The other day I bought a small whole chicken for 3.64. I wanted to make chicken soup. First I removed the breasts and wings and drumsticks (not expertly as this is a skill I do not possess)

Put rest in a kettle with seasonings, onion, celery. Cooked it.

I wanted to oven bake the breasts etc, but not make a big breading deal out of it. So shook the chicken pieces with just some Panko. Put it in my pan that had been heating with some of the mixture I use (oil, butter, bacon fat. . . very small amts. . .less than 1t each) baked at 400º because I also made corn muffins.

The chicken (45 minutes) was delicious. But I must say that everything tastes better now that I am dieting. Whether it is the no-sugar or just more hungry don't really know.

Good job, Lady.

I've found that once you go down the better eating road for a while, your tastebuds wake up and your ability to taste food flavors is heightened. For me, this is especially true when I'm eating raw veggies or fresh fruit.

Today for lunch I made an omelette and I must say that is the best omelette I have ever made. (ham, red pepper, onions, cheese)

It might sound contrary but I think dieting makes food more important. DH remarked that we seem to be eating much better.

True to all you are discvoering. It takes a while - but finally, fruit does taste as good - if not better - than candy. (Except chocolate of course . . . . no replacement . . . . but in very small quantities just occasionally. . . .)