The following is a collection of thoughts, observations, and some healthy competitive banter.
Check back for updates!
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Yeah...yeah.
I want to note immediately that I did not weigh in on Memorial Day weekend simply because I was out of town and away from my usual scale; add to that the fact that I ONLY weigh in on Saturdays. Let's face it: I can only bring myself to the scale one day a week, and even that is pushing it. So I will weigh myself in a few days and see where I'm at. I remain optimistic; I can feel some good muscle tone, and my waist looks a lot smoother.
I wanted to take this time to respond to Megan and Brian's recent passages about the "Scientific Analysis of Attraction." My answer is no surprise: I totally agree with Megan.
I consider myself a serial dater. I'm fairly confident enough to sidle up to a gentleman and chat him up - especially when I have a few sips of spirit in me. Here's a hint: This One is a lightweight in the alcohol department. Refer to Easter weekend 2005 for my last heavy drunk. That said, I don't need alcohol to feel attractive. I need drugs.
I kid. And no, it never ends.
But I have to say I'm proud of the eye candy I pick up: Rigoberto the dashing, silver-tongued water delivery guy; Justin, the self-employed trader; Chad, the tattooed Irish punk-lover. There are a bunch of forgotten ones in between, but these I consider my conquests. I saw them, I wanted them, I went out with them. I call that a confidence boost.
Get this - none of these guys panned out. I was taken for a ride by all of them. Rigo had a FIANCE he didn't tell me about for weeks; Justin needed to "concentrate on finding a better job"; Chad just stopped calling after 5 dates (I actually fear he's dead because he was more into me than I was into him).
It's easy to see that I prize looks, but to my defense, I only note their attractiveness because I'm surprised they even gave me the time of day. However, this seeming luck is only outweighed by the fact that none of them stuck with me.
I'm not an easy girl. I don't believe in casual sex. Most of these guys did, and I know that's why nothing happened. I think attractive guys sometimes go for fat chicks because they think we're easy because we have low self-esteem. I have low self-esteem, but I'm not stupid; I won't let that put me in the position to pick up some disease in this city full of casual one-night standers.
In all fairness, though, I can't play pious to the One-Night Standard; I also have a nasty habit of keeping worthy men at a safe emotional distance. I lost two amazing boyfriends to that very same problem. Now they're married to women whom they tout "let themselves be loved".
That's not how I roll...yet.
Maybe that next level will come with massive weight loss. Maybe it will come with holding out for the right person, the right moment, the right atmosphere. Maybe it will come when I least expect it. I know that I'm a romantic, and I'm not going to give up on love.
But if I see one more over-tanned, under-dressed, trixee-ass bitch nagging out her attentive, gorgeous boyfriend for what he's wearing or what he's not saying, I'm gonna start throwing fists. Men of the world, you can be treated better than how your trophy-girlfriend looks.
Take it from me:
So there's that,
Laura
Saturday, May 26, 2007
re: scientific analysis of attraction
Now, Henning gets deep. Buckle up kids, this is a rarity.
I read Meeg's last post and it made me think. About myself and about something that happened during my ohio trip.
I'm a fairly confident person. I am confident about myself as a writer, a performer, a worker...I have confidence about every aspect of my life except one...my weight's impact on my appearance. Now, when I look at myself in the mirror I don't cringe...I think I'm a pretty decent looking guy...although on many, many occasions I have thought to myself "if I lost weight, I'd be hot."
I went to Roscoe's one night with my roommate and I was completely infatuated with the guy who carded us at the door. After we left, I commented to my roommate about him and he told me that I should have talked with him. I responded "he's out of my league," to which my roommate replied "why?"
Why.
An interesting question. Insecure Bri frequently assumes that nice looking, in-shape guys would never be interested, and while that may often be the case...it doesn't have to be. Confidence is a huge plus when it comes to attraction. If you are confident in yourself in every aspect others are drawn to you. Insecurity is very readable. It's kind of like how dogs sense fear. If you are insecure, people notice. It draws attention to the very thing one is insecure about. I remember when I was an auctioneer in Ohio...on more than one occasion people left their numbers for me with the cashier. Why? Because when I was selling, I lost all insecurity. I became so involved in what I was doing (something that I do with utmost confidence in my ability) that any insecurity about myself vanished.
