Breakfast/ Dessert/ Dinner/ Lunch

On the Fly

Oh.my.goodness. I am SO tired right now I can’t feel my lower body. Seriously! Today was BUSY, productive and FUN! Here’s a recap:

This morning I woke up and had my favorite breakfast: a toasted Ezekiel english muffin with almond butter & preserves with a banana and yogurt.

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Coupled with a big ol’ thermos of coffee, it kept me going throughout the morning.

Since I was the only one there, I didn’t take a single break all day. I ate my lunch while working and running around. Busy, busy, busy!

I packed a boar’s head turkey and pepperjack sandwich on Arnold’s Double Protein Bread:

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And a slice of banana bread with an apple for snackies:

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I ate the banana bread for a midmorning snack around 9:45 and ate my sammie and apple around noon, while running around. This was my first time trying the protein bread and I loved it! It has a very soft and light texture and reminds me of my favorite oatmeal bread. It didn’t have a “strange protein-y” taste or anything like that and I was super happy to rack up so many protein grams! Lord knows I needed the fuel!

When I got home around 3-ish, I had about 2 tbsp of Sabra’s SPICY hummus (and, boy, was it ever spicy!) and kashis for a snack.

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I am sooo exhausted but planned on a 40 minute run. Then I thought to myself, when was my last rest day (I seem to forget!)? I used the handy blog to scroll back and see when I last took a rest day and it seems like I have worked out every single day this week!! Woahhhh….this girl needs some R&R! Today is the perfect rest day and tomorrow I’ll be back at it! It’s thundering out anyway. Perfect excuse to take a hot shower and reeeeelax!

And now, here’s a recap of my day when I was sole pastry chef!

I got to work a little early, around 6:45, and immediately set to work on the “to-do” list that Adam had left for me. I pumped out all the pumpernickel rolls and cranberry bread and then immediately started on another batch of pumpkin whoopie pies 🙂

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This time I used a new filling—I made homemade marshmallow fluff and beat that with butter, powdered sugar and cinnamon. I got good reviews!

And then I made some blueberry muffin loaves:

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Before I knew it it was time to plate up the dessert for a luncheon we had today. I plated 45 slices of pumpkin pie with chantilly cream and caramel sauce.

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And I had my first “in the heat” chef moment! Adam had left me already whipped cream in a piping bag so I wouldn’t have to worry about making it and could just top all the pie slices right before they went out. But…..when I went to use his whipped cream it ran like water and all the servers were looking at me like, “what do we do now? These need to be out asap!” So, I had to rush to whip some more cream in about 3 minutes and finish all the desserts. It was funny because someone actually called me the boss today! He was helping me with the caramel sauce and asked me how I wanted it done because “I was the boss”. I could get used to that 😉

After that, I made more bread dough for tomorrow, whipped 20 lbs of honey butter, baked spicy cheddar crackers and more chocolate chunk cookies. Adam stopped in to see how things were going this afternoon and he was shocked I had already checked off everything he had set out for me to do! He told me I could do whatever I wanted…bake a cake, play with chocolate, make cupcakes……what’s a girl to do with a free kitchen and every ingredient known to man?!

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……..I made carrot cake sandwiches! I used this recipe and got good results.

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My only gripe was that the “cookies” were SO soft that even when I piped, ever so gently, the cream cheese frosting on, they broke apart. I ended up only getting 6 perfect sandwiches out this entire batch! It was a little frustrating though. I liked how the cookies had oats in them—they were like hearty oatmeal cookies.

Since I finished the check list with about three hours to spare, I debated making some pumpkin bread as well. But….at this point I had honey butter in my hair, cream cheese frosting all over the place and was just darn tired!! So…..tomorrow is a new day! I scrubbed the floor, mopped and scrubbed the pastry station and huge mixers. I think my muscles are growing just lifting the huge mixing bowl—its big enough for me to take a bath in!

Sadly I also burned my paw today pretty bad. I whacked it on the scalding hot oven door. Ouch.

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So, needless to say, I am so exhausted at this point! The “parents” are home but I was so tired I just fixed myself a simple, fast dinner and ate early. I had a slab of baked tofu that I reheated, more roasted brussels (in evoo, sea salt and pepper), some olive focaccia bread, grapes and a small glass of cabernet.

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I didn’t finish all the tofu. I swear, when I’m working my appetite is all wonky! I think just being all the food ALL DAY LONG (and taste testing things as I go) really makes me not so hungry! I know I need to continue to eat up to normal fuel amount since I’m so active but sometimes its just hard. I know yall say you would no self control if you were a pastry chef but seriously, if you stick you face in a bowl of melting chocolate for 8 hours you would no desire to eat it anymore. You would just want to gnaw on a carrot or celery stick. I swear! When I leave work I’m so sweeted out that I don’t even want anything! I think the key is just to keep eating healthy, protein-rich small meals (with a big hearty breakfast) and snacks throughout the day so I don’t have a burnout.

