Why is it that some of the best meals look awful?  Sometimes, by the time I stir my salads up they look pretty weird.  Then I say, “that was the best salad ever!” Well, with a bit of a bloggers block, looking through recent photos to make a semi-decent post this morning, I noticed that some of my best eats weren’t so pretty.  I am that person who takes tons and tons of photos and then ends up deleting all but a few.  Sometimes, what looked good at the time, ends up looking terrible in my photo.  What better idea than to even share the odd stuff.  Not all post, can be my favorites right…?

When I sat down to eat this, I told Jason, the name of this salad is, “The Shit!”  He told me not to post that.  Oops, I am sorry Jason. Really though, this salad was truely, the shit! Sometimes when you are putting ingredient together you don’t really have any expectation, then you eat it and are amazed at how good it turned out.  Well yes, my friends, that is what happened to me with this. Salad: red leaf lettuce, kidney beans, grilled zucchini and yellow squash, fresh tomato, cooked millet with fresh salsa and taco seasoning, crumbled up corn chips and quacamole for dressing.  All stirred up; not so pretty, tasty though!

Tuesday night we made burgers.  Mine consisted of a grilled portabello mushroom and zucchini, tomato, mustard and lettuce with beet chips.  Beets would have been better, had I not over charred them!

Eggplant Bruschetta and Beets

Not wanting to overcook the beets again, I grilled them in the Forman grill with some yellow squash.  More exciting than that, was the eggplant bruschetta of course!  I liberally salted the eggplant in a colander and let is sweat for 30 minutes, then rinsed thoughly. Cooked in the oven on parchment paper at 375 for 40 minutes, flipping once.  After it cooled a bit, I cut it up into chunks and combined with tomato, half a juiced lemon, 1 jalapeno (it wasn’t hot), some dried basil and sea salt.  It would have been better with fresh basil, I admit.  This was one of those meals that is so good that you keep saying so, after it’s gone.  For some reason, I kept wanting more, even though I was full.  That is the beauty of making just enough for your plate sometimes.  If there aren’t leftovers, you can’t go back for seconds!

In more exciting news, I am going to the VegFest today!  I am even toting Jason along.  Can’t wait!

Recently, I found out that my Gram has been enjoying spinach in her smoothies. She tells me she learned this from me!

Find this scape to be BEAUTIFUL!
Realized, how much I love sourdough bread and fresh tomatoes!
That sparkling wine is nice, for a change.

As much as I adore eggplant, it is somehow better when it is home grown.
Was reminded just how much I LOVE Cosmos!  Why I don’t have any in my yard boggles my mind!!

Remembered that this is a dear friend’s FAVORITE flower.
Always enjoy watching birds.

It seems like Autumn is right around the corner.
I found that I should wish upon a garden gazing-ball more often.

Had some of the BEST banana pancakes, ever!
Realized that I have not yet seen a grasshopper in the four years I have lived in Portland!

Still love Thistle!
It was a full moon last Tuesday.
Jason makes the best hot-wings I have had yet!
What have you realized recently??

I think I am hooked on hemp seeds.  The little sample bag I picked up the other day is almost gone I have been trying to ration it, hmmm, I think I will just have to pick some up! After my walk at the golf course and yoga yesterday, I made a pretty tasty salad.

red leaf lettuce, red cabbage, sprouts, red pepper, edamame, marsala veggie burger, jalapenos and Greek feta dressing

I get the Greek feta dressing at Trader Joe’s and I will just say it is my current favorite.  I say current because no, single dressing stays my favorite for very long.  It always seems to change.  I used to LOVE Best Foods- creamy ceasar when I was younger.  I don’t think they make it anymore.

I went to the store to pick up some things for Jason. (he is sick ) and look at what I found!!

I was so excited because the place where I get these seemed to not carry them anymore.  I was bummed.  I kept checking the spot where they used to be for at least the last month, no luck.  So, when someone asked my if I needed any help, I asked if they carried the Synergy drinks anymore.  Oh yes! They were moved to their own end cap with twice the flavors to choose from! So, 2 new flavors for me to try.  Didn’t hurt that they were on sale either.

For dinner, I did a little girly BBQ-ing.  I say that because I could never picture Jason putting zucchini and red onion on his grill.  Takes a girl I suppose.

Remember when I Had that gift card for Safeway? Well, I still had those eggplant meatballs to use.

I simply cooked some quinoa and warmed some marinara:

I must admit, I am really hooked on Mezzetta’s red sauces.

Twas delightful!

In case any of you were curious, for the poppers we made the other night… It was super easy.  I just sliced the peppers open on one side and scooped the seeds and white part out, filled with cream cheese and them wrapped each one with a strip of bacon.  I put a toothpick through it to keep it all together.  We bbq’d them on low heat for maybe 15-20 minutes. They are crazy good, be careful.

