A Stock is Born

Was a good thing that today was a down day. E. woke up sick this morning. Nothing major, just the makings of a really good cold. So we stayed in pj's and hung out all morning then before lunch I got myself into the kitchen. It started with me being unable to make up my mind between three soups. So I just made all three. The first one up, Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Then the next, and my personal favourite Spicy Pumpkin. Oh man, I didn't know if I'd really love this soup but I'm in love with it. It's sweet and packs a punch and it's absolutely perfect. I'll have it for lunch tomorrow. The last was a huge pot of mega veggie soup. You name it, its likely in there. After the soups were made I sat down and cuddled E. for a bit.

Today's lunch was the broccoli cheddar paired with some 7 grain crackers and a perfect orange. (this picture isn't all that pretty but it was a delicious soup) Then after all the dust had cleared I realized I had a bunch of odds and ends perfect for making a super big batch of veggie stock. So back to work I went preparing the pot to boil then simmer. While it was doing its thing I ran up and took a shower. When I came back down, refreshed, the house was filled with the most incredible smell. Now I've got at least 8 cups of wonderful stock to use for more soups. The freezer is now filled with lots of easy lunch options.

Dinner was veggie soup, some of the leftover artichoke/spinach dip and some kielbasa and prosciutto, apples and grapes with a gorgeous 7 grain bread (purchased, as I hadn't the opportunity to bake another loaf). It's been a long time since I felt like I've eaten too much but tonight was definitely that night.

Besides that, its been a quiet day. I didn't go out for my run tonight. Once E. was declared too sick for Karate we decided a quiet night at home with no one rushing off here or there. I'll have to make up that run on Saturday now. That's ok. One slightly off week will not make or break my training since I've been so disciplined for the last several months. I will admit it felt odd to buck the system.

Busy Days

Sorry I didn't post yesterday but I've been burning the candle a bit lately. Yesterday, we were off to a Valentine's Day Party/play group. Then the evening was spent with the kids off at Karate and I was off to BRC.

That was a tough 8K yesterday. I started out great. Lots of energy but at a pace that couldn't be sustained. After the first 4K I was feeling depleted and the rest of the run was a bit sluggish. The weather held off nicely though. As soon as we were back at the studio the flakes started to descend. Tiny ones at first then once I was on the road headed back into Whitby the flakes got much bigger and heavier. I was happy to be homeward bound.

I woke this morning a bit later than usual and was expecting to see a lot of snow but there was pretty much just a good dusting. E. exclaimed that he was mad and wanted spring back. I thought that was amusing. I guess to them without all the snow it does seem a bit like spring.

I got the kids breakfast and settled in with a cup of coffee. Then realized that I had to get dressed and get the kids ready because we were due at a class at 10 am. So I dashed about getting ready, finding clothes and getting us out the door. On my way to the store I realized that I had forgotten to eat breakfast. It is the first time since the beginning of the year and man did I feel the effects.

I was starved come lunch and because of it I was lured by my stomach and convenience to pick up grocery store sushi. Talk about disgusting stuff. It was fresh enough but lacked flavour and I'm not sure the fish was as fresh as it could be. I did wolf it down and then found that I was still hungry. I had a kashi bar and cup of tea and that seemed to be enough.

About 3o mins later I could feel my battery dimming. I was exhausted and desperate for a nap and I had not planned to nap today. I will only be napping on days when I run (to recharge the battery) but today I just had too. Surely, the effects of the morning fast and the crap-tacular lunch.

After a good solid two hours of sleeping as if I were dead I got up and started in on making my mushroom/brown rice burgers. After all the talk of these burgers on Tuesday I have been craving them again. Its so unusual to crave things that are actually good for me! What a pleasant surprise. And voila! There it is. I did purchase the onion rolls. I was too drained to make any of my own today. These lovely burgers have kale and sunflower seeds in them as well as a bit of hot sauce for a little zing. On the roll with double pickle and some mustard and onion and life is good again!
I sent K. out to visit with his dad and then I put the kids to bed and cleaned the kitchen. I've been having a little "me" time this evening and its been nice.

Mondays are...

bad bread days. I think I'll give up trying to make bread on Mondays. For some reason my results are always cursed. I do so much better to Tuesdays *snort*

We had a very pleasant day today. Got up, got breakfast. Mine today was only one of these English Muffin halves with almond butter and banana. Its been over a month and I still have nearly zero appetite first thing in the morning.

I was so happy to see the sun shining. Of course, the downside to it is that it was pretty cold but if a person doesn't need to be outside it can be very uplifting.

I got myself cleaned up and we headed out to McDonalds for a playdate with Cheryl and her kids. I didn't have a chance to eat lunch before we left so I just threw some kashi bars into my purse. I had one of them with a giant cup of tea while we visited and played.

