Wow. Have you ever made yourself a meal without FULLY reading the directions and it ended up being waaaay more work than you bargained for?! More on that in a bit.
First of all, I have come to the conclusion that no matter what, I’ll never be a smoothie for breakfast type of girl. I need that big bowl of steamy carbs to jump start my engines. Sorry raw foodies, but I really do! I was STARVING again not even 2 hours later this morning and when I say starving, I mean tummy-aching-hunger.
Dr.Kracker + smear of whipped cottage cheese came to my rescue!
I could literally hear my tummy going “ahhhhhhhh”
After snack & shower, I finished up my grocery list and hit the store. Sadly, I can no longer even pretend that I can afford to shop at Whole Foods. I hate it, but buying organic just is too expensive for me right now….especially now that I am buying food for two and not just myself! In the future I will definitely go back to mostly organic produce and Whole Foods but right now I just can’t swing it. Sigh.
I was pretty proud of myself this morning though because I managed to buy all this for only $72!
- frozen corn
- spinach
- cucumber
- thai ginger
- plum tomatoes
- beets
- avocado
- bell pepper
- apples
- napa cabbage
- cilantro
- basil
- mint
- dried hot chili peppers (!!)
- brussels sprouts
- cinnamon raisin Ezekiel (my fav!)
- spinach tortillas
- mini whole whet tortillas
- extra lean ground turkey
- whole wheat gnocci
- black beans
- 0% Fage (couldn’t find 2% and got really, really sad!!!)
- interesting sprouted brown rice sushi kit
- vino
- mini buffalo mozzarella balls
I thought I did pretty good for $72, considering I got some expensive products like Fage, Ezekiel bread and wine. I still have to go back and buy low fat mexican cheese and butter for a recipe but I don’t know if I have the strength today.
So anyways, I put all the groceries away and flipped open the raw bible to the special recipe that I was SO excited to make for lunch today—-Thai Vegetable Wraps. I started with a very clean kitchen and laid out my two collard leaves, which the sweet produce lady at the store gave me for free since they had fallen away from the bunch.
I had NO earthly idea how to make these into the cute tight wraps I see elsewhere on the blogworld so I (obviously) consulted Gena’s site as to how to do it. She gives a great tutorial here for us newbies. It seemed pretty easy and I copied her instructions exactly. Then I started to create the inside filling for the wraps and that’s when all hell broke loose.
To be fair, it was a wonderful recipe.
The final product was everything I dreamed it to be and tasted just like restaurant quality. Pretty proud of myself there. However, when you are working in a very very tiny apartment kitchen and there’s about 20 steps and bowls and utensils going on…….well, it can be a bit messy.
I finally produced the spicy cabbage filling, which was shredded cabbage dressed in a sauce of raw almond butter, maple syrup, ginger, a red chile, lemon juice and namu shoyu (I just used tamari).
I wish I would have been a more aware chef and cut the dressing in half because it called for an entire CUP of my coveted Trader Joe’s raw almond butter. Looks like I’ll be eating nothing but this slaw for the next few days…….it was pretty tasty though, I’ll give it that.
And then about an hour later I finally got around to assembling the wraps. I took each leaf and filled it with slaw topped with thin mango slices, carrot matchsticks, cashew pieces coated in a mixture of olive oil and sea salt and cilantro, mint and basil.
They turned out very well but the wrap was quite loose. In total I used 2.5 collard leaves for my lunch but I really think I failed on the wrapping part. As I was eating them they totally fell apart and went everywhere. Oops
My original plan was to make some fresh juice to have WITH my wraps but that idea was vetoed when I was yelling to myself in the kitchen and wanting to just give up and make a peanut butter sandwich.
Like I said though, they were very very tasty and filling! I loved the flavor combination and I’m a huge fan of anything Thai. I honestly don’t think I would make this again just for myself but if I was hosting some sort of raw dinner party someday I would definitely make it then…..just giving myself a lot of time and having a glass of wine ready and within reach.
I then cleaned the kitchen top to bottom and that was that! I’ve got a big bowl of leftover spicy cabbage in the fridge now and 3 more collard leaves left so you can expect to see this again soon seeing as I refuse to waste all that good almond butter. I think that by making this lunch I have totally earned a not-raw snack later in the day so that’s what I’m going to have!
