Happy humpday everyone
Even though I was pretty tired this morning when I woke up (Dexter made a flying leap in the middle of the night and landed on my head), I still made it to the gym to do some cardio. Preworkout snack was, of course, half a banana with some almond butter, and I did 10 minutes on the elliptical followed by 15 minutes on the treadmill. When I got back, I made a really delicious bowl of oatmeal using soy milk, dried cranberries, almond butter and the other half of my banana. Seriously, I don’t know why, but this bowl of oatmeal was the best I’ve had in some time! It was the perfect consistency and super creamy and tasty.
We did A LOT last night in school. I finished off my ice box cookies, linzer cookies (with raspberry jam and powdered sugar), made almond macaroons and madelines. Everything came out pretty well—especially that baklava! Look at how gooey and delicious that looks! Too bad each phyllo layer literally has a pound of butter in it. I had my fair share of licks of the syrup though, which was super sweet and quite yummy. I’m packing everything up and bringing it to work with me today where I know it will all go very fast. 😉
My tray to be graded
I’m trying a new sandwich today for lunch. I’m sick of tofurky, have no hummus and had almond butter yesterday…..so today I made a veggie/tahini pita using about a tbsp of tahini, a carrot, spinach and half a bell pepper. It looks like a salad in a pita, we will see how good it tastes! I’m also bringing a tiny container of veggie chips, a pear and a peach soy yogurt for a snack later.
Have a great day everyone!
VeggieGirl
April 16, 2008 at 12:52 pmAww, Dexter – hopefully he’ll let you sleep tomorrow, without leaping to greet you, haha ;0)
Mmm, your oatmeal looks SUPER thick & creamy!! No wonder it was the best you’ve had!!
Oh my goodness gracious – those ice box cookies, raspberry-jam linzer cookies, almond macaroons and madeline cookies, AND baklava (wow, you were busy in the kitchen, haha!) look absolutely stunning!! Your culinary skills are impeccable!!
Happy Wednesday!!
Becca A
April 16, 2008 at 12:53 pmYour family is in my thoughts Jenna!
Beautiful work in class though! Haha, and I love how Dexter woke you up…my cat will stalk my feet and attack them in the middle of the night.
Jenna 2
April 16, 2008 at 12:58 pmyour goodies look fabu!!! 🙂
ibex hk
April 16, 2008 at 12:58 pmhave a great hump day, I’m thinking of you and sending your family love 🙂
arimcg
April 16, 2008 at 1:00 pmThat baklava looks AMAZING. I might start licking my computer.
KLM
April 16, 2008 at 1:03 pmMmmmm Jenna those all look amazing! I’m sure your lunch will be very tasty!!
Quick question for you–I know you used to work at Anthropologie. I’m kind of sick of my current retail job, and I’m considering applying at the new Anthro that just opened up. Did you like working there? And what kind of a discount did oyu get? (Haha–Is it terrible that’s all I care about?)
Thanks so much for this blog, Jenna! You’re such an inspiration! And your grandfather/family are in my prayers!
sweet basil
April 16, 2008 at 1:07 pmJenna–have you ever tried Lemon Tahini Dressing?
I used to work at a resturant that served a “Garden Pita”–In it they put a little cheese (you could put Vegan Cheese in it), lots of veggies (tomatoes, lettuce, sprouts, cucumbers…whatever you want) and they served it with a side of Lemon Tahini Dressing (really creamy and delcious).
Andrea
April 16, 2008 at 1:11 pmthe baklava looks perfect! my grandmother would definitely approve 😉
Romina
April 16, 2008 at 1:15 pmI love creamy oats. =) Nothing better!
Your cookies look beautiful!
Grace
April 16, 2008 at 1:23 pmI love lemon tahini dressing, too! 365 at Whole Foods makes a wonderful version.
Jenna, seriously, that is the best looking baklava I have ever seen…just don’t tell my favorite greek restaurant owners! You may have to create a vegan version (if that is even possible), for all of us trying to be more vegan!
jenna
April 16, 2008 at 1:34 pmKLM,
I LOVED working at anthro. I actually plan to work there again when I move back home…maybe once a week or something…JUST to get the discount. I believe I got 40% off all clothes and 25% off all home stuff. very worth it if you ask me. It’s a great company!!!!
Cara
April 16, 2008 at 2:13 pmi love baklava!!
That is so funny about Dexter. My dogs do silly things like that all the time, just not as good at leaping I am sure. hahaha. Must have been a surprise! hahaha.
Betsy
April 16, 2008 at 2:18 pmthose treats look amazing, especially the baklava. and the macaroons. your oatmeal looks super extra creamy too!!! hope you have a good day today!
Lisa
April 16, 2008 at 2:26 pmOMG I am drooling all over my keyboard! Baklava and Linzer cookies are my FAVORITE, and it doesnt help my sister is dating a lebanese guy who brings little ‘treats’ for me all the time! My absolute favorite are the ‘birds nest’ baklava with the pistachios in them. Delish!
Jenna quick question, how much almond butter do you usually put in your oatmeal? I just bought some new HONEY almond butter yesterday (ummmm so good) and I wanted to give it a try in my oats!
t
April 16, 2008 at 2:45 pmDUDE!!! long time reader first time commenter!
so my bff implored me to make baklava yesterday and that is such a coinkydink that you decided to make it as well!!!
i didnt use enough phyllo dough but it still rocked, and it got better as it sat!
bikergurl
April 16, 2008 at 3:07 pmI LOVE seeing all your baking! It always looks so amazing. I’m interested to see how you like your pita, it looks so yummy and I would never have thought of using tahini
Tanya
April 16, 2008 at 3:12 pmI finally found those veggie chips – at Walmart of all places. I am now addicted. Love love love them!
