I (33F) live with my mom (71F), who truthfully hasn't been eating well for years now. She doesn't eat all day while I'm at work until I get home, when we'll cook a healthy dinner together. She'll eat maybe half of it, and then she'll snack and drink vodka all night until she goes to bed. It's been a vicious cycle since my father passed away in 2017. This issue has come to a terrible head over the last month though.
TL;DR for the next bit, she's been in the hospital for a week with Diverticulitis. Feel free to skip ahead, I just feel like a little context of how we got to this point might be appropriate.
April 22-30, I went on vacation by myself, and my mom was left to feed herself. She ended up eating junk food for a whole week straight. (I totally take responsibility for this. My mom is not fully dependent on me whatsoever, but I really should have like... idk just gone to the grocery store with her or something before I left) May 1-6, My mom started experiencing symptoms of a diverticulitis flare up. She immediately goes to see her gastroenterologist and starts taking antibiotics. May 7, I take her to the emergency room when she got a blood pressure reading of like 60/40. They gave her IV fluids (She was dehydrated) did a CT scan, confirmed the diverticulitis, sent her home with instructions to continue her antibiotics and a plan to take her BP before taking her BP meds (she was crashing because she was taking BP meds routinely, instead of checking her BP first). May 8-14, Mom takes her antibiotics, laying off of the alcohol as instructed, and starts to feel better, but has very poor appetite. May 15-18, Mom starts feeling worse. She has zero appetite, is barely eating anything, is belching constantly and is experiencing abdominal pain, constipation AND diarrhea . I beg her to call her gastroenterologist again, but she keeps putting it off. May 19, I'm running late for work, and when I leave my bedroom at 10AM, mom isn't up yet. This was highly unusual. I check on her, and she tells me she's staying in bed, that she'd been up all night in pain. I once again beg her to call her doctor. She gets out of bed, and can't even walk to the kitchen without panting in exhaustion. She called her doctor but gets sent to voicemail. I tell her I'm taking her to the ER again. She refuses because she "doesn't want to be admitted". She goes back to her bedroom, where she starts vomiting, and that's when I called 911. May 20-Today, Mom's been in the hospital, diagnosed with a bowel obstruction presumably caused by the diverticulitis. She's been improving every day, and I think this whole event was a huge wake-up call that she needs to change some things with her lifetsyle.
Which brings me to the reason for this post. She'll probably be coming home from the hospital soon, in the next few days, I think. She was NPO for the first days of her hospital stay, but as she improved, she advanced to clear liquid diet, then full liquid, and now she's on soft foods. She hadn't been eating well or much for weeks up to this hospital stay, but I was alarmed when the hospital nutritionist said that she was "Severely Malnourished". Like... I knew she wasn't eating well but I never saw it as being malnourished. But now that I've heard this word, I'm determined to do everything I can to help reverse that.
She's still going to be on a soft food/low fiber diet when she first comes home from the hospital. It also sounds like she's going to be like... not quite neutropenic, but they're discouraging any raw fruits or vegetables, etc. I don't know if there's surgery in her future, and I don't know exactly what the next steps of her treatment and recovery are going to be. But thinking ahead to when things settle down to "normal", I would love some advice on how to get this woman to eat :')
She likes yogurt, cereal, ice cream, popsicles, as well as things like ham salad, egg salad, chicken salad, pimento cheese, etc. She'll drink an Ensure from time to time, but I'd love to know if there are better options out there (she's not a fan of premier protein). I guess I just want to know like... Maybe what are some foods I haven't thought of to offer her? Are there healthiemore protien rich versions of the foods I've mentioned (recipes or brands)? Are there any tips or tricks to encouraging someone to eat when you're not around? Should I just offer her the things she likes, even if they're not that nutritious, because something is better than nothing? Are there supplements I should consider looking into?
My mom has always been very independent, and this is the first time I've ever felt like I need to take on the role of actual "caregiver". I'm the one who does the cooking. I'm the one who does the grocery shopping. I'm not like... blaming myself for this, but I do accept some of the responsibility that my mom hasn't been getting the nutrition she needs. Any advice on this would be greatly appreciated.
EDIT: Sorry, I had trouble posting the first time. somehow my last paragraph became my first paragraph... first reddit post ever lmao sorryyy

Here's a recipe for a delicious fried chicken sandwich:
Ingredients for the Fried Chicken:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1 cup buttermilk 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Vegetable oil for frying Ingredients for the Sandwich:
4 hamburger buns Mayonnaise Lettuce leaves Sliced tomatoes Sliced pickles (optional) Instructions:
Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch thick. This will help it cook evenly. In a shallow dish or bowl, pour the buttermilk over the chicken breasts, making sure they are fully submerged. Let them marinate in the buttermilk for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well mixed. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to about 350°F (175°C) over medium heat. Remove the chicken breasts from the buttermilk, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, pressing the coating onto both sides to ensure it adheres well. Carefully place the coated chicken breasts into the hot oil and fry for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Cook in batches if needed, to avoid overcrowding the pan. Once cooked, transfer the fried chicken to a wire rack or a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. To assemble the sandwiches, spread mayonnaise on the bottom halves of the hamburger buns. Top with lettuce leaves, a fried chicken breast, sliced tomatoes, and pickles if desired. Place the top halves of the buns on top. Serve the fried chicken sandwiches immediately while the chicken is still crispy and hot. Enjoy! Feel free to customize your sandwich with additional toppings such as cheese, hot sauce, or coleslaw. Enjoy your homemade fried chicken sandwich!

