Tuesday, Tuesday….I can’t get over how crazy it is that it is already June (and my birthday is next week! hehe). A year ago I was getting ready to travel to France and had NO idea I would be attending culinary school and moving to Orlando. Goes to show you that the future is so unpredictable sometimes. That can be a good thing!
Last night in school we got the privledge of attending a National Culinary Federation meeting that was being held at our school’s restaurant. It was a a big gathering of executive chefs and foodies from the area and was cool to be a part of. At the end of the meeting an executive pastry chef from a hotel around here did a wonderful sugar pulling demontration, and created this wonderful flower centerpiece—all with sugar!
After the meeting and demo there was food, and it being 8:30 (4 hours after I last ate!), I was starving. I decided to forgo the snack I had brought with me and instead make a little snack plate at the buffet ;). I was not disappointed. There was a huge station with every kind of artisan bread you could ever imagine and also a wonderful olive station featuring olives from all over the world….deliciously fresh. I love olives!! On my plate I had a small kalamata olive roll, a couple different olives (almond stuffed, Sicilian, spicy, Greek blend…) and some fresh pineapple. It was great! The perfect snack—I could have gone back for more but I resisted!
Since our class got cut short last night from the meeting we kept it light and easy, making crepes and unmolding our Charlotte Royals from Friday night’s practical. Mine actually turned out really good and I got a 96! It looks like a brain doesn’t it?! (not something I would really pick for dessert if I had a choice but its a classic)
This morning, even though I didn’t get home until close to midnight last night, I forced myself to wake up early and hit the gym for cardio. I did 20 minutes on the treadmill—running for 15 and walking on a steep incline for 5. When I got back I finished off the box of Optimum Power cereal with the other half of my morning banana and soymilk.
Now, for lunch I have something new. I really try not to really on packaged “convenience foods” very often and don’t like to eat too many fake meats. But this caught my eye because it looked really tasty, the ingredients were all super simple and all natural, it has like 15 grams of protein in it, and its very portable to take to work! All I have to do is slit open the top of the pouch and micro for 3 minutes. Sometimes these things work well when you just don’t feel like packing yet another sandwich for your lunchbox. I’ll let you all know how it tastes though! I’ve had chili by this brand and it was pretty good…With my meal I packed a juicy ripe peach and for a snack later, popcorn and a pear. This popcorn was on sale at the store, buy one get one free. How could I resist?! And kettle korn is my favorite…;)
Have a great day!
Lauren
June 3, 2008 at 1:18 pmJust curious, why do you force yourself to go to the gym if you already live such an active lifestyle?
Romina
June 3, 2008 at 1:20 pmOh yum! Look at all that delicious bread. It must have smelled like heaven.
jenna
June 3, 2008 at 1:22 pmLauren,
Well I really don’t live that much of an active lifestyle. From 10-4 when I work everyday all I do is sit at a desk…getting up a few times to use the bathroom but that’s it. At school I’m on my feet but exercise is part of who I am and I feel a ton better about myself each day that I do it. It really makes my day 110% better, no matter how tired I am. I was sort of joking when I said “forcing”…it’s hard to tell a joke on the internet I guess! haha!
VeggieGirl
June 3, 2008 at 1:29 pmOh my, that sugar-pulling is exquisite!! Very impressive – I can only imagine just how amazing it was to see it in action, at that demo! And congratulations on your 96, on the practical :0)
Happy Tuesday!
arielle
June 3, 2008 at 1:39 pmI love those food network challenges when they do like cake or pastry battles and make all of the crazy stuff out of sugar. It’s so cool.
Mel H
June 3, 2008 at 1:51 pmi talked myself out of going to the gym today bc I am tired and it’s pouring…bad Mel! haha! There’s always tomorrow. Jenna and everyone- how many days a week do you aim for cardio and how many for strength or a mix?
Becca A
June 3, 2008 at 2:35 pmGreat job on your practical! The sugar piece the chef did is amazing!
And I’m glad to hear the chili by that brand is decent, I’ve had a bag of it that I keep putting off trying!
Kelly
June 3, 2008 at 2:36 pmI don’t like olives, but just the sight of that spread is amazing. Great job on your practical!
Heather
June 3, 2008 at 4:06 pmThat olive buffett looks AMAZING! My husband hates olives so I almost never eat them- but I probably would have gone nuts with that spread.
Your cake is beautiful!
Stacy
June 3, 2008 at 4:10 pmI love olives, that buffet of olives is really like my dream. 🙂
Monica
June 3, 2008 at 4:47 pmIt’s crazy how much has changed for you in the last year. Did you blog while on your Paris trip? I would love to read about it.
Danielle
June 3, 2008 at 5:26 pmThe Charlotte Royal looks incredible! I’ve never actually seen one before, it’s very interesting… I’d love to try it :). Have a wonderful day!
Kelly L
June 3, 2008 at 5:45 pmMel H- Here is my current schedule…
M- 15 minute run and 25 minutes of weights
T- I try to walk during lunch for about 25-30 mins, afternoon Pilates reformer class
W- 20-25 minute run
R- Same as Tuesday, walk and pilates reformer class (1 hr)
F- 20-30 minute bike ride
S- 15 minute run and 25 of weights
S 20-30 minute bike ride
I try and walk when I can. I take the stairs and I don’t like to sit. My workouts aren’t super cardio based because I don’t want to lose any weight. With that said, I’m thinking I need to take a day off. Wednesdays? I just feel like a slug if I don’t do SOMETHING. Any ideas? I’d love to see yall’s schedules.
Kristie
June 3, 2008 at 8:06 pmThat sugar flower is STUNNING!
I really like your “brain” dessert too haha
Comrade GoGo
June 3, 2008 at 8:07 pmWow, what an exquisitely delicate-looking centerpiece! Amazing that it’s all made of sugar!
Mel H
June 3, 2008 at 8:46 pmkelly L,
wow you are more motivated than me! haha! I love to work out, but usually take two days off a week. when I go to the gym I either do the elliptical for about 20, or run/walk gallaway method for 20-25 mins, or walk on an incline for about 20 and after i always do about 10-15 mins of weight machines and such. I’m not trying to lose weight either. I know what you mean about feeling like a slug, but even when i don’t work out I like to stay on my feet, cook, take the stairs, run errands, etc. I can’t sit still but some days I just don’t want to work out! haha
Bev
June 3, 2008 at 9:40 pmAll that beautiful food . Heaven 🙂 We had GardenBurger bold-tasting barbeque riblets . They are the best ! If I never read your blog I wouldn’t know about them. Your the BEST 🙂
Cecilia
June 4, 2008 at 2:32 amoh my goodness, BREAD!! Bread = my weakness… if i was there, I don’t know what will happen
Lily
June 4, 2008 at 9:09 amHow was the teriyaki garlic chik’n?!?!
Or does anyone else know? I love finding out about new products 🙂