Have a wonderful night!

Did you think I forgot all about blogging? Well, I pretty much did.  I left for Reno last Wednesday and returned last night.  I had a wonderful visit with family and friends! It was a good break from blogging, but nontheless, I am stoked to be back! I was not diligent as to photo all the marvelous eats but I did snag quite a few. Coming at you fast, here we go!!!

dinner at Dad’s: turkey enchos, fish tacos, quac and beans

Jason’s amazing salsa!

Dad busy fixing his famous breakfast potatoes!

crab pan roast from the Atlantis

tofu/veggie soup from Pho 777 (this was to die for!!)

salad at Mom’s

spaghetti squash with Mom’s marinara

eggplant and brussel sprouts

All together now!

My Mom is a little rock star! She is the single most, best influence in my life! She is an amazing cook and I owe my love for cooking to her! Miss her already!!

I completely forgot to take a photo of the dinner I had at Sue and Jasons. Shoot! We had homemade cheesy polenta, steak with blue cheese on top and a green salad! OH MY! I had no idea I was going to like the steak that much!! What a treat, I must say. Thank you guys!

Get a glimpse of the generous gift basket from my brother and his girlfriend! Can you tell, they know me pretty well! Rather than list it all out, I will just remember to mention the goodies as I break into them.

Thanks Ray & Nichole!

Check out the makings of that stout! Let me just say, I did see organic coca nibs in the recipe! I am thinking a trip back for a sip will be in order!

I had such an amazing time, however, it always seems to fly by.  I miss everyone so much already! I love you ALL! I have much catching up on laundry, cleaning, petting some neglected kitties and planning a healthy(ier) dinner.  Happy Tuesday bloggies!

***GIVEAWAY*** Check out this amazing site, oh yeah, and a giveaway!

Really? Yes, I made circles for dinner.  Seemed like a good idea at the time.

I used Trader Joe’s polenta and Classico marinara.  Steamed some broccoli and grilled some eggplant.  It seemed to fit just right.

The verdict: it was not! I think my eggplant was a little old, so it was bitter.  The Classico sauce was ick!  That’ what I get for buying cheap huh.  I give it a 4 out of 10. I did not finish this plate! The polenta was great though.  I had two more pieces just plain. I think it tastes perfect with nothing on it.

Check out what I had for breakfast…

…Just Kidding  This is the breakfast that my cousin, Ehren fed his backyard birdies on Sunday. Isn’t that the coolest!

So I am kinda of a brat.  I whined a little about my flop of a dinner to Jason.  I maybe said some stuff like, “I wish I had some ice cream right now.”  Or maybe I said, “can you go get some ice cream!” I can’t remember.  Anyways.

Oh yes!!!! The mother lode!!!!! I admit it though.  I flopped! I fell off the band wagon tonight.  Sun of a bi@%h! I promise to correct my sinful ways tomorrow though.  Hey, at least I am being honest and posted it.  I will eat clean and workout hard tomorrow.  We are going to the gym together. BTW, it was nutty coconut and chocolate brownie.

Thought for the day: When dinner fails, dessert prevails!

Oh my!  So, the Trader Joe’s eggplant hummus inspired me to make my own.  I am so glad I did.  Roasted 1 whole eggplant and cooked some chick peas.  Into the food processor went: chick peas, 1 1/2 juiced lemons, 2 cloves of garlic, 1 1/2 tbsp. tahini, salt and pepper.  Didn’t seem to need any olive oil because of the moisture from the eggplant.

I have some Ezekial wraps which actually seem to hard and dry to “wrap.”  This has been my second package like that.  Not sure if that is normal or if they are old when I buy them.  Baked in the oven with olive oil, salt and pepper makes perfect chips though.

Sometimes snacking plates make the best dinners!

I also made a rhubarb, strawberry and raspberry pie for my husband.  We had a garden this summer and grew rhubarb.  He loves the stuff!  Can’t say I do.  We cleaned and cut a bunch of it and froze it.  He has been asking, so I finally gave in.

Onto some exciting giveaway info!!

Katie is giving away a motherlode of Artisana goods!! Check it out for yourself. If you love chocolate, you need to bookmark her site!  She has an amazing wealth of recipes. This morning I took my hand with her brownie batter oats. How have I gone this long and never learned her trick of the melted banana, is beyond me.

WOW!  Thank you Katie for the recipe!!

Do not ask me how those chips found there way into the bowl… I have no idea!

Also, the very lovely Janetha, is doing a great giveaway for Chobani yogurt. I have only tried the plain, I’m  curious about the honey flavor.

We we picked up a Christmas tree this morning.  Time to get out the decorations and get bizzy!  Need to clean and vacuum first.

HAPPY SUNDAY!!