The tension hung heavy in the air as it was finally realized that peace talks were collapsing and war was inevitable. Tyraxis, Hive Prince of Corsica faction had gathered here for a modicum of peace hoping to avoid the losses of his men. He sat in his chair opposite his former brethren with his two Praetorians flanking him, plasma spears at ready. His human diplomat, Johnny was desperately trying to ease tensions. Arborean, the Crown Prince of Hive Arrakkis sat proud at his seat, his purple skin glistening in the light of the room.
Arborean was so certain of his victory he had the barefaced audacity to carry his human concubine with him. His human diplomat Martinez was unamused by tensions as he cast passing glances to the Praetorians flanking his employer. Arborean made sure to prominently display his most prized possession with the woman sitting on his lap.
"Surely we can find a way around this? There has to be a way to sue for peace. At least for this battle. Perhaps we can exclude some ships from the roster and at least make it an even fight?" Johnny could sense he was getting nowhere, but he still had a few angles.
"Sure... we can sue for peace. AFTER you hand over the system! Those Gehennan spice mines are ours and you damn well know it!" Martinez slammed his hand on the table.
"You and I both know that if that fleet goes to battle it would be an absolute slaughter! If your master was half the warrior he so claims he is, he would agree to roster the battle to make it fair!" Johnny blasted his opponent.
Arborean whispered into his diplomats ear. The shame tactic and personal attack worked. "A point made in anger but still a point. We will agree to the standard galactic Ship Points Allocation system. However... No holds barred. Last man standing rules only." Martinez said with a certain sinister grin.
Tyraxis hung his head in shame. The Queen would have his head after this one way or another for this, but at least it would give his men a fighting chance. He gave a nod to Johnny and sent him a note on his wearable data manager. "Fine. If we win, you will not come back to this system. The point was proven, tactics ruled the day. If we win, you leave and don't come back!"
Arborean thought for a moment then nodded his head. "Deal." Martinez said, extending a hand out.
Martinez and Johnny shook hands and started drawing up paperwork as Arborean began to greedily fondle his prized possession, much to the blistering rage of Tyraxis burning eyes. Suddenly the door flung itself open, a human marine barged through the door.
"UNCLE BERNIE'S HERE!!!!" He yelled with unimaginable excitement, and charged back out again.
"Uncle Bernie!?" All three of the humans said this at once, and all three, suddenly got up from where they stood and bolted to the exit with such speed it made everyone's heads spin.
A few moments of awkward and stunned silence followed this occurrence. "What the hell is an uncle Bernie?" Arborean asked, as if expecting an answer.
"Well... Uncle is a human term, it means the brother of my father. Bernie is I believe someone's name." On of Tyraxis' Praetorians said.
The two princes regarded each other for a moment longer before one of Tyraxis' Praetorians broke the silence as his communicator beeped. "My Prince... every human ship in the system has disengaged!"
"WHAT!?" Both Princes yelled out in unison.
"Warp signature detected! There is a battlecruiser class vessel entering the system!" Arboreans Praetorian warned.
"What treachery are you planning Thraxis?!" Arborean lashed out.
"What are you talking about? This is YOUR doing! How much did you bribe my ambassador hm?"
Just then, an interruption. Every communications unit on the station suddenly came to life. It was some kind of... song? Silly, whimsical. Catchy.
"Are ya lost in space?
Need pie in your face?
Come on down to Bernies!
Do ya need a drink?
Well thats a sinch!
Come on down to Bernie's!
Bernies Bar and Grill is now open, active servicemen get a beer on the house!"
All of the Hivers on station and on their ships stood with absolute bewilderment as to what the flaming hell was going on. In the meantime, a very familiar looking ship warped into the system, drowned out by a cheering crowd as all of the twelve human made ships in the system swarmed it and docked as soon as it was safe.
Thraxis stood from his seat and made his way to the exit. "And just where do you think you are going?" Arborean said with annoyance.
"Beer."
Thraxis moved down the concourse ramp to his shuttle and waited as his Praetorian Guard, and hastily at their heels, Arborean and his guards, caught up and sat down. Thraxis called the robotic driver to go to the Human ship 'Uncle Bernies'. The driver, a machine, let out a happy beep for some reason and with careless abandon charged his way to the ship.
Uncle Bernies was a battlecruiser class. The six Hivers took careful note of its exterior. It was several times larger than most Human warships, and ten times more heavily armed. Mounted in various spots were storage tanks that looked like distilleries and one could clearly see the ship had its own hydroponics and protien synthesis bays built into the hull. The human support ships had been completely emptied by the time the shuttle made it to one of the airlocks.
The robot driver let out a mechanical "Woohoo!" as it hopped out of its car and hastily wheeled its way into the ships maintenance bays. Even the machines were entranced by this ship. The six hivers made their way through the clearly marked hallways into a massive restaurant. Immediately they were surrounded by humans of all classes and types who immediately reacted to their presence with a loud "AHOY MATEY!" of approval before returning to the meals they were enjoying.
The restaurant had over two hundred humans in it, but could comfortably seat a thousand more. The place was a massive circular arnoretum, surrounded on every corner by restaurants, eateries and even a quaint little gift shop.
"What in the Queens tits is this place?" One of Thraxis' Preatorians thought aloud.
"I can answer that my man! Welcome to my humble restaurant and bar!" A human suddenly spoke up from behind the group.
The six turned around to the sight of a grey bearded human with a large midsection, a toolbelt with cooking utensiils in a strange uniform with a funny hat. "Who are you?"
"Im uncle Bernie! Shut yer holes and drink a beer! Activer servicemen get one free beer!" He excitedly said, then jammed a purple aluminium can into everyones hands.
At this point Thraxis was what humans would call 'done.' so, he took a taste of the beverage. "My goodness!" His expression instantly changed to one of happiness as he drank more.
Arborean timidly took a sip of his own can of beer. "By the Mother!" He exclaimed, then chugged the rest of it down with a fist raised high.
Bernie regarded his new customers with a hearty smile and lead them all to a table before serving them a pizza. Within a few moments of them sitting down, Arboreans concubine Jessica returned to her masters lap with flushed cheeks and a silly giggle. The two ambassadors arrived as well, carrying a family size two cheese pizza with mushroom, onion and smoked ham. Jessiica showed them how to eat a pizza by grabbing a slice, then squealing in delight as she tasted the slice. Martinez and Johnny likewise did the same, sighing in happiness as though it was their first christmas.
The hivers tentatively took their own slice of the delicious smelling confection and took a small, cautious bite. Thraxis gave it one taste and threw decorum to the wind and began to aggressively scarf the slice down. The four Praetorians likewise did the same, followed by Arborean who had Jessica feed it to him.
Thraxis sat back in his seat, carefully considering a small fact he suddenly noticed. This place was rather... empty. Uncle Bernie approached and smiled his usual moustachio'ed smile. "Can I get ya anything else boys? Theres plenty for all!"
Thraxis suddenly perked up. "Yes... Olokarn." He looked at his all too happy Preatorian guard.
"Yes My -burp- Prince?" He said.
"Hand me your communicator, patch me into the fleet."
Olokarn did as commanded. "This is Thraxis, Prince of Hive Khathorn. All ships are to immediately disengage operations and report to Uncle Bernie's for lunch." He stopped, after Johnny handed him a piece of napkin with something scrawled on it. "And also... anyone who does not leave a tip, will be shot."
Arborean followed suit, commanding his own substantial naval forces and military to stand down, placing several thousand take-out orders for the planet and station at Martinez' instructions.
Within minutes, the ship was flooded with a thousand Hivers from both factions. To Arborean and Thraxis' astonished shock, Uncle Bernie was there to meet them. All of them. Thraxis noted this and asked Martinez what the hell was going on.
"What, My Lord?" Martinez asked, confused.
"Th-theres Uncle Bernie. And there! And there too! Am I seeing a strange genetic anomaly or is this man a clone?" He said bewildered.
"Well... yah. Thats uncle Bernie there. And there. And there too. And thats... thats Frank actually. Hes Uncle Bernie too but he likes to be called Frank." Martinez said, gesturing to the chefs and cooks of all the various restaurants.
"Care to elaborate? Please?" Arborean said as he held a sleeping Jessica in his arms.
"Uncle Bernie, My Prince, is a human that owned and operated a restaurant at an old shipbuilding yard before Sol was lost called Jupiter Drive Yards. After about twenty years on the job with that very rerstaurant, the company gave him one of our old Refurbished Munificent Class Ornament ships. Thats what this ship is. Its based on an old Trade federation Munificent class in old Star Wars movies." Martinez explained, sitting down with a new can of beer.
"MMmyes, a lot of other restaurants and food franchises exist, but none come close to Bernie's. He turned that ship into a roving restaurant and was there when Sol collapsed. Hes been everywhere. Just roams the stars, feeding and hydrating anyone he comes across at an absolutely rock bottom price. He even caters to machine consciousness because the tech cults have a presence on this ship. All in all, Bernie is just a nice guy, who just wants to own a restaurant. And damn does he do a good job!" Johnny responded in kind as he helped himself to a hotdog.
"And in order to ensure I can provide the service that is needed, nay, demanded of my establishment, I opted to do some cloning and mind copying, just to keep it all running how it needs to be! We share somewhat of a gestalt consciousness too so... it makes things a lot easier. Now, perhaps I can interest anyone in our dessert menu?" Uncle Bernie said, firing up the ice cream makers and waffle irons.
In the end, with all that had happened, neither side was ready or willing to engage in warfare. Both sides were either too full, too sleepy, or too drunk to do any fighting. When the hangovers and bellyaches passed, there was a strange feeling of contentedness between the two factions. Both of them essentially forgot why they were fighting and were too stuffed, happy or filled up to bother asking.
Martinez and Johnny drew up plans for the conflict anyway but they were never used. In all, Arborean and Thraxis agreed to a fifty-fifty split o resources in the star system ultimately benefitting everyone. Especially Bernie. One of the conditions of peace talks, was that Bernie always come round at least once every three months for a good booze up.
Because after all, everyone loves Uncle Bernie!

I have some heavy cream that’s about to expire and I want to make this recipe. Problem is I forgot to put it In the crock pot this AM. Instructions are basically mix corn starch and broth until no longer lumpy. Dump all in. Cook on low 6-7 hours.
Would I change much on the stove top other than time?
4 Large boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1½ cups chicken broth 3 tbsp corn starch 1 cup heavy cream 3 tsp garlic 1 tsp black pepper ½ tsp salt 1 tsp Italian seasoning ½ tsp paprika ½ tsp onion powder 2 tbsp butter (divided into fourths) ⅓ cup sun dried tomatoes (drained)

Black-Eyed Pea Jambalaya
6 slices bacon, cut into pieces
1 medium onion, diced
1 small green bell pepper, diced...
1 celery stalk, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1-1/2 cups ham, diced
1/2 pound Andouille sausage, sliced (any smoked sausage will do)
3 cups chicken stock or broth
2 cans Black-Eyed Peas, undrained
2 cups uncooked, long grain rice
1/4 cup sliced pickled Jalapeno Peppers, chopped
1/2 cup sliced green onions
Seasonings:
1/4 teaspoon salt or to taste
1 teaspoon black pepper or to taste
1/2 teaspoon of Cajun Seasoning or to taste
1 Bay Leaf
Instructions:
Place bacon pieces in the bottom of a Dutch oven and sauté until slightly browned.
Add onions, bell pepper and celery; cook for about 5 minutes or until tender.
Add garlic, ham and sausage and cook for about 5 minutes.
Add broth and black-eyed peas.
Bring to a boil and add rice, jalapenos, green onions and seasonings. Return mixture to a boil.
Cover and reduce heat; simmer for about 30 minutes or until rice is cooked. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 10 minutes before serving.
Stir mixture before serving.

