My State of Food

New Blog - Moved!

2010-05-10T19:41:00.001-04:00

I have a new blog! It is my whole combined blog:

This Whole Life

Come find me - follow me - be encouraged. All of these posts are over there - so come on!

Taste of Raleigh: Neomonde's Bakery and Deli

2010-05-10T08:50:00.002-04:00

I left behind TWO great falafel places in Louisville. It was sad. Grape Leaf and Shiraz were delicious and relatively inexpensive, Shiraz being the cheaper of the two. Before 2007, when I lived in RDU - I didn't really care that much about Persian/Mediterranean food (not like I do now).

Friday I was introduced to a place out by NCSU and Meredith called Neomonde. For those of you in Louisville - a Mediterranean Lotsa Pasta. Market, deli, refillable drinks, samples. Neomonde's is cheaper than Lotsa Pasta. There are so many wonderful things to choose from.

On Friday when I went we shared the Large Kabaob platter. 1 chicken kabob, 1 beef kabob, 2 salads (veggie salad and hummus). They give you tons of pita when you check out. And we got 4 falafels - good (although green inside) and topped with sesame seeds (could have done without the sesame seeds. I personally like the pitas better in the ville, but these are good.

Saturday when I went I got a 1/2 falafel wrap and hummus/pita - 4 kalamata olives, evoo, hummus, 3 whole wheat pitas) = all for 6.50. I call that a pretty good deal.

So - this will definitely be a favorite. Anyone wanna go with? More pictures will come later.

Menu Week: May 10

2010-05-10T08:45:00.002-04:00

This week will be slightly normal - I guess. We shall see.

My main meals at home will be: lentil chicken chard soup, salad, pbjs, yogurt, oats. Why - that's what I have right now.
My magazine recipe of the week: no clue. Have to look through them again. Running out of desserts to cook - so might have to start cooking main meals out of the stack too!
Places I'm eating out this week:
Moes
Champas Sushi Thai
Douglas house
Bux or Bou
Fosters in Chapel Hill
Hot Point Cafe
? for lunch on Friday (haven't decided yet)
Capitol Hill Baptist Church
Troupe house
Hickman house for birthday celebration

This weekend I'll be in DC so I can't wait. It will be busy but good.

Whole Month - Day 9

2010-05-09T19:00:00.002-04:00

Happy Mother's Day to all you mothers out there. My mom is pretty special - so thank you Mom!

I'm going to do this a bit different from now on. Something I do at the end of my day is tell back (on facebook) what I am thankful for and how God has graciously blessed me that day. Something I want to do on here to finish out this challenge - is instead of focusing on whole foods - focus on the good things I did for my body. I hope this acts as a reminder to me and a challenge to you - in some way, shape, or form!

1. Took a nap. It was necessary on a comfy couch!
2. Walked to buy groceries instead of driving (almost 2 total RT).
3. Ate raw veggies: romaine, carrots, celery.
4. Had many sources of protein: all natural pb, hummus (chickpeas and tahini), ff yogurt, egg white.
5. Did weight training and cardio with Jillian.
6. Drank plenty of water - and will drink some more tonight.

What have you done good for your body today?

Whole Month - Day 8

2010-05-08T22:08:00.002-04:00

Started off well. Really well. Then dinner on - it wasn't a good sight.

Breakfast: 1/3 orange, OIAJ (pb, agave nectar, 1 tsp frozen banana, cinnamon chips, ground flax), unsweet rooibos tea from Bux.

Lunch: Half Sonny's Lunch: 2 oz pulled chicken, 1 piece garlic bread, 1/2 sweet potato, 1 T baked beans on top, salad (spinach, tomatoes, red onion, cuks), grapes, melon

Snack: Ikea ff fro yo (so yummy since it was so hot)

Dinner: 1/2 falafel sandwich from Neomonde's, celery, carrots, pita and hummus

Snack during movie: Whole Foods Ice cream bar, TR Kettle Corn.

I wasn't going to write this out. This is what I wanted to write: When will I ever stop struggling with this? Will I have one day when it is not a struggle and I can live like this isn't a SIN area for me - a place and area of transition? I can't stop eating? I can't not live life with other people? Lord...
Rom 6-8 is my only hope. Rom 6 and 7 because it tells me of the hopelessness (mainly) of this indwelling sin in my life. Rom 8 because I know the answer. God is my HOPE. Not how perfectly I live this out.

Whole Month - Day 7

2010-05-07T22:59:00.002-04:00

Well, today was not as good as some, but better than yesterday. Here we go:

Breakfast: oats, banana, agave nectar, flax. It was again - good and filling.

Snack: peanut butter caramel brownie Angie made. perfect for an after meeting treat!

Lunch: 1 mixed meat kabob (2 chicken, 2 beef chunks), tahani sauce, hummus, 1 whole wheat pita, 3 falafel. All very yummy!

Afternoon: 15 m&ms, 2 york peppermint patties, 15 york pieces later (ok, too much chocolate)

Dinner: cuban salad, 15 small sweet potato fries, 1 med piece of bread. Mango vinaigrette.

I was thinking the whole time that I was going to have a cuban sandwich, but I sat there and knew I would feel horrible after eating it. I knew I needed to make a better choice - so I did. And I felt great afterwards.
And I know I've gained weight and I feel horrible and think I look horrible in pictures - so it is back on it with a vengeance!
Did a whole segment 2 of Jillian tonight - it was tough and warm in the apt - but I did the whole thing and didn't stop at the second section. Here we go.

Whole Month - Day 6

2010-05-06T18:44:00.002-04:00

Better today - much, and my tummy thanks me! There are mercies new every day! Just for all you food blog readers: it is Sarah's birthday today. She is such an inspiration to me. Go over to her blog and wish her a happy birthday!
Ok - on to today:

Breakfast: oats, maranatha pb, apple, agave nectar, ground flax

Snack: 2 crisps with bean dip on sample at TJ while I was shopping

Lunch: Greek salad from Hot Point Cafe. I also had two bites of the sun dried tomato focaccia - but that was for blog purposes. All whole foods on that!

Snack: celery and pb, 2 bites of cake I made (and about 6 chocolate chips)

Dinner: 1/2 cup lentil soup over small organic sweet potato, roasted asparagus with lemon zest

Much better. Water and unsweet tea to drink. Going for a run now.

Siggi's Yogurt Giveaway

2010-05-06T18:12:00.002-04:00

I have always heard much about Siggi's Yogurt on food blogs and I wanted to try it. It is a little ore expensive than regular yogurts, so I emailed the good people at Siggi's and they listened and graciously sent me 8 coupons!

I used one of them to buy some regular plain yogurt to use in a recipe - as a dressing. It was thick and yogurt-y. The good thing about it is that it doesn't contain many sugars. Even the vanilla and fruit kinds, don't have many excess sugars in it.

So...I am passing the wealth on to you, my readers. I have 4 coupons and want to give the chance to try it, too. Two winners will get 2 coupons each!

So, in order to enter - tell me your favorite flavor or yogurt. I'll pick 2 winners on Sunday night.

Lentil, Swiss Chard, and Chicken Soup

2010-05-06T18:00:00.004-04:00

Most people know that I love soup. It was probably in the 90s today and I made soup. I had my first bowl of this over a small organic sweet potato (Sarah Frankel bday girl style, just for you babe)! It was very yummy. Quality of pictures is poor because my batteries were going dear - and I think this directly effects the quality of zoom, lighting timing, and macro shooting.

Here you go: (and it is part of whole food month)

1 cup lentils, rinsed

4 cups water

4 cups homemade chicken broth (I cooked a whole chicken and used this)

pinch of sea salt

1 onion, chopped

4 large cloves garlic, chopped

evoo

1 bunch of swiss chard, stems removed, chopped

large pinch red pepper flakes

1/2 lemon (juice)

pepper

3 cups chopped chicken (from a whole raw chicken)

Cook lentils in broth, water, and salt until done but not mushy.

Saute onion in evoo for about 5 minutes, then add garlic and red pepper flakes. Add chard and cook for about 3 minutes. Add to lentils and cook for about 10 minutes. Add chicken, lemon, and pepper to taste. Enjoy!

Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake (2010.18)

2010-05-06T17:45:00.003-04:00

Semi-homemade dessert/brunch/breakfast. This is good - but to me it tastes just like a normal cake - in a different shape. It should be good with the amount of eggs in it. The chocolate isn't overwhelming (I didn't put the glaze on it - it probably would be too sweet). Even though it didn't come out the best, I'm still taking it to the office tomorrow because I can't see throwing money completely down the drain. I hope some of it gets eaten at least.

It does annoy me when magazines don't put their name on the top or bottom of pages. I don't know where this came from, but here you go:

1 butter cake mix

1 8oz container (light) sour cream

3/4 c canola oil

2/3 cup sugar

4 eggs

1/4 cup packed light brown sugar

1/2 cup milk chocolate chips

Mix all but the last two. Pour into a greased and floured bundt pan - half the batter. Combine brown sugar and chips - sprinkle in (see picture). Top with remaining batter. Bake at 350 for 50 minutes or until done. Let cool, remove, cut.

The sugar and the chocolate helps the chocolate chips from sinking. I would maybe even put a little more - but I doubt this will make it into a rotation. Although good for a quick yummy eating because most of the stuff will be handy or cheap.

Taste of Raleigh: Hot Point Cafe

2010-05-06T17:34:00.002-04:00

If you want a nice change from Panera - go here. (Picture taken with my phone - sorry for the quality.)

I really wasn't planning on eating out today for lunch, but I wanted a quiet(er) place for lunch and didn't want to sit in my apt by myself. So, I had looked at this place online and went hunting in North Hills. Found it.

This is a trendier Panera. Same price (about) for what you get. I actually think you get more on the salads. The soups were smaller and not a wide variety. Sandwiches looked good, but Panera's are bigger. They also had meals for dinner - but they were definitely higher (to fit the North Hills market) and they also served a wknd brunch.

I enjoyed the quiet - slightly busy and I was there from 1130-145. Not bad at all. I just enjoyed the warmth and breeze as I sat outside.

I had the small Greek salad and a refillable unsweet tea for $7.22. As you can see from the picture, they don't skimp on the small. There was TONS of feta, black olives, artichokes, greens, roasted red peppers, cuks, and raw mashrooms. It also came with a triangle of their sun dried tomato focaccia bread (good flavor, but a little dry). I asked for the balsamic vinegar on the side - so good. It was sweeter than most.

So - if you are looking for a place that isn't as busy (maybe a place to meet with a girlfriend and sit for hours) - there you go...

Whole Month - Day 5

2010-05-05T20:16:00.002-04:00

Ok - well, Cinco de Mayo was good till dinner...
1. Aftter not eating any white bread or processed foods for 4 days - don't go eat a bunch of white bread and pasta. I learned that that is not good for me and my blood sugar/vision. Lesson learned.

Breakfast - oats, pear, pb, ground flax, agave nectar

Lunch - romaine with onion and pear and cashews and mustard. Mango and vaniall yogurt with 1 T oats/ground flax. 1 mini york peppermint patty. Because I had onions and had no mints.

Snack - organic fuji and TJ PB

Dinner - Carino's - not as good as I remember, but it was good. Some foods, when not having eaten them in a while, loose their luster. Split a combo platter with a friend, bread, and a salad with the house vinaigrette on the side.

Snack - cool whip and Acai organic granola and organic graham crackers.

So - not a good day at all after 530pm. Lessons learned. I feel so much better when I eat right. I need to always do it.

Whole Food Month - Day 4

2010-05-04T19:57:00.002-04:00

Today was all meals out. Wow - that is hard. Well, I think I did fairly well in sticking to whole food eating - even when eating out. It is possible.

Breakfast - banana with pb, whole grain bagel with pb at Panera. I brought my own TJ pb which I love. (But I left it in fridge at work so now I gotta figure out breakfast in the morning). I went back and forth between yogurt parfait and bagel. I chose the bagel bc even though both were processed: the bagel had less sugar, more protein and fiber, less fat, and about the same amount of calories.

Snack during staff meeting: bowl of fruit (loved it - more please)

Lunch: Japan Express. I had hibatchi vegetables and brown rice. I loved it - ate 2/3 of the rice throughout the afternoon and all the veggies. No white sauce (which is yummy by the way). What I found out about this was that it didn't fill me up. I was so hungry!

Snack: peanuts and craisins. I am finding these to be the perfect afternoon snack - but no more.

Dinner: 5 piece of sushi at Champas, green salad with ginger dressing, and 3 bites of chicken pad thai (had to try it, and it was very yummy). Still think Chai's and Simply Thai is better - but good none the less.

All the water and unsweet tea (for breakfast) I could drink. 2.4 miles today. So, I think I did pretty well but tomorrow will be easier as only 1 meal will be out and Thursday (as of now) no meals are out!

