Pardon me for being away for so long! The first week back to work after being off for an awesomely long, relaxing week is always shocking to the system. Plus, I feel like I'm juggling more and more things lately ... a 40hr work week, a running regimen, spin classes, acupuncture .. and ya know, everything else there is in life. Somehow, I'm finding a way to make it all "comfortably" fit ... though I sense it'd fit much more comfortably without out the 40hr work week thrown into the equation ... just sayin' ;-)
So what have I been up to besides all that? Basically, I've been bitten by the fall bug. Aside from Ryan and I completely transforming our home into a fall haven today, I've been addicted to roasting food in the oven and baking pumpkin-infused treats.
So what have I been up to besides all that? Basically, I've been bitten by the fall bug. Aside from Ryan and I completely transforming our home into a fall haven today, I've been addicted to roasting food in the oven and baking pumpkin-infused treats.
Chickpeas, broccoli, eggplant, squash ... you name it, I've been roasting it.
FYI my ultimate flavor combination to put on roasted chickpeas is cayenne pepper and cinnamon. Delish.
And because the pumpkin scones I baked last week were such I hit, I was inspired this week to produce a chocolate pumpkin loaf
and way too many pumpkin cookies for only two people.
I actually ended up bringing the chocolate pumpkin loaf to work on Friday, after sampling a slice of course. It was just so good, and though Ryan tried it upon my request, he simply doesn't favor the chocolate/pumpkin combination; and I really didn't want to end up eating a whole chocolate pumpkin loaf by myself! It worked out well though because everyone at work seemed to enjoy it.
The pumpkin cookies on the other hand ... well, I ate probably about ten tonight ... oops! They are absolutely fantastic (and Ryan concurs).
One thing I wish I did get to photograph for you all is any one of my breakfasts this past week. I've completely been on a cocoa-ed up oatmeal kick. Like this morning I started off with a creamy bowl of oatmeal filled with half a raspberry yogurt, a scoop of cocoa powder, a teaspoon each of walnuts, almonds, and pumpkin seeds, with a scoop of peanut butter on top. How have I not been starting all my days like this??
Later on for lunch I continued my roasting frenzy and enjoyed a bed of greens coated with flax oil topped with roasted chickpeas, with yellow carrots on the side, rice cakes, and almond butter for dipping.
The pumpkin cookies on the other hand ... well, I ate probably about ten tonight ... oops! They are absolutely fantastic (and Ryan concurs).
One thing I wish I did get to photograph for you all is any one of my breakfasts this past week. I've completely been on a cocoa-ed up oatmeal kick. Like this morning I started off with a creamy bowl of oatmeal filled with half a raspberry yogurt, a scoop of cocoa powder, a teaspoon each of walnuts, almonds, and pumpkin seeds, with a scoop of peanut butter on top. How have I not been starting all my days like this??
Later on for lunch I continued my roasting frenzy and enjoyed a bed of greens coated with flax oil topped with roasted chickpeas, with yellow carrots on the side, rice cakes, and almond butter for dipping.
I picked up those yellow carrots today at Wild By Nature. I'd heard of them before, bu never actually saw them in stores. And like a child, I couldn't resist trying out a new color; the verdict: tastes just like regular carrots but maybe a little bit sweeter? Fun and good. I'd buy them again.
And finally, I wrapped up my eats tonight (aside from the plethora of cookies) with meatballs and pasta.
And finally, I wrapped up my eats tonight (aside from the plethora of cookies) with meatballs and pasta.
The meatball recipe needs to be tweaked a bit, but I get points for trying!
Enjoy the remainders of your weekends, and good night!
Enjoy the remainders of your weekends, and good night!