I did eat some dessert though—my favorite combo of crunchy, sweet and cool: a rice pudding with two almondina cookies dipped in 🙂

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It sort of looks like bunny ears?!

Okay….I’m pooped and going to go take a bubble bath and get in bed and read. Catch ya tomorrow!

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  • Gale
    October 9, 2008 at 11:22 pm

    Just wondering what you’re up to for Halloween? I have no ideas yet for costumes or parties! You seem to be a festive person, so I thought you or your readers might have good ideas!!

  • jenna
    October 9, 2008 at 11:26 pm

    Gale,

    I’m guessing I have to work :(. I WISH I could be festive and dress up though!!! I LOVE Halloween parties!

  • JLO
    October 9, 2008 at 11:41 pm

    Jenna,
    What can you do to the recipe to make the carrot cake sandwich cookies sturdier? More flour? More oats? Any ideas?

  • Best Soy Latte
    October 9, 2008 at 11:55 pm

    What a day indeed! sheesh you’re one hard worker 🙂

    your blog is so much fun to read – especially now, that you have this new job! thanks for posting!!!

    I know what you mean about a wonky appetite when you’re really busy – I usually get hungrier when I’m just lazing around, haha.

    Love da bunny ears 🙂 your evening sounds like some not only well deserved but well NEEDED r&r! take care!

  • Krista
    October 9, 2008 at 11:59 pm

    You are one busy girl, but it sounds like you’re enjoying every minute of it. I sure am enjoying all your delectable picture’s!!

  • jenna
    October 10, 2008 at 12:00 am

    JLO,

    I’m thinking some more flour and an extra egg for more stability. Adam will know for sure and I’ll talk to him about it tomorrow and let you know!

  • Jenny
    October 10, 2008 at 12:36 am

    Wow what a crazy day you had! Sounds like you did a great job! I love that breakfast as well, definitley a winner 🙂

    Enjoy your night!

  • Amanda
    October 10, 2008 at 1:00 am

    WOW what a great day!! Good for you for getting some R&R! Just a note about spending money you don’t have on books – I found myself doing that a lot. I have recently tried to re-assess my shrinking budget and cut things out that wouldn’t feel too depriving (packing all my lunches, making my morning coffee instead of buying, etc…) I also joined my local library! They let me have books out for 3 weeks and then you can renew online for another 2! And I know from reading for a while that you are a fast reader!! It’s definitely worth looking into .. and then if it really is the BEST book and you want to own it, you can buy it then 🙂 Just a fun tip!

  • Tammy
    October 10, 2008 at 1:00 am

    Sheesh! What a day you had. I’m worn out just reading about it. Congrats on being solo and handling it all in stride. I bet Andrew cannot believe how lucky he is to have you. Love your blog.

  • VeggieGirl
    October 10, 2008 at 1:07 am

    I hear ya on the exhaustion – whew!!

    GORGEOUS DESSERTS!!!!!

    Hang in there with the burn!! Ouch, indeed 🙁

  • Megan
    October 10, 2008 at 1:10 am

    Way to go saving the whipped cream!

    Take care of that burn!

    Those carrot cake sandwiches would go great with my tea right now!

  • Laura
    October 10, 2008 at 1:15 am

    Hey, I’ve seen those rice puddings at my grocery store and I was wondering in your opinion if they are fairly healthy to eat? I was debating to buy them and ended up not, but the ingredients are rather simple and natural. Should I treat them as an occassional thing or feel guilty..Thanks!

  • coco
    October 10, 2008 at 1:17 am

    This carrot cake looks amazing, i’ll have to try it!

  • Grounded Fitness
    October 10, 2008 at 1:34 am

    aw sorry about your hand…i have a scar like that from the exact same thing.

    I kind of love days where i dont have a sapre second to sit. It makes collapsing into bed at the end of the day that much better.

    Kelly Turner
    http://www.groundedfitness.com

  • Cara
    October 10, 2008 at 1:35 am

    it makes me tired just reading about it! Wow. You impress me! 🙂

  • Christie
    October 10, 2008 at 1:50 am

    Great job today… I am sure it is such a long day butit is nice you are getting to do what you love!

  • Shelby
    October 10, 2008 at 1:55 am

    Stop taunting me with the Whoopie Pies already!!! =)

  • Kelsey
    October 10, 2008 at 2:01 am

    Wow, what a busy day! I can’t tell you how exciting it is to see what you’re doing. I just love your recaps, especially seeing the fun stuff you’re creating!! I agree, if I was working around something for so long, I bet I’d get quite sick of it too!

  • Andrea
    October 10, 2008 at 2:12 am

    wooo way to take charge at work!!!

