Maple Mustard Chicken & December Goals
29 Dec
Hi there & happy Thursday! Since yesterday’s post was nearly non-existent, let’s get right into it today!
Some of you noticed that I received a Trader Joe’s cookbook for Christmas. This was a gift from my sister & I was eager to try out a few of the recipes. (You can check out the book here.)
Yes, I got really dressed up for the occasion…
I made my first recipe from the book this evening for dinner, & it actually didn’t require any Trader Joe’s-specific items! It’s one of those “why didn’t I think of that?!” recipes & definitely worth sharing, although I’ll probably make a few modifications the next time I make it (see below).
Maple Mustard Chicken
Serves 4
Total time: 10 minutes (prep); 20 minutes (cooking)
Ingredients:
- 1-1 1/2 lbs. boneless chicken thighs
- 1/2 c. Dijon mustard (I’d suggest lowering this a bit, maybe 1/3 or 1/4 c.)
- 1/4 c. maple syrup
- 1 tbsp. rice vinegar
- Salt & pepper to taste
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 450*.
- Combine the mustard, maple syrup, & rice vinegar.
- Place the chicken in an ovenproof baking dish, & season with salt & pepper.
- Pour the mustard/syrup mixture over the chicken, turning to coat.
- Roast until the chicken reaches 155* (about 20 minutes).
- Let rest for 5 minutes.
New Sur La Table measuring bowls – a Christmas gift!
I was excited to find these on special for a mere $2.80!
Pre- & post-cooking (yes, that dish looks like it’s going to be fun to clean!)
With a side of my beloved green bean casserole (the Green Giant frozen kind!)
Overall, Chris & I both enjoyed this recipe, however, it had some “pros” & “cons.” The major “pro” was all of the flavor packed into a recipe requiring so few ingredients. That’s always a major plus to me! Also, I love how everything came together really quickly (kind of a “theme” around these parts!).
Two “cons”: next time, I might use boneless, skinless chicken breasts to cut down on the fat-content. Also, as noted in the recipe above, the mustard flavor was almost too over-powering. I think backing off the mustard a little would help balance the dish out a bit.
If you give it a try, let me know! 
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Even though there are a few days left in December, I thought today might be a good time to check in with my December goals & let you all know how I’ve done.
1) Post at least once every day – FAIL
I was unsuccessful at posting every day. I think I missed a total of 4 days throughout the month (1 being Christmas, which I guess was to be expected). I did do better than November, though, when I missed 5 days. Baby steps… Also, I’m definitely a believer in quality over quantity, so I doubt anyone missed anything important on those few days!
2) Update the “About Me” page & create a wedding page – PARTIAL SUCCESS
I mentioned in yesterday’s post that I finally got around to creating a wedding page, so that was a success. I totally forgot about my plans to revisit my about me page until right now when I looked back at my goals. Luckily, I still have 2 days, so I might be able to turn this from a partial success to a complete one!
3) Maintain my current weight throughout the holidays – SUCCESS
I’m not really one for the scale these days. My weight can fluctuate 5 lbs. on any given day, so as long as my clothes fit, I’m happy. Everything is still buttoning over here, so I’m not too worried about the 1 or 2 holiday pounds I’ve put on. I’ve definitely be indulging way more than usual this week, but I’ve also been at the gym every day, so it all balances out!
4) Strength train twice a week – SUCCESS
I had to refer back to my workout log for this one. Every week since I set my goals (12/4), I’ve managed to make it to BodyPump twice a week!
5) Get up for work on time – FAIL
I did this maybe one/two days max. I totally failed, but hope to get more sleep & actually wake up on time in the New Year!
6) Complete Christmas shopping early – SUCCESS
My goal was to complete all of my shopping by 12/19, & I did! Woohoo!
7) Pray for someone/something new every day – SUCCESS
This is something that I’m going to try to continue into the New Year as well!
4.5 out of 7 isn’t too bad, right? 
Did you set any goals for the month of December? If so, how did you do? Are you making any resolutions for the New Year?
I think u did great for your goals
. My resolutions involve stepping it up at the gym and winning biggest loser at DB 
Go for it!
I love your perspective on weight gain through the holidays and that you’re fine as long as everything still fits. It’s so true! I believe that a huge part of the holidays is letting yourself indulge, and those 1 or 2 pounds will be gone in no time
Overall you did fantastic with the goals! I don’t think it’s necessary to post every day either. Like you said, quality over quantity!
I would consider it a success, especially since the month itself is super tough to keep our heads above water. You did very well! (especially on the goals that count!)
Thanks for the super simple recipe! I’m game for this one!
That chicken recipe looks delicious!!! Man, I love getting new cookbooks!! Looks like you did really well on your goals!!!
A Trader Joe’s cookbook?!?! How amazing! This recipe looks awesome. It is nice that it is not dependent on solely TJ goodies.
Considering the craziness of December, I think you did a fantastic job with your goals! I am totally stealing your last one about praying for someone/something new each day.
Yes! I was so excited to open it! Most of the recipes can be easily adapted to use non-TJ’s products!
the chicken sounds delicious and seems so easy too! i love those types of recipes.
great job on your goals girl! i, too, love your perspective of your weight throughout the holidays. it’s something i often get a little too caught up in, so your thoughts are refreshing to hear.
Mmmm I love dijon mustard – this sounds like a perfect easy weeknight meal, and great for freezer/bulk cooking as well! I had no idea there was a Trader Joe’s cookbook! I must add this to my amazon wish list pronto.