Lunch

“Essentials”

Shopping for food ALWAYS is a good start to the day! I had such good intentions in mind at Whole Foods this morning. I made a “short” list (yeah right) that included essentials like peanut butter, fruit and larabars. Well, of course when I got in to the store all my intentions went out the window and I spent double my gift card amount! Oh, poo. I think the stuff I bought was just expensive. But…..I needed it!

Here’s what I got—aka the “essentials”:

Almond Butter (switchin’ it up from my usual PB)

larabars

a $5.99 bottle of merlot because I’m classy like that

some apples

bread

individual almond milks

oats

maple syrup (this is $$$!)

a “pro bar”…never tried this before but it has enough calories and fat to be a meal and I might have to use it for a makeshift lunch while I’m in vero beach working at the yacht club. I’m sure they will be giving me “employee meals” but who knows what that is and I like to be prepared for any situation!!

A Nana PB cookie~my fav!

tea

bananas

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When I got home I reheated a Veganomicon Black Bean Burger that I had made last month and put in the freezer. I had it on an Ezekiel english muffin with some ketchup. Also had a plum on the side.

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I’m planning to make the Super-Charge Me Cookies out of ED&BV this afternoon to bring with me for snacks as well. The ingredients in these cookies pretty much rock (oats, dried fruit, almond butter, flax meal) and they look pretty darn energizing. I’ve been wanting to make these since I bought the cookbook but found spelt flour for the first time today at the store!

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  • amy
    March 28, 2008 at 3:59 pm

    Whole Foods is one of my favorite places in the world. I can’t even tell you how many times I have gone in for “essentials” and came out with more! Fresh Market and Target are the same way!

  • nicole r.
    March 28, 2008 at 4:03 pm

    I am a COMPULSIVE reader and would like to jump in the book discussion–the best book I’ve read in quite some time is On Beauty by Zadie Smith. Its about a family living around the Wellesley/Boston area and their “trials and tribulations.” Phenomenal. This girl’s use of language is incredible–definitely read!! Not short or quick, but so worth it!!

  • Cara
    March 28, 2008 at 4:09 pm

    Sounds like a successful trip!

  • Betsy
    March 28, 2008 at 4:14 pm

    On Beauty is amazing. I read it last year and want to read it again. So beautifully written and interesting. I agree that it isn’t a short or quick read, but put it on your list for when you have time. Zadie Smith is one talented gal!!

    Get ready to be floored by that Almond Butter. It will change your life.

  • Anna
    March 28, 2008 at 4:33 pm

    Bohemian Highway has great wine! Relax and enjoy it – you deserve it. šŸ™‚

  • Becky
    March 28, 2008 at 4:40 pm

    Nicole or Betsy – Did you guys read White Teeth? I really liked On Beauty too and have been close to picking up WT a few times … if so, what did you think?

  • nicole r.
    March 28, 2008 at 4:46 pm

    Yup read white teeth as well and loved it just as much. I feel that on beauty is a better first read, which is why I recommended it instead. WT is a very different story, though I suppose the overarching theme is the same or similar (race relations/culture etc..). Definitely read it if you enjoyed on beauty.

  • Betsy
    March 28, 2008 at 4:52 pm

    yes-also read white teeth. I liked On Beauty better, but I still loved it. They’re both phenomenol books. agree it is a very different story, but Zadie has a wonderful style of writing that is so engaging and interesting.

  • blueberrybabe
    March 28, 2008 at 5:04 pm

    on books-

    help! i hate reading! i want to like it, but i just am totally turned of by novels. are there any of you out there who used to be like me and converted? can you recommend books for someone like me? maybe some of this will help-

    – I don’t like girly books or anything light and fluffy
    – I need something that will keep me very engaged
    – I don’t like fantasy or science fiction
    – I think I like things about real life- and real life struggles, etc
    – I think I like things that other people would consider depressing lol
    – I like humor
    I WOULD LOVE ANY SUGGESTIONS! Thanks!

  • eliza
    March 28, 2008 at 5:04 pm

    a $5.99 bottle of merlot because Iā€™m classy like that

    ..hahaha so cute

    I live in Maine but a GREAT wine to try is Fat Bastard or Yellow Tail.. both great relatively cheap wine! mmm..so yummy:)

  • rivermomx3
    March 28, 2008 at 5:11 pm

    Hey Jenna,
    Have you ever tried Rudy’s Rosemary and Olive Oil bread? SO GOOD!!!

