I’ve been a little quiet here on my blog lately and I feel that I should explain why, so that if I do post a little less regularly than is usual, you’ll at least know why.
I’ve been on a bit of a health kick recently, trying to lose some extra weight which has crept on steadily over the past few years. Unfortunately when you like your food and baking as much as I do, this can be one of the side effects.
I’m not very good at moderation.
I’ve decided that I’ll be very strict with myself until most of the weight has gone and then try Weight Watchers or similar to help keep the weight off.
That being said, I can now tell you that I had quite a tough time, because I decided to cut out carbs, sugar, diet coke (My great vice!) sweeteners, caffeine and most dairy in the space of a week! Looking back now, that may not have been the wisest thing to do…I had headaches, nausea, aching bones for a whole week. A really bad case of Induction flu. I really felt awful.
But now it’s over, I feel great, like a fog has lifted, that’s the only way I can think of to describe it.
Being as I’m restricting myself so much, I feel that the little food I do eat, must completely satisfy me and be of the highest quality my pocket can manage.
And be lovely. Really lovely.
That’s why I treated myself today to these lovely Waitrose King scallops, which I generously shared with my husband.
Aren’t I kind?
I’ve made Nigella’s scallops with chorizo a few times and to me it feels like you’ve been spoilt when you’ve had this.
Spoilt but happy.
Nigella’s Scallops with Chorizo
Adapted from Nigella Express.
110g Chorizo sausage
400g Small scallops (mine were huge, so I halved them)
Juice of half a lemon
Chopped fresh parsley.
1. Slice the chorizo into rounds (No thicker than 3mm says Nigella)
2. Heat a pan on the hob and fry the chorizo until crisped on either side, you won’t need to use oil as the chorizo releases lots of lovely orange oil.
3. Remove chorizo from pan and fry scallops in the chorizo oil for about a minute a side.
4. Return the chorizo to the pan with the scallops, add the lemon juice and let it bubble for a few seconds before adding the parsley.
(Apparently serves 8 as a starter. I must disagree here, 4 sounds better, but then maybe that’s why I need to diet in the first place!!)
At Anna’s Kitchen Table 
Anna, I'm in serious need to losing weight that has also crept on in the last couple of years. I'm finding it hard to get motivated but I will do it!I've never had scallops before and I'm not sure if I'd like them but I do have to say they sound gorgeous with chorizo.Mariax
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Maria, they're lovely, really meaty and sweet. Good luck with your endeavours!
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This sounds and look delicious!!!
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It's always good to hear that someone is taking care of themselves – doing something for themselves! Best wishes and big hugs!!The scallops and chorizo looks wonderful! I adore a good chorizo.. it's a bit like bacon in the sense it can make most things better!
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This looks so fine – scallops aren't cheap but they're so good. I've been trying to be a bit healthier but I haven't managed to cut out as much as you. I can't imagine cutting out caffeine entirely – afternoon tea is sacred to me.
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This really sounds very good. This is my first visit to your site, so I spent some time browsing through your earlier posts. I'm so glad I did that. I really like the food and recipes you share with your readers and I'll definitely be back. I hope you have a great day. Blessings…Mary
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This dish looks deliicous! Good luck at taking care of yourself!
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I supposed the worry with going cold turkey on so many things is the relapse, but I'm glad you fought your way through. I went cold turkey on cola a few years ago (from 2+ litres a day every day full strength to 1 can of Coke Zero every now and again) and it was hugely difficult.And I need no excuse to use more chorizo.
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These scallops look lovely and must be relatively low calorie.I'm following weight watchers and their cooks mart family food cook book is amazing (if you haven't got it already, buy it). I have posted several weight watchers recipes on my blog http://missflashfantasticfood.blogspot.com/ take a look, weight watchers isn't that bad (only 6 weeks into it though, still the honeymoon period!) .
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