Sigh - Time to Confess

Well, it's been a wonderful weekend in Charleston, SC ... home of the most wonderful food on the planet (closely followed by New Orleans). Here's the menu from the cooking school attended on Friday, so I will leave the carb count (Defcon 1) to you:

• crab cakes, with a sauce of Greek yogurt, hot pepper jelly, red pepper and fresh tarragon)


• smoked pork, with applewood and peach. Far too rare for me, but a really cool smoker for using on the grill.


• seasonal slaw with fresh asparagus, chard, fennel, julienne carrots, and homemade blue cheese dressing


• baked beans in bourbon and molasses (I embarrassed myself by drinking it through a straw)


• pasta salad with orzo pasta, goat cheese and a fresh pesto of Italian parsley, garlic cloves, almonds, olive oil and grated Parmesan


• Yes, there's more. Deconstructed s'mores for dessert. A brownie made of graham cracker crumbs, white and dark chocolate chips, and condensed milk. On top of that, ice cream mixed with oven toasted miniature marshmallows, and a chocolate ganache as drizzle. OMG.

So, I started my first night at Defcon 1. Saturday was better, much better. Eggs for breakfast. A treat for lunch (sugar free chocolates, 4 carbs). Dinner was salad and short ribs, so that was a great improvement.

Sunday was shrimp and grits for brunch, but mostly shrimp and veggies. Crabcakes at home for dinner, but several pieces of bread dipped in roasted garlic, olive oil and balsamic were yet another "cheat."

Monday, I am back on board. Two boiled eggs for breakfast, salami and cheese for lunch, two crab cakes and celery for dinner.

I was guilt ridden but happy on Friday. Perhaps after I reach my goal, I will make the s'mores!!!