how many calories do you burn cleaning the stove?

it's january again, isn't it?
the month of greyness & dieting.  blah.
i've often thought if my birthday weren't in january, i'd be depressed all month. 

not that i'm being dramatic or anything.

i did do some sit-ups to ring in the new year.  i've been meaning to start a sit-up routine for approximately 17 years.  no joke.

i have 2 "here's to a happier january" tips for you.

1.  light some candles...

(& a glass of wine doesn't hurt)

2.  make this chinese chicken salad for dinner (it's light, but yummo)...

chinese chicken salad...

4 md garlic cloves, minced
1/3 c. olive oil
1 c bread crumbs
1 c grated parmesan
1 lb bnlss/sknlss chicken breasts, cut into smaller lengths**

salad mix (i like the heb herb blend)
green onions, chopped (optional)
small can of mandarin oranges, drained
head of broccoli, chopped into bitesized pieces

1 pkg Ramen noodles, broken into small pieces
sliced almonds
sesame seeds (optional)
2T butter

1/3 c sugar
1/4 c red wine vinegar
1/2 c olive oil
3T soy sauce

preheat oven to 425.
combine olive oil & garlic in small sauce pan.  warm to blend flavors well.
combine parmesan & breadcrumbs in shallow bowl.
dip chicken in garlic/oil mixture, then bread crumb/parmesan & place in shallow baking pan.  leave at least an inch between chicken pieces.
bake about 30 mins.  you want the chicken to be crunchy.  allow to cool a bit.

combine lettuce, green onions, broccoli, & mandarin oranges in a bowl.  set aside (okay, actually i just arrange each individual plate, but this is if you want to be all fancy.)

melt butter in saute pan over md high heat.  add ramen, almonds, & sesame seeds.  you'll want to watch these because you want them to brown/toast, but not burn.  stir occasionally.  once browned, allow to cool, then add to salad mixture.

combine sugar, vinegar, oil, & soy sauce.  the best way to do this is in a mason jar, or something like it - just put the lid on & shake.  you can also wisk it in a bowl.

top salad with chicken pieces & add dressing to taste (recipe probably makes more than you'll need).

**think chicken tenders.  also, the smaller you cut the chicken, the more crunchy topping you'll be able to use.  i like them on the smaller side because i like the most topping.

if you make this, let me know.  i'd love to hear what you think.  also, if you have any light recipes you think i should try, post & send me a link.  light-ish recipes work, too :)