Thyroid Biopsy Tips from a Seasoned Pro...

I've had six FNA (fine needle aspiration) biopsies. Three of them were horrible and the other three were just uncomfortable & stressful. The first three, I was numbed using lidocaine... which turns out hurts more than the actual biopsy needles, lol. On all six of them, they did 4 - 6 passes of the needle during each biopsy, so I got off easier than some people I've talked to. Bottom line - biopsies suck, but we all handle them (and pain) differently. Here are my tips for getting through it:

*BREATHE. You'll be stressed out because, well someone's about to repeatedly jam a needle into your neck... that's some unnerving shit. 

*ASK QUESTIONS. Ask everything you want. And definitely ask how many passes of the needle they will be making before they start. I count down out loud after each pass. It gives you some small sense of relief knowing you're that much closer to being DONE.
 
*When they say DON'T MOVE, don't fricking move. Don't swallow, cough, or clear your throat. The more still and well positioned you are, the faster it will all be over. Take a second before each pass to clear your throat and swallow, and ask a question or make a joke to lighten the mood. They're going to do the procedure regardless, so be comfortable while you're there.
 
*Don't be embarrassed about CRYING. I am a waterworks factory when they mess with my neck. It's your NECK, it's scary and stressful, and its makes you feel very vulnerable. Cry away.

*KEEP BREATHING, because it doesn't tickle. It's not awful like a broken bone, child birth, or a punch in the face (lol), but it will range from mild discomfort to white knuckling the table-side that you're laying on from the pressure being so bad. Just remember, it's over fairly quickly (depending on how many passes of the needle you need) and the counting down of each pass makes the time seem to go by a little faster. And keep in mind, if you hold your breath it causes your body to tense up, causing your muscles to be tense, causing you to stress even more than you already are. So breathe... juuuuust breathe (I know you're singing along... you're welcome).

*CHILL OUT for the remainder of the day. You may not have much physical pain after an FNA (minor sore throat, tenderness, and/or swelling & bruising), but you will be exhausted from having stressed over the upcoming appointment, the wait before the procedure, and then during the procedure. The TV or a good book, paired with the couch and a cup of tea is a nice way to celebrate your making it through the procedure without punching the person who performed it, lol.

This is just one person's opinions and experience, but after six of them, I think my tips are valid, lol. Biopsies suck, with a capitol UCK, but you've got this :)

Peas out... and BREATHE!!

Thyroidectomy & a Chicken Shit - part 1

For those of you that don't know, I've been dealing with Hypothyroidism since 2004... bleck!  And since about 2006, they've been keeping an eye on a nodule that has taken up residence on the backside of the left lobe of my thyroid... bothersome little shit.  So, after six (yep, I said SIX) biopsies over the years, it's been decided to have it removed.... ALL of it removed.  Here's the low down...

In mid-December, I had my follow up appointment to my final biopsy and molecular marker results at Moffitt Cancer Center, in Tampa FL. First and foremost, I do not have cancer. Whew! Now comes what they called the "grey area" part.

It seems that the nodule they've been following is positive for a certain mutation, meaning there's a 50/50 chance that IT'S cancerous. So, to be prudent, they'll be removing my thyroid (both lobes/sides). The left side (with the nodule) will be sent to the lab to determine if it's indeed cancerous or not. Better safe than sorry... I'm okay with that. And this will bring some long awaited closure regarding the "is it or isn't it" about my thyroid issues. I'm am soooo okay with that :)

Well, surgery is a short 5 days away and I have to admit, I'm scared. Not of having my thyroid removed, not of anything in particular... just that it's surgery and surgery is scary. And it's surgery on/in my neck... UG - gross, invasive, scary. I have my awesome hubs & friends that are reassuring and reminding me that everything will be fine, and I know that. But it doesn't change the fact that IT'S SCARY and I'm scared. Yuck. I wish it was tomorrow because I just want it over and done with... let the recovery process begin already, lol. Anyway, just thought I'd check in and say I'm still out here, just keeping busy and trying not to think about my hot date on February 26th. I'm meeting with the anesthesiologist on Tues (24th), so I'll be in touch. 

Rock on, my thyroid peeps :)

Peas (and thyroid) out!

Easy Oven Roasted Squash... YUMMY!!

So, it's that time of year again... fricking COLD!!  But we can now get our wanting hands back on some of the most perfect vegetables known to mankind... squash!  Yes, pumpkins & squash are utterly delish and so comforting on a cold day.  And did you know how easy they are to cook??

