook Time: 13 min
Level: Easy
Serves: 6

Ingredients
2 lbs (12-15) per pound) shrimp in the shell
3 Tbsp good olive oil
2 Tbsp dry white wine
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
12 Tbsp (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
4 tsp minced garlic (4 cloves)
1/3 c. minced shallots
3 Tbsp minced fresh parsley leaves
1 tsp minced fresh rosemary leaves
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1 tsp grated lemon zest
2 Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 extra-large egg yolk
2/3 c panko (Japanese dried bread flakes)
Lemon wedges, for serving

Directions
Preheat the oven to 425 degree F.
Peel, devein, and butterfly the shrimp, leaving the tails on. Place the shrimp in mixing bowl and toss gently with the olive oil, wine, 2 tsp of salt, and 1 tsp pepper. Allow to sit at room temperature while you make the butter and garlic mixture. In a small bowl, mash the softened butter with the garlic, shallots, parsley, rosemary, red pepper flakes, lemon zest, lemon juice, egg yolk, panko, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp of pepper until combined. Starting from the outer edge of a 14-inch oval gratin dish, arrange the shrimp in a single layer cut side down with the tails curling up and towards the center of the dish. Pour the remaining marinade over the shrimp. Spread the butter mixture evenly over the shrimp. Bake for 10-12 minutes until hot and bubbly. If you like the top browned, place under a broiler for 1 minute. Serve with lemon wedges.
For this and more recipes from the Barefoot Contessa visit:

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

WHAT'S YOUR BEDROOM IQ?

Of course everyone believes they have skills in the bedroom, but how much do we really know? Dr. Oz had a great show on Monday about sex, so I went to his website to see more and there is was -- the sex quiz. I took the quiz and well I'll just say I am willing to be a life long learner.

Not only did it confirm that sex...safe sex, is one of the best things you can do for your body. I also learned a few more reasons why sexual healing is what we need. You and your partner should both take Dr. Oz's quiz and test your bedroom IQ and start talking about sex!





Monday, April 26, 2010

Weight A Minute Monday...The Buddy Weight Loss Plan


The past two weeks we talked about Wedding Weight Loss in the tips we gave we talked about working out with your significant other. So for those that haven't reached or have well past the wedding day; working out with a buddy whether it's your finance, spouse, best friend, family member or co-worker can keep you on track. It seems it's always easier to lose weight or stay on track when you have an accountability partner.

Dr. Oz has developed a 4-step plan that will teach you how to restock your kitchen, prepare healthful meals and snacks and start exercising - all with the support of a loved one.

So enlisted a loved one and let's get started!

Step One: Dump Day
Together clear out each other's pantry and kitchen. These 4 ingredients that must go:
  1. Simple Sugars

  2. Saturated Fats

  3. Trans Fats

  4. Enriched Flour
Step Two: Automate
It's easier to eat right when your food choices are automated. Every weekend, meet with your buddy to plan, prep, and cook your lunches for the week. For example, cook a healthy protein like chicken that you can then use to make:


  1. Chicken Tortilla Wraps: Wrap grilled chicken, tomatoes, lettuce, and onion in a whole wheat wrap. Tomatoes have lycopene to fight cancers and heart disease.

  2. Chicken, Spinach, Walnut and Citrus Salad: Spinach is a great source of iron, calcium and other vitamins and walnuts contain healthy fats and Omega-3s.

  3. Chicken Kabobs: Chicken, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions and tomatoes provide protein, lycopene, fiber, and vitamins A and C.
Step 3: Replace Unhealthy Snacks
It's unrealistic to get rid of snacks altogether. So replace unhealthy snacks with ones that are good for you like fresh veggies, protein bars and shakes.

Step 4: Workout Together
Exercise together is more fun and creates accountability. Get moving together --30 minutes a day, 3 times a week to start. Then start to integrate strength training exercises.

Article Taken from The Dr. Oz Show website.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

THANK YOU!

Thank you ladies for another great TASTY Session!

