Relishing the Relish

As promised, here is the recipe for the tomato relish I made 2 weeks ago. I've been craving it since, so as I write this I am making another batch. Nico loves it on a crusty baguette with goat cheese, or in a burger. I'm going to try it on a toasted bagel and cream cheese.

Slice one small red onion and cook it in 2 tablespoons olive oil with a minced garlic clove. Once the onions are soft and golden, add 1 tablespoon sugar and 1 teaspoon curry powder. Cook about 5 minutes, then deglazed the pan with a tablespoon sherry vinegar. Add a 28-ounce can whole tomatoes, a teaspoon dried oregano, 2 teaspoons salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Simmer for 30 minutes, then strain out the liquid into a bowl. Chopped the tomatoes. The Wichcraft version calls for pickled mustard seeds and parsley, which I left out because I did not have them, but I thought my version was delish.

Back to the Menus

An outdoor market in Monaco. If we had more markets like these here at home,
getting groceries wouldn't be such a chore.

My first trimeseter nausea is finally passing and it is time to get back with the menu program. I went from not being able to open a bag of mixed greens without my stomach turning to suddenly being able to plan a weeks dinners again. Here is what I have planned for this week. Send me your menus if you have them!

Sunday: Grilled Crostini with Tomato Relish and a hearty salad, possible left overs. Recipe for relish to be posted soon. Also making an egg salad up for Nico and I to have for lunch tomorrow.

Monday: AJ's Arugula, Avocado and Parmesan Sandwiches with Veggie Soup.

Tuesday: Mexican night: I'm thinking Whole Wheat Easy Black Bean Taco's with veggies.

Wednesday: Garden Burgers with Oven Veggies.

Thursday: Pasta Night. Cold Garlic and Broccoli Salad via Ina Garten. Small Arugula Salad.

Friday: Going Out Night. I hope to dine with friends once this week, so I'm making one day a FREE DAY. Not sure what night this will fall on, but here's to wishful thinking. Making plans with friends is so much harder with little ones isn't it?


Even though I have Gestational Diabetes this time again, I have noticed something interesting. If I eat at home I can eat almost anything. Even a small plate of pasta or a taco. If I eat out, it's a hazard to my health. I have to be super picky about where we go or I have to just get a salad with chicken (no dressing, or oil and vinegar on the side) Restaurants make food taste so good by adding sugar or fat to almost everything, and the portions are usually exaggerated. Making food at home is by far and away the healthiest thing you can do for yourself.

I also wanted to mention the benefits of a post dinner walk. The proof is in my numbers. The other night at a restaurant ( We were on vacation!) I ordered a salad and made the mistake of eating some bread with it. I should have known better, and I'm sure that the bread was sugar laden. It was pretty sweet and really good. I got home and went straight for a 30 minute walk and hiked uphill. 2 hours later my blood sugar was still high at 165. (Normal should be 90-120). God knows how high the original number was?! I decided to climb stairs for 10 minutes and when I tested immediately afterwards it was at 81. Amazing right? If you have a brisk walk after dinner your body will truly thank you.