Whole Month - Day 3

2010-05-03T19:59:00.002-04:00

Today was better. Having these "restrictions" on me for the month of May - actually by choice, so it is all about self-discipline...
1. I love cashews on salads!
2. I good snack is a pinch of raw oats. Very filling and low calories.
3. I've already seen a drop on the scale since starting this. Very encouraging!

Breakfast: oats with banana, pb, flax, and agave nectar. This kept me full until 12 - so I was happy with that.

Lunch: romaine with tomato, onion, cashews. No dressing. FF Vanilla yogurt with pear.

Snack: peanuts and craisins

Dinner: Oats with PB, pear, agave, flax.

Snack: carrots with mustard.

I went down to the staff kitchen around lunch time and they had spaghetti and salad and garlic bread. I passed that up. Last week I would have kept my lunch in the bag and grabbed what they were having. Thanks Whole Month Challenge.
The only thing I am really craving is pretzels or crackers - something crunchy. Any suggestions?

Menu Week: May 3

2010-05-02T18:22:00.002-04:00

I did a pre-lim menu last Thursday - but then I started a new whole month challenge (no processed foods). So, it will look a little different.

I think oats will be on the menu every day for breakfast - with milk and all-natural peanut butter

Lunches: lentil/chicken soup (all natural), chickpeas and salad with veggies, yogurt and mango, orange, celery, carrots and mustard.

Dinner: oats, salad, brown rice and tomatoes,

Wed night heading out with one of my girls. Thursday hitting up tea with some friends in Durham. Friday lunch is lunch with a friend. Saturday is traveling to Charlotte and will probably eat at IKEA (because a friend wants to eat there). May be Sonnys as well which will definitely be easier to do whole foods...

Whole Month Eating - Day 2

2010-05-02T18:11:00.004-04:00

Day 2 has come, happened, and is almost gone (I'm going to bed early). Today was better than yesterday because I was able to eat my meals at home and skip (or alter) the meals i ate out. Here we go:

1. This will definitely help me make choices this month - although I don't think it is sustainable for me. Tonight - I passed up on Subway whole wheat 6 inch sandwiches (just eating the lettuce and 1 triangle of cheese). These were healthy - just processed. So...while I think it is good for 31 days - I think I'll be back to normal whole grain eating with limited processed foods.
2. I was hungry today. Gotta eat some more protein for lunch.

Breakfast: oats with milk and water (I will be drinking/eating most dairy during this month because I need the nutrients). TJ unsalted crunch pb (only peanuts), ground flax seeds, banana

Church: passed on hot chocolate and Daylight Doughnuts (I would have had both if this has been 3 days ago).

Lunch: romaine with carrots, celery, tom, onion, cashews, and mustard. I really wanted something salty (like pretzels), but the cashews and mustard did the trick! I also had a few pieces of mango with 1 T of cool whip free (I know, not whole, but I don't want it to go to waste)

Graduation Party I went to: 1 cube colby cheese, grapes, canteloupe, plain almonds (no petit fors, or crackers, or punch)

Dinner: lettuce and cheese (from Subway sandwich), nuts and craisins from trail mix, oats/pb/apple.

Tons of water today. It was hot. Jillian and then bed. I'm very tired today. May have been the lack of sleep catching up to me from friday night or the heat or being around people from 745-515 - but I'm ready for bed!

Whole Month Day 1

2010-05-01T18:03:00.002-04:00

Alright - here we go. Sorry for people whom this might bore, but this is a good way for me to talk about whole eating and how I'm doing on this challenge for the month of May. Here we go:
1. Knowing I am doing this challenge (and trying the cash envelope system for my food budget) made me shop differently in the grocery stores today. I didn't pick up snacks which would be different if I weren't doing this challenge.

Here we go:
Breakfast - at Flying Biscuit Cafe in Cameron Village (Raleigh) - shared a meal with Rachael. Biscuit with their homemade cranberry butter. 1/2 piece of french toast with vanilla creme anglaise and raspberry sauce. 1 egg, 1 piece of their chicken sausage, 3/4 piece bacon, 1/2 bowl of their homemade creamy grits.

Shopped at Fresh Market: rainbow chard for some soup and asparagus bc it was on sale

Lunch - at Watts Grocery in Durham - small bowl of local granola, local yogurt with fresh fruit. Housemade english muffin with blueberry preserves.

Shopped at TJ, Whole Foods, and Target: bananas, apples, green lentils.

Snacked on 1/4 cup trail mix (goldfish, life cereal, craisins, peanuts, m&ms) - I was making them for our teacher training tomorrow at church.

Dinner: 1 red potato and 1/2 small onion - roasted with evoo and s/p. 1/2 beefsteak tomato with some sea salt. Looking forward to that dinner.

That will be it! So, halfway decent - but better than I've done the whole month - especially with sharing the meal at Flying Biscuit. Gotta do it again tomorrow.

EAT LOCAL! EAT FRESH! It is easy!

Taste of Durham: Watts Grocery

2010-05-01T17:40:00.003-04:00

I love LOCAL. I wish Raleigh had more eat local restaurants - but alas, will have to keep making the drive to Durham and Chapel Hill.

Watts Grocery is on Broad Street - near the 9th Street district and one of Duke's campuses. This wasn't here when I lived in Durham and worked near the spot of the restaurant. My friend Kristin recommended this place and it was a winner.

They are only open for brunch for a few hours on Saturday. We got there about 25 minutes after they opened and we had a 20 minute wait. But, the line kept building, so this place has earned quite a reputation.

All local farms provide the food for this restaurant.

I had Little Red Wagon Farms granola (from Chapel Hill) - but Louisville people - you can buy it too! Yogurt was delicious - a vanilla kind maybe from Chapel Hill Creamery, or another local farm. Topped with blueberries, raisins, and strawberries and pecans. Very good. House made english muffin with fresh butter and blueberry preserves. Good local eats.

Kristin had the huevos rancheros - made with red beans for a slight change. She said hers was great too!

Will be making another trip: the blood orange mimosa sounds good and the toasted pimiento cheese sandwich or the strawberry caramel filled french toast. How can you go wrong?

31 Whole Days Challenge

2010-04-30T12:17:00.005-04:00

Praise God April is (almost) over. Its been a great month, but not for the eating/exercising/weight part of it. May will be different!
I love starting new things, having goals, etc.
Happy Herbivore is doing this and when I saw it - I thought I could do this. It is not RAW, but unprocessed - I think there is a difference.
My friend Sarah is doing it and she has made her own tweaks to make this be balanced and work for her.
So, this month:
1. Going to keep a food journal and really assess how easy or hard it is to eat whole, unprocessed foods (with receipts).
2. Going to apply this wholly while I am at home, but slack some while at restaurants. Try to eat as whole as possible out, but knowing I can't control everything on a menu.
3. Will keep up with my recipes from magazines and will try to just bake then I can give them away and not eat them. I don't have any whole, unprocessed magazine recipes.
4. Will post the highlights and lowlights each wknd for the month of May.

Looking forward to the challenge. Are you up for it?

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars (2010.17)

2010-04-30T10:58:00.003-04:00

Best thing I've cooked (new) all month. Great way to end April! We are having Joy Prom at Church tonight and these are for the hundreds of volunteers we will have:

Makes 16 - not healthy at all (but very yummy)

1 1/2 cup powdered sugar

1 1/2 cup creamy pb (I used skippy, not all natural) - the whole regular jar - then used the jar for Oats in a Jar this morning for breakfast

1 1/2 tsp vanilla

1 roll (16.5 oz) chocolate chip cookie dough

350. square ungreased pan.

Press about 3/5 of the dough on bottom of pan. Mix sugar, pb, and vanilla. Spread on top. Crumble rest of cookie dough on top and bake for about 30 minutes.

Let chill for about an hour. Cut into bars.

Serve chilled or room temp. Get them out of the house!

Couscous Chicken Salad with Vegetables (2010.16)

2010-04-30T10:42:00.003-04:00

I really like couscous and I like chicken and I like vegetables. Thought this would be good. That's about it - it was good.

Here you go:

This is from Easy Summer Meals (Cooking Light)

1 1/2 cup water

1 T evoo

3/4 tsp salt

1 cup couscous (uncooked)

1 yellow pepper, diced

1/2 finely chopped zuk

1/2 cup chopped mushroom

1 1/2 cup chopped chicken (I cooked mine and saved the broth for some soup I am going to make this wknd)

1/2 cup diced carrots

3 green onions, chopped

3 T dried currants

1 T dried chopped mint (or fresh)

pepper

Dressing:

1 cup plain ff yogurt

3 T lemon juice

1 T honey (less because it was really sweet, or Agave nectar)

1 T apple cider vinegar (or what you have)

Chop all veggies. Chop chicken. Cook couscous according to directions. Mix up dressing. Combine all. Best served over mixed greens for a light lunch.

1 1/2 cups: 368 cal, 8 fat, 4 fiber

Taste of Raleigh: Bella Monica Flatbread Company

2010-04-28T23:28:00.006-04:00

Italian food. Comfort food.

There is a small, local Italian place within a 1/2 mile of home and I finally had a chance to go tonight. Definitely had to make reservations and had great company.

I tried to be a little on the healthy side - so I didn't have any ooey gooey cheese - will have to go back and try something that has cheese!

Good:

1. The hospitality. Like an Italian family dinner table. They were excited we were there, people in white chef's coats brought out our food, and they were very welcoming even when we were leaving. They weren't shoving us out of there and couldn't care less about how long we stayed and talked.

2. The meatballs. Perfectly seasoned and not dry at all - that's what I like. Maybe I need to go back and get a huge meatball sub!

3. Option for whole wheat pasta. I went for the whole wheat penne - I could be a little healthy.

4. The tomato sauce. Not too spicy, not too chunky. Perfect for a pasta sauce. Right on!

5. My friends enjoyed their meal: chicken parm and stuffed shells. They both said they were great.

The Wish Was Better:

1, The bread. Definitely dig any other Italian place's bread better than here. Dry and not too flavorful.

2. The bruschetta. They were cheap (which was good for an appetizer) but neither were really that good: blue crab on one and chicken liver pate on the other. I could have passed on both.

3. The non-descript salad. Yes it was good. But there was nothing special about it.

Would I go again - yes, definitely trying something cheesy this next time.

Would I make it my go to Italian place? Not yet - and definitely the chains are better so far.

Have heard amazing things about their pizza - so may hit that up soon!

Taste of Mooresville: Lancaster's BBQ

2010-04-25T19:58:00.004-04:00

What kind of BBQ fan are you? Is it a noun or a verb? Do you like Memphis, TX, Sonny's, Eastern, Western, TN, KY - so many people out there and everyone with an opinion on BBQ. Well...

Here is mine...

I had one of the best BBQ sandwiches ever to be put in my mouth today. Definitely worth the 2 hour and 20 minute drive and the 3.85 per sandwich. The chopped cole slaw and the mild sauce (not vinegar) made this sandwich dynamite!

It is definitely a fave of my sister-in-laws and a gas station in Mooresville has it for sale on Sundays.

The homemade chips are great and not too salty - fun to eat when dipped in ranch dressing. They also come seasoned if you want them - cajun style - that is how Alan chose to eat his - dipped in their vinegar sauce.

So good - go now.

Menu Week: April 26

2010-04-23T16:16:00.002-04:00

This is a busy week - much eating out, hanging out with people. Looking forward to ALL of it! Gotta make wise decisions though about what I get!

Monday: oats and fruit for breakfast (good start to the week). Homemade chicken quinoa soup for lunch and veggies. Dinner is at Champas (the thai part of it) with bonnie over reading.

Tuesday: Breakfast at one of my fave places: Cafe Carolina (not that they have anything healthy there). Lunch with a new friend. Coffee at Bux later with a mission-minded college girl at State.

Wednesday: Publix bread, pb, and fruit. Lunch is with my co-workers at Crabtree Valley Mall (so many options). Dinner with some fave people at the Summit to meet their new(ish) little boy. Can't wait for that meal and hang out time!

Thursday: Publix bread. Salad. Dinner while babysitting for some wild and crazy kids who love Jesus!

Friday: Egg white omelette with veggies, soup and pbj, dinner is something random because we have Joy Prom that night!

Saturday: Flying Biscuit with Rach, then off to the Farmers Market. Can't wait to see what I find - and that will be lunch and dinner.

The recipe of the week this week will be something I can bake for the Joy Prom Volunteer room on Friday night - I'm thinking bars or brownies of some sort!

Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies

2010-04-22T21:11:00.003-04:00

I love cookies. Bad, bad cookies! :)

But, when you are making them for 8th grade girls to go along with pizza and get them full of sugar for a sleepover - they are perfect. These are so good - especially right out of the oven. Perfectly chewy!

