Eggface 2016 - The Blog Year in Review

A look back at some of my favorite blog posts, healthy recipes and menus, ideas and tips from the past year. My 10th year post weight loss surgery.

January: National Soup Month Recipe Round-Up and being named to the Top 100 Obesity Global Influencers List (#35) was pretty darn cool (Jamie Oliver was #1, love him.) I am proud to represent those affected by obesity by sharing my story. I hope it helps others on their journey.

http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/2016/01/national-soup-month-recipe-round-up.html

February: My Berry Favorite Valentine's Day Desserts and a particularly tasty Post Weight Loss Surgery Menus: A day in my pouch

Low Carb Weight Loss Surgery Bariatric Gastric Bypass Vertical Sleeve Cooking Menus

March: Grasshopper Protein Pudding Jars (you must make these) and Happy and Healthy St. Patrick's Day

Low Carb Weight Loss Surgery Bariatric Gastric Bypass Vertical Sleeve Cooking Menus

April: Scrambled Egg Bowls (a favorite breakfast) and revamp of post I hope has been helpful over the years Weight Loss Surgery Post Op Life on the Cheap

Carlsbad California

May: One for the new post-ops Liquid Phase for Post Weight Loss Surgery and May is National Salad Month

Low Carb Weight Loss Surgery Bariatric Gastric Bypass Vertical Sleeve Cooking Menus

June: I had to mark 10 Years Post WLS with a few words of... umm wisdom? ;) and I had fun with My DIY Coffee Bar Project 

Craft Home Food Coffee

July: Healthy Sugar Free Recipes for World Chocolate Day and another tasty day in my world Post Weight Loss Surgery Menus: A day in my pouch

Low Carb Weight Loss Surgery Bariatric Gastric Bypass Vertical Sleeve Cooking Menus

August: Post Weight Loss Surgery Menus: A day in my pouch and Cook Once, Eat Twice or More: Basic Chicken Salad

Low Carb Weight Loss Surgery Bariatric Gastric Bypass Vertical Sleeve Cooking Menus

September: YWM2016 Your Weight Matters National Convention Wrap-Up (I am honored to serve as the chair of the convention planning committee) and Take Out Inspired Recipes for Post Weight Loss Surgery

Your Weight Matters National Convention YWM YWM2016 YWM2017

October: 10 Favorite Cauliflower Recipes and Healthy Snacks: Apple Pie Protein Balls

Low Carb Weight Loss Surgery Bariatric Gastric Bypass Vertical Sleeve Cooking Menus

November: 10 Ground Beef Recipes and lots of zucchini noodles in this Post Weight Loss Surgery Menus: A day in my pouch

Low Carb Weight Loss Surgery Bariatric Gastric Bypass Vertical Sleeve Cooking Menus

December: Holiday Party Recipes and my DIY Cocoa Bar

Low Carb Weight Loss Surgery Bariatric Gastric Bypass Vertical Sleeve Cooking Menus

Past Blog Year in Reviews:

2015 Blasts from the Past
2014 Blasts from the Past
2013 Blasts from the Past
2012 Blasts from the Past
2011 Blasts from the Past
2010 Blasts from the Past

In these uncertain times, it helps me knowing I'm never alone on this road. Thankful for all of you! Happy New Year! Wishing you all good health and lots of laughter.

I hope to see you this year at YWM2017 please try and come!


Savory Pancakes - Potato-less Potato Pancake Recipes (Latkes)

Say that 3 times fast. I usually make a sweet version of Cottage Cheese Pancakes for breakfast but instead I used plain cottage cheese and some savory herbs and spices and came up with a faux latke or potato pancake. These are great as a side with soup.

Bariatric Surgery Weight Loss Surgery Breakfast Appetizers Dinner Recipes Hanukkah
Shelly's Potato-less Potato Pancakes

1/2 cup Cottage Cheese
1 Egg
3 Tablespoons Multigrain Pancake Mix
2 Tablespoons Chives, snipped
1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
1 Tablespoon Fresh Parsley, chopped
1/4 teaspoon Salt
a few twists of Black Pepper

Whiz in mini food processor. Spray pan with non-stick spray. Cook on low till bubbles appear, flip. Cook till done. Serve with sour cream. Makes 4 small latkes (pictured) or 8 silver dollar size.