It's SUPER easy.  Here's the fast and awesomeness of it!

Cut whatever squash you're craving in half and scoop out the seeds & 'guts'.   Place halves face up in a (lightly) oiled baking dish.  I tend to use a cookie sheet covered in foil, for easier clean up.  Oil the 'meat' of the veggie by pouring some olive oil directly on it and use your hands to coat it.  Or use a pastry brush if you're wimpy to getting your hands dirty ;)  Don't worry about the outside, since you won't be eating it (but if it's an eggplant, sweet potato, or anything you will eat the skin of, coat that too!).   Salt & pepper it, and bake in a preheated oven at 400 for about 30 - 40 min.  And then... 

VOILA!!!  Easy to prepare and basically zero cooking for you, while it bakes in the oven and makes your house smell AWESOME!!!

FYI, the filling in the picture? Not really an actual filling. On the same pan, I roasted a cut up sweet potato and a sweet onion. I just dumped some of that into the middles, and sprinkled it all with some cinnamon. I read a LOT about adding cinnamon & brown sugar or maple syrup, but I don't like my food sweet. Unless it's cake. Definitely when it's cake, lol.

Another idea that my friend Faith told me about is to cube butternut squash and toss in olive oil, salt, pepper and then roast in the oven - almost like little hash browns... Delicious!  Thanks Faith!!

Have an eggplant you're dying to roast?  Check out my recipe for Baked Stuffed Eggplant here ---> Garam Masala Baked Stuffed Eggplant!!  And don't worry if you don't have Garam Masala (or don't like it, you silly silly person)... you can sub any herb or seasoning you prefer and just as super tasty, warm and filling.

So ROCK ON with your bad self and get roasting!!

ps. Always be mindful of what oil you're using!  Olive, coconut & palm oils, butter, and ghee - all healthy in moderation.  Canola, vegetable, corn, or soybean oil - all nasty shit that's bad for your heart and body. 

pss. Organic is worth the extra couple of bucks.  You get one body.  Take care of it :)

psss. I should have used a different color plate.  Too much orange, lol.

Peas out, my peeps

Perimenopause and hypothyroidism...... are you shitting me with this???

Oh joy.  The questions and confusions of being a woman in her early 40's.  Some days I wish I was a dude; they seem to have it pretty easy in the hormone department, lol.

I recently had issues with headaches, bad insomnia, and forgetfulness that I felt bordered on Alzheimer's, and decided it had interrupted my life enough that it was time to visit my doctor.  Dr. Kasia is cool.  She's pretty earthy-crunchy and will quickly prescribe a massage or exercise over medicine.  I love her :)  She's also heavy into understanding and "knowing" your hormones, and believes that a huge factor in most of a 40-something woman's health issues are that her hormones are 'off' and unaddressed during Perimenopause.

I'm sorry... Peri-what???  That's right ladies.  It seems the lucky owners of vaginas don't just get the fun of hitting menopause, but we also get the grey, and just as annoying, time frame of PERImenopause.  This is the 5 - 10 years BEFORE menopause when our hormones actually begin their imbalance issues, and start either plummeting or sky rocketing, causing us to act like crazy-ass bitches.  It's fun & exciting with symptoms like (are you sitting down?)... mood changes, anxiety attacks, forgetfulness, irritability, sugar cravings, allergy symptoms, depression, brain fog, menstrual problems, anemia, hot flashes, night sweats, headaches and migraines, weight gain, belly fat, insomnia, fatigue, low energy, dry skin, arthritis, cold hands & feet, brittle nails, cracked heels, acne, slow metabolism... and that's just a few.  And a few have been kicking my arse!

Now wait, I've already been suffering from a bunch of these issues... how's that possible?  (are you ready for this???)   It seems the symptoms of Peribitemyass are (almost) all the same symptoms of hypothyroidism; that nasty little condition I've been struggling with since 2004.  Well smack my ass and call me pissed off.  That doesn't seem fair!!  How the hell am I supposed to figure out what symptom is being caused by which condition... and how do I feel better?  This can't be normal.

 

Oh, but it is: http://www.theperimenopauseblog.com/35-symptoms-of-perimenopause-hypothyroidism/

As my doc explained this infuriating information to me, I was less than thrilled and all of the stereotypical age old thoughts that every chick ends up chanting in her head started swirling around in mine... hormones suck, vaginas suck, ovaries suck, aging bodies suck, blah blah suck, lol. 

