Dinner/ Lunch

Victory

Aaaaaaaaand moving on.

I appreciate all y’alls support more than you know and value each one of your opinions. Thank you so much for the notes, encouragement and advice. I’m incredibly blessed and thankful to be doing what I do and I couldn’t do it without y’all.

I decided to put my stress into something delicious and made my first real meal in my new kitchen last night! It worked out well because the boy had to work all day and I promised him a delicious dinner when he was done. What was on the menu? Maple and mustard glazed salmon, mushroom risotto and roasted broccoli with sea salt, olive oil and lemon zest. I think he liked it. 😉

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Who needs a table when you have a blanket and a candle?
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Hers on the left, his on the right. Mmm risotto!
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Everything was pretty simple. For the salmon, I just brushed a glaze of whole grain mustard, maple syrup and a tbsp of brown sugar on and then baked at 350 for 20 minutes. So simple but delicious. Now the risotto, on the other hand, was a little more time consuming but completely worth it. I’d have to say if someone asked me what my favorite thing to cook is, I would tell them risotto. It’s so calming and centering because for 45 minutes your only task is to stir the grains of rice. I’ve had many life epiphanies while stirring the risotto pot and last night I calmed myself down by listening to a sermon online and just stir, stir, stirring.
I used this recipe. The secret is butter. Just do it.
And then today the time finally came to move my bed. I was a little worried because of past events. Clearly I have a past history of hurting myself right before athletic events. No big deal. However, I’m here to tell you today that the move went fine and there are no injuries to speak of. 25 miles and three flights of stairs later and we are good to go. It feels so good to be finally “all here” although I still have to go back to the old place next week and clean out the freezer.
We carbo-loaded for the move by eating Mexican food, the natural choice.
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Mine was the burrito on the left….it was a veggie burrito without any cheese or sour cream…the same thing I always get from Guadalajara. The flavors are amazing!
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There are cabbage and carrots in there as well! I ate everything out of the burrito and left the tortilla behind.
Happy Sunday!

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  • Jessica @ How Sweet It Is
    May 16, 2010 at 2:05 pm

    That veggie burrito looks delicious, but your homecooked meal looks fantastic!

  • Coco @ Opera Girl Cooks
    May 16, 2010 at 2:06 pm

    The plate o’food next to your burrito looks delicious, too! What’s the meat dish? Pork chile verde?

  • Sana
    May 16, 2010 at 2:09 pm

    Yay! You are almost all settled in!

  • Diana
    May 16, 2010 at 2:09 pm

    Indoors picnics are always cool 🙂
    Also, that burrito looks good!

  • Evan Thomas
    May 16, 2010 at 2:10 pm

    Like it? I couldn’t imagine he would do anything else than love it. That sounds fantastic.

  • tiff
    May 16, 2010 at 2:12 pm

    salmon looks great! how do you get inspired with your recipes? sometimes, I’ll create a meal that sounds great theoretically but ends up being really terrible =(

  • Crunchy Granola Gal
    May 16, 2010 at 2:16 pm

    i love your pictures of west coast tex-mex. i wanna do a california burrito tour and blog about it. thoughts, anyone?

  • kellyO
    May 16, 2010 at 2:20 pm

    Yay for being almost moved! Yay for cooking therapy! Yay for moving forward…

  • Meghan@traveleatlove
    May 16, 2010 at 2:27 pm

    Romantic! We have a table, but sometimes we picnic on the kitchen floor on a blanket. Love sushi picnics on winter evenings 🙂

  • Betsy
    May 16, 2010 at 2:30 pm

    Mmm, that dinner looks delicious! I may have to make that very soon!

  • Carrie (Love Healthy Living)
    May 16, 2010 at 2:34 pm

    Yep, just move on. Your dinner on the floor was cute with the blanket and candle. No dessert? 🙂

  • Staceyhttp://stacey-healthylife.blogspot.com/
    May 16, 2010 at 2:34 pm

    I’m glad your feeling better and moving forward to a happier place. Looks like you guys had a wonderful night.

  • Jennu
    May 16, 2010 at 2:38 pm

    Eating on the carpet is sooo cute! I love it:)

  • Freya @ Brit Chick Runs
    May 16, 2010 at 2:40 pm

    Oohh that glaze – sounds amazing!
    When does the furniture arrive in your new apartment!? As much as I love eating off the floor, don’t you get sore after a while!?

  • Morgan @ Life After Bagels
    May 16, 2010 at 2:47 pm

    that dinner sure looks romantic!

  • Suzanne de Cornelia
    May 16, 2010 at 2:48 pm

    As usual–food looks terrific! Hope you have sun up there. Carmel has been socked-in for days–very chilly. Any boy in YOUR company AND being fed is a LUCKY MAN and am sure he knows it!! Off for my marathon walk.