Some variations:

Replace chives with dill. This would be a great side with fish. Omit salt and chives and add instead a tablespoon of grated parmesan and chopped basil serve with a dollop of ricotta cheese. Mix a little creamy horseradish and sour cream and top latkes with a dollop and some sliced smoked salmon.

Serve for breakfast with an over-easy egg.

You can replace cottage cheese with ricotta cheese (or 1/2 & 1/2 too) I do those often ricotta makes them (sturdier for appetizers) and "sandwiches."

Some other Eggface Savory Pancakes... 

Bariatric Surgery Weight Loss Diabetes Low Carb Friendly Breakfast Lunch Dinner Appetizer

Shelly's Ricotta Pancake Breadless "Sandwich"
Shelly's Savory Onion Mini Ricotta Pancakes with Smoked Salmon
Shelly's Bruschetta Pancakes
Shelly's Savory Onion Ricotta Pancakes (larger size)


DIY Hot Cocoa Bar

We've been downright chilly the past few days with lows in the 30's. I know some of you are laughing right now because in some areas 30's would be a warming trend. We're wimps here in Southern California. I used to be tougher I grew up in New York (Long Island) and we had real winters but I'm a wimp now too since weight loss surgery and losing some of my insulation. I survived the chilly Christmas Eve night by turning my DIY Antique Store find turned Coffee Bar temporarily into a Christmas Cocoa Station.

Eggface Weight Loss Surgery Bariatric Party Recipes Sugar Free Winter Party Ideas

Still plenty of chilly winter nights ahead if you want to set up a Hot Cocoa Bar at your house.

You Need: 
Coffee Maker or one of those Electric Hot Water Kettles are great too (just watch the cord around pets & kiddos)
Sugar Free Cocoa Packets (I actually prefer the No Sugar Added NSA ones though they are a few more calories)
Sugar Free Torani Syrups in a variety of flavors

Eggface Weight Loss Surgery Bariatric Party Recipes Sugar Free Winter Party Ideas

Spices, Mix-ins and Toppings: Powdered Peanut Butter, Crushed Sugar Free Peppermint Candies, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Pumpkin Spice, No Sugar Added Homemade Whipped Cream and Nonpareils.
and of course you need a few Holiday Treats: Mini Protein Donuts and Protein Bar Cookies.

More Weight Loss Surgery Friendly Desserts

Eggface Weight Loss Surgery Bariatric Party Recipes Sugar Free Winter Party Ideas

My Creation... NSA Cocoa with SF Almond Torani Syrup, a squirt of Homemade, No Sugar Added Whipped Cream, a dash of Cinnamon and Nonpareils. Mmmm it was delicious. 

Eggface Weight Loss Surgery Bariatric Party Recipes Sugar Free Winter Party Ideas

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays 💕 to all my family & friends both IRL & online. Wishing everyone health, love, laughter and all good things in 2017.

Christmas Tree Holiday Food Blog Hot Cocoa DIY Bar


Healthy Mexican Food Recipes: Tamales

A few days ago I stumbled on a tamale making demonstration and instruction at a local supermarket. Tamales are traditional Mexican foods served during Christmas and New Year's. I have wanted to learn how to make them for years. Well technically I did make them once but it didn't go well (I blogged about it here.) I have seen a few classes offered over the years but either they were full or didn't work into my schedule. I seized upon the opportunity to try my hand at it again.

The two ladies shared their tips and walked me through from soaking the husks to making the tamale batter, spreading and filling the tamales and steaming them. I got to take home my un-cooked tamale and taste some they had steamed earlier. I enjoyed the tamales I made but they were slightly higher in carbs and fat than I would like and my usual issue with tamales is that the ratio of batter was too much for the amount of filling.

Bariatric Surgery Weight Loss Health Fitness Food Nutrition

I went home excited and determined to figure out a higher protein, lower carb version of a tamale that would be a healthier choice for me. I cut the batter with ricotta cheese which added flavor and allowed me to cut almost all the oil/lard in the original recipe and up the protein and as I filled them I adjusted the ratio of filling to batter. The batter was an Italian spin on a gnocchi dough my Grandma made. I hope you enjoy the results of my experimenting.

