Obviously, We Chose Steak

In the spirit of celebration, last Monday night's meal had to be amazing.  Rather, it had to be the most delectable extravagance that we'd ever had touch our sensitive and discerning palates.  And of course, it had to be easy on the points ;)

This filet mignon will not break your Points+ bank, it will not leave you feeling heavy and regretful.  Instead, as you eat each spicy and savory bite, you will "mmm" and "ahhh", wishing it could last longer.  The amount of steak is up to you - one ounce of raw, trimmed filet mignon equals one Point+.   But the butter - the butter is where it's at!
Kelly and I each had a 6oz filet mignon with 2 tsp butter, for 8 Points+.  We served this with plum tomatoes wrapped in fresh basil leaves, grilled alongside the steak, and a serving of steamed green beans.  Topping the beans with some of the Chipotle Butter is divine!


Grilled Filet Mignon & Chipotle Butter
From Weight Watchers New Complete Cookbook
Makes 4 Servings
Points+ value = 1 per tsp butter; 1 per ounce raw filet mignon
(A 5oz raw filet mignon with 1 tsp butter = 6 points)

• 4 tsp unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 small chipotle chile in adobo sauce, finely chopped, about 1/2 - 3/4 tsp
• 1 tsp grated lime zest
• salt
• ground pepper
• 4 filet mignons, trimmed of all visible fat

1. Combine the butter, chipotle, lime zest, and 1/8 tsp salt in a small bowl; mix well.  Wrap in plastic wrap, rolling to form a small cylinder.  Freeze 10 minutes.
2. Set up a grill for medium-hot indirect heat; and spray a nonstick skillet with nonstick spray; or heat a grill pan over medium-high heat.  Sprinkle the filets with salt and pepper, to taste.  Grill the steaks to desired doneness and transfer to serving plates.
3. Slice the butter into 4 discs and top each filet with a disk; serve immediately.

This Calls for a Celebration!

Have I told you that my friend Kelly is living with me?  She moved in at the end of February, and we're having the most incredible time.  Not only is Kelly a true friend, totally hilarious, and fun to be around, she's also following the WW plan, enjoys cooking, and has a gym membership with me!  We motivate each other each and every day to make healthy choices, and burn those calories!

Kelly also introduced me to the Couch to 5K program.  There are free Podcasts available on iTunes (my favorite being "Podcasts for Running" by Robert Ullrey.  Over nine weeks, you walk/run three times per week.  In the first week, which I just completed, you alternate 60 second running intervals with 90 second fast-paced walking.  This is sandwiched between a 5 minute brisk warm-up and easy cool down.  Week 2 started on Tuesday night, and I'm super excited that I can handle it just fine.  Instead of 60 second running intervals, it's now 90 second runs with 2 minute walking breaks.  It's the same total amount of running as Week 1, but a bit tougher.  Never thought I'd be a runner...

Do you remember my trip to Sri Lanka over the Chinese New Year holiday?  Well, Kelly was with me there as well!  In fact, the trip wouldn't have existed if it weren't for her.  I bought three sapphire gemstones while in Sri Lanka, and this past weekend they came to life - in a beautiful, custom-designed, hand-made 18 carat gold ring setting with 28 small diamonds.  I'd say that's something to celebrate!  Pictures of the ring are coming soon!

But the real celebration arose on Friday night when Kelly sent in her resignation.  That's right, folks, my amazing friend is leaving Singapore.  It's depressing, of course, but it's also incredibly exciting!  She is coming to a crossroads in her life, a point where the current journey ends, and a new adventure begins.  She will be seeking out that new home and that new life that I spoke of just a few days ago (yes, I was feeling sappy).

In the spirit of celebration, Monday night's meal had to be amazing.  Rather, it had to be the most delectable extravagance that we'd ever had touch our sensitive and discerning palates.  And of course, it had to be easy on the points ;)  Obviously, we chose steak.  Get your mouth watering and be ready...it's coming soon!