    Did you ever hear Eva Cassidy’s rendition of ‘Over The Rainbow’? BEST of ANY ever. Truly an angelic voice. She was just a beautiful totally life affirming person. Like YOU: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccCnL8hArW8

  • Lisa (bakebikeblog)
    May 16, 2010 at 2:53 pm

    Yay for a successful move! We are moving house next weekend eeeeeeek!!!

  • Susan
    May 16, 2010 at 2:56 pm

    Yes to Butter!, My hubby is making Tilapia Fillets with jalepeno peppers, lemon and the secret ingredient is butter, not too much as to over do it… so good! We must try your salmon! sounds amazing.

  • diana(mymarblerye)
    May 16, 2010 at 2:57 pm

    HOLY BURRITO. I’ve always wanted to make rissotto but alas, after work and a quick workout I’m exhausted and the last thing on my mind is stirring something in my face for almost an hour.

  • valen
    May 16, 2010 at 2:58 pm

    Hi Jenna, don’t let those nasty comments get to you. You did your best, I’m actually really impressed with your perseverance with the whole bike riding thing and it has provided me with tons of motivation, and inspiration with my own goals with exercise and I thank you for that. I really admire you. So hang in there and keep up the good work!

  • Suzanne de Cornelia
    May 16, 2010 at 3:05 pm

    PS: Please let us know when the ELR/Jenna Groupie T-Shirts go on sale. I’d love one in white–tight & long-sleeved–w/cool logo! 😉

  • Debbie B
    May 16, 2010 at 3:22 pm

    Ha! #21 funny!
    Glad to see you back! I truly enjoy the blog.

  • Courtney @ Sweet Tooth, Sweet Life
    May 16, 2010 at 3:34 pm

    OMG that burrito looks amazing!!
    And I love your dinner set up…so cute! You’re right, who needs tables anyways? 😉
    Keep up the awesome blog girly!

  • Kristin (Cook, Bake and Nibble)
    May 16, 2010 at 3:40 pm

    What a cute at-home picnic, love it!
    xo
    K

  • Sammi
    May 16, 2010 at 3:44 pm

    Yes, listen to Suzanne’s rec and give Eva Cassidy a try. Her version of “Fields of Gold” is always my savasana song when I do yoga at home, and often my instructor’s choice in studio. (although I still prefer Israel Kamakawiwo Ole’s version of Over the Rainbow…what can I say, I’m an island girl!)

    The salmon looks amazing, I’m always intimidated to make fish.

  • Michelle
    May 16, 2010 at 3:48 pm

    Hi Jenna, i’m sorry i’m one post late, but I’m so sorry to hear that people have been throwing stones at you. 🙁 You are absolutely right though that it is far too easy to judge someone when you’re reading about their life through the internet. All too easy to assume and to be judgemental.

    I can only say that I think you’ve done a phenomenal job of being inspiring, real, and really honestly exciting to read about!! You’re a positive role model to me, and to many others out there who read your blog. Live for yourself and protect yourself. Thank you for holding up so well and exhibiting such great character and strength. It’s trials like this that make you stronger Jenna!! Love Eat Live Run! Love you Jenna! 🙂 and love your salmon. hehehe

  • Dorothy
    May 16, 2010 at 3:51 pm

    The dinner looks so good. I have to admit, risotto was my first love for cooking. I received an awesome cookbook for my college graduation, before which, I had never really given myself much opportunity to cook. After cooking the risotto recipes from this cookbook, my life changed. I became a foodie, caterer, event planner, and lover of all things delicious (in my spare time, of course). Thumbs up for a delicious meal!

  • eatmovelove
    May 16, 2010 at 3:59 pm

    Wow – you must be a real cook if you love 45 mins of risotto haha – I’m like eating and eating while waiting for a chicken on the Foreman to grill haha 🙂 Love the burritio!

  • Daisy
    May 16, 2010 at 4:00 pm

    Why do you leave the tortilla behind?!

  • Katherine
    May 16, 2010 at 4:15 pm

    what a sweet, intimate dinner. the light makes the look amazing

  • lucianna
    May 16, 2010 at 4:20 pm

    the tortilla is the best part!! well, not the BEST part. but there’s nothing like a good tortilla!!

  • Carol
    May 16, 2010 at 4:21 pm

    Nice title “Victory”. Glad to see a new post.

  • Cynthia (It All Changes)
    May 16, 2010 at 4:21 pm

    I love risotto but do not have the patience. That makes it one of my favorite eat out dishes.

    And a blanket on the floor is so romantic even if you have a table 🙂

  • Ashley
    May 16, 2010 at 4:24 pm

    GOOD! Your back. I was getting nervous that you weren’t coming back!

