Hey guys!
I must be the most slacker food blogger…..ever. I don’t really have any good excuse for not posting all day, other than the fact that I’ve just been downright lazy. I don’t have any cool stories or funny pictures to show but hey, that’s life!
I’ve been playing all day with this new lens that I got for my camera. Kath has the same one! I’m still figuring out the right aperture and settings but I’m slowly getting it. Anyways, this morning I had oats in a jar for breakfast!
Gosh…I go through a lot of almond butter! I tend to freak out and get all nervous when I run low. Is that a sign of addiction? Today’s oaty combo included cooking my oats in almond milk with dried cherries and half a banana. Then, I topped it with a little yogurt at the end. Never gets old, folks. Never gets old.
I downloaded music and wallowed in my bed for awhile then snacked on a mini larabar and went to an actual yoga CLASS at my gym!
It was a power flow class and was pretty good. However, I’m sooooo sore (especially in the inner thigh area) from yesterday’s leaping squats and lunges. Tracy texted me this morning to tell me “she knew it was a good workout because she can’t walk today”. Amen. So, because of that, some postures were rather painful but I just breathed and was okay. 🙂
Tried some of Amy’s delicious new soup for lunch!
(oh, Canon 50 mm lens….how I love thee)
I also LOVED this soup! It was incredibly thick and hearty….filling, too! I had a Doctor Kracker with hummus on the side—
Even better with hot sauce dumped on top!!
Does it feel like SUNDAY to anyone else??! I think so. Especially since I have to work tomorrow. This afternoon I made a little excursion to Target and Whole Foods where I aimlessly roamed around the aisles. It was the first time I’ve been to a Whole Foods since leaving home and it made me love it even more. Trader Joe’s is good……but it ain’t no Whole Foods.
Snacked on an Amazing Grass bar while I got my shop on:
(insert photo I forgot to take HERE. wooops)
I finally broke down and paid $20 for a pound of maca powder….I know…I know! BUT…..after seeing this stuff all over the blog-world for months and reading about the interesting benefits, I thought I just needed to try it myself. For the past few weeks, I’ve been just staring at the big bag at Shelton’s and then walking away. Today I couldn’t walk away. It will be interesting to see if it really increases my energy like it claims to do! I will report back.
And then for dinner, fixed some salmon with broccoli and a sweet potato.
Hmmmhmm again…. I am likin’ this new lens ;).
This salmon is a great example of why it’s awesome be friends with a chef. I was feeling rather uninspired tonight as I stood over my stove so I texted Kevin and said “tell me what to do with this salmon.” Immediately he wrote back, telling me to “poach it in olive oil at 135 degrees for 12 minutes then season with sea salt, lemon zest and coriander”. Thanks, Chef. I didn’t have lemon zest so I improvised with orange zest….and I didn’t poach the fish either—I just seared it in olive oil in my cast iron for about 5 minutes each side and it turned out perfect. Love that flavor combination of the citrus and coriander!
And then for dessert, I tried a new creation…..HEAB style.
Protein ice cream? Actually it was rather delicious. I’ve always been down with the protein powder. Left my big stash behind in Florida but currently I use and like the Jay Robb vanilla whey. I’ve dabbled in the rice protein powder….it’s good……but it’s not AS good as this. In my mind, it will always have a little bit of a chalky taste. And, I mean, Jay Robb’s vanilla whey protein powder tastes like a vanilla milkshake. It can’t be beat. I followed Heather’s instructions the best I could but I altered it a bit. Here’s my modification:
1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
2 big squirts agave nectar
1 tbsp cocoa powder
1 tsp cinnamon
3/4 tsp xanthan gum
pinch of sea salt
2 tsp maca powder
lots of ice (I could have used more but I ran out…I don’t have an ice machine)
So, basically, I did what Heather said and just blended all that together in the Vita-Mix and then I topped the concoction with dark chocolate chips and stood in my kitchen inhaling the whole thing. This would be reallyyyyy good with almond butter drizzled on top, no? 🙂
It’s a keeper.
