End of Summer Blues

As of today, I have a week until I head back to Durham. While I am excited to see my friends and be back on campus, I am always a little reluctant to leave behind the comforts of home. I can say so-long to my relaxed schedule, fully-stocked pantry, and afternoon excursions with Mom. Returning to school means returning to reality and to life as a (semi) adult. Wah.

As a result of my dwindling summer, I have decided to make the most of my access to a full-size kitchen. Check out what I've been whipping up these past few days...

Wednesday
I haven't shared a snack with you all in a while, so I thought I would post one of my favorites: whole grain graham crackers dipped in strawberry yogurt. Yum.
I had some of that split pea soup to use up, but I was really not in the mood for soup again (plus I just can't stand eating the same thing twice in a row). Soo, I made shepherd's pie! I combine the leftover soup with mushrooms, a few tablespoons of TVP, sage, thyme, and garlic. After letting it cook down for a few minutes, I plopped it into a mini casserole dish and topped it with mashed potatoes and parsley for garnish. For dessert I had a piece of toast with Sunbutter.
For my shake, I used another frozen banana. So it was heavenly, of course.
Thursday
Another beer mug smoothie! The drinking receptacle makes all the difference. Anyway, this one had pineapple, almond milk, wheat germ and shredded coconut. I also had a small bowl of GoLean with cashews.
I was still jonesin' for scrambled tofu after my failed attempt a few days ago, so I made it again. This time, I covered the tofu in Smoky Avocado Sauce from ED&BV, and I added some chili powder for some kick. Avocados make pretty much anything edible. I also had some toasted corn tortillas, fresh cherries, and a simple spinach salad.
For dinner, my mom had asked me to prepare some ratatouille for her and my dad to enjoy after they returned from a wine and cheese party. I had to sample my own cooking, of course, so I had a big bowl of that with an Ezekiel pita and a salad (with walnuts). I also had an Oikos yogurt to satisfy my insistent sweet tooth.
The smoothie last night was not so good. Those darn blackberry seeds really detract from my enjoyment of the smoothie.
Friday
I had a doctor's appointment this morning, but I got up early, just so I could fit in my workout and a big bowl of stovetop oats. This morning's mound of goodness included whipped banana, blueberry flax (from Trader Joe's), wheat germ, and pumpkin flax granola. Yep. This spurred a food fugue.
I was kinda wiped after my doctor's appointment (note to self: two Benadryl capsules is too many). So, I was not especially in the mood to cook. I made a simple almond butter and jelly sandwich. I found this Tree of Life jar in the back of the fridge--I am definitely a strawberry girl when it comes to PB&J, none of that grape nonsense for me. What's your favorite way to enjoy a nut butter sandwich? Anyway, I wasn't all that hungry, so I just had some (perfectly ripe) honeydew and a spinach salad for my side dishes.

A long nap seemed to cure me of my grogginess, so I made a dinner that actually requires a recipe: Orange Sesame Tofu from ED&BV. I remembered to cut back on the maple syrup this time, so I enjoyed it much more this time around. I also had a salad with cashews and a mound of veggies. My sweet tooth beckoned again, so I finished off the meal with whole grain graham crackers, almond milk, and a few white chocolate chunks.
Olympic track and field is on...be back Monday.

Hot, Hot, Hot

July has officially arrived; those lovely 80 degree days are a thing of the past. The hot weather has been considerably intensified in our house these past few days, however. One of our air conditioning units broke, so I might just break a sweat as I type this post.

Call me crazy, but I've still been cooking up a storm. Do you think gastronomy can be addictive?

Monday
My mom and I decided to make a spontaneous Target trip on Monday evening. I know, I'm such a wild child. Anyway, as a result it was close to 8 by the time we returned, so I just heated up a Helen's Kitchen meal. It was delicious!I don't have much experience with curry but this one made a good impression. Helen's meals are lower in sodium, vegetarian (this one was vegan), and organic--quite the triad if you ask me. I also had steamed zucchini, salad, and two dried figs. Another shake success! I used the Alive! Apples and Cinnamon flavor this time--like (green) apple pie in a glass:)
Tuesday
As per usual, a quick breakfast on Tuesday: GoLean with soymilk, sliced almonds, and a bowl of farmers' market blackberries. So simple, so tasty.
After class, I made a recipe out of my Healthy Vegetarian Recipes cookbook: Savory Sprouts with Avocado. The recipe involved raisins, garlic, parsley, and oregano. I really enjoyed the avocado/raisin combination, but the brussels sprouts kind of ruined the party. I also had a simple salad with chickpeas, cukes, balsamic vinegar, and crackers.
For snack, I tried a new cracker: Dr. Kracker. I wonder if his PhD is in cracker-makin', because I really liked these little guys. Beware--they're quite thick/hearty and require considerable chewing! Kath would love 'em.
For dinner, I made a baked eggplant sandwich (inspired by the Student's Vegetarian Cookbook) with roasted yellow peppers and dijon mustard. Also pictured are a Helen's Kitchen Tofu Cutlet, salad, and natural applesauce with honey-roasted peanuts. The sandwich was winner.
Chocolate has returned! My shake last night was as one might expect when using chocolate hemp protein--phenomenal.
Wednesday
Another simple breakfast today: frozen cherry-soymilk smoothie with a few handfuls of Corn Bran cereal. Oddly enough, this held me over until 2:30! Maybe it was the fiber?
For lunch I made a black bean burrito with avocado and tons of fresh salsa. I had some trouble closing up this one--perhaps I should have used the tin foil trick I read so much about. I also had a salad and a big bowl of grapes. I had quite a hearty dinner this evening.
I heated up the oven tonight, despite our lack of AC, to make Dreena's Orange Sesame Tofu. I was generally pleased with the dish, but I think I was a bit heavy handed with the maple syrup. Sometimes I just can't control my sweet tooth...Also pictured are steamed zucchini, whole wheat couscous with walnuts, and salad. As you might imagine, I am a tad full right now.
I am off to study the cardiovascular system. Be back Friday!