Free at last, free at last!

That's right! I finished the semester at 8:00 this evening. I am so ready to get back home and get cooking! Granted, I will be taking classes this summer, but they will be nutrition-related, so I will likely find them more fun than tedious! In case you're curious, I will be taking Introduction to Nutrition and Human Anatomy. Classes don't start until June 2, so my dad has been on my case about finding something to do in the meantime. So far I have come up with: 1) writing some product reviews/articles (for pay!) or 2) getting a job at Whole Foods. Do you have any other suggestions for exciting summer jobs/activities?

In addition to finally bringing the semester to a close, I have another reason to smile today: Ve*ganChick and Jennifer both tapped me for the Excellent Blogger Award. Thank you both for even considering me for such a title. Even though I have been blogging for less than 2 months (anniversary is on the 9th!), I feel like I have gained such a great support network of fellow foodies. I'm glad to know that someone reads my posts besides me!

In keeping with tradition, I will now tag 5 other excellent bloggers:

Romina from Vegan Eating for One. Her dishes never fail to get my tummy growling, and she is so knowledgeable about vegan nutrition!

Jill from Jumping Jill. I swear we were separated at birth--we share a lot of the same interests, and we both have an especial affinity for Cheerios.

Kristin from Kristin's Nibbles. I want to steal her food right off her plate! She and I both must deal with the constraints of dorm room cooking.

VeggieGirl from Veggie Girl Vegan. She never ceases to amaze me in her baking skills and her throughtful posts. VeggieGirl inspired to me to start my own blog!

Erika from Run-Roam-Recycle. Her dedication to running motivates me, plus she still finds time to make some tasty treats!

As for the food from the last few days, I managed to sneak a few pics here and there.

Wednesday

Remember how I mentioned that I bought some Dr. Weil bars at Whole Foods this week? Well, I finally got around to trying one--the Goji Moji variety. Once again, I think it tasted like the inside of a Fig Newton, which is not a bad thing. I was expecting more of a berry flavor, however. Goji chunks were visible, just not terribly prominent in the bar's overall taste.

Thursday

For breakfast yesterday, I tried something new again. Despite the fact that so many bloggers and so many recipes include nut butters in their smoothies, I had never tried it. As I have said before, I just really enjoy chewing nuts rather than slurping them. Nonetheless, I gave it a try in a banana-PB shake. It was so good! I was actually a bit forlorn when I reached the bottom of the glass; I didn't want the creaminess to end! In an effort to clear out my pantry, I also had some Corn Bran cereal on the side.

Friday

Today's breakfast was pretty standard: Corn Bran cereal (again) with almond milk and sliced banana, plus some almonds on the side. This was a tasty breakfast--I had forgotten how tasty Corn Bran when eaten with almond milk (I usually eat it dry, as a snack-type cereal).

As a snack I had another Primal Strip Vegan Jerky in the hickory smoked variety. I swear, it tastes just like barbecue! More proof that it's all in the sauce-no meat required!

My lunch this afternoon was inspired by a reader comment. A few days ago I had mentioned that I need to find a new way to use wheat germ, besides sprinkling it atop my soy yogurt/fruit. Someone mentioned that I should use it as a breading for tofu--so I did! I made a rather thick peanut sauce for dipping, and a tasty lunch was born! I loved the texture contrast between the tofu and the crispy wheat germ. Plus, anything tastes good dipped in peanut sauce! Cantaloupe and a big salad rounded out the meal.

Well, I am now going to surf Amazon to reward myself for finishing exams. I am not sure if I should order a new cookbook, a kitchen gadget, a novelty food, or something else. I don't have a food processor, so I was considering one of those, but I am still undecided. Recommendations are welcome, as always! Enjoy your Friday!