About Moi

About Moi
My Name is Brittany, and I'm 23yrs old. I was diagnosed with Lupus when I was 15, and then diagnosed with RA, when I was 18. I also got married when I was 18, and I'm enjoying my happily ever after with my hubby! When I got married, I was slim and trim...But not for long. After getting married, I started to gain a LOT of weight! In 1yr, I gained 50lbs! Finally, I went to the Doctor, where I discovered I have low thyroid. After being put on medicine, my weight gain slowed down, although over the next 3yrs, I gained an additional 26lbs. When I was 20yrs old, I got yet another diagnoses of Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome. That's 4 diagnoses in a 5yr period, if you lost count. They all effect my weight, in one way or another. Add on top of that, my love affair with food, and every 1 of those 76lbs gained was accounted for. Being 76lbs over weight is unhealthy for anyone, but it was especially unhealthy for me, and my health issues. Since starting this blog, in Jan-2010, I have lost 40lbs! I'm a new, slimmer, and healthier me! Before losing weight, I was told I needed knee replacements. Losing weight was the ONLY tool I had to help me hold off on that life changing surgery. Since losing 40lbs, my knees have never felt better! My husband and I are also trying to start a family, but my PCOS was not going to make it as easy as 1,2,3, as I didn't have periods on my own. My doctor had told me if I wanted a baby, I HAD to lose weight. Since losing 40lbs, I've had regular cycles for the first time in my life! Which is very important when trying to have a baby ;) This journey of mine is more than me simply wanting to wear skinny jeans. It has been a quest to becoming :Deliciously Healthy, so ALL of my dreams can come true! I'm almost half way there! With each new day, I get closer and closer to my goal of 120lbs, and becoming :Deliciously Healthy!

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

12 Days of Christmas Cookies-Day 2: Almond Meringue Kisses

This holiday season, we can give ourselves the gift of being healthy, and reaching our weight loss goals, while still enjoying our holiday baking! We can have our Christmas cookies, AND look good for Santa ;) For the 12 Days of Christmas Cookies, I will make healthy cookies, during each of the 12 days of Christmas!

On the 2nd day of Christmas, your true love made for you, Almond Meringue Kisses.

I was both eager, and nervous to make these, for the 2nd day of Christmas cookies. I had never made meringue before, and it was one of those things that just seemed way out of my league. I swear my heart was racing the entire time. But I survived, and ended up with melt in your mouth goodness.


Before you start anything, you have to let 2 egg whites sit for 30 minutes, while they get to room temperature. Then you add the almond extract (which smells divine), cream of tarter, salt, and beat with an electric mixer, until soft peaks form.
Then you slowly add sugar and cornstarch, while beating on high. You do this until stiff peaks form. These were my stiff peaks. I've heard that if you beat meringue too much, it will lose it's volume, and it goes back to being flat. I was scared of doing that. Like horrified. I whipped my mixture on medium high, instead of on high like I was supposed to. For some reason I was scared to go all the way to high. I mixed it for about 2-3 minutes. That was when I started getting nervous that I had been doing it for too long, so I stopped. I definitely don't think it ended up as stiff as it was supposed to, because the kisses didn't hold up their shape perfectly. But hey, I'm not looking for perfection with my first time making meringue. The point is, they turned out, and they were delish!

Once the meringue is done, transfer it in
to a disposable piping bag fitted with a large closed star tip. Then pipe 1 inch "kisses" onto baking sheets, lined with parchment paper. Bake, and viola! Almond Meringue Kisses!
All in all, these were very easy to make.
They remind me of little snowballs, and they just melt right in your mouth. Mmm.
and for only 13 calories, you can't go wrong.
Get the recipe HERE.

I think they'd be perfect to bring to a holiday party.
Cause they're adorable, and delish.

On the 2nd day of Christmas, your true love made for you, Almond Meringue Kisses,
and Swirled Mint Cookies.

8 comments:

Unknown said...

Sweet!

Unknown said...

WOW, only 13 calories? I didn't think that was possible!!! Thanks =)

Ak said...

My husband would LOVE these! Thanks for sharing!

erica said...

These cookies are so cute! Thanks so much for sharing I am definitely going to have to give them a try. Not to mention only 13 calories...HELLO LOVER lol.

xo

Schatzi said...

Oh! How super cute and they look so yummy!

Jenn@slim-shoppin said...

Nice job for your first time around and I love that they are only 13 calories!

daniii♥ said...

These look so good!

Corletta said...

Well...aren't you the festive dessert maker!!! I hope that you are doing well. By the way...how's your weight loss going? I'm sure I've missed a post about it :/