A Recipe Offering from Sarah

Sarah posted about this on Facebook today, and I kinda whined about wanting the recipe on my blog, so here it is! Sounds really light and refreshing; just what we need for these hot, humid, dog days of summer. Thanks, Sarah!!

From Moosewood Cookbook (revised edition).

Chilled Cucumber Yogurt Soup

4 cups peeled, seeded, and grated cucumber

2 cups water, 2 cups yogurt

1/2 to 1 tsp salt

1 small clove garlic, minced

1 tsp dried dill or 1 T fresh

minced fresh mint and chives

Combine everything except mint/chives and chill.  Serve topped with minced mint/chives.

Sarah's notes: I decided to puree instead of leaving chunky so I didn't bother grating the cukes or mincing the garlic or herbs, just tossed everything into a blender (did it in two batches).  I used a large clove of garlic and fresh dill and tossed the mint in when I pureed instead of keeping it to the side - didn't use chives.  Flavor was awesome but it was a little thin so next time I'll probably only use 1 cup of water.

So. I have decided that portion control is as big a problem for me as what I actually eat, so starting today, I am actually going to start following SERVING SIZES. I KNOW, radical, right? Turns out I underestimated the serving size of blueberries, but I started the day with 3/4 c of whole-grain cereal (actually a combination of two, one with flax and one with quinoa), 1/2 c. blueberries (turns out it should have been one cup), 1 banana, a small handful (literally - I was taught by a doctor how to measure a serving of nuts in your hand) of almonds, toasted, and a cup of 2% milk. (I normally would buy skim, but for some reason the store was out of 1/2 gallons. Weird.)

I feel so virtuous. I know it will be hard at first to teach my body that I am actually getting enough food, but I am sure I will grow accustomed to the new regimen OK. I am also going to start using the "1/2 plate vegetables" technique. I'm told that the book, "Mindless Eating," is an excellent wake-up call about the way we consume food. Haven't read it, but I think I should.