Once we got home I went to work on making this turkey bacon & tomato on Ezekiel. A nice orange rounded it out.

Watched E. kick some hockey butt on the Wii for a bit then headed into the kitchen to start on a big pot of turkey stock. I also started making a loaf of 7 grain bread. Again, I was cursed today. That soup and bread was supposed to be dinner but I started the bread late. Then while we were eating dinner I should have switched the oven on to bake the bread but instead it started to fall. The top having dried and wouldn't allow for any more rising to happen and fell. I punched it down again but the third rise was feeble at best. It seems that whole grain or wheat breads have a big problem with having their tops dry out during rising. A total pain in the ass. From now on I go back to proofing "old school".

Dinner tonight was seared scallops on lemon basil quinoa with carrots. I put some goat cheese feta on mine for a bit more punch. I very nearly inhaled this. The smell of the turkey stock drove me nuts.

So I'm currently baking up my dismal bread fail so that I can use it for bread crumb later in the week. I'll try my hand at the bread again tomorrow first thing in the morning before we head out for another play date.

I can whip up a simple vegetable soup once the bread is in to bake. I do have to admit even the failure smells awesome.

Sunday, Chilly Sunday

Whoa, I'll tell yah. I'm so happy I saved all my exta cash to buy real winter running clothes. They were the best investment I've made in a long time. Going out for a run with Sheree and Misty this morning in the open expanses of sunny (windy) Brooklin this morning really had us working against the elements. Slippery spots even on the roads. Wind pushing against us. The cold stinging cheeks and forehead. Half way through the run when going almost headlong into the wind we started playing lets make a deal.

We bartered with each other on just how long our run was supposed to be then how long our run should actually be, then we got right down to how long it would really be. Weighing the pros of cutting it short and cozying up to a hot cup of Tims or slogging it out in the frigid temperatures to gain another two kilometers. For the record I was all for cutting it short. They stretched the run out to be as close to 10k as they could. Even though I thought we had a deal to cut it short!!!

I was up at 6:30 (with the coffee that I made....not good either). This was the most disgusting bowl of oatmeal I've ever made. Rolled oats, cinnamon, almond milk, agave, sea salt. After it cooked I added plain protein powder, banana and hemp seed. This was just not good but I managed to force down half of it. I did enjoy the orange though. I've been noticing that the oatmeal or the pancakes just haven't delivered the right amount of energy for cold morning runs so I pumped up the fruit and it made a difference.
Lunch was much better. After soaking in a nearly scalding hot bath for 30 minutes I was ravenous. Had some salmon in the fridge so I seared/steamed it then paired it with kale and fruited wild rice pilaf. The fish and kale had some asian flavours thrown in for a bit of a change. I think this lasted on the plate for all of 5 minutes.

I managed to stay up until about 1:30 when I just couldn't function any longer. I managed to sleep deeply for about two hours then I got up and enjoyed a cup of coffee with one of the new Kashi bars. Today's selection was Dark Chocolate Coconut. This was just like a candy bar. Very sweet. I think it makes a better dessert that a fast snack. I could see me seriously abusing these.
On to the Super Bowl festivities. Of course to me the Super Bowl presents an opportunity to make food. Its really more about the making than the eating for me. So why not make it the decedent stuff. I made this hot spinach/artichoke cheese dip for Hubby. He ate his portion with tortilla chips. I had 1/4 c of it with my carrot sticks. This was actually a lot less sinful than it appears but still very good.
For dinner I made ribs and chilied sweet potato fries with celeriac slaw. I decided to partake of it without making anything different. Three ribs, a scoop of the fries and a half cup of the slaw. Super yum and it was more than enough to satisfy that craving.

There is definitely something to be said for having appetizers before dinner. I knew when I was plating my dinner that it would be more than enough to make me happy, whereas, with out having the appetizer I would have felt put out to only have such a small portion of ribs (that's the bad part of tonight's dinner)

Now I have to go back into the kitchen and pack up all the leftovers for hubby take to work tomorrow. Yep, that's right. Almost the whole cheese dip is going with him. He can share it with his co-workers. Man, they are going to hate me soon. I'm not good for their diets.

Got to do some moon salutations tonight, after all it was still cheese! *giggle*

Too many choices

You know I find that I run into this problem a lot. I have too many choices. When it comes to food stuffs, recipes, colours of nail polish (yes I ran into that one just 20 mins ago) and things to do when the hubby and kids are out.

The day started late. The kids allowed hubby and I to sleep until 7:30-8 am. We were able to enjoy a leisurely morning of chit chat and coffee. I was bad and didn't eat anything until 9:15 and then it was only a granola bar. I just wasn't hungry. I was able to enjoy a long shower instead of the lightening fast grooming time that I get during the week. That in and of itself was pleasant. Not that I looked any better for it but I felt better.