She sent me for blood tests to check my estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels (yes, chicks have & make testosterone, so don't let any doctor tell you it's okay for yours to be at zero!), and it seems that my estrogen is "through the roof" (how lovely), my progesterone was rock bottom low (UG), and my testosterone could use a boost.  Her research and studies show that ALL women going through Perimenopause should consider low-dose hormone supplement(s) to ease into The Change (seriously, who started calling it this?), and suggested I try it out.

Now if you know me at all, you know I don't agree with prescription meds unless they are absolutely necessary.  I don't even like popping Advil.  It makes me sad and fearful that so many physicians are walking script pads, wearing a white coat and getting a fat check from the pharmaceutical companies.  Ten years ago if my doctor said "Here, take this", I would have, no questions asked... but now I know better... and I have a new doctor.  Sorry, soapbox!  Anyway,  after lots of online research and knowing that my Doc is not a fan of handing out pills, I agreed to give hormone replacement a try, in the hopes of not feeling constantly exhausted and like I'm losing my mind, and also knowing that I wouldn't have to take them forever.

I'm currently taking micronized progesterone and using a testosterone cream in the evenings.  Coupled with my morning thyroid medicine I have to admit that I feel soooo much better.  It's not perfect... I still feel tired when I know I got a good night's sleep, crave sugar like it's oxygen, and sometimes can't find my sunglasses ANYWHERE when they're actually sitting on top of my head... but I'm noticeably better over all.   And I have the power of being in the know.  I had never heard of PERImenopause before Dr. Kasia made me aware.  I still think it sucks and is bullshit, BUT it's not and it's real... and most of us chicks are going to go through it.  Dammit.  So, time to pull up the big girl panties and deal with it!

Your takeaway?  If you feel like crap and/or have any of the symptoms above, or that you read in the link I offered (which I know you're going to read, right? :) ), be sure to see your Primary Care Doc or an Endocrinologist.  Ask her to run some blood work to check your hormones and your thyroid levels, never just assume.  They are very similar and they are very frustrating... and if it's your thyroid, it's urgent that you get it under control.

So DO IT!  Get the blood work!!  It's important to know and it's important to feel good in life.   :)

Peas out,
MaryAnn ~

Tips & stories from a first time marathoner

I ran my first full marathon on March 1st and it was awesome.  Yeah... awesome.  That's what I'm supposed to say, right?  That it was awe inspiring, was the highlight of my life's accomplishments, and made my heart swell with pride... umm, no.  Well, not until about a week or three later, lol.

As of today, three months after the run (race for some, it was a run for me), I AM absolutely proud of myself, am awed that I accomplished such a huge feat on my personal Honey-Do list, and am in utter shock that I want to run another one, lol.  My crazy, runner friends warned me that this would happen; that once I finish one, I'd want more.  Kinda like chips or tattoos, lol.  And I fear they are right.  But before I do that, I wanted to get some stuff off my chest.

During my 16 week training program, I learned a lot.  Some good, some misleading, and some detrimental to my stride and mental focus.  If only I had had known some of this stuff earlier than later, I would have had my "Ah-ha" moment sooner than 3 weeks before the race!  So I want to share with all you rookie marathoners out there getting ready to take the leap and make the commitment...

Here are some tips for a first time marathoner to help cross that first finish line.

Tip #1: Get some running friends!  Already have some?  Great!  Now, fill them in on your plan to run your first full.  They will fuel you with positive energy, support, and the camaraderie & knowledge only runner friends can.  Whether you run with them or not, doesn't matter.  Just be sure to be in contact with them and ask lots of questions.  I am very lucky to have surrounded myself with a wonderful circle of friends that are extremely positive, fit, and running fools.  It helps!!

Tip #2:  Be mindful of what you're reading online.  There's a lot of great information out there to help you train and be all that you can be, but be sure it's right for YOU!  I made a huge mistake by getting "Google Burnout", lol.  I researched so many websites and kept notes on how to train, what to eat, form & stride.  I was overwhelmed.  You name it, I read it.  I wanted to be prepared!!  What I didn't take into consideration is that these articles are usually written by marathoners.  Not newbies like you and me, but seasoned runners.  Their info is great, but not for us! (not yet anyway!)  So, be sure that when you Google, Bing, and read your Runner's World (which I know you will), you try to look for articles from first time or novice marathon runners.  The info from them is super important!

