Game 9: BBQ Tempeh Tacos Packers @ Titans

Game 9

BBQ Tempeh Tacos

Packers @ Titans

Pregame

The Pack starts the 2nd half of the season with the 1st of 3 games on the road in Tennessee.  With a record of 4-4, the Packers still have an opportunity to make the playoffs and even be seeded high because the NFC doesn't have any standouts besides the Cowboys(it pains me to say this).  A loss today will make a run very difficult.

The running game should get a boost as James Starks will be active for the first time in a month.  Fill-in Don Jackson was deactivated to allow Starks to play. Clay Matthews will be out again after re-aggravating his hamstring injury in practice last week.

Recipe

BBQ Tempeh Tacos

by Debra Byczek

These BBQ tacos are a healthy alternative to traditional tacos.  This recipe is inspired by Rip Esselysten in My Beef With Meat.

Ingredients:

8 oz package of organic tempeh

1 Tablespoon Tamari

8 oz barbecue sauce (I used Stubbs Spicy sauce)

Toppings:  tomatoes, cabbage, cilantro, red onions, shredded carrots, and pineapple

Lettuce leaves

In a skillet on medium heat warm up the tempeh.  Then turn the heat to low and add the Tamari and BBQ sauce and make sure all of the tempeh is coated. Continue to cook on low for about 5 minutes.

While the tempeh is cooking dice up all your toppings.  Top the lettuce leaves with the tempeh and then garnish with toppings of your choice.  (You can also use corn tortillas in place of the lettuce leaves).  This is a quick, healthy recipe that everyone will enjoy.

BBQ sauce, Tamari, Organic Tempeh

Toppings:  tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, pineapple, shredded purple cabbage & carrots

Lettuce leaves

Health Tip

Tempeh

Tempeh is a minimally processed and fermented form of the soybean.  Isn't soy bad for you?  This is what most people think when they hear the word soy.  It's a myth.  Soy is not bad for you if you eat non-GMO soy, preferably organic.  The longest lived population on earth, the Okinawans, eat soy every day in various forms: edamame, tempeh, miso or tofu.

For all the great health benefits that soy has to offer, it is very high in protein and has more saturated fat than other beans.  It is a complete protein and has an aboundance of vitamins and minerals.  Enjoy it your meals in small amounts. 100 grams or about 3.5 ounces is a typical serving size.

This page gives a great summary of the health benefits.

TheScienceofEating-Tempeh

Game Recap

Packers lose 47-25!

This game was over after the 1st 2 minutes.  The Packers recover an onside kick to start the game and then go 3 and out.  Then the Titans get Mike Daniels called for offsides on their 1st play and then DeMarco Murray runs for a 75 yard touchdown.

  

Just like last week, they start down by 7 at the start of the game and they just couldn't stop the Titans at all.  21-0 after 1 qtr and 35-16 after the 2nd is impossible to overcome if you can't stop the other team from scoring.

Injuries cannot be the excuse for the poor play of this team two weeks in a row.

This team has some serious internal motivation issues.  Don't forget this team was the favorite to win the Super Bowl.  Look for some serious changes to be made if this continues for another game or two.

Be well,

David

Game 9: BBQ Tempeh Tacos Packers @ Titans

Game 9

BBQ Tempeh Tacos

Packers @ Titans

Pregame

The Pack starts the 2nd half of the season with the 1st of 3 games on the road in Tennessee.  With a record of 4-4, the Packers still have an opportunity to make the playoffs and even be seeded high because the NFC doesn't have any standouts besides the Cowboys(it pains me to say this).  A loss today will make a run very difficult.

The running game should get a boost as James Starks will be active for the first time in a month.  Fill-in Don Jackson was deactivated to allow Starks to play. Clay Matthews will be out again after re-aggravating his hamstring injury in practice last week.

Recipe

BBQ Tempeh Tacos

by Debra Byczek

These BBQ tacos are a healthy alternative to traditional tacos.  This recipe is inspired by Rip Esselysten in My Beef With Meat.

