Hi. Hello. Here I am.
I’m behind. In so many ways. I feel totally accomplished once I get my grocery list and the meals made, but I fail to carve out enough time to actually post anything. This week is going to be a little different because I am NOT doing any extensive meal planning and will NOT be cooking tomorrow for hours and hours on end. Our house was hit by a rather nasty bug (I’m looking at YOU, little 3-year-old) so all of the cooking I did last week didn’t really last as long as I’d hoped just because my left nostril will not allow for any flavor (or air for that matter) to enter. We’ve been down for the count and let’s just say that salmon — though absolutely delicious– lost it’s, ahem…zeal right around the time my throat got swollen and my left nostril fell off.
But that’s not your problem, is it? So, go forth, wild and healthy ones! Makes these meals for your perfect taste buds and free-flowing sinuses. You will be very happy you did!
First up: Salmon!
Caveat: I don’t cook fish a lot. It freaks me out. I know I should cook it more often because it is good for me and has good fats and is less hazardous for my gestational diabetes condition. I saw a friend on Facebook post yet another amazing photo of his salmon. Every single time I see his photos, I wonder how in the world he manages to make it look so good. Then he posted the recipe: Lightly Salt/Pepper both sides of fish and saute in pan for 5 or so minutes. Coat with Tracye’s Chicken Salad Dressing (found at Whole Foods). Put under broiler and let it go for another 4 or 5 minutes. Here’s what MINE looked like and I have to say it was absolutely delicious! I can’t even express how accomplished I feel after making this salmon work.
Next Up: Pioneer Woman’s Cauliflower Casserole
I found this casserole recipe and knew it would make for a good side this week — especially due to the gestational diabetes situation (sense a theme coming on for the next few months? Just be patient with me, kind people.). I have to say this dish was rather easy and full of flavor. The husband ate more of it this week than I did! I didn’t have any broccoli, which is why I stuck with cauliflower. You just do whatever your heart tells you.
Next up: Chickpea Casserole with Lemon, Herbs, and Shallots
Well, here’s the truth: I overcooked this casserole. It wasn’t intentional. I just did. So, I think if I had to do it all over again, I would have definitely stuck with the time they suggested and you should too. This makes a lot, so be prepared to freeze some of it or give some to a friend.
Ingredient shot! Ingredient shot!
And now for the process:
Next up: Spinach Salad with Homewood Gourmet’s Sweet & Spicy Pecans
I happen to adore Homewood Gourmet’s Sweet & Spicy Pecans. I also happen to adore the one and only Franklin Biggs. I try to make these pecans from time to time because I think they absolutely make a salad. The Spinach Salad is just spinach, feta, pecans, and a simple lemon Dijon vinaigrette. I meant to add apples but forgot.
Now for those low-carb/gestational diabetes folks: Here are a few things I found to work for me this week and hope you find some inspiration too. For dinner (see below), I made a hamburger patty and topped with reduced-fat Havarti cheese. I paired it with a butternut squash (roasted in olive oil, salt, and pepper first) and farro salad. I added some feta, red onion, and a little olive oil, lemon, salt, and pepper. I also had some green beans sauteed with Parmesan cheese. Clearly, you may not want to follow my lead in the cheese department on this one because I *may* have gone a little overboard (ya think?). But hey, my sugar numbers were okay and right now THAT IS ALL I CAN WORRY ABOUT. I know, I know…I’m a bit testy these day. The fancy paper plate works really great when considering your sanity. I’m just saying…
For lunch, I’ve been rocking a hummus sandwich. Low carb bread + hummus + loads of veggies + Tzatziki Sauce. I pair it with some carrots. I know, I know…I’m getting craaazzzzzzy over here. Carrots as a side? Yeah, I said it.
Okay and just to be completely transparent, I might as well tell you that I cheated a little too. I’ve had Thin Mints and…I may have accidentally made Pioneer Woman’s Dark Chocolate Brownies again. I know, I know, BUT I’M PREGNANT, PEOPLE. And that counts on certain days. Especially when my nose attacks itself and I am forced to use “steam” methods instead of the Nyquil I so desperately need. So love me through it, mmmmmk?
I can’t wait to see what kind of meals the family has this week since I’m boycotting my weekly planning/cooking rituals. It shall be interesting, I’m sure…
Happy weekend!
foodrevival 