Tip #3:  This was most important to me - watch your calories & DO NOT CARBO LOAD.  Here's a little story for you... I was about 3 weeks out from race day, and I sat down in my friend Whitney's office and told her I felt defeated.  I had been trying so hard and doing everything right, yet I felt so slow & 'heavy', not enjoying my long runs as I had earlier in my training.  She's a fitness director at a military base and has quite a few full & half marathons under her belt, so she knows her shit and her word is gold to me.  She had me go over everything I was doing - training days & distances, what I was eating, what I was wearing, etc.  Turns out I was eating all wrong.  I was taking in too many calories and was eating a shit ton of (healthy) carbs the day before my long runs (insert loud annoying 'wrong' buzzer sound here).  Unless you're a super-fit, low body fat, running machine, you do not need to up your calories as much as you'd think, nor do you need to "load" on carbohydrates.  A typical body doesn't react or process carbs the same as a seasoned distance runner's body.  At 43 with a thyroid condition, and 5'0" & 152lb,  I was gaining weight and unknowingly sabotaging myself.  I immediately adjusted my caloric intake, started eating less & lighter, and started feeling better & running strong again.  It should have been common sense, but I had brainwashed myself after all of my online research.  Google, my frenemy!  BTW, a good (generic) rule of thumb for nutritional break down during endurance training is 50% carbs/25% fat/25% protein.  

Tip #4: Have your gait checked by a Physical Therapist and buy the right shoes!  During that conversation with my Whitney, I told her about some pain under my right foot and a growing concern of tendinitis.  She asked about my shoes and if I'd ever had my gait checked.  Why yes, I have!  By a local running store.  Turns out he knows his product, but knows nothing about testing someones gait.  You need to be barefoot when you're checked.  It's the only way to see your true gait & foot placement.  I was wearing a neutral strike shoe... so naturally he said my gait was neutral.  The following day I visited my ortho doc, and yes, I was showing signs of tendinitis and got a hearty "Boy, you're overpronated".  Oh crap.  Yep, I'd been running in the wrong shoes for a while.  You see, the pronation of your foot shows how your foot land and 'rolls' with each strike, and is the key to finding the right running shoe and preventing injury.  After replacing the 'wrong' pair of shoes (and keeping my second pair, that were fine), I was running pain free even on my 20 mile training day.  YIPPEE!!!!  http://www.runnersworld.com/running-shoes/pronation-explained?page=single

Tip #5: Wear the correct bra for your size ( . Y . )!  Unless you're a dude.  You guys can skip this tip :)  I'm a short, medium build chick, with huge boobs.  I wear a 34H/36G bra.  Really??  Sheesh!  I want to be a runner, not a stripper!!  Anyway, I cannot tell you how difficult it was to find a bra that works for breasts this big.  When I run, I want as close to zero bounce as I can get and it took a long time to find.  I seriously can't remember how many sports bras I have tried and sent back; poor support, no support, wrong size verses what the tag said, poor coverage - you name it, I tried it.  I even double bagged them for a while, wearing two sports bras over each other... UG.  The only brand I've found that works is made by Enell.  It's more like a vest torture chamber, but it works.  It has a front closure of about 20 clasps, and works by compression with a teensy bit of encapsulation... but not much.  The first couple of times you wear it you'll swear to the moon & sky that you're in the grips of a boa constrictor, but it 'softens' up.  I don't want to use the word loosens, because it doesn't loosen or lose shape, but it does 'change' once you've worn & washed it a few times, so I promise that it does get easier, lol.  I won't go into any more detail other than - if you've got gianormous boobs and enjoy high-intensity sports, this is the bra for you --> http://www.enell.com/.  FYI, it's cheaper on Amazon :)

Tip #6: Cross-train Cross-train CROSS-TRAIN.  I am an idiot.  I hardly cross-trained at all.  I was religious abut weight training 3 days a week prior to my race training, but stopped because I was afraid I would waste too much energy on something that wasn't running.  Idiot.  I'm lucky I ran at the pace I did without cross-training.  Don't be an idiot like me.  Period.  http://www.marathontraining.com/marathon/m_crosst.html

