Need an excuse to nosh? Learn something new!

According to a study completed in the late 1980s, energy consumption in the brain is directly related to learning. Thus, once you've become well versed in something, such as becoming an all star chess master or a world renowned crossword champion like my mom and sis, energy consumption decreases. So, what are your options to bring calorie expenditure up? LEARN SOMETHING NEW!

Who thought that educating yourself would result in a loss of a few lbs? It's comforting to know that as I continue to study in the wee hours of night, the urge to snack on my homemade spicey sausage and broccoli rabe with garlic and roasted pine nuts isn't such a terrible idea after all ;)

                                          

Ingredients:

• 2 hot Italian sausages (or any type you're lil heart desires)
• bunch of broccoli rabe
• 8 garlic cloves diced (garlic is the KEY ingredient--but if you aren't a huge fan remove a few cloves)
• pine nuts; a good handful
• 2 second drizzle of olive oil (we'll add a bit more as we go)
• red pepper flakes
• can of tomato paste (if you don't have a grill pan you can saute the sausages w/ tbsp of paste and some oil)

GO TIME!

RABES FIRST : I like to cook the rabes first so that they have time to absorb all that garlicky, red peppery, and nuttiness!

• In a non stick skillet pan, saute oil and pine nuts. If you haven't toasted the pine nuts, then I'd put those bad boys in the pain first for about a minute, then add oil and garlic. Keep on low so you don't burn the garlic, just brown it.
• Once the air starts to smell heavenly, throw those broccoli rabes in the pan. Make sure the cut the stems off. Now, don't be afraid there will be a loud crackling noise because of the moisture of the rabes mixing with the oil. Just add some red pepper flakes, a little water, and cover the pan. Let the rabes wilt a bit so you can mix up the garlic, oil, and pine nuts at the bottom of the pan
• Add some more oil/water so that the rabes can simmer. Cook for about 15min then remove from heat

SAUSAGE

• Grab a non stick grill pan. This is by far one of the GREATEST inventions. How else can you BBQ during the winter?! It makes cooking easy and fun--all you need to do is throw those sausages on the pan and cook for 20min. Make sure to rotate all sides. You can also throw a whole sausage wheel right on the grill!
• If you do not have a grill pan, don't fret! Simply take another non-stick skillet, coat the pain with some olive oil, 2 tbsp of tomato paste, and cut the sausage in half. Saute for same amount of time and get just as awesome of a dish!