Orlando’s Secret Dining Deal

After skipping breakfast, which I almost never do, I needed a hearty lunch and didn’t want to break my budget. Here was my total bill:

There is no tipping so this $14.89 was the price including tax!

What did I receive for under $15.00? One Greek salad, containing delicious pitted black olives, and Balsamic Vinaigrette dressing, one lemon breaded cod fillet with pesto sauce, peas, and corn with summer squash.

Greek Salad, Lemon Breaded Cod Fillet Hardy Lunch.

Where did I find this secret deal?

At a furniture store called IKEA. It is located next to the Mall at Millenia Off I-4 between the theme parks and downtown. Just type IKEA Orlando Florida into your navigation.

Since I joined the FREE IKEA family club, I get coffee or tea with refills free daily. I like to get a glass of ice and pour my fresh hot black tea over it. This is so much better than any instant iced tea anywhere.

The pesto sauce is free to anyone with the meal. Just ask for it. If peas or corn with summer squash is not your thing, they also have fries or, mashed potatoes (gravy if you ask), and macaroni and cheese.

The Greek salad comes with a side of dressing, but Newman’s dressings are also free if you want them. They are near the small salads and soup of the day.

And if you have never visited an IKEA store before, they sell more than food and furniture. IKEA can plan, and the kitchen designers work is free, an entire kitchen for you including major appliances, faucets, sinks, cookware, and utensils. They have a great selection of toys and furniture for children too. Well I could go on and explain they have everything INCLUDING the kitchen sink, but go and see for yourself!

One Skillet Meal from Buy One Get One Free

Publix Supermarket has Patagonia Scallops on sale through Wednesday. Here is how I made a generous serving meal for two adults using a skillet and in less than 20 minutes.

How to use frozen scallops to make a quick, flavorful, one skillet meal.

Ingredients: olive oil, salt, pepper, baby spinach, one leek, fresh garlic, frozen scallops, feta cheese,

Method: On medium heat, thin coat skillet with olive oil and lightly brown the white part of one leek, which was cut into thin slices and seasoned with 1/4 teaspoon salt, and freshly ground pepper. Turn heat to low.

Add 4 cups washed, torn, and salad spinner dry baby spinach. Stir fry for a minute on medium heat.

Add one half package of frozen scallops that have been rinsed and drained. Keep on medium heat, cover skillet, and cook for five minutes.

Uncover and stir fry for a minute. Now without stirring, reduce heat to low and sprinkle over spinach and scallop mixture: 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese, and three cloves sliced garlic. Cover and let cheese melt and garlic soften on low heat.

Uncover and stir fry on medium until moisture is absorbed and all scallops are opaque.

When Cooked, Scallops Turn Opaque White

After reducing the liquid, the feta will be melted and form a flavorful glaze on the spinach and scallops.

Recipe is ready to be served and savored.

Spring MixWild Caught Salmon Salad

Publix Supermarket Super Salad

Most Publix grocery stores in Florida carry this salad in their deli section. With all the ingredients, which includes capers, I cannot make it at home for less.

Happen to be passing by an out of state Publix today and discovered that if you don’t see this salad, ask at the SUB counter if they can make one or two up for you.

This is the only store that told us to ask if you don’t see what you want. Such nice folks here!

Rich, creamy, thick, healthy…

Icelandic Provisions Cold Brew Coffee, rich, creamy, thick, and healthy!

If you are having to make a trip to the coffee house for that flavor fix, why not try this brand of cold brew coffee flavored Icelandic yogurt instead.

Publix has them on BOGO, buy one get one free, starting today and ending on Wednesday. But if your store carries it and it’s not on sale, it’s probably less expensive than your coffee house drink, and a whole lot healthier.

Icelandic Provisions Skyr with Blueberries and Blackberries

Icelandic Provisions Skyr Yogurt with Strawberry Spoon

Hurricane Power Out Time

This time of year I check and replace batteries in and about my entire home. Nobody wants to wait until the power is actual off to find and replace batteries. This year, I even replaced batteries in a light up mirror. It’s all white and difficult to find the battery compartment. So, washi tape and a permanent marker later, I have new batteries and have marked the month and year on the tiny hard to find compartment door. Regular masking tape will also work. So quick, and no fancy label maker required!

Label date on battery compartment door when batteries replaced.

Celebratory Pizza

My simple diet rule is get adequate fiber and everything else will fall into place. As a general rule of thumb, I try to count about ten grams of fiber per meal. If it’s more than ten grams, I just increase my water intake during that meal.

In a perfect situation, I would cook from scratch. However, life is full of surprises and many responsibilities, so I do take a few short cuts but still follow my simple diet rule of at lease ten grams of fiber per meal.

Today I celebrated figuring out how to take apart and put back together my old OXO salad spinner with this quick and easy treat that has 18 grams of fiber for one serving!

Quest Pizza has Almost Double my Fiber Goal for an Easy Lunch Treat

If you are not accustomed to getting at least 25 grams of fiber per day, increase your fiber intake slowly and always drink water with your meal. Consumption of high water content fruits and vegetables help meet your fiber and water goals.

Like a No Work Smoothie?

Freezer Bag with Frozen Black Grapes

Try a straight from the freezer grape. It’s in the 80’s here folks. What’s it like where you live?

With or Without Pancakes

My new favorite combination of flavors is Pyrue Chocolate Syrup and fresh blackberries. These two flavors are so delicious together and have even higher fiber and lower carbohydrate; this makes skipping the pancakes possible.

PYRUE Chocolate Syrup and Blackberries

Walmart Breakfast

Kodiak Pancakes have Four Grams Fiber per Serving

From easily found items such as fruit, nuts, Land O Lakes Butter Olive Oil spread, and compostable paper plates

Hefty Paper Plates for Healthy Environment

to the not stored in an easy to find or access isle such as Kodiak flapjacks or waffles and Pyure Chocolate Syrup, Walmart keeps our breakfast routine interesting, delicious, healthy, easy and fast.

Under Strawberries and Chocolate Syrup: 3 Flapjacks

Under Pecans and Chocolate Syrup: 2 Waffles

Walmart Now

High Fiber, Organic, Plant Based, Vegan, Keto, and No Added Sugar Treat from Walmart

Walmart must have an awesome buyer! With zero added sugar, 25 calories for two tablespoons, and seven grams of fiber I couldn’t even dream that I would happen to spot it near the floor in a Walmart but I am sure glad I did. It tastes great and mixes well in milk for a hydrating quick drink for young and old. Will try it with protein waffles tomorrow, or maybe in a smoothie.

Did I mention Pyure Syrup is plant based, organic, vegan, and keto diet friendly too?

Be sure to store it in the refrigerator and use it up within 60 days after opening. That will clearly not be a problem in this house. Oh, happy new year!