  • Amy
    May 16, 2010 at 4:34 pm

    Hi! I read your blog, but not usually the comments so I don’t know what was said about you, th bike, etc. I’m sorry people were so mean though. I love your blog and hope you keep doing what you’re doing. Also, I love that picture of Dexter in your last post – his coat is so shiny. 🙂 Have a great week. Amy

  • Sharon
    May 16, 2010 at 4:36 pm

    Bookmarked this one for future reference. Fish, rice, and broccoli=pretty much my perfect meal. Gotta try making that risotto it sounds amazing.

  • M(a different M than the other M!!)
    May 16, 2010 at 4:39 pm

    Careful with the candle on blanket….I have heard so many horror stories about candles I am afraid!
    Will you get a nice little table along with your nice sofa-to-come?
    I am tellin’ ya, you are gonna love having a sofa-much cozier than floor as you know!
    Hope the apartment works out great and that neighbors are nice .

  • Erin (Travel, Eat, Repeat)
    May 16, 2010 at 4:47 pm

    That burrito looks incredible–definitely gives me Mexican cravings for this week. 😀 I love having a picnic on the living room floor. A nice change of pace.

  • Julie
    May 16, 2010 at 4:50 pm

    How was bay to breakers? Did you end up going?

  • Lauren @ louisianagrown
    May 16, 2010 at 4:58 pm

    I think of everything you get to eat over there in California, I’m most jealous of all the amazing Mexican food. I could eat a burrito like that every single day.

  • Melissa @ For the Love of Health
    May 16, 2010 at 5:01 pm

    I love the salmon/risotto/broccoli dinner you made for your man! I love the romantic blanket and candle- I def want to do that for my bf- he will def appreciate that!

    Have a wonderful evening!

  • Allie
    May 16, 2010 at 5:05 pm

    that mexican dish next to yours- WHAT is that??!! it’s big and brown and scary! probably good though. i haven’t cooked salmon in a while- i’ve put it on my list for this week. yours looks great!

  • Casey @ Chasing Casey
    May 16, 2010 at 5:14 pm

    That salmon sounds amazing. A friend of mine brought a similar salmon dish to my birthday a few months back and it was SO good, and I’m usually not one for salmon.

  • Anna
    May 16, 2010 at 5:33 pm

    Way to put your energy into something positive! I love your blog, and will continue to read it. Best of luck in your race, and props to you for raising all that $$ for a GREAT cause!

  • Jaime
    May 16, 2010 at 5:39 pm

    All I can say is YUM. Your burrito looks so good, as does the boy’s plate next to it.

    I will have to try your salmon- I SO want to like salmon… but it hasn’t grown on me yet. Sadly. Cuz I want to like it. Yours looks fabulous and I will add it to the menu this week!

    And I didn’t get to mention it, but I wanted to say that the photo of you eating the french fry (from a few posts back) is the cutest picture I have seen of you, I think. You look so happy and glowing!
    <3

  • Stephanie
    May 16, 2010 at 5:44 pm

    Don’t listen to the haters! I LOVE your blog. I check it multiple times a day to see if you’ve updated. I love your writing style & your honesty & all your adventures. I think its great you’ve done this huge accomplishment of the echelon & I think it says a lot about your character to figure out the type of workout that is best for you & listen to your body! Keep up the great work & remember God loves you just the way you are:) faithfully reading!
    Stephanie

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing
    May 16, 2010 at 5:49 pm

    Wow your dinner looks amazing!!! I agree, risotto is SO VERY calming!!! And is it just me or does salmon and risotto just GO together?

  • Lauren
    May 16, 2010 at 6:08 pm

    That burrito looks freaking amazing! Oh, I want one!

  • theemptynutjar
    May 16, 2010 at 6:22 pm

    love salmon.

  • Megan@maintainingthathealthybalance
    May 16, 2010 at 6:24 pm

    Keep up the great work, love your blog!

  • Katalina @ GreenLivingNewYork
    May 16, 2010 at 6:29 pm

    I never had mstard salmon!!! what a shame!! 🙁 I have to try it!!! I like grilled salmon, do you think I can prepare it on grill too?? or better bake it ??!! and yes, I totally love the process of making a risotto, the best I have ever had was made by my fiancee! I will ask him to do it for me and I will post the recipe, believe that man knows how to do his risotto!! 🙂

  • Coco
    May 16, 2010 at 6:31 pm

    i was gone this weekend and was completely surprised to come back and catch up on your posts only to find such rude, negative comments! i cannot believe people sometimes…of course, they would NEVER have the nerve to say these things to your face (cowards!), but the computer is their safety net.

    anyway, i have been reading your blog for awhile, and to be honest, i enjoy it WAY MORE than a lot of the other food/exercise/healthy living blogs because you are way more REAL. you eat what you want to eat, including meat and fried foods, you listen to your body, you drink wine, and you ENJOY YOUR LIFE. honestly, the people complaining about your lifestyle are obviously just jealous. you are gorgeous, a talented writer, and a great pet-mom.

    and you have superb taste in books!