Ingredients:

8 oz package of organic tempeh

1 Tablespoon Tamari

8 oz barbecue sauce (I used Stubbs Spicy sauce)

Toppings:  tomatoes, cabbage, cilantro, red onions, shredded carrots, and pineapple

Lettuce leaves

In a skillet on medium heat warm up the tempeh.  Then turn the heat to low and add the Tamari and BBQ sauce and make sure all of the tempeh is coated. Continue to cook on low for about 5 minutes.

While the tempeh is cooking dice up all your toppings.  Top the lettuce leaves with the tempeh and then garnish with toppings of your choice.  (You can also use corn tortillas in place of the lettuce leaves).  This is a quick, healthy recipe that everyone will enjoy.

BBQ sauce, Tamari, Organic Tempeh

Toppings:  tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, pineapple, shredded purple cabbage & carrots

Lettuce leaves

Health Tip

Tempeh

Tempeh is a minimally processed and fermented form of the soybean.  Isn't soy bad for you?  This is what most people think when they hear the word soy.  It's a myth.  Soy is not bad for you if you eat non-GMO soy, preferably organic.  The longest lived population on earth, the Okinawans, eat soy every day in various forms: edamame, tempeh, miso or tofu.

For all the great health benefits that soy has to offer, it is very high in protein and has more saturated fat than other beans.  It is a complete protein and has an aboundance of vitamins and minerals.  Enjoy it your meals in small amounts. 100 grams or about 3.5 ounces is a typical serving size.

This page gives a great summary of the health benefits.

TheScienceofEating-Tempeh

Game Recap

Packers lose 47-25!

This game was over after the 1st 2 minutes.  The Packers recover an onside kick to start the game and then go 3 and out.  Then the Titans get Mike Daniels called for offsides on their 1st play and then DeMarco Murray runs for a 75 yard touchdown.

  

Just like last week, they start down by 7 at the start of the game and they just couldn't stop the Titans at all.  21-0 after 1 qtr and 35-16 after the 2nd is impossible to overcome if you can't stop the other team from scoring.

Injuries cannot be the excuse for the poor play of this team two weeks in a row.

This team has some serious internal motivation issues.  Don't forget this team was the favorite to win the Super Bowl.  Look for some serious changes to be made if this continues for another game or two.

Be well,

David

Game 8 Cheezy Fries Colts @ Packers

Game 8

Cheezy Fries

Colts @ Packers

Pregame

The Pack is back at home for 1 game before heading out on the road for 3 games.  It's important to win this one since they won't get back to Lambeau till December and the Colts and playing pretty awful right now.  Andrew has a horrific offensive line right now that has given up 31 sacks in the just the 1st half of the season.  They can score points but the defense is not very good.  If the Pack play like they did in Atlanta, they should win by 2 touchdowns.

The Pack will get back Quinten Rollins, Randall Cobb, and Ty Montgomery which should help.  Corey Linsley will also be back starting at center but replacing JC Tretter due to injury who had done a great job up to this point.  Having two great starting centers on the roster is a great problem to have.

Recipe

Cheezy Fries

by Debra Byczek

Ingredients:

Russet potatoes

Tomatoes

Red onion

Green onion 

"Bacon" Bits(see Mrs. Plant's link for recipe)

Quick Cashew Queso (see Mrs. Plant's link for recipe)

Steps:

Slice the Russet potatoes lengthwise and place them on a baking sheet that has been covered with a silicone slip mat or a piece of parchment paper.  Sprinkle with black pepper and garlic powder.  Bake in the oven at 450 degrees for about 20-30 minutes depending on the size of your potatoes.

Once the potatoes are done arrange them on your plate and generously top with the Quick Cashew Queso.  Sprinkle your favorite toppings on.  We used "Bacon" bits, tomatoes, red onion, and green onion tops.  You can garnish them with your favorite toppings.

"Bacon" Bits

(TVP, Liquid Smoke, Salt, Water)

Russet Potatoes sprinkled with black pepper and garlic powder

Quick Cashew Queso Ingredients

(Roasted Red Bell Pepper, Cashews, Nutritional Yeast, Miso, Lemon Juice, Black Pepper, Chili Powder, Onion Powder, Cumin, Cayenne Pepper, Salt, Almond Milk)

Yummo!!