  • LisaR
    March 28, 2008 at 5:22 pm

    Jenna, I bought the same almond butter a few weeks ago and it has lasted me a lot longer than my pb! It’s pretty good but I’m more of a peanut butter gal šŸ™‚ I like to mix them together when I make toast in the morning! yummy!

  • Jenna 2
    March 28, 2008 at 5:46 pm

    jenna,
    did you ever say how your catering gig went? i hope it went well. šŸ™‚
    also do you know the difference between the flours…like all purpose vs. spelt? in the recipes in ED&BV she uses alot of spelt and i don’t understand the difference. I used WW flour in the choc. pnbutter cookies and they turned out very dry?

    thank you and good luck this weekend.

  • Patricia
    March 28, 2008 at 5:47 pm

    Beth T,
    Here’s the olive oil cake recipe…

    4 eggs

    1 cup sugar

    1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

    1/2 tsp baking powder

    pinch of salt

    1 cup flour (white)

    1. Beat together the eggs and sugar with an electric beater until thick and pale. Add the olive oil, baking powder and salt and beat again until combined.

    2. Fold in the flour and pour into a prepared cake pan (sprayed with nonstick spray)

    3. Bake at 350 for about 40 minutes until golden brown. When cool, dust with powdered sugar.

    **The cookbook this is from says “one slice=310 calories” and that there were 8 slices total. I get a lot more than 8 slices from this cake because a thin slice is all that’s needed to satisfy. Enjoy with a cup of tea with honey or a decaf cappuccino. Share with someone you love.

  • Betsy
    March 28, 2008 at 5:55 pm

    blueberrybabe
    it’s non-fiction, but have you ever read David Sedaris’ books? They’re really funny and cynical, and short stories so you don’t have to become invested in something huge. He’s a great writer with a certain something that’s hard to pinpoint. I would suggest getting them from the library and trying them out!! My fav is “Me Talk Pretty One Day.”

  • Caroline
    March 28, 2008 at 5:55 pm

    Hi Jenna,
    I hear ya on how expensive maple syrup is, esp at WF! I think it was like $6.49 for a small bottle the last time I checked. As a result, I am waiting until I go home for the summer to get some–perhaps I can convince my dad to get some for me:)
    Anyway, what kind of soy yogurt do you like? Do you still eat regular yogurt too? I am experimenting with regular and soy yogurts at the moment, so any recommendations for brands and flavors would be greatly appreciated!

  • Kath
    March 28, 2008 at 6:01 pm

    I love that Thai Coconut tea!! Have you thought about buying your oats in bulk or done any price comparisons? They are much cheaper in bulk at our EarthFare (yet even cheaper at Costco…) Since you eat them so often it might help save a few.

    Have a wonderful spring break!! Can’t wait to see how the cookies turn out. I am loving ED&BV!

  • CR
    March 28, 2008 at 6:08 pm

    blueberrybabe,
    You should try some memoirs. The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls or Running With Scissors by Augusten Burroughs (though some dispute whether it can really be called a memoir since a good majority was apparently fabricated) are good ones to start.

  • CR
    March 28, 2008 at 6:13 pm

    Oh and maybe I should chime in on the book discussion from earlier šŸ™‚ I love to read. It’s pretty much impossible for me to pick my “favorite” book or books…there are just too many. But some of the best I’ve read recently (some new, some not) are Prep, The Kite Runner, The Secret Life of Bees, The Poisonwood Bible, and Beloved (Toni Morrison is amazing). OH and I recently finished Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer. I’m not even sure how to describe it because it wasn’t exactly my favorite book and he’s not my favorite writer, but it was INTENSE and I recommend it to everyone.

  • CR
    March 28, 2008 at 6:15 pm

    Just realized that Sara F recommended Foer on the breakfast post šŸ™‚ Didn’t read that till after I posted. Aaand now that I’ve hogged the board, I’ll stop posting!