When I was in ohio, i met up with some high school friends. One revealed to me that in high school she, and one of her friends, both had crushes on me but made a pact not to ask me out...but would both be ok with it if I had ever asked either one out. They were both people that I considered out of my league.
Interesting and enlightening. Perhaps the only thing that is keeping Henning single is his insecurity about himself.
Friday, May 25, 2007
Scientific Analysis of Attraction
Other than a few harmless dalliances here and there, I haven't been in a serious relationship in a long time. I know I am a very busy person, I'm a strong, independent woman who doesn't need anybody, but sometimes I get down on myself about it.
I'm told I'm pretty, and funny, and easy to get along with, I have nice eyes among other things and I brighten peoples days blah blah blah... bullshit. How come the only offers I get are from homeless men covered in puke on the L? I've been trying to do honest research on the subject.
The other day I was getting on the bus at North/Clybourn and this woman would not stop bitching about the CTA, and the fact that the Red Line was running on the Brown Line tracks and how it was ruining her life. She was with a man who appeared to be playing the boyfriend/husband role. He just stayed quiet and took everything she dealt out for the 10 minutes I observed them as we rode down North Ave. He was athletic, tan, dressed decently, but slightly disheveled from a long day with her. She was average to dumpy, with scraggly hair, and no chin wearing white shorts and a striped tank top. For 10 minutes straight I tried to observe something attractive about her, some reason for him to stick by her through this dramatic life altering event of the trains being on a detour.
I imagined that maybe they started dating in college, maybe she's really good at math and she helped him with his homework in exchange for his help fixing a dining room table. Then she clubbed him over the head with the table leg before he could get away.
Why? Why would any decently attractive, self-respecting man, put up with whiny no-chin over there? It makes no sense. The only observable thing she's got going for her is that she's not fat.
So from this scientific observation I can conclude: guys don't like me because I'm fat.
BUT then you see these morbidly obese, conservative, right-wing, ultra Christian women with 50 kids. Someone must find her attractive to create that litter of little monsters roaming the farm. Another theory is that her creepy mustached minister husband is trying to prove he's not really gay by constantly impregnating her.
Conclusion: I'm too smart for that.
What about this huge ghetto girl I see walking down the street holding hands with her little papi? She looks like a bruised sack of potatoes in her basketball jersey and sweats with her hair pulled back tight against her unwashed scalp. Yet he looks at her adoringly as she sips the 32oz mountain dew in her other hand. Why?
Conclusion: I bathe too often.
Some of my girlfriends say I'm too picky. Maybe I do shy away from the brain-damaged frat boy, The Sketchy Knight(inside joke meaning ultra conservative baby-factory), or Mini-Machismo.
Other friends say I'm not picky enough, that I'm a great catch and I should be confident and the right guy will come along. This is usually from my gay friends or male friends with girlfriends.
How do people do it? How do I get what the above loser examples have and yet retain my coolness?
I can't. I'm too smart, I bathe, and I'm fat.
...oh yeah, and I have a chin.
Damn this PERFECT CHIN!
It causes me nothing but loneliness.
So I may as well eat ice cream.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
The Namesake
Friday, May 18, 2007
Cream of Hot Dog Soup & Trio Deep Salad
I'm sorry to have been away from the keys all week, but I've been keeping myself busy. For update purposes, I guess I should say I lost 1 pound last week. That's good, but after two weeks of 4 pound losses, it's a bit of a downer. I don't expect high hopes this week either because I haven't been the best of eaters, and I haven't been popping those pills on schedule.
I had a cream puff today. It was worth it.
I really wanted to mention some funny things about where I work. It's a catering company, and we own a restaurant and bar in the building as well. Every day, I get comped breakfast and lunch and snacks, so I can't complain; however, this restaurant is like none I've ever experienced. It's quirky, and it's driving me insane.
I'll start with the blackboard we use for posting daily specials. All of our staff is Mexican, and that explains this error: At the top of the board in chalk it says "Today Special." They pick these phrases up by ear and write down what they hear, so instead of Today's Special, we get the above. Other aural errors include but are not limited to: Cream of Sparagus Soup, Turkey with Cramberry Sauce and today's special, Trio Deep Salad.
When I went down at 11 today, I saw that and thought, "WTF is Trio Deep Salad? Is it a deep sea salad with 3 fish products on it? That's not uncommon. What's missing in this phrase?" So I go over to the salad station, and there sits a salad with mounds of tabbouleh, hummus and baba gannouj, served with crackers and dressed veggies. Then it occurred to me - Trio DIP Salad. How silly am I?