Shelly's Ricotta Tamales 

You need Corn Husks 16-18
1 1/2 cups Instant Corn Masa for Tamales (I used Maseca brand)
1 cup Ricotta Cheese
1 teaspoon Baking Powder
1/2 teaspoon Sea Salt
1 cup Warm Broth (any you love, I used Chicken)
1 Tablespoon Canola Oil
Large Pot with Steamer Insert

Masa Steamer Corn Husks Healthy Mexican Food Recipes Weight Loss Bariatric Surgery

To prepare corn husks: Place cornhusks in a large bowl, cover with hot water and weight with a heavy plate or pitcher to completely submerge them. Let soak for at least 30 minutes.

Corn Husks Soaking Tamale Making Weight Loss Bariatric Surgery

To prepare tamale batter: Put all ingredients except the oil in a bowl and stir with a spoon (or better yet clean hands) until a soft dough forms. Add oil and mix again. You want a very moist and spreadable, but not runny consistency (add a little more warm broth if necessary.)

Masa Tamales Healthy Mexican Food Weight Loss Surgery Bariatric Food Cooking

Fillings: I used 2 different combos. Chicken, Mushroom & Onion: I shredded 2 cooked chicken breasts (store bought rotisserie would be great for this) and to that I added sauteed onions (1 yellow) and mushrooms (a dozen or so, sliced.) The other filling was Green Chili and Cheese: canned mild green chilis, deseeded and sliced into strips and sliced Queso Fresco cheese. I added green chili salsa inside a few of the tamales too. My Crock Pot Carnitas would be a perfect filling too. Next time!

To assemble tamales: Drain the corn husks and pat dry. Cover the husks with a damp towel while you are assembling. Working on a flat, clean surface, unfold one of the large corn husks so it's completely flat. Spread a dollop (meatball/golfball) size in the center of the husk in a 4-inch square (trick the ladies taught me: use a plastic quart size bag sprayed with nonstick spray to press the batter onto the husk) leaving a wide border at the top and the bottom. Spoon about the same amount of your filling in a thin strip down the length of the batter square. Tamales always have too much batter to filling in my opinion. So I did a thin spread and about the same amount of filling. You can adjust to your tastes.

Healthy Mexican Food Weight Loss Bariatric Surgery Cooking Dinner Christmas

Fold the long sides of the corn husk together, causing the batter to completely surround the filling, then fold the corn husk end up, creating a pouch. If a corn husk splits while you're folding just wrap a second husk right over the first. If you want to remember the different fillings tie the tamale closed using a thin strip of torn corn husk for one of the fillings.

My stubby fingers can't tie husks so it's a surprise what you get at my house... "Oh look! you got the one you wanted it's a Christmas miracle!" If not, just point out the window and say "Oh my gosh, look at that!" and when everyone at the table turns to look, quickly switch plates with a loved one. Problem solved.

To steam tamales: Fill a large pot with 2 inches of water. Place a steamer basket in the pot and loosely place the tamales upright in the basket. I actually owned a perfect pot for it which comes with 2 steamer inserts, it was from my pre-weight loss surgery pasta eating years. Cover and steam over medium heat for about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Make Tamales Healthier Weight Loss Surgery Bariatric Friendly

Check the water level periodically (I added a little more boiling water at about 45 minutes.) Make one tamale the tester. When it gets to 1 hour and 15 minutes open your tester tamale up... the tamales are done when the batter is firm and easily pulls away from the wrapper. If it sticks it's not ready, just fold it up again and continue cooking a few more minutes (time will vary based on the moisture of the masa) it pulls away easily when it's done, it'll be obvious.

You can serve them with a little Greek yogurt or guacamole, both would be great if your fillings are spicier. I just topped mine with a little pico de gallo (salsa basically)

Heathier Weight Loss Surgery Bariatric Diabetes Low Carb Friendly Recipes Mexican Food

Cook's Note: Ingredients can be found at a grocery store with a Mexican products section or online. Make the cooked fillings the day before to save time. Tamales will keep in the fridge 2-3 days steamed or place them in a freezer bag and freeze for a month or two. Reheat tamales in the microwave. I use this gadget (it's awesome for reheating everything.)