The superstore quickly erased that nice feeling. I did manage to drink my coffee and do the shopping while hubby and the boys took a separate cart and got some of the more obscure items. They are really pretty good for him in the grocery store which I find amazing. Husband has such a way with them. They have such a good time that usually I can find them in that crazy busy store just by listening for their happy squeals. I don't mind, its so much better than the crying and screaming that is often heard.

I now have the most ridiculously full fridge. When you look at my shopping cart it is usually brimming over with all kinds of food stuffs. The bulky paper products and cleaning stuff is always in the second cart. The reason why my cart always looks so full is because the bottom layer is packed with all kinds of great fruit and vegetables. I'm pleased that the superstore is stocking a better array of organics. I just have to try and decide what will be my first dishes.

I had some leftover Thai Noodles and sat and relaxed after I put everything away. I've been savouring the fact that I'd have the night all to myself tonight. Husband is taking the kids to a sleep over fundraiser at their Dojo. This means peace and quiet until about 8 am tomorrow. I'm so excited. I just don't know what I'll do first. What should I make for dinner? Should I make a snack? Should I give myself a pedicure (thus the need to choose a nail polish).

Some of the decisions having been made. For dinner I made refried black bean burritos on fresh spelt flour tortillas. Still savouring the declaration to never purchase wheat tortillas again. These did not disappoint. I made a tomato/cucumber salad to go a long side the burritos. If I'm hungry later I'll have an apple with almond butter but some how I think just a cup of tea will be enough. The burritos were very filling.

I've got the fire place going. A hot pot of tea on the table side next to me. I'm currently watching a Jane Austen movie and getting ready to do my pedicure. I've picked OPI's "Nice Colour, eh?" as my selection for this week.

So now that I've made my choices for the day. I'm going to go and enjoy my evening immensely. I've got a pretty early morning. Another chilly 10k @ 8:30 am.

Food Posts and Accountability

Ah I love food blogs. I've picked up so many great tips and ideas. I also have had the best results from taking pictures of my food and posting it. I tell you, its been keeping me honest both with quality, as well as quantity . I'm not always able to post every meal but I'd have to say that so far its been about 85%. Not too shabby. It has resulted in a full inch loss around my waist and thighs. Stupid hips wanna stay put though *sniff sob*

Almost all of my meals since January 1st have been home made and all from scratch except for the waffles, some of the wraps and Kashi cereal and bars. I've tried very hard to only buy whole ingredients. When I can't get them fresh they've been frozen. When I can't make it myself (waffles and cereals) I try to buy the best with the fewest ingredients and definitely nothing with ingredients that I cannot pronounce. If we've eaten take-out/delivery then we've tried to eat as cleanly as possible (except that God awful Chinese Food which we will not be repeating).

Tonight hubby is treating me to take-out Jasmine Garden. We wanted to have a date night but when the kids are with us it's not relaxing. So we've decided to pick it up and we'll put the kids to bed early. We can eat a later meal but then spend that time talking without having to talk over the boys.

Here is a montage of my meals yesterday:

I had a very late breakfast because I was tidying up for a coffee date with Christine. She did bring me a lovely Starbucks coffee though.

Vegan Sweet Potato Soup w/Kashi cracked pepper crackers, herbed goat cheese and pepper jelly (which was more sweet than heat...a little disappointing)

A pre-run apple with Almond Butter (unfortunately I wasn't able to eat this early enough and it was a crappy run because I wasn't energized)

No snapshots of dinner because I was too unorganized to take one. The dinner I originally planned wasn't made but instead we had scrambled eggs, hash and turkey bacon. Sometimes you just have to have some fun.


I'll post my food so far today because I'm not likely going to have a chance later.
Breakfast 2 Flaxseed waffles with agave and a tbsp of almond butter (I only at about 3/4's because the kids decided to mooch.





I had a more creative lunch with the salmon I was supposed to make last night for dinner. I paired a 4oz wild sockeye fillet (seasoned with sea salt and dill) with 1/2 cup sweet potato mash and a bunch of steamed broccoli sprinkled the whole plate with lemon. This was excellent. I'll have the other fillet for lunch tomorrow after our grocery shopping trip (yes the fridge/cupboards are looking bare)

Dinner: No picture available yet but per Jasmine Garden's online menu: Thai style stir-fried rice noodles. (Vegan Friendly. Gluten-Free). This dish is a harmonious blend of rice noodles stir-fried with vegetables in a tasty curry sauce and creamed coconut mixture, and either tofu or vegetarian chicken (I'll ask for half and half), all cooked in fresh ginger, garlic & onions -delightfully pleasing to the palate. I'll even share a slice of their chocolate banana cake, how's that for generous!