So as I am wont to do, I went to correct the blackboard, and Javier our "pastry chef" got all snotty with me. That's my job; I'm damage control. What do our customers think when they see these things? I know what they think - I hear them dissing our product in the elevators.
And for good reason. Yesterday boasted a special for Cream of Italian Sausage Soup. I was hungry after my salad, and I needed the calories, so I got a small cup. Floating on top of a creamy broth was my "Italian Sausage": A cocktail weenie, cut on the bias. The soup was full of cocktail weenies. They didn't taste like sausage, they didn't taste like Polish, they tasted like hot dogs. There it was - Cream of Hot Dog Soup.
This just goes along with other infamous soup specials of the past.
Fish Ball Soup
Pork Ball Soup
Seafood and Vegetable (whole stir-fry veggies with whole calamari, tentacles and all)
Meat Chili
Cream of Radish
This is my monkeyville, Pitko. This is my monkeyville.
So there's that,
Laura
Meegs continues path to destruction...
Atkins is a scary, scary thing and it is taking its toll on the carb queen.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
The Walk of Shame
Suddenly fear that that there wasn't enough food swept over the crowd. All were consumed with an adrenaline aphrodisiac and fought their way through the mounds of Pad Thai and Cashew Chicken. I held back, nibbling on fresh green beans dipped in ranch to try to crunch my loneliness away. After the crowd waned, I couldn't take it anymore and I descended upon the remnants like a hyena. Scattered skeletal bits of spring roll, mixed vegetables, chicken, and noodles covered the bar. I carefully selected a small plate of vegetables, but couldn't resist a little bit of chicken and a small spring roll. Every bite was delectable, but I fear that the unknown sauce was a sugary gateway drug. The cravings welled up from a dark place deep within, and I thirsted for more.
I went back to the bar to find only a smattering of Pad Thai. "A tiny bit won't hurt" I thought to myself as I took a taste. The rest was a blur.
Brian found me a few minutes later under the table with noodles in my hair and a peanut sauce stain on my skirt. Bits of carrot cake frosting lingered at the corners of my mouth. Embarrassed, I pulled myself together and limped back to my desk like a prom date given a bus pass instead of a ride home.
Despite Brian's cruel taunting, I have faith that I will recover from this indiscretion. No regrets! Even if it causes a minor setback in my diet plans, those fleeting moments of passion were worth it.
MEGAN GIVES UP!!!
SHE IS GOING TO GAIN 47 LBS. I think i just heard a button burst.
VICTORY IS MINE!!
Monday, May 14, 2007
SUCCESS!!
GO HENNING!!
The End of Week Two
all and all things have been going well. ive been making good food choices for the last two weeks and have really impressed myself. i've found that i don't have the desire to eat bad things and when the notion does pop in my mind it is easy to fight. friday night i was off and had a rare opportunity to relax at the house and kick back. i went to trader joe's to pick up a few things and while i was there i got the urge to get something snacky. i ended up with a bag of light white cheddar popcorn that, as the label showed, wasn't exactly health food but wasn't all that bad either. it completely satisfied me. then today, sunday, has been a really long day. i worked, had a comedysportz student show followed by a rehearsal, it was a non stop day. in the back of my mind i kept thinking "i'm going to get some ice cream or something on the way home," but when the time came, i didn't do it and enjoyed some hummus instead. i'm happy with that aspect...big time.
the exercise portion is lagging, though. it's now midnight, and i'm tired. part of me wants to get out and go for a walk but most of me wants to call it a night and get some rest. i need to find more time to exercise. i work a lot, rehearse and/or meet for show stuff 4-5 times a week, have 2 classes and still try to get a good flow of stuff on ebay to help pay the bills...its a lot of running around and i thoroughly enjoy all of it, however it really does cut into the exercise time.
that is going to be my goal for this coming week. make sure i get the exercise in. this past week i only got in walks twice...and when i say walk, i'm referring to the 6-8 mile brisk walks i take specifically for exercise, not walking to and from things like i've been doing more and more. i'm going to do my best to get 4 in. hopefully i'll find the time to do that.
here's to week 3!!
bh
Friday, May 11, 2007
The Life Aquatic
So I'm a little down. That's me...I'm overjoyed and eager one week, then secret-eating the next.I'm a little stressed. I'm in a career stalemate, and I'm torn between what's good for the company and what's good for me. I know enough to say that what's good for me is always right. I just have to make some decisions and do a lot of work.