Health Tip

Want more great delicious plant-based recipes?  Check out our friend Amy Johnson's site Mrs. Plant in Texas.  On her site you can find hundreds of oil free, low fat, whole food plant based recipes.  

Amy was sedentary and overweight with Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, etc. After watching the movie Forks Over Knives in 2012, her family went plant based overnight.  After 3 months, she was off the medications she was taking 3 times a day, reversed her diabetes, lowered her cholesterol, and started to lose weight.  Now she has lost over 50 lbs and even ran her first 5K at 51! (more about Mrs. Plant)

Amy also has an Education tab on her website that is full of blogs, videos, and audio with cooking, health, and lifestyle tips.

Game Result

Packers lose 31-26!

Well, there's not much to say about this one other than they totally blew it!  For all the good plays they made, they gave up more bad ones. 

Especially memorable bad play included:

• Giving up a 99 yd touchdown on the opening kickoff
• Only scoring 3 points on the 1st 2 drives
• After finally getting an interception they missed a FG
• Scoring only 3 points in the 2nd & 3rd qtr
• Inability if the defense to make a stop on 3rd down on the Colt's last drive

They looked like they actually were going to make a comeback but the defense couldn't make a stand when they needed to.  The defense also should have been able to sack Luck way more than 2 times.

Off to Tennessee next week for the start of their 3 game road trip.

Be well,

David

Game 7: Packers @ Falcons Creamy Apple Dip

Game 7

Packers @ Falcons

Creamy Apple Dip

Pregame

This will should be an exciting high scoring game with the Atlanta offense 2nd best and the Packer's offense putting it together lately.  Late scratches for the Packers include Clay Matthews, Randall Cobb, and Ty Montgomery.  This will really hamper their passing and running attack, but now it looks a good decision the GM kept so many receivers on the roster.

We have some our family that lives in the Atlanta area attending the game today to hopefully bring them good luck!  Pictured are my mom, sister, nephew, and Uncle John.  It's John's 60th birthday and the 1st time to see them in person.

Recipe

Creamy Apple Dip

From Dr. Michael Greger

Ingredients:

1/2 cup cashews(raw/unsalted/organic if possible)

1 cup of dates, remove the pits

3/4-1 cup of water

1 Tablespoon of cinnamon

1/2 Tablespoon vanilla extract

Apple slices ( we used Granny Smith & Honeycrisp organic apples)

1.  In a high speed blender, combine the cashews, dates, water, cinnamon, and vanilla.  Blend until smooth.

2.  Wash and slice the apples.

3.  Enjoy!  Makes enough dip for 8 people.

Health Tip

Dr. Michael Greger is one the leading experts in the plant-based nutrition and wellness movement.  His website www.nutritionfacts.org is the go to resource for almost any health topic you could want to research.  Over 2,100 different health topics covered in mostly in 3-5 minute videos.  His site works by donation alone.  No money from outside influences just the facts!

His recent book was a New York Times best seller How Not To Die.  He also has an app that reminds you on a daily basis to consume his Daily Dozen, 12 things you should do every day for optimal health.

Game Recap

Packers lose 33-32!

Well it was an exciting high scoring game but the Pack didn't take advantage of several opportunities in the 2nd half that could've put them on top.  2 missed interceptions late in the 4th qtr, missing downing a punt near the goal line, not making key 3rd downs and missing a few big plays.  Overall you can't complain with the amount of guys hurt and some key guys stepping up like Geronimo Allison(is that a great name or what), Trevor Davis, Jeff Janis, Davante Adams, and The Ripper(Aaron Ripkowski).  

Next week is back at home against the Colts.  Hopefully we can get some guys healthy to make a strong push for the 2nd half.

Be well, 

David

Game 6: Bears @ Packers Mediterranean Hummus

Game 6:  Bear @ Packers

Mediterranean Hummus

Pregame

The Packers are having serious issues at running back and corner back.  Starks and Lacey are both out for several weeks.  Don Jackson has been activated off the practice squad and Knile Davis was aquired from the KC Chiefs for a conditional late round draft pick.  Neither one is a great answer.  Davis has some NFL expererience but doesn't know the offense.  Jackson has no experience but knows the offense.