Edited to include pictures of dinner:

My noodles this was the portion that I couldn't eat. I put 2 cups on my plate. They did make them a little too spicy, so I had to put them back with a glass of milk. But definitely a two thumbs up meal. I got a taste of hubby's strawberry and spinach salad and its a two thumbs up salad too but no way it would fill me up as a meal.









If you think that I'll be licking the Styrofoam to get at the last of the chocolate sauce then I'd say you know me very well *wink*

I'm going to give them a well deserved plug. If you are looking for a vegan friendly gluten free restaurant, this is a great place to put in your favourites rotation. I've got them on speed dial (though I will always make a point to phone in my orders 40 mins before I really want to go and get them). Still worth the wait. I wish that they would deliver!

www.thejasminegarden.ca

My Kitchen Has...

its very own Bermuda Triangle. I realized that today when I needed to toss out not one but three small appliances. I'll tell the story later on....

First, had another ridiculous night of strange dreams. Oddly, the last one I remember was about being in a wedding dress and having a good ol' cat fight a la Jerry Springer Show. Not entirely sure why but it was comical.

Got up groggy and got the kids up. Made breakfast and managed to burn the first half bagel. This was a sign. I should have stayed out of the kitchen but no I pressed on with big plans. Into the green bin goes the blacked bagel and into the toaster oven, a new victim.

All that fuss for a little bagel with light strawberry cream cheese and half a banana. Man! *facepalm*

Once breakfast was done I put the kids to work on some lessons and games and got to work on my banana bread. I had adapted from a recipe that a girlfriend gave me. Her's was so big and fluffy and not sweet. I thought "Hmmmmm....I can do some good things with that recipe". Well sub out regular A.P flour for some Spelt and Oats. Sub out the white sugar for agave syrup. Toss in some lecithin and walnuts and pumpkin seeds and voila! A very tasty loaf but not so much with the rise. I think it required more rising agent because the oats and heavier flour likely made a weighter batter. No matter the taste trumps its appearance any way.



Now, to create my soup. I steamed 2 medium Yukon Gold potatoes and one sweet potato until they were soft. Then sauteed up a lovely small onion, added in a cup of vegetable stock, rosemary, thyme, ground cashews, rice milk and lecithin. Then went to puree it until it was smooth and my immersion blender was kaput. No biggie, it was old and had been used a lot so I wasn't surprised at its demise. So I poured my soup into my blender and started liquifying it. No problem. Paused it to stir the top into the bottom to speed things along. Put the top back on and started it up again. Almost done I reach for the lid and the clear plastic topper (that comes off so that you can pour through) falls into the soup and gets mangled. Ruining both the blender and the soup. Gaaaahhhh!!!

Ok so I try it again, but this time I'm out of onions. No biggie. The soup will still be good even with out it. When I get to the pureeing part I pull out one of my small processors. But the thing really stinks. I examine it closer and see that the blade portion of it (its all one piece..stupid design) has gotten something jammed into it and its rotting and it can't be taken apart to be fixed so into the garbage the whole thing goes. There are no replacement parts for this processor, cheapie Superstore giveaway. No heart break there. I pull out my mini Cuisinart which I prefer anyway and it does the job nicely in three parts. So voila, vegan sweet potato soup. Man was it good and really filling.

Since it was so good and I was running low on time I just had another bowl of the sweet potato soup and paired it with the other lonely half of my flax seed bagel with some of the leftover tuna salad from yesterdays lunch. Yummy. I like this soup for dinner thing though I think hubby and the boys need something a bit more substantial.

I just wasn't in the mood for a lot of salad or veggies today. I get in those jags and its hard to break out of them.

After dinner I dashed off to get my hair done. Jodi was shocked to see me. She'd given me up for dead since I hadn't been in to see her since July *gasp* Yes it's true. I guess all my spare cash has been going toward running gear but since I'm stocked up for winter and I've got enough gear to get me through spring nicely I thought I'd pretty myself up a little. On the way home I treated myself to some new makeup, too. Time to start painting the barn more often and taking care of myself. Neglect adds up fast. I've got to fight back some of the years of neglect already taking up residence on my face.

All the ladies at the salon got a good chuckle out of the fact that I tried to wax my own eyebrows though Jodi said they weren't too bad. She forced me to book an appointment a month out so that she could fix them. I have to admit they were pretty bad off before I took the wax to them. If anything I think I improved them. Again, I'm nothing if not entertaining *grin* I don't think she's going to let me slide on that either. She gave me the beauty kick to the ass that I've been needing. No more neglect.