    <3 your daily desserts! they make me happy. especiallwy the bunny ears

  • RD2be
    October 10, 2008 at 4:21 am

    Jenna, I just wanted to say that I tried the Galloway running method a couple of times this week and I really like it! I had been having a hard time getting in decent runs lately and the walking intervals really help. I was able to pump out 50 minutes with energy to spare and only stopped because I didn’t want to wear out my joints since I usually only do about 40-45 minutes. It also is so much better on my joints. I’ve been wanting to train for a half marathon (and eventually a full) but had been worried about wearing out my knees and hips and I think this may be the way to go. Thanks for the great idea!

  • Foodie (Fab and Delicious Food)
    October 10, 2008 at 4:26 am

    Everything looks yummy!

    Hope your burn heals quickly!

  • Pumpkin
    October 10, 2008 at 5:14 am

    Sorry you burned yourself. It’ll be the first of many in your professional life, though!

    Hopefully you can come to my Halloween par-tay! *crossing fingers!*

  • Sarah
    October 10, 2008 at 6:09 am

    I also tried the Galloway method and I’m surprised how much I like it! I used to only run but this past year I have enjoyed walking SOOO much. I was surprised how I pretty much cover the same distance with the walking breaks! Looks like you had a great day, can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!

  • jenna
    October 10, 2008 at 10:09 am

    Laura,

    Well since I eat one a day I do consider them fine to eat :). They have all natural ingredients (eggs, milk, rice) and I enjoy them.—you should NEVER feel guilty with ANYTHING you eat!

  • Lia
    October 10, 2008 at 11:52 am

    Hey, my boyfriend and I are both in hospitality school and one of the semester focuses on being in the kitchen. Cooking in general has been a passion of mine, especially pastry and baking.

    I stumbled upon your blog and absolutely love reading it everyday. Reading about your exploits and accomplishments in your current job reminds me of my own passion for baking.

    The meals you prepare at home also remind me that a hectic schedule can still be made healthy and delicious!

    Keep up the good work,
    A fan from Switzerland

  • caitlin (Seebriderun)
    October 10, 2008 at 12:21 pm

    again, i want your job. im changing careers. 🙂

  • Beadie
    October 10, 2008 at 12:37 pm

    Sorry about the burn 🙁

    All of your baking looks delightful!

  • Meghan
    October 10, 2008 at 12:44 pm

    Jenna, have you thought of a cream cheese filling for the pumpkin whoopie pies? Pumpkin and cream cheese icing traditionally go together!…yumm.

  • Biz
    October 10, 2008 at 12:58 pm

    Wow, sounds like a great day! I always liked “being in the weeds” because I seemed to focus better than when its slow!

    Hope your burn feels better today.

    Happy Friday!

  • a reader
    October 10, 2008 at 1:52 pm

    just wanted to thank you again for your advice yesterday—i went and added an additional comment to yesterday’s post; not sure if you saw it.
    congratulations on your successful first day on your own! you ARE the boss 🙂

  • ModelBehavior
    October 10, 2008 at 2:02 pm

    wowza, I would have needed a rest day after all that commotion too!

    http://www.modbehav.com

  • Jen
    October 10, 2008 at 2:04 pm

    Hi – I know you’re super busy, but maybe other readers will be able to answer this for me. From your vegan’ish days, what was the best vegan “cheese” you found? We’re not vegan, but I’m planning on cutting out dairy for my son to see if it helps with his reflux and other gi issues. He is 4 and stubborn and wants what he wants and it will be VERY tough to cut out things like string cheese, grilled cheese, cheesy tortillas, etc. Thanks in advance!

  • Jo
    October 10, 2008 at 2:11 pm

    Oh Jenna your blog just makes my mouth water….!!! all those delicious cakes and cookies and puddings! You are amazing. I often lose my appetite after doing a lot of cooking, I think a lot of the time its to do with the smell of the food (however, with baking, its because I have eaten half of the raw mixture and feel totally sick! ahhhh… raw cake/cookie mix – the best!)

  • runjess
    October 10, 2008 at 2:13 pm

    Have you heard of this tip for making sandwich cookies? I’ve tried it before and it works:
    While baking the cookies, take them out of the oven every 5 minutes or so and drop the pan on the counter. This makes them flatten. I did this with cookies for ice cream sandwiches and it made them the perfect consistency; firm but still chewy and soft in the middle.

  • bobbi
    October 10, 2008 at 3:18 pm

    O man sorry about the burn! Everything makes me soooo hungry:) Love all of these foods!

  • new runner
    October 10, 2008 at 3:40 pm

    are u going to share the pumpkin whoppie pie recipe? im really interested =]

  • Runjen
    October 10, 2008 at 5:55 pm

    Your job looks so fun!!!
    Sorry about your burn. Burn’s hurt so darn bad, despite how little and painless they appear. 🙁