Paula Leen

You can have your pancakes and eat them too!

2009-04-19T12:57:00.000-07:00

I'm just gonna say it: This morning I wanted pancakes, damn it. I've been bustin' my butt doin' Bootcamp 3 times a week for the last month and I was gonna make myself some egg whites and ground turkey ('cause THAT sounds fun...) and I thought to myself: ARE YOU CRAZY!?!?! YOU GOTTA EAT SOMETHIN' REAL!

And darlins, they were DELICIOUS:

I cup Bisquick Heart Smart® Pancake and Baking Mix
a little less than a 3/4 cup of water
1/4 cup of egg whites or Egg Beaters
4 large strawberries, sliced thin (optional, of course)

Whisk it all together and pour individuals cakes onto the griddle.

As soon as bubbles start to pop through the surface, flip and lighting brown on the other side. Done.

Personally, next I topped with I Can't Believe It's Not Butter!® (Did you see my Bobby Deen is now their spokesperson?) and Mrs. Butterworth's Sugar Free Syrup. (It has 80% fewer calories and 1/2 the carbs of regular syrup.)

I'm happy, full AND satisfied because I got what I want and I don't feel guilty about it.

...now if they can figure out how to make zero calorie Wimberley Wine, I'll be all set...

WELL, AIN'T THIS EGG ON OUR FACE!

2009-02-12T00:36:00.000-08:00

Well, hell, y'all, we've been buying the apparent carton of nonsense for years now that we should limit our egg consumption so, in short, we wouldn't have a heart attack and die! As it turns out, limiting egg consumption has little effect on cholesterol levels.

Bring on a mess of boiled ones and get the full story here.

IT’S EASY BEING GREEN CURRIED SPINACH AND CAULIFLOWER SOUP

2009-02-11T15:26:00.000-08:00

Yes, we've been gone for a while. But the sprouts of spring have us in a cooking mood. Inspired by the few brave glades of green, green grass that have sprung in the yard, but in concert with the still chilly evenings, we just made this very easy, low-fat, uber-healthy soup. Food Stylist and Photographer Leen is on the West Coast while Soup Maker Leen is in Austin, so no gorgeous photo to accompany. But, if your soup turns out very verde, you've done it!

IT’S EASY BEING GREEN CURRIED SPINACH AND CAULIFLOWER SOUP

Couple of tablespoons olive oil
Couple of carrots, chopped (just not these carrots)
Couple of celery sticks, chopped
Half a large onion, chopped
Couple or 3 garlic cloves, chopped
1 tablespoon curry powder
Salt and pepper to taste
4 cups water
1 16oz package frozen spinach
1 14 oz package frozen cauliflower florets
1 cup low fat yogurt

In a soup pot, heat the olive oil. Add the vegetables. Saute until softened and translucent. Don’t let the garlic scorch. Stir in the curry powder, salt, and pepper. Pour in the water and bring to a boil (cover with a lid and it will reach boiling faster). Dump in the cauliflower and spinach and return to boil, then simmer covered for about 15 minutes or until all the vegetables are soft, because now you’re going to puree them. Blend in a blender (you may need to do in batches). Tip: Place a thick, folded towel over the top of the blender and hold it down so there is no unfortunate explosion. Return completely blended to pot. In a separate bowl, add the yogurt. Then, slowly, by spoonful, add the hot, blended soup to the yogurt until it is brought up to temperature. This prevents curdling. Add the heated yogurt into the soup pot and warm (but don’t let boil), if needed. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

My friend Jenn sent this to me...she's lazy.

2009-01-26T11:50:00.000-08:00

(As you can tell some of us here at Paula Leen are SO over Top Chef, however, today some of us will be catching up and then catching YOU up with our reviews.)

Anyhoo, here's what Lazy Jenn sent-

Martha says: Stuff a miniature marshmallow in the bottom of an ice cream cone to prevent ice cream drips.

I say: Just suck the ice cream out of the bottom of the cone, for Pete's sake! You are probably lying on the couch with your feet up eating it anyway!

-

Martha says: To keep potatoes from budding, place an apple in the bag with the potatoes.

I say: Buy mashed potato mix.  Keeps in the pantry for up to a year.

-

Martha says: When a cake recipe calls for flouring the baking pan, use a bit of the dry cake mix instead and there won't be any white mess on the outside of the cake.

I say:Go to the bakery! Hell, they'll even decorate it for you!

-

Martha says: If you accidentally over-salt a dish while it's still cooking, drop in a peeled potato and it will absorb the excess salt for an instant 'fix-me-up.'

I say: If you over-salt a dish while you are cooking, that's too bad. Please recite with me the real woman's motto: 'I made it, you will eat it!'

-

Martha says: Wrap celery in aluminum foil when putting in the refrigerator and it will keep for weeks.

I say:Celery? Never heard of it!

-

Martha says: Brush some beaten egg white over pie crust before baking to yield a beautiful glossy finish.

I say: The frozen pie directions do not include brushing egg whites over the crust, so I don't.

-

Martha says: Cure for headaches = take a lime, cut it in half and rub it on your forehead. The throbbing will go away.

I say: Take a lime, mix it with tequila, chill and drink!   All your pains go away!

-

Martha says: If you have a problem opening jars, try using latex dish washing gloves. They give a non-slip grip that makes opening jars easy.

I say: Go ask that very cute neighbor if he can open it for you.

-

Martha says: Don't throw out all that leftover wine. Freeze into ice cubes for future use in casseroles and sauces.

I say: Leftover wine???????????  HELLO!!!!!!

SEE PAULA'S HANDSOME, TALENTED DOPPELGANGER THIS WEEKEND!

2009-01-14T07:58:00.000-08:00

FUNDRAISING IN THE SPOTLIGHT!

A ‘One Night Only’ event to RAISE FUNDS for the new original musical Leaving the Ladies Behind, conceived and starring Micah McCain & Dena Drotar!

Scheduled performers include:
Erin Quill (Avenue Q, Broadway) Teresa Tracy (Stop The World-I Wanna Get Off, National Tour) Dianne Curwick (Miss Saigon, National Tour) R. Christofer Sands (Pinafore!, Original Cast) Ai Goeku-Cheung (Miss Saigon, Toronto) and MANY MORE!

Hosted by: Elaine Hendrix (What the Bleep!?, Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion, Superstar)

Minimum suggested donation: $20
(but hey, sky’s the limit! You got it, we’ll take it!)

SATURDAY, JANUARY 17TH 8:00PM

CAVERN CLUB CELEBRITY THEATER
At Casita del Campo Restaurant
1920 Hyperion Ave. Silverlake, CA 90027

Seating is limited!

Reservations: http://www.cavernclubtheater.com or (323) 969-2530

BODY BY BEANS

2009-01-09T10:58:00.000-08:00

"Americans may reduce the amount they spend on food in response to a sour economy but some experts fear they may pick up weight in the process."

This news report lays out the possibility (probability) that the "unfolding recession could inflate U.S. waistlines further as more and more people fall onto hard times and seek cheaper food."

Inexpensive, comfort food does not have to be bad for you! There are few things more warming and comforting than beans (seriously). A bag of dried beans (great northern! black beans! pintos!) usually costs under $1 and makes a massive pot! Put the beans on to soak before you leave for work or soak overnight. About an hour before dinner, drizzle a little veg or olive oil in a pot, toss a little chopped onion (or not) and cook until softened and transparent. Rinse off your soaked beans, pour into the pot, cover with water and sprinkle in some of your favorite dried herbs (thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, whatever!), salt and pepper to taste. Usually takes less than an hour to cook. While they're cooking, saute some skinned chicken thighs in a wee bit of oil (to save even more money on this inexpensive part of the chicken, buy the thighs with skin and do your own skinning), salt and pepper to taste (a little garlic powder and cayenne if you have it). Serve the chicken over the beans. Cheap, healthy, and comforting!

Beans have long been a source of protein and are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. I am high on beans! The Idaho Bean Commission has a detailed rundown of all the goodness contained in beans. Read it here and here's to beans!

-- Bever-Leigh

Paula's Playlist!

2009-01-05T10:46:00.000-08:00

Here are the ITUNES links to this week's 45 minute cardio playlist:

Sugarland, Love
Rebecca Lynn Howard, Better Someday
Reba McEntire, I'm Gonna Take That Mountain
Norman Kelsey, A Talent for Loving
Céline Dion, Shadow of Love
The Kiki Dee Band, I've Got the Music In Me
Prince & The Revolution, Baby I'm a Star
Lady GaGa, Just Dance
Beyoncé, Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)
Cher, All Or Nothing
Madonna, She's Not Me

This is a great mix because it starts off with a great inspiring song to walk/warm up to, builds up to a great run and then relaxes with a beat that will keep your day going!

