Dinners and a movie...

This is such an easy week, mostly because I am going to be away for two days.  D (son) and I are on spring break from school & work and are going on a day trip with N, sister-in-law.  We'll be visiting a pirates themed exhibit at a museum and shopping.

Monday (check!) - Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches, Fries, Salad
Tuesday - on your own (I'm not home.)
Wednesday - on your own (I'm not home.)
Thursday (check!) - Chicken Rice Soup, Salad
Friday (check!) - Pork Roast & Root Vegetables
Saturday (check!) - Orange Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry
Sunday (check!) - Spaghetti w/Meatballs

D and I went to see The Hunger Games at the theater.  While I'd read the trilogy, he had not.  Hopefully this will interest him enough to get him to read an actual book.  He reads manga/graphic novels for the most part.  I wish he'd realize just how much more is out there!  As for the books, I give them a thumbs-up.  While they are not as detailed or written in a fashion that I typically enjoy, I realize that they were written for a more juvenile audience and think that they were very well done with that intention.  The movie?  That turned out to be pretty good... and that opinion comes from D, too, though he originally didn't want to go see it with me.  (I'm such a mean momma, I made him go along.)  Anyone else see it?  What'd you think?

I've been craving sweet, hot drinks.  Coffee's been getting a bit tiresome.  So I made myself some low-sugar and low-carb chai mix.  I figure this recipe below is about 2g sugar and 5g carbohydrates per serving, so 2/1 for an s/c count.  I realize there are many variations and even lower sugar and carb recipes.  But I really wanted the convenience of the dry mix.  However, I will soon try steeping a mug of spiced tea and adding heavy whipping cream and stevia/xylitol some time, just for comparison's sake.

Low-Sugar Vanilla Chai Mix
(adapted from Southern Plate site)

1/2c non-fat powdered milk
1/2c non-dairy powdered creamer
1/2c sugar-free vanilla powdered creamer
1c stevia (I use Stevia In The Raw)
1/2c unsweetened instant tea
1tsp ground ginger
1tsp ground cinnamon
1/2tsp ground cloves
1/2tsp ground cardamom
1/2tsp ground nutmeg
1/2tsp allspice
1/8-1/4tsp ground white pepper

Blend all in food processor until mixed well and fine.  Pour into a storage container with a lid.  To make, add two level tablespoons to an 8oz mug of hot water.  Stir and enjoy.  

I cut the original recipe roughly in half.  Accordingly, you are supposed to get about 3c of mix, or 24 servings using the amounts above.  Less, of course, if you choose to use heaping Tbsps. when making yourself a cup.  Keep in mind that you will end up with a little "silt" on the bottom of your mug when you're down to the last sip as the spices do settle.  Tastes fantastic!  As soon as I pick up another bottle of instant tea, I and dd will make another version using regular sugar that she can give as a gift for a friend's birthday next week!  Yum yum!