I got take out a lot this week. Thai Aroma's broccoli beef (with cucumber salad!), Cosi's buffalo chicken sandwich (and signature salad!), and last night was the worst - 2 slices of Pizza-Ria! pizza (one veggie, one pepperoni/sausage). I don't even like pizza, and I didn't even like eating it. I was just starving, and Lane Bryant closed before I got there, and this place was right next to the train, so I did it. I ate my feelings. Just because I couldn't go to a clothing store to get something I really didn't need, I decided to spend my money on food. What a mess am I.
I was watching The Life Aquatic last night, and I always get weepy at that part where they're all in the search pod and they've just seen the jaguar shark, and Steve Zissou says, "Do you think he remembers me?" Then he starts weeping and everybody puts their hands on him.
I think like that sometimes. I've met so many people in my life, and I reflect on them quite often. I wonder, though if any of those people (especially the men) think back on me. I'm a passionate person, I think there's a reason for everything, and I try to take every experience and put it in my files. I fill my time with work and exercise and comedy, but the time that's empty of those things is full of thought on what I've done and what I'm doing. These thoughts come in the night as I try to pull myself toward sleep - the primetime for self-reflection. It's also the time of the day when I feel most vulnerable and lost. Would this change if I had someone's arms around me, a neck to nuzzle into as we float to slumber? Or would I always be thinking, "Do you think he remembers me? Do you think this one here cares about me like no one else has?"
I'm a real person - I'm prone to sappy blogs. The person I am is scarred, but hopeful. There are times I'm positive, and times I'm cynical. I don't want to chase love or marriage by any stretch, but that doesn't mean that I don't want it to happen at some point. I'm still holding out for that one great person, and I can only hope that my patience and perserverance will be rewarded.
In the meantime, I need to be true to myself and my goals. Weight loss has always been my major focus in life...and that could very well be part of the problem. I don't want to stop losing, but I worry that all I think about is portion control and exercise; what will I have to offer when I finally reach my goals? What good is a perfect body if I don't know who the fuck I am?
I have a pretty good idea.
So there's that,
Laura
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Balanced Diets are for Pussies
I have lost 13 lbs. Brian cannot take that away from me. His sticks and stones may break my bones but his words float past me like the wafting scent of a rotisserie chicken.
This week my goal is to implement an exercise plan. I will make love to that pull up machine every day if it kills me.
P.S. The donut liked my singing. Food loves me back. Unlike people.
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Week One Results
Monday, May 7, 2007
I'm a Loser, Baby!
For those of you who think diet pills are a myth, here's something for you:
DA DA DAAAH, DA DA DAAAHHHH! TONY LING!
That last bit was a college reference only a few of you will get. But the fact remains that I lost 4 pounds this week, bitches. And I did it with Hoodia and water pills. And diet and excercise, but mostly pills. Whew! Success feels good.
This is the first loss that will count toward the weight loss challenge, but I've been working at this for 3 months now, and these 4 little pounds bring my total loss to 17.8 pounds. Feel that.
I grant myself one cheat day a week and that day was Saturday. I had two helpings of soup from SoupBox (Lobster Bisque mixed with Clam Chowder - nummers!), 16 oz Jamba Juice (Berry Fulfilling with Fiber), Movie Theater Nachos (Go see Hot Fuzz!), and Cinco de Mayo Nachos from the questionable Mexican place 'round the block. And oatmeal scotchies. And Ben & Jerry's Half-Baked...Light Frozen Yogurt. And yes, it was worth it.
Now I'm back in the groove and feeling great! Let's shoot for another 4 pounds next week!
So there's that,
Laura
Sunday, May 6, 2007
Friday, May 4, 2007
My Goodies
Hello Lovers,
I've been doing swimmingly on portion control in the last 2 weeks. I made a southwest chicken pasta salad last night that was heavenly, and I was washing dishes I thought,
The neat thing though, is that I made them, and ate ONE. I normally wrap them up to take to work, but I hate my job right now, so I'm not going to bless anyone with cookies. I thought I'd give myself a little spiritual test: Keep the big plate on my counter and see how well I can abstain from eating them all.