FEE-LEEN' LUCKY! HAPPY (HEALTHY) NEW YEAR MENU!

2008-12-31T06:59:00.000-08:00

In the south, tradition (and our mamas!) dictate eating black-eyed peas and a green (typically cabbage) on January 1st for luck and prosperity, respectively, in the new year. In my family, the typical New Year's day meal is meatloaf, coleslaw, and black-eyed peas. This year will be no exception, the only change will be all of the above will be leener. To get you ready for your healthy and prosperous 2009, here is our suggested Paul Leen menu:

Live and Let Lean Loaf : Get the recipe and watch the video on PaulaLeen.com!

Skinny Peggy's Coleslaw: Get the recipe and watch the video on PaulaLeen.com!

Fee-leen Lucky! Black-eyed Peas:
Our mama's traditional recipe for black-eyed peas is something along the lines of drop a big ol' hamhock in a pot of water and peas. Cook to death. Salt and pepper to taste. But this year, we're letting the flavor (and health) of the peas shine through. Black-eyed peas and most all beans are a perfect leen food. They're good for your wallet (the bag of peas I bought cost 80 cents) and your health (high in fiber and nutrients).

1 16oz bag bag dried black-eyed peas, rinsed and picked through (sometimes tiny rocks make their way into the bag, so just be sure and give it a quick sort through)
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 jalapeno, seeded and diced (optional)
1-2 tablespoons light olive oil
1 teaspoon each salt and pepper plus additional to taste

In a large pot, saute the onion in the olive oil unti soft and transluscent. Add the garlic and jalapeno (if using) and cook about 1 minute more. Add the peas and enough water to cover. Bring to a boil then turn heat down to simmer. Cook until peas are tender (could be an hour or more). Season to taste. Serve with meatloaf and coleslaw and have a happy, healthy new year!

-- Bever-Leigh

Top Chef Season 5: New York Episode #6 Recap WITH SPOILERS!

2008-12-30T17:46:00.000-08:00

Quickfire Challenge:
This weeks challenge? To make it through this episode.

You know what the "reality" is? I am SO mad at this episode that I don't even want to review it.

IS THAT WRONG? (Please don't judge me the way Tom judges the chefs.)

Fine, here's the jist: Fabio was charming, Jamie was whining about Ariane, Carla had her eye thing and Eugene is getting more cocky than Stefan. Oh, also it was a Christmas Show where they had to make a holiday menu for Martha Stewart (yawn) and no one got eliminated even though THREE PEOPLE deserved to. (SUPER YAWN! I HATE YOU EPISODE SIX!)

Paula's Judging Table:

"Y'all, the wheels still turning, but the hamster's dead." -Paula Leen

*Next week they get a new judge and everyone hates him and he eliminates two people, not including Gail. THANK YOU!

HAPPY HO-LEEN-DAYS, Y'ALL!

2008-12-24T12:57:00.001-08:00

Wishing everyone the healthiest and happiest of holidays! From all of us at PaulaLeen.com!

Putting the 'LOT' in Latkes!!

2008-12-22T20:41:00.000-08:00

According to the Associated Press, A 23-year-old mechanical engineering student has downed 46 of the potato pancakes in eight minutes to win a contest at a Long Island deli.

Ummm, he knows Hanukkah lasts EIGHT days, right?

Pete Czerwinski, a Toronto bodybuilder, said he'd never eaten a latke before consuming about seven pounds of them Sunday at Zan's in Lake Grove, NY. Association of Independent Competitive Eaters (Don't get me started on THAT title y'all...) Chairman Arnie Chapman says Czerwinski demolished the contest's previous record of 31 latkes, set in 2006.

So in honor of that, we would like to remind you of Paula Leen's Low Fat Sweet Potato Latke recipe:

THE TAO OF STEVIA

2008-12-21T19:21:00.000-08:00

It's been no-calorie sweetening the world for some time now, but until now stevia had not been a "legal" sweetener in the U.S. Per Healthnews.com:

"The newest no-calorie sugar alternative, Stevia, is a substance naturally found in the Peruvian stevia plant...With 300 times the amount of natural sweetness of the popular sugar cane we have used for centuries, Stevia has been used in sodas marketed as dietary supplements and in other countries for sweetening treats and other foods but before now was not officially approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)."

So, what do you think of stevia? How about "artificial" sweeteners in general? The Paula Leen team is divided. Some believe natural sugar only and just in vastly reduced amounts (yes, Virginia, there is black coffee) while others are a-okay with a little sweet help from science.

Top Chef Season 5: New York Episode #5 Recap WITH SPOILERS!

2008-12-11T15:48:00.000-08:00

The episode starts out with Melissa saying that her "almost" being eliminated was a wake up call. Here's another wake-up call: you're boring. The girls start bitching about Stefan and Jamie thinks he's SUPER cocky but appreciates the gifts he gives her even though she's an advertised lesbian and he still wants in.

I guess THIS is television.

---
Quickfire Challenge:
In this quickfire challenge they are playing IDENTIFY THAT INGREDIENT! The game that is as exciting to Chef's that CLUE is to normal people.

The Chefs draw knives and they soon find out they get paired up for this challenge. Stefan and Jamie (sitting in a tree) go head to head with competing to name the most ingrediants, from taste, of a sample sauce.

Hosea says he can name 4 and Danny says he can name 4 as well but rules state he has to go one higher and he calls Hosea's bluff saying that Hosea can't name 4 just by tasting the sauce. Well, Hosea names 4 ingrediants and Danny loses.

Jeff and Ariane. Jeff guesses wrong and Ariane wins.

Stefan and Jamie. Stefan wins. (DAMN!)

Leah and Eugene. Eugene fails.

Radhika and Fabio. Radhika wins.

Carla and Melissa. Carla wins.

Then there's ROUND TWO and they get re-paired and taste a new sauce:

Hosea and Ariane. Hosea wins with naming 7.

Leah and Stefan. Stefan wins with 8 (and Leah calls him an asshole. LOVE IT!)

Carla and Radhika. Radhika loses.

ROUND 3 is round-robin:

The remaining chefs have to taste a new sauce and each name a new ingredient after each other:

Carla fails on the first go. (DOH!)So, Hosea and Stefan remain. But Stefan guesses incorrect with Tomato Paste and Hosea guesses one more correct and wins immunity.

WAY TO GO HOSEA!!!! SUCK IT STEFAN!!!!

---
Elimination Challenge:
They draw knives again and are split up into teams: OLD, NEW, BORROWED, BLUE. The challenge is for Gail's bridal shower the following evening for 30 women. No veal or black beans are requested and the guests are mostly from Food & Wine Magazine.

BORROWED Team: Radhika, Jamie and Ariane.

BLUE Team: Melissa, Fabio and Leah.

NEW Team: Daniel, Eugene and Carla. Daniel pushes pickles. Why? We have NO idea... but Carla is NOT speaking up. (Tragic foreshadowing?)

OLD Team: Stefan, Jeff and Hosea. They are going tomato-y and Jeff and Hosea are already OVER Stefan. (Much like the rest of America...)

---
They go shopping and Fabio looks gorgeous in a pink polo and Stefan calls Hosea a douche.

Nice.

Once back in the kitchen, they have 2 1/2 hours to prep. Team BORROWED is the third course, Team NEW is doing the second course, Team BLUE is the fourth course and Team OLD is first course. (Did they just say Tomato sorbet as a course? Ugh.)

Tom comes in and let's Team BLUE know there is NO such thing as blue food in the food world, it's all purple. Blueberries, included. The team tells him they are going with an ocean theme and that's how they are working in the Blue. BORROWED tells Tom that they are borrowing food from Radhika's Indian culture...Cultu-HER if you will and NEW tells them they are doing Sushi, BBQ Sauce and Wonton Salad cups, giving the guests "NEW" insight into Sushi... as the world as a whole rolls it's eyes... and OLD shares with Tom that they are going "Old" Country for their entrees.

Recapping, Tom is NOT excited about Team Blue and can't figure out what to think about Team NEW and then there's Carla.
Oh, Carla.

Eugene changes his entree because his rice got screwed up and Hosea is concerned that he doesn't get to taste Stefan's dish and frankly, it's getting old with Team OLD.

---

The Bridal Shower:
The guest judge is revealed to be Editor-in-Chief of Food & Wine Magazine: Dana Cowin.

Nothing really happens during this segment except produced non-drama and really BAD faux-shadowing. You can already tell who is going to be eliminated and it's only about half way through the episode.