1 cup unsalted butter, room temp

1 cup light brown sugar

3/4 cup sugar

1 tsp vanilla

2 eggs (room temp)

2 1/2 cup flour

3/4 tsp baking soda

1/4 SCANT tsp salt

5 oz butterscotch chips

4 oz semi sweet chocolate chips

4 oz milk chocolate chips

3/4 cup chopped walnuts

Cream wet ingredients. Add in dry. Fold in chips and nuts.

Larger cookies - 11 minutes - slightly sprayed cookie sheets. 350 degrees.

Cool and eat!

Question: Do have a favorite cookie sheet that looks like this one? And what are your fave chips to use in cookies?

Menu Week: April 19

2010-04-17T19:48:00.003-04:00

Ok - here is a week of no snacking! I gotta do it! Here we go: I'm actually writing this down on an actual piece of paper and putting it on the fridge so I can remember what I'm packing for lunch this week. Let's see if this works:
Monday: oats, couscous salad, dinner with some friends at their home
Tuesday: Publix bread and fruit for breakfast, soup and yogurt/fruit for lunch, salad with couscous chicken on top (note that the couscous salad is the recipe of the week
Wednesday: oats and fruit, soup, chipotle for dinner (salad with veggies, no chips)
Thursday: granola and milk for breakfast, sweet tomatoes with a sweet friend for lunch, salad with couscous for dinner then off to LocoLu's for roommate night
Friday: oats with fruit, soup and tomato sandwich for lunch, dinner with friends
Saturday: bfast before the 5k, lunch and dinner are up for grabs. Haven't gotten that far. Maybe whatever is for leftovers by that time in the week.

Durham Farmers' Market and Food Thoughts

2010-04-17T19:13:00.002-04:00

Greetings for a Saturday night. Its been a good day.

The Durham Farmers' Market is great local find. All vendors have to be within 50 miles or so of Durham Cty. Which is very local!

I found french breakfast radishes. I have already used them all: in a stir-fry (w broccoli, carrots, mushrooms, zuks) and roasted - which they almost turn to mush. Raw - these have a peppery bite which I'm not used to with regular radishes you buy in the store. I even am going to use the green as a salad tomorrow for lunch.

I found a hybrid green: green leaf and romaine. Hearty lettuce that will stand up for the base of my couscous chicken salad this week.

I also found a winery in Graham that makes Scuppernong and Muscadine wines. So, I tasted all three and liked the Scuppernong the best. May go back and gte some more later - however I was nice and bought my brother some Muscadine wine. Let's see if he likes it as much as Dakota Winery's...

Here are my food thoughts:

1. I have been snacking WAY too much. Not even bad stuff - just eating too much. I don't like that feeling and I don't like that sin.

2. So, I think I will spend tomorrow journaling about it, getting back to God's heart on my eating and exercising, and see if we can get a game plan going here for more obedience.

3. I will (starting tomorrow) take my friend Sarah's advice and maybe try to eat bigger meals so I will not snack every 2 hours to so. I won't be tempted to open that snack drawer in my office. I won't be tempted to grab that handful of SweetTart jellybeans! And if I do snack, it has to ve veggies or fruit - plain. Or with mustard. None of these processed pretzels, or cool whip, or even granola which is higher in fat. I need healthy fruits and veggies.

4. I would rather be able to wear all my clothes than to eat more. But, that shouldn't be more sole reason. I should do it to please my God who sent His Son to die for me. Right now, for me, that doesn't seem to be a big enough reason. Lord...help.

Taste of Raleigh: El Rodeo

2010-04-16T14:43:00.004-04:00

Went to lunch with some co-workers today to really talk about children's ministry - and you can definitely talk for a while over chips and salsa.

We went to a place across the street from the church called El Rodeo (no www). Typical mexican place - nicer ambience than some other local places.

Liked our waiter - he was very nice. The food came out in about 6 minutes - really - we were surprised at how fast it was. We went a little after 11am and were the first ones there, but by the time we left about 1240 it was more full.

I got the sincronizada - a vegetarian tortilla sandwich: mushroom, onion, pepper, jalepenos, and cheese - with sliced avocado on top. My mouth was on fire but it was absolutely wonderful! I loved it. 6.75 got me that, a huge portion of rice (which wasn't anything to rave about and I only took a few bites), chips (again, blah chips) and salsa (I really liked their salsa).

So...good to know there is a good place close by - but I'll still be looking for good Mexican places in the area!

Strawberry Oat Bars - 2010.15

2010-04-16T14:32:00.005-04:00

I thought this recipe was going to be better than what it turned out to be: oh, well. I liked the jam - although it made it sticky. And I liked the dough before it was baked. But, it turned out dry. Oh, well. Here you go (because I even put fails up here). Ok - my roommate said they weren't a fail - she ate it. I told her I threw the rest of them out.

This is called learning:

1 cup flour

1/2 cup whole wheat flour

1 cup oats

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

3/4 cup chopped pecans

zest of one lemon

1/4 tsp baking soda

1/2 cup applesauce

1/4 cup canola oil

1 1/4 cup strawberry preserves

Mix dry, add wet. Take one cup out and set aside.

Press the rest of the dough into the bottom of foil-lined 9x9 pan. Bake the dough for 20 minutes at 350. Remove from oven, spoon the jam over the hot crust. Top with remaining dough.

Bake an additional 30 minutes or until lightly browned.

This recipe is from my GoodNeighbor magazine from my insurance agency.

California Waldorf Salad: from Moosewood

2010-04-15T16:50:00.003-04:00

Well, here was my first recipe from the 100$ for 1.50 cookbook. I like it ok- just wouldn't serve it for dinner (which is what I'm doing).

3 large apples, chopped (I used 1 large golden delicious and 2 medium pink ladies, skin on)

juice of 2 lemons, divided

2 tangerines (I would use mandarin oranges next time - no seeding)

2 stalks celery (I used 2 instead of 1)

1/4 cup dried currants

1/2 cup cashews (I didn't toast them)

Dressing: (sweeter than I thought, would use less honey next time)

1 cup plain ff yogurt

1 small avocado (maybe the world's perfect food)

zest of half lemon

3 T honey (I used orange blossom)

Toss apple mixture with juice of one of the lemons.

Mix dressing and other lemon juice in a blender till smooth.

Mix together gently.

Serve over mixed greens.

I would serve this for a brunch in the summer. Pretty and light and sweet. Would be good paired with muffins.

Taste of Raleigh: Wildflour Boston Pizza

2010-04-14T15:38:00.004-04:00

For 6 months I lived within walking distance of this place and never went. Today was the first day I ventured out with a co-worker to check out a little corner restaurant in Stonehenge (N. Raleigh) for lunch: Wildflour Boston Pizza.

Ok - I don't thnk I had even heard of Boston Pizza. Yeah, of course - Chicago, New York, CPK, homemade, Dominos, Pizza Hut, Papa Johns, Little Caesar...we have our favorites...but Boston?

I wasn't even planning on getting pizza...

But, I saw the price (7 for a small - 6 slices - and 1.45 for each topping) and the fact that I could get it with whole wheat crust - that sold me on it!

Tall-sided crust, medium bottom crust, crunchy, not your typical mozzerella cheese, and fresh roma tomatoes! I even had a little avocado put on top from my friend's fiesta salad.

It was...good. The pizza and conversation was much better than the service. It wasn't that crowded, but it seemed to take a while for us to get our order and we had to wait for straws, etc. Our server wasn't overly friendly - just soft-spoken and matter of fact.

So...do I have to go again tomorrow because everything was fantabulous - no. But, would I go again - yes.

Menu Week: April 12

2010-04-11T22:37:00.002-04:00

This is going to be a great, but busy week! Here we go!
Monday: whole wheat bagel thin with pb and veggie cream cheese (on different halves) before a meeting, fruit at the meeting. Lunch is Moes. Dinner is roasted asparagus and an egg white.
Tuesday: leftovers for lunch and dinner: black beans for lunch and 2 bean soup for dinner
Wednesday: eating out with a cool new lady at work and dinner will be asparagus with an egg white (new low fat dinner)
Thursday: bagel thin, lunch will be maybe something at Caribou, dinner with be a new recipe from the moosewood cookbook: california waldorf salad over mixed greens. And I'm making a new healthy bar recipe - strawberry oat bars - for dessert (with cool whip).
Friday: El Rodeo for lunch and something crazy healthy for dinner
Saturday: pumpkin oatmeal muffins (haven't made those in a long time) before a bike ride (with dark chocolate pb) and then hopefully some fresh fruit and veggie from the Durham Farmers Market - or another great local place over there - after the bike ride. Saturday night - something uber healthy again.
Sunday: carbs for breakfast and lunch as I'll be running a 10k that afternoon
Recipe of the week: Strawberry Oat Bars
I've been snacking way too much. Need to stop! I need to brush my teeth or something after every meal so I don't keep snacking!
Anyway - there you have it! :)

Two Bean Italian Soup (2010.14)

2010-04-11T17:15:00.003-04:00

Does a recipe ever surprise you? This was my question when I tasted this soup this afternoon - shortly after it perfumed my apartment with wonderful smelling-ness!

BHG's February 2008 magazine gave me this Tuscan Bean Soup. I only made 2 alterations to it. And, it is very yummy. I could drink the broth by the gallon!

So easy too. Don't be afraid of soups in the spring/summer...

1/2 bag baby carrots, chopped

1 smallish onion, chopped

1 large garlic clove, minced

2 T olive oil

2 cans reduced-sodium chicken broth (or make your own)

1 can great northern beans

1 can garbanzo beans (both beans, drained and rinsed)

3 tsp italian seasoning

1 pkg spinach

black pepper

Saute first two in olive oil till softened, add garlic. Then add the broth and the beans. Let simmer. Add the spinach and cook for about 30 seconds - then it is done. How easy and surprisingly healthy and good.

Taste of Morrisville: Smokey's BBQ Shack

2010-04-11T14:56:00.004-04:00

Just off of the beaten path... (I'm singing an Alabama song as I write that) - in Morrisville is a little trailer type restaurant on the side of the ride, picnic table outside, gravel parking lots, red front door.

Smokey's BBQ Shack just started opening on the weekends and by the time we left it was definitely pretty full by the locals. It was NC bbq - smoked meat (I tried the pork and chicken, taking most of the chicken as leftovers) with a vinegar based sauce. The pork was good - wasn't dry and tasted good with the sauce. The sides I ordered: green beans and french fries - neither were as good as Sonny's. But...the pork and the little hushpuppies made up for it.

What was the two best things about this restaurant: the atmosphere (roll of paper towels on each table, laid back, unpretentious in every way) and the company. This is a place my friend would always go to when she lived there. Janel moved to the Windy City but got her sweet tea fix just minutes after the airport yesterday.

Peeps Smores

2010-04-08T21:16:00.004-04:00

Mark this down as something I would never think to do.

I don't normally like Peeps - never have. I bought a pack this year for my friend Becca who mentioned she loves them. I have also bought them for my friend Michelle who also likes them - but that has been my experience with them. I even love marshmellows - especially homemade ones - I don't know what my deal is.

About a month ago I heard about this peep party among the ladies at Providence. I greatly anticipated this little shindig during my first week here.

Ingredients:

graham crackers

dark chocolate bars

Peeps (buying them after Easter makes this very cheap)

aluminum foil

napkins

Line a pan with foil. Turn oven on broil. Place half a graham cracker down, top with chocolate, then a peep (no color specification needed). Broil for about 15-30 seconds - literally they don't take very long at all. You want them just browned on top of their cute little heads. Take them out - smush (technically cooking term) down the other half of the graham cracker. Enjoy.

Taste of Raleigh: Assaggio's

2010-04-07T19:29:00.004-04:00

The ladies at Providence took me out to lunch - had fun getting to know them better. Right across the street was this little Italian place, cafe, good place for lunch. By the time we left it was pretty full.

I got the special which was under $6 and included a refillable drink, a HUGE slice of pizza with one topping, and a salad. Since we also had a large group, they brought us baskets of garlic knots.

The unsweet tea and garlic knots rocked. Little pieces of garlic were in the bottom of the basket - yummy. I had half of one - very good.

The salad was generic but good - refreshing before I put pizza in my mouth.

The pizza was good: not very cheesy, liked the thickness, liked the mushrooms, was almost cold by the time I got it (I blame it on the large group).

The company was wonderful. Refills and price were great. And the service was good and friendly.

The pizza and salad - not much to write home about. Maybe I'll go back for another meal and try something else.

