#353 new computer, resolutions and a recipe

I have my new computer all set up, and I only wanted to call my friend Justin the former computer guy one time. I powered through it though, all by myself, and I'm pretty happy with the result. I got an HP with lots of memory and beautiful 21.5" LCD screen. I may watch a movie on it later. It's gorgeous. My printer works, the internet works (obviously), iTunes is all set up and the libraries restored, I can see all the stuff I saved on my external hard drive. I'm pretty psyched about it all.

I'm a total sucker for new year's resolutions. I'm keeping it simple this year, though. I think I only have three resolutions. First, end the year lighter than I started it. Second, save $10 every week for Christmas presents fund. Third, make a new recipe every week. I think the third one will be tough, but I'm going to try it.

There are certain dishes that are automatic for me to make; I don't need written instructions on how to make tacos or spaghetti, for example. I feel the need to add to my automatic dishes, though, so I'll try some new recipes and hopefully we'll like them enough to put them in regular rotation. I've got many cookbooks. I subscribe to magazines that feature delicious looking and easy to make recipes. Weight Watchers.com is a good site for recipes as it All Recipes.com. I think I can do it!

Lizzie and Jeff gave everyone the cutest family cookbook this year for Christmas. I didn't contribute any recipes to it. When Lizzie asked me for a recipe or two, I couldn't think of anything I made that was worthy to send to her. I only thought of tacos and spaghetti, and who needs a recipe for those dishes? If they continue with the cookbook this year, hopefully I'll have something to contribute.

I got a little jump on the new recipe resolution this week. I have made this meal before, but only once and we liked it, so I tried it again, and we really liked it again. It comes from the first Hungry Girl cookbook, and it's the recipe for Crazy Good Turkey Taco Meatloaf. The first time I did use ground turkey, but MT's not a big fan of turkey, ground or otherwise, so this time I used lean ground beef. Here's the recipe:

1 to 1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef or ground turkey
1/2 green pepper, diced
1/2 small onion, diced
1/2 cup canned sweet corn
some shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 package of taco seasoning
1/2 cup salsa

Saute the onion and pepper in a pan coated with non-stick cooking spray or a little olive oil. When the veggies are soft, add them to the meat along with the corn and the taco seasoning. Mix it all together. (I like to use my hands, but a spoon works well, too.)

Prepare a loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray. Press half of the meat mixture into the pan, top with half of the shredded cheese. Press the rest of the meat mixture into the pan. Top with the salsa. Bake at 375 degrees for about 30 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake for another 15 minutes. Let stand about 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

In the original Hungry Girl recipe, she uses fat free cheese and puts two slices of the cheese in between the meat layers. Her version with ground turkey and fat free cheese is 3 Points per serving. Mine is a little more points, but it's still good. I have a hard time eating veggies, so this is a good way for me to do it.

Let me know if you try this recipe and what you think about it. MT likes it, and T even ate a little. He wasn't thrilled with the green peppers, even though I tried to cut them up really small and make them soft and yummy.

In case you're wondering, I served it with the rest of the corn and some mac and cheese (that was for T.)

Happy New Year, everyone! I hope 2010 will bring you happiness, joy and good things!