Here are the perspective teams and or their dishes:
Leah, Fabio, Melissa: Blue Corn Sea Bass, Roasted Corn, Swiss Chard

Ariane, Jamie, Radhika: Lamb Marinated in French and Curry Spices, Vadouvan Carrot Puree, and Kale

Eugene, Danny, Carla: Chili Sticky Rice, Yuzu Giner Granita, Miso BBQ

Hosea, Stefan, Jeffery: Tomato Gazpacho, Tomato Carpaccio, Tomato Terrine

---
Judges Table:
Team Borrowed and Team Old get called into the judge's room and they are told that they are the judge's favorites. The top two dishes are down to Jeff's Tomato Sorbet (again, blech!) and Ariane's Lamb. Jamie is NOT happy because she REALLY wants to win adn thinks her puree was better than Ariane's meat, while Stefan is pissed that Jeff's dish was liked more than his. (HAHAHAHAHA!!!!)

The winner of the challenge is Ariane (YEAH!) even though she was SUPER surprised and now Jamie is SUPER pissed:
...and you can check out the recipe for her/their dish HERE. (FYI: It's got twelve thousand ingredients and it looks a little ridiculous to make.)

They are told to send back the other two teams but not before Jamie starts to sound more whiny then Stefan sounds cocky.

As the two least favorite teams are walked in, they tell Eugene that they didn't understand his dish at all. They call him out on his rice (and a note to him AND ALL OF US: if your rice sucks, chuck it. Don't try to save it.)

Carla says she allowed the crap to happen and then Daniel says that he LOVED the dishes and stands by it... even adding mushrooms to someone else's dish...DANIEL... and they hated that too. Leah says she was overall 'happy' and the Gail says that the flavor the guests liked, but the texture of the dish was no good. Tom is OBVIOUSLY in a bad mood and being a total jerk and then Fabio steps in and starts standing up for himself but then as the judge's table starts to turn on him, he shuts up.

Smart move, kid.

They release Team Blue and start to wreck Team New a 'new one'. Is it going to be Eugene or Daniel? Carla is safe, but is told to start standing up for herself. (It's SO going to be Daniel but Eugene knows it's going to be him and I still think Carla has REALLY big eyes...)

All the judges came together and the chef that was eliminated was:
Daniel.

Next week: Martha Stewart and rotten meat. Ironic?

Sangria 'Sass'-pacho

2008-12-10T10:21:00.000-08:00

You want your Gazpacho with a little sass?
Then here's Paula Leen's Sangria Sasspacho!

Ingredients:
2 Mangos, peeled and pitted*
1 Cup fresh strawberries*, washed and stems removed
1 Cup Soy or Low Fat Milk
1 Cup Red Wine
3 tbsp Sugar Free Vanilla syrup
2 tbsp chopped fresh Mint
Mint leaves, for garnish

Directions:
In a blender, place, well: EVERYTHING and blend until smooth and creamy. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.

This is not only a great appetizer and/or soup, it would also be AHHHMAZING over ice cream or...shoot: as a cocktail! Just replace the milk with more red wine!

("That's what my momma always did!" -Paula Leen)

*Frozen can also be used depending on the season. Also, here is a video of the PERFECT way to peel a mango:

PLEASE pay no attention that it looks like he's in his garage or has broken into a house where the person who isn't home (or is tied up in the bedroom) is apparently a hoarder.

I'm just sayin'

MEAT BOUNTY AND SKINNY PEGGY'S COLESLAW

2008-12-05T06:26:00.000-08:00

The last bag of leftover turkey clings to the farthest reachest of the freezer, refusing to be part of another sandwich or casserole. Next to it sits the first holiday gift received - a huge slab o'meat from Cooper's BBQ in Llano, Texas. What to do with this meat bouny and still be leen? Heat the turkey or brisket with a little BBQ sauce and serve with a side of Skinny Peggy's Coleslaw. This isn't just great for a healthy coleslaw, it's just plain great! The crispy, salty bites of turkey bacon, the crunch of the cabbage, the creamy tang of the dressing, and the fresh herbal note of dill? Yee haw! Yee slaw! Watch Paula Leen's video demonstration of the recipe here!

SKINNY PEGGY'S COLESLAW
1 package coleslaw mix (such as Dole Classic Cole Slaw)
1/2 cup low-fat mayonnaise
1 cup low-fat yogurt
1 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoons vinegar
1/2 teaspoon dill
6 slices turkey bacon, fried and crumbled.

Place coleslaw and bacon in large serving bowl. Toss to combine. Mix mayonnaise, yogurt, brown sugar, vinegar, and dill. Pour over coleslaw mixture. Toss to completely coat coleslaw with dressing. Chill before serving.

Top Chef Season 5: New York Episode #4 Recap WITH SPOILERS!

2008-12-04T09:39:00.000-08:00

Okay, when did Alek join team Rainbow? I mean I get that Richard is gone, but did we REALLY need someone to fill his ~~clogs~~ shoes ?

---
Quickfire Challenge:

Rocco DiSpirito is the guest judge for a quickfire BREAKFAST challenage. They have to create a Breakfast Amuse-Bouche. (a single, bite-sized hors d’œuvre.)

Stefan starts talking about blah, blah, cocky, blah and Jack does the same thing. Daniel pulling out corn flakes = me terrified. and Ariane plans.

Melissa: French Toast Eggs in a Nest - LOVED
Stefan Huevos Rancheros - LOVED the presentation
Radihka- Latke. um, no. Didn't she see Paula Leen's brilliant version?
Daniel - Um NO!
Ariane - Stuffed French Toast. LOVED
Jamie- Egg BLT. LOVED

Leah EGG BLT -THE PERFECT SIZED (and she made sure to say to the judges AND the camera) Quail Egg BLT. -LOVED
Husband Fabio - Briouche Brulee - IFFY
Jeff- Twice Baked Potatoe

BOO-
Daniel
Fabio (NEXT TIME BACON, BITCH!)

YEA-
Stefan
Leah
and sorta Jamie

And the winner is:

LEAH with her Fried Quail Egg with Tomato and Cheese:

...and then Rocco pushes his new cookbook.

---
Elimination Challenge:

They have to make an entree that they can teach on a television segment. (That means in like 2 minutes, people)

Okay, I officially hate Jeff. And FYI: Carla, Leah and Radhika are a mess.

Jamie served raw egg white because she ran out of time and Alex is SO about to get screwed trying to make a creme brulee in under an hour.

The judges went back and forth on Daniel and weren't impressed at all with Stefan. (Thank goodness!)

In the end they like Jeff, Fabio (of course) and Ariane and they become the top three.

The bottom three:
Melissa, Alex and Jaime.

---

SO, it turns out the top three will get a chance to have their meal tasted on The Today Show and so they woken up at the buttcrack of dawn (the time, not the person) and as they watch the hosts taste and rate their food Kathy Lee Gifford spits out Jeff's food.

Nice.

Ariane wins the challenge with her Watermelon Caprese Salad:

... and Meredith comes back and congratulates her.

---

Judges Table:

Jamie did REALLY good defending herself. Like, REALLY good. (Not ugly, not snotty, just very stand-up-for-yourself meets You-Go-Gurl!)

Alex, was kind of whiny and I could care less about whatever he said because I totally zoned out because, well, who cares.

Oh crap, then Melissa starts talking again about how SHE wants to be here and OH MY CRAP WHO CARES!!!

Alex realizes that Melissa JUST threw him under the bus. DUN, DUN DUNNNNNNN!!!

---

So with ZERO ELIMINATION CHALLENGE WINS and ZERO QUICKFIRE WINS, Alex is eliminated:

Jew-SWISH Low Fat Sweet Potato Latkes

2008-12-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

Latkes (Latkas/Potato Pancakes) are traditionally eaten during Hanukkah and came from a preference for fried food to celebrate the miracle involving olive oil. (Or in the South, just from a preference for fried food...)

Paula Leen's Low-Fat Sweet Potato Latkes are baked, not fried and by using yams instead of potatoes, this treat will be rich in fiber, complex carbohydrates, protein, vitamins A and C, iron, and calcium not found in the common potato.
That's right...the potato is common.

Ingredients:
2 Large grated sweet potatoes
I Medium onion, finely chopped
2 Egg whites
1/4 cup Whole Wheat Pastry Flour
1/4 tsp Baking powder
1/2 tsp Cinnamon
1/2 tsp Nutmeg

-Salt
-Pam Cooking Spray

*Also, Latkes may be topped with a bunch of different things ranging from low-fat or fat-free sour cream (if you want savory) to Mott's® Plus Applesauce (if you should want the sweet).

