Well, everyone knows that September 24 is Frodo Baggins’ birthday [yes, Bilbo’s too]. Hobbits are always complaining about getting chubby, so Fasting on their birthday might not be such a bad idea.  Two things Hobbits love are mushrooms and comfort, so we will incorporate both of those in tomorrow’s menu. The mushrooms go into an omelette and the chicken noodle soup is comfort food at its best. Save the birthday cake for the next day.

Mushroom Omelette 291 calories   7.5 g. fat   10.3 g. protein   7.0 g. carb    PB   GF

1 ½ eggs HINT: If you are serving one person, crack three 2-oz eggs into a small bowl or glass measuring cup. Whip up those eggs and pour half of their volume, into a jar with a lid and put it in the ‘fridge for next week.                                                                               ½ oz mushrooms                                                                                                                                         ½ tsp grated Parmesan cheese                                                                                                                  1 ½ oz of apple [or 2.25 oz melon or 1.2 oz grapes]                                                                      blackish coffee or blackish tea or lemon in hot water                                                                         5-6 oz green or fruit smoothie

Chop or slice the mushrooms and cook with a little water in a skillet. Remove and set aside. Now whisk the 1.5 eggs with seasonings to taste. Pour into a heated skillet sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Cook, tipping the pan and lifting the cooked eggs until the bottom is set but the top is still moist. Top with the mushrooms and cheese, fold and plate. Serve with fruit, plus your beverage and smoothie. You are off for a day in the Shire.

Chicken Noodle Soup   293 calories    10.1 g. fat      20 g. protein       28 g. carbs

3 cups chicken or turkey broth                                                                                                                     2 oz cooked chicken white meat, diced or shredded                                                                            1 oz  spaghetti or linguine, broken into 1″ pieces                                                                                             ¼ c. white beans, drained and rinsed if canned                                                                                      1.5 oz carrot, diced                                                                                                                                                1.5 oz green beans, cut into 1” pieces                                                                                                          1 0z Canadian or back bacon, slivered                                                                                       seasonings to taste: salt, pepper, dried thyme, dried sage                                                            HINT: This makes enough for two servings. Invite a friend or freeze for another easy meal.                                                                                                                                                                Per bowl: 1 tsp grated Parmesan cheese + generous sprinkling of parsley

Bring the broth to a simmer and cook the noodles until almost tender. [If you prefer your broth clear, cook the noodles separately and drain before adding to broth. If the chicken is raw, throw it in the pot to cook. Add the beans, carrot, green beans, Canadian bacon and seasonings. When heated through, ladle into bowls and top with the cheese and parsley. Yum. Yum.