On A New Kick

Posted: March 16, 2011 at 7:13 pm

First off, I completely forgot to say THANK YOU to all of you for your uplifting comments on my most recent Body After Baby progress. I really hope to show that its possible to make changes with balance and consistency. Hearing that you all recognize that in my journey means a lot. And itโ€™s not over yet! So, thank you for the continued support I know you all will offer on a regular basis. ๐Ÿ™‚

As the normal, I started today off with a solid workout. It really does get my day up and running on a positive note. I did a group kickboxing class for my workout today. Remember a couple weeks ago when I went and the instructor had a lot of difficulty leading the class? Well, she had her A game on today and gave us a great workout. I was so happy for her! I can only imagine the stress of starting out as a fitness instructor. She definitely seemed more comfortable today, though, and I really enjoyed the class.

After the gym, we took a pit-stop at home before heading back out for a Momโ€™s Club activity. Today we all met up at a local Chick-Fil-A for the kids to eat and play on the playground. We rarely do fast food, so I donโ€™t have a problem with Makenzie having some for lunch every once in awhile. She enjoyed her chicken nuggets, fruit, and milk alongside her friends. I, however, had different plans for lunch. You see, Iโ€™m on a new kick. A goat cheese kick. I canโ€™t get enough!

goatchicken2

I couldnโ€™t wait to get home for lunch. I did something quite tasty. I took two slices of 9 Grain & Seed bakery bread. Spread one piece with the goat cheese. Spread the other slice with pesto.

pestogoatwhich1

Then added a bit of turkey, spinach, and tomato between the two. It quickly became a thing of beauty.

pestogoatwhich2 pestogoatwhich3

And disappeared way, way too fast. So much better than any fast food!

My goat cheese kick extended to dinner as well. I guess Iโ€™m on a new kick in the kitchen lately too. I have wanted to cook a ton lately! Strangely, I find myself loving it more and more. Kind of like running. Except dishes are involved so not quite as much as running. I think my newfound enjoyment in the kitchen comes from churning out the winners I have come up with recently. First, the Springtime Lemon Raspberry Muffins. Now, my next creation:

Artichoke, Mushroom, & Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken

goatchicken7

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 can artichoke hearts (I used those in water)
  • 6 T goat cheese (I used basil & roasted garlic)
  • a couple handfuls mushrooms (white, cremini, or baby bella)

Preheat oven to 375.

Slice and sautee the mushrooms until brown and tender. Set aside on a cutting board. Chop the mushrooms and the artichoke hearts into small, even pieces. Add to a small bowl along with the goat cheese. Mix to an even consistency.

goatchicken1

Pound the chicken breasts out to 1/4โ€ thickness between two sheets of plastic wrap. Spoon about 2 tablespoons worth of the artichoke, mushroom, and goat cheese mixture into the center of the flattened chicken.

goatchicken3

Roll up and secure with toothpicks. Repeat with remaining breasts.

Place in a hot pan lightly oiled or sprayed with cooking spray. Let brown on one side for 2-3 minutes. Flip and brown on the opposite side for 2-3 minutes more.

goatchicken4

Transfer the chicken to a baking dish and bake in the 375 oven for 10-15 minutes until cooked through.

goatchicken5

Now you tell me. Why wouldnโ€™t you want to eat something bursting with gooey cheesiness and delicious things like mushrooms and artichokes? Especially something as easy as this.

goatchicken6

It almost makes me love cooking. But donโ€™t quote me on thatโ€ฆ.yet.

Question of the Day โ€“ What makes you like cooking more?

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65 Comments to “On A New Kick”
  1. lindsay says:

    oh I bet that tasted delicious! Peter must be proud!
    ๐Ÿ˜‰

  2. Cooking sometimes stresses me out. I only cook and try new recipes when I have the urge and the right conditions (i.e. lots of time on my hands). The same goes with running. I only run when I truly want to and when I’m not worried about my time.

  3. I’m on a constant goat cheese kick! Creamiest, most delicious cheese ever!!! ๐Ÿ™‚

  4. WOW! The chicken & the sandwich look so freakin good! I definitely like to come up with some good food when I have tons of good ingredients around…especially pasta & cheese ๐Ÿ™‚

  5. Erica says:

    What a great day ๐Ÿ™‚ I used to get so nervous when I first started teaching…now it feels a lot more like second nature! Glad the instructor is improving- that is fabulous. Owwww that goat cheese sounds so good. Such a fancy looking dinner! What makes me like cooking more? Oh gosh…everything! it is my time to let my mind goooo!

  6. Kacy says:

    Those brussels are calling my name! I go through phases where I love cooking and find it calming but lately it feels like a chore ๐Ÿ™

  7. pesto and goat cheese on your sandwich? ahhh what a delicious idea!!!!! yum!

  8. jobo says:

    YUM. That chicken looks so good. Of course, I am reading this as I sit on the west coast and it’s barely dinner time here yet my brain thinks its 8 pm ๐Ÿ˜‰ I LOVE goat cheese!