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400°F. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and then spoon by 1/4 cupfuls onto a Silpat Baking Mat and then flatten with a spatula. Sprinkle salt on top and then spray with Pam. Bake for 13 minutes; flip and bake for another 13 minutes.

"We're taking The Festival of Lights
and making it The Festival of Lite Food!"
-Paula Leen

Top Chef Season 5: New York Episode #3 Recap WITH SPOILERS!

2008-11-28T00:00:00.000-08:00

Okay, first things first: I (heart) Fabio. Now that that's out of the way, Richard: PLEASE STOP SAYING TEAM RAINBOW!!!!

Quickfire Challenge:
with guest judge Grant Achatz
(Sounds like Agate...but plural...agates...incase you needed to know.)

Okay, the chefs pick out a knife from the knife block and each blade has a number on it. It turns out that the numbers are actually page numbers from the Top Chef Cookbook and the challenge is to put a personal spin on the recipe on that in on the numbered page using whatever they find in the Top Chef kitchen with only 60 minutes.

Just as they are about 10 minutes into the challenge, Padma comes in and screams STOP and decides to change the challenge to a soup competition. DUN, DUN, DUHNUNNNN!!!!!! WITH THE REMAINING TIME, the chefs have to create a soup using ONLY the ingredients they were already using combined with broth provided by Swanson. (Hey, if they get a mention on TV, they get one here too.)

Of course my husband Fabio doesn't stress out and Ariane is a mess...AS ALWAYS! (GET OVER IT ARIANE!!!) Also, I can't tell if Carla is freaking out (LOL) cause she ALWAYS looks like that and Jamie feels pretty confident.

Did I mention I LOVE Padma's blouse?

Now then, the guest judge picks the top three: Jamie with her Chick Pea Soup, Leah with her White Asparagus and Daniel with his Mushroom/Leak Soup with Ham and Egg.

And the winner is:

LEAH (yea!). She now has immunity from the Elimination Challenge.

---
Elimination Challenge:

They have to make Thanksgiving dinner for some "VERY" important people and since Leah won the quickfire challenge, she gets to pick SIX chefs to work with. She chooses: Jamie, Hosea, Stefan (Duh), Melissa, Fabio (Duh-er) and Radhika.

Like seriously, who WOULD pick Ariane, Carla and Richard... this is High School ALL over again. I'm so sorry. Let's just hope they're 'shirts' and everyone else is skins, OKAY!?!?

It turns out that they will be cooking for The Foo Fighters and their entourage for the Elimination Challenge while sticking to their 'riders' of what they like and don't like backstage. They need to cook for over 60 people including 18 Vegetarians.

The Chefs get to the Bluecross Arena to check out the kitchen and location. The winners of the challenge get to watch the show, the losers get to clean up. As it turns out, there IS NO KITCHEN, THERE IS NO REFRIGERATOR, THERE ARE NO FREEZERS. All it is, is microwaves, toaster ovens, one burner ALL OUTSIDE...so, frankly: they're SUPER screwed:

---

Once at the supermarket, Team Sexy Pants (aka Leah's team) stops, makes a plan and attacks the shopping. Team Cougar (the left over chefs): Run like they are on the final episode of Supermarket Sweep. (God, I miss that show...GET THE HAMS! GET THE HAMS!)

---

Okay, once they get from the store, Eugene is a genius and builds a grill. I'm stressed out and Stefan is taking control.

Then, of course, it rains. LOL!!! That's brilliant. Daniel starts screaming. Fabio runs for his tiramisu, Ariane is whining. (Imagine THAT!) and all the chefs run and set up INSIDE THE STADIUM as The Foo Fighters enter with Tom.

At the start, everyone seems VERY happy. I don't know who The Foo Fighters are, but they 'seem' nice and start the judging.

Team Cougar-
Stuffing: No
Mac & Cheese: YES
Potatoes: NO
Turkey: YES, YES, YES!
Parfait: SO, NO. 'Barf-fait.'
Cobbler: Flounder.
Banana Smore: No

Team Sexy Pants-
Stuffing: SUPER GOOD!
Yams: YES!
Turkey: NO
Tiramisu: REALLY into it!
Crisp: OUTRAGEOUS

So as the FOO's and judges start discussing, it sounds like there is a tie (ish) and no one was a SURE FIRE winner.

Crap. More drama. Where are Carla's eyes? Let's see what she looks like she's feeling. Oh...Crazy... so that was no help. Umm, does anyone else think that Daniel sounds drunk, like, ALWAYS!?

The Foo's pick their favorite and their favorite is: COMMERCIAL! AGGHHH!!!!

---

After commercial we find out Team Sexy Pants is the winner and now someone from Team Cougar will be going home.

---

Judges Table:

Team Cougar walks out to the judges table and say they were surprised they were the losing team. Jeff sounds stupid complaining about whatever and then Alex says that Jeff is the leader. Richard says that's not REALLY true but...whatever. Ariane gets kudos for her turkey (thanks Goodness, now we don't have to hear anymore from her.) Jeff's stuffing gets SLAMMED. Daniel's potatoes were one of the judges LEAST favorite dishes. Carla defends her cobbler. Jeff gets nailed again, this time for his pumpkin mousse barf-fait:

THEN just when you think it's over, guest judge Grant let's Richard know that the smores, sucked...smore or less... and then Richard went into something about bananas and chocolate and all I kept thinking was: "smore" or less is funny.

It looks the chopping block is gonna be: Daniel, Jeff and Richard.

OMG is Richard gonna get eliminated? NO WAY! JEFF! TAKE JEFF!!! HE HAS BANGS!!!

---

OMG, that was THE longest commercial break ever!

Eugene is safe. Alex is safe. Carla is safe. Ariane is SUPER safe (and redeemed). SO it turns out YES the chopping block consists of Daniel, Jeff and Richard. OH MY GOD!!!

They tell Daniel the choice is as hard as his potatoes, Jeff bit off too much and Richard...well, RICHARD is NOT over the rainbow and... is eliminated:

Damn it. Oh well. He's sad and I'm sorry.
No, no. NO crying. I'm so sorry. ...oh, honey.
Team rainbow? NO? Not gonna help?

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T10:26:00.000-08:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
From Team Paula Leen, Bobby and some Martina McBride knock off!

A Pumpkin Sling for Thanksgiving!

2008-11-25T14:46:00.000-08:00

Paula Leen believes in recycling, y'all, so we're hauling our Halloween pumpkin cocktail out to the curb to become a Pumpkin Sling for Thanksgiving!

Ingredients:
3 1/2 oz Vodka
1/4 oz Sugar-Free Vanilla syrup
1/4 oz Pumpkin liqueur or Pumpkin spice syrup
1 Tbsp PURE Pumpkin Filling (Libby's 100% is perfect!)
1 Tsp Fat-Free Whipped Topping or Whipped Cream
Cinnamon stick for garnish

Preparation:
Pour the Vodka, Vanilla and 'Pumpkins' into a shaker filled with ice.
Shake REALLY well.
Strain into a chilled martini glass rimmed with cinnamon.
Top with a teaspoon of Fat-Free Cool-Whip or Whipped Cream.
Garnish with a cinnamon stick.

Paula Says!

2008-11-24T11:16:00.000-08:00

Leen Tip #256

"Y'all! Eat the lower calorie items on your plate first! Start with salads, veggies, and light soups, THEN eat meats and starches last.
By the time you get to the higher calorie items, you'll be full enough to be content with smaller portions of the high-calorie choices."

Best/Worst Burgers in America

2008-11-21T00:00:00.000-08:00

Chili’s Smokehouse Bacon Triple-The-Cheese
Big Mouth Burger w/ Jalapeno Ranch Dressing
2,040 calories
150 g fat (53 g saturated)
110 g protein
4,900 mg sodium

"You know this burger's in trouble when it takes more than 20 syllables just to identify it." says Eat This, Not That @ Yahoo Health. "If you think the name’s a mouthful, just wait until the burger hits the table. You’ll be face to face with two-and-a-half day’s worth of fat — a full third of which is saturated. To do that much damage with roasted sirloin, you’d have to eat about eight 6-ounce steaks. It’s nearly three days’ worth of saturated fat."

In-N-Out Protein-Style Cheeseburger
330 calories
25 g fat (9 g saturated)
720 mg sodium

"Y'all, you'll be seeing me go in and out at In-N-Out whenever I'm on the west coast!" -Paula Leen

Top Chef Season 5: New York Episode #2 Recap WITH SPOILERS!

2008-11-20T13:43:00.000-08:00

Okay, so what do I think about 'who' this time? Fabio is still super cute, but I'll HATE if he and Stefan become BFF's. Carla is the new coo coo and if I have to hear the words Team Rainbow out of Richard's mouth again, I'm gonna scream.

