Coach Rimmy Taking a Well Deserved Break from Bothell High's Busy Football Playoff Scedule at Home with Mom and Dad

I’m an empty nester. It’s true! I can’t believe it myself! Where did the years go? It’s funny, because I don’t really think about my age unless I’m telling someone else how old my children are. (I’m 49, and my children are 27 and 24, just in case you were curious.)

I’m loving this time of life. I have time to go back to school and take a few nutrition classes, time to take better care of myself, and time to really appreciate and enjoy my family when I get to see them. When you’re raising a family, it’s so easy to get lost in the process of daily living, that we forget to stop and smell the roses, so to speak.

Anyway, what does all this have to do with a recipe blog? My son decided he wanted to spend some time with his dad on Sunday, so he was coming for lunch.

That snowballed into Grandma coming with her two adopted dogs, his sister coming with two of her friends, and of course, my son’s girlfriend. Aren’t I lucky?

Panini Spread

Jason’s sister requested a panini bar, so that’s exactly what we did. Since we are all watching our weight, I made two versions for the family. One had chicken breast, light pesto, arugula and low fat mozzarella cheese. The other was on focaccia bread with ham and swiss, or whatever made you happy. I even had a version for my son with his favorite meatballs!

Happy cooking!

Grandma Karen Enjoying Her Panini

Serves 1
2 slices whole wheat sour dough bread
2 ounces cooked chicken breast
1 ounce low fat mozzarella cheese
½ cup arugula
2 tablespoons light pesto

1. Spread 1 tbs pesto on each slice of bread. Layer chicken and cheese, then top with arugula.
2. Spray outsides of sandwich with olive oil cooking spray and place in panini press, or a skillet over medium heat with a brick wrapped with foil on top.
3. Cook sandwich until cheese melts, and bread is crusty and nicely browned.

What’s good for me in this dish?

Whole wheat bread contains fiber, protein, niacin, vitamin B6 and several minerals. One of the biggest benefits of whole wheat bread over refined white flour breads is the boost in fiber. Most people don’t get enough fiber in their diet. Fiber is necessary to keep your digestive system functioning at its best.

Arugula contains calcium, fiber, iron, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium. It also contains vitamins A, C, B6 and the mineral, zinc. The phytochemicals in arugula offer anti-cancer benefits, as well as antioxidant protection against sun damage and heart disease.

Calories: 356
Total Fat: 10.22g
Cholesterol: 36mg
Sodium: 1223mg
Total Carbs: 39.24g
Dietary Fiber: 1.94g
Sugars: 1.87g
Protein: 26.50g

Weight Watchers Points 7

Nutrition details obtained from whfoods.org, nutritiondata.com, about.com, and abouthomecooking.com I am not a licensed nutritionist, nor a medical professional, and do not mean this information as medical or nutrition advice. See your medical professional if you have questions regarding your nutritional needs.

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