And now here is some random information:
I took a funny leap of faith yesterday afternoon and applied for a 6 month position as the new
Murphy-Goode Wine Lifestyle Correspondent out in Sonoma. Basically, its like American Idol (1 in a million chance) to get the position but after reading about the job I had to say “what do I have to lose??!” So my mom and I busted out the FlipCam and made my application video to send in. The deal is that you all have to go and vote for me for anyone to even give me a second look! It takes only about 1.5 minutes to watch my corny little video and vote so please do it…I would be very thankful! How funny would it be if I actually won?!
Click here to vote for Jenna as the next Murphy-Goode Wine Girl!
Courtney (The Hungry Yogini)
May 13, 2009 at 10:56 amI had terrible raw food luck today too!! It was awful!! My breakfast did not hold me over AT ALL!
That’s awesome about the contest! I will definitely vote for you =)
Enjoy the rest of your day!
Jenna
May 13, 2009 at 11:02 ami hope you win! that would be so cool! 🙂 I think your lunch looks great!!
Marissa
May 13, 2009 at 11:03 amThose wraps look great!
Katie
May 13, 2009 at 11:06 amJenna, your lunch looks fab . . . even if it did take an eternity to make 😉 I loved your video, already voted for you! It’s such an exciting opportunity, keeping my fingers crossed for you!
runeatrepeat
May 13, 2009 at 11:20 amI actually heard about that and thought about trying out! Good luck!
Naji
May 13, 2009 at 11:32 amYay thats awesome Jenna I just voted for you. hope you win
Kaila
May 13, 2009 at 11:36 amOnly $72 for all that? You are a super shopper!
I hear you on the smoothie thing. I think it’s something a person’s stomach has to get used to, using only liquid as morning fuel. Everyone’s different, though.
I’ll definitely vote for you! But I have to ask, what exactly is a wine lifestyle correspondant? Haha, sorry, clueless here. I hope you win!!
jenna
May 13, 2009 at 11:38 amKaila,
Hahaha I’m going to be honest…I don’t exactly know but I think it has to do with doing daily wine tastings and blogging about new wine trends. Or at least that’s how I read the job description to mean!!! I know its a total long-shot but I have nothing to lose and think I have just about a good of a chance as any other. It would be pretty sweet!
Eliza
May 13, 2009 at 11:36 amyou WILL win this contest, I almost guarantee it!
Marina
May 13, 2009 at 11:46 amGood luck Jenna! I hope you get it!
PRT
May 13, 2009 at 11:47 amI just vote for you! Hope you get it! And as you said, you got nothing to lose.
How did you manage to buy all that food so cheap? Amazing!
jenna
May 13, 2009 at 11:48 amPRT,
Well I make a list once a week and STICK to it. I actually forgot three things though and need to go back now ..ggrrrr…I still need cheese, butter and almond milk. Oh well. The grocery store I shop at is not fancy or expensive but they have a great produce area with all the veggies in the misters on the wall so you know they are really fresh!
Alyssa
May 13, 2009 at 11:49 amI voted for you!!!
Amy Pacheco
May 13, 2009 at 11:50 amI just voted for you – three times 🙂
Hope you win Jenna you would be great for that position.
Amanda @ Cakes and Ale
May 13, 2009 at 11:53 amWhat a cool potential job! Ah, to live in Sonoma… I’m going to Napa in three weeks and I cannot wait! How could you not love wine country!
Joanie @ The Bright Side
May 13, 2009 at 11:56 amGreat video, Jenna! I just voted for you, too. Good luck!
Melissa
May 13, 2009 at 11:57 amI voted for you! Good luck!
The wraps look yummy. I’ve used collard leaves as replacements for tortillas before, but never tried a Thai version. This will go in my meal plan for next week. Thanks!
Megan
May 13, 2009 at 11:59 amHi Jenna,
I just voted for you. I would LOVE to hear you win so we can follow what you do there on your blog! Can you vote more then once? Thanks, Meg
jenna
May 13, 2009 at 12:02 pmMegan,
I honestly don’t know! I also don’t know if lots of votes promises me an interview but the wine people must see and take into consideration the person that has the most votes…no?! I know I have a one in a million chance of even getting an interview but it would be so cool if it worked out!