----
Quick Fire Challenge:
They need to make the New York favorite: Hot Dogs up against legendary Dominick's Hot Dogs of Queens.

Jill made a summer roll hot dog, without making her own hot dog. (WTF?) Hosea's looked amazing. Stefan made a Panini. Ariane made a chicken dog. Fabio went Mediterranean...which is where we're gonna get married... Jamie's had bone in hers. (DOH!)

They liked Radikah's and Fabio's along with Hosea's.

and the winner is:

Radhika!
So she wins immunity from the elimination challenge.

---
Elimination Challenge:
They have to create a three course American lunch and each person is responsible for one dish for some of the most ruthless customers ever: New Yorkers. (I waited tables in New York for a summer and you know what? They ARE ruthless. It's no joke.)

They have 30 minutes to shop and $2500 between the 15 of them.

Team Appetizer: Fabio, Hosea, Melissa, Leah and Jamie.
Team Entree: Stefan, Jeff, Alex, Jill and Eugene.
Team Dessert: Carla, Ariane, Richard, Radhika and Daniel.

Tom comes in and announces that HIS is the restaurant that they are cooking and serving in. Dun, Dun DAAAAnnnunnn! Also, all the customers are New York chefs that wanted to compete on Top Chef, but didn't make it.

Umm, wow.
---

Okay, crap. Stefan and Fabio are forming some kind of European alliance.

---
The chefs go into Craft, Tom's Restaurant with 2 hours of prep time. Jamie loves her soup. Her cold corn soup. Fabio loves his Olive crap. His chemically reacted Olive crap. Hosea loves his crabs (LOL). Jill is stressing out about her quiche. Carla is nervous about her pie (lol) and Ariane gets everyone's opinion about her Meringue Martini and they all think it's too sweet and she feels she doesn't need to change it.

The guests start to arrive and we hear all about how successful they are even though they didn't make it on the show. Tom shows up and he and his chef will be expediting the food and let's the chefs know: it's about to go down.

Padma walks in wearing this salmon blouse that I don't think I like and then the appetizers begin where she uses the word Chiffonade while talking about the corn soup.
This is the process of Chiffonade.

The people love it.

Hosea's crabs are next out and they all hate it. Leah's Potatoes and Scallops don't go over well, either. Fabio's Carpaccio is next out and they REALLY love it. Chemical reaction and all. Mellisa's Avocado salad apparently sucks. Big time.

It's time for the entrees and Jill's Ostrich Egg Quiche is first out and apparently it resembles dog food and tastes like glue. Eugene creates a deconstructed Meatloaf sandwich. Stefan does pan seared Halibut and the feedback is good. Jeff is slow in the kitchen and his chicken with honey mustard is fine. No complaints. Alex does tenderloin and they really, REALLY hate it.

Like, really.

Dessert time is here and Radhika does Avocado mousse with chocolate wontons and it sucks. (Thank goodness she has immunity.) Daniel made Ricotta Pound Cake. That they think is excellent. Ariane's martini made Padma want to puke. Richard does a banana Bread sandwich that 'only kids would like' and Carla does an apple tart that she's feeling insecure about... but it turns out being one of Padma's favorite desserts.

I am STRESSED OUT y'all!

---
The people they take out to the judges table are:

Jamie, Carla, Jill, Hosea, Ariane and Fabio

Padma tells them that they were VERY upset with the food overall. They rave about Carla's dessert and if her eyes could bulge out anymore, they would have bulged out. Fabio is charming and smiles a lot. (and did I tell you he loves me?) They also raved about Jamie's Corn Soup.

It's revealed that they are the top three. And the winner is:

Fabio.

That makes the bottom three: Hosea, Jill and Ariane.

Jill says blah, blah, blah and Hosea thought he was a winner. Ariane freaks that Padma spit hers out.

The third to be eliminated from Season 5 is:

...Jill.(That's okay. We already have an Anne Hathaway.)

THE NEXT FOOD NETWORK STAR? CAN'T BLAME A GIRL FOR TRYING!

2008-11-19T06:59:00.000-08:00

Micah and Paula Leen are going for it! The Next Food Network Star audition tape is uploaded and waiting (hoping) for your views and positive comments. CLICK HERE for the direct link to my...errr...our video!

Healthiest City in the U.S.!

2008-11-18T00:00:00.000-08:00

It appears to be Burlington, Vermont. (Hi Margo!)

"It's among the best in exercise and among the lowest in obesity, diabetes and other measures of ill health, according to a recent report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention." says CNN.com

How could it get any better? Jet Blue (my favorite airline, like EVER) flies there.

FYI: Huntington, West Virginia is the unhealthiest.

Yo Gurl! Smothered Chicken and Peachy Queen Cobbler

2008-11-17T09:20:00.000-08:00

Micah and Paula Leen do a low-fat but luscious smothered chicken and the last of this summer's peaches are plucked from the freezer for a healthy peach cobbler. Watch the video now! Recipe for smothered chicken, below. Cobbler recipe and photo coming soon!

YO GURL SMOTHERED CHICKEN

1 tbl olive oil
4 skinless chicken breasts
1 med. onion sliced into thin rings
8 oz. sliced mushrooms
1 c. chicken broth
1 tbl chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp dry mustard
1/8 tsp cayenne (optional)
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 c. low fat yogurt

In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook until very lightly browned on each side (no more than a couple of minutes per side). Spread the onion rings evenly over the top of the chicken, then spread the mushrooms on top of the onions.

In a separate bowl, mix the chicken broth, parsley, paprika, mustard and cayenne. Pour this mixture over the top of the chicken. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to a medium-low and simmer for about 1 hour or until chicken is very tender. Carefully remove the breasts and set aside. Put yogurt in a small bowl and, with spoonfuls of chicken jus from the skillet, slowly bring the yogurt up to temperature. This helps prevent the yogurt from curdling. Once the yogurt is heated in the small bowl, pour into remaining chicken jus in the skillet and stir. Return the chicken to the skillet, coat completely and let everything heat through. Do NOT let it boil. Serve over brown rice and top with more chopped parsley, if desired.

POTATOES ARE NOT THE ENEMY! (BUT CAULITATOES ARE YOUR BFF)

2008-11-14T09:41:00.000-08:00

We posted this recipe video earlier this week, but as Thanksgiving draws closer we can't seem to get mashed potatoes off the brain. Potatoes are tough cookies, they've survived blights, but Atkins and the low-carb frenzy gave them a whipping. At PaulaLeen, we'ere about moderation (because depravation leads to desperation!) and no matter how many "fauxtatoes" we tried -- a pureed turnip is a pureed turnip is a pureed turnip -- at the end of the day, sometimes you just crave a potato. But, in the "leen" tradition, we also need to cut the carbs and the fat in our beloved comfort food, which brings us to...

Good Golly Miss Molly's Caulitatoes!
1 medium baking potato, peeled and cut into chunks
1 teaspoon salt
1 pound fresh or frozen cauliflower florets
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup low-fat yogurt, room temperature
1 teaspoon finely minced garlic
1 tablespoon soy milk, room temperature
Salt and pepper
Green onion, slivered (optional)

Boil potatoes in 4 cups salted water until just turning tender. Add cauliflower and cook until all is very tender. Drain. If you like a little texture, return potato/cauliflower mix to the pan and blend in remaining ingredients with a hand mixer. If you prefer a smoother texture, place all in a food processor and blend until smooth. Salt and pepper to taste. To create a little visual interest, sprinkle with the slivered green onion!

ZERO CALORIE FRUITCAKE (YOU'LL JUST SPLIT YOUR PANTS LAUGHING)

2008-11-13T12:19:00.000-08:00

Hey all y'all in the Los Angeles neck of the woods, Paula Leen's doppelganger, Micah McCain will be starring, once again, in the (zero fat, zero calories) Fruitcake Follies! The holiday shenanigans return for the 10th fabulous year with 9 hysterical shows featuring classic and all new musical numbers, special surprises and featured guests! The show's entire run ALWAYS sells out and just a little FYI: MICAH WILL NOT BE PERFORMING IN THE WEDNESDAY 12/10 SHOW and as of this posting: Friday 12/19, Saturday 12/20 and Sunday 12/21 are already SOLD OUT!

To get the date(s) you want: Get your Groups/Party, Family/Friends
and/or Holiday Trick lined up and coordinated, THEN start clicking:

The Tickets!

The Website!

The Mailing List!

Top Chef Season 5: New York Episode #1 Recap WITH SPOILERS!

