Sitting, Waiting, Wishing

In the midst of this miserably rainy day, I cannot help but channel my inner Jack Johnson; I am sitting, waiting and wishing--for spring break. In precisely 15 days, I will be headed for a weekend of fun in DC (where I will dine at Nora and Rock Creek), plus several days of relaxation at home (where I will participate in this 5K). My motivation for schoolwork is waning, but I've still got two tests and a paper separating me from my freedom. Wish me luck in the upcoming weeks!

What are you looking forward to these days?

At least I have my cooking to distract me from the monotony of classes...

Monday
Although the dining committee had intended to dine out at a local Mediterranean place, that plan somehow crumbled. To be honest, I was a bit bummed. Instead, I grabbed a quick salad from the salad bar to which I added my own navy beans. I also made a pesto potato salad, as inspired by Ellie Krieger. I used that pesto in a tube again, and my love for pesto grows each time I use it. Anyone have a good recipe for homemade pesto?
I opted for a classic combo for the smoothie: strawberry-banana. Never fails to satisfy:)
Tuesday
I found myself with a little extra time yesterday morning before class, so I decided banana fingers would be a good breakfast option. I dipped banana in plain yogurt, then rolled it in crushed Peanut Butter Pows cereal. That's Sunbutter on the side--perfect consistency for dipping!
For lunch, I tried out one of my new TJ's finds, Low-Sodium Butternut Squash Soup. This soup tasted notably sweeter than others that I have tried, likely due to the absence of salt. I played up the sweetness factor by adding a dash of cinnamon and handful of pecans. Along with it, I had a grilled hummus sandwich, greens, and peaches.
Last night was pasta night for me. I made a quick puttanesca sauce out of tomato sauce, basil, oregano, minced garlic, ground red pepper, and olives. I added white beans for protein and poured the goodness all over some whole grain angel hair pasta. I had a salad with red bell pepper strips as well.
Last night's smoothie was a new delicious combination for me: strawberry and mango. Let's face it: I'll eat anything with mango in it.
Wednesday
In contrast to yesterday morning, today I was running short on time, so I whipped up a quick Banana Bread Blender. This rendition included frozen banana, GoLean, spelt flakes, soymilk, cinnamon, vanilla, and cashews. I just love this stuff--it's like good-for-you pudding! You're a genius, Katie.
Given the present weather conditions, all I feel like doing now is changing into my H&M lounge pants and red fuzzy slippers. What's your relaxation uniform? Are you a fan of sweats or yoga pants? We all have our individual lounging preferences, I think:)

Enjoy your Wednesday!

Oh, Puffy Coat, How I Miss Thee

During my freshman year, I participated in the Duke tradition of tenting, so I purchased the very necessary "puffy coat." It was big, red, and served its purpose fabulously. I decided not to bring it to school this year for several reasons: 1) It would have required a suitcase of its own...something I am unwilling to furnish considering the baggage fees that are now in effect. 2) It made me resemble a toasty marshmallow that had been aflame a tad too long. 3) I simply didn't think I needed it this winter. Well, it turns out number three was FALSE. Weather.com informed me that it felt like 6* this morning at 9AM. I managed to survive my errands today with some clever layering, but that puffy coat would have been way more convenient. Sigh. Live and learn. How do you keep warm in the dregs of winter?

I've been enjoying plenty of hot eats the past few days to keep me warm as well:

Wednesday
After I signed off last time, I made a simple lunch: Better Bunny Salad (recipe from Rudi's) atop a bed of greens, and a few mini tomato-basil hummus sandwiches.
I went over to a friend's dorm room to watch the Duke-GA Tech game on TV and to hang out with buds. While there, we ordered from Cinelli's. I ordered the Penne Cinelli, which features white beans and escarole. Delish.
Once home, I made a creamy strawberry-peach shake with Nutribody protein, soymilk, and vanilla non-dairy ice cream. Heaven!
Thursday
With plentiful bananas on hand, I decided to make banana fingers for breakfast: bananas dipped in plain yogurt (with cinnamon) and rolled in crushed spelt flakes. That's almond butter in the center for dipping.
Lunch was an old but simple fave: a black bean burrito. Mine included salsa, mashed avocado, and little lettuce for crunch. I also had a salad and a few clementines.
Just before heading out to a church group meeting, I made an Italian-inspired menu: pan seared tofu (seasoned with garlic, basil, and oregano), tomatoes with squash, salad with Woodstock dressing, whole wheat couscous, and a dish of grapes. Yes, I ate the whole thing.
My frozen fruit supply was running low, so I made an odd smoothie last night out of cherries, pineapple, soymilk, Nutribody, and soymilk. It turned out quite sweet and delicious.
Friday
I needed something hot for my morning meal today, so I made a quick tofu scramble with broccoli and the other usual ingredients. I served it alongside a Rudi's English muffin and some more grapes.
I trekked all the way to Whole Foods, amidst the single digit temperatures, and returned with some good loot:
Highlights include a new flavor of Cascadian Farms granola and...a White Chocolate Macadamia Clif bar! There is no joy like that derived from a new Clif bar.