NJ
May 13, 2009 at 12:04 pmActually so far you are one of only 72 so…
Your odds are better than mine of getting into my first choice of grad school program… much better.
Foodie (Fab and Delicious Food)
May 13, 2009 at 12:09 pmThat would be so cool if you won that correspondent job! Good luck!
Dee
May 13, 2009 at 12:09 pmHey Jenna~ sorry about your aggravating lunch! Good luck with the job opportunity- I voted for you : )
Julia
May 13, 2009 at 12:09 pmGood luck with the Murphy Goode Job! It looks very exciting, and I voted for your application!
Kati
May 13, 2009 at 12:09 pmJenna, I voted for you; good luck! Sorry about the wraps :< At least they looked delish!!
Amanda
May 13, 2009 at 12:11 pmJust voted for you.
Mindy
May 13, 2009 at 12:12 pmvoted! GOOOOO JENNA!! 🙂
i don’t think i’ve ever heard you speak before i watched that video lol!
Mindy
May 13, 2009 at 12:16 pmOK, i just read about the position and what it offers and such, and all i can say is WOW.. that is a sweet deal. I really hope you get it!! So we can all live vicariously through your experience 😀
Rachel
May 13, 2009 at 12:17 pmI voted for you!! You have some AWESOME credentials! I already knew them but when you say them all at once it sounds amazing! I’d hire you 🙂
Sorry your lunch wasn’t all that you hoped for. I forgot my lunch on my counter so all I got to eat was a Cliff bar from my desk 🙁
Rebecca
May 13, 2009 at 12:20 pmI voted for you! And watched the video on super low volume at work. What a sweet job!!
Sarah (lovINmytummy)
May 13, 2009 at 12:21 pmI think the wraps look delicious. I’d just eat that slaw by itself, though.
I’m off to vote!
brandi
May 13, 2009 at 12:22 pmyour wraps look awesome even if they took forever 🙂
cute video – I think you’ll get it 🙂
Emily L.
May 13, 2009 at 12:23 pmGOOOOOOOOOOOOD luck!
I’m also starving from my smoothie this morning (and I’ve since had a Raw-revolution bar too!) time to go for something more substantial.
Kimberly
May 13, 2009 at 12:24 pmGood for you! My college suitemate sent in a video audition for America’s Next Top Model and ended up getting selected to be a contestant, so you just never know!! I think you have a better shot than many at winning 🙂
Kristin @ Iowa Girl Eats
May 13, 2009 at 12:25 pmWow that is dedication!! If a recipe has more than 10 ingredients I usually pass right on by it!! and SO COOL about your video!! Good luck!!
Amy
May 13, 2009 at 12:29 pmGreat looking lunch! I know it isn’t raw, but you might try blanching the greens for 1 minute (just hold onto the stems) and then shocking them. They work so much better as a wrap and take away some of the bite. I love collard wraps like this 🙂
mh
May 13, 2009 at 12:29 pmyou are so cute! I voted for you! I hope you win, but could you bring Ryan with you to join in?haha! havea great day girl
Mel
Laura Brandon
May 13, 2009 at 12:35 pmI voted for you 🙂
Kelly
May 13, 2009 at 12:35 pmGood luck! Your video was good…you got my vote 🙂
Nicole
May 13, 2009 at 12:37 pmJust voted and I think you have a great chance!! You are great on camera and I looooove your writing!
Mara @ What's For Dinner?
May 13, 2009 at 12:40 pmThose Gia Russa gnocchi are some of my favorites!! I made a great recipe w/goat cheese and basil and gnocchi 🙂
Natalie
May 13, 2009 at 12:41 pmJust voted! Your video was great! Good luck 🙂
jessnyc
May 13, 2009 at 12:43 pmi think it’s awesome you applied for that position! and you’re right, what is there to lose?! might as well give it a shot 🙂 i voted, and hope you win, you deserve it in my humble opinion!
Jenni
May 13, 2009 at 12:46 pmI voted!! Just waiting for a confirmation email…good luck!
Babycakes
May 13, 2009 at 12:46 pmI just voted for you Jenna! I hope you win!!!
