the time has come for a brief hiatus

Dear Friends,

Though words have no wings, together you and I have flown thousands of miles in the last week or so. You have taken the time to write comments and read my ranting blogs, as I voiced my opinion, and shared a little bit about my life here in Victoria. You have driven in my car with me, held my hand at the Dentist's, and shared my enthusiasm for sweet Charlie. It was so much fun. By doing this, and thanks to your support, I have got over a little of my stage fright as I now prepare to launch my first astrology book entitled 'Children of the Stars'.

I have to meet with my editor Carol next Wednesday D.V. and hand her over my completed manuscript - so I'd better get my skids on. (If you are reading this Carol - don't worry! I am working into the night and will have it ready for you by Wednesday D.V.)

Should you suffer any withdrawal symptoms - don't worry I'm always on hand to share a laugh. Email me at either phoneill@shaw.ca or delisha57@hotmail.com

Oops...before I go - I did promise the recipe for my delicious and economial
Vege Lasagne.

Some Lovin' from my oven...

Delisha's Delectable Vege Lasagne

2 packs of Yves Italian flavour vegetable protein (340 gram) or any tvp mix)
1 large can diced tomatoes (Italian flavour)
I small can tomato puree
I large onion
4-6 cloves garlic (I like lotsa garlic)
salt and pepper
3 large organic carrots
10 or so mushrooms
2 tbs. extra virgin olive oil (has more flavour than canola oil)
1 cup frozen peas (optional)
Lasagne sheets (oven ready - preferably wholewheat ones - way nicer)
2 packs alfredo sauce mix (follow instructions on pack)
Grated cheese for top (love aged white cheddar the best)

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In large saucepan fry onion and garlic gently in oil. Add chopped mushrooms, carrots, garlic, and peas. Keep stirring for a few moments until onions take on a nice golden hue. Next add tvp mix and break it up with wooden spoon. Add
2 cups or so of water and tomatoes and tomato puree. Give everything a good mix and if the mixture is still too thick for your liking - add a little more water - go gently with the water first as you don't want it too wet! Maybe even start with one cup of water at the beginning. Cook this mixture on the stove for about 10-15 mins or so before putting it into the oven.

Next spray base of lasagne dish with PAM or low fat spray. Put mix in base.
Cover with lasagne sheets and repeat until mixture is used up. Cover with alfredo sauce mix (some people use bechamel sauce). Lastly sprinkle some grated cheese over top. Pop into 375 deg. oven or whatever heat you normally use in your oven for a lasagne. I have an electric oven. Medium heat.

Enjoy....I get 8 average portions out of that one.

One more...

You come in home hungry from work or play, and want a quickie to satisfy you before you hit the cookie jar!

Turn on your sandwich or Panini maker (invest in a Panini maker - they are invaluable - mine was a cheapie from London Drugs (around $40) and is terrific.

Tuna Diablo is delish!

1 can tuna (in water and not oil as it makes it greasy)
hot sauce
chopped pepper
some chopped onion
mayonnaise
1 slice aged cheddar (best flavour)
2 slices of thick sandwich bread (must be thick)

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In a bowl mix together tuna, some chopped red onion, red and green pepper (only a little). Add mayonnaise and hot sauce (depends on how hot you like it), taste as you go with the hot sauce! Add liberal amount of mayonnaise until you form a nice moist mixture. Put some mixture on bread (keep away from edges as it will spread). Place slice of cheese on top and then cover with other slice of bread. Stick it into Panini maker and ENJOY! Totally satisfying supper and very filling. Of course you can make that a lot lower in the calories if you use the WW wraps (1 point each) and lesser amounts of tuna, low cal mayo and low cal cheese.

Another delicious one is if you used the 'proper' panini bread which you can get in the supermarket. Butter on some basil pesto sauce (green coloured one) on the bread (it is rich so maybe on one slice) cover with a slice of havarti cheese and toast - rich but delish!

Enjoy!

Watch this space...I'll be back.

Lotsa love,

Delisha xxx