2008-11-13T10:31:00.000-08:00

Here are this Top Chef's Season 5 competitors:

Fabio is from Florence, Italy and he loves me.
Jamie Lauren, San Francisco lesbian.
Eugene/Gene from Hawaii. Live in Vegas.
Jeff McInnis from Miami. Already hate him.
Radhika, Chicago
Lauren Hope Stationed at Fort Stewart, in Georgia.
Ariane from New Jersey
Daniel/Danny from New York
Patrick, originally from MA and who needs to lay off the tweezers, honey.
Stefan from Finland, but lives in Santa Monica, California and is a cocky perse. (That's Finnish for ass)
Richard Sweeney, resides in San Diego...The new Richard Hatch?
Leah Cohen, New York
Alex currently lives in Los Angeles.
Hosea, Boulder, CO
Carla, from Tennesee. Crazy, no?
Jill Snyder, Baltimore.
Melissa, also from Boulder CO. (Did I miss a storyline?)

----
First Quick Fire Challenge. There are 17 chefs but only 16 chef coats to be had. So whoever finishes last, will be eliminated on the day that they arrived (Ouch. That's gotta hurt.)

They have to peel 15 apples by knife. The first 9 are safe, the others have to complete in another task. (Ummm, yeah. I would simply go play Apples to Apples, because we all know Apple peelers were invented for a reason.)
OKAY!?!?

Stefan was first to finish (no pun intended) so he won immunity in the upcoming elimination challenge.

The remaining 8 have to brunoise the apples. (Brunoise is a snotty way to say diced, y'all!)

The first 4 to complete the task, are safe.

The losing four 4 have to do another task. That task is to cook something WITH the apples, in 20 minutes, that says WHY they should say in the compeitition.

The four worst performers in the first quickfire are:
Lauren -Salad
Radhika -Pork and Chutney
Patrick - Salad
Leah-Scallops

The chef that Tom considers to have the weakest dish will be the first to go home in Season 5.

It's SO gonna be Patrick's sad salad. (His very, very sad salad.)

The two individuals who placed last were Patrick (of the sad, sad salad) and Lauren (of the not-so-sad salad) and SHUT UP! PATRICK'S SAD, SAD SALAD WON!?!?? Nice.

Okay, peace out Lauren.

---
Elimination Challenge:

The knife block comes out. Each knife has an area of New York written on it and each chef has to pair up with the matching chef/city and design a dish that represents that particular suburb/borough.

Brighton Beach=Russian, Chinatown = are you REALLY gonna ask?, Queens=Jamaican, etc., etc., etc.

---
I can't quite figure out if Daniel is a jerk or not. I guess that's a YES to Carla being ~~crazy~~ special. Stefan is already that evil Asian guy from last season. Jeff is a mess.

---
Okay, what is that DRESS that Gail Simmons is wearing? It looks like a pillow case from the set of Too Close For Comfort!

---
When it's all said and done the pairs are divided into two groups: winners and losers.

Winners safe from elimination with the opportunity to win the current elimination:
Hosea
Jeffery
Leah
Daniel
Eugene
Stefan
Jamie
Jill

Losers who will be up for elimination from the entire completion:
Carla
Fabio
Melissa
Patrick
Alex
Radhika
Ariane
Richard

Padma comes in and asks to see winners Stefan, Eugene, Leah and losers Patrick and Ariane. As it turns out Stefan is the elimination challenge winner: no shit.

Okay, now Ariane and Patrick. Tom's being a TOTAL bastard to them but I understand that this is what the show is about. They start jumping on Ariane who says she's from Jersey and I guess that excuses everything. Patrick says that he is still in culinary school and deserves to be there to work it out and grow.

The second to be eliminated from Season 5 is:

...Patrick. Sorry, Princess.

Super Easy Side Dish!

2008-11-13T09:11:00.000-08:00

Low in carbs but HIGH in taste and ease, here is a QUICK TRICK for your side dish wish of a fabulous and satisfying (but still healthy) mashed potato. Check out our recipe page on the HOMEPAGE for a printable recipe!

Choppin' Broccoli

2008-11-12T00:00:00.000-08:00

Chockfull of vitamin C, soluble fiber, a potent anti-cancer fighter and the funniest vegetable in the produce world. My lady, she went downtown...

Taking the gloss out of glossary terms!

2008-11-11T00:00:00.000-08:00

Al Dente:
An Italian phrase meaning "to the tooth" that describes the tender but still firm texture of perfectly cooked (WHOLE WHEAT, PEOPLE!) pasta. (The biggest misconception about that "to the tooth" means the item should stick to the teeth. If pasta sticks to the teeth when it is being chewed, it's undercooked... and people are going to remember that.

Forever.

Blanch:
To plunge vegetables into boiling water for a brief moment, removed and then plunged into iced water. (Or placed under cold running water) so they are SHOCKED. This process is used to loosen the vegetables skin, preserve their color and/or to halt cooking.

"...yeah, I thought it was one of the Golden Girls too, y'all." -Paula Leen

Render:
To cook a piece a piece of meat over low heat so that it's fat melts away.

As in: All of the recipes from Paula Leen are going to render your body: fabulous!

Southern + Oven = S'ouvern!

2008-11-10T01:06:00.000-08:00

Bever-Leigh's S'ouvern Fried Catfish

Check out this DELICIOUS lowfat "fried" catfish HOW TO video:

Click on our home page for a Printer-friendly version of this fantastic recipe, view ALL of our videos and MORE!

Appetizers that aren't good for your appetite.

2008-11-07T01:11:00.000-08:00

For my birthday, earlier this year, my friend Jeff got me this great book called Eat This, Not That.

Of course I was a dash of bitter, but then I realized he was giving me this to help me reach my personal goal of a healthy more fit lifestyle THUS I shall let you in on it, to help you out as well.

Now, just so you don't think it's a bunch of cockie-doodle (that's southern), YAHOO HEALTH just featured part of the books WORST APPETIZERS IN AMERICA section. In the lead is CHILI'S with their Texas Cheese Fries w/ Jalapeno-Ranch Dressing:

2,070 calories
160 g fat (73 g saturated)
3,730 mg sodium
Fat Equivalent: Like eating 16 Taco Bell Crunchy Tacos!

"Y'all, yo quiero a quadruple bypass!"-Paula Leen

Mama Say Mama Sa Chicken Tikka Masala

2008-11-05T00:00:00.000-08:00

Paula Leen is PROUD to bring you this delicious recipe of a LEENer version of that fabulous comfort food Chicken Tikka Masala with our Heavy Cream-less ('cause THAT heavy cream is what is gonna kill you y'all. That heavy cream... and natural causes...) so we present to you:

Mama Say Mama Sa The Ma-sa-la

Ingredients:
1 Jalapeño, seeded and roughly chopped
1/4 cup fresh Ginger Root, peeled (this can be done with a potato peeler) and roughly chopped
1/4 cup Garlic cloves, peeled
1/2 tablespoon Water
1 cup Low-Fat Yogurt, divided
Juice of 1/4 Lemon
3 tablespoons Light Olive Oil, divided
1/2 teaspoon Cayenne, divided
2 teaspoons Curry Powder, divided
1 pound Chicken Breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
1 medium Red Onion, very finely diced
2 medium Tomatoes, diced (approximately 3 cups)
1/2 cup Skim Milk
Salt to taste

Directions:
Whiz the Jalapeño, Ginger, Garlic, and Water in a food processor until roughly "pesto" consistency.

In a medium bowl, blend ONLY 1 tablespoon of the Jalapeño mixture (reserve the rest for later) with ONLY 1/2 cup Yogurt (reserve the rest of this for later too), Lemon Juice, and ONLY 1 tablespoon of the Olive Oil. Mix in ONLY 1/4 teaspoon of the Cayenne and ONLY 1 teaspoon of the Curry Powder. Add chunked chicken breasts and toss the coat thoroughly.

Let marinate overnight or at least 6 hours (If we mix it in the morning, then it’s ready for supper y'all!).

When your chicken is finished marinating, heat THE REMAINING 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium saucepan. Add onion and cook over medium-low heat until soft and golden. Mix in 1 tablespoon of THE RESERVED Jalapeño mixture and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute). Add the tomatoes and cook over medium heat until mushy (use your stirring spoon to mash them to a pulp), about 10 minutes.

Stir in THE REMAINING 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne and 1 teaspoon Curry Powder.

While your tomato mixture cooks, prepare your chicken either in the oven or on the stovetop.

Oven method: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Thread chicken chunks on to skewers and place on a cookie sheet. Cook for 5 minutes on one side, then flip and cook on the other side for an additional 5 minutes or until just cooked through.

Stovetop method: Cook chicken in a frying pan over high heat, stirring frequently and until just cooked through.