Talk about a tempest in a teapot-shaped cookie jar!
I'll keep you posted on my goodies, my goodies, my goodies - not my goodies.
So there's that,
Laura
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Congrats to Laura and French Fries
Unfortunately for her though, that weight does not count in this contest, so once again, I predict a shock and awe victory on my part.
Last night I had a writers meeting at Twisted Spoke on Clark. Now, the diet program I'm doing encourages one "cheat meal" a week, where you forget about the diet and eat a meal without worrying about what it is. When I started, I figured wednesday nights would be this cheat meal, as I meet weekly to work on a musical project. Once I got to the place, I didn't WANT to do the cheat meal...especially only on day 3. So I got a turkey and swiss and didnt eat any of the fries. HOORAY HENNING! VICTORY IS MINE!
Ranch Dressing
Today I want to talk about Ranch Dressing. It is one of the most versatile condiments known to man! You can put it on just about anything, and its LOW CARB! Whoot!
This morning I had a delicious breakfast of diced cucumber and hard-boiled eggs. Now that might not sound so exciting, but if you smother it with ranch dressing and chopped bacon, NOW you have a meal! It was so yummy, I licked the bowl! They should make Ranch perfume! I'd totally wear it! I'd so popular with the fat guys. It would be like those Axe Body Spray commercials except it would be fat guys chasing after ME. That thought is kinda scary and kinda cool at the same time. Of course I would turn most of them down because after this diet I'm going to be so hot I can have any guy I want. I'm not the kind of girl that bases attraction entirely on looks. I like guys who are smart and funny. If he's financially stable that's helpful too. We'll have a nice little condo in Lincoln Park or Boystown or Roscoe Village or something. Oh and a dog! All thanks to the alluring scent and power of ranch dressing!
I think I'm in a better mood because my sugar cravings have finally subsided. I've stopped offering to sell my body parts in exchange for dinner rolls and ice cream. For now.
Simply the Best!
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
SIX INCH
Henning can eat it. I updated my subway size. No, smartass, it wasn't a six-foot - it was a six INCH. I knew if we let Brian in the group, things would get ugly. Hey-O!
So there's that,
Laura
Woman of Contradictions
Then, a short time later she writes: "I purposely chose a diet that is bacon-centric so I would be happy..."
Somebody is having sugary snack withdrawl problems...
Also, she writes: "I've noticed that my roomate's dog, Lois, who is usually anti-social has started snuggling with me all the time since I started this diet...She's always licking my face giving me doggie-kisses and following me around in the evenings when I'm home cooking."
OF COURSE SHE IS FOLLOWING MEEGS AROUND AND LICKING HER FACE, SHE IS COVERED IN BACON!!!
HENNING WILL WIN!!
HENNING WILL WIN!!
Dogs Love Me
Also, I've noticed that my roomate's dog, Lois, who is usually anti-social has started snuggling with me all the time since I started this diet. It must be the new-found confidence from my weight loss. Dogs can sense that kind of thing. She's always licking my face giving me doggie-kisses and following me around in the evenings when I'm home cooking. It feels nice to be appreciated for me.
HENNING WILL WIN!!
How am I doing? GREAT. Eating delicious and healthy food (not a huge zip lock baggie full of bacon) and doing some cardio equals 5 lbs lost so far. GO HENNING! RA RA RA!
I'm going to win the $10,000!!!
A History of The Weight-Off
During out first meeting, I was shocked at the amount of food that they brought for a simple planning meeting. Chips, candy, a pineapple upside-down cake...they brought it all, and devoured every last crumb. I began to get concerned for their health and well being...along with my own, knowing that I would be working with them in some capacity for a while.
I choreographed a dance routine for their closing number. It wasn't incredibly complicated but at the end of it, the room temperature had risen 17 degrees and Jim, Meegs and Laura were dripping wet...I decided something had to be done.
I suggested we all do a highly publicized weight-off. I played it up as a way to promote the group, but really, it was my way of helping prevent inevitable heart attacks. At first, they thought it was a joke. Meegs actually said "it would be hilarious if we all actually GAINED weight." I stared blankly. Finally, they agreed and were excited about the prospect of losing weight as a group.
