I adore spices! Not only do they spice up your health, but they impart such a wonderful, dynamic depth of flavor to any dish. This flavor leaves less room for needed fat or salt. Bonus! When I saw that Williams Sonoma had a new spice line out, there were a few that I wanted to try, one which included ras el hanout. The moment I popped open the jar, the intense aromas of the spice mix quickly filled the air and greeted my nose with much delight. (more…)
January 21, 2011
September 13, 2010
getting in those miles
Anyone else out there think Monday came waaaay too fast? Especially after that holiday weekend! Not too much ensued for me this weekend, but I did get to visit with my grandparents in town on Friday evening and spent a good portion of Saturday finishing up wash and house chores. I am definitely enjoying the slight cool down we are having here because that means that race/ride/endurance event season is approaching!!! Granted it is still 100 F here today and I’m wondering if fall is ever going to come? (more…)
July 7, 2010
BBQ Salmon Burgers
I’ve been wanting to include more fresh fish in my diet, but it can be a challenge when it can be pretty darn expensive and many varieties are farmed, have color added, or aren’t eco-friendly. I would love to live near water where there is easier and cheaper access for fresh fish. Most of my staples include wild canned salmon and canned sardines, but there is just nothing like fresh. Since I don’t generally eat too much fresh fish, I will on occasion get farmed and probably PCB-ridden fish, but as with all things, moderation is key. I believe the benefits of moderate fish intake far outweighs the risks from contamination. Keep reading for a tasty BBQ Salmon Burger recipe! (more…)
July 1, 2010
sausage pepper melts + a winner!
I’m trying to play a game called post catch-up, as the computer I am borrowing at the moment doesn’t have a driver with my card reader or something like that (so Chris says). I still haven’t heard anything back yet about my laptop 🙁 and I still have my finger’s crossed that I will get a credit for a new one soon. I hope, I hope, I hope. This time around I have an easy recipe for you and I’ll announce the CSN Stores Giftcard winner! Read on for (more…)
February 28, 2010
BBQ pulled pork weekend
Overall it’s been a great weekend and once again I’m sad to see it go! I have a few tasty recipes and a few meet-ups with good friends to share, as well as some reflections on my cycling training so far and my goals for the coming month.
Friday morning I threw a pork loin roast in the crock-pot and we had BBQ pulled pork sandwiches for dinner. I also topped it with marinated veggies and used a whole wheat roll from Great Harvest. Easy! (more…)
February 6, 2010
crispy, flaky goodness
I had some leftover phyllo in the freezer from when I made chocolate baklava over the holidays and I had been contemplating what to do with it. I saw Diana made this wonderful almond pastry (galette des rois) and really wanted to try that, but it used puff pastry not phyllo. Hmmm, soon I had the idea to try my hand at spanakopita because I adore all things Greek and had never really tried making it before. Well, it turned out nothing less than wonderful, as something wrapped in crispy, flaky dough would, and it just about tasted as good as the real thing! Give it a try, it’s great for parties too (uh em SuperBowl) because it makes a butt load! I have another fun appetizer to share as well 🙂 (more…)
January 23, 2010
just a quick hello
Hello! I hope you all had a nice week! I think Vegas has gotten more rain in these past 4 days than we have in all last year! Crazy. I can’t believe how much rain California is getting too. Overall this week has been nice, work wasn’t too crazy, I got my committee together for my thesis (finally) and I may be doing a couple cooking classes for Whole Foods! The site is sooo close, but there are a few things that I need help with still, so I just won’t say a date anymore 🙂 ugh. (more…)
January 4, 2010
looking ahead in 2010 + a challenge
We finally arrived back in Vegas yesterday after a long day of flying, and only 3 hours of sleep, but we made it! I was terribly sad to leave my family & I had a mini meltdown the night before, hence the lack of sleep. We had such a wonderful trip and I cherish every moment we had there 🙂
As soon as I got home I don’t know what it was but I immediately started cleaning out the fridge and organizing the pantry even before unpacking my suitcase. Sometimes I’ll just go into crazy cleaning mode to take my mind off things. It feels nice to have a clean fridge to start anew! I also bought this handy dandy spice organizer that you hang over the door. It helped to free up some space and works well. We just have to be careful not to open the door too quickly or the spices go flyin’ 🙂
Chris and I weren’t able to exchange gifts before we left for our trip since his wasn’t ready for pick-up, so we were able to have a little more Christmas fun when we got back. Chris got me a Nike + iPod sensor that you can put in your shoe and track all kinds of running stats! It looks really cool! I’m trying to keep on the path of running, although it’s been lagging this past month. I’m just not sure if it’s compatible with the older iPhone 3G. Anyone have one? Can’t wait to try it out!
