Fries - Fat = Friggin Perfection!

There are few things in life I crave more than piping-hot, crispy french fries and truthfully,  they were basically the only real things I could stomach during my pregnancy.  5 months of the gagging, barfing sleeping, crying on repeat with no real reprieve.  But finally when I began to emerge as half a human again it became very clear, very fast that fries for breakfast, lunch and dinner wouldn't exactly cut it for several reasons, starting with clogged arteries and ending with a shit ton of cottage cheese on my already expanding thighs.  Speaking of which, cottage cheese would have been a perfectly suitable pregnancy snack but let's face it ladies, when salty goodness is what we want salty goodness is WHAT WE GET! Sheesh :) So....I discovered a GENIUS fry substitution that satisfied even the pickiest of pregnant gals. Introducing: POLENTA FRIES!!! This semi-homeade recipe is cheap, easy, a total crowd pleaser and super healthy.  So while my love of fries is up there with my feelings for The Grateful Dead, date night w my hubby, and Chanel, at least I know I can satisfy this sinful craving with a a simple, sensational solution.

McDonald's medium fries:  365 calories, 17 grams of fat,  a whole lotta guilt

Polenta fries:  150 calories, 3 grams of fat, a whole lotta deliciousness (Vegan, Gluten-free and tastes amaz with ketchup)

Here's the recipe.  Lemme know what you think

1 (18-ounce) log Trader Joe's Organic Polenta http://www.traderjoes.com

1-2 tablespoons olive oil (your call)

2 teaspoons garlic powder (optional)

1 tablespoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Preheat oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.  Prepare polenta by cutting into 1/2-inch discs, then strips (about 3 to 4 strips per disc).  In a small bowl, whisk the olive oil, garlic powder (if you choose) and oregano to combine.  Gently toss even layer on the baking sheet.  Sprinkle with sea salt  Bake until slightly browned and crisp on edges, 35 to 40 minutes, flipping halfway through one time.  Serve with ketchup.  Makes 4 servings.

Ride In Style

 

Most of us take pride in the cars we drive.  Does a coupe suit my style, an SUV more my thing??  Maybe I should "Go Green" with a hot new hybrid?!  BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Chevy... So if this is something we dream about from the time we're weeeee big, then shouldn't our first ride from the womb be rockin' too!?  We realize it's all about comfort, safety, personal style from day one, and our infant carriers are no exception.  As many of our famous friends have shown, there are a lot of choices out there, but here are a few faves here at HauteMomsClub...

1. Giselle Ergo Baby http://store.ergobaby.com

2. Beyonce in Baby Bjorn http://www.babybjorn.com/?market=us

3. Gwen in Gucci www.gucci.com 

4. Kate in Lucky Baby http://www.lucky-baby.com

5. Heidi Baby Bjorn http://www.babybjorn.com/?market=us

6. Kate in a Ring Sling

7. Anna Paquin in http://www.weego.com

Where Does Your Baby Spa?!

http://gawker.com/pampered-babies-kick-back-and-relax-at-the-floating-bab-1631000529

Haute Mommy Brides

Today we're honoring Queen Angelina and her very unconventional, sentimental custom Versace wedding gown, all Versace in the front,  all Jolie/Pitt in the back.  That's right, the backside of Angie's gown and veil are covered in sketches drawn by, wait for it, wait for it...their KIDS!  All together now, "Awwwwwwwww"  So, it got us thinking here at HauteMomsClub of the most beautiful, non-traditional brides...and what could be more unique than a pregnant bride?!  So, here's a look at our top 5 favorite knocked-up brides -  and a look at how you can pull it off too!

It's Facon, not Bacon

Every week my Mom, a true Gawdsend, comes to hangout with our beautiful bambino.  For her it's absolute nirvana, for me a necessity so I can bolt for a couple hours, bobbing and weaving from meeting to appointment like a chicken with my head cut off.   Last week I decided to whip together a quick lunch for us, a Thank You of sorts, for the unconditional love she gives my baby and for truly being the best nanny, in her case, Nonie (that's what we call her) a girl could ask for.   What better way to show my appreciation than with....bacon, well actually, Facon.  For those of you who don't know, 1. We DON"T eat meat 2.  We DO eat Facon - a ridiculously good non-meat product...just like bacon, minus the slaughterhouse.  After throwing together some simple ingredients,  15 minutes later, lunch is served...It's an FLT Mom.  FLT?!  Yup, like a Bacon Lettuce Tomato - with a healthy (Facon) twist.  She took one bite and LOVED IT!  That day, she left with a full belly, HUGE smile and fistful of Facon.  And Wilbur is one happy piggy.

RECIPE:

1 OroWeat 100 calorie Wheat Sandwich Thins

2 Morning Star Facon Bacon Strips https://www.morningstarfarms.com/products/breakfast/veggie-bacon-strips

1 tsp Low Fat/Calorie Mayo

Handful washed Arugula

2 1/2 to 1 inch slices of Beefsteak tomatoes

Option to include Egg Whites for more protein.

Fresh Ground Pepper and Sea Salt - as much as you'd like

Toast the sandwich thins.  Spray Extra Virgin Olive Oil on pan and cook 2 egg whites until well-done.  Place to the side.  Use that same pan to cook the facon until golden brown (about a minute on each side)  Spread mayo on the lightly toasted bread, add eggs, tomato, facon and top off with arugula lettuce.  Add salt and pepper for taste.  ENJOY!