Fort Collins is awesome

When I left you last we decided to make a drive into Fort Collins to walk around downtown and grab some dinner.  I am in love with this city!  It was just so neat and quaint, with tons of unique shops.  There were tons of bikes all over the city even in the winter!  How cool!

I had to get a picture of these bikes.  How does one ride this thing?!  Or even get on it?

When we first arrived we decided to stop at a cute little coffee shop.  I’m not a coffee drinker but I couldn’t resist!  I got a decaf fru fru drink and it was divine!  There was even a bookstore attached.

Lots of vegan baked goods . . .

 

 

 

 

 

Ice Skating!!  The little kiddies had garbage cans to help them stay up, but I would have to have one too.  I’m terrible at skating :)

We grabbed dinner at a chicago pizza place.  It was yummy!  I had this slice and 1/2 of another.

 

After dinner we decided to grab some dessert at The Melting Pot.  I had never been there and it was quite a treat!  Boy, I’d like to have a wine cellar like that!

 

 

 

 

 

We ordered the milk chocolate for 4 along with a dessert-type red wine that was a bit too sweet for me on its own but went really well with the chocolate.  It was heavenly!  I’d love to go back there for a special occasion.  It’s too bad they don’t have any in Vegas anymore :(  Chris and I shared this platter.

 

It was such a fun trip!  Then we had to head back to reality on Sunday morning. . .  

Goodbye Colorado, I will miss you!!!

 

After all that good eating, here’s a quick pistachio recipe that’s a little lighter on the waistline . . .

Pistachio Couscous Patties

(Adapted from CookingLight)

Serves 6 (two patties)

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 c chopped peeled tomato (used about 3-4 romas)
• 3/4  cup  uncooked whole wheat couscous
• 1/4  cup  chopped sweet onion
• 1/4  cup  chopped green bell pepper
• 1-2  tsp  canned tomato puree
• 3/4  cup  shelled dry-roasted pistachios, finely ground
• 1 tsp dried oregano, all-purpose seasoning, garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika, dash of cayenne
• 3/4  tsp salt
• Ziki Sauce for topping

Preparation

Combine first 5 ingredients in a food processor and pulse till ground but not soupy; let stand 15 minutes. Add pistachios and next ingredients (through salt); mix well. Press bulgur mixture into a (1/4-cup) dry measuring cup; unmold onto a cookie sheet. Repeat with remaining bulgur mixture to form 12 patties total. Chill for 15 minutes and serve on a flatbread or pita and top with ziki sauce.  I also dusted them with a bit more ground pistachios.

They don’t ‘form’ like patties that well, but are still pretty yummy.  In two patties there’s 170 kcals and 6 grams of fiber :) 

I put them in a flatbread, added some spinach and topped it with some ziki sauce.  It was light but very filling!

I also used them in a nice salad.

Even though I still like to enjoy all the delicious holiday treats, it’s important to balance those out with activity & healthier eats of course!     

What are some holiday strategies that you use to stay on track? 

---> Real Time Update ---> well, my computer hard drive files were saved thanks to Chris!  I don’t know what I would do without him.  I have both my presentations done and done & need to start studying for finals next week.  Then I’ll really be done!  Woo-hoo!  Thanks for all your well wishes . . . motto of the week:  This too shall pass :)