Special Thanks to Chef Asata Reid! For the yummy menu, we will be trying those recipes at home. Right Ladies! For more on Chef Asata Reid, and her favorite recipes visit www.lifechef.net. All recipes from TASTY III Hampton's in the A! Will be available tomorrow. So you too can enjoy Asata's Spanish style Fish Soup (Stew), Ina Garten's Baked Shrimp Scampi. As well as warm green salad with roasted chicken.

Also we would also like to thank Poggenpohl Kitchen Showroom! If you are in the market for a new kitchen or bath they are worth investigating. They are the world's oldest cabinet maker; however, they stay on the cutting edge of design. We all fell in love yesterday with the user friendly technology of the applicances and beautiful design of the kitchens. www.poggenpohl-usa.com

Stay tuned as something delicious is already being developed for the next TASTY session!

~Keep it Spicy~

Monday, April 19, 2010

Weight A Minute Monday! Wedding Weight-Loss Plan: Recipes

(Last week we talked about a few wedding weight-loss exercise tips now here are a few sweet rewards you can try.)

Vow to live a long and healthy life together. Start by exercising and eating right before and after the big day. Look to each other for support. Lead by example and encourage your partner to keep his or her promise. And don't forget to reward yourselves for all the hard work!

Tone your body with these muscle-building snacks! Packed with protein and monounsaturated fats, these are desserts perfect for the post-workout treat.

Blackberry Belly Buster Parfait
Ingredients
Makes 2 servings
1 cup low-fat ricotta
1 ripe avocado
2 tsp honey
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 pint blackberries

Directions: Blend all ingredients together until smooth. Pour into a tall glass, alternating layers of blackberries and the puree. Enjoy!

Whey Protein Faux Ice Cream Sandwiches
Ingredients
1 cup fat free Greek yogurt
1 banana
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 scoop whey protein
Graham crackers (reserve)

Directions: Puree all ingredients together and freeze until semi-solid. Stir a few times while freezing. Once it has reached "ice cream" consistency, sandwich a scoop between 2 low fat graham crackers and return to freezer to firm up. Serve or keep in and air-tight container in the freezer until you're ready for your next post-workout snack.




Article Taken from The Dr. Oz Show website.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

UPGRADE YOUR SEX GAME!

Spicy Wifey is getting spicy! It's Spring and is time to dust off the cobwebs. Maybe your sex life needs a Spring Cleaning as well? Or maybe a makeover or even better yet an upgrade? Are things predictable? Have you been doing the same moves since 19__? Well it's 2010 and it's time to upgrade your sex game? You might be saying oh no not me... I'm good. But do you do the same thing/routine/moves when you are ready to getting things cooking between you and hubby? Are things good but well predicatable. It's like operating your love life using the old Windows DOS when you really should upgrade to Windows7? Or at least get on Windows Vista!

It's the middle of the week so here's a little inspiration to help you get prepared for this weekend. How about greeting your hubby dressed in lingerie and an apron with heels to get things stirred up in the kitchen? Ladies we have to be creative and inspire our men and ourselves. I saw this video and thought now that's inspiration for a Spicy Wifey! You don't have to reinact the video. the point is to be creative, step outside of the box, and upgrade what I'm sure is already a good sex game. Create a character or an alter ego for yourself if you feel weird about stepping outside of the box. For example instead of being Tracy become Trixie! And Trixie isn't afraid of anything, because she's with her lover.



Monday, April 12, 2010

Weight A Minute Monday! Wedding Weight-Loss Plan: Exercises


Vow to live long and healthy life together. Start by exercising and eating right before and after the big day. Look to each other for support. Lead by example and encourage your partner to keep his or her promise. And don't forget to reward yourselves for all your hard work!


Engage in Exercise

Compound Exercises use more than one muscle group at a time. For those brides-to-be looking to tone their arms and back for a strapless gown, this is an excellent exercise -- and it's just as good for the grooms. Using resistance bands pull the band far apart between you to achieve an adequate amount of tension. The person holding the handles should start with a squat, pulling the bands toward you. Once you come out of the squat and end with a back row, pulling your arms back, elbows bent and close to the body. Make sure to squeeze through the shoulders, Release and repeat the combination. Make sure to switch with your partner. This exercise will work the back, biceps, and triceps.