Just before serving, thoroughly mix THE REMAINING 1/2 cup yogurt with a 1/2 cup Skim Milk in a large bowl. To prevent the yogurt mixture from curdling when it hits the hot tomato mixture, slowly add, by small spoonfuls, the tomato mixture to the yogurt mixture, thoroughly stirring with each spoonful. This will slowly bring the yogurt up to temperature. Keep going by small spoonful (don’t rush it or your dinner companions will hear a blood-curdling (get it? Curdling?) scream from the kitchen).

Once the tomato mixture is thoroughly mixed with the yogurt mixture (I swear it doesn't take that long), add the chicken. Stir to combine. Salt to taste.

Note: if the mixture isn’t piping hot enough for you, dump it all in a pan and heat. You’ve vanquished the curdling demons at this point and the sauce should hold together.

Serves 4 good portions or 3 particularly hungry portions or 1 starving drag queen.

"I'm not a drag queen, I'm a TAG queen!
Ooh, look: that Tadashi dress is on sale!" -Paula Leen

Election Confections

2008-11-04T00:00:00.000-08:00

Treat yourself to these fabulous election deals y'all! If you show your I VOTED sticker at participating locations, you'll receive:

Starbucks FREE Tall Coffee

Krispy Kreme FREE Doughnut

Ben & Jerry's FREE Scoop.

Now there ain't know way around that Krispy Kreme doughnut (nor should there be) but add sugar-free syrup or fat-free milk to your Starbucks coffee to make it an instant treat and when you're at Ben & Jerry's ask for Frozen Yogurt or one of their low-fat selections!

"Free food at least! Free food at last! Great God Almighty, free food at last! -Paula Leen

Get her Mildred! Get her!

2008-11-03T00:00:00.000-08:00

I have to tell you, I just watched one of my favorite episodes of Paula's Home Cooking. It was Episode PB0104: Home Sweet Home.

Paula and Bubba share some HYSTERICAL stories and MY favorite one, was ALL about how their dad used to call Bubba...wait for it...Mildred. (I actually shot my Key Lime Pie Yoplait® yogurt out of my nose, it was so funny... which totally upset me because that Fat Free Yoplait is AH-MA-ZING! I love it!)

That reminds me, have I told you how much I love Bobby Deen? Well, then I'll show you:

Pumpkin Martini for Hallowini!

2008-10-31T16:12:00.000-07:00

If you want a leener version of a classic Halloween Martini for your last minute cocktails to celebrate tonight with your friends and family, we present to you Paula Leen's Leenie-Hallowtini:

Ingredients:
3 1/2 oz Vodka
1/4 oz Sugar-Free Vanilla syrup
1/4 oz Pumpkin liqueur or Pumpkin spice syrup
1 Tbsp PURE Pumpkin Filling (Libby's 100% is perfect!)
1 Tsp Fat-Free Whipped Topping or Whipped Cream
Cinnamon stick for garnish

Preparation:
Pour the Vodka, Vanilla and 'Pumpkins' into a shaker filled with ice.
Shake REALLY well.
Strain into a chilled martini glass rimmed with cinnamon.
Top with a teaspoon of Fat-Free Cool-Whip or Whipped Cream.
Garnish with a cinnamon stick.
Then dress your liver up as a working organ.

"If the pumpkin fits, DRINK IT!" -Paula Leen

Butter your bread, with Paula instead!

2008-10-30T00:00:00.000-07:00

Okay y'all, "A" It's Genius. "B" It's terrifying.

Paula Deen's Halloween costume this year on the holiday episode of Paula's Party was this:

Yep. Paula Deen is dressed as butter.

"Y'all, does this mean I should go as PAM® Cooking Spray?"
-Paula Leen

Going Negative

2008-10-29T07:59:00.000-07:00

We at Paula Leen like to think in terms of "best" and "positive" and "sunny side of the street" (with at least 30 SPF), but the Men's Health guide to the "20 Worst Foods In America" is an eye-opening positive negative. Ever enjoy a Jamba Juice Chocolate Moo'd Power Smoothie(30 fl oz)? Raise your bingo wings because this baby has:

900 calories
10 g fat
183 g carbs
(166 g sugars)

"Jamba Juice calls it a smoothie; we call it a milkshake. In fact, this beverage contains more sugar than two pints of Ben and Jerry's Butter Pecan ice cream."

And that's just the tip of the Ranch dressing topped iceberg, check out the worst "healthy" burger, worst dessert, and much more here.

It's a Good Thing, but Amy Sedaris is BETTER!

2008-10-28T00:46:00.000-07:00

Martha Stewart Signs Copies of "Martha Stewart's Cooking School: Lessons and Recipes for the Home Cook" - October 22, 2008 Williams-Sonoma, NY (Photo: Wireimage.com)

Martha's latest cookbook edition...er...addition focuses on 'the art and science' of cooking where she explains such differences between broiling and braising via the more than 500 color photographs and over 200 never-before-published recipes.

"The wheel's still turnin', but the hamster's dead, honey." -Paula Leen

Publisher's note:
Imagine having Martha Stewart at your side in the kitchen, teaching you how to hold a chef's knife, select the very best ingredients, truss a chicken, make a perfect pot roast, prepare every vegetable, bake a flawless pie crust, and much more. In "Martha Stewart's Cooking School," you get just that: a culinary master class from Martha herself, with lessons for home cooks of all levels.

We here at PaulaLeen.com have scowered the internet and found the best price for you over at BUY.COM:

List Price: $45.00
Their Price: $26.73
You Save: $18.27
Shipping: FREE
Buy.com Total Price: $26.73

Now then as a bonus, here are the highlights from one of my FAVORITE episodes with one of the best guests EVER on Martha Stewart, Amy Sedaris:

Paula's Playlist! Week Two!

2008-10-27T07:56:00.000-07:00

Here are the ITUNES links to this week's 30-45 minute cardio playlist ya'll:

What A Feeling, Irene Cara
All Fired Up, Pat Benatar
Ray Of Light, Madonna
Head Over Heels, Go-Go's
Holding Out For A Hero, Bonnie Tyler
Footloose, Kenny Loggins
She Works Hard for the Money, Donna Summer
Wanna Be Startin' Something, Michael Jackson
Come To Me, France Joli
String Enough, Cher

"By the end of this playlist, you should be hotter than a two-dollar whore on the 4th of July...or at least as sweaty as after she gets off work..." -Paula Leen

Are YOU what YOU eat?

2008-10-24T00:59:00.000-07:00

If you watch or have ever heard of BBC America, they have this terrifying show called: YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT.

It is BRUTAL y'all, but it puts everything in perspective.

I'm telling you, the lady who hosts this is the Simon Cowell of health shows.

HERE IS A CLIP:

They run down what you eat in a week, they show you...ON A TABLE... what ALL the food looks like you eat...I could go ON and ON but you HAVE to watch the clip so you can see what YOU may be doing to your body...and they don't even mention the butter that people (or CERTAIN people...you know who I'm talking about) put in the recipes...

"Y'all, we're here for you so that you don't become so fat that if you sat on a rainbow, Skittles would pop out!"- Paula Leen

MY SOUTHERN FRIED DOPPELGANGER

2008-10-23T11:50:00.000-07:00

Hey y'all! My darlin' friend and southern fried doppelganger, Micah McCain will be on Kath & Kim on NBC tonight!

If 'she' can push rugs, we're pushin' rouge!

2008-10-23T00:00:00.000-07:00

As we are all workin' on ways to make ourselves beautiful from the inside out, sometimes we want to take care of the outside first. So here are a few of the latest, hottest beauty products that won't make your wallet as lean as YOU want to be ...

MAC Cosmetics is offering FREE SHIPPING through OCTOBER 25TH! I just bought three, count 'em THREE of their new Dazzleglasses.The IN-store selection of colors seems a little different than online, but I'm telling you if you are feeling "IT" one night and you want to slap on a new color of paint, you have GOT to pick these up in the shades of Miss Dynamite and Love Alert!
“I am SO happy with these! If I was any happier, I’d be twins." -Paula Leen

Now then, the only thing you should be baking is your food (and NOT YOU), so "fake your bake" with Laura Mercier's Bronzing Gel. I have lived by this for YEARS! It's lightweight, blends evenly AND hydrates! This product is PERFECT if you wear little to no foundation.

(AND if you spend $75 or more from a single, participating make-up brand during Macy's 150th Birthday celebration, you'll receive the Macy's Beauty Box! FREE!)

If you're in the south this month, on Halloween stop by Ulta in Dunwoody, GA (770-698-8337) or swing by Sephora in Austin, TX (512-327-4600) on Oct. 25th and be a part of TOO-FACED's Lash Bash!