Chris got a new bike trainer!! Even though it doesn’t get too cold here in Vegas, sometimes it does get pretty chilly and it’s hard to fit a workout in with working and going to school. Plus, we can both use it *wink wink* I think he liked it!
I just love getting and giving ‘active’ gifts!!!
I also wanted to mention my 2010 goals, looking ahead . . . I believe it’s important to have aspirations and set goals for yourself. It’s also important to make sure that these goals are reasonable, won’t compromise your well-being, and can be achieved. Small steps is the best way, and even though all of mine may not get fully accomplished this coming year, it’s still important to have something to look forward to and strive for to be the best person you can be!
Well, here goes . . .
- Train for a sprint tri . . . there are tri swim lessons at a local gym on Tues/Thurs at 5:30am. Chris and I are going to go at least 2x per month starting out and see if we can afford more in the future. I also need to peruse the triathlons coming up and sign up for one, but I’m hoping sometime in the spring. I think this also means I have to get a bathing suit, yikes!
- Budget . . . and stick with it! I’m usually pretty good about keeping up with spending, but lately with the holiday spirit, that’s gone by the way side. I need to make saving at least $200 every month a priority. This is especially important since I want to reduce my work hours to have time for my thesis. Speaking of which . . .
- Make gains on my thesis . . . to move closer to an MS in exercise physiology!! I just need to stick with it and hunker down to the finish. I know I can do it. Three. More. Semesters.
- Gain more experience . . . in the sports nutrition field. I feel I have the knowledge and the passion, but I need the confidence in my abilities to take it to the next level. Experience will do this for me.
- Devise an internship . . . for my independent study class working with athletes on campus or a local corporate wellness program to gain that experience.
- Explore career options . . . to prepare myself once I have my degree to do something I truly enjoy every day. While I can’t discuss it on the blog, I think you can catch my drift = /
- Positive thoughts . . . I can’t let the stress of work, finding a career and school get in the way of enjoying life to the fullest and being with Chris fully and unconditionally. Sometimes I can let my mind/anxiety get the best of me and I need to work on changing that.
- Explore photography further . . . I am enjoying photography so much lately and find it fascinating, but there is so much more to learn and buy (big yikes!) I’d like to save up and invest in a tripod, lighting kit and a macro lens, as well as read up on it and see other photographer’s work to expand my knowledge. I’d love to take a class, but I don’t think I will have enough time and budget for it right now.
- Improve the blog . . . with a new, fresh look. I know I’ve been talking about this forever and a day, but I’m still trying to figure it out on my own (and a little help from Chris). I’m the biggest retard when it comes to that kind of stuff, but I have a template and am doing my best to find time to figure it out!
- Culinary School . . . okay this is a bit of a stretch hehe While I may not get to it this year, or even the next, it is still a dream that can become a reality in the future.
- And of course I hope to dish up many more yummy recipes here at eatingRD!! That’s the fun part!
Speaking of making some great recipes, I’ve taken on the Eat In Month Challenge hosted by Diana. This is such a great idea! Not only will this help in the budget department because we will be eating in for the entire month of January, it can also help the waistline from all that holiday indulgence 🙂
I have to admit we had to use our one cheat pass for the challenge on January 2nd since we were at the airport flying back home. Technically we hadn’t joined yet, but still 🙂 After getting up at 3:30am to make a flight to Atlanta, Chris and I shared a nice scramble thingie at TGIFridays during our 3 hour layover. I also had a NF eggnog latte mmm I think these are my favorite!!! Although even the NF and no whip version yields a whopping 350 kcals, I drank about 300 and that was enough. It was delicious!
When we got home and the fridge was cleaned out and bare thanks to my crazy cleaning, there weren’t too many options for dinner . . . we did have some eggs though! Instead of going out to grab some food we made simple omelets with leftover turkey sausage from the freezer, cheese and a micro’ed sweet tater on the side. That’ll work!
Join me as I take on the challenge with some awesome, home cooked goodness, or better yet join the band wagon and try it out for yourself! You can even join for a few days or weeks if that works out better for you.