Reddit generated this username for me, and I thought it was really funny considering the circumstances, so I kept it.
First off... I'll say that I think I am pretty knowledgeable about nutrition. I've been on about 1,000,000 diets before (WW, calorie counting, keto, atkins.). Probably every diet known to man. I still don't lose weight. I've never lost weight on a diet. I'm 5'2'' and 200lb. Born female, have been on testosterone/HRT since 2018. I've been staying the same or slightly gaining since I've been tracking last month, but this is my normal diet. Right now, I am on the "eating when I'm hungry" diet ha.
I only really feel comfortable sharing last week's food log. I have OCD (real, diagnosed). For better or worse, it manifests in food tracking, so I have not left anything out. When taking into account your response, please make the assumption that I log 100% accurately, and this is a typical week for me (both of which are true.) Also, I weigh my food almost every time. I take a picture of and log everything that goes into my mouth.
Food log
17 May = 700cal

• Lemon Noosa 8oz 300cal
• Apple cinnamon raisin bread 2oz 140cal
• Cheerios Oat Crunch 50g 200cal
• Fat free milk 1cup 80cal

18 May = 1300cal

• Lemon Noosa 8oz 300cal
• Apple cinnamon raisin bread 2oz 140cal
• Hershey's Kisses Almond 9 pieces 200cal
• HEB Plain Bagel 320cal
• Fat free cream cheese 1oz 30cal
• The Big Chip cookie (4) 300cal

19 May = 1500cal

• Honey Noosa 8oz 300cal
• Shrimp 6oz 250cal
• Apple cinnamon raisin bread 2oz 140cal
• Broccoli casserole 2 servings 500cal
• Coconut Noosa 300cal

20 May = 600cal

• Baked potato (plain) 170cal
• Pulled pork 150g 300cal
• Dinner roll 70cal

21 May = 1200cal

• Cheerios Oat Crunch 50g 200cal
• Fat free milk 1cup 80cal
• McDouble plain with cheese 400cal
• Smores Snack Mix 30g 150cal
• Plain grilled chicken breast 0.25lb 200cal
• HEB nondairy Caramel Crunch ice cream 90g 200cal

22 May = 1100cal

• HEB Plain Bagel 320cal
• Fat free cream cheese 1oz 30cal
• Smores Snack Mix 30g 150cal
• HEB whole wheat rounds 1 roll 100cal
• Fat free American cheese one slice 30cal
• Chunk light tuna in water 1 can 230cal
• Light miracle whip 2tbsp 50cal
• HEB nondairy Caramel Crunch ice cream 90g 200cal

23 May = 1800cal

• Cheerios Oat Crunch 50g 200cal
• Fat free milk 1cup 80cal
• Denny's salmon with dinner bread 550cal
• Denny's mashed potatoes 150cal
• Denny's Gravy 10cal
• Denny's whole grain rice 250cal
• Neoh coconut crunch bar 100cal
• HEB whole wheat rounds 1 roll 100cal
• Fat free American cheese one slice 30cal
• Chunk light tuna in water 1 can 230cal
• Light miracle whip 2tbsp 50cal
• Hershey's Kisses Almond 9 pieces 200cal

Calculations

• TDEE 5'2'' 200lb sedentary. I am actually lightly active but trying to be conservative = 2100
• BMR = 1700
• Maintenance cal/wk = 14700
• BMR cal/wk = 12000
• Lose 0.5lb/wk = 12900
• Lose 1lb/wk = 11200 Probably unhealthy, under BMR
• Lose 1.5lb/wk = 9400 Probably unhealthy, under BMR
• Lose 2lb/wk = 7700 Probably unhealthy, under BMR
• My calories last week = 8200 Probably unhealthy, under BMR

If this is an average week, I should have lost 7.5lb last month. I gained 2lb.
Improbable but possible theories

• Inaccurate logging/inadvertent overeating. No, see above.
• "Starvation mode." The science around this is shaky. I know that metabolism can slow when someone chronically undereats, but with the level I'm eating, I think that I would still be losing weight.
• Beverages. I mostly only drink 0cal beverages. When I do drink something else, it's like coffee with a little bit of creamer (under 20cal.)
• Exercise. I don't do "actual" exercise, but I do get 10-15 min of exercise a day by the way of walking and vigorous cleaning. However, weight is mostly CICO (in a healthy person.) My TDEE may be low because of lack of exercise, but my eating is low as well, so exercise shouldn't affect it.
• Macros. Doc told me to eat more protein, but I'm not really sure how this would help? If someone could enlighten me?? The only thing I could think of was "stay fuller for longer," but my appetite sucks, and I'm already undereating. Right now, my macros are probably 50% carb/40% protein/10% fat. Not ideal, but I can't do high fat/low carb because my husband and I have health issues related to high fat intake.
• Inaccurate weight tracking. I track every day and use Happy Scale, and it's been a month. Probably enough data, but... maybe not?
• Thyroid - TSH has always been normal. Blood test a few weeks ago said it was normal as usual.

Probable theories

• PCOS. I have been diagnosed with PCOS (confirmed with ultrasound and blood test.) However, I've been on metformin, and it doesn't help. Also, I don't have any sugar issues that show up in my blood tests, and appetite has never been a problem for me.
• Sleep apnea. 99% chance that I have this (and may be caused/exacerbated by obesity and PCOS). as I do the weird stop breathing and gasping thing in my sleep. Sleep study next month, will fix this soon.
• Insulin resistance (from sleep apnea, PCOS.) Nothing comes up in my blood test but that doesn't mean it's not a factor.
• Genetics. My parents and grandparents were very heavy. My grandmother was 4'10'' and over 400lb. Her diet sucked, but I do think that genetics have a factor. I also took a DNA test, and it said I was genetically more predisposed to weigh more.
• Hormones (see PCOS/sleep apnea)
• Current meds. I am on 5 meds. One of them is actually supposed to cause weight loss (ADHD stimulant.) One may cause very modest weight gain (+2lb) The rest are weight neutral.
• Wrecked metabolism due to chronic undereating. Not "starvation mode," but my BMR and TDEE might be screwed because of chronic undereating.

Potential solutions

• CPAP - working on it.
• Hysterectomy (PCOS) (I'm trans so I need this anyway but if it helps with weight loss, great)
• Medications? - need to talk to doctor, but the nurse was dismissive last time. Metformin didn't help.
• Increased exercise - meh. I don't have the energy because of my sleep apnea and poor quality of sleep. Fixing sleep apnea may allow me to exercise more.
• Change in current meds - talking to doc today.
• Eating more? I've seen this suggested, but it does seem counterintuitive to me. It might help my BMpotential metabolism issue though.
• Macros. Can't really see how this would help, but I could really try to pump my protein up? It would just be a ton of work... and I don't really see how it would benefit that much.

Please help... if there's something big I'm missing, I'd really like to know. Or even if there's something small that I'm missing.
I'm truly baffled. All the traditional advice of eating less and moving more doesn't seem to be working for me. There was even an extended time (5-6 months?) when I was eating slightly below TDEE and exercising my butt off (1hr elliptical per day) and saw no change.
Also, if I'm ignorant on something, or I got something wrong, please correct me (preferably with citations.) I'm always willing to learn and update my knowledge!!
BTW, my health markers are all good. Just had a blood test a few weeks ago. Somewhat high LDL, triglycerides are fine and LDL/HDL ratio is fine though. I want to lose weight to stave off potential heart disease, as it runs in my family, and I carry my fat in the "bad area" (the abdomen.) I also believe it would help the other health issues I have. I don't particularly care how I look, though.

Link to recipe: https://www.restlesschipotle.com/chicken-casserole/
This easy chicken and stuffing bake is full of tender chicken in a creamy gravy and topped with your favorite stuffing! It's done in just 30 minutes so it's a great recipe for those busy weeknights!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Resting Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 294

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, or thighs
• 6 ounces stuffing mix
• 1 ¾ cup water, boiling
• 10 ¾ ounces cream of mushroom soup, don't dilute
• ⅓ cup sour cream
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Spray a 13x9-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
Cut the chicken breast into bite sized pieces and add to baking dish.
Sprinkle with salt and pepper or seasoned salt. Set aside.
Add the stuffing mix to a large bowl and mix in the hot water until evenly moistened. Set aside.
Add the cream of mushroom soup and the sour cream to a medium sized bowl.
Blend until smooth.
Spread the sour cream mixture over the chicken.
Top with stuffing mixture.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until chicken registers 160°F on an instant read thermometer.
Remove from oven and let stand 5 minutes before serving.

