Dessert/ Dinner

Ecto Fabulous

Ahhhhhh the return of ECTO!!!!! I’m sure Ecto is nothing like Windows Live Writer, but it’s the best possible thing for blogging on a Mac and makes my life a heck of a ton easier. Ecto stopped working for me right when I moved to California but tonight Meghann helped me fix it! Meghann, what would I do without you?!

Anyways, tofu party got cancelled because all the guys are headed down to LA tomorrow for work and they had a lot of stuff to take care of before they went. Boo! At one point, there was a chance I was going to tag along in LA as well but alas, I am stuck here in Healdsburg for the week all by my lonesome. 😉 I managed to get some good content written today though. Fueled by a snackie:

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After months, I FINALLY broke down and got a toaster. And my ezekiel muffins sure are thankful for it. I took a 45 minute brisk walk outside to the bank and back and then made dinner, which was straight out of the frozen foods section:

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I was sent these new Quorn “turkey” burgers to sample for the blog awhile ago and then I sort of forgot about them because my freezer is rather a black hole. However, I dusted them off tonight and set one in the oven to reheat. I topped my burger with some raw goat cheddar and this magical elixir that Alissa and Christie brought me as a symbol of my homeland last week:

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Rocky, this might be the best hot sauce yet. Nothin’ like a good splash of bone suckin’ sauce!!!!

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I also seriously heart these sweet potato fries. My mom always bought this brand and they are soooo good!

Thoughts on the Quorn burger? Meh. The texture was way off and therefore sort of ruined it. The taste was pretty good but I prefer Morningstar farms or Amy’s for my “burgers”, methinks.

Dessert was ice cream, HEAB-style 😉

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Into the Vita Mix went a scoop of protein powder, a cup of unsweetened vanilla almond milk, 1/2 tsp xanthan gum, a pinch of sea salt and cinnamon and a drizzle of agave. With a handful of ice. It blended up SUPER fluffy! The only sad thing was that after I ate it, I dropped the glass on the ground and it shattered!!!! I loved this glass 🙁
I’m off to answer some emails and read. Have a great night!

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  • Ameena
    December 14, 2009 at 7:43 pm

    I agree on the Quorn…the name is just kind of odd too. Check out Trader Joe’s Masala Veggie burgers, they are delicious!

  • Liz
    December 14, 2009 at 7:44 pm

    Hi Jenna, I’m wondering what xanthan gum is and why you add it?

    • jenna
      December 14, 2009 at 7:55 pm

      Liz,

      Xanthan gum is a natural thickener…I use it to make my shake more like ice cream..it adds FLUFF 🙂

  • amanda
    December 14, 2009 at 7:55 pm

    Your “dessert” shake looks and sounds yummy. I am a huge vita fan

  • Tammy (Defining Wellness)
    December 14, 2009 at 8:07 pm

    Sorry your glass broke, but at least it went out with a bang! That looks like a delicious shake. Never knew that xanthan gum is a natural thickener — good to know!

  • Chelsea
    December 14, 2009 at 8:10 pm

    That shake looks delish!

  • Mrs. Myers @ Eat Move Write
    December 14, 2009 at 8:14 pm

    If you do make it down to SoCal, definitely let us all know! I’d love to meet up!

    I broke a glass tonight too. I hate when that happens.

  • Tasha - The Clean Eating Mama
    December 14, 2009 at 8:30 pm

    I hate broken glass =(

  • Katy @ These Beautiful Feet
    December 14, 2009 at 8:31 pm

    Sigh..I want a VitaMix so bad! That milkshake looks super creamy and delicious. I use a Magic Bullet that sounds just awful. Maybe someday..(;

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca)
    December 14, 2009 at 8:49 pm

    Cool sauce!! That snack looks super delicious too!!!

  • *Andrea*
    December 14, 2009 at 8:58 pm

    wow that dessert looks great! heab’s so smart 😉

  • Kristie Lynn
    December 14, 2009 at 9:06 pm

    I second Ameena’s advice – the TJ’s Masala burgers are so, so good. And even better with hot sauce, obviously 😉

  • Liz
    December 14, 2009 at 9:16 pm

    Plus side of not going to LA-you get to work on your book! I never have veggie burgers, but have been wanting to make my own forever. It’d be easy to just freeze homemade ones and defrost.

  • Mama Pea
    December 14, 2009 at 9:17 pm

    Doesn’t it seem strange to drink a non dairy beverage out of a dairy cup? I always drink water out of cow cups and I’m vegan. Maybe the dairy gods were striking your glass down for not filling it with the real deal 🙂

  • Hillary @ Nutrition Nut on the Run
    December 14, 2009 at 9:37 pm

    My dad & I love those sweet potato fries. I haven’t had them in forever though. I recommend that you try Dr. Praeger’s veggie burgers @ TJ’s =)

  • Stephanie
    December 14, 2009 at 9:41 pm

    Can you tell me about your Vita Mixer? A friend of mine bought a juicer, but it wasn’t really wasn’t what she was looking for. She doesn’t want all of the fiber and good stuff taken out of the juice. I’ve heard both you and KERF talk about Vita Mixers so I’m guessing they are good. Are they really several hundred dollars? Any advice would be helpful.