  • Andrea
    March 28, 2008 at 6:16 pm

    jenna, what part of WF are the nana’s cookies located in? with the freshly badked desserts or the aisle with cookies/crackers? i’ve been searching for them for a few weeks..they look to die for! esp for PB lovers like me šŸ™‚

  • kelly l
    March 28, 2008 at 6:19 pm

    hey jenna,
    i’ve never commented before but i just wanted to say i love your blog and wonderful attitude about food, and give you a tip about buying organic fruit. since it’s so expensive i can’t afford to buy all my fruit organic, but my nutritionist told me it’s worth it to buy fruit/veggies whose skin you eat (ex, apple, grapes, peppers) organic b/c of pesticides, but if you’re peeling it (bananas, oranges) that it’s okay to buy the regular variety. hope this helps, i’m jealous of your beautiful groceries!

  • Ana
    March 28, 2008 at 6:34 pm

    Hey Jenna! You may already have gone to the library, but I remember that you really liked Philipa Gregory’s The Other Boleyn Girl (did you see the movie? AMAZING!). I REALLY love historical fictions like that, and HIGHLY recommend (and any of you other chicas who like Philipa Gregory-style books) the series by Kathleen Koen. The first book is Through a Glass Darkly, and is set in 1700 England/France. It is AMAZING and just like The Other Boleyn Girl! It has something for everyone: drama, intrigue, history, romance, action, and mystery! Plus the author’s writing style is RIVETING! I was reading this book on the treadmill and looked up several chapters in and the time had FLOWN by!^_^ I highly recommend it (though it is a big book-perfect for vacation-juicy yet intellectual, if that can be possible? -_^). The other books in the series include Dark Angels and Now Face to Face (which I’m reading right now). Have an awesome Spring Break!! I actually worked at the Concord Yacht Club here in Knoxville as a teaching assistant and lifeguard (not a caterer^_^), but had a blast!

  • Romina
    March 28, 2008 at 6:42 pm

    It’s so hard to stay on track with a list when there’s so many yummy things out there!! Mmm… almond butter. I love raw almond butter. It’s so good! So is cashew butter. =)

    I see you got scottish oats. I am addicted!! I have it every morning with some hemp seeds and bananas. I can’t get enough. I love its soupiness.

  • Lindsay
    March 28, 2008 at 6:53 pm

    Jenna ~ i ALMOST bought that pro bar today but thought it was too many calories to be a pre-workout bar… however now that I’m thinking about it i should have bought it and halved it šŸ™‚

  • Erika
    March 28, 2008 at 7:01 pm

    to jump in on the book thread.. some of the faves are:

    Water for Elephants
    The Namesake
    Snowflower and the Secret Fan (blueberry – I think you’d like this one)
    The Road (and especially this one..)
    Angela’s Ashes
    Lovely Bones
    Lucky: A Memoir

    Jenna,

    Mmm I LOVE that Yogi tea! Do you like the SO yogurts..? I’m not a big fan.. I think the silk kind is better (*also nicer on my wallet since I can buy it in a big tub!).

  • nicole r.
    March 28, 2008 at 7:09 pm

    CR–augusten burroughs books are all true, it was A Million Little Pieces that’s fabricated. I forget that author’s name, but he isn’t Augusten.

    Blueberry:
    YOU MUST READ DAVE EGGERS!!! IMMEDIATELY!!! We sound like we have the same taste in books, and he is my favorite author. Start with A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius, it’s his memoir. It starts out slow, and picks up. He’s an AMAZING author. I’d also recommend David Sedaris, as someone else did.

  • jenna
    March 28, 2008 at 7:11 pm

    rivermom,

    I haven’t tried that! I have never even seen that..it sounds amazing though!! I’ll have to look for it next time! Thanks for the recommendation šŸ™‚

    jenna2,

    I saw my client last week and she said everyone LOVED the food! She said the potstickers were history in like 5 seconds and everyone loved the tart. I was so relieved because the tarte didn’t get as dark and caramelized as I hoped but I guess they didn’t notice the difference!! I need to do some more research on spelt vs whole wheat flour before I tell you differences because I’m honestly not that familiar with it. Does anyone know? I would love to hear others feedback on this. I do know that spelt flour is an ancient grain and a relative of wheat but I’m not sure if it contains gluten or not. I’m pretty sure the reason your cookies turned out dry was because you overbaked them. I bake my cookies only 10 minutes. they don’t need to bake long because they don’t contain egg. Overbaking cookies is the number one cause of dryness and Dreena says in ED&BV “be SURE not to overbake these because they WILL dry out!” So..I underbake them! They carry-over cook anyways once I take them out.