Goodwill Find: The Moosewood Cookbook

2010-04-07T08:53:00.004-04:00

So, a few months ago on my google reader came a list of cookbooks that were great to have. One on the list was the Moosewood Cookbook from a restaurant in Ithica, NY. This cookbook was published in 1977 (the year I was born) and I do believe is currently out of print. They do have many other cookbooks if you want to get one.
Some of the reasons this cookbook is worth so much is because of its hand-written recipes and pencil drawings. There are plenty of great vegetarian, whole food recipes. I am looking forward to trying many of them.
I was out shopping at my local Goodwill here in Raleigh the other night and came across this. It was AMAZING. I couldn't believe it. I picked it up and horded it so no one else would come steal it from me.
Now the question: what will I cook from it?
Sweet Potato Pancakes, Brazilian Black Bean Soup, Polenta Pizza, Minestrone, Salads, and some of their sauces
Second question, will I keep it or try to sell it?
Depends on if the recipes are any good...
What are your thoughts on valuable cookbooks - keep or sell?

Spring "Earth Day" Green Giveaway!

2010-04-04T21:02:00.004-04:00

I love My Blog Spark. I get great things to try, coupons, cool, fun things to add to my kitchen - and they give me stuff to give to you, my readers, as well.

April holds the day known as "Earth Day". I am by no means a totally green girl - but I have started some things. My new roomie is about recycling, so I will do what I can. I try to remember those cloth grocery bags when I go to WF or other places to shop. I care more about what I do and put in/on my body than about thing things I use for exterior things.

But, Green Giant (ho ho ho greeeeeeeen giant) and My Blog Spark are offering you a prize package to grow your own herbs, add to your utensil collection, and get some free veggies. I love wooden (or bamboo) utensils so these three were a great addition in my new kitchen. And I have a porch now so I can't wait to grow my own little herb garden. You can get the same thing.

To enter: you can do one of two things:

1. Tell me what your easy way is to protect/sustain the earth?

2. Tell me what is your fave recipe using green giant frozen veggies?

Thanks! Happy playing. You have till Wednesday, April 7th to enter!

Menu Week: April 5

2010-04-04T14:18:00.002-04:00

Wow - here we go! :)
I already love living in Raleigh - have eaten at Chipotle, Tripps, Whole Foods, and the Cheesecake Factory - good stuff! This week will be some leftovers, eating out, and over at a friend's home.
So, since I haven't sat down to plan out my daily menu - I'll just give you a run down of what I will be eating this week. Usually I will take Fridays to plan for the next week - sitting at Caribou - planning my work, home, exercise, and cooking schedule for the following week
Breakfasts will probably be fruit and banana pancakes.
Lunch: leftovers of cheesecake factory's chopped vegetable salad with chicken - at least 2 days; majudra leftovers - maybe topped on a salad.
Dinners: salad with egg whites - grits and egg white - and then whatever else I didn't eat for lunch.
Thursday I'm hanging out with Bonnie for dinner. Saturday for lunch will be BBQ in Morrisville with Janel. The recipe of the week will be Tuscan Bean Soup from BH&G 2/2008. I know it is getting warm, but I still find something so comforting in soups. I love things you can eat with a spoon! And it is really easy and full of vegetables! I'll probably go ahead and make this completely vegetarian by using veggie broth instead of chicken broth.

Majudra - Middle Eastern Peasant Food

2010-04-04T13:42:00.003-04:00

Majudra, majadra - however you spell it - spell it my new fave comfort food. Cheap, warm, perfect as a salad topping, caramelized onions - can it get any better?

I had seen this as a recipe, and I have had the recipe, but I had not made it yet. Then, 2 weeks ago I went to The Grape Leaf in Louisville and ordered this. I LOVED IT. But, I knew the caramelized onions would have to be more prominent for me!

So, I had everything I needed in my pantry when I moved this week, so I decided to make this...

1 1/2 cup rice

3 cups water, boiling

2 cloves chopped garlic

olive oil

3/4 cup green lentils (no need to pre-soak)

2 cups water

1 tsp cumin

salt

2 onions, thinly sliced

olive oil

Heat olive oil and pour in rice - cooking till opaque - like you would risotto. Pour in water and garlic - simmer with lid on till done.

Cook lentils till done but not mushy - then add seasonings.

Sauted onions, stirring a few times - not a lot.

Bowl: rice, lentils, caramelized onions. Top with either melted butter or olive oil.

Next time: I'll make it with more cumin and brown rice, maybe switch out the all olive oil for half oil and butter on the onions.

SO GOOD!

Baked Grits - 2010.13

2010-04-02T16:28:00.003-04:00

My Dad is from the South and he loves grits. So, when I knew he was staying for a few days to help me get settled here in Raleigh, I knew I wanted to make this recipe. I halved the recipe and glad I did because their serving sizes are huge! This was rich, creamy, nutty (due to Parm cheese). So good. Cooking Light has a winner here.

2 cups milk (I used skim, in a glass, from a local farm: delish)

2 cups water

pinch of salt

3/4 cup quick cooking grits (scant, I just like them thicker)

2 oz grated parm cheese (about 2/3 cup)

2 1/2 egg whites

pinch of black pepper

2 T chopped fresh chives

pinch of salt

Bring milk, water, and salt to boil. Stir in grits, turn down to simmer, cover and let cook, stirring occassionally, for 8 minutes. Meanwhile, grate cheese, seperate egg whites, chop chives.

Whisk egg whites to stiff peaks (don't over beat) with pinch of salt. Add chives, pepper, and salt to grits when they are done. Fold in the egg whites (don't deflate them). Pour in greased 8x8 pan and bake at 350 for about 25-30 minutes. Lightly browned, little wobbly in middle.

Enjoy. I cooked some eggs and decorate the plate with remaining chives.

About 200 calories - and worth it!

Roasted Orange Chive Salmon

2010-04-01T19:47:00.003-04:00

Is oatmeal a meal? Good, I agree. Its not. Therefore, my first real meal I cooked was SO GOOD. I told my Dad while eating it - that it was the best salmon I have ever had second only to the time I was in Craig, Alaska and had it right off the boat.

zest of one mandarin orange

1 tsp chopped fresh chives

8 oz fresh atlantic salmon (w/skin, got it from Whole Foods)

evoo

s/p

425 degrees. Place aluminum foil on a small baking sheet. Spray with pam.

Pat dry salmon. Drizzle with evoo. Zest orange and chop the chives over the top. Bake for about 15 minutes, maybe a little more till the fish easily flakes.

Enjoy. I served mine with roasted asparagus and roasted new pototoes.

Taste of Chattanooga: Niko's Southside Grill

2010-03-28T20:16:00.005-04:00

Perfect timing. On the way to Chattanooga on Thursday, my Mom called with news of her new Southern Living magazine. She said there was a right up of Chattanooga. Well, this might prove very helpful.

We chose to go to Niko's - which was featured in Southern Living.

We called and made reservations for Friday night at 5pm, but none was needed - it was really early on a Friday night so it was pretty quiet. I'm sure it was hopping by the end of the night.

Drew was our exceptional waiter - who even knew the greens that we had on our main course and recommended a great dessert. He was also friendly and very prompt.

The atmosphere was slightly trendy yet classic. Liked it. It was also quiet, but not pretentious.

To start: calamari: oh goodness yum and tender - we downed it all!

The bread came out then - light loaf with I think asiago on top which made it a bit salty - so I just took the top off. Even asiago bagels I don't like because of the saltiness of this particular cheese.

We order twin filets with brandy jus, greens (arugula and spinach) and roasted red potatoes. My steak was cooked perfectly medium and Aarica's was a little too done for her exceptional liking. But the greens made up for her medium well steak - they were outstanding. The brandy jus brought the sweetness out contrasted with the peppery bite of the arugula.

For dessert we shared the white chocolate torte with grilled pineapple - I loved the white chocolate torte, let Aarica have the pineapple after it also had a charcoal-y grill taste much like the steak.

Over all - price was decent - 44$ then tip. Atmosphere was good, food was good, and the service was exceptional.

Menu Week: March 29 - MOVE TO RALEIGH!

2010-03-28T19:44:00.003-04:00

It is here. Its been coming since the middle of October. I am returning to North Carolina. Yes, to stay! I can't believe God has given me this amazing opportunity!
Monday: (still in Ville): Wild Eggs, North End (which I went to today, found out they are now open on Monday and am going back), and FABD at home (or temp apt)
Tuesday: Travel is dooley's bagel with pb, banana, pbj (note carbs and pb), sandwiches and apples for dinner once in Raleigh.
Wednesday: soaked oats for bfast with Dad, lunch somewhere, dinner is roasted salmon and veggies.
Thursday: Breakfast is baked grits casserole from Cooking Light - recipe of the week. Don't know about the rest of the day.
Friday: same bfast, lunch with Anne Basden, and dinner out somewhere with Dad before he heads back to FL.
Saturday: fruit before run, pbj and fruit salad with KC and Katelyn, and Rudino's with my roomie and her friends for dinner.
Sunday (EASTER): have no clue except that I will be making some eggs to dye and some spring sugar cookies for the first day of my new job! :)
Many new food adventures coming in Raleigh - and getting back on track - no more of this gaining weight!

Taste of Chattanooga: Chattanooga Cupcake

2010-03-25T22:43:00.004-04:00

I love the downtown area of Chattanooga: stores, restaurants, theatres, the Tennessee River, the aquarium. I first learned of it a few years ago by sightseeing with a friend, but now I just love to explore.
Today I went there for lunch and dessert. Dessert was a no-brainer when we saw the sign "Chattanooga Cupcakes". (The wonderful pictures will come Sunday because I can't get them to load.)
The folks in there were so kind to let us take pictures of the cute decor, the beautiful cased cupcakes, and to gladly sell us to wonderfully delicious cupcakes.
I chose the Italian Creme cupcake - the frosting was out of this world - I think I literally said "this is better than Publix frosting" - never before said that.
Aarica had the lemon raspberry cupcake - which had raspberry cream cheees filling with lemon frosting and raspberry drizzle on top. The cupcake was so moist and scrumptious with the filling.
If you are ever in downtown Chatt - by the Aquarium - you MUST stop in - save some room for a cupcake - which is usually a necessity of life!

Lemon Bars (Gluten and Dairy Free) - SO YUMMY!

2010-03-23T15:10:00.002-04:00

I love hanging out with other healthy foodies. I learn so much. My friends Jenny and Michelle and I hung out for lunch today. Michelle has a hard time with her diet - trying to figure out what her body will and won't "accept". She made these amazing bars! I loved how full of protein they were and how amazingly delicious they were, also.
My Papa would love them - never knowing they were healthy for him.
I will definitely be making these - so incredibly good to take on a picnic or somewhere during the summer because they are tangy and summer-y!

Chocolate Orange Pecan Brownies (2010.12)

2010-03-23T09:41:00.004-04:00

Bon Appetit redeems itself with this week's recipe. And aren't I glad?!
There is a bakery/coffee shop/cafe in Montana that this recipe comes from (definitely would warrant a trip to Bozeman, MT), and these are delicious cake like on the top, fudgy in the middle, brownies with a hint of orange (I would like more).
These made 16 and the only thing I could say that I would like better is if they cut easier - they were kinda crumbly - but I did not wait till they were cool, so that may have been my problem.
Sorry - no pictures. It was this morning and I was in a hurry to get them done before work, and didn't have time to pick up the camera...

1/2 cup boiling water
6 T unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/4 packed dark brown sugar
3/4 cup flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup chopped pecans (I didn't toast mine)
2 eggs
10 T unsalted butter, melted, cooled
zest of one orange (I might do two next time)
1/2 tsp vanilla

Combine water and cocoa powder, set aside. Melt butter, set aside to cool.
Mix sugar through pecans, set aside.
Whisk eggs, add butter, orange zest, and vanilla. Add in chocolate mixture. Add in dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
Pour into greased 9x9 pan, bake at 350 for about 27-30 minutes. I left mine in there for 28 and they were a little too done on the sides, but perfect in the middle.
Enjoy!

Menu Week: March 22

2010-03-20T09:42:00.002-04:00

This is it. This is my last full week in the Ville. And not even that because I'll be heading to Chattanooga for a conference on Thursday - back late Saturday night. Then only here for 2 days. Wow! This week is baking and eating out mostly. Here we go:
Monday: oatmeal, Cafe LouLou with Sarah, homemade margarhita pizzas and salad with Liz for a movie night. Baking a simple granola.
Tuesday: oatmeal, leftover pizza and salad for lunch on SBTS grounds with Michelle and Jenny - two foodies here on campus I've gotten to know. Dinner is with Josh and Shana and Truett - I'm bringing fruit and yogurt parfaits for dessert.
Wednesday: Calistoga Cafe with Becca for our last book breakfast. Rayann gave me a BOGO coupon so that will definitely help. Lunch is at Grape Leaf with Aarica before we go get the rental car. Dinner is whatever I need to use up in my fridge before leaving for Chatt.
Thursday - breakfast for the wknd is thins with pb and fruit. Lunch will probably be some sandwiches after we set up for the conference. Dinner: so many great restaurants. I'll definitely shoot back on those later.
Friday: same as Thursday.
Saturday: same for bfast and lunch, then hiking with Tasya. On the way back we'll eat some sandwiches.
Sunday: early morning breakfast with the Joneses, lunch will be whatever will fuel me for a run with Sarah, then dinner is late with Rach when she gets in town of Lotsa Pasta pasta with a roasted tomato and pepper sauce - blackberries with yogurt and agave for dessert. Yum!
Baking this week: chocolate chip cookies and chocolate orange brownies. Hopefully both turn out better than last week's FAIL.
I'm already looking forward to this week and looking forward to my first week of cooking in a new apt/old city next week!