***
Biggest find of the weekend? The Notebook on sale at Target for $2.99. Get the kleenex ready.
Heather McD (Heather Eats Almond Butter)
November 28, 2009 at 7:30 pmMmm, protein ice-cream. I bet it’s amazing with Jay’s whey, and yes, of course it would be reallyyy good drizzled in almond butter. Duh. 😉
OK, every time I sear fish in my cast iron, I set off my smoke alarm, and my house stinks for 48 hours. Am I doing something wrong?!?
That picture of your Amy’s soup is beautiful…it’s almost like I could reach out and touch the can. Canon 50 mm lens…going on the Christmas list!
Jenna
November 28, 2009 at 7:31 pmit definitely seems like a Sunday! Glad you had a relaxful day and great eats:)
M.
November 28, 2009 at 7:35 pmThe ice cream looks amazing. Cook for me? Just wondering how you incorporate the banana into your oats. Whenever I make oatmeal the cooked banana always tastes super sweet and ‘artificial’… is that normal?
M.
November 28, 2009 at 7:35 pmp.s. the pictures are also fab. you are not a slacker but even if you were a lazy blogger… the pictures would make up for it 🙂
Sam
November 28, 2009 at 7:36 pmDelicious is what I see!
I definitely think being an AB Addict is socially acceptable. Especially in this community 🙂
Great find on The Notebook! I’ve seen that movie far too many times… but then again, “It’s not that simple” to describe my love for Ryan Gosling.
ellen eats beets
November 28, 2009 at 7:39 pmThe protein ice cream looks so tasty! I must try that soon! The new lens is beautiful 🙂
Jocelyn
November 28, 2009 at 7:40 pmDelicious eats! Especially your dessert! I must try some of this protein powder 🙂 And that is exciting you got the new lens you have been wanting. I need to do some research to see if it is one that I would be interested in purchasing 🙂
katey
November 28, 2009 at 7:40 pmyour dessert looks so good!
*Andrea*
November 28, 2009 at 7:43 pmi agree completely – jay robb’s vanilla powder tastes the most decadent like a real milkshake!!! your pictures are impeccable – such clarity i love them.
Courtney (The Hungry Yogini)
November 28, 2009 at 7:43 pmLove the pics! Think I might down and take the plunge into SLR world. Who do I think I am!? 😉
Night! Enjoy the notebook..always gets me.
Courtney (The Hungry Yogini)
November 28, 2009 at 7:44 pmLove the pics! Think I might down and take the plunge into SLR world. Who do I think I am!? 😉
Night! Enjoy the notebook..always gets me.
Jessica @ How Sweet It Is
November 28, 2009 at 7:46 pmI love protein powder. I always think it tastes like milkshakes.
Paige (Running Around Normal)
November 28, 2009 at 7:48 pmI realllly want to get Maca powder! At least you got a nice sized bag of it for that much. Let us know what you think 😀
Chelsea (Chelsea's Chew and Run Fun)
November 28, 2009 at 8:00 pmThat is a nice new lens! Your pictures look great.
Thank you so much for sharing you friend’s salmon preparation method. I love salmon, but am getting a little tired of making it the same way over and over again. That poaching method sounds delicious and simple, which is my kind of cooking style.
Can’t wait to hear about the Maca powder. It’ll take a really respected opinion and review for me to throw down $20 on one food item. Let us know if it gives you zip and pizazz!
Cynthia (It All Changes)
November 28, 2009 at 8:03 pmI love when other bloggers are inspired by each other. That’s how I’ve tried so many different foods because of what I read on the blogs.
And I totally agree with you on the Almond Butter. My only dilemma is that Trader Joes is over an hour away so I often buy 3 jars at a time and freak when I get low and have to make another trip.
Anne P
November 28, 2009 at 8:08 pmOh jeez… The Notebook makes me a sobbing mess. LOVE that book!!
xoxo i’ll call you from the airport tomorrow!