  • MMiller
    May 16, 2010 at 6:33 pm

    As always, amazing food pictures! I was at a family picnic yesterday and there were pickled beets and I took one! My husband looked at my plate and said you don’t like beets! And I said but Jenna eats them all the time so I figured I would try one again! Not bad!

    Glad you are a little better today! Have a great week!

  • Liz
    May 16, 2010 at 6:52 pm

    Love how you used blue and pink cups for boy and girl. I do the same thing 🙂

  • Camille
    May 16, 2010 at 7:02 pm

    Tasty looking burrito!

  • Jeni
    May 16, 2010 at 7:08 pm

    Jenna,
    I’ve been reading your blog for a couple years. Here’s why…

    1. You’ve changed the way I look at food. Instead of being afraid of it (either because it will “make me fat” or “I can’t cook!”), I now feel more adventurous about what I eat for the pure enjoyment of it, and have started being more confident in the kitchen!

    2. I really appreciate your honesty. You know how with yoga the poses aren’t supposed to be perfect every time? The balancing and correcting are PART of what yoga is supposed to be! It is like that with life. If you only wrote about how awesome life is, how incredible everything you ate was, or only touted your culinary prowess, I wouldn’t have come back because I wouldn’t RELATE! (I also wouldn’t believe it!).

    3. I live vicariously through you! I am 35, with two little kids! I can’t go to awesome restaurants as often as you, or travel, or train as much as you do. But I sure love reading how you do it! Until my kids are older, I will take what I can get.

    4. Lastly, you love all the things I love! Hummus, avocado, oatmeal, almond butter, pumpkin butter, goat cheese…not a fan of hot sauce though! =)

    So, thanks! I just want you to know that I love your blog just the way it is and hope you keep it up.

  • JessicaE
    May 16, 2010 at 7:14 pm

    Long time reader, rare commenter..

    Speaking of the last two posts i don’t even know what to say, Suffice to say that it is very risky to put yourself out there…. especially in this day and age on the internet.

    The mistakes you have made would be a much smaller deal if not for the internet… then again, you could not have put Yourself, your life, your eating habits, etc. out there as easily if not for the internet and the popularity of food blogs… it seems truly like a double edged sword to me.

    That being said, in my opinion, the most important beings to please are God and yourself. I for one strive on constructive criticism, and truly, EVERYTHING in life is a learning process. Keep on truckin’, but also, thrive from the negative parts of life (and negative comments 😉 )too.. sometimes from them we learn the most 😀

  • Diana @ frontyardfoodie
    May 16, 2010 at 7:21 pm

    Aww, nothing like giving the man food to reach his heart. My hubby LOVES when I make a good meal for him.

  • jenna
    May 16, 2010 at 7:42 pm

    Coco,

    Yep! That would be the boy’s favorite..chile verde.

    Freya,

    Well, I’m hoping the couch will come either next week or the week after…and then when my mom comes to visit in a few weeks we are going shopping for a little kitchen table 🙂

  • CalliNae
    May 16, 2010 at 10:18 pm

    Greek reference, no? 🙂 that really made me laugh.
    And your romantic meals are lovely. I keep trying to cook for my boy, but Cambridge sucks the fun out of people this term, as everyone becomes study hermits.

    Glad you didn’t let the cranky commenter dissuade you from posting. Stay strong 🙂

  • Lola
    May 17, 2010 at 11:05 am

    Your salmon looks delicious! I’m sure Adam loved it!

  • Jil @ Peace, Love & Munchies
    May 17, 2010 at 5:02 pm

    That salmon sounds unbelievable!

  • Bliss
    May 18, 2010 at 8:12 am

    Sorry to post so late, but don’t let nasty comments get to you! I really appreciate hearing that someone else has a tough time endurance races. It seems like all of my friends (and husband) started running right around the same time I developed a bad case of runner’s knee, and I get insanely jealous when they’re training for half marathons and I’m trying to get my stupid knee back to doing 5ks. I appreciate that there’s a blogger out there who isn’t running marathons at Kenyan times, and its super comforting to know that I”m not the only person who struggles with exercise. Even more, you’re encouraging people to listen to their bodies which is really important in preventing injuries and making exercise a life-long habit. Go you!
    P.S. I could never thank you enough for turning me onto green monsters. They may very well have changed my life.