Wizenberg's Blueberry Oat Scones - (FAIL) 2010.11

2010-03-19T13:53:00.002-04:00

I hate having failures. These weren't even worth their weight of flour I used!
I changed my mind from the lemon blueberry cheesecake bars to Molly Wizenberg's Blueberry Oat Scones in Bon Appetit..
These turned out more like blue pancakes. I used blackberries instead of blueberries but everything else I followed the recipe to a tea. They just had no flavor (and I used freshly picked then frozen blackberries, so it wasn't the fruit). Texture wasn't right for scones.
Oh, well. Everything can not be a success!
Next week is another chance for Bon Appetit to redeem themselves: chocolate orange brownies. We shall see.

St. Patrick's Day Green Smoothie

2010-03-17T08:56:00.002-04:00

This was so yummy! :) Maybe my fave green smoothie to date!
At Whole Foods on Sunday, I bought a little packet of this stuff. I had tried it in there one day, didn't want to pay a TON for it, so then I saw this little packet - that's my style. Added good nutrients to my already good for me smoothie.
Also in the smoothie was 1/4 cup of this yummy stuff! More nutrients and added good smooth texture! Got it at Whole Foods too!
Also normal stuff: 1 1/2 cup frozen strawberries (from Huber's last year), 1/2 red pear, 16 oz water, 1/2 banana, 1 1/2 big handfulls of spinach.

This was so good. I drank half and will drink the other half for breakfast this morning. I anticipate being full until my lunch at Cheesecake Factory!

Spicy Maple Pecans

2010-03-15T10:20:00.004-04:00

I come from a family of pecan growers. I love those little tasty nuts! :)
So does my Granny. She gave me plenty of them at Christmas time when I was down in FL for a visit. I heard that she liked spiced or sweet pecans. So, for her birthday in February I said I would make her some. Well, now it is about 3 weeks after that and I am just getting around to making/sending them. But, these are so good - so please get them out of your house quickly!

I found this recipe on Hannah's blog (I love her simple yet beautiful photography) and halved it:

1/2 lb pecan halves, unsalted
1 1/2 T unsalted butter, melted
2 T real maple syrup
1/2 T light brown sugar
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/3 tsp cayenne pepper

375. Pan with shallow sides, spray pam. Mix all together to evenly coat. Bake for about 12 minutes, stirring frequently. I only burnt 2 so that is good!

Menu Week: March 15

2010-03-12T13:53:00.003-05:00

2 more weeks to go - wow, its coming fast, but its really dragging!! My fridge is getting more bare - but I'm working better at my freezer!
Here we go:
Monday - can't eat anything early for breakfast because I'm having my cholesterol and sugar checked. Asahi for lunch with Kathy. Dinner will be balsamic roasted onions and chicken (WW recipe)
Tuesday - oatmeal with fresh fruit (cleaning out freezer), turkey salad on a arthurs thin, dinner will be a salad and egg white probably
Wednesday - Going to do a dreen smoothie in honor of St. Patty's Day! Cheesecake Factory's chopped veggie salad with chicken (390 cal, 6 fat) - an SIMPLY AMAZING - dinner is salad and pizza with the Weldys.
Thursday - Probably very much like Tuesday
Friday - Lunch at Havana Rumba with my professors as a send-off for me. I love the place and my last dish I'll try there is their signature dish - the grouper - oh, can't wait.
Saturday - lunch with going to be FABD bbq sandwiches and then a wonderful going away massage by my good friend Sarah.
Sunday - I'm heading to E-town to hand with the Nelsons for church and lunch (probably Mexican)
It'll be good - I gotta get some running in!
Recipe of the week: Lemon Cheesecake Bars with Berries

Me? A Beautiful Blogger Award Winner!

2010-03-12T12:42:00.004-05:00

Thanks to Sarah at River City Fitness - I am now a Beautiful Blogger. Sarah - thank you for the award and the friendship we've come to have!

Here is how it works:
1. Thank the person who gave you the award. – Thanks Sarah!

2. Paste the award on your blog.

3. Link back to the person who gave you the award.

4. Share seven interesting things about yourself.

5. Nominate up to 7 more beautiful bloggers.

6. Link the bloggers you nominate.

Here’s 7 “interesting” things about myself.

1. I started cooking for my family in the 3rd grade - including grocery shopping at Publix

2. One of my fave meals is baked mac and cheese

3. I started running in January 2009

4. I actually am loving the single life right now!

5. I'm about to move to a beautiful state!

6. I love to enjoy fresh picked produce - like Florida Strawberries!

7. I have lost 55 lbs since April 2008. I've kept it off since August 2009 and still want to lose more!

Here are the 7 Beautiful Blogger awards I'm giving out!

1. Beth @ Bethabee

2. Brandi @ Bites

3. Elise @ Simply Recipes

4. Kevin @ Closet Cooking

5. Laura @ In Definition

6. Kari @ Fam

7. Hannah @ Honey & Jam

Thank you all for your inspiration! :)

Lumberjack Hash - 2010.10

2010-03-12T11:59:00.002-05:00

I had everything I needed for this in my fridge/freezer - which is good because I'm trying to clean it out (it is slowly working, I promise)
This was good, I changed it a little bit - but it still needed more salt I think (I didn't put in extra in b/c of the saltiness of the ham). This is a Cooking Light recipe (best of 2004) and is 6 WW points as directed (mine probably evened out)

2 T evoo
1 medium onion, chopped
1 orange pepper, seeded and chopped
24 oz shredded hash brown potatoes, frozen
pepper to taste (salt if you want more)
2 2 oz ham steaks, chopped
1 cup 2% sharp cheddar

Saute onion for about 4 minutes, add pepper. Add in rest (not cheese). Cook until slightly browned and potatoes are done.
Smooth out in large frying pan - top with cheese. Let cheese melt. Divide by 4 and plate up. Becca brought some Plant City strawberries and a banana. And I have 2 servings leftover for Sunday and Tuesday!

Taste of Nashville: Pfunky Griddle

2010-03-08T19:25:00.004-05:00

What a neat place in a very popular and cool city.

A new friend took me here and I loved it. Walked in the door, the iCarly co-star was there (I didn't know it was her till I asked), they invited me to just help myself to the coffee.

This place was very interactive. You got to make your own food! Now, most people would not want to pay to make their own food, but I thoroughly loved it.

They had an organic 5 grain and a homestyle white pancake batter, we got mashed potatoes (for fried cakes), and I got some bacon. Vermon syrup was on the table and I got crunchy peanut butter as my topping.

Let's just say Amy and I ate our fair share of pancakes and potatoes (and bacon).

If you are ever in the Nashville/Brentwood area - off 65 at exit 81 - you must go. Fabulous prices, vegetarian options for lunch, and great staff!

Mexican Salad

2010-03-08T10:50:00.002-05:00

My best friend from high school, most times when I visit her in TN, makes this wonderful salad that I LOVE! This time we didn't have it, but I did at least walk away with the recipe. Enjoy!

1 can corn, drained
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
3/4 cup ranch dressing
1/4 cup salsa
cheese to your liking
tortilla chips to your liking
2 heads romaine lettuce
grilled chicken

Mix ranch dressing and salsa. Toss the corn, beans, cheese, and lettuce.
Grill chicken (or you can leave this out to have a vegetarian salad).
Add broken tortilla chips right before you serve it.
Toss salad with dressing and chips. Cut up grilled chicken on top of the salad. Serve with more tortilla chips, avocado, and more salsa (or ranch) if desired.

THIS IS SO GOOD!

Double Chocolate Ghirardelli Cookies (2010.9)

2010-03-08T09:26:00.005-05:00

These are a wonderful bite of chocolate-y goodness! :) I made them before my 5k on Saturday, baked some afterwards and baked the rest this morning for the office. YUM!

This recipe of the week was definitely a winner and I think you can find the recipe virtually in every cooking magazine at some point - just as an advertisement for the BEST chocolate!

1 bag dark chocolate chips - Ghirardelli 60%

6 T unsalted butter

3 eggs

1 cup sugar

1/3 cup flour

1/2 tsp baking powder

1 bag semi sweet - ghirardelli

1/2 cup chopped pecans

Melt dark chocolate and butter - let cool a bit.

Mix eggs and sugar till thick and creamy. Add in chocolate. Mix well. Add in dry ingredients. Fold in chips and nuts.

Put in seran wrap in 2 separate piles and chill for at least an hour.

Cut, roll, and bake for 11 minutes at 375.

Cool.

Best way to enjoy: warm with a tall glass of milk!

Menu Week: March 8

2010-03-08T09:17:00.002-05:00

My kitchen is getting more bare along with my fridge and freezer. My shopping lists are getting shorter - and my grocery budget is doing well!
Here we go:
Turkey, turkey orzo soup, turkey salad with celery and craisins. Those are the bulk of the main dishes. Have to use up my turkey (yum)!
New dish this week: lumberjack hash for Friday's breakfast with Becca. Topped with an egg white - can't wait to try it! Its from a Cooking Light magazine.
Eats with people this week: lunch with my friends Bonnie and Laura tomorrow, dinner with a prof and his family, Wed is dinner with another prof and his family, Thursday is lunch at Founders with a co-worker, Saturday is brunch with some girls at Toast on Market downtown Ville, and coffee at Java with a friend. Sunday is shopping with my friend Sarah at Amazing Grace and Whole Foods. Fun times!
So - gotta eat less this week. This past wknd was rough on the waistline and the scale! But, oh so yummy!

Foodie Night with Brandi

2010-03-05T13:46:00.004-05:00

I love my foodie friends!

Brandi and I worked together at SBTS before she went and had a baby. Last night was our last time to get together and hang out before I move on as well. Such is the life of seminary workers!

We had so much fun and I personally ate too much!

I made a huge salad: green leaf lettuce, roma tomato, cuk, feta cheese, pecans, dried cherries. YUM

Brandi made chuck bbq with Sweet Baby Rays sauce that she had slow cooked and then shredded. We ate it the only way you can: on a yellow bread roll that was garlic-ized in the oven on broil.

We also had baked doritos and baked ruffles.

For dessert: an eggo waffle topped with fruit, cinnamon, and maple syrup.

End the night with a Diet Doctor Pepper and my fave dude on TV solving a food-related murder - could it get any better?

I'll definitely miss Brandi - and am thankful for social media and email!

Food Mantras

2010-03-05T10:49:00.003-05:00

Bad food nights make me think so much about what needs to change in my life (usually on the morning after). Yesterday was just a bad eat day - I just ate all day. Especially with a yummy dinner with my friend, Brandi. Man, that girl can make some pulled bbq (and we had a salad).
So, I woke up this morning and thought more about this this morning (it wasn't all thought of this morning, but I had just put some final touches on it). And with changes in my life coming the end of this month (moving, sharing a fridge and freezer, having a Trader Joes and state farmers market close by where I live)...I have greater opp to put these into action.
What are your thoughts on these?

1. EAT LESS. Yes, we all know that, but let me explain. I mean, use little dishes, use little tupperware for meals and snacks to bring to work, be more mindful of portion control, eating less so I will start to be satisfied with less.
2. EAT BETTER. I have now almost completely cut out all processed foods from my diet. But, potato chips (even good for me ones) still make it into the grocery cart, some frozen dinners make it in there as well. I want to make all my salad dressings (which I do), granola bars, meals, snacks, etc. Maybe I'll start buying mostly organic, but I don't know that yet - especially the few times I eat meat, organic meat is so expensive! I don't think I want to go to a CO-OP of CSA because of the NC State Farmers Market that will be so close to me in a month. I am also excited about learning more about canning so I can do something with all these fresh fruits and vegetables.
3. SHOP MORE. This one may not necessarily go with the other two. I've always dreamed of living in a place like NYC or San Fran where I could walk down to the market and pick out what I wanted that day to eat and cook. I do love planning - but something about that is appealing to me. This will have to work because of sharing a fridge now. I need to have less stocked up and buy fresher ingredients. So, I want to go wknd farmers market shopping and then go suppliment that by TJ or HT or Super Walmart for the random things I need.
4. SPEND LESS. Am I really thinking this through? How can all these work? I have figured out that if I do the above three things, than I will actually accomplish this last one. I will waste less food, buy less because I'll be eating less, and be more picky about what I buy.