Katy H. @ These Beautiful Feet
November 28, 2009 at 8:14 pmOh my gosh Target has the best deals on DVD’s and TV series’ right now..glad you found a great deal! That ice cream looks a.ma.zing. I want need a VitaMix. Okay I would live without one..but boy, I could use it. I am curious to see how you like Maca powder, I am always looking for the healthiest, natural ways to increase my energy.
Gena
November 28, 2009 at 8:15 pmI’ve found that the maca buzz is all a bit of hoopla. But hey, if it works for you, then keep rolling with it!
Happy belated Thanksgiving, sweetie.
justrun
November 28, 2009 at 8:18 pmI just added a 50mm to my lens collection as well. WHY DIDN’T I DO THIS SOONER? 🙂
Andee (LAEasyMeals)
November 28, 2009 at 8:23 pmWow interesting dessert! Great pictures, you make me want to get a new camera!
Mastering Public Health
November 28, 2009 at 8:40 pmI’ve been using Sun Warrior Brown Rice protein and love it. Alot of other (flavored) protein powders add stevia because it’s natural, but, unfortunately, stevia also lowers blood pressure, which I found out the hard way (…by getting dizzy, lol). But, that’s a “side effect” that could help a LOT of other people, I’m sure. By the way, thanks for keeping us informed of the Amazing Grass sales! I just ordered again on your word. Keep it coming!
Joelle (The Pancake Girl))
November 28, 2009 at 8:43 pmOh gosh, I have been thinking it’s Sunday ALL day. So glad to hear I’m not the only one!
Suzanne de Cornelia
November 28, 2009 at 8:46 pmSo right. I love & totally appreciate TJ’s–but it isn’t Whole Foods. There are good deals at WHs, too. For example. A favorite salad that fix as a dinner entree often, is Organic Spinach [$1.99 bag a TJs] with organic cherry tomatoes [$2.99 a carton, TJs], balsamic dressing [$1.99], crumbled goat cheese [$2.99], Kalamata Olives [$2.99] and fresh garlic. Above makes two large entree salads @approx. $7.00 serving, when Whole Food’s pre-prepared delicious salads about the same per serving price.
maria
November 28, 2009 at 8:57 pmLove The Notebook. Always makes me sad!
cyndi
November 28, 2009 at 9:07 pmjust reading the comments … it’s all too much.
Karla
November 28, 2009 at 9:07 pmI kind of love being sore after a work out (not TOO sore, but a little sore it good). I know that’s sort of sick but it makes me feel like I worked hard.
Michelle
November 28, 2009 at 9:14 pmJenna,
That salmon sounds sooo good. You need to have a cooking workshop for your blogger followers! Seriously, you’d get a great turnout. Glad you were able to make it to a yoga class!
Btw… how do you post a picture when leaving a comment?
Thanks! Michelle in Atlanta
Ameena
November 28, 2009 at 9:19 pmI wish I had a Vita-Mix so I could try the ice cream…looks amazing!!
Lindsay
November 28, 2009 at 9:24 pmLove the Notebook but it makes me sob uncontrollably! I have it saved on my DVR.
Hillary @ Nutrition Nut on the Run
November 28, 2009 at 10:55 pmMini bars are so cute! I’m working on a box of mini Lunas. Looks like you had a healthy, “detox” dinner : )
Chloe (No Sugar and Spice)
November 28, 2009 at 11:20 pmYum! I need to find some of that Jay Robb protein powder – I bet it would be great in banana “ice cream” too and keep me full for a while.
Have fun with the new camera – I’m jealous!
christie, honoring health
November 29, 2009 at 2:51 amI love the notebook, it always makes me bawl like a baby!
Susan
November 29, 2009 at 4:02 amThat’s quite possibly the prettiest picture of Amy’s soup I’ve ever seen 😛
I need to get me some gums for smoothie making. Sounds like they make smoothies fluff up wonderfully!
Tamzin
November 29, 2009 at 4:13 amWhat a great day of foods everything looks delish especially the protein ice cream!
