Gym It Up


After gaining 15 pounds, and spiraling upward, I have decided to gym it up. Two classes back to back this morning left me feeling like a wet noodle, and really decrepit! First, the Pump-It-Up class, where everyone throws weights around like small twigs off a tree while smiling and jumping around the whole time, and the other, Yoga, where we do the “pretzel” pose followed by the “triangle” and of course the “downward dog” with my muscles barking at high pitch. All I could think about was the “cool-down” part, and running for the first exit door.

 

Born in a Sicilian household, where my mother entertained herfamily,friends and neighbors, I grew up bathing in garlic and olive oil. It was nothing for my mom to serve a plate of pasta on a 15-minute notice. And if she had a day’s notice, we had the whole enchilada! She could bake loaves of fresh Italian bread, make a luscious red sauce with big Italian meatballs, and cover the table with side dishes like Eggplant Parmesan, Sicilian Green Bean Salad, and even pop out her amazing Italian Cannoli filled with the richest of cream and ricotta.

 

Actually, when I think about it, she, nor any of my aunts ever mentioned being overweight, or even concerned about their “love handles.” They just enjoyed serving their good food to anyone who would sit down at their table. Maybe I should take their model; cook, serve, and be happy!

 

My new cookbook, Rosalie Serving Best Loved Italian, has been out now for exactly 3 weeks. Since then, I have done two Dierberg’s School of Cooking classes, had 3 book signings, and did some cooking videos to follow. All the while tasting, savoring, and loving this awesome food.

 

So, what do you guys think? There must be a way to just suck this fat off like a siphon out of a gas tank. Where are the ingenious people out there? If we can put a man on the moon, surely we can siphon off fat. Here’s a bargain: I’ll make the Grilled Italian Chicken Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette Dressing, and have anyone over who can give me the best plan. In the meantime, be sure to look for my new cookbook in your favorite Barnes & Noble, or just email me and I will be glad to send you one.

 

Pray that I don’t pass out during tomorrow’s class, “Cardio Barre.” Have fun, and happy cooking Italian!

 

Love, Rosalie

A salad with chicken, strawberries and feta cheese.

Beautiful Garlic Grilled Chicken Salad w/Raspberry Poppy Seed Vinaigrette