    Kath,

    I’m excited to try that tea! That’s a good idea about buying oats in bulk…I buy a ton of stuff that way but never thought to buy oats like that. Next time I will!

    Caroline,

    I am just getting my feet wet with soy yogurt. This kind was okay…it was the “SO delicious” brand and I had the vanilla today as a snack. I tried soy yogurt once before and it was very runny and I threw it away. This brand was much better because of the thicker texture. I think it would be better with something on top of it like granola or nuts though. No, I don’t eat regular yogurts anymore. They really upset my tummy and I feel much healthier dairy-free!

    Andrea,

    Nana’s cookies are with the fresh baked cookies and the deli section! They rock my world.

    Ana,

    We are the same person. I’ve read every single Phillipa Gregory book out there. Seriously. I LOVE her! Historical fiction is my favorite genre and I have a mild obsession with Queen Elizabeth. I love reading anything and everything about Tudor England

  • Nadia
    March 28, 2008 at 7:15 pm

    Just a quick recommendation for soy yogurt. I don’t really care for soy yogurt unless it’s by “Whole Soy & Co.” – they’re available in every supermarket including Whole Foods/Trader Joes.

  • CR
    March 28, 2008 at 7:21 pm

    I said I wasn’t going to post again about books but I have to šŸ™‚

    Jenna, I am reading Innocent Traitor by Alison Weir right now for my book club. It’s about Lady Jane Grey. It’s good so far (about 1/4 way through) and very interesting with all the history.

    nicole r, I loved A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius, too! And I know about A Million Little Pieces, but Running with Scissors is a similar situation (though it didn’t blow up like James Frey’s did). Burroughs was accused of lying/making stuff up by the family of his doctor. http://www.vanityfair.com/fame/features/2007/01/burroughs200701

  • Alice (in Veganland)
    March 28, 2008 at 7:35 pm

    As far as I know, spelt is an old type of wheat. It has less gluten than normal wheat. But again, it can be wholemeal spelt or not, this is independent of the type. I’ve noticed it’s often sold as wholemeal spelt, maybe because it’s sold as healthier than normal ww…

  • ecs
    March 28, 2008 at 8:20 pm

    having tried a bunch of different soy yogurts, i must say my favorite has been the Stonyfield Farms O’Soy Yogurt. It’s thick and has a great taste. Some of the other soy yogurts have such a funky taste to me…i highly recommend this one!

  • nicole r.
    March 28, 2008 at 8:37 pm

    oh wow! i didnt know that about burroughs!! oh i feel so betrayed haha i loved him so much!! i’m inclined to think the family is protecting themselves, just because i love his writing so much and very much want to believe him. that’s unfortunate. do like eggers more though, he’s a much more relatable author i think (considering im not a gay male alcoholic, i suppose?). have you read any of his mcsweeney’s stuff? it’s a literarly quarterly that is too expensive for words, but i succumb to buying it every so often because the writing in it is amazing–all short stories, which i love since i have this problem with being wordy (in case you’ve not noticed haha)

  • Anne P
    March 28, 2008 at 8:49 pm

    wow i was just about to say that it was a Million Little Pieces, not Running With Scissors, that had the issues, too! i didn’t realize he had the same accusations… both are great books, though!

  • CR
    March 28, 2008 at 8:56 pm

    Oh I love Augusten Burroughs too. I had the same thought – maybe the family is just be pissed that he aired their dirty laundry šŸ™‚ And frankly, he’s a writer and even though it’s a memoir, writers can take liberties where they see fit. It’s not like he’s writing an encyclopedia! Oh and about McSweeney’s, I checked it out a bit online after I was done with AHWOSG…very interesting and Eggers is such a talented writer.

  • Kristin
    March 28, 2008 at 9:06 pm

    On the book discussion, I just finishe The Time Traveler’s wife and it was AMAZING!! I could not put it down! I also liked The Kite Runner. Does anyone know if there are any blogs for reading/ book suggestions and conversation?? I read about a book a week and LOVE to get reccomendations!

  • Anne P
    March 28, 2008 at 9:07 pm

    oooooo i LOVE the time traveler’s wife!!!!