They take awhile to make but it's lots of fun and they were delicious so I think they might be a Christmas tradition.

Crafty - DIY: Make Your Own Christmas Cards

Every year at Christmas time my Mum and I come up with some crafty project to do together. I highly recommend it. It's a great chance for mothers, sisters, kids, friends to disconnect from the holiday hustle and bustle, sing, tell stories, laugh and make memories. Back in the day, we'd bake way too many cookies and cakes and since post weight loss surgery that's really not an option for me. Each year we've come up with something fun, creative and less caloric to do instead. We've made tote bags and ornaments over the years but we decided we had plenty of both of those.

This year we decided to make homemade Christmas cards. We gathered together some crafty bits and bobs, turned on Christmas music and started our secret card projects. It was perfect I was still feeling a little under the weather (though much better than earlier in the week) and it was raining out and people don't know how to drive in rain in Southern California (sorry, you know it's true) so we were better off inside.

Non Food Fun Holiday Activities Weight Loss Bariatric Surgery Blog

You need:
Blank Cards (or hard cardstock folded into a card)
Glue, tape
An assortment of ribbons, buttons, pom poms, pipe cleaners, yarn, etc.
Markers
Scissors, crafty hole punches, stapler, ruler
Tags, gift wrap, stickers

Non Food Fun Holiday Activities Weight Loss Bariatric Surgery Blog

Optional:
I bought one of those science project tri-fold presentation boards at the $1 store, cut it in half, horizontally to make sure we could see each other's masterpieces before we presented the finished project. We were all about the surprise factor.
Christmas Music a little Michael Bublé and Spotify on random
Weight Loss Surgery Friendly Tidbits I assembled a few tidbits for lunch: Pickles and Olives, Ham, Marcona Almonds, California Cheddar and Cranberry Wensleydale Cheddar.

Eggface Bariatric Surgery friendly Party Tidbits

Our finished products...

Non Food Fun Holiday Activities Weight Loss Bariatric Surgery Blog

 This will definitely be a new holiday tradition.



Drum roll...

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Chicken Zucchini Zoodle Noodle Soup

I've been under the weather. I HATE going to the doctor but it was so bad on Sunday I caved in. It was a bladder/kidney thing so wasn't going to go away on it's own. I'm glad I went. I made myself some Chicken "Zoodle Noodle" Soup too which always helps. I ate my soup and watched a couple of favorite Christmas movies curled up under an afghan. I'm on my 3rd antibiotic dose and am already starting to feel much better.

Weight Loss Surgery Bariatric Diabetes Healthy Recipes Spiralizer Zucchini Pastaless

Shelly's Chicken Zucchini Zoodle Noodle Soup

1 Yellow Onion, chopped
1 stalk Celery, chopped
1 Carrot, sliced
2 cloves Garlic, minced
2 Cooked Chicken Breasts, chopped
1 Bay Leaf
a few twists of Black Pepper
4 cups Chicken Broth
Salt to taste
1 Zucchini, spiralized

In a large pot with a lid, saute onion till golden in a drizzle of olive oil. Add celery, carrot and garlic. Remove cooked chicken from the bone, discard any skin, chop into bite size pieces. Add to pot. Add remaining ingredients except zucchini. Cook, lid on, for 30 minutes Remove & discard bay leaf.

Weight Loss Surgery Bariatric Diabetes Healthy Recipes Spiralizer Zucchini Pastaless

If you have a spiralizer, spiralize a zucchini. Add to hot soup. Cook lid on for about 5 minutes. Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.


Weight Loss Surgery Bariatric Diabetes Healthy Recipes Spiralizer Zucchini Pastaless

Cook's Notes: If you don't have a spiralizer (get one, no seriously, add it quickly to your Santa list) you can always slice it just add it a bit sooner to the pot but spiralizing it makes you totally feel like you are eating egg noodles and since they are thin they cook in no time.