For the challenge I’m looking forward to using this new crock-pot that Chris’ parents got us. It even has a probe for temperature monitoring! Basset not included hehe
I also had a coupon at Bed Bath and Beyond and picked up this beauty. It’s a mondo sized pan/deep skillet! I’ve been eyeing this for awhile. Can’t wait to use it too 🙂
I’m currently obsessed with this bread from TJ’s. It’s a nice, tangy sourdough with a chewy crust and doughy center, perfect for a panini sammie lunch!
I’m also happy to report I finally got a good bike ride in today with Chris! yay! It think it was about 25 miles or so? It felt good to get back on the bike, but I could tell I need to get back in shape! My lungs and legs weren’t really liking me. While I didn’t get one heart pumping workout in on our entire trip, not even one, I think it was actually good for me. It taught me a lot of things about myself actually. It taught me to relax and take a moment to recognize and truly enjoy all the wonderful things and family around me. It also taught me to signal in to my hunger and satiety cues, and I think I actually ate less and felt more satisfied. Yes, I did indulge, but I didn’t go overboard and felt much better because of it. Plus I think my body just need a good ol’ break!
Here’s to a happy and healthy 2010!!
What are you looking forward to most?
January 1, 2010
don’t want it to end
HAPPY NEW YEAR! mmm breakfast was lovely . . . After stumbling from our slumber after a late night at 10:30am(!!) Chris made us all some omelets. We still had some leftover spaghetti squash, roasted veggies and meatloaf from the other night, so he threw some of that in there along with some dried oregano which complements eggs very well.
It was a protein-packed breakfast, perfect after a late night and a few drinks 🙂 I also heard them talking on the Today Show this morning about having coconut water for hangovers . . . love that stuff! I actually didn’t have any kind of headache this morning thanks to sleep and lots of water in between drinks 🙂
I’m loving that spaghetti squash and have been thinking of different ways to use it. Here it’s pretty good in the omelet and on top as a garnish 🙂 Alongside I also had 1/2 a pear, 1/4 sliced naner, 1/2 a kiwi and a slice of whole wheat toast.
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Now for a little recap of yesterday and New Year’s celebrations! Did you have a nice New Year’s? I can’t believe it’s already 2010, where did it go? I’m hoping 2010 will be a year of new beginnings and aspirations, but that will have to be a different post 🙂
I hope you’ve enjoyed my extra food postage lately because I certainly have! It’s been so much fun and I really enjoy it. I just wish I had this kind of time all the time.
New Year’s Eve morning breakfast included a bowl of TJ’s honey Greek yogurt mixed with pumpkin pie spice. I topped the yogurt with a variety of cereals, 1/2 a pear, frozen blueberries, and about 2 tsp of TJ’s organic peanut butter.
After doing a little window shopping with my mom, we came home for a late lunch. Utilizing the leftovers yet again (can you tell we always use leftovers in this household? lol) I made a meatloaf sammie with roasted veggies and spaghetti squash on the side.
I also decided to have a nice cup of Candy Cane Lane tea to warm up. I couldn’t seem to get warm yesterday since it was rainy and chilly outside. I really like this flavor! It’s nice and minty and warmed me right up!
I also had a TJ’s peppermint Joe Joe cookie. mmm these are awesome with little chunks of real candy cane in the middle.
They are a seasonal product, so get ‘em while they’re hot!
After getting ready for our night out, we headed to a local wine bar/lounge to celebrate the New Year Mardi Gras style. We usually go to a friend’s annual party, but she decided not to have one this year 🙁 The Wine Loft just recently opened and we saw an ad that they were going to have a New Year’s party with live entertainment, so we decided to give it a shot!
It was gorgeous inside and I would enjoy coming here with friends for a relaxing glass of wine and small plate. The menu looked really good.
It was a lot of fun! Tickets included a glass of house cab, red beans and rice, muffaletta sandwiches, various munchies and a glass of champagne at midnight.
The Grand Cru cab that was included was actually pretty nice. It was fruit forward and medium-bodied. While lacking in fullness and finish, I still enjoyed it. And it was only $6 a glass!
I munched on some veggies, about 5 cheese cubes and 5 or so crackers, all while chatting the night away.
