Day 21

How am I doing? Well, this morning I stuck my head in a large zippy bag with the remnants of a Nutella-filled calzone and inhaled deeply. Other than that, great!
I've had little missteps here and there, licking my fingers after serving someone a sweet goodie or popping a chocolate chip in my mouth when they spilled in the cabinet. As I'm savoring the morsel, the thought comes in my head, "I probably shouldn't be doing this."
I had a dream I gave into my temptations with a large chocolate-y nutty something. It reminded me of those Ferrero Rochers, but this was much larger and hollow. I was very disappointed in the dessert and myself. I've resolved to try harder not to nibble.
Mija is Easy-Baking her little heart out at the moment - a scratch chocolate cake. The timer just went off.
I'm planning my first freedom bite as we speak, however.

Day ???

I've done good! Or "well", as my bro would now interject. I did have to cheat once, as I gave blood and they give you sugar to replace the bloodloss. So I shared a little package of peanut butter cookies with Mija. Not those cracker and a thin layer of PB ones, it was the peanut shape ones with the sweet thick layer inside. Other than that, I made Oatmeal Chocolate Chip cookies (adapted from the raisin ones on SmittenKitchen's blog) and didn't have a one. DH ate a lot of them, however.
Girl Scout Cookie time is soon, too! Oh me, oh my! Good thing they taste better frozen.
I've been cooking a lot better foods for the family as well. ("as GOOD," Bro fixes. No, it's not a grammar thing, it's an annoying brother thing.) I've learned to brine chicken breasts & served it with fresh asparagus. Not that it was difficult, but I will always brine my chicken breasts now.
The other night was "Oven Fried Chicken," a delicious Ellie Krieger recipe. The yogurt makes the chicken juicy as it bakes. I served it with a salad and homemade ranch dressing. Yum! I need to figure out how to do links, but the ranch dressing was from Pioneer Woman. (update: figured out the links!)

Day 6

I started my sourdough starter today. I accidently used a metal fork to stir it without thinking so I'll have to keep an eye on it. After I made it I researched some more and apparently there are those "snobs" that dub it "not genuine" if you use yeast. Oh well, too late. Then I left it on the fridge top to start it's magic and thank goodness I put it's container into a larger one! A yeasty pool of goo splooged everywhere.
Doing good on the sweets stuff, still! Still can't wait for a big hot fudge sundae with a chocolate chip cookie the size of my head on the side!

Day 5 (6!)

Monday! At least today counts.
Mush-mixing the amish bread, and have decided to start a sourdough starter as well and make English Muffins.
Breakfast: 2 mini breakfast sandwiches from Burger King
Lunch: Didn't really eat until late...
Dinner: 2 Grilled cheese sandwiches

I became an official member with the San Diego Cake Club today! Got me (another) snazzy new apron!

The first Sunday of Lent

Breakfast: Eggs with tomatoes & habaneros, "refried" black beans (more like mashed beans - bacon drippings tasted bad.)
Lunch: Don't remember
Dinner: Porkchops & Applesauce
Snack : English Muffin & Cream cheese, PB&J, Cereal & Yogurt

Don't worry too much about the "don't remembers." It may have been I didn't actually eat. I tend not to eat meals, just snack throughout the day or I don't eat at all. My biggest challenge when I was trying to lose weight was to eat, period. Most people have to eat less, I had to eat more. My trainer told me I was starving my body into hibernation mode and it was storing anything I put in. I did lose weight, so it must've worked! Day 2 of my friendship bread direction was to mash the bag. I like the yeasty smell.
Today I found my dad's Kit Kat stash. I eagerly ripped into one and was in the process of breaking the little bars apart only to realize I couldn't eat it. I went to my husband who quickly eyeballed my thievery and asked why I had it. I explained I had found my dad's Kit Kat stash. He grabbed it and said "You mean you found ME your Dad's Kit Kat stash" and crammed them in his mouth. Later that evening, my dad tossed the bag at me, "Here." He apparently didn't know I'd given up sweets. Again, my husband got the booty. At least he's supportive?

Realizations on Day 4

Apparently, Lent isn't actually 40 days. Sundays aren't counted. This doesn't mean, however, that you get Sundays "off." So tomorrow won't count at all. 46 days it is.

Breakfast: a peach & some iced tea but made DH & Mija French Toast and Eggs
Lunch: bean & cheese burritos - I think the beans are going bad, have to toss them
Snack: PB & J a little before dinner
Dinner: DH made spaghetti with turkey meatballs

This is also Day 1 of my new project - "Amish" Friendship Bread!

I found a starter recipe online -
1 cup milk
1 cup flour
1 cup sugar
1 packet yeast

I chose to do the plastic baggie method - load it into a giant bag and mush when needed. No need to worry about what bowls & spoons you can use. No mess. Well, until baking day. Yes, I realize this isn't a savory application of my baking skills as aforementioned. I'll just have to keep the starters going until the 40 (+6) days are up. Plus, you can freeze the starters. Good thing, cause I don't really plan on sending any chain letters.