  • Beth
    March 28, 2008 at 9:39 pm

    Jenna,

    I hate spicy food, if I leave out the spices in the black bean burgers do you think they will taste bad? I eat cheese, so I was thinking of melting that along with them?

    Also, what are scottish oats? I’ve heard of steel cut and old fashioned. Are these quicker or fluffier than normal oats? Thanks and enjoy your break…….you deserve it!

  • Susan
    March 28, 2008 at 9:43 pm

    What grade maple syrup do you buy? I think it’s time to switch from aunt jaminma’s (sp)

  • babycakes
    March 28, 2008 at 10:14 pm

    I always love and appreciate when you post pictures of your groceries. I’m such a vegn food dork! – I’m totally nosy/curious about what other people buy at the grocery store. I even surreptitiously check out other people’s carts while I’m doing my own shopping. I don’t know why it fascintes me so much. Anyway, I’m curious to hear how you like the Pro Bar. My nutritionist had me try them over the summer and I tried the original flavor (the same one you bought). That home-made black bean burger looks delicious. Home-made veggie burgers are the only ones I’ll eat. There is just no comparison to store-bought! (sorry for all these random food comments, but seeing all your groceries elicits lots of comments!) I actually have a separate mini fridge stocked soley with organic fugi apples – I love them that much! I’ve also been eyeing the Yogi tai coconut tea for a while – I’ll have to give it a try now that you’ve recommended it. I hope you’re enjoying Spring break. I’m really excited for you with this internship you’ll be doing! Sounds like a fantastic opportunity

    Beth, Scottish oats are just oats cut a bit thicker than standard old-fashioned oats. I buy Bob’s Red Mill organic “extra thick” oats (virtually the same thing as Scottish) I much prefer their texture.

  • Julz
    March 28, 2008 at 10:21 pm

    blueberrybabe: If you’re checking out Jenna’s blog you clearly love food! And there are fabbbulous books out there for foodies!! Right now Im reading INTUITIVE EATING which is absolutely beautiful in every way, shape, and form! Its one of those books that really touch the heart AND open the eyes too…Perfect for reading in bed too šŸ™‚

  • jenny
    March 28, 2008 at 10:53 pm

    anybody have a good whole wheat muffin recipe? need it for school bake sale =]

  • Kelly L.
    March 28, 2008 at 10:58 pm

    Speaking of shopping, I just returned from Whole Foods myself and stocked up with LOTS of fun stuff. I picked up some new things, anyone try these?

    Veggie Lunch Meat:
    Smart Deli Pepperoni
    Smart Deli Bologna Style
    YVES Southwest Turkey

    I’m not a vegetarian but I just thought I’d give them a try. I also picked up
    – tons of fresh fruit.
    – 365 Brand Soy Crisps (GREAT with salsa)
    – Mr. Krispers Rice Crisps (great with sandwiches)
    – Kitchens of India Red Kidney Beans Curry
    – Stoneyfield Farm FF Chocolate Vanilla Swirl Frozen Yogurt
    – Lots of Stoneyfield Farms flavored yogurts
    – Applegate Farms Uncured Chicken Hotdogs
    – Applegate Farms Peppered Turkey Bacon
    – Food For Life Pita Bread

    I LOVE WHOLE FOODS! I think I’m off to make a pizza panini with my new smart deli pepponi and fresh peppers and onions. YUM!

  • Susan
    March 28, 2008 at 11:00 pm

    Kelly L what do you eat the chicken hot dogs on?

  • Bev
    March 29, 2008 at 12:56 am

    You might try Trader Joe’s for maple syrup and almond butter. I find it cheaper the WF. We ate dinner at WF and had the same wine. Great price for a nice bottle of Merlot. We always spend so much at WF but we love it and it is good. Have a great start to your break. Mine is over this week . I love all book blog šŸ™‚

  • Kelly L.
    March 29, 2008 at 1:44 am

    Susan- I put them on a hot dog bun. Typically when I have hot dogs it is with the hubby so I use the healthiest white buns I can find. For me, that’s Natures Own White Wheat. It has no preservatives or artificial ingredients. I love these things. I top mine with lots of salsa, jalapenos, and cheese. SO GOOD! I have also just thrown them in between a slice of bread and wrapped it up.