At corner, Gunter will get his 2nd start and Goodson his 1st.  The Bears passing attack has been pretty good lately, so they will be targeted all night.

So the Pack will have a tough game.  The only saving grace is that the Bears are one of the 3 worst teams in the league but they are playing at Lambeau(although that didn't help them last Thanksgiving).

Recipe

Mediterranean Hummus 

By Debra Byczek

Ingredients:

Hummus (I used the Plain Jane Hummus recipe from the book My Beef with Meat)

Artichoke Hearts (packed in water) (diced)

Cucumber (diced)

Grape tomatoes (diced)

Kalmata olives (diced)

Green olives (diced)

Red onion (diced)

Pepperoncini peppers (diced)

Parsley (for garnish)

Prepare the hummus in a high speed blender or food processor and then top with all the Mediterranean condiments.  Serve with veggies, pita bread, and crackers.

Game Recap

Packers win 26-10!

This game was close until the Pack took it over in the 3rd qtr.  The offense had a decent 1st half but the 2nd was the Pack of a few years ago.  Without much of a running attack, Cobb and Montgomery did a decent job with some specially designed plays.  Rodgers had a record 39 completed passes and Davante Adams tied a Packers record for 2nd place with 13 catches.

The defense did a decent job all game especially the secondary.  Blake Martinez was so happy to get his first interception he forgot he hadn't been tackled and had to be told by Joe Thomas to run. 

 

Now they get a few extra days to rest before heading to Atlanta to try to shut down the Falcon's high powered offense.

Be well,

David

Game 5: Cowboys @ Packers Tex-Mex Pizza Bites

Game 5

Cowboys @ Packers

Tex-Mex Pizza Bites

Pregame

Living in the heart of Cowboy's country, there is no opponent I love to the Packers to beat more.  After suffering through the terrible losses in the 90's, the Pack has reversed their fortune against them.  They've beat the Cowboys 5 straight games, with the last 2 losses especially humiliating!  These were the playoff loss in Green Bay with the Dez Bryant non-catch and the Pack defeating them in Dallas, with Matt Flynn at the helm, in the biggest comeback loss in Cowboys history.  

We were at the game in Dallas and it definitely made up for all those losses in the 90's!

This game will mostly be about the Packer's #1 run stopping defense vs the Cowboy's # 1 run offense.  The Packer's will have Eddie Lacy as the only running back an will be thin again at cornerback with Quinten Rollins out.  Dez Bryant is still out for the Cowboys.  The Packers will need to find a way to make Dak Prescott to make some mistakes.

Recipe

Tex-Mex Pizza Bites

Living in Texas Tex-Mex food is king.  This week I've come up with a great healthy snack that will tempt the taste buds of all Tex-Mex lovers!

Ingredients:
2 Pizza Crusts
1 can Refried Beans
1 can Red Enchilada Sauce
1 package Beyond Beef Crumbles
1 package Taco Seasoning
Pizza Toppings such as:
Shredded lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, black olives, avocados, jalapenos,taco sauce

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.  In a skillet warm up the package of Beyond Beef Crumbles.  When warmed up add in the taco seasoning and water and cook until the sauce thickens.  Next, spread a layer of the refried beans onto the pizza crusts.  Then spread a thin layer of the enchilada sauce over the beans and then sprinkle on the Beyond Beef crumbles. Place the pizzas in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes.  When the pizzas come out of the oven garnish them with whatever toppings your family enjoys or let everyone make their own.  Then cut up the pizza into small squares, drizzle with taco sauce and voila, you're a Tex-Mex super hero!

Game Recap

Packers lose 30-16!!

Well the Cowboys running attack definately beat the Packer's D.  The passing defense didn't hold up much better after cornerback Damarius Randall went down and left our #4 & 5 guys to start.  They did keep the Cowboys to only 3 of 11 on 3rd down and Burnett had a pick to prevent a score.

Offense for the Packers was a mixed bag.  Big kudos to Ty Montgomery for10 receptions and Eddie Lacey for gutting it out with a bad ankle.  That wasn't enough though.   Aaron Rodgers missed some easy throws, had a pick and a fumble.  He has to play better.   He is not hitting receivers so they have an opportunity to make plays or defend themselves.  As a result Davante Adams looks to have a possible concussion. 