I’m not a fan of green olives, and just picked them off the muffaletta. It was yummy! I didn’t have any red beans and rice since it was pretty spicy and kidney beans can sometimes be trouble for me lol Throughout the night I had 2 glasses of the cab. I made sure to have a glass of water during and after each glass of wine. This makes such a difference in the morning 🙂
We also ordered and shared some baked brie en croute mmm gooey cheese is glorious! I had a bit too much cheese!
Poor Chris wasn’t feeling too well, but he was a trooper and tried to have a good time with his water and sudafed.
With the countdown of the New Year, we toasted with some champagne and stayed around a little longer while the band played a few more songs. I had about 2 sips of champagne (I’m not a fan of the dry stuff) and a brownie they provided for dessert.
I had such a wonderfully relaxing time here and I’m not looking forward to leaving early tomorrow morning 🙁 It went too darn fast! I started thinking about it last night and I got all teary eyed. Heck, I’m thinking about it again right now and getting teary eyed! Being away from family is really really tough for me and I’m hoping the shock of getting back won’t be too overwhelming . . . next time we meet I’ll be back in Vegas and back to the grind . . . hope you all enjoyed your holidays! I sure had a nice time and am so thankful for it all.
HAPPY NEW YEAR! Wishing you all the best in 2010!
December 31, 2009
out of this world banana puddin’
I couldn’t really figure out what the heck to title this post since it’s pretty random, but after much contemplation I figured it should be titled after the epitome of all banana puddings I’ve ever had. . .
After breakfast most of my morning was spent doing laundry and catching up on bloggies, so we ended up not getting out of the house till later. My mom wanted to find a new laptop computer so we ventured out to Best Buy and found a pretty good deal on a Dell. My mom is not savvy with computers, so Chris helped her out 🙂
Breakfast was one of my simple staples . . . this one included Nature’s Pride pumpkin granola, TJ’s honey O’s, TJ’s shredded wheat and cinnamon Puffins. I topped it with 1/2 a sliced naner, frozen blueberries (I love how they turn the milk blue!) and 3 walnut halves.
I had a pretty simple lunch too . . . An Orowheat sandwich thin (I think I like these!), spread with some cooked sweet tater, sliced TJ’s tofu, avocado and muenster cheese. Then I pressed it in the foreman grill with some carrots and hummus alongside. It was yummy and just the right size! I love adding cooked sweet taters to pretty much anything because it lends a subtle sweetness 🙂
Among the many food stops that we wanted to try to make on our trip here, one was Gary’s BBQ which is known for their homemade banana puddin’.
Everything is very reasonably priced and the waitress always calls you ‘hun’. I just think this is too cute because we don’t get that Southern hospitality in Vegas! We first found out about Gary’s when it was featured in Southern Living magazine. Chris had a few bites of their pulled pork sammie just to try it and really liked it.
Their pudding is rich, ultra thick and to die for! It’s definitely worth the drive. I wish my mom and I would have shared one because I forgot how mondo they are. I could only finish about 1/3 of it and then I was spent. I ate too much, but this stuff is better than ice cream and just as deadly lol
It’s so mondo, stuff was falling off the sides of the bowl!
After a successful stop at Best Buy, we wanted to look at a few other nearby boutique shops for fun, but Chris slammed his finger in the door as we were getting out and we had to head back home. Ouch! But he is doing fine now 🙂
For dinner I whipped up some hearty meatloaf, roasted squash, parsnips and spaghetti squash.
It was my first time making spaghetti squash and I think I’m in love!! It is so simple to make and is so delish. This will definitely be a staple in our house from now on, especially because it makes a ton and this one squash was only about $3. In one cup of plain, cooked spaghetti squash there is only 42 kcals and a fairly good amount of vitamin C and fiber. Yum!
For this I cut it in 1/2 and roasted it cut side down at 375 F with a bit of water in the sheet pan for about 30 minutes. Then I turned it over, topped it with about 1/2 tbsp of butter in each half along with some salt, pepper, and garlic powder and continued to bake it until soft. I also added some parmesan cheese once it was done. Yum!
Alongside we tried a new Malbec that we found at a local wine store called Total Wine. It was nice and full with rich, chocolate-y undertones, but it wasn’t out of this world. I much prefer the Layer Cake Malbec.
I’m looking forward to New Year’s! We made reservations at a local wine lounge/restaurant that’s going to have some live entertainment which should be fun. Hope you all have a safe and happy New Year’s!!
Do you have any New Year’s plans yet?