Tip #7: Body Glide and moleskin are your friends.  Use them.  I have scars on my ribcage from distance runs in the wrong bra... even some while wearing the right bra.  Chaffing happens and you can't skip your training runs because of it, and strapping that evil bra back on over red welts is not a pleasant feeling.  Have I told you how much I love moleskin?  Stick the adhesive side to your bra, wherever it's rubbing, and you're good to go :)  http://sportsmedicine.about.com/od/footandankleinjuries/tp/Blister-Prevention-And-Treatment-Products.htm

Tip #8: Be proud of yourself as soon as you start that damn race, during it, and most of all when you cross the finish line.  Because you fricking did it!!!!  Who cares how long it took you or what your pace was!  I learned the hard way that your first marathon is for knowledge and fun, and that first shiny necklace at the finish line, lol.  You can worry about your time after that one's under your belt.

I could go on and on, but I only wanted to share the biggies with you that helped save my ass... and skin, and feet, and mind.  I'm happy and proud to say I finished in 5:45:43.  It took me a while to be proud of my time... but it's MY time.  I ran that race and got the bling.  I learned and now understand what I need to do to keep me running healthy, happy and strong.  And I finished a fricking marathon.  And for that I'm super duper proud :)

Peas and pavement love!

Where have I been for 6 months?! Busy bee with a newly found recipe for kale :)

Holy crap!!  Has it really been SIX months since I've talked to you guys?  How rude of me!!

Between now and my last post I have celebrated my 43rd birthday, didn't celebrate Halloween for the first time in my life (which I'll never do again!), watched my Boston Red Sox win the World Series (WOO HOO!), celebrated our 2 year wedding anniversary, started training for my first marathon, cooked a full Thanksgiving meal (which I'll also never do again, lol),  had a whirlwind day trip to Graceland (awesome!), enjoyed a 2 week visit with my step-son including hosting Christmas for the family (which I do for the season, not the reason) and a quiet three-person New Year's Eve, celebrated the Honey's birthday, ran my first marathon (after logging 402 miles in training... YEAH!), hosted our yearly backyard 'Eat, Drink & Be Merry Bash' (including a handmade Mexican feast!), and tried to be a good health care proxy for my mother-in-law.  WHEW!!!  I was a busy girl, but I am NOT complaining.  Most women have to do all this and work a full-time job.  If I was working, there would be NO way I'd get all this crap done, lol.

So anyway... HI!!!  How are you?  It's May 1st and I miss my blog, so I'm going to just jump right in...

I just bought a gianormous bag of chopped kale (YUM!) and wanted a new recipe for it.  I found this one online and OH MY was it tasty!!!  http://www.calicooking.com/spicy-kale-and-quinoa-salad-with-sweet-corn-and-black-beans/. 

A few things happened though...  I decided last minute to make it, so I was missing a few ingredients... no corn, avocado or cilantro.  To balance out the 'sweet' factor (due to the missing corn), I added a 1/2 cup of dried cranberries.  I also upped the kale by about a cup, so I would be getting more of the green love.  I'm not big on heavy EVOO taste, so I made an executive decision to cut the oil back to 1/4 cup.  I'm glad I did, since the 1/4 cup was even a bit more than I prefer.  

The recipe instructions also call for letting the quinoa cool before mixing... NAH!  I'm an instant gratification kinda gal.  I cooked the quinoa, prepping all the other ingredients & whisking the dressing during that cooking time.  When it was done,  I dumped the hot quinoa in a large bowl, added the kale & onion first, then the rest of the 'dry' ingredients - combining well.  I poured the dressing on and mixed it in, being sure to cover every morsel.  And that was it!!  From gathering the ingredients, to taking my first nite, it was a total of 15 minutes.  Okay, maybe 17 ;)

Sorry I don't have my normal photos to share from my cooking adventure, but I wasn't thinking and just wanted to EAT KALE... NOM!!!  I'll be sure to share the recipes, links, & photos from the recent party.  SO many delicious and easy Mexican treats!!  

Glad to be back!  Drop me a line to say hello, and please share my Blog with your friends!  

Peas out, 
MaryAnn ~

Garam Masala Baked Stuffed Eggplant... YUM!

