Salt & Humor

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!

Last night I made enchiladas for today.  I always think that they taste better the next day, so there you have it.  Well, actually, I think you could call these burritos. I don’t know, what-ev.

Whole wheat, low carb tortilla, tempeh mixed with taco seasoning, cilantro and lime and my brother’s tomatillo sauce.

Add, lightly sauteed carrots and beet. (crazy, I know!), corn, black beans and red sauce.

Rock and roll, cover all with the remaining red sauce.  Bake @ 350 for 30-45 minutes.

I had mine with the yogurt cheese, edamame spread and some flax seed chips.  Very filling.

I think I really like the yogurt cheese.  It could be a little saltier maybe.  Perhaps, that is something that I like about “cheese.”  All in all, it is no greek yogurt

Just a quick serious moment, then I promise a little light heartedness.  I just want to say it has been the coolest experience to post my strange food creations and have anyone interested enough to read and comment.  I consider myself a very shy person and don’t usually reveal so much about myself.  I find this blog to be an inspiration and a companion.  It has been keeping me honest and motivated.  I have lost a few pounds and am much stronger, both physically and mentally.  So, I just want to say; THANK YOU!

Now for a laugh!

This just so happens to be the plastic bag that your dry-cleaning comes back in.  I know what you’re thinking.  I swear, I am not that trashy person with garbage laying all around the house.  However, these happen to be a huge source of entertainment for Gracy.  How can I deprive her of that? (This may have been hanging around for a week few days.

The day went by fast.  I was in a hurry to get to work (overslept) and didn’t pack a lunch.  I knew just what I was going to make when I got home.

Tempeh enchiladas.

I chopped up the tempeh and pulsed it in the food processor.  I transferred to tempeh to a bowl. I then, processed garlic the juice of one lemon and cilantro.  I wold have used lime, but I only had a lemon.

I stirred it all together with a well rounded tablespoon of taco seasoning.

I then used the food processor’s shredder and shredded a carrot, zucchini, and mushrooms.

I sautéed this just enough to get some of the extra moisture out.  When making enchiladas, I think it helps to get all ingredients right by each other.  Then just start putting it together.

While the enchiladas where cooking I pureed a can of black beans and heated on the stove.  This is my way of making refried beans.

I also snuck some shredded cheese on the top.  This is my way of convincing Jason to enjoy this meal.  Plus I used cilantro; one of his favorite ingredients of all!

Might I say: Vaaay Niiiice!

I may or may not have gone back for seconds.

I am just starting to prepare the full menu and list of needed ingredients for a dinner I am hosting for family tomorrow.  I have a lot to do tomorrow.

1.) clean the house

2.) shop for the needed supplies

3.) bake for the neighbors (have received 3 care packages for 3 different neighbors!)

4.) cook the dinner for Christmas Eve

Is tomorrow really Christmas Eve? Wow! Where have I been? The days flew by! Actually I can’t wait till it’s January.  It always feel so good to get the Christmas scene out-of-the-way and start on those goals. It’s a new year, thing have to get off to a good start!

Let me just say that when you are trying to eat good and diet, IT IS HARD! Imagine my temptation when I came home to this!!!!

This is probably Jason’s favorite dinner to make.  It may or may not look terribly appetizing in that photo.  Take my word for it, it is!  It is insane good!  It is ramen noodles, chili and most likely a frigen block of cheese! Um K! Lets see…served on a tortilla with more cheese and sour cream, it is hard to walk away.  When I first walked in, he had just made it, so it was all warm and gooey too  I DID, take a bite.  YES, it was good.  Then I realized how this S%#t is not worth it and how awful I feel after… So I made my own dinner (as usual).

Salad: steamed kale, tempeh, olives, red peppers and mushrooms with MORE hummus for a dressing.  It was good times.  Plus, I feel so proud for resisting that fat globule producing crud!

Enogh ranting.  Sorry.

Last night we were kinda on the same page.  I made his and hers enchiladas.  We both had shredded chicken and black olives.  His had cheese and mine had zucchini.

a little hot sause and greek yougurt make it all good!

I did make it to the gym before work yesterday. YAY! However I slept in this morning.  I didn’t make up for it either, because I had a hair appointment after work. It is a must tomorrow.  I miss it now.  I don’t like it when the soreness starts to go away. Up at 5 am yo, bring the soreness!