I'll have to take grief from Cowboys fans until the next time they meet(maybe the playoffs).

Be well, 

David

Game 4: NY Giants @ Packers Street Vendor Pretzels

Game 4:  NY Giants @ Packers

Street Vendor Pretzels

    

Pregame

After the bye week, the Packers will be back to near full strength.  Sam Shields, Damarius Randall and Jared Cook will be out, but much improved over the decimation the previous game.  

The Packers need to on guard against The Giants.  Eli Manning has ruined their playoffs twice at Lambeau Field and has a QB rating of 105 in their last 4 games meetings.  Look out for OBJ(Odell Beckham Jr) to have a big game after poor outings and controversy over his play and attitude.

Recipe/Food

Street Vendor Pretzels

Ingredients:

1 bag of refrigerated whole wheat pizza dough (I used Trader Joe's)

Whole wheat flour

Water

Kosher salt (optional)

Earth Balance Vegan Spread (optional)

Condiments for dipping

(Pizza Sauce, Mustard, Ginger Chutney Sauce, BBQ Sauce, Vegan Queso, etc....)

Directions:

Dust a rolling surface with a small amount of whole wheat flour.  Roll the pizza dough into a large circle.  Cut into long strips and roll into desired thickness and then form into the shape of pretzels.  Spray lightly with water and sprinkle on kosher salt if desired.

Bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes.  Once you remove them from the oven you can brush them with a little Earth Balance Vegan spread if you like. We did not do this on ours and they tasted great.

Grab your favorite condiments and begin dipping.  We used Trader Joe's pizza sauce and Mango Ginger Chutney as well as plain mustard.  

These are a great alternative to the highly processed pretzels you see street vendors selling in New York!  These are great to enjoy while you are watching the game.

Health Tip 

Whole Grains

When using whole grains, you want to choose ones that are the least processed and organic if possible. Whole grains use the entire kernel.  The grain needs to be listed as the first ingredient and referred to as:  whole, stone ground, or just the grain by itself especially when looking at wheat.

Examples of the most popular whole grains are:

1. Brown Rice
2. Wheat
3. Oats
4. Barley
5. Corn
6. Rye
7. Buckwheat
8. Quinoa(technically a seed)
9. Millet
10. Amaranth

Grains tend to get a bad reputation but they are anything but.  Processed  grains what you need to look out for.  These typically have the outer shell of the grain removed to either make it a more uniform color or shelf stable for several years.  The outer shell(germ) is where a lot of the nutrients are. 

Processed(refined) grains are sometimes referred to as enriched(synthetic vitamins and minerals are added back in that were taken away with the germ). Foods that people tend to refer to as high carb usually have these highly refined/processed and high glycemic grains.  The body sees these as near sugar-like and will spike blood sugar and are usually high in calories at the same time.  Also added to highly processed grains are a whole host of other unhealthy things like: sugar, oils, salt, artificial ingredients, and preservatives.

Whole grains are more nutrient dense and it takes the body much longer to digest which will help with weight management.  Think slow, long lasting vs. fast burn energy.

Game Recap

Packers win 23-16!

The game wasn't as close as the final score indicates with the Giants scoring a TD late and FG's for the rest of their scores.  The Packers dominated time of possession in the 1st Qtr 13:03 to 1:57 but ended with an Aaron Rodger's pick on a deflection.  The Packer's defense held up great despite their top two corners down.  They held the Giants to a paltry 43 yds rushing and Odell Beckham to 56 yds.  Job well done D! 
Rodgers had another pick in the 2nd qtr on a low pass but was overall very good.  James Starks had several dropped passes on screens and an almost costly fumble in the last minutes.  Eddie Lacey had a great night rushing before exiting with an ankle injury.  Randall Cobb was the star receiver with 9 grabs but Davante Adams had an impressive 5 grabs.  The offensive line was also great great keeping Rodgers mostly clean with only 3 hits.

Until next week when the Cowboys visit Green Bay,

Be well, 

David