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I smiled and nodded. “Sure, bud. Let’s get the fire going again, yeah?” I answered.
“Wait. Are we not going to eat the rations we were given?” Liss-ran asked, perplexed.
“Sure we are. But, I was thinking that none of us here would mind a nice, thick, juicy steak right now. It’s been an eventful day,” I said with a nod.
Liss-ran thought for a moment, then relented. “I suppose. Is there anything we can do to help, Ivor?”
“Go find some herbs or things to eat with it, if you want. I thankfully have some salt and pepper in my Pack, so that won’t be an issue. I wonder if there’s a garlic substitute here…” I said, trailing off, lost in my thoughts.
Liss-ran snorted and herded the group out of the tent, leaving me to my musings. I snapped out of my reverie and noticed that I was alone. I shook my head and went out to rekindle the fire.
Once the fire was lit, I dug around in my Pack for my pan, and set beside the fire to warm up. I took a decent-sized chunk of the skin-wrapped meat out of my Pack. I opened it up, and began to carve five generous steaks from the large muscle. Once I’d finished, I sat in my chair, and simply watched the beauty of the fire as it consumed the wood.
After some time watching the fire, I heard footsteps approaching the Dome. I stood, expecting to see one of my Haarthuu friends. I did not.
I saw a young woman, her face hidden within the confines of her hooded gray cloak, striding purposefully towards me. The opening to her hood was locked on my face and followed me wherever I moved, and she walked with sure, confident steps. I reached for one of the daggers that Loki gave me, and she gave a firm shake to her head.
Realizing I was dealing with one of my gods, I instead grabbed another of the chairs, and sat it down beside the fire. Idly, I wondered if I had once again unknowingly slipped into a trance as I watched the fire.
Hearing her step into the Dome, I stood, offering a seat with a smile. “Welcome, my Lady. To what do I owe this pleasure?” I asked.
She sat, clearing her throat. I turned away, digging into my Pack for the water pitcher and a pair of earthen cups. I filled one and handed it to her.
As she reached for the cup, the cloak slipped from her left arm, and I spied the blackened, shriveled flesh before she hastily covered herself up.
“Lady Hel, please do not be concerned with frightening me or offending me. I accept you for all that you are. Are you thirsty?” I asked soothingly.
She stiffened momentarily and nodded. Keeping her left side hidden within the recesses of her cloak, she took the cup and sipped daintily.
“Thank you, Ivor. It is rare to be welcomed among you mortals. Most run in fear the moment they catch sight of my... deformity. And yes, you’re still watching the coals. Your friends are foraging a few hundred yards to the north, and won’t be back for a while,” she said, her voice sounding at once honey-smooth and gritty with dust.
“I thought as much. Lady Hel, I am nothing like the other mortals you’ve dealt with and are still dealing with. I accept your visage for what it represents: Finality. You are the ultimate finality for all to see. When I die, I will be happy to be welcomed by your embrace. I just hope it is far off. I have much to do, yet. Please. Don’t worry about me, I accepted my mortality long ago,” I said with a smile.
She drained the cup and held it out with a shaky hand. I refilled it and set the pitcher down. I heard her take a breath, then she reached up with her left arm and drew her hood back.
The right side of her head was that of a beautiful young woman. Her black hair was bright and shiny. The piercing, bright amber eye shone with hidden laughter. Her red lips were raised in some sort of a half-smile, as if she were fighting the urge to laugh or cry. I marveled at how beautifully blemish-free and supple her cheeks were.
Her left side told the story of Death. As the skin transitioned from live to dead, it paled to white, then gray. It wrinkled as it got closer to her ear, appearing to dry out to near dust. Her hair on this side faded to silver as it got closer to her ear. The once-bright and piercing amber eye was cloudy with cataracts, deeply set within a sunken eye socket, the flesh heavily lined and marked with liver spots. Her lips were set in a rictus grin, the skin pulled taut across her cheek. I could see her teeth, browned and yellowed with age.
“Hello once again, my Lady. I am pleased to have you at my fire. How may I assist you?” I asked kindly.
“The One-Eyed was right. You are quite different. I apologize. I’m not used to having a mortal be comfortable in my presence.” She took a moment to compose herself, breathing slowly. “I must admit that I don’t truly have any particular need of your skills. I simply wished to meet the one responsible for bringing us to a new world where we might thrive. It has been so long since we could fully stretch out across a world. I-I wanted to thank you for agreeing to help us, Ivor,” she said, her cheek reddening.
I smiled and shook my head. “You are most welcome, my Lady. I appreciate that you thought enough of me to see me personally. Before I die, that is.” I smiled broadly. She giggled then, a soft sound reminding me of the final breath of the dying. “I know that my future here will be filled with peril, long stretches of discomfort and sorrow. I will be fighting every step of the way once I leave Haruma. I know this. I look forward to” -I reached out to her with both of my hands, and She hesitantly filled them with both of her own- “finally resting in your realm once all this is over for however long I may do so. Yours will be a most welcome sight at the end of my journey. For the longest time, all I’d wanted was to rest. I’m getting some now. I know it’s just to let me adjust before my true work begins, so I’m looking forward to seeing you again once I cross Gjöll Bridge,” I said quietly.
Hel sat there, seemingly stunned. Slowly, she removed her hands from my gentle grip. “Thank you for the hospitality, Ivor. I must return to my charges,” she said as she stood. I stood with her and escorted her to the edge of the Dome. "Your right hand, please?"
I offered her my right hand. With a long, pointed nail of her left hand, she carved her sigil into the back of my right hand. "I pray you never have need to call upon me. While I can help you, the cost will be dire," She said softly
She looked up and faced me then. Gripping my shoulders gently, she kissed my cheek. “Be safe, Ivor. While I would gladly welcome you to my Hall, I hope I don’t see you again for a long time.”
With that said, she turned, drawing her hood back over her head, and walked out of my campsite, fading into nothingness after a few feet.
“Ivor? Hey, Ivor! Wake up!” Liss-ran shouted in my ear. I jumped back, shocked by the loud intrusion.
“Thank The Mother! We’ve been trying for the past five minutes to wake you. You were staring at the fire like someone possessed. Are you okay?” Piri-thak asked.
“Sorry, everyone. I guess I got lost in the fire. It’s really quite beautiful.” I smiled and looked once more at the fire, which had died down to hot coals.
“Well, the pan should be plenty warm. I can cook two at time, so the ladies get fed first, I say. How do you like it? Pink? Cooked through? Bloody? Raw?” I asked jovially.
“Cooked through, please. I don’t care for my meat to be too tough, either. Do you think you can do that, Ivor?” Liss-ran asked.
“Well, I can try. I’ve never cooked this type of meat, so I’ll do my best. What about you, Piri-thak?” I asked, sorting through the steaks I had cooked, trying to find one that might be able to fit Liss-ran’s request.
“Pink, please. I’m not terribly picky as long as it isn’t leather-hard,” she said with a shrug.
“Alright. I’ll do that.”
I fished in my Pack for the Dire Bear rib, and scraped out a little marrow and dropped it onto the pan, where it sizzled and liquefied quickly. I set the meat into the pan, and turned to look at the bounty they brought to me.
I saw some of the tubers I had grown accustomed to eating, and directed Kilik-ma to peel them. Tren-sun showed me the herbs, and I tasted each, selecting a couple and setting the rest aside. Liss-ran handed me the other foods and explained how they were prepared. I tasted them, and determined that one of them would go well if they were baked with the tubers, so I Shaped some thin-walled containers out of the earth around us, and deposited the vegetables, some mushrooms and herbs and a tuber with some water into each. I sealed them shut with a couple of small vent holes and laid them in the coals to bake.
I cooked the ladies’ steaks the way they had requested and sat them onto a small table three feet above the firepit that I Shaped specifically for that purpose. Warning them about letting them rest and cool, I got the orders from the others and cooked the appropriate steaks.
“Once those are cooked through, the rest should be good to go. I’ll make mine once you four are taken care of, and all will be set,” I said with a smile.
“We will wait for you, Ivor. It’s only right,” Kilik-ma said, and the sentiment was echoed by our companions.
“But your food will get cold, guys. Are you certain?” I asked with some concern.
“Sure! Even if it’s not piping hot, I’m certain it will still be delicious,” Liss-ran said soothingly.
“Well, if you all are sure,” I said, turning my attention to the rest of the meat. I selected a rather thick cut, and butterflied it twice to make sure it would cook quickly. I seasoned it liberally with the salt, and waited for the other two steaks to finish.
Once I pulled the other two steaks out of the pan, I scraped more marrow in, and let it render out. I gently laid my steak in, and checked on the five little ovens I had placed in the coals. None of them smelled burnt, so I was happy with that. While we waited for my steak to finish, I Shaped five sets of dinnerware from the ground and poured everyone some water. I flipped my steak, waited for a couple of minutes and tested it. It was done. I plated the meat, then removed the smaller ovens with Hands.
I cracked each little pod like an egg over the plates, and well-roasted veggies fell out. The Haarthuu laughed at this display, and we all sat down to eat a well-deserved meal after I added some wood and stoked the fire.
Once we had finished, I Shaped a pit, stacked the dinnerware into it, and filled it in. No need to do dishes, anymore. We sat around the fire happily stuffed and chatted into the evening until one-by-one, the Haarthuu had trouble keeping their eyes open. I suggested bed, and we all went into the tent to sleep.
Liss-ran curled up in front of me, Kilik-ma in front of her. With Tren-sun behind me, Piri-thak’s arm wrapped protectively around him, we slept like the dead.
The days passed like this until the day before we were to return. We had seen no other hunters after that first day, thankfully. We did, however, manage to take four more deer, several boar-like creatures, a large predatory cat the Haarthuu called a Sanquit, and a relatively small female Dire Bear. There was no way all of it would fit into my Pack, and once I felt the slightest bit of resistance, I stopped. I certainly didn’t want to run the risk of destroying all my work.
This left us in a conundrum. I certainly wasn’t going to simply leave anything we had killed. We had no room left for the Sanquit, Dire Bear and four of the wild boar.
“Were we overzealous, Liss-ran?” I asked uncertainly.
“Maybe a little. I didn’t think you’d be able to hit the Sanquit, honestly. They’re rather quick,” she replied.
“Could you make a cart again? The Elder said you arrived in a cart pulled by one of the Uror,” Kilik-ma suggested.
“Huh. That’s a good idea. It’ll need to be much narrower than the last one, but since I’ve done it once, I should be able to do it again without much difficulty. Let’s go find some wood! Any deadfall is fine. I’ll need some curved pieces as well as straight ones,” I instructed.
“Can’t you just make them all what you need with your magic?” Tren-sun asked.
“I could, but that takes more energy. Finding what I need in nature would be best. If we can find wood roughly in the shapes I need, I’ll use less energy, and get more done,” I clarified. My companions nodded their heads, and we all went off to find wood.
An hour later we returned to the camp and I sorted through the piles of offerings. I saw plenty of straight pieces, some were exactly what I’d need for certain bits, and very little that curved enough for me to use. While not a surprise, it disheartened me a little. I shrugged and got to work.
I repeated the process I had used to make my first cart, springs and all. It took a little more time, as I had to stop frequently to rest and eat, but in the end, I had a cart that was just big enough to fit the last six of the animals, plus the Haarthuu.
“Well, there we go. Took awhile, but we have a cart now! I can load it up and we can leave today, if you’d like, Liss-ran?” I asked our leader.
“Will it hold much more, Ivor?”
“Not much, I’m afraid. I doubt the springs will hold much more than these six and you four. In fact, I’m going to take the Dire Wolf out and add it to the pile so I can get my camping gear back in here. They’ll take up roughly the same amount of space,” I answered.
“Do it. We leave today.”