    Thanks!

  • Tay
    December 14, 2009 at 9:42 pm

    Have you tried Bone Suckin’ BBQ sauce?? omg soooooooo good!!!

  • Julia
    December 14, 2009 at 9:55 pm

    Aww, sorry about your glass, I hate breaking things!
    That Bone Suckin’ sauce sounds amazing – I love good BBQ sauce!
    Have a great Tuesday!

  • Runningwriter
    December 15, 2009 at 2:17 am

    It must have been the night for breaking glasses. My nutmeg nosedived out of the cupboard directly on to a glass below and a shard of glass went unnoticed into my tofu. Which then ended up in my mouth!! At least my glass wasn’t a pretty one 🙂

  • Naomi (onefitfoodie)
    December 15, 2009 at 2:20 am

    ohh yes xantham gum makes shakes so much creamier!!

    what is this ecto you speak of? I have a mac and have never heard of it! but I am all about something that makes blogging easier!

    ahhh I cannot believe the glass shattered! well at least you got to drink it first, it does look super fluffy and delicious 🙂

  • christie, honoring health
    December 15, 2009 at 3:16 am

    Yum, I love bone suckin sauce line of sauces!!

  • Chelsea (Chelsea's Chew and Run Fun)
    December 15, 2009 at 3:22 am

    Sorry to hear your glass broke! I did that recently with a “Curb Your Enthusiasm” coffee mug. My heart broke when the mug did. Yay for frozen dinners, especially if they involve sweet potatoe fries. I’ve heard of mixed reviews a lot about Quorn, but never tried it.

  • Jessica @ How Sweet It Is
    December 15, 2009 at 3:43 am

    That hot sauce looks really good!

  • Andee (LAEasyMeals)
    December 15, 2009 at 4:43 am

    That dessert looks great! I’ll have to look into getting some xanthan gum!

  • Kristin (Cook, Bake and Nibble)
    December 15, 2009 at 4:52 am

    I really need to make that healthy ice cream… yum!!

    xo
    K

  • eatmovelove
    December 15, 2009 at 5:14 am

    I was without a toaster for awhile too!! I would actually stick my bread in the oven for a bit if I wanted it that way…or just stuck to it plain 😉
    Never tried the Ezekiel brands before though? I did pick up their wraps though – hope their good!
    I just did a review on Amazing Grass on my site too if anyone wants to comment – kind of a mixed opinion…I can’t get over the inside of the SuperFood Bar – GREEN !!!

  • Jamie
    December 15, 2009 at 5:17 am

    That dessert looks amaaaazing! Ah! Sorry for the glass breaking– I get so bummed when I break some type of kitchen accessorry haha but at least you got to eat it first!

  • Diana @ frontyardfoodie
    December 15, 2009 at 5:18 am

    I’m jealous of your vitamix! Hope I some day get one and make the lovely things you do with it. hehe

    Your meal looks so tasty even if the burger wasn’t fab.

  • Carolyn
    December 15, 2009 at 5:23 am

    Sorry about your glass. 🙁 Maybe you can find one online.

  • Laura Georgina
    December 15, 2009 at 5:28 am

    I don’t like the plain Quorn stuff, but the breaded cutlets are very good and the “chicken” pieces are great in stir-fries. Still, though, I definitely prefer Morningstar Farms….

  • Heather (Sugar & Spice Blog)
    December 15, 2009 at 5:30 am

    Congrats on getting Ecto fixed…. I do not know what I would do if mine broke. Hope it makes the blog easier now that you have it working again!

  • Jordan @ Salt Sweat Sugar
    December 15, 2009 at 5:31 am

    I hate when I break ANY dishes, let alone my faves =[

    I feeeeeel the pain, lady!

  • Jenna
    December 15, 2009 at 5:32 am

    awww i am sad to hear about the glass :/ but i am glad the ice cream was delish!
    jenna

  • diana(mymarble rye)
    December 15, 2009 at 5:40 am

    this is ridiculous. even your “frozen dinners” look fab! AHHHH.

  • Matt
    December 15, 2009 at 5:48 am

    Sorry to hear about the glass 🙁 That is a bummer!

  • Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg
    December 15, 2009 at 5:57 am

    Thanks for the review of the Quorn burgers– I’ve been thinking about buying some, but now I think I’ll stick with Morningstar (my fave!). Have a great day!

  • Estela @ Weekly Bite
    December 15, 2009 at 6:03 am

    I heart ECTO!!

    Glad it’s working for you again!

  • Shannon (The Daily Balance)
    December 15, 2009 at 6:12 am

    At least you dropped the glass AFTER you drank the smoothie 😉

  • Whitney
    December 15, 2009 at 6:31 am

    You MUST try Bone Suckin’ Mustard. It is the most delicious mustard ever — and it has a nice kick too. My family always buys it after the holidays to put on leftover turkey or ham. Mmm… I think they sell it at Whole Foods too, if I can remember correctly!