  9. Julie says:

    That chicken recipe looks so good. I could eat my weight in goat cheese. I’ve been following your progress with body after baby since my son is about 6 weeks older than yours. You make me feel like I need to get my booty more in gear. I have been doing some P90X workouts and running. I was running before I got pregnant and am sooooo glad to be back. That brings me to my questions: can you tell me what ab workouts you are doing? Having my tummy stretched out again with pregnancy does a number on those muscles. Also what type of sports bra are you wearing because as we know with nursing, we need more support for that area. Thanks so much & be so proud of what you have accomplished so far!

    • Tina says:

      I’m sure you are doing a FABULOUS job yourself! Never doubt that and never compare. We all have our weak spots. ๐Ÿ˜‰

      For sports bras – I’m naughty and just double up the C9 sports bras from Target. I really should invest in a nicer one specifially for a larger chest. I always hear great things about the Tata Tamer from lululemon. Too $$$ though for me.

      As for abs…I mainly do plans and then occasionally the abs section at the end of DVDs I have, but that’s it. I really credit planks to firming my stomach though. I think they are the best abdominal exercise. I will also say that my stomach gets flatter a lot easier than other areas. My booty is definitely my “problem” area.

      All we can both do is stay consistent with healthy, balanced choices and our bodies will get fit and feel good. Keep that focus and smile!

  10. Lauren says:

    Go with it! When I try something new, I tend to fall in love with it and wanna do it all the time. It happened with spinning at the beginning of the winter – I’m so glad I finally tried it out.

  11. Posts like these make me love cooking, is so fun to put ingredients together and come up with a great meal! I just pulled lentil stuffed peppers out of the oven- and I can’t wait to try them!

  12. Angela says:

    WOW! The stuffed chicken sounds delicious, especially with Brussels sprouts! Having a fully stocked fridge of groceries makes me like shopping more because I feel like I have more to experiment with.

  13. Glad you had a much better class. Makes a huge difference. It’s so hard to go wrong with goat cheese and pesto!

  14. Lee says:

    I love goat cheese. Try the Trader Joe’s crumbled goat cheese if you haven’t. So good!

  15. your sandwich just inspired my lunch for tomorrow!! I’ve been looking for new ways to spice up my lunch routine.

  16. Tina your meals look delicious! I love stuffed chicken breasts.

    I love cooking when I have a fun recipe to try out, or when I am making an old favorite. Just being in the kitchen is fun!

  17. That looks awesome, I love stuffed chicken breasts.

    Of course I love cooking when I make something really good. ๐Ÿ˜‰ But I really enjoy it the most when I cook for others and they really enjoy it. I liked cooking for my parents when I lived at home because they both work full-time and it really helped them out. And I LOVE cooking for my fiance because he is such a foodie and I know he loves it. ๐Ÿ™‚

  18. Karen says:

    Both of those meals look delicious!!!

    I really love to cook…just wish I had more time to experiment with new recipes. I’m really trying hard to test a few new recipes each month. The only bad part about cooking a lot is cleaning up the kitchen after it’s all done!

  19. You are quite the cook lately! Everything looks fantastic!

  20. Stephanie says:

    I love cooking. ๐Ÿ™‚ I love the sense of family, sharing recipes, surprising Ryan with delicious dinners and involving the kids in the kitchen too! It’s a blessing that Ryan is willing to do dishes in return for a full belly. ๐Ÿ™‚

  21. Love me some stuffed chicken! I love cooking anytime for the most part but I love that it is an outlet for me after a tough day at work. I turn on my Pandora, sing and dance while I cook. I should start charging people to watch.

  22. Em says:

    Your food is looking amazing! And I really need to get on this goat cheese kick, I’ve been craving cheeses so much lately!

  23. Anne Marie says:

    Finding recipes where I actually know what the ingredients are makes me like cooking more… it seems to be a rarity sometimes!!

  24. Dorry says:

    Wonderful meal for your family! I like cooking more when I get creative with recipes using new (to me) ingredients. And Billy and I like to recreate our favorite dishes from restaurants at home!

  25. I always love cooking, but I especially love it when I have something unexpectedly turn out to be fantastic!!

    I love the combo of goat cheese & pesto – it makes the base for a really good veggie sandwich!

  26. i want to come eat at your house…holy yum to both the lunch and dinner you had!

  27. Oh this recipe would absolutely love cooking (even more than I already do?). Stuffing chicken breasts is one of my favorite things to do because it adds such flavor to an otherwise bland-ish meat. Such a great combo- artichokes, goat cheese, mushrooms, mmmm…

    Glad you had a great day! I don’t think I’ve ever been to Chik Fil A, but I’ve heard it’s one of the tastiest chains. I like that you’re OK with M eating it, because it’s absolutely one of those things that is fine and fun in moderation. You’re so balanced ๐Ÿ™‚

  28. I always have goat cheese in my fridge! Chavrie is one of my favorites, but I also enjoy the crumbles (they’re perfect for a quick salad or thrown onto eggs). Your recipe looks and sounds delicious, and the fact that it calls for only four ingredients means I’ll likely be trying it. ๐Ÿ™‚

    I love to cook, but only if I have lots of time. Otherwise it stresses me out!