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I smiled and nodded. “Sure, bud. Let’s get the fire going again, yeah?” I answered.
“Wait. Are we not going to eat the rations we were given?” Liss-ran asked, perplexed.
“Sure we are. But, I was thinking that none of us here would mind a nice, thick, juicy steak right now. It’s been an eventful day,” I said with a nod.
Liss-ran thought for a moment, then relented. “I suppose. Is there anything we can do to help, Ivor?”
“Go find some herbs or things to eat with it, if you want. I thankfully have some salt and pepper in my Pack, so that won’t be an issue. I wonder if there’s a garlic substitute here…” I said, trailing off, lost in my thoughts.
Liss-ran snorted and herded the group out of the tent, leaving me to my musings. I snapped out of my reverie and noticed that I was alone. I shook my head and went out to rekindle the fire.
Once the fire was lit, I dug around in my Pack for my pan, and set beside the fire to warm up. I took a decent-sized chunk of the skin-wrapped meat out of my Pack. I opened it up, and began to carve five generous steaks from the large muscle. Once I’d finished, I sat in my chair, and simply watched the beauty of the fire as it consumed the wood.
After some time watching the fire, I heard footsteps approaching the Dome. I stood, expecting to see one of my Haarthuu friends. I did not.
I saw a young woman, her face hidden within the confines of her hooded gray cloak, striding purposefully towards me. The opening to her hood was locked on my face and followed me wherever I moved, and she walked with sure, confident steps. I reached for one of the daggers that Loki gave me, and she gave a firm shake to her head.
Realizing I was dealing with one of my gods, I instead grabbed another of the chairs, and sat it down beside the fire. Idly, I wondered if I had once again unknowingly slipped into a trance as I watched the fire.
Hearing her step into the Dome, I stood, offering a seat with a smile. “Welcome, my Lady. To what do I owe this pleasure?” I asked.
She sat, clearing her throat. I turned away, digging into my Pack for the water pitcher and a pair of earthen cups. I filled one and handed it to her.
As she reached for the cup, the cloak slipped from her left arm, and I spied the blackened, shriveled flesh before she hastily covered herself up.
“Lady Hel, please do not be concerned with frightening me or offending me. I accept you for all that you are. Are you thirsty?” I asked soothingly.
She stiffened momentarily and nodded. Keeping her left side hidden within the recesses of her cloak, she took the cup and sipped daintily.
“Thank you, Ivor. It is rare to be welcomed among you mortals. Most run in fear the moment they catch sight of my… deformity. And yes, you’re still watching the coals. Your friends are foraging a few hundred yards to the north, and won’t be back for a while,” she said, her voice sounding at once honey-smooth and gritty with dust.
“I thought as much. Lady Hel, I am nothing like the other mortals you’ve dealt with and are still dealing with. I accept your visage for what it represents: Finality. You are the ultimate finality for all to see. When I die, I will be happy to be welcomed by your embrace. I just hope it is far off. I have much to do, yet. Please. Don’t worry about me, I accepted my mortality long ago,” I said with a smile.
She drained the cup and held it out with a shaky hand. I refilled it and set the pitcher down. I heard her take a breath, then she reached up with her left arm and drew her hood back.
The right side of her head was that of a beautiful young woman. Her black hair was bright and shiny. The piercing, bright amber eye shone with hidden laughter. Her red lips were raised in some sort of a half-smile, as if she were fighting the urge to laugh or cry. I marveled at how beautifully blemish-free and supple her cheeks were.
Her left side told the story of Death. As the skin transitioned from live to dead, it paled to white, then gray. It wrinkled as it got closer to her ear, appearing to dry out to near dust. Her hair on this side faded to silver as it got closer to her ear. The once-bright and piercing amber eye was cloudy with cataracts, deeply set within a sunken eye socket, the skin heavily lined and marked with liver spots. Her lips were set in a rictus grin, the skin pulled taut across her cheek. I could see her teeth, browned and yellowed with age.
“Hello once again, my Lady. I am pleased to have you at my fire. How may I assist you?” I asked kindly.
“The One-Eyed was right. You are quite different. I apologize. I’m not used to having a mortal be comfortable in my presence.” She took a moment to compose herself, breathing slowly. “I must admit that I don’t truly have any particular need of your skills. I simply wished to meet the one responsible for bringing us to a new world where we might thrive. It has been so long since we could fully stretch out across a world. I-I wanted to thank you for agreeing to help us, Ivor,” she said, her cheek reddening.
I smiled and shook my head. “You are most welcome, my Lady. I appreciate that you thought enough of me to see me personally. Before I die, that is.” I smiled broadly. She giggled then, a soft sound reminding me of the final breath of the dying. “I know that my future here will be filled with peril, long stretches of discomfort and sorrow. I will be fighting every step of the way once I leave Haruma. I know this. I look forward to” -I reached out to her with both of my hands, and She hesitantly filled them with both of her own- “finally resting in your realm once all this is over for however long I may do so. Yours will be a most welcome sight at the end of my journey. For the longest time, all I’d wanted was to rest. I’m getting some now. I know it’s just to let me adjust before my true work begins, so I’m looking forward to seeing you again once I cross Gjöll Bridge,” I said quietly.
Hel sat there, seemingly stunned. Slowly, she removed her hands from my gentle grip. “Thank you for the hospitality, Ivor. I must return to my charges,” she said as she stood. I stood with her and escorted her to the edge of the Dome. "Your right hand, please?"
I offered her my right hand. With a long, pointed nail of her left hand, she carved her sigil into the back of my right hand. "I pray you never have need to call upon me. While I can help you, the cost will be dire," She said softly.
She looked up and faced me then. Gripping my shoulders gently, she kissed my cheek. “Be safe, Ivor. While I would gladly welcome you to my Hall, I hope I don’t see you again for a long time.”
With that said, she turned, drawing her hood back over her head, and walked out of my campsite, fading into nothingness after a few feet.
“Ivor? Hey, Ivor! Wake up!” Liss-ran shouted in my ear. I jumped back, shocked by the loud intrusion.
“Thank The Mother! We’ve been trying for the past five minutes to wake you. You were staring at the fire like someone possessed. Are you okay?” Piri-thak asked.
“Sorry, everyone. I guess I got lost in the fire. It’s really quite beautiful.” I smiled and looked once more at the fire, which had died down to hot coals.
“Well, the pan should be plenty warm. I can cook two at time, so the ladies get fed first, I say. How do you like it? Pink? Cooked through? Bloody? Raw?” I asked jovially.
“Cooked through, please. I don’t care for my meat to be too tough, either. Do you think you can do that, Ivor?” Liss-ran asked.
“Well, I can try. I’ve never cooked this type of meat, so I’ll do my best. What about you, Piri-thak?” I asked, sorting through the steaks I had cooked, trying to find one that might be able to fit Liss-ran’s request.
“Pink, please. I’m not terribly picky as long as it isn’t leather-hard,” she said with a shrug.
“Alright. I’ll do that.”
I fished in my Pack for the Dire Bear rib, and scraped out a little marrow and dropped it onto the pan, where it sizzled and liquefied quickly. I set the meat into the pan, and turned to look at the bounty they brought to me.
I saw some of the tubers I had grown accustomed to eating, and directed Kilik-ma to peel them. Tren-sun showed me the herbs, and I tasted each, selecting a couple and setting the rest aside. Liss-ran handed me the other foods and explained how they were prepared. I tasted them, and determined that one of them would go well if they were baked with the tubers, so I Shaped some thin-walled containers out of the earth around us, and deposited the vegetables, some mushrooms and herbs and a tuber with some water into each. I sealed them shut with a couple of small vent holes and laid them in the coals to bake.
I cooked the ladies’ steaks the way they had requested and sat them onto a small table three feet above the firepit that I Shaped specifically for that purpose. Warning them about letting them rest and cool, I got the orders from the others and cooked the appropriate steaks.
“Once those are cooked through, the rest should be good to go. I’ll make mine once you four are taken care of, and all will be set,” I said with a smile.
“We will wait for you, Ivor. It’s only right,” Kilik-ma said, and the sentiment was echoed by our companions.
“But your food will get cold, guys. Are you certain?” I asked with some concern.
“Sure! Even if it’s not piping hot, I’m certain it will still be delicious,” Liss-ran said soothingly.
“Well, if you all are sure,” I said, turning my attention to the rest of the meat. I selected a rather thick cut, and butterflied it twice to make sure it would cook quickly. I seasoned it liberally with the salt, and waited for the other two steaks to finish.
Once I pulled the other two steaks out of the pan, I scraped more marrow in, and let it render out. I gently laid my steak in, and checked on the five little ovens I had placed in the coals. None of them smelled burnt, so I was happy with that. While we waited for my steak to finish, I Shaped five sets of dinnerware from the ground and poured everyone some water. I flipped my steak, waited for a couple of minutes and tested it. It was done. I plated the meat, then removed the smaller ovens with Hands.
I cracked each little pod like an egg over the plates, and well-roasted veggies fell out. The Haarthuu laughed at this display, and we all sat down to eat a well-deserved meal after I added some wood and stoked the fire.
Once we had finished, I Shaped a pit, stacked the dinnerware into it, and filled it in. No need to do dishes, anymore. We sat around the fire happily stuffed and chatted into the evening until one-by-one, the Haarthuu had trouble keeping their eyes open. I suggested bed, and we all went into the tent to sleep.
Liss-ran curled up in front of me, Kilik-ma in front of her. With Tren-sun behind me, Piri-thak’s arm wrapped protectively around him, we slept like the dead.
The days passed like this until the day before we were to return. We had seen no other hunters after that first day, thankfully. We did, however, manage to take four more deer, several boar-like creatures, a large predatory cat the Haarthuu called a Sanquit, and a relatively small female Dire Bear. There was no way all of it would fit into my Pack, and once I felt the slightest bit of resistance, I stopped. I certainly didn’t want to run the risk of destroying all my work.
This left us in a conundrum. I certainly wasn’t going to simply leave anything we had killed. We had no room left for the Sanquit, Dire Bear and four of the wild boar.
“Were we overzealous, Liss-ran?” I asked uncertainly.
“Maybe a little. I didn’t think you’d be able to hit the Sanquit, honestly. They’re rather quick,” she replied.
“Could you make a cart again? The Elder said you arrived in a cart pulled by one of the Uror,” Kilik-ma suggested.
“Huh. That’s a good idea. It’ll need to be much narrower than the last one, but since I’ve done it once, I should be able to do it again without much difficulty. Let’s go find some wood! Any deadfall is fine. I’ll need some curved pieces as well as straight ones,” I instructed.
“Can’t you just make them all what you need with your magic?” Tren-sun asked.
“I could, but that takes more energy. Finding what I need in nature would be best. If we can find wood roughly in the shapes I need, I’ll use less energy, and get more done,” I clarified. My companions nodded their heads, and we all went off to find wood.
An hour later we returned to the camp and I sorted through the piles of offerings. I saw plenty of straight pieces, some were exactly what I’d need for certain bits, and very little that curved enough for me to use. While not a surprise, it disheartened me a little. I shrugged and got to work.
I repeated the process I had used to make my first cart, springs and all. It took a little more time, as I had to stop frequently to rest and eat, but in the end, I had a cart that was just big enough to fit the last six of the animals, plus the Haarthuu.
“Well, there we go. Took awhile, but we have a cart now! I can load it up and we can leave today, if you’d like, Liss-ran?” I asked our leader.
“Will it hold much more, Ivor?”
“Not much, I’m afraid. I doubt the springs will hold much more than these six and you four. In fact, I’m going to take the Dire Wolf out and add it to the pile so I can get my camping gear back in here. They’ll take up roughly the same amount of space,” I answered.
“Do it. We leave today.”

