Tofu Shirataki Pasta Review and my growing obsession with owning a Kinect

I just gave tofu shirataki noodles a try. I’ve had some fettuccini noodles and some spaghetti noodles for a few weeks now, but I think I’ve been a bit scared to try them. I’ve heard mixed reviews and I guess I just really wanted to like them, but was a bit scared about what they were going to taste like.

Apparently, they are made by blending the root of the Konnyaku, which is a member of the yam family, and tofu. A four ounce serving is just 20 calories and has 3g of carbs. They arrive packaged as you see them above in some kind of liquid. From other reviews I’d read, I knew to rinse them in some warm water prior to eating, but apparently they don’t really need to be “cooked.” Some people mentioned cooking them for a few minutes in hot water to improve the texture, but I figured for the first go ‘round, I’d just try them without boiling them first.

They look just like fettuccini noodles and to my hands (as I rinsed them), they felt like pasta so I was hopeful. I made some low-carb alfredo sauce using this recipe and cooked up some shrimp (which we LOVE!) to go along with it. The alfredo sauce came out great and I mixed a small amount in with the noodles, spooned out a small portion for myself, a slightly larger portion for Tanner, added the shrimp and rang the dinner bell.

My first bite was kind of …hmm. The consistency is kind of like a clam only not as chewy. It is like biting into a clam in that it is kind of slippery against your teeth and has a tiny bit of resistance as you bite into the noodles; very little resistance, but enough to realize you aren’t eating pasta. Tanner slurped it up, but I don't really think he chews his food. He didn’t get or ask for seconds, but he isn’t feeling great so that may be why. When I asked him what he thought of the pasta, he said “It was kinda good” so take that however you want to. I still have the spaghetti so next time I will boil it for a few minutes and see if that improves the texture and update you guys. For now, I have to say I’m not in a hurry to buy it again. If you want to try them for yourself, I bought mine at The Low Carb Connoisseur for $2.84 a package.

While we are talking about Tanner, I wanted to let you guys know that he has lost 4 lbs since we started him on the low-carb diet! He was so excited yesterday when he weighed himself. He also attributed it to the workout he’s been getting when he and his class visit Best Buy and use the Kinect there.

Speaking of Kinect, I’ve decided I have to have one of these! I had decided that I was going to get a Wii Fit when I got under 330 since that is the weight limit, but a friend of mine recently bought Kinect for the Xbox and shared a video of herself (apparently it can take pics or video as you work out with it) playing one of the dancing games. I have to say…it was HIGH-larious!! I can only imagine how freaking funny it would be to video Tanner and I working out as we both have ZERO coordination. I’m not sure when we will be able to afford it, but I definitely want one! This definitely looks like the toy of the Christmas season by the way as many places already have them on backorder so if you or your kiddos are wanting your own, you better get on the ball and purchase one now! What a fun way for us to get some exercise!

She Choppin' Brocco-laaaay: My first review of V8's new soup line

No, V8 did not ask me to review their new line of soups. I have no idea how all you other bloggers get hooked up with the free stuff to review, but I'm so eager to do a review that I went out and bought their soups with my own money just so that I could review it for ya here. Am I a dedicated blogger or what? Really, I thought they looked pretty yummy and wanted to try them anyway.

I've actually tried their Garden Broccoli, Southwestern Corn, Tomato and Herb, and Sweet Red Pepper. I have the Golden Butternut Squash, but haven't had an opportunity to sample that one yet. I'll let ya know when I do.

Ok, just to set the mood, you need to picture me holding each box; I'm wearing a sexy little Vanna Dress they probably don't make in a 7X, but you can use your imagination. I'm also wearing those cute little full arm gloves that I can probably only get past my wrists if I'm lucky, but again...use your imagination.

Tomato & Herb: I love the packaging on all these soups, they really do make it feel like this is going to be a healthy indulgence and I can tell you that the Tomato & Herb did not let me down. I made a grilled swiss cheese sandwich to go with it and it was seriously delicious. You have the yummy traditional flavor of tomato soup with this tasty little kick that really punches up the flavor. When you are trying to cut calories, its all about the flavor as far as I'm concerned and this soup really did satisfy. You will find bits of tomato and various herbs in each bite which also makes you think you are getting something just a bit more substantial in a soup. Very Yummy!

Southwestern Corn: Really loved this one. As soon as I tasted a spoonful, I started creating variations in my head. Add a little cumin and chicken chunks and sprinkle some low fat tortilla chips on top, instant tortilla or enchilada soup. I ate it by itself and it was honestly very good. It has the flavor of corn with maybe a touch of salsa thrown in. Not enough to make it too spicy, but enough to make corn soup interesting.

Sweet Red Pepper: I actually used this flavor when I discovered that my planned tacos for the evening were going to have to be sans taco seasoning because Erik didn't buy any. Drives me nuts, he's SURE we have it at home, so he doesn't get it, we don't have it, and then I have to tap dance in the kitchen to make what I had planned without the necessary ingredient....MEN! I used a little of this in my ground turkey and it really added a nice flavor to our tacos that night. I only had a small taste of this on its own, but I remember it tasting sweet, and a little peppery....oh all right...I owe you another review on this one, but it works great as a taco seasoning! When I'm able to sample it on its own, I'll update you guys.

Garden Broccoli: I sampled this one the other day with a grilled turkey and fat free cheese sandwich. I really liked this one as well. It has bits of broccoli and a fresh from the garden flavor that I really enjoyed. I added a pinch of fat free cheddar which made it extra yummy. I'll definitely be purchasing these again.

The great thing about eating soup prior to an entree is that it helps fill you up. Research has even shown that, on average, people consume about 100 fewer calories when adding a soup prior to their main meal. People who eat soup before a meal also tend to feel full longer which is another great perk if you are prone to the munchies a few hours after a meal.

Another great thing about the V8 soups is that each serving satisfies one of your daily fruit and vegetable requirements for the day. If any of you have been following my food logs...this is one area I kind of struggle with. I'm not sure why because I love fruits and veggies, but I just seem to overlook them when making a meal. Each serving of the V8 soups range from 80-150 calories depending on the flavor you choose. This makes any of them a perfect low calorie soup option.

Finally, I could see using these soups in so many ways to make low calorie cooking that much easier; add a bit to a batch of brown rice, throw in meat of your choice, and you have a very flavorful casserole. Use them as a base for a more substantial soup like the chicken enchilada soup I described above, and I can guarantee you, its going to taste like you spent a whole lot more time in the kitchen. I may be experimentin' soon so keep an eye on Super Squared's Bitchin' Kitchen for updates.

So there ya have it. My first official review. How did I do?

Just in case you hated it, I've included this link so that you can enjoy Dana Carvey's genius. I can't see, say, read or hear the word Broccoli without remembering this SNL skit. She CHOP...unh! Enjoy :)

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