Finally, while I was in Greece (home of the FABULOUS homeopathic, organically-grown, and Anti-Synthetic Korres Product line) I found the perfect Blush to warm your checks with. Try their PERFECT Skin Rejuvenating Blush (Cheek Color #18 Peach will work perfectly on ANYBODY) available at Sephora where they give you FREE SHIPPING on orders over $50, 3 free samples with every order AND no hassle, FREE returns!

Healthy Skin, Healthy Food, Healthy Lifestyle...check back to Paula's Blog EVERY DAY Y'ALL!

"Dow" and out in Beverly Hills?

2008-10-22T00:00:00.000-07:00

With the economy going up and 'dow', your trainer may be a luxury you can't afford. Thankfully Fitness Magazine has found an affordable way to make a trainer luxurious with fitness HOW-TO'S for your IPOD!

Each 'training' session shows you AND tells you how to do each exercise correctly and effectively.

Having just returned from a FABULOUS cruise in the Mediterranean (It's the south of Europe, y'all! -Paula Leen) I took Pilates while aboard the ship and LOVED it. If you click around on FitnessMagazine.com you can catch Kristi Yamaguchi demonstrating her favorite Pilates routine (Yamaguchi said Pilates was the way she got toned up for Dancing With The Stars) if you're not into muscle tone via weights.

The Nov/Dec 2008 issue is on newstands now.

Paula's Playlist!

2008-10-21T00:00:00.000-07:00

Here are the ITUNES links to what is currently on my 30-45 minute cardio playlist ya'll:

Sober, Kelly Clarkson
I Run To You, Lady Antebellum
New Attitude, Patti LaBelle
Turn The Beat Around, Gloria Estefan
Delicious, Pure Sugar (Ironic that a song called 'delicious' by a group named 'Pure Sugar' is on my playlist? I think not!)
I Can Fly, Louise Thomas
Fade Away, Celine Dion
Never Again (Dave Audé Radio Mix), Kelly Clarkson
Don't Stop The Music, Rihanna
No More Tears (Enough Is Enough), Barbra Streisand & Donna Summer (The short version if you want to do only 30 mins or the full length release if you want to do 45!)

"This music will have you workin' harder than a cat covering crap on a linoleum floor!" -Paula Leen

Take the 'car' out of your cardio.

2008-10-20T00:00:00.000-07:00

Leen Lesson #102:

HAVE A REASON WHILE YOU DO YOUR CARDIO!

A big reason that people decide NOT to do their cardio is because being on a staircase to nowhere(If Led Zeppelin ever does an exercise CD, that BETTER be the first track, y'all! -Paula Leen) gets you...well...NOWHERE! anywhere.

Literally.

When you incorporate errands into your cardio AND dress the part , your mind and body will know that you are working hard to become the best 'YOU' that you want to be.

So, walk to the video store, walk to the post office and/or walk to the grocery store.

You'll be getting stuff done for both your life AND your body while not feeling like you're wasting your time.

STICKY and BitterSWEET Divorce Dessert

2008-10-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

Divorce sucks, but so does the process of divorcing one of your thighs from the other (CARDIO, PEOPLE. Cardio!), that's why we here at Paula Leen have created our homage to Madonna, Guy Ritchie and the entire divorcing process with our: Sticky and BitterSweet Truffle Spectacular.

"Y'all, when you're done makin' these, you'll be JUST like Madonna: Low-Fat and Semi-Sweet with balls in your hand!" -Paula Leen

Ingredients:
1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon cayenne (1/4 teaspoon for more heat)
4 ounces reduced fat cream cheese, softened
1 cup cocoa powder, sifted + extra for ball rolling
1 cup powdered sugar, sifted + extra for ball rolling

Directions:
Melt chocolate chips in microwave. (Should take about a minute.) Stir until completely smooth. Blend in cinnamon and cayenne.

Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add melted chocolate and mix until completely blended. Slowly add cocoa powder (so all the powder doesn't blow up in your face like a night at Studio 54), working it into the chocolate-cream cheese mixture until completely combined.

Working it like you're Jacques Torres will have the mixture come together and stay together fabulously...unlike Madonna and Guy.

Now then, apply the same principle to working in the powdered sugar until you have made a chocolatey ball of playdough. Pinch off small balls (holding for laughs) and roll in the palms of your hand until well-shaped. Lightly roll the balls in sifted cocoa powder or powdered sugar -- shaking off any excess (just like Madonna did) and you should get at least 20 truffles. (Okay: real world "I-licked-some-off-my-fingers-and-spilled-some-on-the-floor" count is 18, but the point is they're ONLY 82 calories each and if you wanted to, you could use Splenda instead of sugar to make yourself feel even better about this dessert... but the Paula Leen camp stands by it's preference of natural sweeteners.) Note: You can skip the powder rolling altogether for particularly sticky balls.

Place balls on a wax paper-lined baking sheet (or something flat and portable) and chill for at least an hour... or seven and a half unhappy years...

This news has us workin' on OUR first cookbook!

2008-10-16T00:00:00.000-07:00

On Monday, the one and only Paula DEEN was doin' a book signing @ Border's Bookstore Columbus Circle (NY, NY) of the newest addition to her written library: MY FIRST COOKBOOK.

Now this ain't her first cookbook BY ANY MEANS...it's actually her ninth...but what Paula has done different this time, is that she has shared with you her favorite recipes from childhood designed for the young ones to help make with you.

"Ya'll, is she callin' me stupid?" -Paula Leen

As we start to get our first cookbook together of our Southern Comfort Foods For A More Comfortable Waistline, we invite you to head over to Cooking.com where Paula Deen's My First Cookbook is available at over 30% off the retail price.

Those good folks over there are ALWAYS findin' ways of makin' sure your wallet keeps it's weight on!

Photo: WireImage.com

On the tofu tip

2008-10-15T06:18:00.000-07:00

Our posted recipe for Live and Let LeanLoaf is a tasty combination of turkey and tofu. When creating the recipe we considered just turkey, but previous turkey meatloaf experiences were, well, turkeys. The unctious moistness of a real meatloaf is what we craved. Some of us only thought of tofu as soy-sauce soaked strips o'sponge, but tofu is remarkably versatile and when groped and squeezed and squished with ground turkey it makes moist magic. While we're all soy milk crazy, sales of tofu have actually fallen considerably since 2004. So what's the problem? Tofu is soy. The Washington Post talked to Jen Lin-Liu, author of "Serve the People: A Stir-Fried Journey Through China" who offers this soy attitude adjustment suggestion: "Think of it as cheese. It's really like the cheese of China, where people have been eating it for 4,000 years".

So there you have it, think of tofu as cheese. To-cheese. Actually, don't do that. Just give it a try and see if you don't agree.

Tofu IS 'fo you!

2008-10-14T00:01:00.000-07:00

We got a lot of questions about why we included Tofu in our fabulous LeanLoaf, SO we thought we tell ya'll ALL about it.

Starting now:

Tofu is made from soybeans, water and a coagulant, or 'curdling agent'. (Yea, it's sounds disgusting, but it's really just science helping you to a leaner life). The production of tofu from soy milk is similar to the production of cheese from milk.

Tofu is low in calories, high in protein and calcium, contains beneficial amounts of iron (especially important for women of child-bearing age) and has no saturated fat or cholesterol.

There is a wide variety of tofu available in both Western and Eastern markets. and despite the daunting varieties available, tofu products can be split into two main categories: fresh tofu, which is produced directly from soy milk, and processed tofu, which is produced from fresh tofu.

Look for tofu in the produce section of your regular grocery store... and tell 'em Paula Leen sent 'cha!

Baskin-Robbins' "Death Shake"

2008-10-13T14:55:00.000-07:00

Reports on how many calories/grams of fat fast food has are abundant and usually a"duh"dant. We've grown numb to the bad-for-you math, e.g., 1 small bag of french fries = 2,750 cups of plain popcorn (or, say, close to that). But every once in a while we can still get sugarshocked. Indeed it's almost hard to fathom how they can even get the plastic lid on, and straw pushed through, all the crap ingredients, calories, saturated fat, and milligrams of cholestrol in the Baskin-Robbins' Heath Shake (Large). The Miami New Times breaks it down here.

You had me at "good fat"

2008-10-13T10:32:00.000-07:00

Scientists from the University of California at Irvine have found that "good fat" in olive oil, nuts and avocados helps prevent snacking between meals. Oleic acid ("good fat" sounds so much cozier) apparently triggers a reaction in the body that staves off hunger pangs and tells the brain, 'I feel full' and 'I love that color on you!' (latter not actually in the olive oil study published in the journal, Cell Metabolism, but obvious conclusion could be reached).