https://www.culina-vetus.de/2023/05/25/a-jelly-in-four-colours/
Again, from the Innsbruck MS:
75 If you would make a jelly (sultz) of four colours, take calves’ feet or sheep’s feet and boil them until the bones fall out, and then make the sultz with that. The green colour is made with parsley juice, add the feet to that and let them boil together and pass them through. The black colour is made with tart cherries (weichsel) or with dark toasted (prenten) bread, also add the feet to that. The yellow is made with saffron. Season all four colours. The white is made of almonds or nuts. Pass them through, and boil each colour separately and add a little wine, but not to the white. When they gel (gerün) and you wish to serve them, rub a serving bowl with honey, and let the jelly (sultz) harden (uberslahen) so it does not run together.
This is a lovely example for how medieval cooks played with colour. In this case, it is apoplied to jelly, a fashionable food that may have been quite a novelty still at the time. The process of extracting gelatin from bones and connective tissues is described here, which clarifies the meaning of sultz in this case. That word, a cognate of Sülze and related to Salz and Latin salsa, could still refer to either a bread-thickened, spicy sauce or to a gelatin and sometimes to a cross between the two, which may be the origin of the jelly.
The colouring agents are not surprising: Green is produced with parsley juice, black with dark toasted bread or tart cherries, presumably their juice or a preserve, yellow with saffron, and white with almond milk. These are common colourants at the time and recur in other recipes.
We are not told how to serve the jelly, but the instructions to spread honey on the serving bowl and the reference to jelly running together (always a risk with imperfect quality control and no artificial refrigeration) suggest that it was cut into shapes and arranged on the bowl, possibly in a pleasing pattern. A similar recipe from the Königsberg MS imitates a chessboard.
This is still a long way from the jellies of the Renaissance both in terms of flavour – it cannot have been terribly attractive compared to the sweetened wine concoctions of de Rontzier – and its architectural ambition. But it represents the beginning of a grand tradition and an established medieval habit of conspicuous display: If you could not make your food interesting in terms of taste, you could still make it colourful.
The Innsbrucker Rezeptbuch is a manuscript recipe collection from a South German/Austrian context. It dates to the mid-fifteenth century and survives as part of a set of medical and culinary texts bound together. The editor Doris Aichholzer published it together with two related manuscripts and drew attention to the less elaborate, more practical recipes. The manuscript is of unknown provenance, but has been owned by the Habsburg emperors since at least the early sixteenth century. It is now held at the Nationalbibliothek in Vienna. An edition, German translation and commentary can be found in Doris Aichholzer: Wildu machen ayn guet essen… Drei mittelhochdeutsche Kochbücher, Peter Lang Verlag Berne et al. 1999