What are your food mantras or what do you think about these?

Roast Turkey with Rigatoni

2010-03-05T08:58:00.004-05:00

New babies! I love them. And with all the siblings - this recipe was a hit with the kiddos (one even went back for seconds). I served this with roasted broccoli and red peppers and peanut butter cookies.

I found a recipe similar to this on Simply Recipes, and just changed it up to my liking!

1 lb rigatoni (I like these shapes when serving to kids because they can eat them easier - trick I learned from Mrs Italian cook herself, Lauren)

12 oz sliced mushrooms

1 stick unsalted butter

1/4 cup flour

1 cup skim milk

1/2 cup half and half

1/4 cup white wine (I used Quail Creek, a CA wine that the Whole Foods guy recommended)

2 cups homemade turkey stock (made from simmering the turkey bones from my roast turkey recipe a few recipes down)

3 cups chopped roast turkey - from Ina Garten recipe I made

1 1/4 cup frozen peas

1/2 cup parm cheese

1/2 cup mozz cheese, grated

juice of one lemon

s/p/pinch of nutmeg (nutmeg goes great with cream sauces)

1/3 cup parm cheese

1/2 cup mozz cheese

Cook mushrooms (I did in evoo and Quail Creek), for about 10 minutes.

In separate small saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, then milk and half and half on low (so it doesn't scorch or boil over), then the cheese, finally spices and lemon juice.

Cook rigatoni till al dente and drain.

Mix all together. Top with remaining cheese.

Pour into 9x13 pan, lightly sprayed with pam. Bake uncovered at 375 for about 35 minutes or until top is lightly browned.

Enjoy!

Easy Shepherds Pie

2010-03-05T08:47:00.002-05:00

This month is cleaning out the pantry time! I had a can of Dinty Moore beef stew - which I do love by the way. So, on the back of the can is a great recipe for shepherds pie. I made it for a friend and her husband this past Wednesday since their nights are really busy with work and church (and traffic).

I kinda followed the recipe, but really not.

1 can dinty moore beef stew

1 cup sliced mushrooms, chopped

3/4 cup frozen peas

7 red skin potatoes

1/3 cup half and half

2 T unsalted butter

2 T parm cheese

s/p

1 cup cheddar cheese

Boil potatoes, mash, and mix with half and half, butter, cheese, and seasonings.

Dump beef stew in bottom of 8x8 pan. Break up bigger chunks of beef. Stir in mushrooms and peas. Spread potatoes on top. Bake at 400 for 20 minutes. Top with cheese and bake another 5 minutes. Serve.

Aarica and J both said this was wonderful - "best shepherds pie ever"!

Lemon and Herb Roasted Turkey Breast

2010-02-28T19:55:00.004-05:00

This might be the best turkey I've ever cooked - Thanksgiving or not! :)

Ina Garten comes through again as her little Barefoot Contessa. So thankful she did. I am trying to use things in my freezer so they won't get to waste when I move at the end of March, and I found this turkey in the back of it. Don't even remember why I bought it - maybe just b/c it was on sale. So, I looked on line. This morning I had plenty of time on my hands (after my 12 hours of sleep, 745-745, I was so tired and it was needed, some AWESOME sleep) so I just let it cook in the oven.

It was SO MOIST and flavorful! Loved it. I'm going to be using it on salads, maybe for a sandwich, mostly for turkey tetrazzini I am making for a family with a new baby on Tuesday.

Yum!

(slightly changed from original recipe because size of my turkey)

1 8 lb turkey breast

2 mega garlic cloves, minced

2 tsp dry mustard

1 tsp pepper

1 1/2 tsp rosemary

2 tsp italian seasonings

2 tsp kosher salt

1 lemon - juiced

2 1/2 T olive oil - very good, fruity olive oil works best

1 cup blush or white wine

Dry turkey breast with a paper towel. Mix garlic through oil into a paste - smear on and under the turkey (under the skin). Place skin side up in a roasting pan (or on a rack). Pour wine in the bottom of the dish. Bake for about 2.15 hours at 325 covering about halfway through because the skin will get too dark.

This is so moist, and the wine and lemon and olive oil are very good things!

Tomato-Basil Toads in the Hole

2010-02-28T19:50:00.005-05:00

Panera puts out some mighty delicious bread. I got a loaf of their tomato-basil bread for dinner on Thursday night. I wanted to use it for my breakfast with Becca. I did - and it was yummy.

2 slices of your fave bread (tomato-basil)

2 eggs

mozz cheese

pepper

spray olive oil

Spray a griddle. On about med-high put the bread (cut a hole in it with a glass - that's what I used). Crack open an egg. Cook till mostly done - or to your liking - then flip it. I overcooked mine a bit, but I will learn. Top with mozz or parm cheese and serve warm!

Menu Week: March 1

2010-02-26T22:48:00.002-05:00

Wow - already here. Well, this is the start of the end for me here in Louisville. The next month of menus will have restaurants, dinners with friends, and few homecooked exciting meals.
Monday: making peanut butter cookies for 2 families with new babies. Enjoying some leftover soup that I just took out of the freezer. Dinner will be salad greens and turkey
Tuesday: Shiraz with Rayann - 2.99$ Falafel Tuesday. Dinner: I am making Ina Garten's roast turkey (on Sunday) and using it to make Simply Recipes Turkey Tetrazzini for a friend and their new baby. Serving alongside roasted broccoli, rolls, and pb cookies
Wednesday: lunch at Lotsa Pasta - my fave deli place in the Ville - with my friend, Sarah. Dinner will be greens and turkey.
Thursday: Dinner with Brandi - just the two of us (and the little guy). Don't know what we are going to enjoy yet - but it will be wonderful when we decide. You are getting two cookers together!
Friday: hanging with Tracy on Friday night but I think I need to eat some carbs for the Anthem 5k on Saturday morning.
Recipe of the week is Ghiradhelli's Double Chocolate cookies - making to take with me to Nashville.
After the race, I'm driving down to Brentwood, TN to go to the Pfunky Griddle to enjoy some whole grain pancakes with pb and bananas on top. Dinner will be with my best friend from high school and a wonderful mexican chicken salad she makes for me every time I come (because I request it).
Sunday is hanging in Brentwood and Thompson Station, lunch, and then maybe dinner with a friend at PeiWei.
Always enjoy traveling, cooking, eating out! Good week ahead!

Taste of Louisville: Blue Lagoon

2010-02-26T21:59:00.002-05:00

The Highlands in Louisville is definitely known for its eclectic dining venues and busy Friday nights. Well, the traffic was nothing new on Bardstown Road at 715 on a Friday night, but this little place with an up and coming chef was a nice little surprise.
My friend Sarah and I went there for an evening of shared food and conversation. Love these meals. She knew the chef, so we got to place a special order (it had recently been taken off the menu).
I totally forgot my camera (blame it on Friday-night brain) so you'll have to deal with descriptions.
To start: sweet potato fries. I'm used to large, regular-fry looking, sweet potato fries - which I LOVE! But these were different. When our waiter asked if we would like them for dessert or an appetizer, I knew I was in for a treat. He quickly brought out a small bowl set on a plate of petite cut fries. A light snow-dusting of powdered sugar with a small bowl of dipping: saffron honey. I could have downed the whole container of saffron honey. If saffron weren't so expensive, I'd go buy some and make some for myself. The very last bite (once we had dumped the bowl of fries on the plate), was laced with the chili powder that had been dusted on the place. AMAZING. That was the best bite of the whole meal.
Jody, the chef, made us this wonderful Persian--version of paella. It served both of us and we weren't stuffed, so that was good. The rice was perfectly done - not sticky or crunchy. There was plenty of seafood in it: shrimp, cod, scallops, and mussels. He didn't skimp. It was very seafood-y so you would have to enjoy seafood to appreciate this dish. The only thing I could say that was a disappointment was it was not very complex in flavors - very monochromatic if I can use that word to describe food? But, we ate it all!
When the waiter brought our check, he also brought out these lovely tea shots as a palette cleanser I guess. Simple, yet a perfect way to end a meal.
So, if you are looking for something out of the ordinary and somewhat unknown still (so no wait on a Friday night) - go to Blue Lagoon on Bardstown Road. (order the sweet potato fries).

Chocolate Chip and Peanut Blondies (2010.8)

2010-02-26T16:01:00.002-05:00

Bon Appetit comes through again! These were defininitely a winner - at least among the office staff. So, you may want to make these!

1 cup all purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp soda
1 stick unsalted butter
1 1/4 packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup salted roasted peanuts
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

Melt butter on stove over medium. Remove from heat. Stir in brown sugar, than vanilla.
Let cool for about 2-3 minutes. Stir in eggs. Whisk in dry ingredients. Stir in half of peanuts and half of chips. Pour in greased and foiled 8x8 pan. Top with remaining peanuts and chips. Bake at 350 for about 30 minutes or until done.

Wknd of Eats in Raleigh

2010-02-22T15:54:00.002-05:00

Love traveling to this city. And I can't wait to try out more local foods in this zip code - get to know the local places!
My parents were up this wknd and my Dad likes "normal" food (while Mom and I are willing to try funky stuff). We definitely enjoyed our eats though. Here's some of the things we did. Sorry no pictures, I had my camera with but didn't take any photos all weekend - can you believe it?

Friday/Saturday/Sunday - the hotel had a wonderful breakfast each morning so that is what we did. Glad it was included in the price of the hotel
Friday lunch: Boston Market is next door to the place where I had some meetings, so we went there. The parents don't have one anymore. Too expensive - but they have great food - especially those fabulous sweet potato fries!
Friday dinner: Dinner with friends. We had a creamed chicken dish which was great for a cool evening. Rice, veggies, yeast rolls, and a great fruit salad for something sweet to end the meal.
Saturday late brunch: Flying Biscuit in Cameron Village. I split the Hollywood Omelette (spinach, mushrooms, goat cheese with egg whites) with Mom - we also had creamy dreamy grits, applewood smoked bacon, and a biscuit with their fab cranberry apple butter (so good). My friend let me try some of her french toast with raspberry sauce and a honey creme anglaise - great if you want something sweet for breakfast.
Saturday dinner: I don't often get to treat my parents to a meal, but I was able to this time (Dad covered tip). We went to one of my fave nice chains: Firebirds. Got the lobster spinach queso for an app, then their amazing yeast bread. I got the applewood smoked bacon bbq chicken sandwich. Very moist! Mom got the Salad with shrimp and strawberries. I LOVED it (we shared). The shrimp would have been better hot or just left off completed - but the salad was amazing. Dad got the Herbed Prime Rib and it was so tender. Firebirds always does a great job!
Sunday: Chilis with some friends. Mom and I split the fajita trio. Shrimp were overcooked, but the rest was really yummy. You can never go wrong with chilis.
Sunday dinner: Harris Teeter in the hotel room. We were tired after going all weekend. We got some baked chicken, red skinned potato salad, Special K crackers (yum) and hummus (not the best, but was cheapest), and a cripps pink apple. That was very good to snack on after church while watching Persuasion!
MDW - I had an egg mcmuffin with cheese from Mcds during my 2 hour layover! It was good. I hadn't had one in a long time.
So, now back to eating right and healthy!

Menu Week: February 22

2010-02-18T06:43:00.005-05:00

This is going to be early because I'm leaving tonight for Carolina so I won't have time to post it over the wknd. So, here goes...

Monday - travel and leftovers (and going grocery shopping)
Tuesday - Lunch at Butterfly Garden Cafe with Lilly and dinner at the Stringers - can't wait for either.
Wednesday - leftovers (clean out the freezer time)
Thursday - think I'll make some peanut and chocolate chip blondies for the recipe of the week for the office.
Friday - Quick and easy is the name of the game for lunch and then heading out for Trolley Friday with Sarah and Shana will be joining us later in the evening. I've never ridden the Ville trolley, so I am excited for the excursion, food, and company!
Saturday - heading to Berea for the day - hopefully it will be nice. Papaleno's and Sonny's - can the food day get much better - and hoping to see a friend and take some nice photos and do some shopping.
Sunday - lunch at a prof's house.

So, gladly this week won't be high in the grocery bill department! Gotta love week's like that!

Maple Glazed Roasted Winter Vegetables with Ginger (2010.7)

2010-02-18T06:35:00.004-05:00

I liked this recipe. It was from a health magazine and put a twist on my normal roasted vegetables. Maple syrup instead of olive oil was the main topping and the bits of real ginger in there made this better than it would have been without it.

I changed the quantities based on what I could find in the store:

1 lb brussel sprouts, halved

2 medium carrots, coined

3 medium parsnips, coined

other winter veggies that you like

3 tsp real dark amber maple syrup

1 inch ginger, peeled and chopped

salt to taste

Put all on baking sheet. Drizzle with syrup. Bake at 450 for about 25-35 minutes tossing to keep it from burning.