Time saving tips: When you make baked or grilled chicken be sure to toss 2 extra in the oven or on the grill. Cool, remove from bone. Place in a freezer zipper bag and toss in the freezer for this soup. You can also get a couple of breasts from your local supermarket deli department.

FYI: If you are using boxed broth, 1 large box = 4 cups.






Eggface and Celebrate Vitamins Holiday Giveaway

I am excited to work with Celebrate Vitamins and share the products and recipes below using some of their excellent products. One of my very favorites. 

The BEST GIFT I ever received wasn't a box under the tree, it was the second chance at a healthy life I gave myself by having weight loss surgery. As part of my post weight loss surgery lifestyle I am always looking for healthy and delicious products that help me maintain my health and weight loss goals but taste GREAT too. One of my favorites is Celebrate Vitamins Protein 20 Protein Powder. It comes in a bunch of flavors: Caramel Vanilla Swirl, Peanut Butter Cookie, Cookies and Cream, Chocolate Mint, Iced Decaf Coffee, Wildberry and Unflavored. Protein 20 comes in 14 serving bags and single serving packets perfect for traveling over the river and through the woods to Grandmother's house. The single serving packets are also great for introducing friends (hi friends) to one of your favorite protein shake finds.

It's the holidays and you know what that means... PRESENTS! It's Giveaway Time!

Bariatric Health Fitness Protein Food Weight Loss Surgery Recipes

The Prize:
14 serving bag Celebrate Vitamins Protein 20 Protein Powder in Chocolate Mint flavor and a single-serving packet to share with a friend
14 serving bag Celebrate Vitamins Protein 20 Protein Powder in Decaf Iced Coffee flavor and a single-serving packet to share with a friend
2 - 150 ml bottles in Sugar Free Torani Caramel and Vanilla Syrup
28 oz. Holiday Red Blender Bottle Shaker
an Eggface Reusable Lunch Bag
and an Eggy's Mum Homemade Knitted Christmas Tree Ornament

You will love the Decaf Iced Coffee Protein and the Chocolate Mint literally tastes like one of those Andes Mint Chocolates. You know those little foil wrapped, rectangular chocolates with a mint-green layer sandwiched between two brown chocolate layers, they came in a little cardboard tray. I loved those suckers as a kid.

Weight Loss Fitness Workout Bariatric Surgery Recipes
Shelly's Chocolate Mint Cookie Protein Shake

You can mix Protein 20 with water or milk and shake it up in a shaker bottle and it's great but I love to blend it with almond or soy milk and ice in the blender into a frosty frappe. Soooo good. I make Protein Balls with it... mix a scoop into your favorite pancake batter... or mix a few Tablespoons in plain Greek yogurt with a squirt of SF Vanilla Torani and a sprinkle of nuts for a protein packed breakfast. 

Greek Yogurt Chocolate Mint Parfait Bariatric Surgery Weight Loss Health Fitness Workout
Shelly's Chocolate Mint Protein Yogurt Parfait

How to Enter: LEAVE A COMMENT on this blog posting (be sure to include a name and some email address where I can contact you if you are the winner) Scroll down to # of comments/post a comment below to leave yours. That's it, easy peasy.

Example: Jane Doe jdoe@someemail.com

Want an extra chance to win: LIKE Celebrate Vitamins and The World According to Eggface Facebook pages. Let me know in your comments you liked the pages.

Example: Jane Doe jdoe@someemail.com I like both pages!

Contest Period Ends: Sunday, December 18th (11:59 PM Pacific), sometime Monday, December 19th. I'll draw a name using a random number generator and announce the winner here on the blog! I will also email the winner at the address provided. You'll have one week (7 days) to respond to my email or another winner will be chosen. One ENTRY per person. Blog comments are moderated so there may be a slight delay (up to a few hours) in seeing your comment/entry post. Giveaway is open to anyone in the U.S. only (contiguous United States plus Alaska & Hawaii mailing address only, sorry it's a international law thing.)

Thanks Celebrate Vitamins for partnering with me on this giveaway. For more information about their extensive line of products be sure to check them out and tell them Eggface sent you.

Good Luck! 