LolaFunk
April 16, 2008 at 3:15 pmJenna,
this may be a weird question to ask, but are you one of those women who can eat everything and not gain weight?
You eat incredibly healthy, so its no wonder you dont gain weight, but if you ate whatever you wanted, would you stay the same weight?
Thanks!
Gretchen
April 16, 2008 at 3:50 pmJenna,
I recently discovered your blog and truly love it! You display such balance and happiness with food and life, great inspiration!
I’m so jealous of your new kitty Dexter! I had 2 black cats growing up and adore them 🙂 Unfortunately my apt. doesn’t allow pets, so sad! But, he’s def a cutie and can keep you company too!
Have a beautiful Wednesday 🙂
Lisa
April 16, 2008 at 3:50 pmLola, some girls are just blessed! Thats all there is to say. Plus Jenna follows a very healthy Lifestyle which is a huge difference for many. I’m like you, even with diet and excersice I still can’t manage to treat myself to cookies and other baked goods as often without seeing it on my thighs! Oh well c’est la vie!
MLT
April 16, 2008 at 4:14 pmHey Jenna!
I’d love to hear how this sandwich holds you over. Doesn’t seem like you had much protein there. I have made the exact same sandwich and sometimes it holds me over, sometimes it doesn’t. I think the fat in the tahini goes a long way, though. Just curious how it works for you!
becky
April 16, 2008 at 4:48 pmJenna,
Didn’t get a chance to check the blog yesterday, but I hope your grandpa is doing better. Your family is in my thoughts – that’s a tough thing to go through.
Your kitty is adorable and seems so sweet and happy in your house already! Glad he is keeping you company!
LisaR
April 16, 2008 at 5:01 pmJenna,
Anthropologie + me= HAPPY! I have a different quilt from there for my bed but had to put it in storage when the hubby and I got married…now we have a pottery barn one (its just not the same!)
And I have a black kitty too! He’s actually a cat now but he’s just too cute to not call him a kitty! Sadly, I think I’m becoming allergic to him 🙁 He’s got the most perfect personality and I will argue that black cats seem to be better cats all around! I lost him once couple of years ago for a whole week around thanksgiving time…I was so devistated…I cried… and I was just so worried and wondered if he was ok. I ended up posting fliers around my parents neighborhood with a pic of him and I on it (a little third grade but I didn’t know what else to do! lol) We found out he had gone to a neighbors house and the phone number on his little collar was an old house no. of ours. I was so excited when he came back I wouldn’t let him go!
Cats are the best….not too many though b/c then you’d be a weird lady with 20 cats runnin all over the place! haha
Ana
April 16, 2008 at 5:43 pmI have a bunch of Greek friends who attend the local Greek Orthodox church which throws a Greek Feast every fall. I’m sorry, Jenna, but (even though yours looks AMAZING) there is no beating Mia’s yiya’s (that’s grandmother in Greek ^_^) baklava!!! MMM!! Have an awesome day!
jenna
April 16, 2008 at 8:41 pmLolaFunk,
I’ve always been very slender and sometimes have been too thin and needed to gain weight. However, I may be able to eat more and maintain my weight but I promise you I could not drink more and maintain it. I was 10 pounds heavier in college when I drank with friends at parties a few nights a week. I really did gain the freshman 15!!!! I’ve lost all that now but I can thank good food, exercise and great genes I suppose.
jenna
April 16, 2008 at 9:23 pmLisa,
I don’t measure out my almond butter…I am guessing about 1-2 tbsp?
Honey almond butter sounds divine!!!
I have never tried lemon tahini dressing but will look for it next time when I’m at the store. It sounds yummy!
Mel
April 17, 2008 at 5:40 pmJenna-
Forgive me for not keeping up with your blog lately! I just read all about your Grandfather and I want you to know (even though this might be a little late) that he, your family, and you are in my DEEPEST thoughts and prayers. You are such an amazing girl, and I hope you and your family can remain strong through a tough time like this.
That being said, it amazes me how well you are coping- still going to the gym, work, making great meals, and amazing looking goodies! I also have to comment on the Baklava! WOW! I was raised on Baklava (growing up in a Greek orthodox church) but I’ve never been brave enough to make it. Yours looks FABULOUS though! We could use your skills at my church!
Keep up the great work 🙂
-Mel
Mel
April 17, 2008 at 6:09 pmOh yeah, I meant to comment about the tahini-
I like to make a “dressing” of tahini, soy sauce, and dijon mustard and spread it inside pita pockets with beans/veggies, whatever. It adds a little mroe moisture to the sandwhich.
Another fun thing I make is a Tahini and Honey (agave nectar would probably work too) sandwhich. My mom used to make these for us as kids- it’s a great change from regular PB&J.
Hope these help!
😉
jenna
April 17, 2008 at 6:11 pmMel,
thanks so much! Not only for your kind words regarding my grandfather but also the tahini tip! tahini/honey sandwiches?? is this really good? I will test it out next week def. because I want to use tahini more rather than buying it once for a dressing then leaving it to rot in my fridge for months.