Run Sarah
May 13, 2009 at 12:50 pmGood luck! I love those fun wraps 🙂
courtney
May 13, 2009 at 12:51 pmCheers! You’re so cute 🙂 Good luck, Jenna! I am going to make my family and friends vote for you too!
sue
May 13, 2009 at 12:53 pmi would have been sad to use up a whole cup of almond butter too- but those wraps do look really yummy! that job sounds so cool- i’ll be voting for you!
Angie
May 13, 2009 at 12:54 pmVoted!
Those still look, and sound, damn good!
christy
May 13, 2009 at 12:55 pmHi Jenna~
I have seen you eating whipped cottage cheese. Is it packed like that? Or do you make it whipped? If so, how do you make it? Sorry so many questions. I like using cottage cheese for an easy way to get my protein in. I hope you are having a great week so far:) ~Christy~
Tara
May 13, 2009 at 12:59 pmI went and voted for you!
Those wraps look good, but I had a similar project where I failed to read through the recipe and wound up doing waaaay more work than I had intended. However, the outcome was tasty, much like yours!
Lauren
May 13, 2009 at 1:02 pmAww, your video was sooo good!!! I voted for you! I really hope you get it! Good Luck! 🙂
Rachel
May 13, 2009 at 1:03 pmWahoo, I voted for you! And we must have brain-to-brain this week, as I got those same tortillas and ground turkey. Hope to see what yummy stuff you make with our similar ingredients!
Sheri
May 13, 2009 at 1:06 pmI voted for ya! GOOO Jenna! That would be a great job.
Red Head, Yellow Dog
May 13, 2009 at 1:07 pmvoted for you!!! good luck! I hope you get it!
Fitzalan
May 13, 2009 at 1:11 pmI’m interested to see what you think of the brown rice sushi kit. I have bought it before and it was a good emergency go-to (i.e. keep in the office desk drawer) but if I had access to a kitchen to make something better, I would have. I found the kit in itself a bit of a letdown. Maybe i’m a sushi snob? 🙂
Off to vote for Jenna.
Happiness Awaits
Lindsay
May 13, 2009 at 1:15 pmJenna, that job looks awesome, and PERFECT for you! I just voted, and I have a really good feeling about it 🙂
Caitlin
May 13, 2009 at 1:17 pmvoted for ya!! cute vid 🙂
Jen
May 13, 2009 at 1:17 pmJust voted for you, Jenna, so best of luck beating out the competition!
I’m always really hesitant to use a lot of any nut butter, which means I don’t make peanut butter cookies often even though I loveee them. 🙁 I just can’t part with a whole cup of my peanut butter!!
Becky
May 13, 2009 at 1:22 pmI hope you win! What an amazing experience that would be for you (and all of us who enjoy your blog)!
Michelle @ Find Your Balance
May 13, 2009 at 1:22 pmTwo things! My favorite raw breakfast is raw whole oat groats soaked overnight with raisins. In the morning, just blend in the blender. It’s looks like oatmeal, tastes like cold cereal. Some fruit and cinnamon and you’re good to go!
For the collard wraps, they get messy huh? I sometimes blanch the leaves and wrap them up tighter. Here’s directions! http://www.findyourbalancehealth.com/2009/03/green-wrap-up-and-a-statement-about-vegetarianism/
weight and meditate
May 13, 2009 at 1:28 pmJenna, I used all three of my email addresses to vote for you, even though that’s cheating! I read about the position, 10 grand a month!?!?!?! For six months! So awesome, I really hope you get it!
katie s
May 13, 2009 at 1:30 pmThat sounds awesome, Jenna! I think that job would be so perfectly for ya!! I hope you get it!! I voted for you 🙂
Gena
May 13, 2009 at 1:31 pmHey cutie!
You did an amazing job!
You can always steam the collards if you want: makes them so much easier to handle. You can also marinate them in lemon and olive oil and salt for 30 minutes to an hour.
I just posted a tutorial on young coconuts!
xoox
Cate
May 13, 2009 at 1:31 pmYou are so cute… Voted!
Matt (NoMeatAthlete)
May 13, 2009 at 1:36 pmI see you bought some gnocchi, my favorite! But for the most part, premade gnocchi is terrible compared to the real thing. Have you ever tried making it from scratch? It’s really not hard, and with the right sauce (like cauliflower-gorgonzola), it is one of the most heavenly, comforting dishes you’ll ever eat. And a nice Italian red makes it all the better.