  • Susan
    December 15, 2009 at 6:37 am

    Thanks for the heads up about the Quorn burgs – I was actually about the buy them the other day.
    And it’s true, Bone Suckin’ Sauce = love.

  • Heather @ Get Healthy With Heather
    December 15, 2009 at 6:42 am

    It’s no fun when you drop a glass you like… happened to me with a couple of my fav mugs 🙁

  • Jil
    December 15, 2009 at 7:09 am

    Ahh! I did the same thing with an oversized mug/bowl of mine earlier this year….it was like slow motion watching it fall to the floor. Booo.

  • Lauren @ louisianagrown
    December 15, 2009 at 7:15 am

    1. I’m going to have to check out this Ecto stuff.
    2. We LOVE Alexia brand stuff. We’ve tried about three of their different kinds of fries so far, but the sweet potato ones are by far my favorite. Southern thing? Maybe.

  • Kristen @ Change of Pace
    December 15, 2009 at 7:16 am

    Interesting… I always thought Xanthan gum was one of those forbidden artificial ingredients… Here I’ve been steering clear of it this whole time! 🙂

  • Megan (BitesoftheApple)
    December 15, 2009 at 7:24 am

    I also didn’t realize xanthan gum was natural–what exactly does that even mean?? Is it a plant?! I’m curious b/c the idea of it freaks me out a little, even though I’ve seen it on HEAB and other places.

  • skinnyrunner
    December 15, 2009 at 7:37 am

    your dessert “shake” looks like it came from a restaurant! but of course a million times healthier!

  • alyssa
    December 15, 2009 at 7:39 am

    what type of protien powder do you use? and whitney already read my mind with her comment..the bone suckin mustard…AWESOME!!

    • jenna
      December 15, 2009 at 7:57 am

      alyssa,

      I use vanilla jay robb whey protein. Its yummy!

  • Cynthia (It All Changes)
    December 15, 2009 at 7:43 am

    Thanks for the honest review of the Quorn products. I am always tempted by them in the store but I think I’ll stick to my favorites.

  • Beth @ DiningAndDishing
    December 15, 2009 at 7:47 am

    aw, sad about the glass! it is absolutely adorable!! maybe someone reading the blog will see you smashed it and send you a new one :O)

  • Anne Marie@New Weigh of Life
    December 15, 2009 at 7:55 am

    Aww sorry to hear about your glass!

  • Heather @ The Joyful Kitchen
    December 15, 2009 at 9:03 am

    Just want to say I always appreciate honest opinions on products on your blog. Can’t wait to try the Bone Suckin’ Sauce!

  • Amanda @ Cakes and Ale
    December 15, 2009 at 10:35 am

    I’m not a fan of Quorn… but that ice cream looks interesting! Does it really taste like ice cream? Does it have a good texture or is it kind of thin?

  • Ariana
    December 15, 2009 at 10:58 am

    I’m not sure about those quorn burgers as I’ve never had one. Though I’ve been a vegetarian for almost 4 years, and quorn is the BEST fake meat product out there, I think. The ground quorn in spaghetti or tacos is so good that my family eats it on the regular even though they are not veggies like me 🙂 I dont know if you’ve tried any of their other products, but they are fantastic! (I should be a spokesperson for quorn cuz I’m such a fan, haha)

  • ashley
    December 15, 2009 at 11:04 am

    I love Quorn!! My favorite are the naked chicken cutlets. They make great sandwiches, fajitas, etc. I love the texture too. Sad I’m alone in this!

  • Kristin
    December 15, 2009 at 12:16 pm

    54- You are so not alone. My friends and I are huge fans. Jenna, don’t give up on all Quorn products. They make an herbed “chicken” cutlet with goat cheese and cranberries that is DELICIOUS.

  • Heather McD (Heather Eats Almond Butter)
    December 15, 2009 at 2:02 pm

    Oh my gosh, Ecto changed my life. I blogged through WordPress for WAY TOO LONG!

    I love Bone Suckin Sauce BBQ – hands down my fav.

    I must add salt to my next batch of ice-cream. I love a good salty/sweet combo. Why haven’t I done that before????

  • Jill
    December 15, 2009 at 2:40 pm

    At least you grabbed a great shot of your glass before it’s demise!

  • Megan
    December 16, 2009 at 11:15 am

    Quorn’s chikN cutlets stuffed with gruyere cheese are TO DIE FOR. Seriously.Try them.

  • Kim
    December 16, 2009 at 2:27 pm

    I love Bone Sucking Sauce! I was addicted to it when I lived in Cincinnati, but I haven’t seen it since I moved to NYC. I still check the shelves every once in a while, and I’m planning on bringing some back after I visit OH for Christmas. Looks delish with goat cheese.

  • MMiller
    December 16, 2009 at 4:59 pm

    Making my list of things I need by the time my vita mix arrives! I can’t wait! Should be another week to 10 days! Started freezing some fruit already!

    Can’t wait for your book to come out! I keep rereading going back to look for how you made something!