Goodbye to the Bug...

We bought a new car today! GF Guy and I traded in our 2002 VW Beetle (my car since high school) and bought a 2009 Nissan Versa. It is an adorable Electric Blue Hatchback. I named in Phil Jr., PJ for short. GF Guy was so cute and nervous negotiating for the best deal. He did a great job, though, and we got an A-MAZING deal! I love a good bargain! That all went down this evening. Let me back track to earlier today....

The AC was broken in our apartment's gym this morning. I love a good sweat session, so I persevered and rode 12 miles on the stationary bike and did a set of Jillian Michaels' butt busters. By the time I was finished, I was a drippy, sweaty, happy little mess! I jogged back to our apartment and promptly wiped my sweaty self all over GF Guy. You know he loves it! HAHAHAHA To cool down, I made a Green Monster : 1/2 frozen banana, 2 frozen strawberries, frozen blueberries, 2 handfuls spinach, 3/4 cup skim milk

For some reason, this smoothie ended up looking like Swamp Water. Hmmm..... Look how weird and frothy it looks.

It still tasted good and that's what really matters!
A few hours later, I threw together a quick salad of Romaine Lettuce, Carrots, Shrimpies, and Peach and Mango Salsa.

Then I went to my parent's house to hang out with my mom for a few hours. We haven't had a chance to hang out and talk in a long time. It was so nice! Mom is on a new "diet" that looks remarkably reminiscent of my own diet. (Almond Milk, Oatmeal, Fruit, Veggies, Limited Meat) Interesting.... I'm not saying I don't enjoy meat and dessert occasionally, as you will see by my dinner, but I try to limit these foods.
I made a quick batch of hummus between visiting with my mom and going car shopping with GF Guy. Here is the recipe:

Herb-y Hummus

Ingredients:
1 can Chickpeas, drained
1 clove Garlic, smashed
1 inch freshly grated, Ginger
1 1/2 teaspoons Cumin
3/4 teaspoon Salt (pref. sea salt)
1/4 cup Tahini
1/4 cup fresh Lemon Juice
handful fresh Parsley
Cayenne Pepper

Combine ingredients in a food processor until smooth. Add water if too thick. (I added about 1/4 cup water). Refrigerate before serving.

We didn't get back from the Nissan dealership until nearly 9:30! Needless to say, we were STARVING! I had already planned on making my famous Chili Sorpresa (GF Guy's FAVORITE MEAL!!!), so even though it was late, I persevered and went ahead with the planned meal. I snacked on a few carrot sticks dipped in Herb-y Hummus while I cooked. And now, without further ado, here, ladies and gentlemen, is my much coveted recipe. You will be shocked by just how yummy it is!

Chili Sorpresa

Ingredients:
1 pound Ground Buffalo
1/2 Onion, chopped
1 clove Garlic, minced
1 can Light Red Kidney Beans, drained and rinsed
1 16oz. can Pumpkin Puree
2 cups Water
1 packet Gluten Free Taco Seasoning
1 1/2 teaspoons Chili Powder
1 teaspoon Salt
Hot Sauce
Red Pepper Flakes
Shredded Cheese
Sour Cream

Cook meat, onions, and garlic until meat is no longer pink. Drain.
Add beans, pumpkin, water, and seasonings and bring to a boil.
Cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
Add hot sauce and Red Pepper flakes to taste.
Serve with shredded cheese and sour cream.

GF Guy and I enjoyed our chili with corn tortillas.

I'm not really a red meat kind of person. However, if I am preparing a recipe that calls for ground beef, I much prefer to use ground buffalo. Here are a few reasons why:

Benefits of Buffalo Meat when compared to Beef:

* Buffalo has 70% to 90% less fat (depending upon the cut of the meat.)
* Buffalo has an average if 50% less cholesterol than beef.
* Buffalo is 30% higher in protein and has less calories than beef.
* Our Buffalo has no growth-inducing hormones or steroids.
* Buffalo Meat has No known human allergens.
* Buffalo Meat is Higher in Iron than beef - (great for Women).
* There are no Problems with E-Coli in Buffalo Meat

My evening was finished off with 2 gluten and dairy free chocolate chip cookies and a glass of skim milk.


Now, I am exhausted. Car shopping will do that to a person! Tomorrow, I will be working from 4-8 PM, so I plan on making a crock pot meal for dinner. I am also going to buy some coconut milk to make ice cream in my new Cuisinart ice cream maker! GF Guy has also requested I do a little baking this week. It's been a while... so he claims... hahaha
Good night! I will be dreaming of new cars tonight!

This post is linked to the Holiday Food Fest hosted by Amy at Simply Sugar and Gluten Free.