Just Hold On For One More Day
Hello Lovers,
Yesterday was nearly a tragedy for me: I almost fell prey to secret eating. I had a normal breakfast - 2 eggs scrambled with tomatoes and mozzarella, and Hoodia - but I went to the dentist for lunch and was immediately stressed by the experience. I won't go into detail, but I think I'll need major reconstruction.
This prompted me to get lunch, and the only thing healthy nearby was Subway - which was just across the herd of immigration activists lowing down Jackson Street. Having made my way through the crowd without being smeared with taco meat, I did some marching of my own - straight up to the counter where I ordered a healthy treat - a six-INCH wheat...seafood & crab.
I said it. My mouth hurt, and I wanted something soft and creamy, and I'm disgusting myself as I type this. I hope the spinach, onions, tomatoes, banana peppers, olives and vinegar would counteract the fat, but time will tell. Needless to say, I immediately chased the lunch with 5 water pills, 2 Hoodia, and a 50.7 oz bottle of Pure American water.
Pure American: The Water You Can Trust, Because It Has An Eagle & Mountains On The Label. -- source: http://www.pureamerican.com/
Then I walked back to the office, partly because the march was blocking northbound bus traffic. But on the way, I stopped for a single dip of vanilla ice cream at Potbelly.
My problem with indulging in treats is that I want to spend the rest of the day exploring the possibilities. I decided to walk the 6 miles home as opposed to taking the bus to the gym, and on the way I thought, "If I go to Thai Aroma for some cucumber salad and broccoli beef, I won't be doing too bad." I needed balance, and I took the high road, and cooked at home.
Menu:
2 Hoodia
1 Pickling Cucumber, halved and filled with She Gives Hummus (see yesterday's recipe)
Orange Roughy Sauteed in Olive Oil with Chicken Broth, Lemon, Halved Grape Tomatoes, Garlic, and tossed with Whole Wheat Linguine; Served Over Fresh Baby Spinach Leaves
1 serving Kozy Shack No Sugar Added Rice Pudding
So There's That,
Laura
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
My Tummy Hurts
Liar! Braggart!
I just want to note that Brian isn't nearly as seasoned a dieter as I, and he shall not reign this competition!
Statistically, though, men can more easily lose weight than women. But I'll just call that codswallop.
There's that,
Laura
Brian will dominate!
I Give Hummus
I came up with this recipe for hummus after I fell in love with fiber. The problem is, I hate the hummus they pass off in stores: it's too tangy and full of shelf-stabilizers. I also have a great disdain for tahini - a tangy sesame butter that's loaded with fat. My recipe is significantly lower in fat and higher in flavor.
I enjoy this with those small pickling cucumbers (less waxy), which I slice in half lengthwise remove the seeds and fill with this wonderful hummus. I also dip the standard red peppers, cherry tomatoes, whole wheat pita bread, and green onion blades.
SHE GIVES HUMMUS
1 can garbanzo beans, drained (reserve liquid) and rinsed
1 clove garlic, coarsely chopped1/3 c loosely packed flat-leaf parsley
2 tsp olive oil
1/4 tsp toasted sesame oil
1/2 lemon
salt and pepper to taste
Place garlic and garbanzos in a food processor and process until the mixture stops moving. Scrape down the sides to get the beans closer to the blades and pulse again. Scrape down the sides, and process full blast as you pour about a quarter cup of the reserved liquid steadily through the feed tube. Add just enough to make the mixture smooth, not runny.
*Note - the liquid looks pretty thick and gross, but don't worry, that's just salted water and starch from the beans. That liquid is a natural thickener, like pasta water.
When beans are smooth, give the motor a little break. Then turn on again and slowly pour in olive and sesame oils through the feed tube. When oils are incorporated, turn off, open the lid, then add salt, pepper, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice from 1/2 lemon (watch the seeds!), and the parsley. Process again until all is combined, and voila! The best hummer a girl ever gave you. I mean hummus.
Tips:
Make fake out deviled eggs by spooning this hummus into halved egg whites!
Add red pepper flake and hot sauce for a little spice!
Add horseradish for a greater zing!
You don't have to use parsley - it just makes it peppery and fresh!
Add finely chopped and seeded cucumber (after processing) for crunch! You can add finely chopped red onion, too!
Add basil for an Italian taste!
The possibilities are endless!
*Note: A guy told me this weekend that hummus was a Jewish terrorist organization. What a laugh - Jews don't organize!
That's all of me for now!
Laura