The plank - otherwise known as the "bye-bye belly" -- is an excellent way to trim your waistline. The plank targets the core. Face each other and lower down into plank position forearms on the floor, legs fully extended, toes on the floor, heels positioned as if they were pressing up against a wall behind you; make sure you are parallel to the floor and keep your butt down, your hips straight and your abs tight. To make this exercise more advanced, give each other high fives with opposite hands (as if you were playing patty cake).


Article taken from The Dr. Oz Show website.

Friday, April 9, 2010

Tonight in Atlanta "Nightline” LIVE TV Debate With Steve Harvey

Join Steve Harvey Friday night, April 9th at 7pm, for a LIVE debate for ABC -TV's "Nightline" at the Porter Sanford Performing Arts Center, located at 3181 Rainbow Drive in Decatur!

The question: "Why can't a successful black woman find a man?"

Representing the ladies will be Sherrie Shepherd, co-host of ABC's "The View," and journalist Jacque Reid from VH1's "Lets Talk About Pep!"

Representing the men will be Hill Harper, "CSI-NY" actor and author of the "The Conversation," and Jim Izrael, NPR correspondent and author of "The Denzel Principle."

This is a free town hall debate. Doors pen to the public at 6pm, but space is limited so get there early!

If you aren't in Atlanta or can't make it to the debate share your thoughts here with Spicy Wifey. Let's discuss!

Story taken from Majic 107.5 & 97.5 Atlanta's Home for the Adult Urban Community.

Thursday, April 8, 2010

TASTY III -The Hamptons in the A! (Cooking Class)

Back by popular demand TASTY III - The Hamptons in the A! (Cooking Class)


Saturday April 24, 2010

4:00 - 6:00 pm

Poggenpohl Kitchen Showroom

3280 Peachtree Road, Atlanta

We will focus on Spring produce, fresh, low fat, but sexy! Spicy Wifey's Life Chef Asata Reid, will show us how to use fresh recipes that will have us laying back in style right here at home.

Space is limited so you must pre-register, $25 will cover the cost of your full meal and drinks. Complimentry Valet Parking is available, Poggenpohl is in the in Terminus complex in the heart of Buckhead, walking distance from the corner of Peachtree and Piedmont roads).

Ladies let's wear our Spicy Wifey aprons or gear!

Click Here to Register Now

Monday, April 5, 2010

WEIGHT A MINUTE MONDAY: Jennifer Hudson New Spokesperson for Weight Watchers



Last week it was announced that Jennifer Hudson is now the new spokesperson for Weight Watchers. If you've seen Jennifer Hudson in the past few months it's been undeniable the changes in her weight! Now we know how she's doing it...Weight Watchers. On Good Morning America she said that she wanted to set a great example for her new baby boy by making healthier choices.


Weight Watchers has a four-way approach to healthy weight loss.
  1. EAT SMARTER
  2. MOVE MORE
  3. HELPFUL HABITS
  4. GET SUPPORT
A New England Journal of Medicine study finds that cutting calories --regardless of the balance of carbohydrates, proteins, or fats -- and attending group sessions helps you lose weight. The study showed that people who regularly attended group sessions or who used on-line tracking tools kept more of the weight off that those that didn't.

So basically if you have some type of regular support system you will be more like to lose and keep more of it off. Which is what everyone ultimately wants. So if it is Weight Watchers or some other type of weight loss or healthy lifestyle support group or system the battle may be better won together than alone.

Have you tried Weight Watchers or any other type of support tool or system for weight loss or healthy living?


Saturday, April 3, 2010

Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married Too?


Reuniting the same charismatic cast and characters from his original hit comedy/drama WHY DID I GET MARRIED? Tyler Perry brings us the next chapter in the lives of eight college friends struggling with the challenges of marital life in WHY DID I GET MARRIED TOO?

Gathered together in the Bahamas for their annual one-week reunion, four close couples eagerly reconnect, sharing news about thier lives and relationships. But an intimate week in paradise is disrupted by the unexpected arrival of Shelia's ex-husband Mike, who hopes to break up her now marriage with Troy and win her back.


The others soon realize they too are not immune to the challenges of commitment and fidelity.

Spicy Wifey is encouraging everyone to go see the movie and discuss!
Story from the offiical movie website.