Introductions Needed - Gym, Anna - Anna, Gym

Before I get started with today's post, Millie wanted me to take her plight to the masses. I think she wants your sympathy. She lives with a bit of a bed-hog-dachshund. Poor pup has to hide behind a curtain just to get a spot on the edge of the bed. 

My husband had trip on Saturday and I had an appointment for our new car to get a back-up camera installed. I had to arrange rides to and from the dealership. My sister picked me up from the dealership in the morning when I dropped off the car. Turns out my sister got the bad end of that deal because my nephew got a free lunch when he took me to pick up the car. My nephew and I have always had a thing about going to new places that neither of us have been before. Unfortunately, we haven't had as many opportunities lately. We chose a new place that opened in one of the old downtown buildings.

We ordered clams with chorizo as an appetizer.  My husband would NEVER consent to ordering clams, so I was super excited to have the opportunity with my adventuresome nephew. Sadly, they were out :(  I had heard this place had excellent burgers and there was one with bacon jam and brie that tempted me. But my eyes kept going back to the chicken pot pie on the menu. I ended up ordering the potpie with a side salad.  I am not going to pretend I wasn't disappointed when this arrived. That's a biscuit on a cup of soup!!! To be fair I knew it was going to be biscuit topped, but I am used to a thicker, creamier pot pie filling than I was seeing here. I figured I better at least try it before I complained and sent it back. From the first bite I was hooked! It had the most delicious sage flavor with big chunks of perfectly cooked chicken. The veggies were good, but the mushrooms were divine. My only disappointment was that it wasn't a bigger bowl so I could bring home leftovers for the rest of the week.

Sunday we woke up to some snow...very little snow, but super cold - 5 degrees!  My husband has started running again, but this seemed a bit cold. 

To avoid the cold, we decided to catch up with our old friend, Gym.  It had been awhile so introductions were in order. I walked for 30 minutes on the treadmill.

Then I followed up the walk with 10 minutes on the bike. I know 10 minutes doesn't seem like much. I hated every minute of it. It had nothing to do with the actual exercise or exertion. My hiney kept slipping off the seat and I had to adjust my position every 20 seconds...yes, I timed it.

I tried to distract myself by keeping my eye on the prize - that cutie running on the treadmill in front of me...strategic planning, ladies. I even got him to go home with me :)

I was finished about 15 minutes before my husband finished his run, so I hung out in the class room.

They don't hold classes on Sunday and there was plenty of equipment I could have played with - maybe next time.

Instead I practiced post-workout selfies with my new phone. I like how smooth it makes my skin look, but those bangs are out of control!!

After a good workout, there was lunch to be had. It wasn't anything fancy, but it is a favorite from my childhood - fried egg with ketchup sandwich. I needed a Fuji apple for an upcoming recipe - I am glad I bought a few extra.

There were football playoff games to watch. Millie and Zommie were just there for the bed and blankets.

Monday was another freezing cold day with temps around 5 degrees again. We took the dogs out to the farm for breakfast and to play. My mother-in-law made us ham with fried potatoes and toast with homemade applesauce. Her fried potatoes are too delicious to resist - I am still trying not to think about the oil they were cooked in. Toast with applesauce is one of my go-to comfort foods. Since I indulged a bit for breakfast, I had a simple bowl of cereal for lunch. The pups were worn out. They were pressed up against me - at least the left side of my body was kept warm :)

Please tell me the above pictures do make you feel a bit less sorry for Millie :)

I love fresh herbs, but hate the prices or having to buy more than I need for a recipe. I heard a tip and finally remembered it when I was picking out sage for an upcoming recipe. Poultry Mix is a combo pack of rosemary, thyme and sage. So I needed the sage - rosemary and thyme (which I love)  were a nice bonus (and I already used some of them too).

 Sage, Rosemary and Thyme

The brings us to the upcoming recipe Breaded Pork Cutlets with Root Veg Mash and Sage Gravy. Yes, it is another find from the Cooking Light issues I picked up from the library. I told my husband what I was making and "root veg mash" caught his attention...not in a good way. I reminded him potatoes were root vegetables and left it at that.

While he was in the other room, I cubed the turnip, potatoes and a Fuji apple. I actually only used three of the above potatoes to make up a cup for the recipe. Once cooked the veggies are mashed with a little sour cream, salt and pepper.

 While the veggies (and apple) boiled I prepped the pork cutlets.

It was a simple flour, egg, flour dredge.  I remembered to only use one hand, so I still had a clean hand available for stirring or turning on the faucet.

After the cutlets were cooked, I made a pan gravy using the sage. I was a little nervous about using too much sage. I was still thinking about the chicken pot pie and was afraid I would be too heavy handed. Turns out I could have used a little more.

Cooking Light recommended serving with Sauteed Lemony Brussels Sprouts which sound delicious...to me, not so much to my husband. Instead, I roasted some green beans.

Turns out, my husband loved the "mash". He mentioned it had a hint of sweetness. I asked him if he thought it was the turnips or the apple ;)  He had the funniest look on his face, like he couldn't believe I had "tricked" him into eating turnips. I was super excited when he said he would like me to make them again!  I packed up a serving for someone's lunch this week...we will see who claims it first.

In addition, to this bonus meal. I did a little prep this afternoon for this week's lunches. I made a batch of the bean dip (with rosemary and thyme) to eat with veggies. I have an idea for the rest of the green beans...more on that soon.

I had been a little concerned about having a three day weekend. It is always more difficult for me to stay on track over the weekend. I think I hit a good balance. It helps immensely that my husband is committed as well. Do you have any tips on how you handle the weekends?