Honey Mustard BBQ Grilled Chicken Recipe:
Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons barbecue sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, barbecue sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This will be your marinade and sauce for the chicken.
Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Reserve the other half of the marinade for basting during grilling. Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Discard the marinade that came into contact with the raw chicken.
Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). While grilling, baste the chicken with the reserved marinade during the last few minutes of cooking on each side.
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a couple of minutes.
Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired, and serve the Honey Mustard BBQ Grilled Chicken with your favorite sides, such as rice, grilled vegetables, or a salad.
Enjoy your delicious Honey Mustard BBQ Grilled Chicken!

Took some of the advice from a prior post and tried this version with Bard. I refined the prompt based on the feedback to define the macronutrient ratios, and also testing the inclusion of specific ingredients to cover the "here's what I have in the fridge" scenario that I find myself in a bit too frequently. Anyway, here is the prompt and the output. I'm providing this so that you can see the prompt engineering as well as the quality of outputs. This is pretty cool:
Prompt: Create a recipe for a meal that has the following characteristics:

1. approximately 400 calories
   
2. approximately 35% protein
   
3. approximately 25% fat
   
4. approximately 40% carbohydrate
   

Include the following specific ingredients, but you can also add any ingredients needed:

1. chicken breast
   
2. broccoli
   

Output: Here is a recipe for a meal that has approximately 400 calories, 35% protein, 25% fat, and 40% carbohydrate: Ingredients: 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast, about 6 ounces 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1 cup broccoli florets 1/2 cup cooked brown rice
Instructions: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). In a large bowl, combine chicken, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through. While chicken is cooking, steam broccoli florets according to package directions. Serve chicken with broccoli and brown rice.
Nutritional Information: Calories: 400 Protein: 35 grams Fat: 25 grams Carbohydrate: 40 grams
Tips: You can use any type of chicken breast for this recipe. If you don't have brown rice, you can use any type of cooked rice. You can also add other vegetables to this dish, such as carrots, onions, or peppers.
This is honestly pretty cool. I think I'm making this for dinner :-)

A selection of items “on special” this week in Coles and Woolworths that may be of interest to some keto followers. Most are processed so not really suitable for “clean keto”. Victorian data, some may not be available interstate. Drink prices exclude recycling deposits. Fruit & Veg probably vary by state, so excluded. If you are doing an online order, also look at the stores' ONLINE ONLY specials as I don't always include all of these, many are multibuys.
‘Locked prices’ might now be considered specials as unlocked prices have increased, but same every week til July so not included as ‘specials’.

COLES

Well Naturally chocolate has moved to the Confectionery aisle. Website still stuffed so may have missed items of interest

• Bread/Wraps - Simson's Pantry low carb hi protein 210g-225g $4.50, Keto 200g $5
• Butter - Lurpak with crushed garlic 125g $2
• Cake/Donuts - Noshu donuts $3 in cake fridge
• Cheese - Always cheddar cheese block or slices on special
• Cheese - Perfect Italiano Parmesan Block 200g $5.50
• Chocolate - Lindt Excellence Block Chocolate 80g-100g $2.75
• Chocolate - Well Naturally 45g $1.42 half price
• Crackers - Olinas gluten free pepita or sunflower 100g $5, Simply seed $3.50
• Dinks - Nexba crafted sodas 1L $2
• Dips - Always something on special - all brands have high and low carbs varieties
• Dips - Yumis $3.50
• Drink, energy - V energy Drink 4x250ml $5 half price, Gatorade 600ml $2.30, Red Bull 4x250ml $8
• Drinks - Coca Cola, Sprite 1.25 L $2, 10 cans $8.75
• Drinks - Kirks 10 cans online only 2 for $15, Bottles 2 for $2.59 online only
• Drinks - Lipton iced tea 1.5l $2.90 peach or lemon no sugar
• Drinks - Ocean Spray low sugar cranberry 1.5 Litre $4.85 only 5% fruit juice
• Drinks - Pepsi Max, Solo, Sunkist 24 cans $19, 10 cans $7.50,
• Drinks - Schweppes 1.1l 2 for$3.70, zero or no sweetener
• Drinks - Schweppes Mixers 4x300ml $3.45 half price
• Drinks - Solo zero 24 pack $19
• Drinks - Vodka Cruiser no sugar 10 pack mixed $37 only $3 saving but extra 20% off for onlne orders
• Drinks, kombucha - Nexba Kombucha 4x330ml $6.90, Remedy 750ml $5
• Drinks, no sweetener - Mt Franklin 10 cans $8.75, Bubly 8 pack 2 for $21
• Fish - Fresh Tasmanian Salmon Portions Skin On $29kg, Barramundi $32.50
• Fish - I&J Raw Prawns Tail On 500g $18
• Fish - John West tuna 95g $1.35, Wild Alaskan red 415g $13, Sardines $2.50
• Fish - Sirena tuna 425g $6.50
• Fish - Smoked cod from deli $13kg
• Fish - Wild Tides tuna 95g $1.35, John West $1.35
• Granola - Farmer Jo gluten free keto 400g $8 ONLINE ONLY
• Ice cream - Yopro sticks 4 pack $10
• Mayonnaise - Hellmans Real 400g $6, Kewpie 300g 2 for $10, S&W 880g $9.60
• Mayonnaise - Praise Dressing 330ml $2.50 Italian is low carb.
• Meat - Australian Pork Loin Chops $15kg
• Meat - Australian Beef Brisket suitable for slow cooking $15kg
• Meat - Australian Beef Stir Fry 500g $12
• Meat - Australian Lamb Boneless Shoulder Roast $18kg
• Meat - Australian Lamb Forequarter Chops $15kg
• Meat - Australian Pork 3 Star Regular Mince 500g 2 for $10
• Meat - Australian Pork Leg Roast Boneless $9.50kg, Pork Shoulder Roast Boneless $9kg
• Meat - Chicken whole $4.50kg, Drumsticks $4, Breast $11
• Meat - Coles Sausages 550g any 2 for$12.00 check carbs
• Meat - Don Hungarian Salami $29.50k Kabana $3.30, Leg ham $21kg from deli
• Meat - Lilydale Free Range Chicken Breast Bulk Pack $15kg
• Meat - Plumrose Leg Ham 450g can $7 half price
• Meat - Primo gluten free kranskis 250g $4.50 my fave
• Meat - Primo Rindless Short Cut Bacon 750g $7.75, Streaky from deli $17kg
• Meat - Slow Cooked (6 hrs) Beef Brisket Bbq Sauce 800g $18pkt ditch the sauce
• Meat - Slow cooked pork knuckle $11 kg precooked finish for crackling
• Milk - Australia's Own Coconut UHT $2.35
• Milk, almond - Australia's Own UHT $2.30, Blue Diamond UHT $2.10, Pure Harvest organic 3 for $6, Vitasoy fridge $3
• Oil, EV olive - Red Island Aust 1L $10, 250ml $2.75, half price
• Olives - Always Fresh 220g back pitted $3.20, Kalamata 425g $6.85, Stuffed parmesan 235g $4.80
• Pasta alternatives - Changs super low carb KONJAC 390g $2.30
• Peanut butter - Mayver's Peanut Butter 375g $4.60
• Sauce - Mae Ploy Green curry 50g pouch $1
• Sauce - Heinz ketchup 50% less sugar 500g $3.50
• Sauce, pasta - Mutti sugo 400g varieties $2.40 5.5g/serve, Leggos Providore tomato chili 400g $5 3.4g/serve
• Snacks - Mr Hamfreys microwave pork crackle 35g $3
• Snacks, sweet - Atkins 20 pack $20 in big sizes section note maltitol
• Snacks, sweet - Noshu Indulgence or Nut bars 5 pack $6.90
• Stock/Bone broth - Maggie Beer Bone 500ml $6.15, Campbells bone 500ml $6
• Sweetener - Truvia granules 270g $3 E&S
• Veggie rices, frozen - Birds Eye Cauli mushroom & pea risotto 500g $5.20 fried rices not plain
• Yoghurt, flavoured - Chobani No Sugar Added Greek 150g $1.25, Chobani fit $2.15
• Yoghurt, flavoured - Danone Yopro Perform 20g Protein 175g $1.85
• Yoghurt, plain - Jalna 1kg $7, Chobani whole milk 907g $6.30