Just wanted to say thanks for the Maca tip after seeing it on this post I googled it and it could be the answer to all my problems, I have hormone imbalances and nothing I have tried has helped so fingers crossed!
Thanks so much x x
Abby
November 29, 2009 at 4:14 amUmmm…no need to say you have nothing exciting to post, as just the picture of your food (especially the salmon and then dessert) got me excited. Is that wrong? Don’t know if it’s the lens or the food itself. Oh well…
candice
November 29, 2009 at 5:13 amI’m likin’ your new lens, too. 😉 Don’t worry, I’m the same way with almond butter! I get to the bottom of the jar and think about making oats in a jar… and then I go “screw it” and eat it up with a spoon. o_o I’ll be waiting for your results on maca powder!
Lizzy
November 29, 2009 at 5:41 amsalmon is one of my fav fish! sounds good the way you prepared it!!
Light Delight with TouTou
November 29, 2009 at 5:45 amhow cute that mini larabar is ! I never see that in the supermarket:-D it’s like perfect size for me!!!!!!!!
Evan Thomas
November 29, 2009 at 5:51 amYour dinner looks(and probably tasted just as) awesome
Kristie Lynn
November 29, 2009 at 6:02 amAmy’s Spanish Rice and Red Beans? How do I find it???? 🙂 Hopefully it will pop up on my WF’s shelf sometime soon, because I love red beans and rice!
Erin
November 29, 2009 at 6:07 amThat “ice cream” looks delicious. Mmmmm… THe pics are looking great! 😀
Rosey Rebecca
November 29, 2009 at 6:15 amLove the new camera lens! And your protein ice cream looks so yummy!
gina (fitnessista)
November 29, 2009 at 6:37 amyour pics are gorgeous! mayjah camera envy over here
enjoy the maca! it has kind of a “malt” taste to it- amazing w chocolate 😀 and it really is an awesome pre-workout food!
i had some murphy goode in honor of you last night 😀
have a happy sunday!
Brittany
November 29, 2009 at 7:03 amI completely agree, all day yesterday I felt as if it was Sunday – although I was very happy that it was Saturday instead.
I am really loving maca (flavor wise) right now, but so far I haven’t been able to pinpoint the extra energy.
HEAB’s protein icecream sounds awesome. I need to try it!
lk
November 29, 2009 at 7:06 amcongrats on the new lens! I keep debating between that one or a 35mm.
Megan (The Runner's Kitchen)
November 29, 2009 at 7:19 amThe maca powder sounds interesting – what do you do with it exactly?
This isn’t really “ice cream” like, but sometimes I mash together a banana and 1/2 cup vanilla soy milk. It tastes just like pudding!
Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg
November 29, 2009 at 8:43 amI use Jay Robb powder too. I love it!
Did you buy the book or movie version of The Notebook?
Guess it doesn’t matter– both are tear-inducing. My house in Charleston was right around the corner from the movie theater they used for the first date scene, and I saw Ryan Gosselin at the Harris Teeter when they were filming there! It’s my one brush with fame 😉
Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca)
November 29, 2009 at 10:55 amThe notebook for 2.99!!!!! Wow, I wish there was a target in my province!!! I don’t even think there is a target in Canada!
Your eats look fabulous! Great pictures too!
Carbzilla
November 29, 2009 at 11:02 amWhen you find something that actually increases your energy, please let me know. Recently I’ve tried Maca and E3 Live and… nuthin’.
Energy – more please!
Rachel @ Shedding It
November 29, 2009 at 2:13 pmAhhh I didn’t know Amy’s had a new soup out! I love all those soups, I will have to try that one!!
MMiller
November 29, 2009 at 3:44 pmI can’t wait to get my Vita Mix! Why don’t you make your own Almond Butter? And I can’t wait to try to make the Ice cream and the green smoothies!
Jil
November 29, 2009 at 3:47 pmI wish I could text a chef and do that! I get in food ruts way too often! haha Looks delicious.