Afterward, I made lunch: baked potato topped with black beans, salsa, and mashed avocado, plus a salad and clementines.
Dinner this evening was another hot one: grilled hummus/mozzarella sammie with sugar snap peas, an apple, and a salad with Goddess dressing.
What are your favorite warm-up foods? I am always in search of new dishes to keep my body toasty:)

Enjoy your weekend! Stay tuned for product reviews on Sunday...

Killin' Time

With my final papers complete and just one (non-cumulative) exam separating me from my freedom, I am just killin' time now. Sure, I could be studying hard-core for that stat exam...but what's the fun in that? Today's events included an excellent run in the morning, followed by a trip to pick up my paycheck...and an "accidental" trip to Whole Foods. WF is located just across the street from where the Writing Studio, where I picked up my paycheck; the siren song of organic edibles lured me across the crosswalk. I was good though; I just browsed the aisles and picked up the latest issue of Clean Eating, my most recent magazine addiction. I spent the rest of the day semi-studying...and cooking, of course!

Friday
Strawberry shakes are the epitome of sweet simplicity. Just strawberries, Nutribody protein, and soymilk went into this treat.
Saturday
Continuing my quest to "taste the rainbow" through my oatmeal bowl, I decided to tackle the yellow portion of the spectrum with pineapple. Light coconut milk, shredded coconut, and cashew butter added a complementary tropical element. Yum.
I made some simple chickpea tacos for lunch using chickpeas, zucchini, cumin, oregano, ground red pepper, and salsa. I also had a salad and some applesauce with pecans.
For dinner, my friends and I headed to The Washington Duke Inn to kill off some superfluous food points. The Inn is quite ritzy, so it was brimming with luxe Christmas decorations. We couldn't resist a picture by the Christmas tree:)
Anyway, here's a recap of what I ordered: Bibb lettuce salad with pear, bleu cheese, and toasted hazelnuts. Next came my specially ordered entree. I asked for a surprise vegetarian dish, since the menu's meat-free options were quite limited. As it turned out, the sous chef is a vegetarian himself, so I received quite the stunning meal: layered sauteed vegetables atop a potato-fennel pancake. For dessert, I ordered the pomegranate sorbet with fresh berries. Everything was phenomenal, and it was a great way to spend the evening.
After all that food, I still managed to save room for another strawberry shake.
Sunday
Next up on my oatmeal adventure was GREEN. As you might recall, I attempted to make green oats before (unsuccessfully) with a pistachio Larabar. This time, I definitely achieved a green hue. The magic ingredient was a packet of Amazing Grass, in the berry flavor. Look for a review in the future.
After chapel and a few hours of feverish paper-writing, I took a break for lunch. I made a sweet potato hash with black beans, chickpeas, broccoli, cumin, and ground red pepper. I also had a salad with Goddess dressing and peaches.
I kept dinner simple last night, as my motivation to think was waning after I pumped out page 18 of my paper. I had a salad with soynuts, toast, and an apple with PB.
The shake last night was another Spirutein success. The flavor of choice was cookies 'n cream this time to which I added 1.5 frozen bananas and soymilk. What a great way to reward myself:)
Monday
With so much time on my hands today, I got creative with my meals. I started off with some banana fingers: banana dipped in cinnamon-spiked plain yogurt, then rolled in crushed spelt flakes. I used some cashew butter for dipping.
Upon my return from Whole Foods, I heated up a can of lentil soup and served it alongside salad, toast, and Waldorf salad. My Waldorf consists of diced apple, vegan mayo, currants, chopped almonds, and a dash of nutmeg.
For dinner tonight, I dusted off my copy of ED&BV to create some Orange Sesame Tofu. It was superbly delicious, just as I remember it from the last time I made it. I served it alongside whole grain couscous, ginger-laced zucchini and mushrooms, and a salad with orange slices and peanuts. Whew. Lots of food, lots of satisfaction.
I'll be heading to bed soon, but I'm in need of some good reading material. What are you reading right now? Winter break is one of the rare occasions that I have the time to read for pleasure, so I plan to take full advantage of it! Please send any recommendations my way!

Be back Wednesday.

Edited to add: Check out this awesome giveaway at Eating Bender! You all know how much I love blending things...