Enjoy!

I'm finishing up mine today.

Tuna Spaghetti (2010.6)

2010-02-16T15:28:00.002-05:00

Bon Appetit in its editor section usually has little basic recipes. This was one of them. Not great, but not throw away worthy either. I may just toss some on top of some greens.

Not amounts, almost

Spaghetti (I used whole grain spaghetti)
1 can tuna (oil packed preferred, but I used water packed)
1 fat garlic clove, chopped
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
evoo
pepper
lemon juice
(I added the garlic and red pepper and didn't have any parsley)

Cook noodles. In pan, saute everything else. Drain pasta, reserving a bit of the water. Mix all together.
This just didn't have much of a flavor to me.

Four Chocolate Brownies

2010-02-14T22:15:00.004-05:00

Brownies are so easy to make from scratch, and most of the ingredients are right in your kitchen - so why even bother with a box mix. These are great, and would have been amazing if I hadn't cooked them quite so long. The original recipe I was looking at called for 35-40 minutes, I did just 35 and they were overdone. I like mine more fudgy than these, but they still had good flavor.

1/4 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
1/3 cup dark chocolate chips
2 oz (squares) unsweet chocolate
1 stick butter
3 T cocoa powder
3 eggs
1 1/4 cup sugar
2 tsp vanilla
1 cup flour
1/2 tsp salt

Melt first four over low heat. Stir in powder.
Cream eggs and sugar. Add in vanilla. Combine the slightly cooled chocolate mixture. Mix in flour and salt.
Foil and grease a 8x8 square pan. Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes.
Enjoy.

Menu Week: February 15

2010-02-12T13:02:00.003-05:00

Post holiday, short week. Going to be good. Can't wait. Here you go:
Leftovers: tuna whole wheat spaghetti
Monday: whole wheat pita pizzas (I'm making mine a mexican pizza!) and a salad for movie night
Tuesday: white chicken chili and homemade cheese toast for a manicure session
Wednesday: finish up leftovers, roasted winter vegetables with maple and ginger (recipe of the week)
Thursday: white chicken chili, roasted veggies, larabar and fruit at airport
Friday: breakfast at hotel, lunch and dinner are in Raleigh somewhere - you can bet it will be yummy!
Saturday: brunch at Flying Biscuit at Cameron Village (yum) - I know I'll be having an egg white omelette! Dinner will be somewhere!
Sunday: all up for grabs - always an adventure!

I love the food of the Triangle. And you can bet I'll be stopping by Trader Joes and Whole Foods (this one just because my parents don't have one near them in Publix land and they always like to go).
Happy Cooking.

Question: What are your fave cities to travel to because of their eats?

Yoplait Giveaway

2010-02-12T08:42:00.003-05:00

Smoothies are everywhere! Lyon in the Kitchen had one on his show the other day. Green Smoothies are all the health rage. Smoothie King is raking in the dough! So, wanna make your own at home?

Yoplait and My Blog Spark are giving you the chance for a "Free" smoothie. You get a coupon for a Yoplait Smoothie (found in freezer dessert section) and a single serve blender - I LOVED THIS this morning. Will definitely keep it.

You could either drink the whole thing, or actually have two servings. The one I chose, the Strawberry Mango Pineapple was a little sweet - but those are naturally sweet fruits too.

So, all you have to do is leave me a comment - what is your favorite smoothie? It can be homemade, green, take out, restaurant, whatever...

Let me know!

My Favorite Things Salad

2010-02-11T10:28:00.002-05:00

Man, it was definitely a good eats at home time while snowed in! Love those little treasures God brings to us!

I've seen many recipes for eggs and asparagus - with the whole fried egg on top of steamed asparagus with the runny yolk. While this is great, it has more calories than I want to spend on it, so here is my version!

serves 1

Green leaf lettuce, chopped

1/2 bunch of asparagus, roasted (trimmed, zest of lemon, drizzle of evoo, s/p, 450 for about 20 minutes)

caramelized red onions

2 t ground flax seed

1 egg white cooked in microwave (in bowl, grease with pam, one egg white, cook for 45 seconds)

1 T crumbled feta

balsamic vinegar.

SO GOOD! I think roasted asparagus has to be some of the world's BEST GOOD EATS!

Valentine's Day Sugar Cookies

2010-02-11T10:01:00.003-05:00

I love this pan! :) I got it at Joann's fabrics and just like my spring pan, it makes decorated sugar cookies so easy! I need one for every holiday!

Sugar cookies:

2 sticks unsalted butter, softened

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 egg

1 1/2 tsp vanilla

1/2 tsp almond

2 3/4 cup flour

1 tsp salt (I thought the batter was a little salty, so next time I might lower it to 3/4 tsp)

Cream, add dry. Spray pan cavities. Bake at 350 for 9 minutes. Let cool in pan for about 5 minutes, then remove gently with a butter knife. Let cool. Decorate. These would be perfect for kiddos to make! :)

Rolfe's Peanut Butter Truffles

2010-02-11T09:54:00.003-05:00

Back in December, I did a 12 days of Christmas baking. My friend Brian posted a truffle recipe, he also shot me some variations. I used one of these variations yesterday for our Foster party tonight. Yum!

Here it is. Brian described it so well so I thought I would let him do it. I halved the recipe...

Chocolate by B – Peanut Butter

Ingredients:
1 ½ Cup Powdered Sugar
½ Cup Peanut Butter
3 eggs (whites)
12 oz (1 bag) White Chocolate Chips
24 oz (2 bags) Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips

Directions:
Cover two cookie sheets with wax paper and set aside.

Cream sugar and peanut butter together (will develop a sandy texture). Blend in three egg whites, one at a time, making sure each is fully combined before adding the next. The mixture will resemble cake frosting at this stage. Melt the White Chocolate in a microwave (60 to 90 seconds, be sure to mix well after the first minute). Allow chocolate to cool slightly and then add to mixture. Combine thoroughly and quickly (chocolate will start to set) and spoon onto wax paper (like making small drop cookies). Place in freezer for ten to fifteen minutes to set firmly.

Melt Semi-sweet chocolate in a double boiler. Remove fillings from freezer, dip in melted chocolate and return to wax paper. When all the chocolates are dipped, return them to the freezer for another ten to fifteen minutes to allow the chocolate to set. They may then be moved to air-tight containers for storage or served. Allow them to warm to room temperature before serving.

Caramelized Red Onion and Feta Sandwich

2010-02-09T23:02:00.003-05:00

I think caramelized onions are some of the world's most perfect foods! And today, on a snow day (we got 6 inches), it was amazing.

1/4 large red onion

1 tsp olive oil

splash of blush wine

water

2 T feta cheese

arthur thin - whole wheat

mustard

I sliced the onion, heated a little olive oil, got them going. Took about 20 minutes. Splash of wine and occassionally putting water in there. Topped it with feta and squirted a little mustard.

Tomorrow, I think I might make another one - maybe on a salad this time! My side dish was yummy homemade sweet potato baked fries.

Super Bowl Food

2010-02-09T22:57:00.003-05:00

Wow, it seems like the Super Bowl was so long ago! And it was only Sunday (2 whole days). It is amazing how fleeting things in life are that are totally not important!

I went over to a friend's house and we both made some stuff we liked, but also picked conferences and made food for that team.

I had the NFC (Saints) and made bourbon chicken (it was sweeter than I wanted it to be, but I have leftovers). Lorrie had the AFC (Colts) and she had oreos (commercials) and Orville Redenbacher - because it is in IN.

The nachos and oreos were fave part for me.

Taste of a Chain Restaurant: Yang Kee Noodle

2010-02-08T14:28:00.002-05:00

Sunday was more than just a day for Super Bowl food (coming later). It was also a day with a neat family at my church and me to go to Yang Kee Noodle.
I would compare this to a Moe's - for Asian food.
Many different options, gluten-free options, spicy, normal, salads, rice bowls, noodle bowls.
I had the general tso's chicken. It was good and filling, though not as good as some others I have eaten in the past! Chicken was decently spicy (not enough to make your eyes water or sweat pour down your face) and not heavily fried (which I appreciated).
I didn't think to ask for brown rice, so I ate half the white rice that was served with it.
For the price, I would rather have gone to PF Changs (my plate of General Tso's was 899 I think).
But, it was quick with different options. And they didn't rush you out because you wanted to sit and chat! :) Refillable drinks were also a plus!
Would I go again - yes. Would it become a regular place of mine - probably not. Thankful for the provision of lunch!

Menu Week: February 8

2010-02-06T10:59:00.002-05:00

A full week again this week (when is it not). But, I have been a little more disciplined in my planning of menu this week in light of food and money. So, here you go:
Leftovers: beef stew - still gotta finish that off - still yummy. Bourbon chicken from Super Bowl dinner.
New recipe of the week: Bon Appetit's Consentino's Spaghetti with Tuna. I have all the ingredients. No need to spend money and the carbs will be good for running.
Baking: Peanut Butter truffles (actually, no bake) and Vday Sugar cookies for the Foster BYOB Party on Thursday night.
Thursday I think I'll be enjoying a Founder's Cafe Veggie wrap - so good - for lunch.
Saturday I am meeting up with some vegetarian/vegan folks for a meeting at the Zen Tea House - can't wait to try it.
Then on Sunday I'm having dinner with a SBTS prospective student and her family. Don't know where we'll go yet.

Product Review: Two Moms in the Raw Blueberry Granola Bar

2010-02-04T20:39:00.002-05:00

Love the perks of knowing the baristas at your neighborhood Starbucks. They give you samples. My friend broke into the new items - Two Moms in the Raw granola packs - and gave me a sample.
Here are my thoughts:
1. I know its healthy for you. All natural and organic ingredients. All raw and sprouted. There are definitely health benefits.
2. It is way expensive.
3. It you are going to call something blueberry granola, then the product better taste a whole lot like blueberry. This didn't. The only ingredients in the list after blueberries were agave, cinnamon, and sea salt.
4. Good crunch for the granola bar.
5. 220 cal 9 fat 4 fiber
6. Good for those who are allergic to wheat or gluten or dairy.
7. I wouldn't trade any granola bar I've had so far for it. Kind Bars are great and Starbucks has started carrying those.

Two Moms in the Raw - any other products I can review? I am always up for samples. And from past experience, just one disappointing food adventure doesn't always lead to others.

Chewy Peanut Butter Bars (2010.5)

2010-02-01T22:06:00.006-05:00

If you like peanut butter fudge, you will definitely like these. Quick and Easy Recipes comes through. These make tons of bars and are really easy because they are no bake - they just take chill time.

4 cups salted roasted peanuts
1 bag mini marshmallows
1 stick unsalted butter
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1 bag reece's peanut butter chips
1 can sweetened condensed milk

9x13 pan. foil. pam.
Spread 2 cups of the peanuts on the bottom. Melt the rest in a pan over medium low heat. Pour on top of peanuts. Pour the other 2 cups on top and gently press into the goo.
Let chill over night.
These taste surprisingly like peanut butter fudge. So easy...

Menu Week: Feb 1

2010-01-29T11:15:00.003-05:00

Wow - birthday month is finally over and life can go on. We are already in the second year of the new decade! Time flies.
I will still have some leftovers from previous week: I love how stews and soups last forever! Red Wine Beef Stew and Curried Vegetables will continue to be on the menu this week.
Monday I will hopefully be having Pei Wei leftovers from my dinner in Brentwood on Sunday night - can't wait, it will be my first time!
We have a faculty meeting this week so I have something to bring goodies to: Salted Peanut Bars from Quick and Easy Recipes.
I'll be eating salads, soups, and easy breakfasts.
Saturday I am having dinner with a sweet family. Sunday another lunch with a great young family doing good things in ministry.
Then, for the Super Bowl (GO COLTS) a friend and I are getting together with good food. I have the NFC so that means I have to cook something related to New Orleans. Instead of copping out and just going by JGumbo's and picking up bourbon chicken, I found a recipe for it - so I'm going to make my own! Lorrie has the AFC and is bringing Orville Redenbacher popcorn and oreos (for the Mannings/Trump commercial). We are also having salad (me) and rice (lorrie) with our bourbon chicken. Should be a good night: who can pass up popcorn and oreos?
What is your favorite Super Bowl food?

Day 5 of Oats: Pumpkin Cranberry White Chocolate

2010-01-24T21:16:00.002-05:00

I think I saved the best for last. This was yummy - reminded me of fall. Oh, I like fall much better than winter - but so be it! At least I can remember warmer temps with my bowl of goodness in the morning!

1/3 cup oats
1/2 plus a little more cup water
2 tsp white chocolate wonderful (PB&CO)
10 dried cranberries
1 T pumpkin

So good! Enjoy!

