The Flower Story and Crab Quiche

January 2nd is my mother’s birthday.  It’s pretty tough buying a gift for her after exhausting all the best ideas on December 25th.  But we try.  This year, she gave us no help what-so-ever in regards to what she would like for her birthday.  When in doubt, go for flowers.  1800Flowers.com.  I love that site!

This is what I ordered:

and chocolates

The “cake” of flowers was delivered on time (Dec. 31st as requested) and Mum was absolutely thrilled. I asked if she got the chocolates.  She said “No. What chocolates?”  

8:15 am Monday morning I called 1800Flowers and told them the chocolate was never delivered.  This is what the representative said….

“We want you to be 100% satisfied with your experience so we are sending you a $25.00 coupon to use towards your next order PLUS we want to send your mother the order again WITH the chocolates.”  

I said “I’m sure she won’t want another birthday flower cake”.  The rep. told me to pick out another bouquet of equal value and they would send that to Mum. 

My mother received another bouquet of flowers PLUS chocolates Monday (SAME DAY!) late afternoon.

Seriously, can you beat that kind of service?!  1800Flowers just earned my business for a lifetime.

But what about something we can REALLY EAT?!!!! 

Crab Quiche

I always check out the recipes posted in the Sunday Utica OD by Janet Chanatry. This week she featured a Crab Quiche and it really appealed to me.  If you’re not into crab, you might try tuna or shrimp.  If you just plain can’t eat anything from the water, use cooked chicken pieces and turn it into a “Chicken Quiche”.

Crab Quiche based on a recipe by Janet Chanatry (Serves 6 )

· 16 oz Premium Crab meat (don’t use that fake stuff!)

· 1/2 onion, chopped

· 1 tsp Promise Healthy Heart Margarine

· 3 large eggs

· 1 cup egg whites

· 2 TBS flour

· 2 tsp Old Bay Seasoning

· 1 tsp baking powder

· pinch salt

· 8 oz Non-Fat Cottage Cheese

· 1/2 cup Grated Reduced fat Pepper Jack cheese

Preheat oven on 450 F.

Microwave the onion in the margarine for 30 seconds. Stir. Microwave again for another 30 seconds.

Beat the whole eggs with the egg whites in a large bowl.

Add the onion/margarine, flour, Old Bay, baking powder, and salt. Mix well.

Stir in the crab and cheese.

Pour into a 9 x 9 square baking dish sprayed with non – stick spray.

Bake at 450 F for 10 minutes, reduce heat to 350 F and continue to bake for 30 – 35 minutes.

Allow to sit for 10 minutes before serving.

I couldn’t resist adding a little salsa on top.  It was SO good!

This meal had a lot of healthy protein….the crab, the eggs, the non fat cottage cheese…and served with fresh green beans, a perfect way to end the day on a healthy note.

Calories approximately 101.  Total fat: 3 g.  108 mg Cholesterol. 5 g Carbohydrates. 13 g Protein.