Sharon
May 13, 2009 at 1:42 pmJust voted for you! Good luck!
Jordan
May 13, 2009 at 1:43 pmHey Jenna, I voted for you! This lady might be hard to beat though…
http://www.areallygoodejob.com/video-view.aspx?vid=3oKxH-XKP_Q
Amber
May 13, 2009 at 1:47 pmVoted! and if you win and come out to sonoma I will come say hi =)
alison
May 13, 2009 at 1:48 pmThat wrap looks great!
I found that buying ground turkey rather than ground turkey breast is a good cost-saving tip. I use it rarely enough that I don’t mind the extra calories/fat too much.
Andrea
May 13, 2009 at 1:50 pmHahaha, the link that Jordan posted is too funny. I voted for you 🙂 Hope you win!
Jenn Eats Nutritiously Now
May 13, 2009 at 1:50 pmJust voted for you…good luck!!!!!!
Tamara
May 13, 2009 at 2:00 pmGreat job! You got my vote!! 🙂
Lindsey (fiteats)
May 13, 2009 at 2:23 pmAwesome video! I loved it and voted for you! I totally hear you about wishing you could shop at whole foods. We don’t have one close by but if we didn’t I wouldn’t be able to shop exclusively there either!
Kim
May 13, 2009 at 2:56 pmJenna..
I voted for you! Good luck!!
I hear you about Whole Foods. I would love to shop there exclusively, however, it is way too $$. Both my son & I eat gluten-free due to Celiac Disease, so some of the food can be super $$.
Kim
Marcela
May 13, 2009 at 2:57 pmI loved voting for you. You do know that you are going to get this position don’t you? I know you feel it. Good luck!
Johanna B
May 13, 2009 at 3:00 pmJenna, I just watched your awesome video. It was nice to put a voice to your face. I participated in Raw Wednesday by having a huge salad of fresh vegetables with raw dressing from our tiny health food store. For a snack I had a piece of fresh fruit. My stomach feels fine this afternoon (it usually doesn’t after a meal in our cafeteria). Looking forward to learning more about the raw lifestyle.
Becca
May 13, 2009 at 3:00 pmHi! I voted for you without even watching the video 🙂
Question: What is whipped cottage cheese? Do you make it yourself?
jenna
May 13, 2009 at 3:07 pmBecca,
Thanks for your support! I don’t make the cottage cheese—I buy it. It is Friendship brand but seems to be very hard to find. Look for it at your local store with the other cottage cheeses!
sirenjess
May 13, 2009 at 3:12 pmHow do those spinach wraps taste? I saw them at my sun harvest and I was wondering if they were worth buying. Thanks
jenna
May 13, 2009 at 3:39 pmSirenjess,
I honestly don’t know because I’ve never tried them. I bought them today for a recipe I’m making tomorrow! I’ll let you know!
Dayna
May 13, 2009 at 3:28 pmGreat video Jenna! I voted for you. I am a nutrition major and have been really considering going to culinary school lately, you have really inspired me to look further into achieving that goal!
Dayna
Jennifer
May 13, 2009 at 3:47 pmJenna, what is the brand of whipped cottage cheese you have? I can’t stand the texture of regular cottage cheese but would be willing to try it whipped!
Shannon @ TheDailyBalance
May 13, 2009 at 3:49 pmwraps look awesome! Even if they took forever! Good luck with the contest 😉 – you rocked it 😉
ash
May 13, 2009 at 3:52 pmhey Jenna i have NO idea what the murphy wine thing-o is but i voted for ya! lol hope you win
ash
K
May 13, 2009 at 3:54 pmVOTED!! The recipe at least sounds yummy 🙂 Great grocery haul!
Jaclyn
May 13, 2009 at 4:18 pmJenna, I voted for you! I think you’d be perfect for it, good luck!
Mary
May 13, 2009 at 4:28 pmVoting done, best of luck Jenna! 🙂
Shelbney
May 13, 2009 at 4:32 pmJust Voted!!! You are too cute! I really hope you get this Jenna, you sooo deserve it!