Product Review: Ciao Bella Sorbet

2010-01-24T21:05:00.004-05:00

Love. This. Stuff.
Whole Foods comes through in little individual containers of yummy goodness!
Ciao Bella is a gelato place in NYC (they have some great stuff don't they) - and they send their sorbet to my Whole Foods here in Louisville.
I tried the Sicilian Blood Orange flavor of sorbet. For 100 calories - amazing. I felt like I was eating a blood orange with a spoon. I also put a scoop of free cool whip and a sprinkle of coconut on top - just for textural and temperature changes (important in my consumption of cold things).
1. With this, I don't have to wait till the oranges are in season
2. I don't have to be in Florida to get good oranges when I have this stuff.
3. It was cold - which felt good on my sore throat
4. It was better for me than ice cream.
5. I will be trying other flavors.

Yum - hey Ciao Bella people - got any coupons?

Red Wine Beef Stew

2010-01-24T20:02:00.003-05:00

I made some yummy and healthy beef stew this weekend. Its good when you are sick, having company over, need something to last you all week, and to use up some yummy Sweet Red wine that is in the fridge. I picked up some good stuff at Trader Joes last weekend and this was a good use for it.

1.5 lbs lean beef chopped for stew

evoo

8 cups broth and wine combined (I used 7 cups chicken stock and 1 cup red wine)

1 onion, chopped

3 lbs red potatoes, chopped left skin on

2 carrots, chopped

5 celery stalks, chopped, plus leaves

2 T dried italian herbs

2 T worcestershire sauce

s/p to taste

Sear meat on both sides. Simmer in 4 cups of stock for 1 hour. Add all veggies, herbs, and rest of stock and wine. Let simmer for another 1 hr to 90 minutes. Eat with some bread.

We had 5 grain bread from Plehns (nearby bakery), a strawberry, walnut, feta, salad, and oreo cheesecake (bday celebration) for dessert. Then I went out and walked 2.5 miles!

Whole Wheat Pumpkin Chocolate Pepita Muffins

2010-01-24T19:55:00.003-05:00

I needed to use up a bit of a can of pumpkin so this was a great recipe to do it. I was a little doubtful when these came out of the oven, but the chocolate really made these!

2 cups whole wheat flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp salt
1 stick unsalted butter, melted and cooled
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 cup canned pumpkin
1/4 cup buttermilk
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
2 T raw pepitas (pumpkin seeds, you can find in bulk bins at Whole Foods)
3/4 60% Ghiradelli chocolate bar, chopped

Combine wet. Combine dry. Add wet to dry. Fold in chocolate. Put in 12 greased (I use silicon liners) muffin tins. Sprinkle pepitas on top.
Bake at 400 for 18 minutes.
Serve warm. I'm sure Dark Chocolate Dreams would be amazing on the top of these (instead of butter). These are going to the office too!
220 cal, 10 fat, 1.5 fiber

Orange Molasses Cookies (2010.4)

2010-01-24T19:45:00.004-05:00

I love healthy cooking magazines that don't always use the light version of everything. I want healthy stuff - not fat free or "light stuff". Eating Well is that magazine for me. A lot of their ingredients are either less of stuff or natural stuff. I like it. I love these cookies. I halved the recipe and changed it a little bit, but these are so good. I am glad these are going to the office tomorrow.

3/4 cup oats - put in a blender and ground semi-fine
2.5 T unsalted butter, softened
1/6 cup sugar
1/6 cup brown sugar
zest of one naval orange
1/4 cup molasses
3.5 T all natural applesauce
1/2 large egg yolk (scramble egg yolk, then just pour in half of it)
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp soda
3/4 tsp cinnamon
3/4 tsp nutmeg (I didn't have any ginger)
1/4 tsp cloves
1/4 tsp allspice (I added more of this and left out the pepper)
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/8 cup whole wheat flour
Turbinado sugar to roll cookies in

Cream wet ingredients. Add in dry. Roll cookies in turbinado sugar. Bake at 375 on greased sheets for 9 minutes.
I love the orange flavor that comes out in the first bite - wow - orange! :)
About 76 calories a cookie, 2 fat, 1 fiber.

Chocolate Cherry Pistachio Oatmeal Cookies (2010.3)

2010-01-24T19:39:00.005-05:00

Bon Appetit comes through again for this week's recipe. I really love their cooking magazine. I halved the recipes and made it my own by adding some chopped pistachios - and the review I got "These are great, just what I needed, something a little sweet". The only thing that puzzled me about these were the timing. I couldn't get it just right - but they were still good. This version of the recipe makes about 2 dozen.

1 stick unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup sugar
3/4 tsp vanilla (I upped it some from original amount)
1 egg
1 cup oats
3/4 cup all purpose flour
1/2 tsp soda
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup dried cherries (next time I would chop these before putting them in)
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped pistachios

Cream the first three. Add in egg and vanilla. Combine the dry ingredients. Fold in the additions.
Bake on greased cookie sheets at 375 for anywhere from 10-13 minutes, just watch them so they don't burn.
These were good. I would make them again.

118 cal, 6 fat, 1 fiber

Curried Vegetables

2010-01-24T19:30:00.004-05:00

I found a similar recipe in food blog land, and tweaked it to fit my kitchen today! This will be a very healthy bowl of yummy goodness all week for lunch or dinner.

1 large baking potato - chopped (I left skin on)
2 cups cooked chickpeas
1 carrot, diced into pennies
1 zucchini - cut into half moons
1 squash - cut into half moons
1 onion, chopped
1 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup blush wine
2 T curry powder
1 tsp sriracha sauce
1 tsp evoo

Add all to a big skillet and let go for about an hour, stirring every so often, on a high simmer - till all veggies are done.
Serve as is - or over spaghetti squash, couscous, anything you want.

Sauteed Beet Greens

2010-01-24T19:24:00.003-05:00

I love it when you get two side dishes out of one ingredient! And I love the colors that God brings us in his own creation!
These were delicious. A tad bit bitter, but so good and healthy!

1 bunch of beet greens, chopped - stems and all
1/2 onion, slices
1/2 cup blush wine
2 tsp evoo
1 garlic clove

Heat evoo and onions. Add in garlic (finely chopped or use a zester). Add in wine and let simmer. Add in beet greens and cook on medium for about 7-10 minutes.
Enjoy!

Week of Oats: Day 4 - Chocolate Banana

2010-01-22T17:26:00.003-05:00

Since I am definitely feeling under the weather I went for a tried and true recipe this morning as I dragged myself to work.

1/3 cup oats
1/2 cup water
2 tsp chocolate peanut butter dreams
3/4 of a banana (the other 1/4 of it was bad)

So good - especially laying on my new couch while eating it! Washed down with a glass of water and some vitacraves gummy multivitamins.

Check back for my last day of oats tomorrow.

Menu Week: Jan 25

2010-01-22T17:16:00.002-05:00

I am excited about this week in cooking and eating. Pretend like this is being written on Monday morning (but I am writing it now so I can go grocery shopping on Saturday afternoon):
Coming off a great weekend of baking and getting some rest (I'm in the midst of a cold) - I am grateful that I have an office of professors and co-workers to bring yummy treats to. I promise I am not breathing on the food!
Orange Molasses Cookies
Dark Cherry Pistachio Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies
Pumpkin Chocolate Muffins
I will be eating leftovers this week: beef stew, pinto bean stew, curried veggies, salads.
Breakfast (coming off my delicious week of oats) will be vegan spiced banana pancakes all week - YUM!
I am taking dinner to friend's of mine who just had sweet baby Noah: chicken pot pie, salad, Best of Fall cookies (by request).
Recipe of the week is the afore mentioned Orange Molasses Cookies
Weekend will be in Nashville suburbs of Brentwood and Murfreesboro with new and old friends. I'm bringing with my Ghirardelli's Chocolate cookies for my friend who is pregnant. And get to eat out with some cool people while I'm there - so definitely check back after next weekend for my review of what we find!
The next couple of weeks will be spent clearing out the freezer because money will be tight. I have to pay my car tax - fun, huh! :) But, thankful to God I don't have to dip into savings to do it!

Day 3 of Oats: Apple Peanut Butter Oats

2010-01-21T11:51:00.002-05:00

A few months ago I bought a bag of dried apples at Whole Foods for some granola I was making. After many little snacks of the leftovers, I finally had about a tsp left in the baggy. Not wanting them to go to waste, I thought of my morning bowl of oats. This bowl may even inspire a cookie!

1/3 cup oats
1/2 cup water
1 tsp dried apples
1 T crunchy salted Trader Joe's pb.

I liked it a little thicker this morning. It was good. Even being sick...
4 points. - under 200 calories

Week of Oats: Day 2 - Egg White Oats

2010-01-20T08:55:00.003-05:00

One thing about reading food blogs - you make things you would never even DREAM of making. I tried a new bowl of oats this morning. Honestly - it wasn't my favorite - but I might try it a little different at least one more morning.

1/3 cup oats
2 egg whites
2/3 cup water
1/4 cup pumpkin
1 1/2 tsp pb (from Trader Joes - crunchy salted. Just nuts and salt. Good stuff! Actually tastes like peanut butter)
1 tsp honey
1/2 tsp cinnamon

Cook oats/eggs/water for about 1.35. Stir well the other ingredients into it. Eat. These are filling. Just not sweet enough for me. We'll see... Any tips? These are very healthy too:
227 cal, 6 fat, 6 fiber = 4 points

Taste of Chicago - Grand Lux Cafe

2010-01-19T19:54:00.006-05:00

We thought the bags looked pretty familiar when we walked in - we were right - this place is owned by the same folks who own Cheesecake Factory. You know its going to be good. And it was next door to Ann Taylor - so how bad could it bed? And it had a wait at 4pm? We only waited about 15 minutes and when we walked out - it was about an hour wait. Glad we got there early!

I was not anticipating a sit-down nice restaurant when I heard about this place from a friend just based on the name alone. I'm so glad we stopped there.

We had their bread - very good. I took lots of photos. I dropped my knife and fork - silly me. The tables were completely on top of each other, but people know how to dine. I couldn't tell you what the other folks were talking about at their table. Most of the time people talk so loud at restaurants. Our first waiter wasn't all that, but halfway through they changed shifts and our waitress was much better.

To start off with - the Edamame: stir fried with Spicy Szechwan Sauce. SO GOOD! Better than Chais in Durham (gasp!)

Then, Janel got the soup of the day - a chicken chowder with veggies. I took a bite - good and warm on a cold day.

I got the mini goat cheese and mushroom pizza. This was not mini (about 7 inches by 3 inches) and was only 4.95 and was AMAZING. I would go back there every time and order this.

For dessert (and take home): New Orleans Beignets Served Warm with Three Sauces (a creme anglaise (close your eyes and savor the warmth and richness good), chocolate, and raspberry. They were warm and yummy. Thanks Kathy for the suggestion.

This place was definitely the best place I ate all weekend and I would gladly go there again! :)

Pinto Bean Soup

2010-01-19T11:32:00.003-05:00

I got inspired for more soup - and a cooked bag of pinto beans that I needed to use.
So, I threw this together last night when I got home from Chicago and look forward to eating it this week - and I froze a tub of it too.

5 cups cooked pinto beans (or however many you like)
2 cups chicken broth (a cool whip container of homemade broth)
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
1 can of stewed tomatoes
cumin
red pepper flakes
pepper
sea salt
1 cup medium picante sauce

Mix all and heat through till boiling. I took a potato masher to it to make it a little thicker. Pretty good. You can add some hot sauce or some sausage would be a good way to change this soup up. Cheap, healthy, good.

Week of Oats - Day 1

2010-01-19T10:59:00.003-05:00

This week I'm trying something I did last week with smoothies - week of oats - where I eat oats every day this week for breakfast and see how it makes me feel. Just saying that I feel like the pit of despair in the Princess Bride. Do you know what I mean?

Anyway, first day:

1/3 cup oats
2/3 cup water
1 T dark chocolate pb
1/2 banana

SO GOOD! Filling - hmmm, we'll see. Maybe I'll try some steel cut oats or maybe egg white oats...

Day 5 Green Smoothie and Recap

2010-01-19T10:52:00.002-05:00

Ok - here is my last smoothie for the week of smoothies:

1/4 apple
1/2 banana
1/2 cara cara orange
1 1/2 tsp ground flax
1 1/3 cup water
1 cup spinach
3/4 cup kale
3/4 cup frozen strawberries

Mix all.
Very good - not too sweet.

I like the low-cal, heavy fiber, portability of green smoothies.
I like the quickness of them in the morning.
I like all the veggies and fruits you are getting first thing in the morning.
I would like more protein in mine - I usually pair it with pb on a thin or something. PB in the morning is so good.
Now, for the week of oats.