WOOLWORTHS

• Aeroplane - Light choc mousse mix 53g $2
• Avalanche - Lattes 10 pack 99% sugar free $4.40 higher carbs
• Butter - Devondale 500g $7.50, Western Star 250g $3.80
• Cake/Donuts - Noshu mini cakes 170-80g $5.60 higher carbs
• Cheese - Always cheddar cheese block or slices on special
• Cheese - Bega spreadable cream 225g $4
• Cheese - Brancourts cottage 250g $4.80
• Cheese - Cheer mozzarella or Aussie Jack slices 250g $6.20
• Cheese - Kiri Greek spreadable cream 200g $5.20
• Cheese - Mil Lel Parmesan shredded 170g $6.20
• Cheese - Perfect Italiano Parmesan125-150g $3.50
• Cheese - President Brie or Camembert 200g $6.75, Tasmanian Heritage 250g $9.10, Unicorn 125g $4.70
• Chocolate - Lindt Excellence dark 100g 3 for $12
• Confectionery - Double D Smart sweets 35g $1.60 (or near checkout) no maltitol
• Confectionery - Funday Natural Sweets No Sugar Added Lollies 50g $3.50 no maltitol
• Confectionery - Jols 23g $1.50 tiny but high maltitol
• Cream - Ayam coconut cream 270ml $2.30, SSM UHT 200ml $1.60 lowest water content
• Cream - Pura double 300g $5.65
• Dips - Always something on special - all brands have high and low carbs
• Dips - Chris's 2 for $7, Nuffin $4,
• Drinks - Buderim no added sugar Ginger or LLB cordial 750ml $4
• Drinks - Coca cola no sugar 24 cans $20
• Drinks - Kirks 1.25l $1.60
• Drinks - Lipton no sugar iced tea 1.5l $2.45 peach or lemon
• Drinks - Pepsi, Solo, Mountain Dew, Sunkist, Schweppes Lemonade or Schweppes Infused Mineral Water 10 cans $7.50, Bottles 1.2L $1.70
• Drinks, energy - Mother 4x500ml $8.05, Red Bull 4v250 2 for $14, V energy 4x250 $7.40
• Drinks, kombucha - Lo Bros 330ml $3, Nexba 4 pack $7.80, Remedy 4 pack $6, Nexba 1L $4.95
• Drinks, no sweetener - Bubly 8 cans $7.50 half price, Schweppes infused 10 cans $7.50
• Fish - Ocean Chef frozen yellowfin tuna $26kg pkt
• Fish, tuna - John West 95g $1.35, Wild sardines 110g $2.50, Wild pink salmon 415g $7.50
• Ice cream - Twisted Licks chocolate 4 pack $7, Fro Pro keto scoop 473m $7.50
• Jam - Natvia no added sugar strawberry or Raspberry fruit spread240g $5
• Mayonnaise - Hellmans Real 400g squeeze $5.50, Garlic Aioli 250g $4.50
• Mayonnaise - Kewpie Mayonnaise 300g $4.30
• Meat - Spam varieties 340g $5 check labels
• Meat - Australian Beef Mince 1 kg Pack $12
• Meat - Australian Lamb Leg Steak 540g $14
• Meat - Australian Pork Loin Chops $16kg
• Meat - Australian Pork Shoulder Roast Boneless $8kg
• Meat - chicken - Roasting Portions Italian Style $6kg, Drumsticks $3.90kg, Thighs $7kg, Wings $6.50kg, Fillets $10.50kg
• Meat - Corned beef $10kg uncooked
• Meat - D’Orsogna Shortcut Bacon 1 kg $13 pkt
• Meat - Luv-a-duck Duck Legs 500g $7.25 half price Peking breasts $10 online only not all stores
• Meat - Middle Bacon Rashers – From the Deli $12kg
• Meat - Rump steak $25kg
• Milk, almond - Almond Breeze UHT $2, Almond Breeze Barista UHT $3.50 Higher carbs, but the lowest of the barista brands, Pure Harvest UHT $2.50,
• Oil - Good By Grove Avocado Oil 500ml $10.50 refined for frying
• Oil - Plenty Cold Pressed Macadamia or Walnut 375ml $7
• Oil - Raw C liquid coconut oil 250ml $7.50, Coco Earth Juggernaut MCT 500ml $10 half price
• Oil, EV olive - Carbonell Olive Oil 1 L $14, Red Island Aust see Coles
• Pasta alternatives - Chang's super lo carb KONJAC noodles 390g $2.30
• Pasta alternatives - Slendier bean varieties 200g $4
• Peanut butter - Fix & Fogg Peanut Butter 275-375g $2.45 half price, Mayvers 375g $4.60, Skiippy no added sugar 375g $2.75 half price USA
• Pickles - Always Fresh baby cucumbers 350g $4
• Protein drinks - Bodiez 500m $4
• Sauce - Baishanzu Sauce Porcini Mushroom 210g $3.80
• Sauce - Leggo's Providore D'italia Tomato Paste Triple Concentrate 130g 2 for $4.50
• Sauce - Mingle Tangy Tomato or Bbq Sauce Pouch 250g $5.35
• Sauce - Nandos 250g varieties Peri Peri $6
• Sauce - Heinz ketchup 50% less sugar 500g $4
• Sauce - Patak’s Simmer Sauce 450g $2.75 half price check carbs
• Sauce - Val Verde passata no added sugar 700g $2.50
• Sauce - Valcom Curry Paste 210-240g $3.80, Ayams 195g $3.20
• Sauce, pasta - Barilla Pesto 190-195g $2.50 half price, Leggos Providore Tomato & Chilli 400g 2 for $11, Leggos fresh Napoli (fridge) 450g $5
• Seeds - Lucky Sunflower Kernels 200g $1.79
• Snacks - Chacheer Sunflower Seeds Spiced 228g $3.20
• Snacks - Gold Medal Pork Crackles 50g $2.20
• Snacks - Kooee grass fed jerky $4.45 no added sugar
• Snacks - Munchme flavoured pumpkin seeds or Almonds 120g $4.80
• Snacks - O Food Olive Oil Roasted Seaweed 4 Pack $3
• Snacks - Primo Air Dried Salami Sticks Cheese 5 Pack $5.85, Don Donski salami sticks $1
• Snacks - Primo Duos Mild Twiggy Bites & Cheese 50g $3.70
• Snacks, sweet - Noshu single bars 42g $1.75 in confectionery aisle
• Soup - Hart & Soul pho with konjac noodles 400g $3.80
• Spices - Mingle blends 30g $1.95
• Stock/Bone broth - Campbells real stock 1L $2.25, Bone Roasters 500ml $7, Maggie Beer 500ml $$
• Sweetener - Whole Earth brown E&MF 200g $7.10
• Syrup - Queen sugar free Maple 355ml $3.75
• Veggie rices, frozen - Birds Eye 500g $4.95
• Voost - Magnesium effervescent 20 pack $5.50, 40 pack $10
• Yoghurt, coconut - Cocobella 500g $5
• Yoghurt, flavoured - Activia probiotic no added sugar 4 pack $4
• Yoghurt, plain - Jalna Pot Set Greek Yoghurt 1 kg $6.50, Tamar Valley 1kg $6
• Yoghurt, plain - Meredith dairy sheep 500g $6