Shopping, Baking & Healthy Chicken Fingers

The other day I was introduced to a family of online shops that I did not know existed. Or at least I did not know about all of them. I was completely amazed at the 200+ available sites to shop from carrying everything from kids bedding to cookware.  As I began searching through the CSN sites my first stop was of course at the bakeware and dinnerware.  I was so excited when I saw my dishes on there. They are by Signature Houseware. I was even more excited when I realized they carried the accent pieces to go with them. So get ready for an upcoming post where I will be doing a review on the baking dish in my plate pattern. 
I am excited to see what creative ways I will be able to use it and share with you.  I will definitely be purchasing more pieces from them as well as searching their kids bedding for my little princess a  room makeover. 
Oh My, So many projects going on at one time here at the Cookie Girl's home. Will I ever finish them all? I ask myself why I add more to the mix but I just can't help myself. So once again, I add this extra baking project to the list today. I am off to make a birthday cake for my Father in Law's 70th birthday.  I am pretty lost on what I will do for the decorations but I am sure something will come together. I will post about it later if I survive from NOT eating the frosting. :)
Before I enter into the baking zone  I would like to leave you with a healthy recipe that you can try this weekend.  I promise that you will like it.  Here you gooooooo.......

Baked Chicken Fingers

4 - 5 slices of Double Fiber Bread (dried out and ground into bread crumbs)

2 Tbs. Italian Seasoning (I use the Herby Organic Seasoning)

2 Tbs. Grated Parmesan Cheese

1 pkt. Good Seasons Zesty Italian Dressing Mix

1/4 c. Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar

3 Tbs. Water

1/2 C. MCT Oil

3 Medium Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (about 2 lbs.)

2 egg whites

I can't believe it's not butter Spray

Directions: Dry out your bread slices by placing a bakers rack on a cookie sheet.

Then laying the bread slices on top of the rack and bake in a 200 degree oven for about 10-15 minutes or until the bread is dry to touch.  Process the bread in a food processor to get a  small crumb texture.

 Add the Italian herbs and parmesan cheese and mix together.

Store in an airtight container until ready to use.

Wash and pat dry the chicken breasts and cut into strips the size of chicken fingers.

Whisk together the italian dressing mix, vinegar, water and MCT oil until completely blended.

In a bowl, add the chicken and dressing mix. Marinate this for about 1 hour or overnight.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Line a baking sheet with foil.

Pour the bread crumbs into a shallow pie plate.

Whisk 2 egg whites in a seperate pie plate.

Dip each chicken stip into the egg whites and then roll in the bread crumbs to coat. (they will not be coated completely. This is okay. )

Place the strips on the lined baking sheet.  Spritz with the butter spray.

Bake for 20-30 minutes turning the strips half way through.

Serve on a salad or with veggies. You can even use these for appetizers with a great dip.

ENJOY!!!!

Breaded Chicken Fingers

A Cookie Girl Gone Healthy~ McGriddle Style

Having read the title I am sure some of you are wondering, "What is going on with the Cookie Girl?"
It's simple really.  I just want to fit into my swimsuit this year. I am no stranger to health and fitness. My husband was an amateur body builder and I have even been known to train for fitness model competitions. This in no way makes me an expert on the subject but it does give me a little advantage to the journey that I am embarking on for the next few months.  I have a goal that has been set and I need for all of my readers to hold me accountable for this goal. Are you ready? I want to lose 30 lbs. There, I said it. Not as hard as I thought it would be. :)
Now this does not mean that I will not be posting some delicious sweet and savory recipes and pics for you.  As a matter of fact, I have one for you today. It's just a wee bit healthier.
How many of you like the McDonald's McGriddle breakfast sandwiches? I love them but the fat and calorie content are not very swimsuit friendly. How about a reality check on this.
 A Sausage McGriddle has 420 calories, 22 grams of fat, 44 grams of Carbs, 11 grams protein.

Will I ever eat another one? Not sure about that. I do however have a great alternative to this. Wanna see?

I give you the Healthy McGriddle

Healthy McGriddle

2 slices of Natures Own Double Fiber Bread (50 cal. slice)

Cinnamon (optional)

4 egg whites or egg white substitute w/o yolk

2 pieces Canadian Bacon

1 slice Veggie Cheese

Sugar Free Maple Falvor Syrup

*MCT Oil (optional)

NOTE: not all MCT oil is created equal

Butter Flavor cooking spray

Preheat griddle to Medium High heat. In a shallow pie plate whisk your egg whites.  Spray griddle with cooking spray. Dip bread slices in egg white (just like for french toast) place on griddle. Sprinkle with cinnamon if desired.  Brown bread slices on each side and transfer to serving plate.

Spray griddle once more with cooking spray or use 1 TBS. MCT oil. Cook egg whites like scrambled eggs. Fold eggs to fit bread and place on one slice.  Salt to taste if desired. 

Cook the canadian bacon until slightly brown and heated. Place on top of egg whites. Add a slice of veggie cheese and drizzle with a couple of Tablespoons of Sugar Free Syrup. Top with remaining bread slice. Serves One. Enjoy this with your morning coffee and you will be ready to start your day the Cookie Girl Way!
LOL It rhymes. :)

Nutrional information for the Cookie Girl Griddle:

Calories: 239   Protein: 29g   Fat:  21g   Fiber: 10g   Carbohydrates:  26g

*Click here MCT OIL for information on this product.

I am not a physician. If you have concerns or questions about the products that are listed in my recipes please consult with your family doctor before using them.

Wow! What a difference in nutritional value. Try it out and let me know what you think about the flavors.

I have many other recipes that I will be sharing while I am on this healthy journey to swimsuit heaven. :)

I hope that you will enjoy reading these posts and trying new recipes with me.

Here's to Sweet and Healthy eating!

XOXO

The Cookie Girl