P.S. Be sure to follow my Instagram for fun pop-up giveaways.

Healthy and Easy Holiday Party Recipes

’Tis the season for holiday parties, potlucks and last minute Christmas visitors. Here's 9 super easy appetizer recipes that you can whip up in minutes!

Bariatric Surgery Weight Loss Gastric Bypass Vertical Sleeve Party Food Recipes Cooking Blog

They are all lower in carbs and higher in protein than typical party tidbits and perfect for us weight loss surgery post-ops to make a meal out of but you don't have to be a post-op to enjoy these. Bring one of them to a holiday potluck or party so you can be sure there will be something for you but be sure to grab a few right away or the non-ops might gobble them up first.

Shelly's Cucumber "Sandwiches" - Little "Sandwiches" made from sliced English/Hothouse Cucumber, any Cold Cuts (look for low sodium) and Cheese, serve with olives, pickles, mustard.

Weight Loss Bariatric Surgery Recipes Low Carb Protein Fitness Healthy Food

Shelly's Greek Hummus Rounds - I came up with these years ago they are always a part of my celebrations. Sliced English/Hothouse Cucumber, a dollop of Hummus, Kalamata Olives, Feta Cheese.

Weight Loss Bariatric Surgery Recipes Low Carb Protein Fitness Healthy Food

Shelly's Roasted Cauliflower with Bacon, Cheese & Onion Yogurt Dip

1 head of Cauliflower, washed, drained and broken in florets
a Tablespoon of Olive Oil (or Olive Oil Nonstick Spray)
a sprinkle of Kosher Salt

Preheat oven to 425. Arrange florets on a baking sheet. Toss cauliflower florets in olive oil or spray with Pam, sprinkle with salt and bake for 20 minutes turning once during cooking. Serve with Bacon, Cheese & Onion Yogurt Dip.

Bacon, Cheese & Onion Yogurt Dip

4 oz. Greek Yogurt, plain
1 Green Onion, finely chopped
2 Slices Cooked Bacon, crumbled
2 Tablespoons Cheddar Cheese, shredded
dash of Onion Powder
dash of Garlic Powder


Mix together till well combined.

Weight Loss Bariatric Surgery Recipes Low Carb Protein Fitness Healthy Food

Shelly's Christmas Red & Green Egg Bites (aka Crustless Quiches)

1 Yellow Onions, diced
1/4 cup Roasted Red Peppers, drained
1/4 cup Cooked Spinach, chopped
1/4 cup Mozzarella, shredded
5 eggs, beaten
1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt
1/2 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
1/2 teaspoon Oregano
a few twists of Black Pepper

Preheat oven to 350. Saute onions till golden. Set aside to cool. Mix all ingredients together. Spoon into lightly greased (non-stick spray works great for this) mini muffin tins. Bake for 30 minutes at 350. Makes 24. This one is great for your vegetarian pals.

http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/2009/10/party-time-confetti-bites.html

Shelly's Cheesy Stuffed Mini Peppers - Stuffed with Italian cheeses, ham, and onion stuffed mini peppers.

Weight Loss Bariatric Surgery Recipes Low Carb Protein Fitness Healthy Food

Shelly's Meatball Stuffed Mushrooms - Meatballs, tomato sauce and cheese stuffed mushrooms.

Weight Loss Bariatric Surgery Recipes Low Carb Protein Fitness Healthy Food

Shelly's Cheese Cups filled with _____ - Melted cheese formed into little crunchy cups to hold any number of fillings like chicken salad, crab salad, tuna salad, taco seasoned meat & refried beans, smoked salmon, the possibilities are endless.

Weight Loss Bariatric Surgery Recipes Low Carb Protein Fitness Healthy Food

Shelly's Caprese Skewers - Skewered cherry or grape tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and fresh basil drizzled with store bought pesto sauce.

Weight Loss Bariatric Surgery Recipes Low Carb Protein Fitness Healthy Food

Shelly's Red and Green Shrimp Cocktail - Cooked Shrimp in fancy glasses with Guacamole or Cocktail Sauce. 

Weight Loss Bariatric Surgery Recipes Low Carb Protein Fitness Healthy Food