Remember the Griddler Neal got for his birthday? Well, we christened it Monday night and It. Was. Awesome!  There are so many different panini options, but Neal and I decided to create a “Smoked Panini”.

On top of sourdough bread we added smoked gouda, smoked havarti, smoked ham, and spicy mustard.

With a little spritz of non-stick cooking spray, the panini sandwiches were ready to go!

I was SO sleepy Monday night, as you can tell by my bags but the panini definitely lifted my spirits!

On the side, Neal and I split some tomato and basil soup.  The cheese on the panini was so smokey and gooey and the ham was warm and sweet.  The only thing missing… veggies!  I wish this sandwich had some tomato in it or something.  Next time Neal and I want to make a tomato, basil and mozzarella panini with a balsamic reduction. Can’t wait!

Last night after work I headed on over to Weight Watchers for my weekly weigh in.  I stepped on the scale and guess what… I stayed the same weight!  YAY!  I am honestly thrilled to have stayed the same weight during the holidays.  I’ll take it!

Weight Watchers Update — Week 8 Results

Starting Weight: 229.4 pounds

Week 8 Results: stayed the same weight! (weighed 226.6)

Total Weight Loss: -2.8 pounds

Once home I made the most amazing dinner.  I boiled some pasta and then sauteed garlic and fresh spinach with a little olive oil.  After draining the pasta, I mixed it all together and threw in some Parmesan cheese.  I forgot how much I LOVE this dinner.  I use to make it all the time.

After dinner, I got the itch to bake again so I whipped up some chocolate and butterscotch chip oatmeal cookies!  I suck and didn’t take any pictures, but here is the recipe.

Ashley’s Chocolate and Butterscotch Chip Oatmeal Cookies

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

1 cup butter softened (2 sticks)

3/4 cup granulated sugar

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

1 tsp. vanilla extract

2 large eggs

1 bag chocolate chips

1 bag butterscotch chips

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit

Combine four, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl and set aside.  Beat butter, sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla in a separate large bowl until creamy.  Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.  Gradually beat in flour mixture.  Stir in chocolate chips, oatmeal, raisins, and cinnamon.

Now I used a LARGE scoop and pushed each dough ball down slightly before putting the tray into the oven.  Because the cookies were so large, I baked them for 15 minutes.  It was also important to allow them to cool for about 5 minutes before removing them from the tray.  The oatmeal makes them very chewy, so you have to allow them to cool before moving them.

Today’s Meal Plan

Breakfast – 2 slices of bread, Peanut Butter, Jelly, 2 clementines, and coffee (9PP)

Lunch – Holiday Lunch (not sure what we’re having)

Dinner – Mystery Menu (something at home– I need to use up what I have around the house… kinda boring)

Today’s Workout Plan (#20daychallenge)

40 minutes elliptical and weight lifting with Liz after work

What’s your favorite kind of holiday cookie?

Filed under: Cooking • Recipes

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