    • Tina says:

      Yea. I like having time too….but this is so easy, it works! And yes – less ingredients = a good thing in this household too. ๐Ÿ™‚

  29. Heather says:

    Goat cheese is the bomb! It makes me most happy when my boys love a healthy home-cooked meal. And makes me want to cook more!!

  30. Kara says:

    I’d love cooking a whole lot more if someone else cleaned up ๐Ÿ™‚

  31. What makes me like cooking? When bloggers post yummy and easy recipes! Seriously, I tend to get into boring ruts with cooking, so when I see new recipes online I get super excited to try them myself – this stuffed chicken recipe is definitely on my “must make” list now! (And yes, goat cheese is seriously addictive!)

  32. Kimberly says:

    First of all, thank you so much for stopping by and commenting on my blog! It made me smile:)

    Secondly, all your food looks so yummy! I have never tried goat cheese before. I wonder if I could handle it even though I can’t do dairy? Guess I shall find out.

    • Tina says:

      Pretty sure I’ve heard a lot of people with dairy intolerances handle goat cheese better. That’s just from what I’ve heard though. It’s so yummy I hope it doesn’t cause problems for you! ๐Ÿ™‚

  33. The chicken looks outstanding! What makes me love cooking more is seeing my family enjoy what I make. It makes me so happy!

  34. Kelly says:

    Oh yum! Thanks for this recipe,Tina…I am making this tonight for dinner! Woo hoo!

  35. any time I make a successful healthy dish, it makes me love cooking even more!

  36. Mary says:

    You have inspired me to try making stuffed chicken breasts. Those look fantastic!

    Some of the previous comments talked about not wanting to do dishes after cooking. One way to save on dishes would be to use the skillet that you used to brown the chicken in the oven when the chicken finishes cooking. (if the skillet is oven-safe, of course)

  37. Tina, you really are on a roll with these yummy recipes. That sandwich combo looks fab, and chicken stuffed goat cheese? Yes, please! I love how versatile and tasty goat cheese is!

  38. anything with mushrooms and artichokes is a winner in my book!

    and you know what? I have never tried goat cheese but its everywhere. do they have it at every supermarket? I just forget to look!

    • Tina says:

      I find mine near the more specialty cheese section of my regular grocer. With things like blue cheese, feta, and the like. Not the shreds/slices/etc. Its worth it!

  39. Everything you made looks amazing! Special that sandwich. I love the presentation part of cooking..I just love the way a plate of food looks..especial when its full of veggie colors

  40. Your stuffed chicken looks wonderful! I’m so glad the instructor was better this time – good for her!! And girl – your body after baby progress is outstanding – you are totally rocking it with your consistency – congrats!

  41. Cynthia says:

    That chicken looks so good! I just tried goat cheese for the first time several weeks back and I am hooked. It is so incredibly good. I like it in a wrap with strawberry preserves. The sweet and savory combo is very tasty.

  42. Wow that chicken looks AHHH-mazing! Definitely saving this recipe! Your sandwich also makes mine look super lame! I think it’s time to spice up the ol’ turkey sandwich!

  43. Meg says:

    Wow! That chicken looks amazing! I’ve always hesitated at making stuffed chicken but I think it’s time. I am definitely bookmarking it to try soon.

    New pots or cooking utensils always make cooking more fun. ๐Ÿ™‚

  44. I definitely love cooking more when I’m successful in the kitchen! ๐Ÿ™‚

  45. I LOVE goat cheese. Its so good.

    I always love cooking in the summer when I can get all the fresh veggies.

  46. I love cooking when I get positive feedback–either from my stomach or whoever I’m cooking for. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Goat cheese is one of my faves. There are so many delicious creations you can make with it.

  47. Stacy says:

    Mmm GOAT CHEESE!

  48. Joanna B says:

    I love cooking in general, but especially when I am trying a new recipe with ingredients I’ve never even heard of. A few weeks ago I made Indian spiced chicken thighs and recipe called for garam masala and tamarind paste. I now want to find other uses for these spices.

  49. Jess says:

    LOVE that your Kick instructor had her A game on today! I KNOW how it feels to have an “off” day and how GOOD it feels when the next class you teach is rockstar. You are riding such a high after that! I’m so glad you got the before/after with her!

  50. Lindsay says:

    I am not the biggest cook. I still live at home and my mom is an AMAZING cook. She does not cook alot, but when she does she makes amazing food. So, the only times I cook is when I want to learn from my mom and the food inspires me to test and try out more recipes, but I always second guess myself and they never seem to turn out as good as my mom’s version.
    p.s. I love all of the recipes you create because they look like meals I would actually enjoy to eat! ๐Ÿ™‚

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