Last weekend was a BLAST!  The hubby & I flew to Albuquerky to visit family and to experience the Hot Air Balloon Fiesta.  If you've never been... GO!!!!  What an amazing sight!  Lots of pics will be on my photography site soon, so be sure to stop by!!  http://tinsquirrel.zenfolio.com/ :)

So this weekend, I wanted a yummy, stay at home, hot in my belly meal; full of veggie-love ingredients and easy to prepare.  Stuffed eggplant totally fit the bill!  My recipe is a combination of one I found years ago, with added ingredients that I thought would be tasty, and an Indian twist!  Ready?

What you'll need:
* 1 med to large eggplant - cut in half lengthwise & hollowed out, leaving 1/4" in skins. Cube up the eggplant flesh.  I leave the top attached because it looks pretty, but DON"T eat it, lol!!!
* 3 tbsp Grape seed oil (or olive... which ever you like)
* PAM (or some type of spray oil)
* 1 med or large carrot - medium chop, tip & top removed
* 1 lg sweet or Vidalia onion - medium chop
* 1 med zucchini - medium chop
* 1 med yellow squash - medium chop
* 4 - 6 baby bella mushrooms - chopped
* 1 tbsp minced garlic (about 4 cloves?)
* 1 1/4 cup water
* 1 cup Israeli wheat pearl couscous, not the small Mediterranean style (found in most grocery stores in ethnic aisle)
* 1/4 cup craisons
* 1/4 cup shredded cheese (any kind you like AND optional)
* Balsamic vinegar (the thick, sweet type AND optional)
* 1 tsp Garam masala, powdered spice form
* Salt & pepper
* Cookie sheet with aluminum foil
* Baking dish (I like a square glass dish, the kind you'd use for brownies)
* 1 tall gin & tonic with fresh lime :)

1) In a large saute pan (or pot, whatever you have handy that's a decent size), heat 2 tbsp of grape seed oil and the carrots over medium heat; cook for 5 minutes and pre-heat your oven to 400.  The carrot is the densest veggie in the recipe, so it needs to cook a bit longer than the rest!  Sip your cocktail.

2) Add the onion and let sizzle away with the carrots for another 2 - 3 minutes.

3) Add the rest of the veggies (zucchini, squash, mushrooms, & garlic), and the remaining 1 tbsp of oil.  Fold it all together in there and let it cook for about 10 - 15 min, stirring occasionally.  Sip your cocktail.

4) Lightly coat the inside of the halved eggplants with oil (I like PAM organic olive oil, or you can rub with your regular (messy!) oil), and sprinkle with salt.  Place face down (skin up) on a foil covered baking sheet.  Oil and salt the skin as well, and pop them in the oven for 15 minutes.  Wash your icky hands... and have a delicious sip of your G&T love.

5) After the veggie medley has cooked up for 10 - 15 minutes, stir in the Garam Masala, and about 1/2 tsp of both salt & pepper (more if you like).  Add the water (filtered please!) and pearl couscous.  Yup, just toss it right in there and fold into the veggies!  Adjust the heat to low and let cook down for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.  This should not boil, sizzle, or get stuck to the pan... hence the LOW setting ;)  I don't cover the pan either, for fear it will get too mushy with all that steam.

6) Remove your eggplant 'shells' from the oven, and leave the oven on.  With a wooden spoon and tongs (or whatever you feel will work), transfer the baked eggplant skins to a baking dish (lightly PAM'ed or oiled), this time skin down, so you have two beautiful veggie boats.  Set aside.  Have a sip of that refreshing beverage calling your name from the other side of the counter.

7) Okay!  Veggie-couscous mixture done?  Great!!  Turn the stove-top heat off, fold in the craisins (trust me), and fill your eggplant boats!  (You WILL have extra filling,  about 1/3 of the pan.  Let it cool, jam it in a Tupperware. and smile about tomorrow's lunch!).  Now top each half with a little cheese.  I like shredded, as it melts nicely!

8) Bake these suckers for 15 minutes in your already heated 400 oven, and have a sip of that drink that's accumulating way too much condensation on the glass.  When the eggplant (...eggplants..??) are done, remove from the oven and carefully transfer each to a plate.  Drizzle with a rich thick balsamic vinegar.

9) Step back and take a look at what you've created!  A MASTERPIECE!!  Finish the last of that terribly watered down drink, so you can enjoy a fresh one with your meal ;)

FYI, I have no idea how healthy, fattening, or otherwise this recipe is, and I actually don't care.  It's full of healthy veggies and fats (and a little naughtiness like craisins & cheese), and I LOVE how it tastes.  Hope you enjoy it too!

Peas out!