Kristine
May 13, 2009 at 4:59 pmThat’s awesome! I voted for you and I hope you win! What an amazing experience that would be! 🙂
Katrina (gluten free gidget)
May 13, 2009 at 5:01 pmMy mother-in-law told me about an A-MAZING fruit and produce stand/store (it’s really tine) on Manhattan. It is super cheap and the guys that run it are so nice. They are constantly giving her discounts and free produce to try. I can’t remember the name, but if you turn left onto Manhattan from Bay to Bay it’s just a little ways down on the right. It is before Dairy Joy, so if you pass that you’ve gone too far.
Susan
May 13, 2009 at 5:19 pmVoted!! Sending good vibes your way so you get it 😉
laura
May 13, 2009 at 5:21 pmi already voted for you!!!!!!!!!!!
Meredith (Pursuing Balance)
May 13, 2009 at 5:30 pmHey Jenna!
Just wanted to let you know that certain items are definitely cheaper at WF than at Publix! Like tempeh at Publix (in Miami) is $2.99 and I can get some at WF for $2.25! BUT the coconut milk yogurt is like 15 cents cheaper at Publix than at WF. Just so ya know 🙂
Shelby
May 13, 2009 at 5:33 pmSorry about the wraps, mine didn’t hole well either. It’s good that the filling was tasty though!
I’m totally voting for you 😉
Kathleen
May 13, 2009 at 5:34 pmMy vote is in. The wraps look yummy! I have no patience for major prep, so I’d fail and grab the wine way sooner than most :o)
kirsten
May 13, 2009 at 5:35 pmgood luck Jenna ! already voted, I think you have this in the bag 🙂
Jewels
May 13, 2009 at 5:38 pmAwesome video! You remind me of Reese Witherspoon!
Kiersten
May 13, 2009 at 6:07 pmI can’t live off raw food either, it leave me starving an hour later. Those wraps still sound yummy though.
Good luck with the contest!
Nadia
May 13, 2009 at 6:20 pmVoted for you earlier today…good luck 🙂
Heather
May 13, 2009 at 6:30 pmVoted for you Jenna! I’ve been having a tough raw food day too. For a snack, I had two raw dates sprinkled with raw coconut. There were delicious! Unfortunately, being at school does not permit for much raw dinner options but I’m doing my best. Next week, when I come home, I can get on track! Have a wonderful day!
Kelly
May 13, 2009 at 6:45 pmOf course we will all vote for you- that sounds like an AMAZING job 🙂
I agree with you about the smoothies. I really don’t eat them because they don’t keep me full as long as eating whole food- I don’t know if it’s a mental thing or what for me!
Danielle
May 13, 2009 at 6:49 pmThat’s what is making me nervous about going raw… confusing and complicated recipes… but I really hope I can figure it out. I’m so intrigued!
In other news, I just voted FOR YOU 🙂
Nicole
May 13, 2009 at 6:58 pmThat slaw looks delish, even though it took up so much of your almond butter! And good luck with the contest, we’re all pullin’ for ya 🙂
Raffi
May 13, 2009 at 7:23 pmif you can’t afford organic produce, at least get orgranic apples. The non orgranic ones are sprayed at least 17 times from growth to pick I hear. Then waxed. I was told if I change 2 things in my house to organic they should be milk and apples.
Caroline
May 13, 2009 at 10:39 pmGreat groceries! I just bought that same cinnamon raisin bread the other day, and I can’t wait to try it out!
Kim
May 13, 2009 at 11:18 pmI made sure to vote for you too. I hope you get it! I live a little over an hour away from there so I’ll definitely come say hi if you move there 🙂
Hangry Pants
May 13, 2009 at 11:44 pmI love the video – good luck!
Jess
May 14, 2009 at 10:20 amYou could save a little money by baking your own bread. I’ve been doing that and it’s fun.
Emily
May 14, 2009 at 10:57 amSeriously, that cracker and cottage cheese looks like the yummiest! And of course I voted for you. 😉 -e
tina
May 16, 2009 at 8:10 amvoted just now. It was so nice to put a voice to the words I’ve been reading! Good luck!
Eat, Live, Run » Blog Archive » Rolling On
June 16, 2010 at 9:24 pm[…] my own rather terrified me. So back to the kitchen explosion. I’m vaguely reminded of a previous roll-wrapping catastrophe that took place almost exactly a year ago. Some people learn from their mistakes. I just roll on. […]